by Jim Edge
In recent days we have frequently heard the term “downgrade.” Most recently in conversations concerning our national debt. Truthfully, we have seen many things downgraded in recent years. Much of our culture, and even much that we see in religious circles, seems to be downgraded.
But with all the narrative about downgrading, I would like to share with you some of the exciting upgrades we are seeing on the campus of Baptist Bible College.
We are seeing an upgrade in student life. Beginning this fall, we unite our Department of Student Life with our Department of Academics. The new title will be the Department of Student Life and Learning. For a number of years students have participated in the CLM (Christian Life Ministries) program in which they applied classroom instruction in their local church. The college is enhancing local church instruction through F.A.S.T. (Foundations for Academic and Spiritual Training). The program strengthens the bridge between learning inside and outside the classroom through the local church. The basis for the program is the four-generational “Timothy Model” from 2 Timothy 2:2.
We are seeing an upgrade in leadership training through the newly formed Patriot Center for Leadership Development. The Patriot Center will inspire and engage students to develop Christ-likeness through courses, seminars, church, and practical community service. In an effort to advance their quality of leadership, this protocol will empower students to engage others with the gospel of Jesus Christ through ministries of the local church and community service. We also want to connect students to agencies of the Baptist Bible Fellowship International, Baptist churches, and the education, business, and government sectors of our global society. Finally, the Patriot Center will provide students with experiences to prepare them for ministry in a culturally diverse world.
For more information about these initiatives, please go to www.gobbc.edu and click on “Blueprint for Global Impact.”
The quality and character of the students entrusted to us continues to be a tremendous blessing and motivator for me. One college senior recently wrote: “Baptist Bible College is a very special place. It is important for people to know that we are not just a college. We are a community of people, young and old, that have given our lives to fulfill a calling. We are at BBC to be pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, worship leaders, and to give our lives for ministry service. We are here to support each other, we are here to grow with each other, we are here to learn with each other, and ultimately to go forth to serve with each other. We are BBC.”
My hope and prayer is that these upgrades are sincerely making BBC even more practical, personal, and applicable in today’s world. With graduates like this and many others, we are producing a new generation of leaders that will propel the BBFI for years into the future. Now there is an upgrade we can all support!