A WORD FROM THE SES BOARD OF TRUSTEES
SES continues to stand for timeless truths in truthless times. In this time when “change” is used as a political slogan, nothing could be more pressing than the continued presentation of the timeless truths of the Gospels and the certainty of Jesus Christ. From its founding, Southern Evangelical Seminary (SES) has been dedicated to the training of Christian leaders to proclaim these truths throughout the United States and the world. These truths are never changing, as it says in scripture, Mal 3:6, “I the Lord do not change.”
And yet we find our institution in the process of change. Two years ago, we welcomed Dr. Alex McFarland as the new President of our Seminary. Since this time, our institution has grown in ways that could have only occurred through the hand of our Lord. Attendance at our National Apologetics Conference has grown over 400%. SES is a recognized partner with other National Christian Organizations such as Focus On the Family, The NC Baptist Convention, The North American Mission Board and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In October, we will celebrate the dedication of our new building, which practically doubles the size of our facilities. Despite the major funding requirements of this new addition, our General Fund giving has been maintained at previous levels and our institution is financially healthy. Finally, and our greatest joy, our growth is bearing fruit as SES welcomes the largest enrollment of students in our history for fall.
Yet, change is never easy and often difficult for any organization, especially a seminary, as we teach and proclaim unchanging truths. So what shall we do? Shall we be like the servant entrusted with five talents who goes at once to put his money to work or shall we be like the servant with one talent who digs a hole in the ground to hide his master’s money? The Lord has truly blessed SES with talents of money, faculty, staff, facilities, and students.
With these blessings, the Board of Trustees is confident in the work of our institution, and we would make the following statements to all who are a part of the SES family to address the change around us and the path we will follow.
1. We were truly blessed that the Lord brought Dr. Alex McFarland to our institution. His servant’s heart and evangelistic passion represents the past, present, and future of our seminary. Dr. McFarland has the full support of the Board of Trustees; and we are grateful for his leadership for the past two years.
2. We are committed to the Doctrinal Statement and Purpose Statement of SES. They are the foundation on which we stand and a heritage to which we will always be dedicated.
3. God bless our faculty and staff. The knowledge and commitment of each is beyond our ability to thank and is evidence that the hand of our Lord is upon us as He gathers his servants to teach.
4. Our Students. You are why we are here. Our purpose is to hold true and teach the infallibility and inerrancy of the Scriptures so that you may impact your community, state, country, and world. Besides the education you receive, it is our heart’s desire to provide you a home from which God will bless your life and your ministry.
5. Our commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ is for SES to be the world leader in Apologetics education, a beacon of Christian Leadership/Training and for the primacy of our focus on Him.
So let us embrace what God has given us. We do not claim to be wise but we do claim to present the message of the cross. 1 Cor 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Cor 1:31, "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Approved by
The Board of Trustees