“A smart man is the man who knows what he does not know. “ Unknown
As professor of evangelism I have a lot to learn. Still, I do feel like I have a little expertise to bring to the table for that subject. But now as a professor of student ministry as well, I feel like I have a much greater learning curve. Sure, I have preached at scores of youth events and written some on the subject. I have thought long and hard biblically, theologically, and philosophically about what student ministry should be and could be. So, I teach a course in the Foundations of Student Ministry where we unpack this sort of thing. I also think I have a handle to some degree on the evangelistic side of student ministry. By the grace of God and thanks to an incredible wife and children who love Jesus, I can add something for parents of teens.
But in terms of helping student pastors in the daily work (and sometimes the daily grind) of student ministry I think I am not so helpful. Thus we have a year-long internship in our college and seminary programs to help students learn the real world of student ministry. But we still need more.
Enter Jimmy Scroggins.
Dr. Scroggins has forgotten more about student ministry than I know. Danny Akin calls him the greatest student pastor in the SBC from observing his ministry at Highview Baptist in Louisville. He not only served this large, growing, multisite church, but he also helped to develop a fine training approach while serving as Dean of Boyce College at Southern Seminary. More importantly to me, Jimmy is also my friend. He also sports a nice, bald head like me, which has to count for something. We have spent a lot of time together this week as I have had the honor of speaking at the youth camp for the church he now serves as pastor, First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach, Florida.
One of the first things I did after being asked to serve as professor of evangelism AND student ministry was to talk to Jimmy Scroggins. I am so very happy to say that he has been named Visiting Professor of Student Ministry at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This January he will teach a one-week intensive on Ministry to Middle and High School Students. You should take this class whether you are a student at SEBTS or not! Our students will have the great honor of learning from Dr. Scroggins every year. I have the joy of learning as well.
We hope to build a student ministry training that prepares student pastors to be ready to step into churches, set a new bar for Bible-teaching, gospel-driven, missional student ministry that involves parents and students in ministry which effectively disciples youth in the church and reaches students in the culture. I have no doubt that Jimmy will be crucial to our developing approach. He is a remarkable man—father to eight, cancer survivor, recognized young leader, bold preacher, with wisdom beyond his years..
Over the years I have been blessed with many, many friends. Few bring me more joy than Jimmy Scroggins. I am so glad to share my friend with my students whom I love so much. Besides, we can always use one more shiny noggin on campus.
