MBTS leaders visit international partners, celebrate faithfulness in Korea
By Michaela Classen, MBTS
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (MBTS) celebrated recent graduates from the Korean Studies doctoral program during a ceremony in Korea on April 28.
MBTS senior vice presidents Jason Duesing and James Kragenbring traveled to Korea to conduct the ceremony and visit with Korean alumni and ministry partners on April 26-30.
“One of the more encouraging aspects of our work at Midwestern Seminary is our many language programs, especially our Korean program,” said President Jason Allen. “Whether on the campus of Midwestern Seminary or in South Korea itself, the Lord is doing a work among the Korean peoples for His glory. I am very thankful that we get to be a part of raising up the next generation of Korean ministers.”
Duesing, who serves as provost and senior vice president of academic administration, noted the importance of international partnerships in the seminary’s mission for the Church. “To assist in the training of church leaders in other nations allows Midwestern Seminary to serve more churches as they carry out the Great Commission among all languages,” he said.
A key church partner in Korea is Global Mission Church, where Duesing and Kragenbring enjoyed fellowship with pastor emeritus Daniel Dongwon Lee during their visit.
A noted evangelist and preacher, Lee is the founding pastor of Global Mission Church and serves as distinguished professor of expository preaching in Korean Studies at Midwestern Seminary. In 2019, he was honored as a Spurgeon Fellow at Midwestern Seminary for his contributions to expository preaching and theological education.
Since its founding in 1994, Global Mission Church has grown to more than 30,000 members, making it one of the largest Baptist churches in the world. Under Lee’s leadership, the church was a leading contributor to Midwestern Seminary’s efforts to construct a new chapel in 2014, which was named in honor of Lee.
Global Mission Church hosted Duesing and Kragenbring for several events during their visit. On Sunday, April 27, Duesing preached to the congregation from Romans 12:1-3. On April 28, the church welcomed Midwestern Seminary graduates and guests for the graduation celebration and an alumni gathering.
Dressed in their regalia, recent Korean doctoral graduates gathered for the ceremony with their families, Korean Studies faculty, and the visiting leaders from Midwestern Seminary including Dean of Asian Studies Sung Jin Park.
Reflecting on the Great Commission contributions of Korean Studies alumni, Park shared, “I am encouraged by how our Korean Studies graduates actively serve the Church through pastoral leadership, local ministry, and global missions.”
He continued, “Their commitment to advancing the gospel, as demonstrated through their involvement with key partner churches and their dedication to ministry, reflects the strong impact of their theological training. Seeing them faithfully live out the Great Commission in diverse contexts, while being sensitive to their cultural heritage, is a powerful testament to their commitment to gospel-centered ministry.”
NOBTS students commissioned, honored during chapel
By Timothy Cockes, NOBTS
NEW ORLEANS — The closing chapels of the spring semester at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) included a time of commissioning for students participating in summer missions work and a time of celebration to note outstanding academic achievement and performance throughout the year.
Commissioning service
NOBTS and Leavell College students participating in summer missions work were recognized and prayed for during chapel on Thursday, May 1.
After a message from Greg Wilton, dean of Leavell College, students who will be participating in any form of mission work (either domestic or international) or camp ministry during the summer were asked to come to the front to be prayed over by faculty members.
Many of these students will be serving with the International Mission Board (IMB) or the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Some students will be serving with these mission entities for an extended period of time beyond the summer months.
Greg Mathias, director of the seminary’s Global Mission Center, spoke to the importance of this mission work for the institution.
“These men and women who have said yes and are going represent who we are as a school,” Mathias said.
“On our very seal we have the Great Commission. We are a Great Commission seminary. As they go forward and serve in their different ministry spots, I would tell them to be bold with the gospel. Don’t ever be shy with the gospel. Also be quick with compassion, meeting needs and serving people. As you do these things, continue to cultivate a deep walk with the Lord Jesus.
“You never go alone. The Lord goes with you, and you have this NOBTS community with you as well. As you all are going, the rest of us are remembering and praying.”
Celebration of excellence
Notable student performance and faculty achievement were honored during the annual Celebration of Excellence service on Tuesday, May 6.
NOBTS President Jamie Dew opened the last chapel of the spring semester by expressing his gratitude for another year of study, service and ministry preparation.
“The posture of our hearts today as we talk about these different awards and recognitions is not to say ‘hey look at what we’ve done or how great we are,’” he said. “Rather, it’s about expressing gratitude to the Lord for what He’s done in and through us. We celebrate the way He has been faithful to us. All of these things are a gift from the Lord.”
Awards were given to NOBTS and Leavell College students for their outstanding performance in the classroom, ministry service and character.
