MOBILE, Ala. — Kevin Blackwell, the newly named executive director of missions (DOM) for the Mobile Baptist Association (MBA), also joins the University of Mobile (UM) as special assistant to the president for institutional relations and assistant professor of disciple making in the School of Christian Studies. Blackwell has served as an assistant to the president of Samford University in Birmingham since 2014.

UM President Charles Smith welcomed Blackwell to the Mobile area, noting that his partnership with the University of Mobile reinforces UM’s longstanding commitment to equipping the next generation of ministry leaders.

“We are thrilled to see Dr. Blackwell joining the Mobile Baptist Association in our Great Commission work of making disciples of Jesus Christ,” Smith said. “All of us here at the University of Mobile share in this high calling and look forward to partnering with Dr. Blackwell not only as our associational leader, but also in his new roles here at the university. He has served our friends at Samford University so well, and I have no doubt he will make a similar impact through the University of Mobile.”

University of Mobile Executive Director of the Center for Christian Calling Doug Wilson added, “We are truly blessed to have Dr. Kevin Blackwell join the School of Christian Studies faculty. With his ministry institute experience, he is uniquely qualified to equip UM students in practical ministry. As the new DOM for the Mobile Baptist Association, his connection with local congregations will be beneficial for students to gain valuable experience with ministry teams and ministry internships.”

‘Thrilled to join the faculty’

Blackwell said, “It is a great honor to have the opportunity to serve the 110 churches of the Mobile Baptist Association to make disciples for Christ in Mobile County. The local church is the greatest hope for gospel propagation in our world, and Christ-centered schools like the University of Mobile are working to support its work. 

“I am thrilled to join the faculty of UM’s School of Christian Studies to equip students to prepare to serve in ministry and missions for the glory of God. I am grateful to my friend Dr. Charles Smith for the invitation to join his team as Special Assistant to the President as we strive to nurture meaningful connections with Alabama Baptists and other Southern Baptists across the nation. 

“The Mobile Baptist Association was integral to the university’s founding in 1961, so it makes sense that UM and the MBA should work cooperatively for the work of Christ. For over six decades, the University of Mobile has provided quality higher education for a higher purpose, and it is truly one of the greatest honors of my life to contribute to the future of UM. Go Rams!”

Mobile Baptist Association leader

Blackwell was elected executive director of missions for the Mobile Baptist Association on March 6.

Mack Morris, chair of the association’s search committee, said Blackwell’s election followed a yearlong nationwide search as they sought “someone who would be a leader among leaders.”

— By David Roach and Kathy Dean (Read the full story here.)

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) family gathered for a chapel service March 6 honoring and celebrating faculty member Mark Johnson for his appointment as the 10th president of Louisiana Christian University (LCU).  

Johnson, assistant professor of evangelism and pastoral ministry and director of the seminary’s doctor of ministry program, was announced as LCU’s new president on Feb. 25. He will begin his presidential duties June 1.

Jamie Dew, president of NOBTS and Leavell College, opened the service by acknowledging the importance of the moment and urged the NOBTS family to pray for the Johnson family.

“Our primary focus when we come together for these chapel moments is just to worship together and take a moment to hear from the Word,” Dew said. “But at the same time, there are just certain things that happen in the life and rhythm of our institution that are worth pausing from what we would normally do to just celebrate.

“I want to charge you to commit to being their support right now. It’s a fun time, and it’s an amazing time, but it is intense.”

Dew praised Johnson for his character throughout the entire process of accepting this leadership position.

“I watched this whole process unfold over the last few months and this was not a brother or a family that has spent the last five to 10 years in back rooms climbing ladders,” he said.

“That’s not how this happened. This happened by the Lord’s hand. That is exactly how it’s supposed to happen. Most of what we do is unseen and unappreciated, and we sometimes can feel like ‘I’m not going anywhere. I need to take control by jockeying for position.’  

“From the moment I got here, you’ve been a part of our family and our culture, and you have never done this one time. I appreciate that. I think the Lord has honored you and your family in this process.” 

Johnson sat down with Dew for a conversation about his personal testimony, his ministry journey, his move to NOBTS and his transition to LCU president.

He shared his testimony of being saved as a young child and being called to preach while in college.

Johnson remembers an instance of looking into a mirror and crying out to God.

“The Lord said three things I’ll never forget: I want you to preach My Word, do not be afraid of their faces and I’ll be with you,” Johnson said. “Peace came over my heart in that moment.”

— By Timothy Cockes (Read the full story here.)