Archie Lee Nations was Professor of New Testament Interpretation. The service begins with organ music (0:00:00-0:09:24). President Randall Lolley speaks about the publishing of a new book by a faculty member, and he gives a word of prayer (0:09:25-0:11:43). Lolley welcomes everyone to convocation, he gives some introductions for guests and the visiting and adjunctive faculty, and he makes announcements about evening classes (0:11:44-0:16:09). Dr. Robert Culpepper presents the Middler Theology Award to two students (0:16:10-0:18:57). Archie Lee Nations is introduced as the convocation speaker (0:18:58-0:22:51). The theme and title of Nations sermon is “Participation in Pauline Theology,” and he critiques two recent theories on the subject and concludes that Paul’s theology of participation with Christ is apocalyptic and symbolic in nature (0:22:52-1:05:15). Lolley declares the beginning of the Spring semester, and he ends the service with a word of prayer (1:05:16-1:05:55).
Sarah Brooks-Snell was missionary to Indonesia. The service begins with a word of prayer (00:00-00:41). Sarah Brooks-Snell is introduced as the Missionary Day chapel speaker (00:42-01:39). The choir sings a song of worship (01:40-06:07). Brooks-Snell begins her sermon by stating the center of all mission endeavors is Jesus (06:08-07:52). She first shares a story of a man who converted to Christianity in South Korea (07:53-12:40). Most of her sermon is spent giving gospel stories from Indonesia, and she repeats a theme of humans being broken by their sins, but Jesus gives the Spirit of life (12:41-28:03). Brooks-Snell concludes her sermon my stating that salvation is found only in Jesus, and she encourages the audience to reflect on how Jesus will use them to bring the gospel to the nations (28:04-30:57). She gives a word of prayer (30:58-31:23). The choir ends the service with a song of worship (31:24-32:12).
Phillip Rodgerson was the Director of the Missions Department at the Virginia Baptist General Board. Chapel opens with prayer (0:00-1:03). A welcome is given to the Directors of Missions present for a conference and the speaker, Phillip Rodgerson, is introduced (1:03-4:14). Phillip Rodgerson introduces his message and challenges the audience with Baptist distinctives in the current culture (4:14-9:02). He states that Baptists’ congregational government, professional training, gathering in community, and variety of programs strengthen them to reach the current society (9:02-13:40). He concludes by saying that Southern Baptists can lead with their strengths in the current society (13:40-15:54). The service closes in prayer (15:54-16:27).
Chevis F. Horne was Visiting Professor of Preaching. The scripture reading was from Matthew 25:31-46. The subject of the message was "Surprised by Judgment," and it focused on the scripture that was read as well as the implications of salvation on the life of the believer, particularly in the area of providing for the needy.