Samford University/Ministry Training Institute

Incredible night at our 2025-26 MTI Graduation! Stirring messages from Alabama Baptist State Convention President Jarman Leatherwood and Samford Christian Ministry Studies Executive Director Dr. Scott Guffin! Diplomas awarded via Zoom to students in Alaska by Dr. Jim Hamilton! And the introduction of our new Spanish Language Extension Site Director, Jesús Navarro! All together MTI awarded 180 diplomas this year, about half of those tonight before a full house in Reid Chapel. All glory to our great and gracious God!

It’s almost time! Let’s go, MTI! Graduation 2026!

Another great opportunity from our friends at the Center for Congregational Resources! Register today and share this post to help us get the word out!

Thank you, Shelby Baptist Association and Birmingham Metro Baptist Association, for bringing the Renew Alabama tour to Birmingham and to Samford! Samford MTI was delighted to be a part of this incredible day of encouragement, insight, and challenge with Mark Clifton, Mark Hallock, Andy Addis, and Matt McNaughton.
And thanks, Pastor Michael Ent, for including me in your selfie!

A few seats remain for the Birmingham stop on the Renew Alabama tour! Join us on campus for this great lineup of speakers and a time of encouragement. To register, email directly [email protected].

Dedra just handed me 180 diplomas to sign! We are overjoyed for our graduates and deeply grateful for their commitment to ministry training. We can’t wait to see what God will do with these dedicated, faithful servants!

Chef Bob Vaningan, a student at the extension site at Olive Baptist Church, has launched a thriving ministry to the food service community in Pensacola. Culinary Ministries offers worship opportunities and pastoral care for workers in an industry that never takes a Sunday off. The story is beautifully told at their website, www.culinaryministries.org. Chef Bob, his wife Darlene, and their talented team are sharing much more than just a meal with their community. This is training that transforms!

Great visits tonight with our extension students at FBC Oneonta and Eden Westside and with two incredible Director/Instructors - Larry Gipson and Danny Courson. Grateful for their gifted leadership, their faithful service, and their genuine love for their students.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!