By Davy Ellison

Recently I read an address delivered in 1914 by the Irish Baptist College’s founder Hugh D. Brown. The address was entitled The Past and Future of Baptists in Ireland. It was delivered at the centenary meeting of the Irish Baptist Home Mission. In it Brown makes an observation about the work of the College that rings true today. This voice from the past says:

But we cannot yet rest satisfied with the attitude of many of the Churches towards the College. True, when seeking help they write up urgent letters to Headquarters, obtain a man, often express thankful satisfaction that he is a real gift from God unto the Church, and then “mirable dictu,” even fail to take up a collection or subscription for the benefit of the Institution. My brethren, this thing ought not so to be. It is illogical, unbusinesslike, ungrateful. Give us of your men, those whom you have found in the Churches, already evidencing the hall mark of a Divine Ordination, in the gifts of their ministry and in soul winning; and then help to support them in the College when you have sent them on to us.

Theological education across the West is facing a severe shortage of new students. While this initially impacts theological institutions, in only a few years this wave will break on the churches. In this video I outline the path to being a pastor in our context in the Irish Baptist church. It is not quick, but it is worth it for trained men who possess calling, competency, and character necessary to pastor God’s people.

As an individual, will you support the training of future gospel workers in prayer and giving? As a local church, will you intentionally seek out individuals to send to the College in order to prepare for ministry?

Here are six ways in which to keep the Irish Baptist College and the training of gospel workers on your agenda:

• Pray Without Ceasing—Make use of the College’s daily prayer diary. Whether that’s in your own daily devotions, together as a church, or even just a handful of people who are passionate about the College meeting regularly to pray for the work, use this resource. Praying for something keeps it on the agenda.
• Gospel Guardians—Finance is a constant strain on every ministry. But, as Jesus says, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). Giving to the College is a sacrifice, we recognise that, but making this sacrifice will keep the College on the agenda. The Gospel Guardians initiative is the best way to give to the College regularly.
• Online—By following the College on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) or by regularly visiting the website you can be kept informed of all that is taking place. In particular you can pick up blogs and videos with regular updates and information related to College life. Following us online will keep the College on the agenda.
• Insight—Every edition of the Insight magazine carries devotional, theological and news items from the College team. Our promise is that Insight will carry exclusive information that will appear nowhere else. If you want to see what it is you’ll have to subscribe. And thrown in you’ll get information from all the other departments too. Reading Insight will keep the College on the agenda.
• Invite Staff and Students—It is great to be with you today, but don’t stop there. Invite staff and students to preach on Sundays, speak at youth/church weekends, come to a midweek meeting for a Q&A, or to deliver training on eldership or deacons. Inviting staff and students to various events will keep us on the agenda.
• Placements and Evangelism Teams—Perhaps your church could facilitate a student on placement or host an evangelism team. These are two key ways in which our students get hands-on experience of ministry, but they also permit a church to get to know our students better. This is another way of keeping us on the agenda.

The College is grateful for your interest and support. We trust that together, with God’s help, we might be known for magnifying Christ, advancing the gospel, and strengthening the church.