By Jim Edge
This fall we begin the year with 481 highly motivated students in the undergraduate school. As we finished last spring, our students left excited, and now they have returned eager to begin a new year.
I recall the uncertainty about Baptist Bible College as we left last May. I note though, that the uncertainty was external and not internal. And even now I am pleased to let you know that God intervened and continues to show Himself strong and able to watch over BBC. All of us — the students, staff, and faculty — are energized by changes on campus. And I assure you that not only are we stable and moving forward, but we move forward with the same purpose and mission.
This is important. With all that energy and forward movement around me, you will be happy to hear the mission of Baptist Bible College remains the same today as it has since the founding almost 60 years ago. The mission is to train pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders for local church ministries. I am determined we will continue to fulfill that mission for years to come.
The short mission of the college is part of what we call the Mission Document. In that document you will find the mission statement, the vision, values, and strategic priorities. The vision looks to the future; it is about what I want BBC to become. The values are what do not change; those are historic and part of our heritage. The strategic priorities lay out the track — how the college moves from the past into the future. Everything we do must be tied to the Mission Document.
I think you will agree with me that for us to talk about BBC in terms of the Mission Document can be a bit technical. Therefore, as I talk to students and parents (and now to you the readers of the Tribune), I want to capture the Mission Document with three words: biblical, quality, and global.
By design, we engage our students in biblical higher education. We want our students to discern godly wisdom, the foundation of which is God’s word. Therefore, we want our students to interpret the Word of God and practically apply that Word in their own lives. Knowing God’s Word will enable them to discern between truth and error, essential and nonessential, and excellence and mediocrity. Those completing the coursework will be able to build a biblical worldview and value system that produces godly behavior leading to Christ-likeness. Then they will be able to impact others with God’s word.
By design, we engage our students in quality higher education. We want our students to develop relevant skills. Therefore, we want our students to engage others in the public square, where everyday life takes place, lives intersect, business is conducted, and conversations occur. Being able to solve problems, to communicate with clarity, and to discern what they hear will enable them to share the gospel in a relevant manner. In the same way the Apostle Paul was able to witness to Jews and Gentiles, we want our students to reach others.
By design, we engage our students in global higher education. We want our students to demonstrate worldwide service. Therefore, we want our students to fulfill the Great Commission. Being able to apply biblical principles and skills in ministry through a local Baptist church provides the context for our students to impact others for the Lord. Applying principles across cultures enables our students to start churches around the world and train leaders to engage others.
That is our mission. It is in writing, and we are willing to judge our success or failure in its light.