By Kadin Christian
Special to The Alabama Baptist
As we approach the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, there seems to be the usual uptick of debate, negativity and controversy.
Despite the infighting and division, there is no doubt that the Lord is still using the work of the SBC and its entities through the Cooperative Program in mighty ways.
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Instead of debate, I want to offer a word of encouragement. And in the spirit of cooperation, I want to share how I have been shaped personally and professionally by two monumental institutions in our Convention.
I graduated with a master of divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in May. I did not study on campus but opted for online learning instead. I am grateful for the dedication and caliber of my professors and others at SBTS who worked behind the scenes to make my education possible.
Most importantly, I am thankful for my family, friends and colleagues (both current and former) for their immense support.
Unique opportunity
Instead of working for a church during seminary, I had the unique opportunity to spend nearly the entire duration of my studies as part of the team and ministry at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.
Why do I share this? Because my seminary education and ERLC experience are inseparable.
From the very beginning of my education at SBTS, I was surrounded by faithful and exceptional men and women at the ERLC who demonstrated to me what it looks like to apply theological conviction and faith in Jesus to the public square.
Application of studies
In class, when we studied ethics, I saw my colleagues think through moral and ethical issues and advocate policy positions in a way that honored the Lord and upheld His Word.
When we studied Baptist heritage, I saw my colleagues pour their hearts into serving Southern Baptists and carrying on the legacy of our Baptist predecessors.
When we studied counseling, I saw my colleagues approach issues of abortion, immigration, addiction, abuse and more with grace and truth.
When we studied the imago Dei, I saw my colleagues recognize the dignity of vulnerable women targeted by the abortion industry, refugees, people who have bought into the lies of the sexual revolution and many more. They recognized them as image bearers of God.
When we studied personal spiritual disciplines, I saw my colleagues pray for Southern Baptists, elected officials, the marginalized and even for their loudest critics.
When we studied missiology and evangelism, I saw my colleagues boldly share the gospel with members of Congress, police officers, event security, airline passengers and many others.
The list could go on for quite a while.
What have I learned?
I’ve learned that education means more than merely gaining knowledge; it is about being equipped to use the knowledge gained to point people to Jesus.
I consider it a privilege to have been shaped and formed by these two faithful institutions that are committed to Christ and His mission.
What’s next?
I know my education is far from over. It doesn’t end with a diploma — it continues through a lifetime of experiences and relationships.
For now, my plan is to take what I learned at SBTS and ERLC to do what the heart of the SBC is ultimately about: continue serving my faith family at First Baptist Church Opelika and use these experiences to point people to Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Kadin Christian serves as the pastoral care associate at First Baptist Church Opelika, where he focuses on connections and assimilation. He is an Alabama native and holds a degree in finance from Auburn University along with a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He previously served in the office of the president at ERLC.
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