Are you a new student wondering what to bring or when to arrive, or do you have other questions about the beginning of the year? Perhaps you’re a returning student and have some of the same questions. Check below for the information you need:

• Download the entire new student information packet.
• Download just the opening week schedule.
• Download just the financial information.

Did you miss this year’s Commencement Exercises? Wish you could have seen a friend or loved one graduate? You can purchase a DVD here.

Each summer, ABC sends two Evangelistic Teams across the country, presenting an evening of special music and preaching. Learn more here.

One of the greatest ways you can help students who are training for the ministry is by participating in the 2012 Graduation Offering. This year, our students are able to enjoy quality ministry training for the same tuition rate as the previous year because churches and individuals gave more than $100,000 in the 2011 Graduation Offering. The expenses of education continue to rise. Christian colleges are raising their tuition rates, and more students are graduating with thousands of dollars of debt, preventing them from immediately entering the ministry. To date, churches and individuals have contributed or pledged $96,818. If you have not yet been able to give, will you pray about lightening the load for our students who have given their lives for the Lord’s work? Please pray that God will provide $150,000 for the 2012 Graduation Offering by May 31, 2012.

If you would like to donate to the Graduation Offering via our secure site, click on the button below. If you have any questions, please email ude.srodassabma@eciffoecnanif.

Commencement Exercises will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012, at 7:00 PM. If you are unable to attend, you may watch the livestream online.

For those unable to watch or attend in person, a DVD will be available in our online bookstore by the end of May.

Sign up to be notified when the video is ready

The last week of school is a busy time on campus. For students, final exams are in full swing from Monday through Thursday.

Monday and Tuesday

The 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year class reunions will be held on Tuesday, May 1^st; almuni Rob Thornton and Shannon Munday will be preaching in chapel on Monday and Tuesday, and other alumni will be providing special music. On Tuesday evening, dinner will be provided for alumni and their families, and Dr. Childs and Dr. Comfort will speak.

Thursday

On Thursday afternoon at 2:30 PM, our annual Student Preaching Chapel will be held in the auditorium. Three senior students are given the opportunity to preach during this special afternoon chapel. This year’s preachers are Thomas Engle, Chris Bickish, and Doug Potgeter.

The Commencement Concert on Thursday evening at 7:00 PM will feature a variety of students and college groups and is sure to be a blessing.

Friday

Commencement Day begins with Baccalaureate Chapel at 10:00 AM, followed by graduation rehearsal and pictures.

Commencement begins at 7:00 PM Friday, and admission is by ticket only—more information about Commencement is available here.

Alumni from the classes of 1992, 2002, and 2007: please plan to attend the Alumni Reunions held on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, on the ABC campus.

On Tuesday evening, May 1^st, dinner will be provided for alumni and their families from the above classes.

Rob Thornton and Shannon Munday will be preaching in chapel on Monday and Tuesday, April 30^th and May 1^st, and other alumni will be providing special music in chapel on those two days.

If you are planning to come, please RSVP to ude.srodassabma@regnisiugk or call the college office at 704-434-0303 to help us prepare for the evening.

Dr. Comfort’s book Last Things is now available on the Apple iBookstore. The Kindle version is also available on Amazon.

This Saturday, we are honoring the class of 2012. The annual graduates’ banquet will be held at 5:00 PM and consists of a delicious meal followed by a special service including music by graduating seniors, special awards, and a challenge to the graduates.

Each married student’s wife will receive the Ph.T. award (Putting Hubby Through), recognizing her commitment and dedication to help her husband train for the ministry.

Zacatecas, Mexico

Missouri met Mexico when Naomi Deatrick met Matt Shields at Ambassador Baptist College. She was a pastor’s daughter, and he was a missionary’s son. They were married on May 5, 2002. Together, they have served the Lord for many years in central Mexico in a church-planting missionary ministry.

Matt first went to Mexico as a five-month-old baby. He accepted the Lord as Savior when he was seven years old, and he was called to missions at age sixteen. It is a great advantage in his present ministry to have been raised in Mexico, as he is completely at home in both English and Mexican culture and language. Naomi is likewise at home in both.

The Shields first worked along with Matt’s parents, Rick and Robin Shields, where Matt pastored a new church—Mount Calvary Baptist Church—and taught in the Bible Institute and Christian Academy. Four years ago, they launched their own ministry in Zacatecas, Mexico, a largely unevangelized twin city with Guadalupe. Never afraid of hard work and challenges, Matt and Naomi have been used of God to plant three churches in just a few years. Their first church, Victory Baptist Church in Guadalupe, was just organized with twenty adults and five minors signing the constitution and covenant in a special chartering service. The second church is in Luis Moya. The third church in Ojo Calente was officially started on August 31, 2010. Already, initial contacts have been made for yet another plant in Loreto, a city of 50,000 known for its mafia and drug cartel activity.

