Sutton assumes interim dean and VP of academics at MBTS

posted on Feb 15, 2011 by Austin Mayfield

   Dr. Jerry Sutton, accomplished SBC pastor and administrator, joins the executive staff at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as interim dean and vice president of academics. The SBC leader succeeds Dr. Jerry Johnson, who assumed the presidency of Criswell College this past November.

   Sutton came to Midwestern upon recommendation from MBTS president, Dr. Phil Roberts. In this case, the “interim” in Sutton’s title means that he’s Roberts’ selection until the trustee meeting in April, at which point the trustees will be asked to ratify the decision.

   Sutton brings to Midwestern extensive experience from a variety of ministerial spheres. A Southwestern Seminary graduate, Sutton earned his Ph.D. in church history with minors in preaching and Greek New Testament. He served as the senior pastor of Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., from 1986 until 2008 and has taught courses at multiple SBC seminaries, including an adjunct professorship at Midwestern.

   In 2005, Sutton became the first vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Since his retirement from Two Rivers, he has served as associate professor of Christian proclamation and pastoral theology at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary and Graduate School in Lynchburg, Va. He has also served as a trustee at LifeWay Christian Resources and as president of the SBC Pastors’ Conference.

   A respected historian, Sutton authored the authoritative account of the conservative resurgence, The Baptist Reformation. He has published a resource for individuals seeking spiritual rededication entitled The Way Back Home, and his latest  publication, A Matter of Conviction: A History of Southern Baptist Engagement with the Culture, stands as both a historic description and centennial commemoration of the denomination’s interaction with American culture.

    Seminary administrators welcome Sutton’s transition. “Dr. Sutton is an accomplished writer, theologian, pastor and preacher who has been simultaneously gifted with a unique skill for administration,” Roberts said. “His talents have benefitted the SBC on both the local and national levels, and we’re grateful that he’s decided to bring his passion and dedication to Midwestern.”

   For his part, the interim dean is eager to fulfill his duties. “Any time that I’ve ever been a professor, I’ve expected excellence from myself,” Sutton said. “I’ve had hundreds of staff members in my 32 years as a senior pastor, and I’ve always expected excellence from them. I think that academic excellence is the norm here, too, and I want to make sure that the education our students get is second to none.”

   In addition to supporting the current structure of Seminary programs, Sutton hopes to continue the expansion of Midwestern’s legacy. “I realize I have a large responsibility of sharpening and maintaining our focus on what we’re doing already, but I want to take part of my time, energy and influence and try to add a few things to it if possible,” he said. “I want to do everything that I can to help strengthen the faculty we have and to help Dr. Roberts build the faculty we need.”

   Beyond his varied professional accomplishments, the administrator emphasizes the urgency of the Gospel message. “The attitude where I’ve been at Liberty is: ‘We’re here to reach the world for the Gospel,’” Sutton said. “I think that every seminary worth its salt ought to act as though they’re the only ones getting the job done, giving everything they can to make that happen.”

   Austin Mayfield is a communications assistant at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.