by Daniel Webster | Apr 11, 2022
GALLATIN, TN—On April 9, Kregel Academic published a new book by Welch College president Matt Pinson entitled 40 Questions About Arminianism. The book is an introduction to Arminianism to the wider evangelical community.
Kregel Academic is the academic imprint of Kregel Publishers, an evangelical publishing house in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The new book is the latest in the 40 Questions series, edited by Benjamin Merkle, Professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Pinson said, “I’m so excited Kregel Academic has released this new book. It seeks to answer 40 key questions people often have about the theology that emerged from the teaching of the Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius. It’s not intended just for Arminians but for people from diverse quadrants of the evangelical community who want a survey of the Arminian doctrine of salvation.”
A number of scholars have recommended the new book:
“. . . provides readers with the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with a vibrant, evangelical Arminianism that is rooted and grounded in Reformation theology.” —Robert E. Picirilli, Welch College
“. . . the best resource in print that provides trustworthy insight into a comparison of Arminianism and Calvinism . . . an irenic apologetic for which Arminius himself would issue high praise.” —W. Stephen Gunter, Duke Divinity School
“Anyone who wants to be thoroughly informed about Arminianism must read 40 Questions About Arminianism.” —Roger E. Olson, Baylor University
“. . . may well rank as the best available exposition of evangelical Arminianism . . . a gracious and profoundly learned response to the biblical Calvinism that I embrace.” —Michael A. G. Haykin, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
“Pinson conveys a beautiful irenic tone, helping inform fellow brothers and sisters in Christ about many of the frequently misunderstood features of the great tapestry which makes up Christian theology.” —Timothy Tennent, Asbury Theological Seminary
“Matthew Pinson cogently articulates what Arminius and Arminians actually believe, and why they believe it.” —Steve W. Lemke, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
“I’m not an Arminian. However, I am deeply appreciative of the Arminian theological tradition and its contributions to the church catholic. As such, I’m thankful that Matt Pinson has written this important volume.” —Nathan Finn, North Greenville University
“Pinson is very well versed in both Arminianism and Calvinism and challenges both Arminians and Calvinists to rediscover their shared Reformed roots, to get a clear picture of the real differences, and to engage once again in the real conversation about them.” —William den Boer, Theological University Kampen, the Netherlands, and author of God’s Twofold Love: The Theology of Jacob Arminius (1559-1609)
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Looking for more books from J Matthew Pinson? Check out these titles from Welch College Press. You can find 40 Questions About Arminianism on Amazon.
by Daniel Webster | Mar 14, 2022
GALLATIN, TN—Guests gathered from across the country at the Forum22 conference at Welch College Sunday night, Monday, and Tuesday, March 6–8, according to Welch President Matt Pinson. “We were so pleased with this year’s conference, the first Forum Conference held in two years,” Pinson said. “As always, it was such a blessing to enjoy the Ministry of the Word and to visit with old friends.”
Attendees lifted their voices in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, heard from Welch College students in the Rejoice! Ministry Team, the College Choir, the Evangels, and the Instrumental Ensemble, prayed and read Scripture together, and listened to sermons and seminars from six speakers.
Forum22 featured Dr. Harry Reeder, pastor-teacher of Briarwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Birmingham, Alabama, and his wife Cindy. New to the Forum conference was Jerry Nunes, bivocational pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Bautista of New York in Yonkers, New York, and a senior in-house attorney at a major technology company. Those gathered also heard stimulating sermons and seminars by Welch College regulars Dr. Robert Picirilli, Dr. Paul Harrison, and Dr. Jesse Owens.
Topics for this year’s conference were as diverse as progressive Christianity vs. biblical Christianity (H. Reeder), the Ten Commandments (C. Reeder), lessons for church leaders from Paul’s address to the Ephesian elders (Picirilli), navigating the digital life biblically (Nunes), what we can learn from Jonathan Edwards (Harrison) and “Rest for the Weary” from Matthew 11:25–30 (Owens).
The sermons can be found at facebook.com/WelchCollege.
by Daniel Webster | Feb 28, 2022
GALLATIN, TN—The Welch College Choir will conduct a four-state spring tour March 9–13 according to David Williford, Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Directed by Dr. James Stevens, chairman of the School of Music at Welch College, the College Choir will minister in six churches. The tour program is entitled Joy in the Morning.
“We’re excited about the choir’s tour program, which will consist of sacred choral selections and gospel songs designed to encourage and evangelize,” Williford said. “We want to encourage local churches and youth groups to mark their calendars and make every effort to attend a service in their area. We also ask that people pray for the health and safety of the choir as they travel and present God’s Word, and to pray that God would bless in every service.”