As can be seen from the above, the Shields are busy people. In addition to all the evangelism and discipling that these church planting efforts entail, Matt is often a speaker at camps, mission conferences, family conferences, youth rallies, and Bible Institute activities. They oversee a Video Bible Institute program in which thirty-five students are enrolled and which occasionally hosts co-laborers from the USA and Mexico.

And then there are the children—Caleb, Tirsa, Selah, Enoch, Judah, and one on the way—ranging in age from nine to two. Home and education occupy much of Naomi’s energies.

Yes, the Shields are busy people, but they are also happy people as God continues to honor their labors, give help, and bless with much fruit. When Missouri met Mexico, it was definitely a match made in Heaven.

The college family is preparing for a Day of Prayer and Fasting on Tuesday, April 10^th. The theme verse for the day is Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:”

During this day, our students, faculty, and staff members will join together to ask the Lord for specific requests and seek His direction as we strive to train and minister for His honor and glory. Those who are willing and able are encouraged to fast on this day as well, but participation is voluntary, and meals will be made available for all who need or want them.

Teachers with flexibility in their curriculum schedule will be able to lead their classes in special times of prayer, and designated locations on campus will be open all day for private and corporate prayer.

We invite our friends and extended college family to join us in a day of prayer wherever you may be as you are able. We appreciate your prayers and support for Ambassador Baptist College.

On Friday night, March 23^rd, Dr. Alton Beal announced some upcoming staff changes for the 2012–13 school year. Mr. Matthew Hanke will move from the Dean of Men position to become the new Registrar of ABC. As Registrar, he will focus on helping the Academic Dean by supervising the registration and application process. He will also assist students who are transferring from other institutions. Dr. Charles Surrett will continue serving as the Academic Dean and will focus on leading the college faculty. Miss Dana Robinett will serve as Records Secretary and assist Dr. Surrett and Mr. Hanke as needed. She will also continue teaching all of the secretarial and computer classes.

Evangelist David Cajiuat will begin serving as the Dean of Men on August 1^st. His extensive experience with youth ministry coupled with his experience in itinerant evangelism will be of much value as he serves in the Dean of Students Office. He will continue traveling in evangelistic meetings on a limited basis and preaching in youth rallies and camps.

We are very grateful for these special servants of the Lord and are excited to see how God is going to use them.

The Kennedy Library is getting an upgrade! Last week, several volunteers spent a number of hours building new shelving for the library.

Kenneth Mayo and Ray Puckett from Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, VA, came to ABC for the entire week to build the new shelves. Barry Northcutt from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, NC, also spent several days helping. The Lord provided the building materials at cost.

These new shelves are a much needed upgrade to the library. Over the past few years, many pastors, missionaries, and individuals have donated a large number of volumes to the college library. These new shelves will increase our shelving capacity by 33%, providing room to shelve donated and recently-acquired volumes, and allow us to give our students greater access to a broader range of solid materials.

The goal is to complete assembly and staining within the next few weeks and install the new shelves in early summer. We sincerely appreciate the work of these volunteers serving the Lord and helping ABC.

Our annual Bible Conference is being held this week. Watch on live streaming at 8:45 AM and 7:00 PM, or listen to past sermons online.

Ambassador is now on Google+! Add us to your circles for regular updates, including chapel sermons, news items, campus life photos, and more! You can find us here.

Join Ambassador Baptist College and Shalom Ministries for the journey of a lifetime to Israel! From May 20–June 1, 2013, explore the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Jerusalem, and much, much more! Read more here.

Did you know that the Bible teaches that God has given gifts to the church? Though not wrapped with paper and tied with ribbons, these gifts are essential to the ministry of the local church. Read more about the gift of the evangelist.

Would you like to learn what ABC is all about? On Friday, February 17, Dr. Alton Beal preached a message titled “Building the Walls of Ambassador.” This message covered some of the main distinctives of Ambassador and the reasons behind them:

• What is the philosophy of discipline in the Dean of Students Office?
• How are the faculty taught to treat and nurture students?
• Why does the college use conservative Christian music?
• What does ABC do about a church for their students?
• Why does the college exclusively use the King James Version of the Bible?
• Why won’t the college let a recent college graduate teach in the classroom?

These questions and many more were answered to give you some unique insight into ABC. Check our sermons page to listen to the message!

You’ve probably never been to a camp quite like Camp Barnabas! Instead of focusing on soccer, basketball, or volleyball, Camp Barnabas is geared towards mentoring young people who are considering serving the Lord in full-time ministry.

Read more on our Camp page.

On Saturday, February 11, at 6:30 PM, Dr. Ron White, a veteran missionary and accomplished pianist, will be performing classical and sacred pieces in the Torrey Auditorium for the annual Valentine’s Day concert. If you are in the area, come join us!

