Samford University’s Ministry Training Institute held its 75th anniversary celebration Dec. 8.
Formed when Samford was known as Howard College, the program was originally called the Howard College Extension Division of Christian Training.
It officially launched Jan. 1, 1947, when Gilbert L. Guffin, then pastor of First Baptist Church Jasper, helped develop the program. Guffin also served as the first director.
While adapting to changes in technology, the mission of the program has remained the same: to equip ministers and lay leaders to live out their calling to serve Jesus Christ and His church.
Kevin Blackwell, MTI director for the past 10 years, said the program is just as needed today as it was when it started.
“In 2022, the church in America is facing a crushing leadership crisis as we look toward the next decade,” Blackwell said. “Pastors are retiring at an alarming rate, while seminaries are graduating fewer students.
“There has never been a more urgent need to call out the called and offer them affordable and accessible educational opportunities. The extension division was born out of the needs of the people, and its purpose remains intact,” he noted.
“The Samford Extension is worthy of being remembered, continued and perpetually celebrated as a divinely inspired education program.”
For more information, call 205-726-4055.
Share with others: