We have recently been described by a friend as “the boring seminary.” That tongue-in-cheek comment was his way of complimenting us for our resolute focus on our mission. We shape leaders who expand God’s kingdom around the world. We do that every day, without fanfare and without much interest in doing anything else.
Many Christians, including a growing number of Southern Baptists, seem more focused on other, supposedly more exciting and more important missions. They are mesmerized by electing the right political candidates, demanding action on social justice issues, or arguing their theological persuasion. They are addicted to their favorite news channel and glued to social media feeds which fuel their energy by relentlessly demonizing anyone who disagrees with them. Winning on their current issue is their mission.
Our Christian mission, at least as it was imprinted on me as a young pastor, is supposed to center on the eternal task of sharing the gospel with lost people, facilitating their conversion by every legitimate means possible, and then discipling new believers to the point they join us in repeating the cycle. That’s our mission—and it’s the only eternal mission worth giving our lives to accomplish. It’s the only mission that populates heaven; the only one with eternal results.
More than 50 years ago, a wise pastor told me, “If your church is not sharing the gospel and seeing lost people converted, you are not making an eternal impact. You may be doing many good things, but in focusing on those things you have become a social services organization or a political action committee. Jesus did not die to create a church for those purposes.” That pastor is now in a nursing home. The last time I spoke with him, he told me about organizing an outreach Bible study in his new home for people who are not believers. He was still narrowly focused on our core mission, no matter his current circumstances. As he has for all these years, his example inspires and motivates me to stay focused on an eternal mission.
If we are a boring seminary, it’s because we have chosen to stay focused on one mission: We shape leaders who expand God’s kingdom around the world. While we comment on many subjects, we fixate on one—the gospel. While we participate in many activities, we prioritize one—missions. While we measure our progress in many ways, we celebrate one eternal accomplishment—new people from every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—professing faith in Jesus Christ.
Boring? Maybe to some. But not for us. We will stay on mission with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Read More
Excerpt – John Piper, Calvinism, and Missions: A Way Forward
Read this section of Dr. Hopkins’ new book on the theology of John Piper.
Owning Up to the Failures of our Theological Heroes
What can be done when you discover the sins of historical figures who have shaped your theology?
Listen
Revelation Chapters 17-18
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 17 and 18, focusing on the symbolic representation of Babylon. They explore the chiasm structure, highlighting the introduction and judgment of key adversaries like the dragon, the beast, and Babylon.
Revelation Chapters 15-16
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 15 and 16, focusing on the seven bowl judgments. They delve into the symbolic nature of the bowls, their connection to the trumpets, and the intensification of God’s wrath. Dr. Stewart highlights the direct involvement of God i
Watch
Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival
Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.
Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun
Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.