If you have a Kindle reading device* and an Amazon Prime account, you can borrow Dr. Ron Comfort’s latest book, Last Things, for free! Check it out on Amazon.com. Not only is borrowing the book free for you, but it helps ABC as well!

Read more about his book here.

* An actual Kindle device is required; Kindle apps are not supported.↩

The spring semester began with Opening Revival with Evangelists Jerry Sivnksty, who preached in the morning, and Paul Schwanke, who preached each evening. God used these men to preach messages on God’s provision, God’s standards, making decisions, and God’s will, as well as several other messages that challenged all to be strong testimonies for God to bring others to Christ. Not only did the faculty, staff, and student body hear these messages, but 329 people tuned in to the live-streaming! What a tool the Lord has allowed us to use so that others may hear great preaching around the world!

One of the priceless periods of Baptist history is the 16^th century. The transition from the Middle Ages into the modern times produced many Baptist heroes that are unrivaled for their commitment to Christ and the Bible. Balthasar Hübmaier (1481–1528) stands tall among them, and his life warrants our study and gratitude. It is believed that he grew up as the son of a poor tenant farmer but still acquired a theological education in the Roman Catholic University of Ingolstadt, Germany. In 1511, he was awarded a Master’s degree, and the very next year, a Doctorate in Theology. No wonder that he became a rising star of the Roman Catholic Church.

For a reprieve from the busyness of the large city pastorate of Regensburg, Germany, he took a leave of absence to pastor in the small town of Waldshut on the Rhine in 1520. The move to seclusion proved to be providential. In quietness, he began to study the Pauline epistles, and by 1522, realized that salvation was by grace through faith. As he continued drinking deeply of the Scriptures, his preaching came into increased conflict with the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the Protestant Reformers, chiefest of whom was the famed Ulrich Zwingli. By 1525, Hübmaier publicly broke with the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Reformation and became a Baptist in conviction and practice. As a result, he was imprisoned and persecuted by Zwingli but eventually released into exile in Nicholsburg, Moravia, in 1526.

During eighteen months in Nicholsburg, God’s blessings were poured out on Hübmaier’s labors, and literally thousands of souls trusted Christ as Savior through his evangelistic endeavors. Under intense political pressure, Hübmaier’s protector, Baron von Lichtenstein, was forced to turn the preacher over to the Roman Catholic Church in the summer of 1527. After inquisition, Hubmaier was condemned and burned at the stake in Vienna, Austria, on March 10, 1528. The watchword of Hübmaier’s life was “Truth is Immortal.” Though his life ended in its 48^th year, the eternal Truth which he loved so dearly lives on forever and demands our love and devotion as well!

Open Hands: A Memorial Book of Anita T. Childs’ Poetry is now available! This songbook of both choral and small group arrangements contains poetry written by Mrs. Anita Childs set to music by Dr. Don Scovill and others. Order your copy today!

Are you a new student wondering what to bring or when to arrive, or do you have other questions about the beginning of the year? Perhaps you’re a returning student and have some of the same questions. Check below for the information you need:

• Download the entire new student information packet.
• Download just the opening week schedule.
• Download just the financial information.

During the first week of January, Dr. Alton Beal, Dr. Joel Spencer, and Pastor Norman Johnston will be teaching a module on Ministry Philosophy and Ethics. This course will provide practical training in the areas of interpersonal and inter-ministry relationships, with specialized emphases for the specific ministries of pastors, missionaries, and evangelists. The class begins at 1:00 PM on Monday, January 2, 2012, and ends at noon on Friday, January 6.

The Master of Ministries program is a series of block classes, designed primarily for pastors and other full-time Christian workers who wish to get more training but cannot leave their ministries for extended periods of time. Learn more about the Master of Ministries program.

Dear Friend:

Some of the most important buildings on the campus of Ambassador Baptist College are the dormitories and the library. Each dormitory serves as a home away from home where students can relax, catch a nap, or spend time with their roommates. Many students use the college library to do research for projects and papers, study for exams and quizzes, and prepare for sermons or Sunday School lessons. We need your help to provide quality facilities and services for our students who are preparing for the ministry.

The Jeanne LeForce dormitory has housed many young ladies over the past ten years. To continue the warm, comfortable environment it has provided through the years, there is a need to replace the carpet and to repaint the interior walls of the dormitory. These improvements will need to be made before the 2012–13 school year begins.

The Kennedy Library houses thousands of books and periodicals for our students to use as they study for the ministry. In recent months, a number of books have been donated to the library. However, there is a need for more shelving so these books can be added to the library. There is also a critical need to upgrade the library software that is used to manage book circulation and student accounts. Once upgraded, books may be checked in and out by scanning barcodes and students will be able to use touch screen card catalogs to assist them in finding the resources they need.

