Southern Seminary held its annual Great Commission Week to help students explore their options for missions with SBC entities April 11–14. During the mission-focused week, the Boyce College and SBTS community heard chapel messages, built connections, and attended events emphasizing current and future opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention (KBC), International Mission Board (IMB), and North American Board (NAMB) hosted meals and informative sessions on campus to help students learn how to get involved and serve after graduation.
Paul Akin, Provost at Southern and Professor of Missions said Great Commission Week offers a unique opportunity to help students know their path to the mission field.
“Great Commission week provides our students with opportunities to learn more about pathways to serve with the KBC, the IMB, and NAMB,” Akin said. “It’s a strategic time on our campus as we challenge students to consider the role they will play in the Great Commission.”
Afshin Ziafat, Pastor at Providence Church, spoke at chapel on Tuesday and encouraged students to see the good news of the gospel as the power behind missions.
“The gospel is fuel for radical discipleship and radical mission,” Ziafet said. “Amazing grace in the gospel propels missionaries and church planters to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Other key events included prayer gatherings for various people groups and a unique live recording of Akin’s podcast, Amazon to the Himalayas, in The Bookstore at Southern, with Hershael York, Dean of the School of Theology.
Omar Johnson, Pastor at Temple Hills Baptist Church, spoke at Chapel on Thursday—challenging the SBTS and Boyce College community to lean on God’s power and proclaim Christ.
“Recognize your insufficiencies but don’t let them rule you,” Johnson said. “Go be a life-giving Christian wherever God might call you and trust that the Lord is still working. Rely on him and raise the banner for Jesus. Center your life on speaking Christ and let God show his powerful work through your profound weakness.”
“Great Commission Week was a great success,” said Jacob Percy, VP of Communications. “We look forward to seeing how this week equips the Southern Seminary community to impact the world with the gospel.”