Advancing, Not Retreating

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." John 15:16-17

Isn’t it amazing that God uses us to advance his kingdom? Though we are inadequate to the task, we have his promise: he chose us and appointed us to advance his kingdom in ways that will never be wiped away.

We see some of that fruit! Our first Metro Baltimore Seminary students will graduate in January. Six men and women will graduate from the Urban Ministry and Church Planting/Renewal tracks that Pastors Craig and Stan lead.

One of these students, Gerry Sutter, says studying at MBS has been life-changing. “Here I am at the ripe old age of 72, and I have a new vision and increased passion for God.” He also has a greater sense of “the difference between Jesus being important and Jesus being everything.” Gerry is a deacon and children's church teacher at Faith Christian Fellowship.

Another MBS student, Samuel Brunt, introduced fellow students to his church, Trinity Baptist, where Dr. William Calhoun has served for 47 years. Pastor Stan explained the value of this field trip.

"Our urban students need to appreciate the traditional urban church for what it was, what it is, and what is still can be. Students were mesmerized by Dr. Calhoun's wisdom, pastoral heart, theological depth, and commitment to doing justice and proclaiming the gospel in the city."