It is estimated that $20,000 will be needed to accomplish the work that is needed in these areas. Would you prayerfully consider helping ABC as we near the end of 2011? Your tax-deductible gift will make a considerable difference in the years to come. You may also contribute to the Student Scholarship Fund to assist students who have financial need. Please place your gift and response card in the envelope that has been provided for you. All gifts postmarked by December 31^st will be receipted for the 2011 tax year.

All friends who give a gift of $100 or more will receive a copy of Last Things, the latest book by Dr. Ron Comfort. Last Things is a compilation of eleven prophetic messages that Dr. Comfort has preached through the years. I know the book would be a blessing to you.

May the Lord fill your mind and heart with His many blessings during the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas! “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:” (Psalm 92:1).

Under His Wings,

Alton Beal
President

To donate via our secure server, click on the button above. If you have any questions, please email ude.srodassabma@eciffoecnanif.

Dr. Bruce Gauger, Business Manager at ABC for several years, went Home to be with the Lord on Thursday afternoon, after a two-year battle with cancer. Dr. Gauger was faithful to come in to work even when he was not feeling well. He was a humble, godly servant who will be greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at Maranatha Baptist Church, Shelby, NC, on Monday, December 5, 2011, at 3:00 PM. Visitation with the family will take place from 2:00–3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the Gaugers would like all donations to be made to Ambassador Baptist College.

At the end of the 2010–2011 school year, Mr. Todd Scovill took over the music department. In light of this transition, will the music change at ABC? Read the latest newsletter article to find out.

Come join us on Friday and Saturday, November 25–26, for our annual Messiah Concert! The college chorale will present selections from Handel’s Messiah. Read here for more details.

Every year at Thanksgiving, the dorm men challenge the married and alumni men in a game of flag football. This year’s game will be played on Thursday, November 24^th, at 9:30 AM. Join us to watch the game and the annual wrestling match to follow!

On Saturday, November 12^th, Evangelist Jake D’Andrea preached at our annual TAC Conference. Read more about it here.

Come join us on Friday and Saturday, November 25–26, for our annual Messiah Concert! The college chorale will present selections from Handel’s Messiah. Read here for more details.

Our annual Teens in Action for Christ Conference will be held Saturday, November 12^th, with Evangelist Jake D’Andrea preaching. More information is available here.

ABC is hosting our annual Missions Conference, Fishers of Men, next week. Each morning service will begin with a live video call to a missionary alumnus, and over thirty-five missions agencies will be represented at the conference. Read more about the missions conference here.

Dr. Ron Comfort’s book Last Things will be released at a book-signing on campus on November 1, 2011, at 2:00 PM! More information is available at http://ambassadors.edu/LastThings.

Q: Could you share with us your family background and salvation testimony?
A: I was born and raised in Norristown, Pennsylvania. My family is Catholic, and I attended Catholic schools. As a young teenager, I followed my friends into drinking and drugs. Although I had a great deal of religious education, I did not know the Lord. Shortly after graduating from high school, I heard the gospel and realized that I was a lost sinner. On a side street in a bad neighborhood, I accepted Christ as my Savior. My life was dramatically changed.

Q: When were you called to the ministry?
A: Ten months after being saved, I went to Bible college. While I was there, God called me to pursue full-time Christian service and gave me the desire to be a pastor.

Q: What Bible training have you had?
A: I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree from Indiana Baptist College in 1983. During two of my summers in Bible college, I served in the Preacher Boy program under Dr. E. Robert Jordan. That program was like a boot camp for young men who felt God’s call to ministry. I learned many practical lessons regarding full-time Christian service. I also graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989. Dr. Jordan taught us that ministry is serious work, and he instilled in us the discipline to work hard. I believe that Ambassador Baptist College has that same mindset. We believe that we have in our hands the very Word of God, and the souls of mankind need to hear the Gospel. I am thankful to be a part of the Ambassador family.

Q: Please tell us a little about your family.
A: My wife was a Christian School teacher at the church I attended. We met during my senior year in college. She has been a great blessing to me and a wonderful co-laborer in God’s work. We have been married for twenty-seven years and have two children, Laura and Bill. God has blessed in allowing us to sell our home and relocate to North Carolina. My wife and I are excited about what God has done and will do.

Q: What ministry experience did you have before coming to Ambassador?
A: I have been the pastor of two churches. Most recently, I was the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, Virginia. I pastored there for thirteen years.

Q: Did you have any other training that helped prepare you for being a part of the faculty here?
A: Some years back, God gave me a heart for Israel. I felt God leading me to learn Hebrew. I had taken several years of Hebrew in my master’s program, but I did not remember much from it, so I found a young man who was studying to be a Rabbi. He was attending the University of Virginia, and his Hebrew teacher was from Israel. I had one year of Biblical Hebrew and three years of Modern Hebrew. In the future, I hope to write Gospel tracts for the Israeli people.

