Akin brings challenge and encouragement at SEBTS alumni luncheon
Lauren Pratt | June 29, 2017
Danny Akin, president of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, gave a clear and direct word about the issue of racism in the Southern Baptist Convention to more than 300 attendees at the Southeastern Alumni and Friends Luncheon Wednesday at noon.
“Can I talk for a moment to the family? Yesterday was not [Southern Baptists’] finest hour,” Akin said about the tumultuous events that transpired Tuesday regarding a resolution to stand against “alt-right white supremacy.” See related story.
Akin told alumni that they all have a part to play in this issue of racism, noting what Southern Baptist Seminary President R. Albert Mohler Jr. noted at the Baptist21 Luncheon on Monday, saying that while we have made strides toward racial reconciliation, we will always “bear the stain of the sin of racism.”
“We need to speak this afternoon at 2:45 with a crystal clear clarion call that we stand steadfastly against any form and every form of racism, bigotry and racial supremacy no matter where that may come from and no matter who may express it,” Akin said. A resolution against the alt-right passed later that day.
In his address, Akin updated alumni on news from the school, including the goal to increase The College at Southeastern enrollment to a minimum of 1,200 students, Seth Bible’s leadership of the North Carolina Field Minister’s Program to theologically train long-term prisoners and the school’s work among South Sudanese refugees.
Jose Abella, pastor of Providence Road Church in Miami, Florida, and recently elected second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, also gave an encouraging word to those in attendance as he preached out of Revelation 7.
“Jesus is the obsession of heaven and He must be our obsession as well.” Abella spoke on the importance of finding humility, joy and confidence in Christ while pursuing a church that reflects heaven.
“How in the world are we going to accomplish this?” said Abella, speaking of the Great Commission and the desire to see every nation, tribe and tongue worshipping together as Revelation 7:9 says.
“I think the reality is we can’t and we don’t, but Christ can,” he said.
The Austin Stone Worship team led in a time of worship to close out the luncheon.