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FROM THE SEMINARIES: Matthew Hall leaves SBTS for Biola; Nathan Jernigan joins Leavell College faculty


Matthew Hall to become provost and senior VP at Biola University

By Biola University staff

LA MIRADA, Calif.  (BP) — Biola University President Barry H. Corey announced the appointment of Dr. Matthew J. Hall to the position of Provost and Senior Vice President, effective July 1, 2022.

Hall has held the same positions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., since 2019. He has held various roles at SBTS since 2009.

“Christian institutions like Biola University are increasingly rare and yet so vital in our time,” Hall said. “Biola holds a place of distinction within Christian higher education, one marked by deeply held biblical conviction, academic excellence, and a commitment to glorifying Christ in all things. That’s why I am humbled and delighted by the invitation to serve as Biola’s next provost. Building on its rich legacy and strength, I believe Biola’s best days are ahead as it continues to fulfill its mission in faithfulness to Christ.”

SBTS President Albert Mohler said Hall has served the institution “with excellence and distinction”, adding: “He is one of the most gifted academic administrators I have ever known, and he is a leader who combines deep Christian conviction with demonstrated leadership skills. He knows how to nurture an academic culture, he loves faculty and students, and he is an accomplished scholar and teacher in his own right. Matt and Jeannie and their wonderful family will be great assets to Biola University and they will be greatly missed at Southern Seminary.”

In addition to serving as provost and senior vice president at Southern Seminary, Hall also taught courses in church history, American history and American government at the graduate and undergraduate levels. With his academic field in history, he holds the rank of associate professor with research interests focused on the intersection of theology and culture in American religion. Hall has also served as dean of Boyce College, SBTS’ undergraduate school.

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Nathan Jernigan appointed to Leavell College faculty

By Gary D. Myers/NOBTS

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College announced the appointment of Nathan Jernigan to the Leavell College faculty. Jernigan will begin his new role in June 2022.

Jernigan, worship pastor at Northbrook Baptist Church in Cullman, Ala., will join the Leavell College faculty as assistant professor of music and worship. He will lead the bachelor of arts in worship ministry and bachelor of arts in music programs at the college. Jernigan will also serve as the coordinator of chapel worship.

“It is increasingly clear that institutions like ours need to be able to train both traditional church musicians and contemporary worship leaders for ministry in our churches,” said Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College. “However, it is also very difficult to find faculty members with the appropriate credentials and skill for these complexities. I am so thankful to God for leading us to Nate Jernigan. Nate is incredibly gifted, spirit filled, and kind-hearted. Though he is new to the classroom, he is exactly what we need at NOBTS and Leavell College to train the men and women our churches need for worship leadership.”

Greg Wilton, dean of Leavell College, commended Jernigan’s passion for worship and his leadership skills.

“What excites me the most about Nate Jernigan is his passion to develop and deploy others through music and worship,” Wilton said. “Nate has a proven track record of not only leading well, but also teaching others to lead well and giving them ample opportunities to utilize their gifts for the church and for the mission.”

Jernigan earned a bachelor of music degree in vocal performance from William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss., and a master of music in church music degree from NOBTS. His specializations and skills include worship leadership, worship planning, choral and instrumental conducting, worship technology and administration.

“I am excited about the opportunity to help shape future generations of worship pastors and ministers who are preparing to serve the local church,” Jernigan said. “I want to do that in a way that helps students connect their head, heart, and hands in ministry and also fosters a lifelong commitment to loving and serving the local church.”

For the past 12 years, Jernigan has served as a local church worship pastor or worship leader. In addition to his current role at Northbrook, Jernigan served at Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, The Church at Canyon Creek in Austin, Texas, First Baptist Church in Albany, Ga., First Baptist Church in Gulfport, Miss., and other churches in Louisiana and Mississippi. During his time in Austin, Jernigan served on the pastoral leadership team that facilitated the merger of Austin Stone Church and The Church at Canyon Creek. Jernigan believes serving in different church sizes and settings has uniquely prepared him for his new role.

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