news at free will baptist bible college     Free Will Baptist Bible College in Nashville, TN, has been the official college of the Free Will Baptist Denomination since 1942. To find out more information about the school, visit their website at www.fwbbc.edu.

College Graduates 50 in Commencement Exercises

Free Will Baptist Bible College graduated 50 students from 16 states and Japan in commencement exercises on campus Friday, May 7, according to President Matt Pinson. Students completed degrees in eight programs ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to four-year bachelor’s degrees. Thirty-six percent of the class graduated with honors.

Reverend Will Harmon, senior pastor at Cavanaugh FWB Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, spoke from Acts 2:17, challenging graduates to answer the question, “What Is Your Big Dream?” He urged hearers to move through the necessary stages of life to fulfill their dreams. Harmon is a 1983 graduate of Hillsdale FWB College. A pastor for 26 years, the past 13 years at Cavanaugh Church, he formerly chaired the Hillsdale Board of Trustees, the Arkansas Executive Board, and was vice chairman of the Board at Randall House Publications.

Kentucky pastor Tim Hall, a FWBBC alumnus, delivered a Thursday evening baccalaureate message laced with humor and practical advice. Hall has pastored First FWB Church (Owensboro) 25 years, and served 11 years as moderator of the Kentucky State Association. He also served on two national boards—the General Board and the Board of Retirement.

Barry Raper, program coordinator for Christian Education and Youth Ministries, was named Academic Advisor of the Year. The college commends to you and to the work of the Lord the members of the 2010 graduating class. See a complete list of graduates and their honors at the bottom of this page.

McAfees Return to Free Will Baptist Bible College

Reverend Matthew McAffee and his wife Anna will return to Free Will Baptist Bible College this fall to assume key campus roles in both classroom and campus ministry outreach, according to Provost Greg Ketteman.

McAffee has been on leave of absence pursuing doctoral studies in Ancient Near Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago. He has served as part-time FWBBC faculty since 2003.

Dr. Ketteman said, “It is with great joy that we welcome Matthew McAffee back to FWBBC where he will step into a dual role as instructor with the Biblical and Ministry Studies Department and serve as campus pastor, an area where he excels and where his heart is.”

Mrs. Anna McAffee, a Magna Cum Laude FWBBC Business Administration graduate in 2000, has been named women’s resident director and will provide leadership for young women. The mother of two children is the granddaughter of founding president, Dr. L.C. Johnson, and the daughter of Reverend and Mrs. Terry Beck (Hyde Park Free Will Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia). She holds an MBA degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.

“She’s an answer to prayer,” Dean of Women Susan Forlines said of Anna McAffee’s appointment as women’s resident director. “Mrs. McAffee brings the practical experiences of a pastor’s wife and mother to the position.”

Matthew McAffee is the son of a Canadian pastor. His father, Reverend Oral McAffee, pastors Bristol FWB Church in New Brunswick. Matthew graduated from FWBBC in 1999 with a B.A. degree, completed the M.Div. degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002, completed an M.A. degree in Northwest Semitics at the University of Chicago in 2008, and will complete coursework for his Ph.D. at the University of Chicago this spring. He served four years as interim pastor at Free Will Baptist churches in New Brunswick and Tennessee, and senior pastor at a Tennessee church. While in Chicago, he has served with Pastor David Potete at Northwest FWB Church.

President Matt Pinson expressed appreciation for the McAffee’s timely return to the college: “This couple represents the finest in scholarship and commitment to Christian ministry, an appreciation for the long-held academic and spiritual values at FWBBC, and personal holiness that is lived out in the home and community.

150 High School Students Attend Spring Welcome Days

One hundred ten prospective students from 12 states rallied on campus April 1-3 for three days of activities, seminars, and special events during Free Will Baptist Bible College’s spring Welcome Days, according to Jeff Caudill, director of enrollment services. With accompanying parents and sponsors, the campus guests numbered more than 150. The group included 29 high school seniors, 31 juniors, 40 sophomores, five freshmen, and five recent graduates.

“It is exciting to have all the guest students on campus,” Mr. Caudill said. “They bring such energy and enthusiasm. My hope is that while they were here their hearts were open to God’s leading in choosing a college to attend.”

The students who visited the campus attended classes and chapel, interacted with current students, enjoyed the Music of FWBBC and a Film Festival Thursday evening, and participated in a Friday afternoon campus-wide Egg Hunt. A financial aid seminar for sponsors and parents answered questions about tuition, financial aid options, and scholarship availability. President Matt Pinson hosted a Friday reception for high school seniors, recent graduates, parents, and sponsors on campus in Thigpen Theater.

Visiting student Kelsi Caudill (Cofer’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Nashville) said, “I’ve been to lots of Welcome Days, and this was the best one yet!”

