The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary hosted its annual Alumni & Friends Luncheon in conjunction with the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting, welcoming more than 1,000 alumni and guests for a joyful gathering marked by gospel fellowship and renewed gratitude for the Lord’s ongoing faithfulness. President R. Albert Mohler, Jr. offered reflections on the seminary’s global influence, theological integrity, and enduring strength as it continues its mission to train ministers for a lifetime of faithfulness.
Mohler presented the 2025 Alumnus of the Year Award to Dr. Aaron Menikoff, Senior Pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. A two-time graduate of Southern Seminary, Menikoff has served the church with conviction and care as a pastor, author, and mentor to fellow leaders.
Before entering pastoral ministry, he worked in the U.S. Senate and later served at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. In Atlanta, he leads a monthly pastors’ fellowship, hosts the Feed My Sheep conference, and serves on the board of the Association of Churches for Missions & Evangelism. Mohler described him as “the model of what we are trying to produce at Southern Seminary,” a faithful preacher, a wise leader, and a trusted guide to other pastors.”
In his address, Mohler acknowledged the significant challenges facing theological education nationwide, noting that many longstanding institutions are downsizing or closing. “This is a very sober moment for theological education,” he said. “But by God’s grace, Southern Seminary is strong—financially, academically, and missionally.” He contrasted that reality with the remarkable stability and growth at Southern, which continues to expand both residential and online programs while remaining anchored in theological conviction. Strong enrollment, a vibrant campus culture, and a global student body testify to the Lord’s provision.
The spring graduation included students from 26 countries, including Russia and Ukraine. Mohler described the powerful moment of seeing graduates from both nations cross the stage—a glimpse of gospel unity amid global conflict. “Their countries may be at war,” he said, “but the gospel is not.”
He also underscored the strategic growth of online education, including the launch of the seminary’s new online Ph.D. in Christian Studies. This program enables students to pursue rigorous, faithful theological education while remaining embedded in ministry. “Some of our most exciting students are in places where being publicly known as a seminary student would be dangerous,” he said. “But through technology, they can study with us and that fills me with joy.”
Turning his attention to Boyce College, Mohler expressed particular gratitude for the college’s strength and momentum, calling it “one of the greatest surprises and joys of my presidency.” He described Boyce as a place where “18- to 22-year-olds show up sold out to the gospel and sold out to Christ,” and where students are being equipped to serve in ministry, education, business, and beyond.
Boyce College, he emphasized, plays a central role in the seminary’s mission and is a vital contributor to its financial and missional strength. “Boyce has outperformed everything we were told was possible,” he said, pointing to its high employment placement, spiritual vitality, and gospel seriousness. “It’s one of the clearest signs of God’s kindness to this institution.”
Throughout his remarks, Mohler emphasized that Southern Seminary’s greatest strength lies not in size or scale, but in its unwavering theological convictions. He praised the faculty as a once-in-a-generation team, the students as spiritually vibrant and missionally focused, and the Trustees as faithful stewards of the seminary’s calling. “We’re not just building programs,” he said. “We’re preparing a people for faithfulness.”
As the luncheon came to a close, Mohler reminded alumni and friends that Southern Seminary is a family, bound together by shared convictions, a common mission, and enduring fellowship. With gratitude for all the Lord has done and confidence in what lies ahead, he urged those gathered to carry on the work entrusted to them with faithfulness and joy until Christ returns.