Adam Hughes, an experienced ministry leader and associate professor of expository preaching, has been named director of the Doctor of Ministry program at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Hughes, who has served as a ministry-based associate professor at NOBTS since June 2022, holds a Ph.D in expository preaching from Southwestern Seminary and has extensive pastoral ministry experience.
Before transitioning to ministry-based faculty, Hughes served in a variety of full-time faculty positions at NOBTS, including assistant professor and dean of the church ministries division. He was most recently serving as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Mo.
“Dr. Adam Hughes is a perfect fit as director of the Doctor of Ministry program,” said NOBTS Provost Norris Grubbs.
“The Doctor of Ministry program is designed with a focus on practical ministry to equip those who are actively serving in ministry, so it is important to study with those who have pastoral experience. Not only is he one of the best preaching professors in the convention, but he also has a wealth of experience as a senior pastor, a love for sharing the Gospel and a heart for the local church.
“Adam has taught in the DMin program in the past and has a heart for mentoring others. We see the Lord's hand in bringing him back to fill this vital position for NOBTS.”
NOBTS President Jamie Dew spoke to the importance of the seminary’s DMin program and Hughes’ new role in leading it.
“The Doctor of Ministry program at NOBTS is an important opportunity for church leaders, especially our pastors, to continue to study and prepare for their ministry work,” Dew said.
“I am grateful for Dr. Adam Hughes and his willingness to take up the leadership of this program and to continue to teach at every level of our institution. I am excited for his return to campus and the work he will be doing to continue to grow and invest in this vital program.”
Hughes said he is incredibly grateful to be returning to NOBTS in a full-time capacity.
“I could not be more thrilled about my return to serve the churches, pastors, and ministers of the SBC through NOBTS,” Hughes said.
“I think getting to direct the DMin at NOBTS is a position for which God has uniquely equipped and called me for this moment in time. I genuinely believe it is the best job on campus. Getting to teach, enhance and mentor those who as students are concurrently on the frontlines of ministry is extremely humbling.
“You can go your entire lifetime without an opportunity such as this. To have the privilege of joining the faculty full-time for a second time is hard to believe. I am eternally thankful for what the Lord has done and how he is directing my family during this season.”
Hughes is married to Holly and the couple has four children: Ashlyn, Kenlee, Alex and Kate.
Speaking specifically to the DMin program, Hughes said he hopes to continue the lasting impact it has had in training numerous ministry leaders.
“The NOBTS DMin program has a strong and unique legacy,” he said.
“Characteristically, I would describe it as accessible, achievable, academic, and altering. We focus on the whole person—the development of who a person is becoming as much as what a person is learning. Only Heaven knows how many ministers and pastors have found what they need through NOBTS’s DMin to survive a difficult season and continue in the calling.
“By God’s grace, I hope to play a small role in carrying this legacy into the future and to help every SBC pastor and minister who desires to pursue a professional doctorate find a pathway for successfully completing one for their good, their church’s enhancement and the Kingdom’s advancement.”
