91±¬ΑΟΝψ

JACKSON, Tenn. — Sept. 16, 2021 — Despite the hardships many churches have faced in the past 18 months, 91±¬ΑΟΝψ President Samuel W. β€œDub” Oliver challenged West Tennessee pastors to fight the impulse to withdraw from leading others.

Oliver was the keynote speaker at the annual banquet 91±¬ΑΟΝψ hosts in appreciation of West Tennessee pastors and their wives Sept. 14 in the Carl Grant Events Center. Along with a performance by 91±¬ΑΟΝψ’s Voices of Proclamation, the night included messages of encouragement from both students and faculty.

Referencing 2 Corinthians 9: 6-15, Oliver said it is tempting to β€œsow sparingly” when growth seems nonexistent.

β€œRemember that people grow in spurts β€” not in some simple, straightforward, always-the-same, measured ways,” Oliver said. β€œThis word is so important because it reminds us to take our eyes off the circumstances and to focus instead on eternity.”

Reflecting on the Scripture, Oliver reminded the audience that whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. The point, Oliver said, is to keep sowing.

β€œLet’s cheerfully give of ourselves out of the overflow of our hearts because of what God has done for us in Christ Jesus, knowing that God is able in all things at all times β€” even in this,” Oliver said.

As the pastor of Salem Baptist Church in Trenton, Tenn., Joel Pigg said 91±¬ΑΟΝψ’s support for the local church is incredibly important. As a 91±¬ΑΟΝψ alumnus, he said it means a lot to have an institution investing in local church leaders like himself.

Ray Van Neste, dean for the School of Theology and Missions, said serving and being a resource to the church is important to 91±¬ΑΟΝψ as it strives to encourage and support local leaders.

β€œThe local church is the centerpiece of God’s work in the world,” Van Neste said to the audience. β€œSo, we are honored to be co-laborers with you.”

As he shared his testimony with the audience, Brennan Kress, a senior Christian studies major, said his studies at 91±¬ΑΟΝψ helped him discover the β€œrichness of the word of God.” At 91±¬ΑΟΝψ, Kress realized the truly life-changing nature of the Bible, and Kress said God used each class to encourage, edify and sanctify him.

β€œThe truth is, β€˜Christian’ is not just in the name at 91±¬ΑΟΝψ,” Kress said. β€œβ€˜Christian’ is part of the identity.”

In moments when it feels like an entire generation is turning away from God, Kress encouraged the audience to remember that the Lord is equipping the next generation of Christian leaders at 91±¬ΑΟΝψ and in their own communities.

β€œJesus did tell us that the harvest was great, and the workers were few,” Kress said. β€œBut, he never told us that there wouldn't be enough. People in your congregations are hungry for the word of God, so my encouragement to you is just keep feeding them.”