OBU to Host Annual Winter Bible Study Clinic Oct. 28

September 26, 2016

OBU will host its annual Winter Bible Study Clinic Friday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in OBU’s Mabee Suite in the Noble Complex. This year’s clinic, themed “Complacency Exposed … Malachi,” is designed to prepare pastors, preachers and laymen to teach a series from the book of Malachi as either a winter bible study emphasis or for personal spiritual growth. Dr. Bobby Kelly and Dr. Scott Pace will lead the sessions.

Kelly, the Ruth Dickinson professor of religion, will lead the morning sessions. He joined the OBU faculty in 1997. In 2000, he was named the Rowena Strickland Professor of Bible, and in 2004, he was named the Ruth Dickinson Chair of Bible. He received his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in 1998, where he also served as a teaching fellow for three years. He also received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in 1992 and his bachelor’s degree from Clear Creek Baptist College in Pineville, Kentucky in 1988.

Pace, the Reverend A.E. and Dora Johnson Hughes chair of Christian ministry and associate professor of applied ministry, will lead the afternoon sessions. Pace joined the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry as the Jewell and Joe L. Huitt Assistant Professor of Applied Ministry in 2009. In the fall of 2011, he was named the Reverend A.E. and Dora Johnson Hughes Chair of Christian Ministry. In 2014, Pace was awarded the “Promising Teacher Award” for excellence and demonstrated potential, the highest honor a junior faculty member can receive. In 2015, he received promotion to associate professor and was granted senior faculty status as well. Pace also serves as the Chair of the Christian and Cross-Cultural Ministry Department.

“The Winter Bible Study Clinic is an ideal time to be challenged, to deepen one's devotion to God's Word, particularly the book of Malachi, and to strengthen one's teaching and preaching skills on this difficult but rich book,” said Dr. Heath Thomas, dean of the Herschel H. Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry and associate vice president for church relations. “Learners will gain invaluable insight from two professors from the Hobbs College: Dr. Bobby Kelly and Dr. Scott Pace. Together, they will walk us through Malachi and provide preaching helps to proclaim boldly God's Word and the beauty of Jesus.”

This Winter Bible Study Clinic examines key topics such as the nature of ministry, the power for ministry and the motivation for ministry. Attendees will be reminded that ministry is the power of God working through them to accomplish His purposes, and will also realize that the foundation and focus of ministry is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“OBU hosts the annual Winter Bible Study Clinic because of our commitment to Christ, the Word of God, and our passion in equipping the local church,” Thomas said. “We want to be ‘all-in’ when it comes to helping the church achieve Christ's commission to go into the world, proclaim the gospel, and disciple the Church. Winter Bible Study Clinic is an important part of that service to our churches.”

There is no charge for the clinic. However, the on-campus lunch will be $10.50, which may be purchased at the door.

For further information, please contact Kelley Chlouber in the Spiritual Life Office at 405.585.5700 or kelley.chlouber@okbu.edu. No advance registration is required.