Tribune Articles

As President of Baptist Bible College, I enjoy being an advocate of education.  I believe that every individual who chooses to stretch his capacity through more education will improve himself and be better prepared to serve the Lord.  But I am especially thankful for the privilege of leading an institution of higher learning where the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ is a priority. While some may say that through education we can improve the world, I understand that believers can do even more by strengthening themselves through an increased education:  in today’s complex world, a conservative Christian education opens many opportunities to proclaim the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Graduates of other institutions may enhance their ability to make a large income.  You may see their books in the bookstore, their names in the paper or their pictures on the Sports page.  To some extent I guess that is good:  many college graduates certainly go on to make their world a better place.  However, Baptist Bible College is an institution of higher learning where education gained will most likely not lead to higher income or the world’s acclaim.  In fact, worldly acclamation may be the least thing I desire for our graduates.  While the impact that our students make may never be felt on Wall Street, these young men and women will leave their greatest impact on heaven’s streets.

This summer, students at BBC are doing what they do best -  leading others to follow Christ.  Today’s technology makes it possible for me to hear from our traveling teams on a daily basis.  I use our communication to mentor our young students and, to the best of my ability, let them see my love for them and for Christian service.  I love to listen to their goals and dreams.  It is not unusual during the day to receive a text message from one of our students telling me of something funny that happened or to relate an opportunity that they received.  Most importantly, I have been deeply moved to hear their accounts of leading others to Christ.  One of our Rec Teams recently reported 19 saved in a camp in Ohio, and our band recently reported 8 saved in Tennessee.  At BBC, our desire is to give our students the highest in academic standards that will lead to a depth of maturity in Christ and a conservative biblical worldview.  But the message doesn’t stop there:  the knowledge and maturity must lead to a passion in every student’s heart to live and proclaim the gospel in their place of influence.

We have seen many improvements at our college over the past three years.  Our buildings and grounds are taking on a look that is refreshing.  Because of the disciplined work of Dr. Greg Christopher and our fine faculty we are seeing a strong improvement in our academics.  And through the work of our Campus Pastor and Deans, student enthusiasm for the things of the Lord and for the college continues to show dramatic improvement.  There are many things for which we could glory on our campus, but one takes precedence over everything else:  when one of our students, faculty or staff has the opportunity to lead another to faith in Christ it brings great joy to the heart of the Savior.

Luke 15 relates the parable of the lost coin that Jesus told to emphasize the importance of reaching one lost person.  At the end of the parable He said, “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10).  As President of Baptist Bible College, I will always be an advocate for a strong academic program and facilities for which we can be proud.  But my priority will always be training and modeling our Savior’s heart for the lost to our students.  I hope you will join me in praying for our students this summer as they witness for Christ.

Jim Edge,
President