Roberts: MBTS foundation for strong future set
Institution marks its 50th anniversary
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – “Sometimes 50th birthdays can be tough to face,” Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President R. Philip Roberts said as he began his report to the Southern Baptist Convention June 13.
“People have compared turning 50 to canoeing down a river and then hearing waterfalls ahead. Time is running out,” Roberts said. “But our 50th anniversary means something entirely different to us, something wonderful and new.”
MBTS’ foundation for a strong future is in place at the seminary’s half-century mark, Roberts said.
“We take our stand upon the inerrant Word of God and have put our students under the leadership of a world-class faculty,” he said. “Our institution’s resources have increased, and we are constantly encouraged by Southern Baptists across the country.”
Roberts also noted MBTS’ commitment to support the SBC in advancing God’s Kingdom by training men and women first to be fully committed disciples of Christ.
“We gladly take our stand with Southern Baptists everywhere, taking part in the greatest missionary enterprise in world history,” Roberts said. “What a thrill it is to know that we unite with five other seminaries, two large mission entities and numerous other organizations and state conventions to help carry out the Great Commission in our generation.”
Roberts cited MBTS’ mission statement to biblically educate God-called men and women to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
“That is our mission today, and it has been for 50 years,” he said.
Roberts also mentioned Midwestern’s record-breaking 1,096 student headcount.
A video presentation of pictures from Midwestern’s past and present followed Roberts’ report. The video also featured several students who recounted their experiences at the seminary. Eric Turner of Missouri, for example, voiced appreciation for the faculty who that taught him the Word of God; Amy Gilmore, also of Missouri, said she is confident MBTS’ counseling program is preparing her for both ministry and a professional job; and Nymo Lim of Cambodia took note of the missions emphasis at MBTS toward fulfilling the Great Commission.
At the conclusion of the report, Roberts presented MBTS’ birthday cake to SBC President Frank Page to thank the SBC for its contribution to and support of the work of MBTS.