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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Union President Dockery to Present Hobbs Lecture

April 30, 2009

Union University President David S. Dockery will present the 2009 spring Hobbs Lecture Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the lecture on the topic "Baptists and the Sovereignty of God."

The Hobbs Lecture is one of four OBU lectureships designed to help students grow in their knowledge of Baptist theology, Baptist history and studies of the Bible.

Dr. Dockery will conclude the 2008-09 chapel series, "Lost and Found: Reclaiming the Knowledge of the Holiness of God," a focused study on various attributes of God based on a book by A.W. Tozer, "The Knowledge of the Holy." Dockery's lecture will focus on the attribute of the sovereignty of God.

"Dr. Dockery is an expert in the field of higher education regarding issues that touch Baptist life," said Dale Griffin, OBU dean of spiritual life. "As a well connected and sought after speaker, Dr. Dockery will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with him as he addresses the important topic of Baptists and the Sovereignty of God. Dr. Dockery uses a scholarly yet approachable style that is both well researched and filled with practical application and insight."

Dockery has served as president (CEO) and professor of Christian studies at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., since 1996. Prior to his time at Union, Dockery served as an administrator at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., from 1988-96, and as general editor of Broadman and Holman Press at the Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources) in Nashville, Tenn., from 1990-92.

He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he earned master's degrees at Grace Theological Seminary, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Christian University. He earned his doctorate at the University of Texas-Arlington. He has written 10 books, more than 60 articles, and numerous presentations, many on biblical topics and Southern Baptist life.

The Herschel H. and Frances J. Hobbs Lectureship in Baptist Faith and Heritage is OBU's first endowed scholarship. Friends of the late Dr. Hobbs, who was pastor of First Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, and of the late Mrs. Hobbs, created the endowed fund in honor of the couple's years of outstanding Christian service.