Rick Perry speaks at UMHB lecture
By Baptist Standard Staff
BELTON, Texas — The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor welcomed former Texas Gov. Rick Perry as the featured speaker for the 2024 McLane Lecture Nov. 6. Perry spoke to the crowd of UMHB students, faculty, staff and special guests about his faith and life in public service.
“In 1964, I gave my life to Jesus Christ,” he said. “At 14, the Holy Spirit dealt with me, and I had that warming of my heart.”
He explained after he became a pilot in the U.S. Navy, “it became abundantly clear to me that the checklist I’d been given as a young man — the Holy Bible — will show you how to govern and conduct your business” in all walks of life.
The lecture series’ namesakes, Elizabeth and Drayton McLane Jr., also were awarded honorary Doctorate of Humanities degrees for their long commitment to Christian higher education at UMHB.
The McLanes are major benefactors to many health and education institutions, including UMHB, having made the largest gift in the history of UMHB in 2012 to assist with the construction of Crusader Stadium. This was the 20th McLane Lecture. Rick Perry joins other notable McLane Lecture speakers, including George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, Marcus Lutrell, Joe DePinto, George W. Bush, Chuck Norris, George Foreman, Mary Lou Retton and Franklin Graham.
Union students sharpen preaching skills in partnership with area churches
By Union University Staff
JACKSON, Tenn. — Gaining valuable preaching experience, Union University students participated in a special preaching opportunity hosted by the Dyer Baptist Association Oct. 6, when six churches volunteered to open their pulpits to students from the School of Theology and Missions.
Adren Pearce, Union’s coordinator for chapel and church relations, said this opportunity is fruitful for both students and local churches.
“It benefits the students because they learn the practice of preparing and delivering a sermon,” Pearce said. “It helps with spiritual growth as the students spend extended time in God’s Word and in prayer in preparation for their sermons. The church is benefitted by the encouragement that comes from seeing young men faithfully pursue their calling into ministry.”
Ray Van Neste, dean of the School of Theology and Missions and vice president of university ministries, said churches are often excited to see that God is still calling young men to preach.
“These sorts of opportunities are vital as we seek to strengthen a ministry pipeline for churches in West Tennessee and beyond,” he said.
Students within the School of Theology and Missions with an interest in pastoral ministry are invited to sign up for this opportunity. Jack Hewitt, a freshman biblical studies/languages major from Nolensville, Tennessee, said he had never formally preached to a congregation.
“This was an exciting prospect but also mildly terrifying,” he admitted. However, he said his biggest takeaway from the experience was learning to relax and trust the Lord to direct his preaching.
“I was astounded by the power of the Spirit working in me in my message,” he said. Joseph Gates, a freshman from Carmi, Illinois, had spoken to youth before, but this was the first time he had spoken to an older audience. Although he was worried his sermon wouldn’t be long enough, the church treated him well.
“There are many small churches that are filled with sweet people,” Gates said. The pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Dyersburg, Shawn Allred, said his church had a great experience and only had positive feedback to offer after they opened their pulpit to Union student Isaac Smith.
“I would encourage the students to capitalize on their opportunity to preach or teach God’s Word,” Allred said. “This will prepare them for their future ministry plans in a way the classroom cannot.”
The student preaching opportunity has only received encouraging comments from participating churches, according to Dennis Jones, director of missions for the Dyer Baptist Association. Jones invited students to return to the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on the campus of Dyersburg State Community College after the evening services to have dinner and discuss their experiences.
Associations in West Tennessee interested in hosting a similar event can contact Pearce at [email protected].