One group of 10 students from Wise County Christian School (Virginia) not only attended Welcome Days but spent the entire week in Nashville doing service projects with Second Harvest Food Bank, Nashville Rescue Mission, and a half-day at FWBBC washing windows, cutting brush, and more. Trip Coordinator Rachel Jenkins described their ministry in a large city as an “an eye-opening ”

The college will sponsor three Senior Days during the 2010-2011 academic year (November 4-6, 2010; January 20-22, 2011; February 10-12, 2011), and Welcome Days in both fall and spring (November 18-20, 2010; March 31-April 2, 2011).

Rusty Campbell Named Enrollment Services Director

Russell D. (Rusty) Campbell, Jr., a member of Free Will Baptist Bible College’s Business faculty since 2000, has been named director of enrollment services, according to David Williford, vice president for institutional advancement. Campbell currently teaches Instructional Technology and Microcomputer Applications, and serves as director of Adult Studies for the college.

“He is a perfect fit for this important role that impacts so many current students and prospective students,” Williford said. “He understands the academic issues and the financial stress that confront students and their families as they try to balance dreams and reality. Like many of our faculty and staff, Rusty brings energy and a warm smile to the position. He has a proven track record of leadership and innovation—that’s a winning combination in today’s economy.”

Mr. Campbell began his new responsibilities in May, overseeing both the Enrollment Management Team (EMT) and the Financial Aid Office. He brings 15 years of educational experience to the position as both a classroom instructor and architect of the college’s Online and Lifetime Learning programs. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Austin Peay State University and has done additional graduate studies at the University of Nebraska and Tennessee State University.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Campbell has been a referee for collegiate, high school, and middle school basketball games. He also coached the FWBBC Flames men’s basketball team in 2006-2007.

He and his wife Beth (a 1992 FWBBC graduate) have been married 15 years and have one child (Barrett, age 4). They attend Bethel FWB Church near Ashland City where Beth teaches children’s church and Rusty teaches an adult Sunday School class.

“We’re delighted that Mr. Campbell is willing to make this important career shift,” President Matt Pinson said. “He is adaptable and flexible, and those qualities will help us in these transition weeks. In addition, he is one of those right-now professionals who combines cutting edge technology with solid management and team building skills. His creative success in building the online program at FWBBC evidences the quality of leadership he brings to this new role.”

Students Elect 2010-2011 Officers

Five undergraduate students at Free Will Baptist Bible College were elected by their peers to serve as 2010-2011 student body officers.

Steven Reeder, junior Missions major from Doe Run, Missouri, was elected president. The vice president is junior Thad Douglas, an Education/History major from Macon, Georgia. Faith Kyburz, a junior Education/Child Development and Learning major from DeSoto, Missouri, will serve as secretary-treasurer.

Sophomore David Landers, a Pastoral Ministry major from Batesville, Arkansas, was elected chaplain and will provide spiritual leadership for the student body. Sophomore Education/Music major Beth Brown from Ashland, Kentucky, will serve as worship leader.

Bible Conference/Forum10 Stirs Campus

The March 7-10 Bible Conference/FORUM10 at Free Will Baptist Bible College delivered on its promise to confront cultural issues of the day in a biblical context and provide practical solutions for pastors and youth ministers to take back to their local communities, according to President Matt Pinson.

More than 500 people participated in the fast-paced, four-day event that featured specialized morning and afternoon workshops focused on why young people are—and are not—leaving the church and how to engage postmodern culture with the gospel.

Dr. Pinson said, “We were delighted with the positive response to the 2010 conference. We tried something different this year—grappling with the nation’s postmodern culture, and bringing specialists to campus who have discovered how to deliver a clear Christian message in a compelling way in today’s crowded marketplace of ideas. It worked! The energy and excitement throughout the conference confirmed that this unique group of speakers connected with our students and guests on issues that matter.”

Washington, D.C., pastor and author Mark Dever headlined the conference, speaking four times on reaching people with the gospel in a postmodern culture and twice on experiencing church growth through church health. Youth ministry specialist Joey Stewart addressed conferees three times, challenging pastors and youth workers to view the family as the best small group and to embrace new family-based paradigms in youth ministry. Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay resources, rolled out three hard-hitting presentations on why young people are and are not leaving the church and solutions to the problem.

Russellville, Arkansas, youth pastor Allen Pointer grabbed the attention of church leaders and students as he led one FORUM10 plenary session and two culture-confrontational workshops on sexual purity and moral formation in adolescents. Free Will Baptist home missionary Brian Williams (Buffalo, New York) delivered five stirring messages—three expository sermons from the epistle of Jude on “Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures” and workshops on the abiding relevance of expository preaching and parental engagement in student ministry.

Eight FWBBC faculty members delivered 10 additional workshops ranging from “A Christian View of Entertainment” by English professor Darrell Holley to “Developing Counseling Skills for Church Workers” by Psychology program coordinator Jacqueline Rasar to “Reading and Engaging Youth Culture” by Christian Education and Youth Ministry program coordinator Barry Raper to “Are We Preaching the Gospel?” by professor emeritus Leroy Forlines, and others.

