Southern Seminary Magazine (Vol 90.1) The Light of Truth: Apologetics in the 21st Century

25 years of faithful service
What must future generations do to keep the
Southern Seminary faithful to the founders’
vision?
York. The Trustees must always ensure that every professor
at Southern must be committed to the inerrancy of
Scripture and the doctrines cherished by our founders as
expressed in the Abstract of Principles. We are not called
to innovate or to create, but rather to “keep” the faith
once for all delivered to the saints and also to proclaim it
to the world. A deep doctrinal commitment that spawns
a passionate evangelistic spirit will keep Southern faithful
to the vision that began in 1859.
Nettles. The dynamic so clearly perceived by Dr. Mohler
in his mature grasp of how one can steer a straight path
through treacherous terrain should be emulated. Never
concede to diminished views of biblical relevance and
thorough truthfulness. Embrace the consistency of the
biblical revelation through a carefully constructed confession
that should expand, at least in your personal life,
to the very last proposition of biblical revelation. Larger
confessions, not smaller, are the food of faithfulness.
Schreiner. Actually, I think 1 Timothy 4:16 is the key.
Be faithful in your life and teaching.
What has been a personal highlight of your
teaching career at SBTS?
York. Through the years several students have kindly
told me that a class I taught changed their lives. Something
I shared with them had such a profound impact and
transformed them so radically that the direction of their
lives shifted, and God used them in ways they did not
think possible. The knowledge that the Lord graciously
allows me sometimes to have that effect is overwhelming.
Nettles. The fellowship of kindred minds, as in the
church, so in theological education is like to that above.
There have been many delightful and spiritually sustaining
moments in this unique fellowship. The encouragement
and opportunity to write on ideas, issues, and
persons that are important in giving a framework for
God-centered ministry has been encouraged by collegial
example, the availability of resources, and a healthy expectation
of expanded usefulness in the larger community
of theological education. And ah! The students in the
classroom—what a challenge and delight they provide
for continual personal growth and fruitful investment
in the future. The last few years, I have accompanied my
wife, Margaret, in working voluntarily in the Southern
Exchange (formerly The Attic). That has provided opportunity
to see the larger context of the life and needs of
students and has been an encouragement for prayer as
to the broader commitment that an entire family makes
when a God-called disciple takes on the stewardship of
theological education.
Schreiner. The students who are faithful in ministry
are my greatest encouragement.
64 the southern baptist theological seminary