Free Will Baptist laymen find a warm welcome at FWBBC.

equipped to serve

By Thurman Pate

Much has been made over the preparation necessary for pastors and missionaries—how they must study language, theology, doctrine, and evangelism. But what about the training of Free Will Baptist laymen? Is it important for the layman in the local church to be educated in a place like Free Will Baptist Bible College? What difference will it make in their lives and the role they take in their local ministry?

Our churches are often limited in their outreach because leaders, including the pastor, do not have a strong background in the Bible and related ministry areas. While many churches attempt to provide training for teachers and other leaders, the training is often too brief and superficial to make the impact needed.

The FWBBC Difference

The mission of Free Will Baptist Bible College is to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through Biblical thought and life. These leaders include laymen, both men and women. An FWBBC-educated and trained layman is uniquely prepared to make a difference in the local church, business community, home, and denomination. They have been making a difference for more than 65 years and continue to do so.

As is true in the local church, the ministry of music is important at FWBBC. Many students who are not music majors participate in musical groups. Opportunities to develop and use God-given musical talents abound. Participants in chapel and other campus meetings grow closer to God through the music program. These students are better prepared to take leadership roles in music when they return to their home churches.

Every student who attends FWBBC is required to take Bible courses, which helps him or her better understand God’s Word. Through daily chapel they hear godly men and women share not only God’s Word but also God’s work and blessings. Probably as important is the emphasis on the Christian worldview presented in all classes. The teacher candidates learn that the spiritual domain is as vital a part in the development of a person as the intellectual, social, and physical domains. That sets them apart as they teach in Christian schools, public schools, and local churches.

Business students not only learn strong business principles but strong Christian ethics. History majors trace God’s hand through history and are better prepared to understand the blessing and privileges Americans enjoy. English majors study the writings of great men and women, emphasizing the works of Christians. Exercise Science majors center their studies around the body as the temple of God. Science majors see God as the creator and author of the orderliness discovered in our universe.

In all academic programs, the goal is to send men and women to local churches prepared to serve as Sunday School teachers, outreach specialists, Christian education leaders, and camp counselors—men and women who can partner with pastors in critical areas to encourage and help carry the load.

The State University Dilemma

These points make an FWBBC-educated layman different from the student who graduates from Community College or Big State U.  In those settings, the academic emphasis is different. In many cases, professors intentionally separate God from the intellect. Man is made eminent, not God. While some Christians teach in these schools, many teachers are avowed atheists or agnostics. What a price to pay to save a little money or be closer to home!

“While some Christians teach in state and community colleges, many teachers
are avowed atheists or agnostics. What a price to pay to save
a little money or be closer to home!”

And the social emphasis? Which better prepares church workers—frat house parties at Big State U or the prayer groups in the dorms at FWBBC? Friends are made for life at college, and friends who are Christian brothers will stick closer than a frat brother and share in your triumphs and trials.

What does an alumnus of FWBBC know about working in a local church that sets him apart? Is it that he sat alongside pastors and missionaries in theology class? Is it the participation in weekly Christian Service opportunities? Or could it be the Christian fellowship on campus and discussion of the Christian approach to life? Is it possible that attending Free Will Baptist churches away from home helps students understand more about different worship styles? Does the close working relationships that students have with leaders in the Free Will Baptist National Offices create a better understanding of denominational needs and opportunities? The best answer is “All of the Above.”

The Place, The Plan, The Program

FWBBC is the place with the plan and the program designed for Free Will Baptist laymen. FWBBC is a name laymen know they can trust to prepare them for service in the local church. While we do not want to keep them in Nashville when they complete their studies, God may have other plans for them.

Many pastors and missionaries came to FWBBC as laymen and left for full-time ministry instead of going back home. Other than God’s special calling, we urge students to return to their home churches and make a difference. As they pursue their chosen vocations, they will be great assets to the pastor, the church, and especially to God’s kingdom.

About the Writer: Thurman Pate, a member of the FWBBC faculty since 1999, chairs the college’s Teacher Education Department. He is a consultant with the Tennessee Department of Education and served 31 years as a principal and teacher in Nashville area schools. Read more about Free Will Baptist Bible College at www.fwbbc.edu.