Criswell College unleashed

I'm an alumnus from the early days of Criswell College. We met in Sunday School classrooms at First Baptist, Dallas. Most of us bought hard-sided briefcases so we'd have something to set in our laps to provide a smooth surface for note taking. We used First Baptist's library and our book store was a moderately sized walk-in closet. It was pretty basic and mighty good. First Baptist's pastor, for whom the school is named, envisioned a "preacher school" and worked to make that happen. We students were beneficiaries of the church's generosity in so many ways. I'm grateful for that vision and generosity.

Things change. The school now has its own place and plans beyond what even W.A. Criswell ever expressed. First Baptist also has new vision and new ministry directions. We alums watched anxiously as the two nearly independent bodies negotiated a legal separation. And I believe that the agreement reached between First Baptist and Criswell College will benefit both ministries. I'm grateful to God for the outcome of those talks.

President Jerry Johnson is God's man to lead the college in this new day. His comments during our recent alumni dinner showed that he has plans to hit the ground running. Dr. Johnson is a hard-working guy, a good leader, a proven scholar, and an effective fund raiser. I believe he'll accomplish a great deal during the first quarter of 2011.

The Southern Baptist Convention needs Criswell College and has been richly blessed by Dr. Criswell's school over the past 40 years. In those days, the little college functioned as a sort of West Point for the leadership of our denomination's reformation. In a day when so many colleges called "Baptist" are overly concerned about the opinion of the more atheist academy, Criswell remains focused on God's message, as expressed in his written Word. This is not the only school so focused but it is one of only a few accredited schools that have not wavered in message or purpose.

I'm convinced God will bless that focus as he has up to now. I've never been happier to call myself a Criswell man.