Southeastern Society meeting highlights God’s faithfulness
SEBTS Staff | November 04, 2020
In a spirit of unity and resilience, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) is continuing to equip gospel-centered men and women to reach the lost from North Carolina to the ends of the earth. This goal is made possible through the generosity of donors like those involved in the Southeastern Society (SES), who connected virtually on Oct. 20 to hear updates from President Danny Akin, the For the Mission campaign and how the mission of SEBTS continues to endure despite the unique challenges of 2020.
“Things are wonderful at Southeastern Seminary. COVID-19 has not stopped us in any way from pursuing our mission of training men and women to be Great Commission Christians,” President Danny Akin reported to SES members.
In his presidential report, Akin praised God that students have continued to remain on campus and stay healthy during these challenging months. In addition, he reported record numbers of enrollment for both the 2019-2020 academic year and the current fall semester. Student enrollment at SEBTS has increased for 12 consecutive years, with a record enrollment of 5,273 at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. Likewise, SEBTS continues to see an influx in applications to the seminary and college. Akin also noted that SEBTS is continuing to see great progress in its financial campaign, For the Mission, which has reached 59.2 percent of its $20.5M goal. These increases are a testimony of God’s grace in the midst of a global crisis.
Akin also celebrated the recent election of Keith Whitfield as provost. Whitfield, who also serves as dean of graduate studies and associate professor of theology, will oversee development, coordination and implementation of SEBTS curriculum as well as faculty recruitment, evaluation and retention.
In a panel discussion with Dr. Ross Inman and current students Caden and Jessica Farr, the three discussed the importance of theological education for personal and spiritual formation. In addition, they noted how the ability to attend seminary and receive Great Commission training has been made possible through the generosity of donors.
“I see [seminary] as such an important and impactful season of one’s life and getting this sort of training that will endure to the end of one’s days,” said Ross Inman, associate professor of philosophy.
Akin closed the meeting by asking SES members to continue praying for the health of students, faculty and staff so that the work of training for Great Commission work can continue.
“Almost half of the world’s population have no access to the gospel. We believe God, in particular, has raised up Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to address that great need,” said President Danny Akin. “In partnership with our great God, we’re going to give our efforts until the day Jesus comes again to get the gospel to every tribe, every tongue, every people and every nation.”
SES members give at least $1,000 to SEBTS each year and partner with the school to help train students in living out the Great Commission wherever they go. To learn more, please visit www.sebts.edu/ses.