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

A Love for Scripture

Damaris Scrima, MTS student, shares the importance of cultivating a love for God’s word.

Damaris Scrima
Student | MTS
Damaris Scrima holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Theology from California Baptist University. She is currently pursuing a master’s in Theological Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies at Gateway Seminary.

Excerpt — Another Move God?

Beth Runkle, Gateway alum, shares her reflections as a military wife and seeks to encourage other military wives in her new book Another Move, God?

Beth Runkle
Gateway MTS ’24
Author Beth Runkle has been married to her military man for twenty-five years. Faith in Christ dramatically transformed Beth from a bitter and reluctant military wife to one who embraced the community. Beth is called to encourage other women to intentionally pursue Christ in military life.

Listen

The Study Podcast
February 4, 2025

Exodus Chapters 19-40

Dr. Wegner and Tyler finish up the book of Exodus, covering chapters 19-40, mainly focusing on the covenant between God and His treasured possession, Israel.

The Bible Teaching Podcast
January 31, 2025

Bible Teaching Conference 2025

Several special guest join us and introduce their topics of teaching at the Bible Teaching Conference 2025: Gospel-Centered Teaching. If you are interested in any of these topics, below are the resources mentioned in this episode if you would like to engage further!


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.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

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.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Get updates on new content!