The Foundation of the Mid-America Family
Barry and Sherri Griffith have been faithful members of the Mid-America family for 23 years. Mid-America’s commitments to the Gospel and to the inerrancy and sufficiency of the Scriptures are what knit their hearts to Mid-America. Over the years they have increasingly realized that Mid-America is a big family, comprised of many people with the same Gospel goals, who are consciously working towards training and explaining the Scriptures for one goal: changing eternal destinies through the Gospel, one person at a time. While neither Barry or Sherri are graduates of Mid-America, they are delighted to be a part of the Mid-America family, fulfilling a role in their enthusiastic support and fulfillment of Mid-America’s mission of equipping biblical leaders who will take the Gospel to a waiting world. God has richly blessed their businesses to allow them to participate in a wide range of activities that support spreading the Gospel (“Job #1”).
How did you first connect with MABTS?
In 1995, I (Barry) became a believer in an Arkansas cotton field. Realizing that this changed everything, my question was “What now?” A man I knew suggested that we go to Memphis to listen to what Adrian Rogers had to say at Bellevue Baptist Church. We didn’t know who he was, or what to expect, but went. We were skeptical until we heard him speak. We joined Bellevue that day. About a year and a half later, I began coaching baseball and noticed a man that was always at practice and the games. Eventually I asked him if he would be my assistant coach and he accepted. I had no idea who this unassuming guy was or what he did. He turned out to be Dr. Michael Spradlin, President of Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary! Over time, he explained what Mid-America did and what his role was there. As we learned more about Mid-America, we wanted to become a part of the rich environment there, so we got involved. As a result, we have become good friends with the Spradlins and many others, becoming members of the Mid-America “family.” Together, he and Dr. Rogers taught us many things that established right priorities in our lives. One very important thing that we learned was how to handle our resources in a way that will please God and advance the Gospel and to pass along that lesson to our employees.
What is your motivation to support MABTS?
Three words: The Great Commission! We cannot be on the mission fields of the world and operate our business at the same time. We can, however, support Mid-America’s mission of equipping Bible-centered leaders who advance the Gospel and train others to take the Gospel to the entire world. In doing so, we share in their victories among the lost (1 Samuel 30:24). We are investing in Mid-America, which, in turn, invests the Gospel in their students and graduates. The R.O.I. (Return On Investment)? The Gospel is spread to the lost world! It is the Gospel that will rescue those who are “behind enemy lines” and don’t realize their predicament. They must be told. Mid-America students and graduates will tell them! We love their passion for the Gospel. In fact, we just learned that Mid-America students have averaged 67 professions of faith per week over the 49 years since being founded in 1972. Imagine if a local church was reporting such success in the Gospel! Supporting Mid-America is a great way to “get in on what God is doing” and a worthy investment for your time, talent, and treasure.
What is your vision for Mid-America?
Our vision is to do even more to support the vision that is Mid-America’s: equipping biblical leaders with a deep understanding of the inerrant, sufficient Scriptures, to light the way forward for lost individuals in a dark world. We believe in that mission and want to support it. We want to be a part of what God is doing. Right here. Right now.
How would you recommend others to support MABTS?
Invest your time, talent, and treasure in Mid-America! You’ve probably heard that “The best time to plant an oak tree is 30 years ago; the next best time is today.” The same is true for supporting Mid-America. You can begin today. Ask the Lord how to invest your time, talent, and treasure in things that will count for eternity, according to His plan and His purposes.
If you find Barry and Sherri Griffith’s story compelling and agree with their commitments to spreading the Gospel by equipping young men and women to become biblically equipped leaders, you should realize that now is an excellent time to consider including Mid-America in your giving.