Akin Gives SBC Seminary Report: God’s Kindness to “Your Great Commission Seminary”

“Southeastern Seminary is your Great Commission seminary,” Akin told attendees. “It’s embodied in our mission statement. Our purpose is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.”

“In other words,” he said, “we seek to train men and women that will follow the final marching orders of the Lord Jesus. That is to go and make disciples of all the nations. We’re grateful for your trust in what we’re doing.”

In other words, we seek to train men and women that will follow the final marching orders of the Lord Jesus. That is to go and make disciples of all the nations.

Akin highlighted areas of encouragement and growth that Southeastern has witnessed this past year, including the celebration of Southeastern’s 75th anniversary, continued growth within the Master of Divinity program, and encouraging reports on Great Commission faithfulness within the Southeastern community — both in the lives of Southeastern students and in the institution’s global equipping efforts.

“This last year, more than 150 students took international short-term mission trips,” Akin shared. He also highlighted Southeastern’s spring commissioning chapel, in which “more than 40 students and their families were commissioned to go to the nations as well as to serve with the North American Mission Board.”

“Over the last three years,” he noted, “we’ve seen significant growth in our Master of Divinity program. Our enrollment, again, this year will pass the 5,000-person mark. God’s been very, very kind in that regard.”

Akin also shared about the institution’s grief over the loss of Drs. Adrianne Miles, Jim Shaddix, and Keith Harper — three beloved and highly respected Southeastern professors who passed away this past year following difficult but faith-filled battles with cancer. Their presence within the Southeastern community is deeply missed.

Even as Southeastern sorrows at their passing, God’s kindness is clearly seen. The Southeastern community is eager to welcome several new additions to Southeastern’s part-time and full-time faculty — individuals who share the institution’s passion for theologically equipping students and pursuing the Great Commission and who walk in the footsteps of those who came before. These faculty include Landon Dowden, associate professor of preaching and pastoral ministry; Kelly King, assistant professor of Christian ministry; and Rhyne Putman, professor of theology.

Akin also shared about the recent celebration of Southeastern’s second Persian graduation, in which numerous students from across Central Asia joined the ranks of Southeastern alumni, having completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees completely in the Farsi language.

“It is amazing to see the courage and the joy of these Persian believers, each of whom find themselves in very, very difficult places,” Akin expressed.

In addition, Akin shared the exciting news of the rename of Southeastern’s college to Judson College, in honor of the Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson, who — along with his family — so faithfully represents the same mission that characterizes Judson students: to give their lives for the cause of Christ in the church, among the nations, and in every aspect of society.

Akin also expressed his gratitude to Southern Baptists for their continued support of Southeastern through their gifts to the Cooperative Program and to the institution.

There aren’t words to say thank you enough for what happens through the Cooperative Program.

“There aren’t words to say thank you enough for what happens through the Cooperative Program. This year Southeastern held out its hand, you put in that hand 6.7 million dollars, and we simply said thank you — thank you, thank you.” It is through this generous giving, Akin said, that “our students are getting a quality education, an excellent education, at the very best cost.”

“If you are wanting to be a Great Commission minded pastor,” Akin told those listening, “Southeastern, I think, is a really good place for you to come at this time.” Akin closed by reminding his fellow Southern Baptists of the light of the gospel that God has entrusted to them — to bring to those living in darkness who need it most.

To learn more about Southeastern Seminary and its mission to equip students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission, visit sebts.edu/about.