LOUISVILLE, Ky. — “We must not only know, but know as we ought to know.” With these words, President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. welcomed students, faculty and guests to the Spring 2025 Convocation at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) and Boyce College. As the new academic term begins, the seminary reaffirms its commitment to the pursuit of knowledge — not merely for its own sake, but in service to God and His church.

Mohler, preaching from 1 Corinthians 8:2-3, underscored the weight of this responsibility.

“This institution exists not just to teach knowledge but to ensure that we know as we ought to know. There is a way of knowing that puffs up, and there is a way of knowing that builds up in love. We seek the latter.” His words framed the semester’s work within a biblical vision of truth pursued in humility and service.

Convocation at SBTS  is not merely an academic formality but a moment of sacred significance, marking the renewal of a shared mission.

“We gather in continuity with generations of believers before us, committed to the faith once for all delivered to the saints,” Mohler said. “We study theology not as a mere academic discipline, but as those who have been known by God and redeemed in Christ.”

During the service, the seminary community celebrated the installation of Professor T.J. Betts as the Donald L. Williams Professor of Old Testament Interpretation, recognizing his faithful service in teaching and scholarship. Betts joined the faculty in 2001 and is beloved by colleagues and students. The chair is named in honor of Donald L. Williams, who served as a professor of Old Testament at SBTS from 1961-1983.

As the service concluded, Mohler issued a charge to faculty and students alike: “We have much to do. We must learn as we ought to learn, teach as we ought to teach and know as we ought to know. This is no small task, and it will keep us busy not just for this semester but for the rest of our lives. So, let’s get to it.”