Since being tasked with teaching student ministry at SEBTS this past Tuesday I have been blessed to receive many kind words from friends. I am grateful for the enthusiasm, and will be calling on these and others to help in the coming days. Pray for us as we seek to train a generation of student pastors who will in turn prepare a generation to change the world. Here are some of the kind words:
“Who else on the planet is better qualified to lead, teach and mentor this generation of student pastors than Dr. Alvin Reid. He is old school and cutting edge all at the same time. He still has the residue of the Jesus Movement, the burning heart of an evangelist and perhaps one of the greatest students of awakenings and revivals throughout history that I know. He is a Charles Wesley in the classroom….”Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”
Jay Strack, President, Student Leadership University
“I have outgrown my ability to do cartwheels, but I can still be head cheerleader for Dr. Alvin Reid’s expanded role as professor of student ministry at Southeastern Seminary. His love for teenagers and their parents and leaders permeates all he does. His passion to see revival launched through this generation is clear. And his heartbeat for evangelism among students is without peer.”
Richard Ross, PhD, professor of student ministry, Southwestern Seminary
“Alvin Reid is one of the great men of the Southern Baptist Convention. He manages to combine in one person the warm heart of an evangelist, the prolific pen of a best-selling author, and the theological and cultural savvy of an excellent student minister. I could not possibly be happier than to have him teach and mentor our students.”
Bruce Ashford, Ph.D, Dean of The College at Southeastern
“I know of no man in America with more vision and passion for the rising generation of students than Dr. Alvin Reid. He has the rare balance of theology and practicality, and his passion is contagious. He pours his life into his students. I know, because I am one of them. He’s been speaking prophetically about this stuff for years… Southeastern is setting things up for revolution, and there is no one better to lead it than my mentor, Dr. Reid.”
J.D. Greear, Pastor, Summit Church
“Alvin Reid is the leader for student pastors in our time. He knows and understands the leadership climate as well as the needs and will serve those opportunities tirelessly around the country. Timing is critical for leadership to the next generation, and I’m thrilled that Dr. Alvin Reid is leading the way.” Matt Lawson, Student Pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA.
“This is a great day for Southern Baptists and a great day for the world of Student ministry. Alvin Reid has had his thumb on the pulse of student ministry for some time and I am thrilled that he will now get to train and mentor student pastors at Southeastern. Alvin’s passion for God’s word and his heart for biblical truth will continue to allow us to strive for models in student ministry that I believe will begin to turn the tide on our dropout rates and continue to see students embracing the great commission as a lifestyle. I am looking forward to our continued partnership as we work together to train and equip students ministers and reach students for Jesus Christ.”
Jeff Pratt, Director of Student Ministry Training at LIfeway Christian Resources
“While a student at Southeastern it became overwhelmingly obvious that Dr.
Alvin Reid was becoming a leading voice for future student pastors. I
consider him a mentor, teacher and friend and would highly recommend any
student that desires to impact this next generation to sit under his
tutelage. His grasp of the movement of Christianity throughout history and
how students have been been a strategic part of that movement combined with
a deep seeded desire to see revival makes him the perfect candidate for this
important position.”
Brent Crowe, Student Leadership University
“Dr. Alvin Reid is one of the foremost experts in student ministry today. While he has been professor of evangelism for many years at Southeastern, many of us know him because of his connection to and passion for student ministry. When Dr. Reid says something about student ministry, I pay close attention. He has written many books on student ministry that have been a tremendous help to student pastors and leaders around the country. The difference between him and many other experts? Dr. Reid doesn’t just know student ministry, he does student ministry!”
Brad Smith, Minister to Students, First Baptist Church, New-Port Richey
“I couldn’t be more excited to know that Alvin Reid has been elevated to such an assignment. I don’t believe God could have given Southern Baptists a more passionate professor to train “evangelistically focused” student ministers to reach the next generation with the Gospel. I trust that God will draw great young leaders to Southeastern to come and learn from Doc Reid.”
Chad Childress
Team Leader – Student/Collegiate Evangelism, NAMB
I am humbled by these kind words. We need a movement of God in students (and their parents, and their churches), and I pray God will use us at Southeastern as catalysts in this effort.
