Willy Rice, a two-time graduate of NOBTS and president of the Southern Baptist Convention, reminded students of the vital need for pastors around the convention during his chapel address Tuesday, Sept. 1.
"I've come today to hang a 'help wanted' sign above the door of the Southern Baptist Convention," said Rice, who serves as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Clearwater, Florida.
"The Church has many needs, but one of its greatest needs and the most pressing need of the hour is quite simple; we need shepherds. If our churches are to be healthy, if our congregations are to flourish, if our movement is to prevail and flourish in our time, it will flourish because of Godly and faithful pastors."
Before Rice began his message, NOBTS and Leavell College President Jamie Dew took a moment to thank Rice for his ministry and service as SBC President.
"I've known Willy for several years now, and he is such a faithful pastor in the Clearwater area," Dew said.
"I had the opportunity a few months ago to visit one of the campuses' of Calvary Baptist and it was so evident that the people at the church love their pastor.
"It is obvious he is doing a phenomenal job leading that congregation and serving very well. I am grateful for his service as a pastor in this way, but I am also grateful for his willingness to step into a position like President of the SBC. I'm grateful for your friendship and the way you are leading."
Rice, who earned both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from NOBTS, began his time by commending the great work of the seminary.
"It's a joy to be back on campus," Rice said. "I love this place and it's great to see it thriving. It's great to see the Lord moving here, and it is a great group here in chapel today.
"Thank you, Dr. Dew, for your leadership, and I've already been hearing great things about what God is doing here at NOBTS during my visit."
Rice continued his opening remarks by explaining the need for pastors in the convention is not simply about quantity, but about quality.
"The need of the hour is not for executives, celebrities, intellectuals, life-coaches, podcasters, authors or performers," Rice said. "The greatest need in our movement is for faithful, Christ-honoring pastors that will take up the task of shepherding the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ.
"It is more pressing than financial needs, cultural challenges, creative crises or demographic trends. If our churches are to be healthy or remain healthy, there must be healthy shepherds overseeing them."
Preaching out of 1 Peter 5, Rice pointed out the specific importance of Peter using shepherding language in the passage.
"After Peter had a conversation with Jesus by the Sea of Galilee where he asks him to feed his sheep, shepherding the flock then became Peter's purpose in life," Rice explained.
"The call for Peter was now clear. Peter was a shepherd and taking care of the flock of God was his purpose. Years later while writing this passage to fellow Christians, Peter issues this same command to shepherd God's flock.
"Some incorrectly assume that shepherding is used in this passage just because that is what people were familiar with at that time in terms of leadership. I submit to you that it is not an accident that Peter, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, told his fellow elders to shepherd the flock of God in the same way the Lord commanded him."
Rice elaborated that although shepherding is not glamorous and can be challenging, it is precisely what God is calling students to do.
"Peter pleaded for shepherds and I come to plead to you in this same way today," Rice said.
"The need of the hour is for people who will love the Church. Never forget why you are here to get your education. The purpose in your heart and mind must always be to shepherd the flock of God."