Q: What are your responsibilities at Ambassador?
A: I am very thankful that the Lord has led me to Ambassador Baptist College. This semester I will be teaching Hebrew, Daniel and Revelation, Prison Epistles, Church Administration, and Greek Exegesis. I also serve as the Dean of Students.

Q: What are your goals for your students?
A: I want to help our students gain the tools they need to effectively serve the Lord. I want them to have a balance of academics and a real heart for the Lord. My goal is to be a positive testimony for the Lord before our students.

Q: Do you have a hobby?
A: I enjoy hunting and fishing, and I am a Philadelphia Eagles fan.

Q: What is your favorite candy or candy bar?
A: I like all dark chocolate, but I especially like a box of See’s Candy (dark chocolate). Occasionally, I buy a gift box for my wife so I can have some!

This October 4^th–6^th, ABC will be hosting a Church Ministry Legal Seminar. Attorney Will Halker, Esq. from the Christian Law Association will present several sessions.

Schedule

• Tuesday, October 4, 2:00 PM: Asking the Right Questions
• Wednesday, October 5, 9:00 AM: General Legal Issues
• Thursday, October 6, 2:00 PM: Child Abuse Prevention

Sessions

Asking the Right Questions

This session will introduce CLA as an available resource and will also provide practical solutions for reducing the legal liability of churches and ministries. These questions center on how to interview staff and volunteers; if these questioning techniques are adopted, the risk of lawsuits for individuals and ministries will be reduced.

General Legal Issues

This session will address legal issues affecting bus ministries, the pitfalls of contracting, and Sunday School organization and management.

Child Abuse Prevention

Child abuse is a cancer of epidemic proportions that is destroying ministries and individuals nationwide. The thrust of this session will be preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of child abuse occurring during ministry activities.

Speaker

Lt. Colonel Will Halker joined the US Army in 1960. During his twenty-year career, he specialized in Military Intelligence operations. He surrendered to Jesus Christ in 1998 and currently serves our Lord and Savior as a legal missionary with the Christian Law Association, the law firm founded by David Gibbs that provides free legal services to churches, schools, and pastors nationwide.

Recordings

Check back soon for more information about ordering a CD set from the entire seminar.

Download a PDF version of the slides for all three sessions.

Words get us into trouble more than we care to admit. We must be careful about what we say and how we say it. Read the latest newsletter article, by Dr. Alton Beal.

ABC alumni Roland and Vera Mitchum left the fishing business in the 1990’s to fish for men. They have faithfully served in the Ukraine since 2002, and are part of a dynamic church-planting missionary team in the city of Simferopol in southern Ukraine, near the Black Sea. The Mitchums partner with Bob and Judy Van Sant, missionaries with B.I.M.I., though the Mitchums themselves are associated with Baptist World Mission. As a team, these two couples, along with other helpers, have been responsible for several prospering ministries among many nationalities and among both hearing and deaf. In many ways, this team could be held up as a prime example of the benefit of team missionary ministry.

When Roland and Vera were married on May 16, 1987, they were not saved. Roland was a commercial fisherman along the coast of South Carolina, calling Charleston home. But in 1992, Roland got saved. When Vera saw the change in her husband, she also accepted the Lord two weeks later. When the Lord called Roland to His work, he gladly left his nets and followed Jesus. The Mitchums trained at Ambassador Baptist College. Roland graduated in 2000, having completed the missions program.

The Lord impressed the country of Ukraine on the Mitchums’ hearts as a result of a mission trip they took while still in college. Simultaneous with Roland’s graduation, they joined Baptist World Mission and headed out on deputation. By May, 2002, they were in Ukraine, sent out by their home church, Northside Baptist Church of North Charleston, South Carolina.

Roland gave up a life of catching fish in order to catch men. He and Vera continue to labor faithfully in Ukraine today.

By Dr. Joel Spencer

Over the years I have had the distinct privilege of teaching men who are preparing for the ministry. I take very seriously the charge that they are given to take heed to themselves and to the doctrine (2 Timothy 4:16). The Word of God is very clear in authorizing who can and cannot pastor the New Testament church. Ignorance (and disobedience) of this truth has allowed many unqualified (and disqualified) men to stand in pulpits across America and make a mess of local churches.

