A summer of prayer by Dr. Nathan Crockett and his discussion with pastors has led to the launch of a five-fold vision for the ministry class.

Crockett was asked by Dr. Sam Horn, vice president for ministerial advancement, to develop a fresh, more intentional vision for the class. The purpose of the new vision is to clarify the previous values and make the students aware of how BJU is developing them for full-time service to God. “We’re trying to equip them with a number of tools to be better prepared,” Crockett said.

The ministry class consists of men whose majors are within the School of Religion, such as Bible and cross-cultural studies. On Mondays and Wednesdays, ministry students of the same classification meet for specific classes related to their ministerial training. On Fridays at 10 a.m., all underclassmen and first- and second-year seminary students meet together in Stratton Hall for a time of singing, inspiration and encouragement. Along with other experienced men in the ministry, speakers include Drs. Steve Pettit, Horn and Crockett.

One of Crockett’s goals for this year is to make all students aware of the Friday ministry class meeting. The class is open to men of all majors who may be interested in full-time Christian ministry or who may want to learn how to use their major as a ministry to others. Students can audit or register for the one-credit class.

Out of the new five-fold vision, shepherding is the main focus Crockett has for the ministry class this year. “We’re trying to bring in a lot of people who have been in ministry and have been pastors and who say, ‘here’s what it’s like out on the frontlines,’” Crockett said. BJU strives to provide students not only with Bible training, but also with the practical skills and tools needed for all aspects of ministry.

All ministry students are involved in an outreach, complete a church internship and create a ministerial portfolio.

“True leadership is service,” Crockett said in sharing his vision for the class. BJU encourages the ministry students to serve everyone they meet.

Luke Hollis, president of the ministry class, has participated in several ministries. Last summer Hollis worked as an intern at Trinity Baptist Church in Concord, New Hampshire. Since his freshman year, he has served at Hope Baptist Church, an inner-city church in Anderson, South Carolina. Hollis has also worked as a teen counselor/team leader at Camp CoBeAc in Prudenville, Michigan.

“Honestly, my heart for the class this year is that they would catch a vision for the Gospel and how it is needed around the world and in our backyard,” Hollis said.

There is an abundance of ministry opportunities in the Greenville area in which the ministry students can participate.

“If you want to join a large church and learn from spiritual giants like music minister Ron Hamilton, pastors Mark Minnick or John Monroe, you can do that. If you want to get plugged in with a jail ministry with a handful of needy teens, you can do that, and everything in between,” Hollis said.

Also, BJU offers its students a strong core in liberal arts. “Paul strove to be all things to all men,” Hollis said.

In addition to the valuable Bible and ministry classes, the ministry students are educated in a wide range of subjects that will help them connect with various people from all different walks of life.

The ministry class at BJU provides its students with a unique educational experience that will strengthen their walk with God and better equip them to serve Him through various ministries.

“If we could do nothing else than to let these guys see the need for and power of the gospel, I think we will have been successful,” Hollis said.