Former MBC president addresses Amendment 2 at Midwestern chapel service; supporters honored

KANSAS CITY – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) had a full day on campus Oct. 17.

Monte Shinkle, pastor of Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City and former president of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC), presented a compelling biblical basis for opposing the upcoming Amendment 2, in chapel. Following the message, MBTS President R. Philip Roberts presented the Presidential Medallion to Mr. Leo Eisert. After chapel, the festivities reconvened at the North Campus for the dedication of the north and south wings as well as three rooms, all located in the Koehn and Myers Center for World Evangelism, in honor of several MBTS supporters.

In his chapel address, Shinkle emphasized the need to return to viewing man as a special creation. He believes this is at the heart of the depravity that has lead to the acceptance of stem cell research. He continued, claiming that society has ceased to view the Bible as a special book as well. As a result, sin is no longer viewed as a serious choice people make and life is no longer a special right. Shinkle concluded that, in order to reverse this deadly direction, “We have to view man as a special creation.” Christians are mandated to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Shinkle said if Christians do not speak up now, it may one day be too late.

After hearing from Shinkle, Roberts expressed thanks to Leo Eisert and his wife, Lela, on behalf of the seminary, for their support. In honor of his contribution in the effort to renovate the former child development center into the new music building, Eisert was awarded the Presidential Medallion. Eisert accepted the recognition on behalf of First Baptist Church of Blue Springs and the 17 others who helped with the work. “What we really did here was to make an investment in current and future students being prepared to go out and fulfill the Great Commission,” Eisert said.

The final events of the day took place at the newly-renovated Koehn and Myers Center for World Evangelism. The dedications began on the south end of the building where Eisert cut the ribbon for the official opening of the Robert F. Keatley South Wing. Keatley contributed the funds to furnish that part of the building.

Attention turned to The Jim and Marti Hefley Executive Dining Room next, with the ribbon-cutting performed by Jim Hefley’s youngest sister, Patricia (Patsy) Henderson. This room was dedicated in honor of the Hefley’s contribution to Christian writing and will be used to entertain important guests and encourage the exchange of ideas in a comfortable setting.

Participants continued on to dedicate the Jim and Diana Anderson North Wing next, where Diana Anderson cut the ribbon to formally open the wing. This dedication was made possible by C.O. and Katie Balentine in honor of the Anderson’s years of service to the Lord. Jim Anderson is currently serving as the Academic Dean of Midwestern Baptist College, SBC and Professor of Biblical Studies at MBTS.

“It has been our joy to have honored two great stalwarts of Southern Baptist life and faith, the Hefleys and the Andersons, in this significant way,” said Roberts, “We are so thankful to have this tremendous resource named in part on their behalf and are thankful to all those who have given so generously in order to see its successful completion.”

In the north wing, the Dalraida Baptist Church room was dedicated by Rick Evans, pastor of Dalraida Baptist Church, Montgomery, Ala. Dalraida is the home church of Ira Myers, father of Martha Myers for whom the Koehn and Myers building is named. The church has developed an on-going relationship with the seminary. Also in the north wing, the ribbon opening the G.D. Hardy Room was cut by G.D. Hardy’s wife, Deborah.

Following the last room dedication, Shinkle brought the events of the day before the Lord in a closing prayer.