I have also had the wonderful opportunity to interim pastor a number of churches and watch as God directs God-called men to take the oversight of each New Testament body. It has occurred to me that God’s people do not naturally (or maybe better spiritually) know how to behave in church, especially as it relates to their pastor. Pastors today are under constant pressures, and some, no matter how hard they try, are always being criticized. Someone wisely wrote:

“It is not only the work of preaching, the calling, and the administrative duties that tax the energies and endurance of a pastor, but the physical weariness and nervous exhaustion that can result in strained relationships between him and his congregation. When there is misunderstanding and opposition involving honest differences of opinion and earnest convictions on the part of respected members of his congregation, he feels the pressure of his position most greatly. The inability to please the very ones he loves the most and the disappointment of being opposed by those he was depending on for moral support—these are the things that prompt him, on occasion, to throw up his hands in despair.”

However, I have seen that when a pastor is loved and respected by his own people, he can stand up to almost anything. God’s people, indeed, have Biblical responsibilities before God in regard to their pastor, and I would like to share four specific commands regarding these responsibilities.

The first is that the believer must know his pastor. I Thessalonians 5:12–13 states, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”

What do you really know about your pastor? The phrase “to know” has the idea of “to appreciate, to consider the value of.” Many of God’s people today need to wake up to the fact that having a good pastor is to have a “gift” (Ephesians 4:8, 11). I often exhort churches without a pastor that when God does send them a pastor, they need to work at keeping him! In some ways, the pastor is the loneliest person in town. Most often he has left his relatives, friends, and career, and moved to a strange area that he knows little or nothing about. One pastor told me that it was five years before anyone in his church invited him into their home for a meal and fellowship! Yes, I know that a pastor makes it his business to get to know his people, but the command here is for God’s people to get “to know” their pastor. Notice, then the church member can better “esteem them very highly in love for their works sake.” One cannot love what they will not know. And please don’t miss the added remark: “and be at peace among yourselves.” The most peaceful, loving churches I know have members that know and love their pastor because of who he is and what he does for them!

A second command is found in Hebrews 13:7: “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

To remember is “to be mindful of, to call to mind.” Brethren, we must remember that our pastor is only human, a man subject to the same passions, temptations, and needs as any of us. Every pastor was once a “layman” that God has now called to preach and live a pattern of life that we are to watch and follow.

Remember his position. It is a divine appointment. Would you treat your pastor differently if someone tipped you off that, in reality, he was an “angel” sent from God? In fact, he is referred to as an “angel” in Revelation 2–3. (The word “angel” signifies a “messenger.”) Your pastor has accepted a divine appointment.

Remember his needs. I Timothy 5:17 states, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour…” While some churches may always look for ways to “pinch pennies” when paying their pastor, God demands otherwise. Be as generous as you can in financially supporting your pastor (Proverbs 3:27). Some may find this offensive regarding their pastor but never about their doctor, lawyer, politician, or favorite athlete.

Keep in mind that your pastor will have many hidden expenses in serving you of which the average member is unaware—things like paying his own life insurance, social security, car expenses, etc. It is not unusual for pastors today to have no retirement program, and many live in parsonages, leaving nothing for them in their later years. While some might think this okay, God says differently—remember to care for his needs!

Remember his family! Without them, he is nothing. Any God-called pastor will tell you that while he may be tough enough to suffer a great deal of neglect and abuse, the members of his family aren’t always as strong. The pastor’s family is just that: his family, not the church’s. As one pastor put it: “Wife must come before pastor’s wife.” Make the pastor’s family a special object of prayer, not criticism.

The third command is in Hebrews 13:17: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”

Jesus declared, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (John 13:20). Leadership is ordained of God (Romans 13). Many church members believe in parental authority and government authority. They agree that it is right for all to obey our elected officials, for children to obey their parents, and for wives to submit to and obey their own husbands. Why can’t they accept what the Bible says about obedience to the pastor? It is true that a pastor has no right to be a tyrant. They do not rule for themselves but for God: “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15). Every God-called pastor knows that his entire ministry will be reviewed and rewarded based on the Chief Shepherd’s assessment (I Peter 5:1–4). Brethren, it is not natural for us to submit, period! We need the help and power of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18, 21). This verse gives us a precious reason why we should obey our pastor: “…for they watch for your souls….” The idea of the word “watch” is a “night-watch” (“to be sleepless, to keep awake”). No one but God knows the many sleepless nights pastors spend throughout their lives weeping, praying, and seeking wisdom for their church family. Disobeying your pastor is “unprofitable for you!”

The final command is found in Hebrews 13:24: “Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.” The word “salute” speaks of respect (“to draw to one’s self, greet, bid, welcome, to receive joyfully”). It is one thing to obey and another to show respect. Obedience has to do with duty, respect with disposition; obedience has more to do with actions, respect with attitude. I will always remember a particular trip I made to the military base with my father who served in the US Navy. I watched him throughout the morning, dressed in his uniform as an enlisted man. He would stop and snap to attention to salute much younger men in uniform. At lunch, I asked him, “Dad, why do you have to stop all the time and salute those young guys? Do you know them?” Sensing my consternation, my father wisely replied, “Son, they may be young, not much older than you. And no, I don’t know most of them, but you need to understand I am showing respect for what their uniform represents, not necessarily for them personally.” I never forgot that day. It may be that your pastor is not the smartest, most talented, the most charming personality you have seen or heard—but he is your pastor. We as church members are obligated to respect our pastor by virtue of his office.

