Southern Seminary

"Even as we have a great adversary, we have an even greater advocate." ㅤ In today's chapel, Dr. Michael Pohlman, Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at Southern Seminary, preached from 1 Peter 5:8–9 on the call to stay watchful and resist the devil, our adversary who prowls like a roaring lion. ㅤ We do not fight alone. The Jesus who prayed that Peter's faith would not fail intercedes for His people still, and the battle belongs to the Lord.

Next week, 76 faculty, alumni, and doctoral students from Southern Seminary and Boyce College will be on the program at the 78th annual Evangelical Theological Society meeting in Denver. Across three days, they will present papers, respond, moderate, and join panels in Old and New Testament, church history, theology, ethics, and apologetics. Careful scholarship and Christian conviction, all to strengthen the church. Headed to ETS? Find every Southern presenter, with times and rooms, at sbts.edu/ets. Alumni, students, and friends, join us Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9:15 p.m. in the Parlur at the Sheraton Denver Downtown for Southern Seminary's ETS Late Night, and pick up your 2026 Denver mug.

Last week the Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam welcomed 175 registrants to hear from a Muslim-background Christian. He shared his journey of coming to faith in Christ and the challenges and realities of leaving Islam to follow him. Those who attended grew in their understanding of the spiritual, cultural, and relational challenges that can accompany this journey and were reminded of the hope, grace, and transforming power of the gospel. We pray the Lord would continue to use events like this to equip his people to love their Muslim neighbors, faithfully share the gospel, and point others to the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Worshiping in Alumni Chapel since 1950. ㅤ Built during the presidency of Ellis A. Fuller and modeled after his former church, First Baptist Atlanta, Alumni Chapel has gathered generations of Southern Seminary students to sing, pray, and hear God's Word preached. ㅤ When the cornerstone was laid, a copy of the Abstract of Principles was placed inside, a reminder that this chapel stands on a commitment to the Word of God. Every Tuesday and Thursday, that Word is preached from its pulpit.

“God already saw those things about each and every one of us.” ㅤ In today’s chapel, Dr. TJ Betts, Donald L. Williams Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary, preached from Psalm 139:1–18 on how fully God knows us and the purpose for which He made us. ㅤ Long before an ultrasound could reveal a single detail, God already saw every part of us. He created each of us for His purpose, which means none of us is a mistake.

What is the relationship between biblical counseling and missions? Students and faculty gathered at Missions Matters, hosted by the Bevin Center for Missions Mobilization, to explore that question. Over dinner, faculty members Keith McKinley, Kyle Brosseau, and Robert Jones, along with Jeff Neimeyer, Director of Student Development, discussed counseling and the missionary task and took questions from the room. We are grateful for faculty and staff who prepare students to carry the truth of God’s Word to the nations and to care for those who go.

“Prayerless pastors lead powerless churches.” ㅤ In today’s chapel, Dr. Joseph Harrod, Associate Professor of Biblical Spirituality at Southern Seminary, preached from 2 Corinthians 1:8–11 on Paul’s testimony that the prayers of the Corinthian church helped him in his affliction. ㅤ Our prayers are real ministry. God works through the intercession of ordinary believers, and He calls pastors to lead their people to pray.

“Our faculty hold you to a high standard, but they walk with you as you meet it.” — Dr. Ayman Ibrahim, Director of Doctoral Studies A PhD should be demanding. At Southern Seminary, you’ll know the path from your first seminar to your dissertation defense, and who is guiding you at every stage. Our PhD students complete their degree at more than twice the rate of our peer institutions, and more Southern Seminary PhD graduates teach at ATS-accredited schools than those of any other evangelical institution. The standard is high because the calling is high. Learn more at sbts.edu/phd

Thinking about transferring to Southern Seminary? You don't have to wonder what will happen to the coursework you've already completed. After admission, we'll evaluate your previous classes and let you know which credits transfer. Then, an academic advisor can help you map out the courses you have remaining for your degree. If you're considering making the move to Southern, we're here to help. Learn more: vist.ly/5qz9j

Scripture alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Christ alone. To the glory of God alone. More than five centuries later, these truths still mark faithful gospel ministry. The Reformers called the church back to the Word, and the Word of God remains the foundation of faithful ministry today. Happy Reformation Day!

Scripture alone. Grace alone. Faith alone. Christ alone. To the glory of God alone. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther called the church back to the Word of God. What the Reformers recovered, they confessed in five convictions: Sola Scriptura: Scripture is the final authority over the church, its traditions, and its leaders. (2 Timothy 3:16–17) Sola Gratia: Salvation is God’s undeserved gift, never a wage we earn. (Ephesians 2:8–9) Sola Fide: Sinners are declared righteous through faith in Christ, apart from works of the law. (Romans 1:17) Solus Christus: Christ is the only Mediator between God and man, and his finished work is enough. (1 Timothy 2:5) Soli Deo Gloria: All of salvation, and all of life, exists for the glory of God. (Romans 11:36) More than five centuries later, these truths still mark faithful gospel ministry. The Reformers called the church back to the Word, and the Word of God remains the foundation of faithful ministry today. Happy Reformation Day!

"What's your place in the Great Commission that springs forth from the greatest commission?" ㅤ In today's chapel, Dr. Keith McKinley, Professor of Christian Mission at Southern Seminary, preached from Isaiah 49:1–6 on the Servant's commission to be a light to the nations, so that God's salvation reaches the end of the earth. ㅤ Christ is the Servant who fulfilled that commission, and His mission is the ground of ours. Even when our labor feels in vain, our reward is with the Lord, so we take up His commission and witness to the ends of the earth.

Pastors need to know where they stand on homosexuality and why. Dr. York argues that a pastor’s convictions on homosexuality shouldn’t shift based on personal relationships or circumstances.The goal isn’t simply to take a position, but to faithfully teach what Scripture says and lovingly walk with people who are struggling with sin. 🎧 Listen now

"What's the kudzu in your life?" ㅤ In today's chapel, Dr. Jonathan Pennington, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Southern Seminary, preached from Luke 8:4–21 on the parable of the sower and Jesus' call to take care how we hear. ㅤ Possessions, status, and security can quietly choke out the Word of God in our lives. Jesus' warnings are a means of grace, calling us back to listen and bear fruit, and that is true freedom.