The conference featured performances by the College Choir and small groups Rejoice and New Mercy. A special Wednesday morning Alumni Service with speakers Jimmy Aldridge, Michael Locklear, and Shiloh Hackett honored the classes of 1960 (50 years), 1985 (25 years), and 2000 (10 years). Later that day, the Alumni Luncheon filled the college’s Cumberland Cafeteria with smiling, laughing alumni who enjoyed the warm fellowship and the complimentary luncheon.

Check the college’s website (www.fwbbc.edu) from time to time for upcoming information on next year’s conference scheduled March 6-9, 2011.

2010 Graduates With Majors and Honors

All students at Free Will Baptist Bible College major in Biblical Studies in addition to other majors, minors, or ministry emphases listed

Associate of Science in Biology Degree

Rachel Elizabeth Brown
Dearborn Heights, Michigan

Associate of Science in Business Degrees

Daniel Lee Culwell
Rose Bud, Arkansas

Courtney Lee Edwards
Turbeville, South Carolina

Matthew John Riley
Chicago, Illinois

Bradley Wayne Weeks
Nashville, Tennessee

Associate of Science in Early Childhood Degree

Cassondra Elycia Gardner
St. Robert, Missouri

Associate of Science in Ministry Degree

Christy L. Carnathan
Tupelo, Mississippi

Associate of Arts Degree

Alice Marie Caudill
Pierceton, Indiana

Associate of Christian Ministries Degrees

Jason Eugene McMillion
Aberdeen, Maryland

Lydia Renea Provow
Ashland City, Tennessee

Bachelor of Science Degrees

Kristen Edwards Barrineau ***
Turbeville, South Carolina
Psychology

Kristyn Malloy Baumann ***
Marietta, Georgia
Psychology

Joshua Patrick Burba ***
Nashville, Tennessee
Christian Education

Daniel Reed Busbee
Hawkinsville, Georgia
Business Administration

Allison Brooke Caudill
Paintsville, Kentucky
History
Licensure 7-12;
Elementary Licensure K-6

Kathryn Lynn Cobb
Columbus, Indiana
Business Administration
Missions Emphasis

Rachel Elisabeth Collins **
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6

Allison Carlisle Cox
Beaufort, North Carolina
Psychology

Joshua Allen Crozier
Lancing, Tennessee
Pastoral Training

Megan Ellen Crozier**
Lancing, Tennessee
Early Childhood
Licensure PreK-3

Randi Maria Davis
Florence, Alabama
Early Childhood
Licensure PreK-3

Christopher Dallas Dobbs
Johnston City, Illinois
Business Administration

Eric Michael Drake*
Cedar Hill, Tennessee
General Christian Ministries

Mary Kathryn Driggers ***
Turbeville, South Carolina
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6

Debra Sue Elliott
Erin, Tennessee
Business Administration
Leadership Emphasis

Tricia Levon Enger
Pace, Florida
Business Administration

Ryan Andrew Gabriel Gibbs
Nashville, Tennessee
Business Administration

David Allen Gibson
Florence, South Carolina
Business Administration
Missions Emphasis

Valerie Nicole Gibson
Sesser, Illinois
Business Administration

Paul Douglas Gillikin **
Harkers Island, North Carolina
Pastoral Training

Miranda Faith Higgins **
Cookeville, Tennessee
Psychology

Samuel Dean Horne, Jr.
Anderson, South Carolina
General Christian Ministries

Kevin Ilagan Hulguin ***
Norfolk, Virginia
Child Development and Learning

Brett Daniel Inman ***
Lebanon, Missouri
English
Licensure 7-12

Michael Christopher Kernodle
Newport News, Virginia
Pastoral Training

John Henry Landing*
Dearborn Heights, Michigan
Pastoral Training

Jared Austin Owen
Chipley, Florida
Physical Education
Licensure K-12

John Wesley Owen
Chipley, Florida
Exercise Science

Bethany Scott Owens
Garner, North Carolina
Early Childhood
Licensure PreK-3

Elizabeth Ann Pool **
Aulander, North Carolina
Psychology

Jennifer LeAnn Potts
Blytheville, Arkansas
Child Development and Learning
Licensure K-6

Leah Katherine McDonald Speer***
Tokyo, Japan
Music/Performance

William Travis Stewart *
Iola, Texas
Christian Education

Melinda Paige Williams ***
Florence, South Carolina
Psychology

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Matthew Bryan Deckard*
Thayer, Missouri
English

Mahalie Lynn Garrison
Florence, South Carolina
Biblical and Ministry Studies
Missions

Monicabeth L. Horne
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Biblical and Ministry Studies
Missions

Jacqueline Nicole Kennedy
Nashville, Tennessee
Biblical and Ministry Studies
Missions

Jesse Franklin Owens *
Franklin, Tennessee
Biblical and Ministry Studies
Pastoral Training

Katie Nicole Peterson
McDavid, Florida
English

*** Summa cum laude
** Magna cum laude
* Cum laude