Graduate Spotlight: A Conversation with Ben Brannon

Why did you choose Southeastern Seminary?

I chose Southeastern Seminary because of my time in Judson College. I knew the professors well and was excited to study with them again. The Lord had also opened the door for a position in a local church, so I knew that my continued education would serve my local church.

What aspects of your time studying at Southeastern were particularly formative or encouraging to you?

1. The student relationships. My freshman year roommate and other friends from school played and continue to play a significant role in my spiritual maturity. Similarly, the professor relationships were incredibly formative. I can list more than a handful of professors who gave me their attention, mentorship, wisdom, and — most importantly — time.
2. The churches I attended throughout my education became training grounds for what God was doing in my heart and life. Both churches offered opportunities for theological integration along the way through disciple-making, evangelism, overseas missions, teaching, preaching, and worship leading.
3. God used a few chapel sermons to cut to my heart and cause me to fall in love with his word in a way I had never been before.

How did your education at Southeastern shape your view of the Great Commission?

Southeastern showed me that fulfilling the Great Commission is not optional for Christians. Moreover, Southeastern has, in conjunction with my local church, shaped how I will fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples for the rest of my life.

Southeastern has, in conjunction with my local church, shaped how I will fulfill the Great Commission and make disciples for the rest of my life.

Which classes, professors, or memories stand out from your time here?

There’s truly not enough space to adequately answer this question. Most notably, Dr. Benjamin Quinn taught 18-year-old me in Judson College how to properly address a professor in an email and has been a mentor and friend ever since. He has played a large role in my spiritual formation and maturity as a Christian and a man. I also consider it a great privilege to have taken Bible Exposition with Dr. Shaddix and Greek with Dr. Black. Both men taught and modeled a deep love of God and his word that was contagious.

How have you seen theological education go hand in hand with ministry preparation during your time as a student?

There’s one story that I believe captures the heart of Southeastern and its mission statement. In Baptist History with Dr. Aucoin, we were learning what it means to be Baptist through an acrostic. I told him after class that I wanted to implement this in my church’s membership process. We had a lot of new members coming from other denominations and this acrostic would help me communicate what it means to be Baptist. He gladly gave me permission to use it, and now it’s a staple of the membership class at my church. Only a few months later, a couple in their 60’s started attending our church who were raised Catholic and Methodist. After walking through the acrostic in our membership class, they both were convicted of their need to be baptized. A few weeks later, we got to celebrate their baptism into our church family. This is one of many stories I have that highlights how Southeastern has equipped me to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.

How can your Southeastern family be praying for you?

Southeastern can pray for my effectiveness in ministry through maintaining a strong walk with the Lord. Dr. Shaddix repeatedly emphasized our desperate need for the Holy Spirit and the danger of being “successful” without the Spirit. Wherever the Lord has me, I want any effectiveness to be a result of the Spirit at work in and through me.