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| From left: Dr. John David Trentham (Chair), Dr. Christopher Sanchez, Dr. Barry Gibson, Dr. Bruce Cannon, Dr. Danny Bowen (2nd reader), Dr. Brian Combs (3rd reader) |
I am pleased to let my readers know that along with two other members of my Southern Seminary cohort, I have successfully completed oral defense of my research. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study with the ten men in our cohort and to do so under the teaching of such godly men who seek truth, desire to serve the church and reach the world, all for the glory of God. Further, we couldn’t have asked for a better committee to guide our research, writing, and help us sharpen our work. Myself, Gibson, and Cannon all have some minor revisions to make before the final draft of our respective research is ready for publication but our next stop is graduation December 11, 2015 on the campus of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
If you are considering theological education at the undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral level, I urge you to include The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in the list of schools you are considering. It is a significant investment of time and treasure in yourself and the kingdom of God. The academic rigor of the various programs of Boyce College, the School of Theology, and the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry are without question among the best in the nation. The shaping on your thinking on the issues of the day is both relevant and practical, and the relationships you will create will last a lifetime. Sign up for a Preview Day and come see!
Those of you who have been following my journey since 2009 offering your prayers and encouragement, THANK YOU! No one arrives at a milestone like this alone and I have a list far too long of people to thank. My wife, Melisa, and children, Joshua and Hannah, have put up with me constantly having my nose in a book or working on a paper for the last six years and have done so with a smile. I love you so very much! Dr. Richard Walker, Senior Pastor of Macland Baptist Church, encouraged me to follow God’s call on my life to vocational ministry. Dr. Maurice Hollingsworth, Senior Pastor of Shelbyville Baptist Church, encouraged me to pursue my theological training at one of our Southern Baptist seminaries. I’m glad I followed that advice when I enrolled at Southern. Allan Taylor, Director of Christian Education for LifeWay Christian Resources and the former Minister of Education at First Baptist Church Woodstock, constantly encouraged me to maintain a balance in my life of being a husband & father, serving in the local church and continuing my studies. Also, my pastor, Johnny Hunt, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church Woodstock. Always an encouragement and always willing to share an uplifting story at just the right time.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my Sunday School class. We have been together for nearly two years now and you have never wavered in showing your love and support as I worked through the Doctor of Education program at Southern. I love serving you and love doing life together with you. I am truly blessed!
Chris