Four Pastors to Join SEBTS faculty

At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS), our faculty is training students in theological formation for the purpose of ministry preparation.

That’s why SEBTS is excited to announce that four prominent pastors in the Southern Baptist Convention will become visiting professors with SEBTS starting this December. These men include Crawford W. Loritts, Jr., J.D. Greear, Matt Carter, and Al Jackson.

“Southeastern Seminary has a premiere doctoral program on both the PhD and DMin level,” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “ For years I have asked the Lord to bring more gifted and talented men to teach in these programs. Little did I know that God would answer my prayers beyond my wildest imagination with the additions of these four men. A great doctoral program just got better!”

 

Crawford W. Loritts, Jr.

comes to SEBTS as a Visiting Professor of Preaching and Christian Leadership. He is a well-known pastor, author, and speaker with decades of ministry experience, including most recently serving as Senior Pastor of Fellowship Bible Church in Roswell, Georgia. Loritts has faithfully led and planted several churches, including Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas and Canton Bible Church. Loritts also served as the Associate Director of Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru). Loritts holds a Doctor of Divinity from Biola University and a Doctor of Sacred Theology from Philadelphia Biblical University.

“For years I have been impressed by the impact SEBTS is making on helping to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation of leaders for the Cause of Christ,” said Loritts. “Further, the school’s clear commitment to the authority of the Scriptures, the Great Commission and the pursuit of Christlikeness is core to what I’ve given my life to and my approach to ministry. That’s why I consider it a privilege and honor to be a part of the team.”

J.D. Greear

is joining the SEBTS faculty as a Visiting Professor of Christian Leadership and Disciple Making. He is the pastor of The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. He is the author of several books, most recently publishing, “Just Ask,” “What Are You Going to Do with Your Life?”, and “Above All.” Greear is a two-time graduate of SEBTS, receiving both his Master of Divinity and PhD from the seminary. Greear also served as the 62nd President of the Southern Baptist Convention from 2018-2021.

“When I was a seminary student, God used Southeastern to give me a heart for the nations,” said Greear. “Under the leadership of Dr. Danny Akin, that Great Commission focus has only expanded. Southeastern adopted the compelling vision of connecting every classroom to the Great Commission, and accompanies it with a humble orthodoxy that shapes them for the Kingdom. I can’t think of another institution I’d rather partner with to teach the next generation of ministers as they go!”

 

Matt Carter

comes to SEBTS as a Visiting Professor of Preaching. He is the Lead Pastor of Sagemont Church in Houston, Texas. Prior to pastoring at Sagemont, Carter planted and pastored The Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which began in 2002 and grew to six campuses with over 8,000 in weekly attendance. Carter is a graduate of SEBTS, earning his Doctor of Ministry in Expositional Preaching in 2015. He also earned his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in 2006.

“As an alumni of SEBTS’s DMin program, I can say from first-hand experience, that Southeastern is one of the finest theological institutions in the country,” said Carter. “Not only do they offer students an incredible theological education, but they provide practical ministry training to help future leaders of the church live it out. It’s such an incredible honor to be asked to be a part of the Southeastern team!”

Al Jackson

comes to SEBTS as a Visiting Professor of Pastoral Ministry. He has served as the pastor of Lakeview Baptist Church since 1979. He received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary and his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jackson has a heart to share God’s Word throughout the world, having traveled to Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

“I am delighted to join Danny Akin and the outstanding Southeastern Seminary faculty in helping to equip the next generation of Great Commission pastors, missionaries and church leaders,” said Jackson. “The hope of the world is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I view Southeastern Seminary as one of God’s most strategic outposts for gospel advance.”

A previous version of this article included Dr. James Merritt, who has since resigned from the faculty. This article has been updated to reflect the current situation.

Photo credit by SEBTS (for Dr. Greear), Moody Bible Institute (for Dr. Loritts), Joel Moore (for Dr. Jackson), and Jesse McPeek (for Dr. Carter).

Office of Marketing and Communications

[email protected]