The amazing world of FWBBC-educated laity who make a difference everywhere, every day.

They Preach Without a Pulpit

by Thurman Pate, Jr.

The mission of Free Will Baptist Bible College is to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. These leaders include laymen, both men and women. A layman trained at FWBBC is uniquely prepared to make a difference in the local church, the business community, the home, and the denomination. While we continue to prepare pastors and youth workers for the local church and missionaries for home and international fields, the mission has broadened to include a curriculum for more Free Will Baptist college-age youth.

No matter what the life goal of a Christian young man or woman, preparation can be made at FWBBC. If the total program is not available here, with our Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation, students can transfer almost anywhere to finish a degree.

Much has been written about church and denominational leaders who received their training at FWBBC. While many came to the college after answering God’s call on their lives, a large number came not knowing what God would have them do. Others came with their lives mapped out, only to have God change their plans.

While some envision every FWBBC student serving as a pastor or on a mission field, our churches benefit from prepared laity who attend FWBBC and then make a difference in local communities. Reflecting on these laity, there are hundreds of examples of God using FWBBC alumni to “preach without a pulpit.” Let me share some of their stories with you.

The Businessman

A.C. Allen attended FWBBC one year—1964-65. Not only did he receive a biblical foundation for life, he also met Judy, the love of his life (a common theme for those who come to FWBBC). He and his bride returned to South Carolina where he continued his logging business. A.C. Allen was a successful businessman for 38 years, active in local government, and a witness in his community.

For over 30 years he has represented the Gideons. Three of his children attended FWBBC. He has been active in Lebanon Free Will Baptist Church (Effingham), even filling the pulpit in the absence of a pastor. He served on the board for the South Carolina FWB Children’s Home and is concluding 12 years on the FWBBC Board of Trustees. Although he has spoken some from the pulpit, his most important “preaching” has been through his life and witness.

The Accountant

David Sagraves graduated from FWBBC in 1977 with a major in Bible and minor in Christian Education. He has taken courses at Belmont University and online courses in Accounting. He was employed 29 years at Randall House Publications and currently works in the business office at Nashville Rescue Mission. David has served Cofer’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church (Nashville) as Master’s Men president, church treasurer, deacon, Sunday School superintendent, and Sunday School teacher. His “preaching” has not been from the pulpit.

The History Teacher

David Rackley graduated from FWBBC in 1986 with a major in Secondary Education. After receiving his history degree from another college in Nashville, David returned to North Carolina and began teaching history at a public middle school in New Bern. He is in his 23rd year, and now works in the school’s academically gifted program.

David is involved in Bridgeton Free Will Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, trustee, and usher. He also works with the youth by teaching Sunday School, children’s church, VBS, and preparing young people for competitive events at the National Youth Conference.

The Banker

Bobby Edwards graduated from FWBBC in 1997 with a major in Bible and Business Administration. He has been at SunTrust Bank 18 years and currently serves as a group vice president/area manager administrating several branches in the Middle Tennessee Region. Bobby has been active in musical ministry and missions, traveling to six international fields of ministry with the Legacy of Praise Quartet.

He serves nationally on the Free Will Baptist Foundation Board and in his local church (Cross Timbers Free Will Baptist Church, Nashville) as deacon, Sunday School director, children’s church volunteer, and choir member. His “preaching” has not been from the pulpit.

The Convention Manager

Ryan Lewis graduated from FWBBC in 2001 with degrees in Exercise Science and Bible. After working three years as director of recruitment at FWBBC, he was an associate pastor for a year. He then returned to Nashville where he has served the past four years as executive administrator for the National Association of Free Will Baptists. His primary job responsibility is convention manager.

He serves as a pianist and Sunday School teacher at Cofer’s Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Through his training at FWBBC, Ryan learned that “ministry” doesn’t always occur behind the pulpit.

The Principal

Jane (Picirilli) Johnson graduated from FWBBC in 1980 with a major in Bible and Elementary Education. Over the past 32 years, she has taught in two Christian schools and three public schools. She has been a school librarian, assistant principal, and principal at Paragon Mills Elementary School (Nashville) for the past four years. Her school is diverse with students from 40 countries who speak more than 20 languages.

A member of The Donelson Fellowship FWB Church since 1981, she is involved in missions, music and fine arts ministry, and the sports ministry of the church. She has taught children’s classes and been a member of their women’s Bible studies. Jane feels her ministry is her job at school where she is in her own mission field. Several families at school have come to know Christ and joined her church. No, her preaching is not from the pulpit, but she tries to live “Christ” everyday at her school.

The Inner-City Child Advocate

Jill McAllister graduated from Free Will Baptist Bible College in 2007 with a major in Early Childhood Education and Teacher Licensure. She moved back home to California and taught kindergarten four years in a Christian school. She now teaches kindergarten and first grade in a high poverty and low literacy community. She is pursuing graduate studies in teaching English as a second language.

She is active in Farmersville Free Will Baptist Church, working in music ministry, directing VBS, and assisting with youth ministry. FWBBC prepared Jill to live a life of Christian service in a secular workplace.

About the Writer: Thurman M. Pate, Jr., chairs the Teacher Education Department at Free Will Baptist Bible College. He spent 30 years teaching and administering in public and Christian schools. He has served nationally on the Master’s Men Board and in his local church as Master’s Men president, deacon, treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, and teacher. Although the son of a Free Will Baptist minister who is still preaching after 75 years, Thurman’s “preaching” has not been from the pulpit!