For Nick Abraham, a pastor, scholar, and soon-to-be Southern PhD graduate, the past decade has been nothing short of transformative. Reflecting on his journey, he described his time at Southern Seminary as a life-changing season of spiritual growth, intellectual formation, and heartfelt community.
“It all began more than ten years ago when I first stepped onto the Seminary Lawn,” Abraham said. “I decided to leave behind a career as an analyst for a Fortune 500 company because my heart was set on ministry, and I had familiarized myself with the faculty at Southern Seminary.”
Abraham couldn’t have anticipated how Southern Seminary would shape him into the pastor and man he is today.
Discovering Baptist Identity
“I came to Southern not even sure if I could call myself a Baptist,” Abraham admitted. “I attended a Baptist school before, but I used to tell my pastor, ‘I attend a Baptist school, but I’m no Baptist.'”
Abraham’s perspective changed, however, as he delved into the Baptist heritage at Southern Seminary.
“Southern helped me see what it truly means to be a Baptist,” he said. “I discovered godly, gracious brothers and sisters who embraced their identity with joy, and soon, I found myself no longer an outsider but part of the family.”
This newfound understanding of Baptist theology and community left a lasting impression.
“Southern helped me understand who I am in Christ and in his church,” Abraham said. “Now I know who I am.”
Convictions and Clarity
One of the most significant aspects of Abraham’s journey at Southern was the development of his theological convictions.
“Looking back, I didn’t have many convictions before Southern,” he said. “The seminary helped me articulate what I believe about Christ, the church, and the Christian life.”
These convictions proved invaluable as he stepped into pastoral ministry and church planting.
“Southern taught me to care deeply about what the Lord reveals in his Word. That clarity has shaped everything—from my personal walk with Jesus to how I lead as a pastor.”
Faculty Who Care
Beyond academic formation, the care and mentorship Abraham received from the faculty stood out most during his time at Southern Seminary.
“The professors didn’t just teach me; they cared for me,” Abraham said. “They prayed with me and for me during some of the hardest seasons of my life, like when my wife and I lost our son. They were there to offer wisdom, encouragement, and even share meals with me (thank you, Dr. Haykin!).”
He expressed particular gratitude to the Center for Biblical Living and its faculty, who went above and beyond to support his family.
“They were an answer to prayer during some of our toughest moments,” Abraham said.
A Second Home
Southern Seminary became more than just a seminary for the Abraham family—it was a second home. His daughter grew up visiting “daddy’s school” and running around the campus. For him and his wife, the Seminary Lawn became a sacred space for spiritual retreat, prayer, and reflection.
These moments were often accompanied by coffee from Quills and BBQ from local favorite Momma’s.
“We’ll treasure those memories and the life we enjoyed here,” Abraham said.
Lasting Friendships
The friendships Abraham formed during his time at Southern Seminary are among the greatest blessings of his journey.
“I pray these relationships I’ve formed will mirror the enduring bond between 18th-century Baptist leaders Andrew Fuller and John Sutcliff, whose friendship was marked by mutual encouragement in ministry,”
A Heart of Gratitude
Looking back on this decade-long journey, one theme that resonates with Abraham above all is gratitude.
“Preaching through Colossians recently, I have been struck by Paul’s repeated calls to give thanks,” Abraham said. “I am so thankful to our Lord for all he has done through Southern Seminary. Thank you, Dr. Mohler, for your leadership. Thank you to all the staff who work behind the scenes to keep things running and serve us students. Thank you, fellow students and families, for making Southern a warm, welcoming place. Thank you, friends, for being with me on this journey. Thank you, Southern Seminary”
To God be the glory!