With Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly approaching, stores are filling with shoppers, neighborhoods are beginning to glow with lights and decorations, and churches are preparing for numerous events that will share the message of Emmanuel, “God with us.”
It really is the most wonderful time of the year.
Here at NOBTS, our students and faculty are preparing for finals and graduation. At the same time, we continue praying and planning for all that God has in store for 2019.
As soon as January, a new generation of students will arrive on campus, following in the footsteps of those who have come before them, alumni like Dr. David Crosby. Currently the pastor emeritus of First Baptist New Orleans, Dr. Crosby came to the seminary as a young pastor with a growing family.
"I had many questions after four years of full-time pastoral ministry. I thought seminary would be the right place to explore those questions and think through a host of practical matters I had confronted as a pastor. Even though we had two little children with another on the way, we were committed to getting the training that we needed.
During seminary, I worked as a reporter for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans. I attended classes in the morning and worked for the city desk in the evening. I covered assignments related to crime, political meetings, and anything else the editor wanted.
Looking back, the ministry hours required by the seminary, along with my experiences as a reporter, uniquely prepared me to serve a church in the Crescent City when returned to New Orleans 16 years after I completed my M.Div.
For me, one of the core values of the seminary, Doctrinal Integrity, means practicing what you preach, matching your words with your actions. This is why First Baptist launched the Care Effect almost 10 years ago, initially sending a dozen teams of lay people to minister to those in need in our community. We knew that doctrinal integrity demanded we incorporate “love of neighbor” into our budget, schedule, and staff assignments, not just into our teaching and preaching.
NOBTS made a huge difference in my life. I am so grateful both for what I learned in the classroom and in the unique mission setting of New Orleans."
—Dr. David Crosby, Pastor Emeritus
First Baptist Church, New Orleans
Dr. Crosby understands the power of Doctrinal Integrity lived out for the world to see. As a member of First Baptist, I can tell you from personal experience, he consistently practices what he preaches. Even in retirement, he continues to be a respected voice in our denomination and model of doctrinal integrity for those he leads and serves.
Today, the gift you provide will open doors for students who are now sitting where Dr. Crosby once sat. Your gift will offer them the chance to make the same kind of Kingdom impact he has made.
So, as you prayerfully consider your end-of-year giving, know that a gift to NOBTS will be an investment that changes the lives our students and the eternities of those they will one day reach.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. We pray you enjoy a very Merry Christmas and experience God’s richest blessings in the year ahead!
Yours & His,
Chuck Kelley
Chancellor
P.S. Every dollar given to the Providence Fund goes into our operating budget, which directly supports our students and faculty. Please consider helping us start 2019 on the right foot by giving today! If you’d like more information, please visit us online at www.NOBTS.edu/development
To learn more about this and other ways you can give, check out the Providence Fund Folder on our website.
Contact us directly at development@nobts.edu or call 800-662-8701 ext. 3252 to speak with Nancy Whatley.