Years ago, a devotional booklet gave an interesting perspective on what too many pastors face:

• If the pastor is young, he lacks experience;
• If his hair is gray, he’s too old for the young people.
• If he has five or six children, he has too many;
• If he has none, he’s setting a bad example.
• If he preaches from notes, he has canned sermons and is dry;
• If his messages are extemporaneous, he isn’t deep enough.
• If he caters to the poor in the church, he’s playing to the grandstand;
• If he pays attention to the wealthy, he’s trying to be an aristocrat.
• If he uses too many illustrations, he’s neglecting the Bible;
• If he doesn’t include stories, he isn’t clear.
• If he condemns wrong, he’s cranky;
• If he doesn’t preach against sin, they claim he’s a compromiser.
• If he preaches the truth, he’s too offensive;
• If he doesn’t preach the “whole counsel of God,” he’s a hypocrite.
• If he fails to please everybody, he’s hurting the church and should leave;
• If he does make them all happy, he has no convictions.
• If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation;
• If he buys a new one, he’s setting his affection on earthly things.
• If he preaches all the time, the congregation gets tired of hearing just one man;
• If he invites guest ministers, he’s shirking his responsibility as pastor.
• If he receives a large salary, he’s mercenary;
• If he gets a small one—well, then they say it proves he isn’t worth much anyway.

Be sure to thank God often for your pastor—and tell your pastor once in awhile, too! You and your pastor have a supernatural relationship. May God help his children to know, remember, obey, and salute their pastor.

After Evangelist Mike Pelletier opened the first two days of school challenging us to trust in God for power and to win souls, Evangelists Dave Young and Alton Beal followed up with more soul-stirring messages. Opening Revival is a critical week at ABC in that it sets the temperature for the rest of the semester. It is during these opening revival weeks that many students surrender for full-time Christian service, get right with parents at home, get right with others near them, or even get saved. This week was no exception. Messages on the heart seemed to come from the pulpit daily. Students and staff gave testimonies the following week in chapel relaying all that God had done in their hearts. If Opening Revival is any indication of the spiritual climate of ABC, we are surely expecting God to do great things this semester!

All the services were streamed live for parents and others who were unable to attend the services on campus. Our chapel services are streamed live every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout the semester—visit the website between 9:00 and 10:00 AM to watch.

Opening Revival begins next week, and we will be live-streaming each service, as well as all normal chapel services. Tune in here to watch.

Amy Caldwell Bixby went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 19, 2011. Amy graduated from ABC in 1997 with a degree in Church Secretarial Studies, and we greatly appreciate her testimony during her life and her time of illness. She was a godly and devoted wife and mother and is survived by her husband Jon and seven precious children. Her final testimony can be read on her website.

There will be a time of visitation on Monday, August 22^nd, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Tri-City Baptist Church in the main lobby. The memorial service will be on Tuesday, August 23^rd, at 7:00 PM at Tri-City Baptist Church. Nursery will be provided.

There will also be a memorial service held at Hampton Park Baptist Church in Greenville, SC, on August 27^th, at 3:00 PM. The family will receive friends at 2:00 PM.

Cards may be sent to Jon and the children c/o Tri-City Baptist Church at the address listed above.

The coming week is full of many exciting activities.

• The faculty and staff are holding a reception for new students and their parents on Saturday, August 20, from 2:00–4:00 PM.
• New students register for their classes on Monday, August 22, at 8:00 AM.
• There will be an all-student activity on Monday, August 22, at 6:00 PM.
• Orientation for new students is on Tuesday, August 23, at 8:00 AM.
• Returning students register on Tuesday, August 23, at 8:00 AM.
• Orientation for returning students is on Tuesday, August 23, at 1:00 PM.
• The college family will have a cookout and activities on Tuesday, August 23, at 5:00 PM.
• All on-campus students will participate in getting-acquainted activities on Wednesday, August 24.
• Classes begin on Thursday, August 25.
• Opening Revival meetings begin with the chapel service at 9:00 AM on Monday, August 29, and an evening service at 7:00 PM.

Mr. Todd Scovill has been at Ambassador since 1995, serving on our Music Faculty. Beginning this fall, he will be the Chairman of our Music Department. Please take a minute and get to know him a little better:

When did you trust Christ as your Savior?

I was saved at the age of 15.

What are some of your earliest recollections of your dad leading music when you were a child?

My earliest memories of him leading music are from when I was 3 or 4 years old.

Do you play any instruments?

