Alvin Reid has been unleashed. In addition to his duties as preacher, author, and evangelism professor, now he will be leading and teaching Student Ministry at The College at Southeastern. In order to reflect this, the SEBTS Board of Trustees voted unanimously this morning to update his title to Professor of Evangelism and Student Ministry.

“I am excited to lead a student ministry focus that will be gospel-centered, family-embracing, church-loving, and missional-living,” Reid said. “Building on my book Raising the Bar, we will train student pastors who treat students like young adults entering adulthood, rather than as children finishing childhood. Our goal is nothing less than to train those who will lead the largest generation of students in American history to change the world for the glory of God and the sake of the gospel.”

Bruce Ashford, Dean of the College at Southeastern, expressed his excitement: “Alvin Reid is one of the great men of the Southern Baptist Convention. He manages to combine in one person the warm heart of an evangelist, the prolific pen of a best-selling author, and the theological and cultural savvy of an excellent student minister. I could not possibly be happier than to have him teach and mentor our students.”

Reid is the author of numerous books, including: Raising the Bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millenium, Radically Unchurched: Who They Are and How to Reach Them, and the best-selling Introduction to Evangelism. He is active on the speaking circuit, speaking at churches, state evangelism conferences, and student ministries across the country. He is married to Michelle and has two children, Josh and Hannah.

Here is what several student ministry advocates have to say about Reid:

Dr. Jay Strack, President of Student Leadership University

“Who else on the planet is better qualified to lead, teach and mentor this generation of student pastors than Dr. Alvin Reid. He is old school and cutting edge all at the same time.  He still has the residue of the Jesus Movement, the burning heart of an evangelist and perhaps one of the greatest students of awakenings and revivals throughout history that I know.  He is a Charles Wesley in the classroom….”Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

Jeff Pratt, Director of Student Ministry Training at Lifeway Church Resources

“This is a great day for Southern Baptists and a great day for the world of Student ministry.  Alvin Reid has had his thumb on the pulse of student ministry for some time and I am thrilled that he will now get to train and mentor student pastors at Southeastern.  Alvin’s passion for God’s word and his heart for biblical truth will continue to allow us to strive for models in student ministry that I believe will begin to turn the tide on our dropout rates and continue to see students embracing the great commission as a lifestyle.  I am looking forward to our continued partnership as we work together to train and equip students ministers and reach students for Jesus Christ.”

Matt Lawson, Student Pastor at FBC-Woodstock

“Alvin Reid is the leader for student pastors in our time. He knows and understands the leadership climate as well as the needs and will serve those opportunities tirelessly around the country. Timing is critical for leadership to the next generation, and I’m thrilled that Dr. Alvin Reid is leading the way.”

J. D. Greear, Pastor of The Summit Church (Raleigh-Durham, NC)

I know of no man in America with more vision and passion for the rising generation of students than Dr. Alvin Reid. He has the rare balance of theology and practicality, and his passion is contagious. He pours his life into his students. I know, because I am one of them. He’s been speaking prophetically about this stuff for years… Southeastern is setting things up for revolution, and there is no one better to lead it than my mentor, Dr. Reid.

Brad Smith, Minister to Students at FBC-New Port Richey

“Dr. Alvin Reid is one of the foremost experts in student ministry today.  While he has been professor of evangelism for many years at Southeastern, many of us know him because of his connection to and passion for student ministry.  When Dr. Reid says something about student ministry, I pay close attention.  He has written many books on student ministry that have been a tremendous help to student pastors and leaders around the country.  The difference between him and many other experts?  Dr. Reid doesn’t just know student ministry, he does student ministry!”