Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020)
Article: Guiding Principles For NOBTS
Author: James Jamie K. Dew, Jr.

JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020) p. 339

Guiding Principles For NOBTS

James (Jamie) K. Dew Jr.

James (Jamie) K. Dew Jr. is president and professor of Christian Philosophy at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

I am deeply grateful for the contributors of this edition of the journal that have reflected upon the wonderful 100 years of history of NOBTS and Leavell College. As we turn now to the next century of ministry, we have given ourselves to a simple mission:

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College prepare servants to walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission.

This mission will set the course for everything we do in the years to come. Every program we offer, every course we teach, every dollar we raise, and every initiative we unfold will come back to this mission. It captures who we have been for the last 100 years, what we are well situated to do now in our present day, and expresses the calling that God has placed upon us. Within this statement are four distinct principles that shape and direct our work.

Servanthood

Quite literally, followers of Jesus go where he goes, do what he does, love what he loves, and are about what he is about. And as we look to Jesus himself, we find our Lord exemplifying servanthood in the way he loved people and showered them with grace. In Mark 10:42–45, for example, the Bible says:

Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For

JBTM 17:2 (Fall 2020) p. 340

even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.1

Jesus further demonstrated this in John 13 when “got up from supper, laid aside his outer clothing, took a towel, and . . . poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet” (vv. 4–5).

In response to Jesus’s example and call on our lives, the people of NOBTS and Leavell College commit ourselves to a life of servanthood. Though imperfect in our execution, we strive to crucify the pride and arrogance that often drives us, and instead follow our Lord in making ourselves low for the benefit of others and the advancement of the kingdom. In whatever tasks God gives us to do, ...