Shane Pruitt to co-teach courses at SWBTS
By Michelle Workman, SWBTS
FORT WORTH, Texas — Southern Baptist student ministry leader Shane Pruitt has been named student ministry instructor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in the Jack D. Terry School of Educational Ministries, the seminary announced Nov. 25.
In the spring of 2025, Pruitt, who serves as National Next Gen director for the North American Mission Board (NAMB), will teach all student ministry courses virtually while Richard Ross, senior professor of student ministry, will be in person, providing support for on campus students.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be a part of the teaching team at Southwestern Seminary,” Pruitt said. “One of the most important tasks we have as leaders is to equip, educate, and empower current and future leaders to ‘proclaim the mighty works of God to the next generation’ (Psalm 145:5). I pray that the Lord will use me to just be a small part of encouraging students to be healthy leaders, because I believe healthy leaders are more apt to lead healthy ministries.”
Each of the student ministry courses are available to students pursuing certificates in student ministry leadership and master’s degrees, including the Master of Divinity. Students may also audit the courses. Those interested in taking these courses still have time to complete their application and register for classes at the SWBTS website.
“Shane and I are so excited about teaching together,” Ross said. “Hopefully, I can infuse students with timeless biblical truths and principles of student ministry that have stood the test of time. Without a doubt, Shane will bring fresh thoughts and fresh approaches that will propel student ministry leaders into the future.”
While this is a somewhat unique arrangement, Chris Shirley, dean of the Terry School, said he believes Pruitt’s experience as a national speaker, his work with NAMB, and his involvement in the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) will be of great benefit and will provide a generational connection between Pruitt and Ross, who he referred to as two of the most recognizable names in student ministry from the past and present.
Shirley said this is a case of “the best of generations coming together for the sake of giving the best training to our students,” adding that Southwestern is always looking toward the future of student ministry, with the goal of recognizing the next generation of leaders in that field who Southwestern can help learn, grow, and then themselves instruct others.
Southwestern was the first seminary to offer instruction in student ministry and has continued to provide that training without interruption since 1949.
Pruitt lives in Texas with his wife Kasi and their five children. He has been involved in a variety of ministries for over 20 years, including church planter, lead pastor, student pastor, author and speaker. He is also one of the hosts of The Gensend Podcast. He will continue in his role with NAMB.
Children make missional impact through Children’s Missions Day
By Anna Caroline Knight
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Children’s Missions Day, an initiative of Women’s Mission Union (WMU), encourages children in grades 1-6 to take part in missions-focused projects that positively impact their communities. CMD took place on Sept. 21 this year with the theme “Neighbors.” The purpose was for children to let their neighbors know: “God loves me and He loves you, too — that’s why He sent Jesus!”
Children across the country shared the love of Jesus in a variety of ways. Children in Action at First Baptist Church of Belle Chasse in Louisiana were able to minister to local businesses by performing random acts of kindness and handing out goodie bags to customers.
“One person blessed with a bag was so grateful because she recently lost her husband and her brother and the gift touched her heart,” said Julia Achee, CA leader. “The pen she received in the bag had a message that she felt spoke to her personally. Another young lady working at a local pizza shop was having a very hard day and through tears she expressed how much she appreciated the kind gesture.”
At Red Land Baptist Church in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, children made cards of encouragement to those with Alzheimer’s disease at a local nursing home.
Theresa Krieg, Children in Action leader at Red Land Baptist, said, “Each card was unique and included a brief Bible verse the child chose to write. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the importance of serving others. We talked about the patients who were receiving these cards and found our children diligently wanted these cards to be special.”
Members of Royal Ambassadors and Girls in Action at Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church in Bluff City, Tennessee, prayed this summer about serving a local ministry that serves children through foster care. On Children’s Missions Day, the boys and girls ministered to these kids by making prayer pillows and wrote prayers for the children that were slipped into the pockets on the pillows.
Debbie Dison, children’s missions leader, said, “The children loved giving them something they could hug! Both our RAs and GAs were changed by this experience. They were able to step outside of their world to see what other children go through.”
Learn more about Children’s Missions Day at wmu.com/CMD.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Anna Caroline Knight is a student at Samford University pursuing an undergraduate degree in journalism and mass communication. She is currently serving as an intern at national WMU.)
