Often between Baptist Schools that are "rivalries" and "competition", especially for the limited pool of potential students. Sports can be negative and hateful in other schools (like who could really be a fan of Ohio State?) but I'm finding a much sweeter friendship and cooperative spirit in my circle of Baptist colleges.
Maybe it's because of the (sadly decreasing) number of schools in 2024. I attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in the 60's and later taught there in the 90's. It closed in 2008. NOT MY FAULT.
Since then, Northland Baptist Intl. University in WI in 2015, Judson College in AL in 2021, and Baptist Bible College/Seminary in Clarks Summit in 2024. And a host more, but these I knew personally.
Maranatha Baptist University here in Watertown competes in athletics with many small Christian colleges/universities. One school that truly is "kin" is Faith Baptist in Ankeny (Des Moines), Iowa. Same independent fundamental Baptist and close (5-hour drive). Competed at Iowa in basketball tonight (MBU won). Rivalry? Sure. But get this. 10 days ago, a young junior ed major at Maranatha had an allergic reaction, rushed to hospital, life-flighted, and died. Hit campus hard. Fall play last week. Fall basketball to. Special chapels.
I read Faith Baptist posts that in lieu of admission to the game against MBU, a donation to Hannah's memorial fund would be given. Special fund raising at half-time. This really touched all of us in Wisconsin and reminded me that we are ALL working together for the same goals. And that when one hurts, ALL should hurt.
But a sweet spirit among Baptists instead of cut-throat fighting at the drop of a hat? Is that even legal?
Open to hear other stories from YOU ALL about schools or churches or businesses where a real Christian spirit of kindness and comradery impacted you.
Maybe it's because of the (sadly decreasing) number of schools in 2024. I attended Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in the 60's and later taught there in the 90's. It closed in 2008. NOT MY FAULT.
Since then, Northland Baptist Intl. University in WI in 2015, Judson College in AL in 2021, and Baptist Bible College/Seminary in Clarks Summit in 2024. And a host more, but these I knew personally. Maranatha Baptist University here in Watertown competes in athletics with many small Christian colleges/universities. One school that truly is "kin" is Faith Baptist in Ankeny (Des Moines), Iowa. Same independent fundamental Baptist and close (5-hour drive). Competed at Iowa in basketball tonight (MBU won). Rivalry? Sure. But get this. 10 days ago, a young junior ed major at Maranatha had an allergic reaction, rushed to hospital, life-flighted, and died. Hit campus hard. Fall play last week. Fall basketball to. Special chapels.
I read Faith Baptist posts that in lieu of admission to the game against MBU, a donation to Hannah's memorial fund would be given. Special fund raising at half-time. This really touched all of us in Wisconsin and reminded me that we are ALL working together for the same goals. And that when one hurts, ALL should hurt.
But a sweet spirit among Baptists instead of cut-throat fighting at the drop of a hat? Is that even legal?
Open to hear other stories from YOU ALL about schools or churches or businesses where a real Christian spirit of kindness and comradery impacted you.