Spring Tour Schedule
March 9, 7:00 p.m. at Baker Branch Free Will Baptist Church, Tutor Key, KY
March 10, 7:00 p.m. at Porter Free Will Baptist Church, Portsmouth, OH
March 11, 7:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church, Columbus, OH
March 13, 11:00 a.m. at Woodhaven Free Will Baptist Church, Woodhaven, MI
March 13, 6:00 p.m. at Community Free Will Baptist Church, Westland, MI
March 14, 7:00 p.m. at Blue Point Free Will Baptist Church, Cisne, IL
Welch College offers majors in music performance, music education, and worship music. Members of the College Choir consist of both music majors and majors in other fields. For more information about Welch, email gotowelch@welch.edu.
by jowens | Feb 13, 2022
GALLATIN, TN—Middle Tennessee pastor Jeff Caudill has been selected as Marketing Operations Manager at Welch College, according to Daniel Webster, Enrollment Services Director for Welch.
“I am so excited to announce Jeff’s appointment,” Webster said. I’ve never had the opportunity to work closely with Jeff, but everyone who has speaks highly of his administrative abilities. With Jeff’s organizational skills and institutional knowledge, I believe this part-time position is a perfect fit. I am excited about the future marketing program at Welch.”
Caudill currently serves as Executive Pastor at Cofer’s Chapel, a pastorate he has held since 2010. He plans to continue in this position. Before his time at Cofer’s Chapel, Jeff served at Welch for ten years (2000-2010), as Director of Enrollment Services. Caudill holds two degrees, a bachelor’s degree in Youth Ministry from Welch (1999) and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca University (2010).
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to be back on the campus of Welch College. It is exciting to see how God in His providence has made it possible for me to take on the role of Marketing Operations Manager at Welch while continuing to serve as Executive Pastor at Cofer’s Chapel. Welch College has always held a special place in my heart.”
Jeff has been married to Calisse for 41 years. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. The Caudills’ daughters and sons-in-law—Stephen and Rebekah Lopes, Joshua and Rachel Eidson—are all Welch alumni.
by jowens | Feb 1, 2022
GALLATIN, TN—After ten years as Director of Marketing and Media, Josh Owens has announced that he will be leaving Welch College, according to President Matt Pinson.
Over the past decade, Owens has helped the college build a strong visual brand through his print and digital designs. He helped lead the rebranding efforts after the college name change in 2012, and helped introduce the college to the Gallatin community during its relocation in 2017. He has overseen two website rebuilds and redesigns, the most recent taking place in 2021. In addition to his print and digital work, he has helped oversee the college’s annual FORUM/Bible Conference since 2011.
“It’s hard to say goodbye to Josh,” Pinson said. “We love him. He’s been a part of the college, in one way or another, since he came as a student in 2003, and even at that time, with his landscaping business, he was working to improve the college’s image. I’m glad he’s staying on board as a consultant, and I will continue to take advantage of his expertise and love for Welch.”
“I am thankful for my time at Welch College,” Owens said. “President Pinson and the entire leadership team have trusted me to bring the Welch brand to life over the past ten years through a variety of print and digital designs. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had to serve alongside many wonderful and talented people. As I look back over my time at Welch, it is evident that God has been developing and preparing me to serve in this new role. I look forward to supporting and serving the college in new ways as they continue to educate leaders to serve Christ.”
Owens will assume his new role February 21 as Digital User Experience Designer at HCA Healthcare headquartered in Nashville.
by jowens | Dec 13, 2021
GALLATIN, TN—In a meeting held December 2, 2021, the Board of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to reaffirm the accreditation of Welch College for ten years until 2031, according to Dr. Kevin Hester, Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness at Welch. The reaffirmation decision was announced in the Annual Delegate Assembly held Tuesday, December 7. SACSCOC is the primary institutional accreditor for higher education in the Southeast region.*
“This reaffirmation by SACSCOC reflects the outstanding work done by Welch College’s administration, faculty, and staff to meet rigorous standards of compliance,” said Hester, who led the reaffirmation process. “This decision serves as an important external confirmation of what every employee and student associated with Welch College knows, that Welch is fully committed to excellence in biblical higher education. I would like to express my deepest thanks to the members of the Compliance Committee for their dedicated work in shepherding this successful reaffirmation process.”
Welch College has a long history as an accredited institution. The college has been accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education’s Commission on Accreditation (ABHECOA) since 1958 and first received accreditation by SACSCOC in 1996. This makes the third successful reaffirmation decision for Welch College by this body (2001, 2011, and 2021).
Dr. Matthew McAffee, Provost and chief academic officer at Welch, said, “The reaffirmation process is long and arduous in the best of circumstances. This particular accreditation cycle has been especially challenging in light of COVID-19 realities. For these reasons, we are especially thankful to the Lord for bringing us through it successfully!”
Welch President Matt Pinson said, “This vote is the final act following an intensive, multi-year, peer review process to verify the institutional quality of Welch College, its facilities, staff, and educational programs according to fourteen rigorous principles of accreditation. The decennial review is a comprehensive examination of the College that engages the entire campus community in documenting compliance with these principles.”
Welch College’s Compliance Committee began its work in the spring of 2019 and subsequently submitted a compliance certification report, and a focused report in advance of a virtual on-site committee visit that occurred April 5-8, 2021. During this visit, Welch College board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and students engaged with the visiting committee in validating the quality of the institution and its academic programs.
For more information about Welch College and its academic and student life programs, visit www.Welch.edu.
*Welch College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Welch College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
