September 19, 2024
East Texas Baptist University welcomed Dr. Eric Black to campus on Wednesday, September 18, as guest speaker for the midweek Chapel service. Dr. Black, the Executive Director, Publisher, and Editor of the Baptist Standard, delivered a message to the ETBU students, faculty, and staff, drawing from his extensive background in ministry, media, and theological education.
Dr. Black's sermon included two central points: first, that God does not require us to play a starring role on earth to have an eternal impact for His Kingdom. The second point came in the form of a thought-provoking question: Whatever you believe about Jesus, is it enough to move you to stick your head out for Him?
Drawing from the story of Nicodemus in John chapter 3, Dr. Black explored the transformative discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, noting the significance of being "born again" and the courage it takes to step out in faith. He emphasized that the Bible does not share about Nicodemus in great detail, yet he was used by God to depict one of the most important lessons found in Scripture. Dr. Black’s call to courageous faith encouraged the campus community to reflect on their own walk with Christ and their unique role in advancing God's Kingdom.
Dr. Black brings a wealth of experience to his ministry, having served in various capacities, including local church pastorates, youth ministry, collegiate ministry, and Christian education. He was licensed to the gospel ministry by Hoffmantown Baptist Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and ordained by Acton Baptist Church in Granbury, Texas. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Hardin-Simmons University, a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy from B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. Dr. Black has served as pastor of First Baptist Church in Covington and has been involved in youth ministry at First Baptist Church in Galax, Virginia. Additionally, he served as a resident fellow at B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary, where he taught courses in Christian education. Dr. Black and his wife, Dalese, have two children, Allen and Caroline.
"We are honored to have had Dr. Black share the powerful story of Nicodemus and recount his own testimony with our campus," ETBU President Dr. Blair Blackburn said. "His message was a timely reminder of the impact we can have through faithful service and the importance of boldly professing our faith. ETBU is grateful for the way Dr. Black shares the love of Christ and showcases the efforts of other believers through his work with the Baptist Standard. We value Dr. Black’s leadership of the Baptist Standard to connect God’s Story to God’s people relevant to growing God’s Kingdom through communications media.”