The Dew Krewe is approaching the end of our first semester at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, and we are looking forward to our first holiday season in New Orleans! Our friends, the Lyon family, are experiencing the same milestone.
Let me tell you their story. Larry and Stephanie, along with their children Anna Kate, Abby, and Maggie moved down to New Orleans with us for Larry to serve as the Vice President of Enrollment.
The story of Larry’s journey to faith, ministry, and ultimately to NOBTS and Leavell College is one of grace and redemption offered by Christ. His story is familiar to many of our students, as it is a story they have experienced in their own lives. I am grateful for the work of Christ in Larry’s life, and I am especially thankful Larry is answering God’s call to NOBTS and Leavell College.
Larry grew up in a single-family household following the death of his father. Larry describes his teen years as “trouble with a little mix of trouble.” While in college Larry reached a point where he knew life could not go on as it had.
Larry has shared with me that he:
went to college for all the things you can find at a big state school. I was looking for everything it had to offer aside from my classes—and I found it. But I also found the Lord.
After coming to Christ, Larry answered God’s call to ministry. He finished his undergraduate degree and later pursued a Master of Divinity and Ph.D. at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. During seminary, Larry realized a passion for helping men and women find and fulfill their calling as Christian leaders. Along with opportunities to teach, he served as the director of enrollment for eight years.
As director of enrollment, Larry and I worked together to grow the seminary and college. We share a passion for our work. When I was called to NOBTS and Leavell College, I knew I wanted Larry and his family to come alongside the Dew Krewe and serve together.
When Dr. Dew asked me to join him in New Orleans, it felt like the next season of my family’s life. I knew it was an exciting opportunity, and more importantly, I knew it was the Lord leading my family here.
As Vice President of Enrollment, Larry has the opportunity to lead a team to serve our prospective students as they seek to answer God’s call. Larry and his team will serve individuals as they explore pursuing theological education. Once they determine to come to NOBTS or Leavell College, Larry and his team assist those students from admissions until graduation with financial aid and advising. Larry is just the right person for this work. He will serve our students well as they prepare here to serve anywhere.
The people who end up on the front lines of ministry are my heroes. They devote their entire lives to vocational ministry, and it excites me to play a role in helping them fulfill their call. I’m like the sidekick for a superhero! I help them find the best avenues to come here, to graduate, and to get about the serious business of ministry.
Just like the Dew Krewe, the Lyon family has fallen in love with the city of New Orleans. The NOBTS and Leavell College community has become family. Like all of us, they recognize the unique opportunity that New Orleans provides for ministry training.
This Seminary, in particular, is tied to its community. Our sister seminaries have connections to their cities, but we are the only one that actually carries the name of our city. That means we have a unique responsibility, and our students have unique opportunities. I believe there is no ministry context imaginable that is not somehow represented in New Orleans.
The work that God has done to bring Larry to Himself, and now NOBTS and Leavell College is a story we can relate to. Each of us has been called by God to serve in some particular way. I am grateful for partners like you who support the work of educating the men and women answering God’s call to walk with Him, proclaim His truth, and fulfill his Mission.
Come visit us in New Orleans and see all that God is doing at NOBTS and Leavell College.
Many blessings on you during the holiday season!
Jamie Dew
President
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College