I primarily play trumpet and piano; I also occasionally play the trombone, French horn, flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and baritone.

Why and how did you decide to go into music ministry?

I enjoyed the experience of coaching/helping individuals get another level of music experience. Twice while I was in college, I had to “fill in” for Dad two Sundays when he was away. I loved the response of people singing and the fine choral sound from church choir. God then began to open doors of opportunities to minister in music—I knew He was leading me to pursue this path.

What training did you receive for your music ministry?

I did my undergraduate work at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, receiving a degree in Music Education. My graduate work I did at Pensacola Christian College, receiving a degree in Church Music Ministry.

How and where did you meet your wife?

I met Brenda at college—my roommate pointed her out to me. She and I sang together in college choir.

What is your favorite hymn and why?

“And Can It Be”—it has an uplifting melody with a rich Biblical text

Could you list a couple of your favorite choral pieces?

“Come Praise the Lord with Me”; “The Beatitudes”; “Lauda Anima”

Before coming to ABC, what music ministry experience did you have?

I served for 16 years in elementary/secondary music education and music ministry in several local churches, working with adult choirs, children’s choirs, and orchestras.

How has your father influenced you through the years in music?

He has influenced me through music lessons, personal Biblical counsel, personal music coaching, singing and playing duets together, and instrumental or vocal groups.

What would you consider to be your strengths in the area of music?

1. I enjoy taking an unconventional combination of instruments and making a music arrangement sound presentable.
2. I love taking groups of singers or instrumentalists and helping them meet their potential in music repertoire.

Tell us about your family

Brenda and I have been married for 32 years; our anniversary is July 25^th. We have two married daughters (Rachel Coreiro and Holly Myers), a son (Jason), two daughters at home (Leslie and Kelsey), and 3 grandchildren.

What is your favorite candy bar?

Twix

Do you have a hobby?

I do a lot of painting (both interior and exterior), as well as pressure washing.

Ambassador Baptist College stands unashamedly for old-fashioned, conservative Christian music that complements sound Biblical preaching.

Do you want to stay current with the latest news from ABC? Each week, we publish something about campus life, upcoming conferences, campus renovations, website improvements, upcoming events, or other college information.

You can add us to Google Reader, sign up here to get an email each week, or follow us on Twitter or Facebook.

Recent news articles and photos can be found here.

Are you a new student and are wondering what to bring, when to arrive, or do you have other questions about the beginning of the year? Perhaps you’re a returning student and have some of the same questions. Check below for the information you need:

• Download the entire new student information packet.
• Download just the opening week schedule.
• Download just the financial information.

All of the Camp Barnabas and Landmark Conference sermons are available for listening or download here.

Ambassador Baptist College will be hosting a church music seminar on July 21–22, 2011, with guest speaker Lloyd Smith. Read more here.

On July 18–22, 2011, Ambassador will be hosting our annual Landmark Conference. Evangelist Bill Hall, Dr. Larry Hufhand, and Evangelist Billy Ingram will be preaching. Read here for more information.

Have you ever “heard” a deaf preacher? Watch deaf evangelist Ronnie Rice preach in one of our daily chapel services.

Have you been praying about supporting ABC? For a short time, you can make a sizeable donation from your IRA, tax-free! Read here for more details.

Two volunteer work crews spent the week of June 6–10 on campus and accomplished a significant amount of work in that time. Twelve workers from Immanuel Baptist Church in Clifton Forge, VA, and Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC, helped with two major improvement projects on campus.

A total of 135 ceiling panels plus trim boards were prepped, painted, and installed on the gymnasium ceiling. At Roger Williams Hall, 15 very old aluminum or steel frame single-pane windows were removed and replaced with double-pane, energy-efficient windows. In addition, workers pressure-washed the Campus Host house, removed and painted the shutters, and reinstalled them.

We are very grateful to the work crews, Immanuel Baptist Church, and Grace Baptist Church for their investment in Ambassador Baptist College. Some of these men used their own vacation time to be a blessing to ABC, and we greatly appreciate their servant’s spirit. Pictures of the work crews and the renovations are below.

Gym Ceiling—Before

Gym Ceiling—In Progress

Gym Ceiling—After

Roger Williams Windows—Before

Roger Williams Windows—In Progress

Roger Williams Windows—After

Campus Host House

Plan to join us on Tuesday, July 19^th for the annual Ambassador Classic Golf Tournament! One half-dozen Titleist ProV1 golf balls will be included.

What makes Ambassador a unique place to train for the ministry? Read our new informational brochure for some distinctives and advantages of training at ABC.

Get the PDF here, or request a printed copy.

Did you miss this year’s Commencement Exercises? Would you like to watch a friend or loved one graduate? You can watch a video of ABC’s 22^nd annual Commencement Exercises here.