As I sit at my desk on the eve of Thanksgiving, preparing to head home for a long holiday weekend, my heart is full of gratitude for the Baptist Bible Fellowship International. This moment of reflection has reminded me just how much the BBFI has shaped my life. Truthfully, I probably don’t take enough time to pause and express my thankfulness for the BBFI, but today feels like the perfect opportunity.
This isn’t a meticulously researched analysis or an exhaustive list of everything the BBFI represents. Instead, it’s a personal reflection—a heartfelt response to the question: “Why am I thankful for the BBFI?” I hope you’ll take a moment to consider the same question for yourself.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons to be thankful. The BBFI’s commitment to the Great Commission is at the top of the list. It’s inspiring to be part of a network of pastors, missionaries, and churches united by a shared mission to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. I am deeply thankful for the heart of our missionaries, the courage of our church planters, and the passion of recent graduates stepping into ministry. Embedded in all of them is a burden to fulfill Christ’s call.
I could also point to the unity we’ve seen among pastors in recent years—evident at our national meetings and through our collaborative efforts to carry out the Great Commission. The BBFI’s doctrinal integrity, commitment to biblical truth, and legacy of preserving sound doctrine in our churches and ministries are equally worthy of gratitude.
But today, my thankfulness is more personal. Here are a few areas where the BBFI has profoundly impacted my life.
Legacy
The BBFI’s rich history is a source of inspiration. To say it has a remarkable legacy is an understatement. While I didn’t have the privilege of meeting many of the founding leaders, even a casual study of 20th-century American Christianity reveals the influence of BBFI pastors and missionaries. There was a time when some of the largest and most influential churches in America were part of the BBFI.
I feel humbled every day to play a small role in carrying on that legacy. Even the physical desk I sit at—a nearly 50-year-old piece of furniture used by all but one of the editors of the Baptist Bible Tribune—reminds me of the weight of this responsibility. The legacy of the BBFI isn’t just history; it’s a living, ongoing story, and I am thankful for it.
Mentors
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the mentors in my life, many of whom I met through the BBFI. My home pastor, Don Elmore, has been a spiritual anchor for me since I was a teenager, constantly encouraging and mentoring me.
Over the years, there have been others—men and women who have shaped me, whether through direct mentorship, their example from afar, or their lasting impact. Some are now with the Lord, while others continue to pour into my life. The BBFI has given me a network of mentors for which I am deeply thankful.
Friends
My best friends are part of the BBFI. Many of these relationships began during my time at Baptist Bible College, where I formed bonds with people who are now serving our Lord all around the world. These friendships go beyond casual acquaintances—they are the kind of friendships where someone would drop everything to help if needed.
Even as I travel across the country or the world, I’m reminded of the unique community the BBFI fosters. And, most importantly, it’s through the BBFI that I met my best friend—my wife. For all of these relationships, I am deeply thankful.
The Heart of It All: Relationships
As I reflect on why I’m thankful for the BBFI, one word rises above the rest: relationships. At its core, the BBFI is not about programs, initiatives, or even institutions—it’s about people. It’s about the relationships that have been formed, nurtured, and strengthened over decades of ministry.
Yes, the BBFI “does” a lot, but “who” we are is far more important. We are a community of people connected by a shared mission and united by meaningful relationships.
This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for those relationships. In the days and weeks ahead, I plan to reach out to express my gratitude—whether through a text, a call, or an in-person conversation. To those who have mentored me, befriended me, or built the legacy I now carry: thank you.
Your Turn
Who are you thankful for? Take some time this Thanksgiving to let them know. Send a message, make a call, or simply remind them of the impact they’ve had on your life.
Remember, relationships aren’t about proximity—they’re about communication. And the BBFI has reminded me time and time again that meaningful relationships are worth celebrating.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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