♦J 22, 2021

Montgomery Baptists will prioritize the gospel above all by doing the following:
Meet human need while planting gospel seed;
Evangelize the River Region while planting and replanting churches;
Discover, develop, and deploy disciples of Christ to be missionaries across the street and around the world

CALLING OUT THE CALLED - BEING AN EDUCATED PASTOR

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still
wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in
learning. Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)
It is good to prepare a pastor or a missionary to know
the Bible well. Knowing how to exegete the text of
holy scripture carefully and having a working
knowledge of the ABCs of church administration is
imperative for any man of God who will give his life to
vocational ministry. American history will reflect that
most of the colleges and seminaries established in the
Neal Hughes genesis of our nation began with training the clergy.
Director of Missions
How ironic it is that on the main gate of Harvard
University are the words reflecting their 1636 charter: Veritas Christo et
Ecclesiae, meaning "Truth for Christ and the Church.” Also, Alabama
Baptists started Howard College in 1841 for the purpose of training ministers
to proclaim the gospel.
Today, we are blessed by numerous institutions of higher theological training.
Many are “campus only” schools. Several have become multifaceted, offering
students an opportunity for online learning. Regardless of what fits you, the
chance to be an educated pastor is available in such a way that no pulpit
should have someone who has not afforded himself with some aspect of
formal biblical education. For the man of God to have and preach sound
doctrine should be a gift and expectation of every church.
In the River Region, there are at least two official ways where one can receive
a formal education in biblical studies and not have to leave Central Alabama:
Ministry Training Institute (MTI): Formally called Samford University
Extension, the MTI exists to equip Christians to be leaders in their church and
communities through theological education and practical ministry training.
Dr. D’Linell Finley and Dr. Danny Gillenwater lead the MTI in the evening
on Mondays here at Montgomery Baptist Association. This is a certificate
program. You can connect with these local pastors to learn more about tuition
and the school. Or you can connect directly with Samford’s director, Dr.
Kevin Blackwell (mti@samford.edu / 205-726-4055 / https://
www.samford.edu/programs/ministry-training-institute/).
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS): Dr. Teman Knight
is the dean of the NOBTS’ Central Alabama Extension. Most students attend
either at the Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery or travel to Birmingham
and attend classes at Valleydale Baptist Church. Through NOBTS, one can
receive a bachelor’s degree through a doctorate via the seminary, and not
have to move to New Orleans. To learn more about tuition and the school,
you can contact Dean Knight at teman@hbcm.net / 334-279-9976 / https://
www.nobts.edu/extensions/gaal-centers/central-alabama-montgomery.html.
Both schools (and other accredited Southern Baptist institutions) offer
scholarships and financial counseling. Other funding resources are also
available. Churches often pick up the tab for their pastor. It becomes a “win-
win” for the congregation to have a well-trained preacher. I am grateful that
through the cooperative program and many Southern Baptist friends, the Lord
used His people to assist in my bachelors, masters, and doctoral education.
Mary and I did our part, too. The point is do not let any obstacle keep you
from being prepared for ministry. Embracing the call of God comes at a
sacrifice, including the time, money, and effort to be a skilled practitioner
of the truth of scripture.
Mary and I are blessed to serve alongside you in kingdom work here in the
River Region. Let us continue to work, pray, and join the Holy Spirit in
calling out the called.
Together We Can!
Neal

Vacation Bible School

Church Address Ages Date Time

Thorington Rd 450 Ray

Thorington Rd
K5-5th
Grade July 25-29 6:00-8:30 pm

Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.
 ♦J 22, 2021
Montgomery Baptists will prioritize the gospel above all by doing the following:
Meet human need while planting gospel seed;
Evangelize the River Region while planting and replanting churches;
Discover, develop, and deploy disciples of Christ to be missionaries across the street and around the world

MBA Golf Tournament

Thursday, September 9
Arrowhead Country Club | 50 Ocala Drive

11:00 Registration | 11:30 Lunch | 12:30 Tee Time

Registration and payment

by Sept. 2, $75; after Sept 2, $80
Deadline to register, September 6
mgmbaptists.org/golf or call 334-271-6227.

Fee includes:
lunch, cart, range balls, green fees, and one Mulligan.

Benefitting: Community of Hope and Samaritan Inn

Montgomery Baptist Association • 20 Interstate Park Dr. • Montgomery, Alabama 36109 • 334-271-6227 • www.mgmbaptists.org
This publication is made possible by your churches’ contributions to Associational Missions.