William Randall Lolley was the third President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This chapel convocation marked the thirtieth academic year of Southeastern. The service begins with prayer, welcome, and scripture readings (0:00-4:54). After which, there is a reading of news headlines from the year Southeastern was founded (4:55-10:31). This is followed by a recognition of new professors (10:32-14:59). President Lolley is introduced, and verses from Habakkuk 1-3 are read (15:00-20:26). There is then a period of singing (20:27-25:12). Lolley begins his sermon on Habakkuk themed “living by faith.” He begins with an introduction on the importance and context of the book (25:13-33:10). Lolley then explains two lessons Habakkuk learned, perspective on the world, and insight into the self-defeating aspect of evil (33:11-45:07). He concludes by explaining the implications of living by faith (45:08-48:09). A closing prayer is then offered (48:10-48:56).
Reuel L. Howe was a professor of pastoral theology and founder of the Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Howe opens for questions from the audience (00:00-00:29). The first question is about how God uses calling for spiritual formation (00:30-04:35). The second question is about the student and teacher relationship in educational formation, and a conversation begins about cross-cultural teaching and the subject of doubt (04:36-25:36). The third question is about dealing with anger and defensive responses from students (25:37-32:16). The fourth question is about the importance of dialogue in counseling (32:17-41:11). The final question is about the adequacy of initial calling by God (41:12-47:28).
Floyd Craig was Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Citizen Affairs in North Carolina. The service begins with a word of prayer, and Floyd Craig is introduced as the chapel speaker (00:00-01:54). The choir sings “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child” (01:55-05:06). Craig begins his sermon with a light-hearted remark about the insanity of a man who would put himself in a position of speaking in front of an audience of academia (05:07-06:49). Craig speaks about his work for the Governor’s office, and he reads a letter he wrote to God asking him to give the seminary a vision that will make a difference for his kingdom (06:50-23:55).
Neal Jones was a pastor at Columbia Baptist Church in Falls Church, VA. The service begins with organ music (00:00-05:30). The speaker gives a few announcements, and Neal Jones is introduced as the chapel speaker (05:31-07:48). Jones delivers the Scripture reading from Luke 19:1-10 (07:49-09:41). The choir sings the anthem (09:42-13:12). Jones looks at the call and conversion of Zacchaeus, and he speak about the experience of being born again while asking the audience to recommit their lives to Jesus (13:13-38:00).
William G. Benton was a Master of Divinity student. The service begins with a word of prayer (00:00-01:40). A student sings a song of worship (01:41-05:10). Benton begins his sermon with Scripture readings from Exodus 34:29-32 and John 12:20-26 (05:11-08:04). Benton shares the stories of many saints through history who displayed the radiance of God’s glory, and he says that Christian can display this same glory only through God who gives them the strength (08:05-24:08). The service ends with a word of prayer (24:09-24:35).