Faculty Q and A with Jim Shaddix

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: I’m originally from Texas, but I grew up between both Alabama and Texas. I’m thankful that I was raised in a Christian home, and I came to know Christ at the age of nine. I earned my Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Southwestern, and my Ph.D. from New Orleans.

I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Debra for 31 years. We have three grown, married children, and are enjoying being grandparents.

Q: How did you come to SEBTS?

A: I started teaching at New Orleans Seminary after doing my Ph.D. there. I spent 11 years on the faculty and pastored at a number of churches. In 2012, I assumed a dual role as professor of preaching at SEBTS and pastor of teaching and training at The Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Alabama. The role was created as part of the SEBTS EQUIP program in partnership with local churches.

Q: When people ask you, “What do you do at Southeastern,” what is your response?

A: My primary academic field is in the area of preaching. God called me to preach before he called me to teach, so I love wedding the two together in the classroom. I also hold the W. A. Criswell Chair of Expository Preaching at Southeastern.

Q: On what are you currently working?

A: I am writing several volumes in the “Christ-Centered Exposition” series that Drs. Danny Akin, David Platt and Tony Merida are editing. I’m also serving as an editor for LifeWay for the “Explore the Bible” curriculum.

Q: What have you been reading recently?

A: One book that I particularly enjoyed is Jason Meyer’s “Preach: Theology Meets Practice.” I’m currently working through a couple of books on the biblical teaching on Sabbath to gain a better understanding of the practice of ‘rest.’

Q: When you get home from work, what do you look forward to doing?

A: I love doing minor construction and remodeling projects around my house and yard.

Q: Who are your role models?

A: First, I would have to say my dad. He’s a faithful Christian layman. He was a school administrator, and I learned a lot from his wisdom both in relation to people and making decisions.

Ministry-wise, Dr. Roy Fish was one of my biggest role models when I was a student. He had such a heart for students, such a passion for preaching and people’s souls.

Q: What has God been teaching you lately?

A: There was a time when I thought the Christian life would get easier as you went along, but I’ve been learning that the battle with sin just doesn’t go away. God’s been showing me just how depraved and desperate I am. He’s been reminding me of how I need to not let my guard down.

Q: Where are some of your former students?

A: I wish I could keep up with every single one of my students, but it’s just so hard. I’ve got some students who are pastors, some who are missionaries and some who are teaching.

David Platt, Tony Merida, Tony Guthrie, Landon Dowden, Matt Pearson, D.J. Horton, Byron Townsend, Byron Brown, Stephen Rummage, Bo Rice, and Russ Moore are all faithful dear brothers that have taught me more than I have taught them.

Q: When a student completes your class, what do you want him or her to walk away with at the end of the semester?

A: My favorite course is Bible exposition, which is our foundational preaching class. When someone finishes that course, I would like him or her to have a healthy fear of handling every text of Scripture with integrity because they are speaking on behalf of God.

Q: We always say that every classroom at SEBTS is a Great Commission classroom. What does that look like for your class?

A: I try to push my students to look beyond Western Christianity. I strive to get them to think about what their sermons would look like in various contexts outside of their own, like in a village or a hut somewhere, or out on the streets. I also attempt to get students to think about what sermon preparation and delivery looks like in a bi-vocational context because I believe that’s going to have to be the norm for us to fulfill the Great Commission.