I am more convinced than ever that we must do more to train and equip our best and brightest young people to be leaders in the cause of the Great Commission regardless of their location or vocation. That is why I spend so much time with young adults, and why I am teaching more classes in the future in the College at Southeastern (C@SE). Evidence points to a growing movement among evangelical youth. For instance, from 1990-2004, state university enrollment increased 12.8%. But enrollment in schools focused on biblical truth like our college enrollment increased over 70% in the same time frame. Such a shift has prompted writers and researchers who are not evangelicals to study and write about the growth of the evangelical youth population and its influence (see the writings of Lauren Sandler, Naomi Schaeffer Riley, Andrew Beaujon, William Howe and Neil Strauss, for instance).
I believe many of our finest students should be on state campuses serving as missionaries to that culture. I also believe many of our best and brightest should be in schools that will do even more to prepare students to change the world, preparing them theologically, biblically, philosophically, and practically to lead churches and other institutions in a movement. Thus I recruit confidently for the College at Southeastern.
The band I take with me is made of students or graduates of our college. Our own son studies there, and our daughter may as well. I am overseeing the student ministry minor there. If you take care of the DEPTH of your life, God will take care of the BREADTH of your influence. So I encourage you to consider our college. It is not for everyone, just the radicals!
Dean Bruce Ashford, one of the youngest deans in America at 34 (we don’t just talk about young leaders around here, we hire them!), has written a helpful article noting some of the recent changes in the C@SE. The following is used with his permission:
“This past week, the college announced twelve new minors: Apologetics, Biblical Studies, English, History, Humanities, Mission, Music, Organizational Leadership, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Student Ministry, and Theology. These minors are in addition to its eight majors.
Why does this matter? It matters because now you, or somebody you know, have the opportunity to choose from 20 majors and minors while studying at a world-class college. These majors and minors are diverse in their subject matter, but have one thing in common: all of them are taught in a manner that is theologically-driven and ministry-driven.
Who teaches at the college? Students have the opportunity to study with more than 50 faculty members at The College at Southeastern. Classroom instructors include such men and women as Danny Akin, Alvin Reid, Nathan Finn, J. D. Greear, Steve McKinion, and Amanda Aucoin. These men and women are faithful to the Scriptures, and excel in their disciplines, having published over 150 books. In 2008, the Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index named Southeastern as #3 on their “Top 20 Specialized Research Universities (Theology)” list.
What are some student accomplishments? Students at Southeastern have gone on to be pastors, student pastors, missionaries, teachers, entrepreneurs, professors, homemakers, administrators, evangelists, and much more. Those who have gone on to graduate school have been accepted into Master’s and Ph.D. programs at Oxford, Duke, Southeastern, UNC-Chapel Hill, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Boston College, and many more.
What does Southeastern have to offer in the way of extra-curricular activity? The College at Southeastern is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. We offer coffee houses, college nights out, and intramural sports such as: basketball, football, volleyball, X-Box, and Ultimate Frisbee. We do not offer Graeco-Roman wrestling, as we believe unitards are not natural. However, we do compete in international sports: Each year, we take sports teams overseas to compete against colleges and semi-professional teams in Asia. Finally, we offer mission trips to Europe, Asia, and Africa on a regular basis.
What is the bottom line? Students who graduate from The College at Southeastern will have been exposed to a world-class faculty, a cutting-edge curriculum, and a warm and vibrant student body. They will have joined the 2,600 students on our campus in studying the depths of God’s Word and his world, and will be prepared to speak and defend God’s Word, wherever they have opportunity, whether here in the United States or across the globe.
How do I contact Southeastern, immediately, for more information? You may call 800.284.6317 or go to sebts.edu. If you would like to speak with us at the SBC, we will have a booth.”
As you pray about colleges or speak to those who are doing so, ask them to consider the C@SE. The trajectory of life one takes in the college years will have as much impact on his or her influence as any other factor, so choose well.
