Former NOBTS trustee and veteran pastor C.J. Adkins dies at age 73
By Timothy Cockes/NOBTS
NEW ORLEANS (BP) — Caudle Jerry “C.J.” Adkins, a former trustee for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College, passed away on Thursday, July 11. He was 73.
Adkins, who served as a trustee for the institution from 2006 to 2016, pastored several churches in both Kentucky and West Virginia (his birth state) throughout his six decades of ministry.
Among those churches were Wayside Baptist Church and Ashland Baptist Church in Kentucky, as well as Charley’s Creek Free Will Baptist, Pleasant Valley Free Will Baptist and Westmorland Baptist Church in West Virginia. Adkins was Westmorland’s longest tenured pastor, serving for 21 years.
In addition to his service as a trustee with NOBTS, Adkins also served as President of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists for two years.
“We grieve the loss of our dear friend C.J. Adkins,” said Jamie Dew, president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and Leavell College.
“C.J. was a faithful trustee and a model servant to our beloved school. He encouraged presidents, faculty, fellow trustees, and students alike. His affection for NOBTS caused each of us to love our school more each time we were with him. We remember his kindness and take joy knowing his faith and obedience are now rewarded by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Don Currence, NOBTS alum and SBC recording secretary, grew to know Adkins during their time serving together as trustees.
“It was during this time (as trustees) that I learned about the gentle and encouraging spirit of C.J.,” Currence said. “What has amazed me over the years with all the health issues he has experienced, he never complained or did a pity party over it. His life was only about proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ and being a servant leader.
“I know the statement, ‘Well done, thy faithful and good servant,’ is totally appropriate for C.J. I am so thankful to have known C.J. on this earth and look forward to one day seeing him again in heaven.”
Frank Cox, NOBTS alum and senior pastor of North Metro Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Ga., also came to know Adkins while serving as a trustee.
“What a joy to call C.J. a friend,” said Cox.
“Right off I found him to be a godly, cordial, and committed follower of Christ. His years of pastoring marked his life with humility and many times when tough decisions had to be made, C.J. brought forth wisdom. As he rotated off the trustees, he was greatly missed. When I heard of his passing, I thought heaven has just become near and dear to those of us who knew C.J. Adkins as a friend and an encourager. Our loss is heavens gain.”
Phil Hanberry, an NOBTS alum and current trustee, said serving with Adkins was a wonderful experience.
“C.J. loved the Lord, he loved the Lord’s church and he loved NOBTS,” Hanberry said. “He served all three with great joy and passion. It was a pleasure to serve with him.”
Jay Adkins, one of C.J.’s two sons, is an NOBTS alum and pastor of First Baptist Church of Westwego, La.
Jay released a statement about his father’s passing in a post on X.
“It is with tremendous sadness but abiding joy that we share with our friends that our dad has left this life and is with Jesus,” Adkins said in a July 11 post. “Of course, the consolation we take today is that he has been completely healed and is no doubt basking in the glory of his Savior as we are left behind to wait for our reunion.”
In a response to Jay’s post, Chuck Kelley, president emeritus at NOBTS, described the late Adkins as “a great trustee, a wonderful pastor, a godly man and a good friend.”
“All who knew him will miss him,” said Kelley.
A full obituary for Adkins can be found here.
In lieu of flowers, one giving option friends are asked to consider is to his beloved New Orleans Baptist Seminary through a scholarship NOBTS has created in his name.
Donations can be made to the C.J. Adkins Memorial Scholarship at this link.
SEBTS announces Kelly D. King as visiting professor
By Mary Asta Halverson/SEBTS
WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP) — Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary announced July 17 that Kelly D. King has joined the Southeastern faculty as Visiting Professor of Christian Ministry. King brings with her years of experience in equipping women for ministry and leadership, and she will begin teaching courses this fall.
“When I told my wife, Charlotte, that Kelly King would be joining us as a visiting professor, she exclaimed, ‘Are you serious? How did y’all do that?’” said SEBTS President Danny Akin. “Charlotte’s excitement reflects my own. What a wonderful addition Kelly will be to our Southeastern family. God has truly blessed us by adding this gifted and godly woman to our faculty.”
Many years ago, God gave King a passion for ministry, and she has pursued this calling in her life both personally and professionally. Currently she oversees women’s ministry at Quail Springs Baptist Church in her home state of Oklahoma. Before her position with Quail Springs, she worked for Lifeway Christian Resources as the women’s ministry specialist and as the manager of magazines and devotional publishing and women’s ministry training. She also served for over a decade as the women’s specialist with the Baptist General Convention of the State of Oklahoma.
“One of my passions is equipping women to live out their calling and prepare them to be disciple-makers in multiple contexts,” King said. “In this position, I have the opportunity to invest in other women who will continue to expand God’s kingdom around the world.”
She added, “Southeastern’s reputation for quality education and practical ministry preparation gives me multiple reasons to be excited to be part of its amazing faculty.”
King began teaching as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and has had many opportunities to train leaders through Lifeway events. She received both of her degrees from Gateway Seminary — a Master of Arts in theological studies and a Doctor of Ministry with a focus in executive training for women’s ministry leaders in Southern Baptist state conventions.
“When I completed my doctorate last year and began a new ministry assignment in the local church, I hoped I might have the opportunity to teach again,” King said, “but to teach at Southeastern is one of the ‘above and beyond’ prayers I’ve seen the Lord answer. This fall, I’ll be teaching Foundations of Ministry to Women, which includes historical church influences of women from the first century to more contemporary examples. We’ll also discuss the roles of women and how God uses women for his glory. I’ll also lead the course that coincides with Lifeway Women’s Leadership Forum, an event I coordinated for several years. Women can attend the conference and receive credit when they register for this course.”
Provost Scott Pace said of King’s hire: “At Southeastern, we are committed to training women to serve the Church and fulfill the Great Commission. I don’t know anyone better equipped to help us in these efforts than Dr. Kelly King. Along with Kelly’s impressive academic credentials, her decades of local church experience and denominational service will prepare our students for ministry from an informed and biblical perspective. Her expertise and practical insights will help our female students fulfill their calling and maximize their giftedness in service to our Savior and his church. I could not be more thrilled to welcome Dr. King to the Southeastern family in this strategic role!”
