LOUISVILLE, Ky. (BP)–“‘No decision is more crucial for the church than the choice of a seminary professor,’” said Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President, R. Albert Mohler Jr., quoting theologian John Leith, author of a recent book on theological education.
“‘Each seminary professor either increases or decreases the number of people who worship God each Sunday. Each seminary professor influences what worshippers hear or do not hear in the teaching and proclamation of God’s word,’” Mohler continued in quoting Leith, as he announced the appointment of 11 new faculty during Southern Seminary trustees’ April 19-20 annual spring meeting.
Trustees also promoted six faculty members and elected three to join the faculty of the Louisville, Ky., seminary.
Faculty receiving promotions were Esther Rothenbusch and Sandra Turner to associate professors of church music and worship; Daniel Akin to professor of Christian preaching; Timothy Beougher to Billy Graham professor of evangelism and church growth; James Chancellor to professor of Christian missions and world religions; and Gregory Wills to associate professor of church history.
Trustee-elected faculty members were Hershael York, associate professor of Christian preaching, who also was elected to the chair of Victor and Louise Lester Associate Professor of Christian Preaching; Charles Tackett, associate professor of psychology and Christian counseling; and Tom Bolton, professor of church music and worship.
“These faculty members brought to you for election at this meeting represent scholarship in the service of the church,” Mohler told trustees. “They bring great gifts to Southern Seminary and represent the quality of conviction and commitment we expect of all who will teach on this faculty.
“In addition to these, an outstanding group of scholars is joining this faculty by presidential appointment,” he continued.
“Dr. Ronald Nash is one of the premier evangelical apologists in the world and a prolific author,” said Mohler. Nash was appointed professor of Christian philosophy and apologetics.
Kenneth Magnuson, now at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., will be assistant professor of Christian ethics. He received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Cambridge in 1998.
Peter Gentry holds a Ph.D. degree from the University of Toronto and has served for 15 years on the faculty of Toronto Baptist Seminary. Mohler said he “has a solid reputation for biblical scholarship.” He will serve as associate professor of Old Testament interpretation.
Brad Waggoner holds the Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He will serve as associate professor of Christian education and leadership. He has also ministered for many years at Far Hills (Southern) Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio.
A graduate of the University of Kentucky School of Medicine, William Cutrer is the first medical doctor to join the faculty. He will be associate professor of Christian ministry. Cutrer is also a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. After a successful medical career as an obstetrician, he served as pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church in Dallas and as director of the Christian Medical/Dental Society in Richardson, Texas. He is also an author in the area of medical ethics.
Serving as assistant professor of Christian ministry and director of supervised ministry experience, Stephen Drake “brings pastoral experience and deep biblical conviction to his assignment,” Mohler noted.
Southern alumnus and Ph.D. candidate Don Cox, who will be assistant professor of evangelism and church growth, has already served for many years as a pastor and has contributed much to the seminary’s Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth since joining the faculty, Mohler said.
“Dr. Stephen Wellum, who also holds a Ph.D. from Trinity, will add depth and substance to the teaching of Christian theology” as assistant professor of Christian theology, Mohler noted.
Additions to the Boyce College faculty included David Adams, former president of Lexington (Ky.) Baptist College and former department chairman and professor at Liberty University’s school of religion in Lynchburg, Va. “He is a recognized leader and visionary in youth ministry, and he brings great energy and excitement to the Boyce College,” said Mohler.
Chad Brand, who will serve as associate professor of Christian theology, “is a rising star among young Southern Baptist theologians” said Mohler. He comes to Southern from North Greenville College in South Carolina.
“The faculty is the heart of any theological institution, and Southern Seminary is marked by the most outstanding faculty in the evangelical world,” Mohler said. “No issue is more central and important to the integrity and effectiveness of a theological seminary. Thus we seek scholars committed to the local church, experienced in local church ministry and deeply rooted in the faith and evangelical conviction. Nothing less will suffice.”
