In July of 1856 James Petigru Boyce set forth a vision for theological education that included three key components. First, he said, it must be open to all who are called to and gifted for ministry regardless of their educational background. Second, theological education must produce the best-trained ministers in the world. Finally, Boyce articulated, such education must be anchored to a clear and convictional confession of faith.
Three years later that vision became a reality. In 1859 the fledgling institution included only four professors. Today, 150 years later, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary has over 4,500 students enrolled, making it one of the largest seminaries in the world. But, even more than its numbers, Southern Seminary includes some of the premier faculty members in the world; and its students and alumni are a part of a Great Commission force around the world.
A Reason to Celebrate
This month the Southern Baptist Convention will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. This location was chosen because Louisville is the home of Southern Seminary, and the seminary is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
We will not just be celebrating an institution that has weathered one and a half centuries. We will be celebrating 150 years of trained pastors and staff impacting local churches. We will be celebrating 150 years of teachers and professors training yet another generation for more faithful ministry. And we will be celebrating 150 years of missionaries taking the gospel message “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Thank you Southern Seminary.
A Leader to Celebrate
R. Albert Mohler became the ninth president of Southern Seminary in 1993. His early years at the seminary were tumultuous as he led the institution away from its leftward drift to greater biblical fidelity. Today Al Mohler is, in many ways, the unofficial spokesman for evangelicalism in a post-Christian culture that is moving toward becoming anti-Christian. His clear and biblical responses in a plethora of national and international venues represent well those of us who hold to the total truthfulness of God’s Word.
Dr. Mohler’s leadership and intellect will be remembered for generations to come. His passionate defense of the gospel and biblical values are already being recorded in the annals of history. One of the primary reasons Southern Seminary is among the leading theological seminaries today is the leadership of R. Albert Mohler.
Thank you Southern Seminary.
A Testimony to Celebrate
It is presumptuous for me to highlight my connection to Southern Seminary, and to give my own testimony when much more worthy people could do a better job. Nevertheless, I will take the personal prerogative of my own blog.
I have been a part of Southern Seminary for nearly 18 years, more than any other place where I have lived or served. I was a student for six years in the early and mid 1980s, earning two degrees. Those were the best of times and the worst of times. The years were difficult because the Southern Baptist Convention was in the heat of the battle for the Bible, now known as the Conservative Resurgence. I was and am a conservative, and my theological stand for the inerrancy of Scripture was a decided minority position. Southern Seminary was the epicenter of that battle, and I often felt the pain of attacks on me both theologically and personally.
But it was the best of times as well. I was an eyewitness of and a participant in history in the making as America’s largest Protestant denomination turned back to its biblical roots. And some of the friends I made at that time became friends for life.
I would return to Southern Seminary in 1994 to serve as a dean in the Mohler administration, a position I held for nearly twelve years. Those years were some of the most rewarding of my life. When I left the seminary to become president of LifeWay, I left with great memories and a thankful heart. And just two years after I left, my oldest son, Sam, graduated from Southern. I have so much for which to be thankful.
Thank you Southern Seminary.
A Future to Celebrate
The story of Southern’s past is one of remarkable sacrifice, faithfulness, and blessings. But we celebrate on this 150th anniversary not just a past of victories, but a future that is poised for even greater victories. While we never presume upon God’s plan, we do see a seminary whose faculty and students are impacting the world. And we have no reason to doubt that such faithfulness and influence will grow in the years ahead.
I am among the many who are celebrating this milestone for The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the leadership of Al Mohler. And I am among the many who are thanking God for the great history and heritage of Southern Seminary, but also for a future that is exciting and filled with hope.
Thank you Southern Seminary.
You have been found faithful.
To God be the glory.
