LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The fall 2025 convocation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College marked the beginning of a new academic term, celebrating the new while grounding all the work of the seminary and college in the unchanging Christian faith. 

President R. Albert Mohler Jr. emphasized, “This is not an exercise in self-congratulation. … It is an exercise in our remembering this task of learning is worthy of disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Convocation at Southern Seminary is not merely an academic formality but a moment of sacred significance, marking the continuation of a shared mission. The ceremony serves as a consecration of the upcoming semester to the Lord, connecting the institution’s work to the eternal purposes of God and the faithful training of those who will serve Christ’s church.

Mohler’s convocation address was delivered with compelling urgency as he set the tone for the new term, emphasizing the crucial distinction between hearing and doing God’s Word. Speaking to the assembled faculty, students and trustees, Mohler said, “This isn’t about just some kind of mind game. It’s not just some kind of esoteric truth quest. It is disciples, rightly understood, learning faithfully in order to live more faithfully.” He continued, “The intention and the mission, the stewardship of this school is not merely to produce people who know, but men and women who do.”

Preaching from Luke 6:46-49, Mohler delivered a sobering warning about the foundations upon which we build our lives and institutions. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the two builders, he emphasized that true discipleship requires not just hearing Christ’s words but obeying them. 

“Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and not do what I tell you?” Mohler asked, echoing Jesus’ penetrating question. “Those who truly confess Jesus Christ as Lord are distinguished by the fact that we do what He says. It is a fairly simple formula.” 

During the service, four Southern Seminary and Boyce College professors signed the Abstract of Principles, the seminary’s founding confession of faith: Alisha Biler, associate professor of English and linguistics; Barry Gibson, associate professor of teacher education; Jason Leverett, associate professor of communication; and J. Keith McKinley, associate professor of Christian missions; becoming signers 285, 286, 287 and 288 respectively.

By signing the Abstract of Principles, professors pledge to teach its doctrines “without hesitation, mental reservation, or any private arrangement” with the seminary leadership. While all faculty members sign the abstract before they begin teaching, those elected by the board of trustees sign the original document with ink and quill, symbolizing their full commitment to this foundational confession.

Also during the service, Mohler introduced five new faculty members: Kyle Brosseau, assistant professor of Christian missions and world religions; David Haines, associate professor of philosophy; J. Ryan Lister, professor of Christian theology and dean of students, Boyce College; Oren Martin, associate professor of Christian theology; and Juan Carlos Martinez, associate professor of leadership and discipleship.

The opening convocation was also the occasion for the seminary to welcome four new members of its trustee board: Mitch Evans of Lowell, N.C.; David L. Goza of Baton Rouge, La.; Mark S. Medlin of Kevil, Ky.; and Paul R. Roberts of Tupelo, Miss.

Concluding the convocation service and sending faculty and students to their work for the semester, Mohler charged, “May we never forget that we are not the rock. May we never forget that Boyce College and Southern Seminary are not the rock. May we never deceive ourselves into thinking our ministry or our work for Christ is the rock. There is only one foundation that is laid, and that is Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

He added with striking urgency, “We have no ability to withstand the raging waters of the flood. We are the essence of shifting sand, but Christ is the rock and Christ is mighty and Jesus saves.”

The full convocation service can be watched here.