Columbia International University welcomed dozens of theologians and Bible scholars as the host site for the annual Southeast Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS).

The conference theme was “Contemplating the Triune God” and the keynote speaker was Dr. Matthew Barrett, associate professor of Christian Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Nearly 50 ETS members made presentations. Over half of them were students.

Among the presenters from CIU were Adjunct Professor of Apologetics and Philosophy Daniel Janosik; Adjunct Professor of New Testament David Mappes; Old Testament Ph.D. student Doug Smith; and the dean of the College of Intercultural Studies Dr. Ed Smither.

Smither spoke on the life of English evangelist John Stott, and how his work influenced missions today. He outlined the way he transformed the field of mission work bringing diverse groups of people together for conferences and emphasizing love rather than culture change.

Another trait he had which helped him focus more on his calling, according to Smither, was the fact that he embraced the apostle Paul’s call to singleness. But most importantly, Smither says Stott believed in living a simple life. He gave away his wealth to charities and did not endeavor to appear refined.

“Yet because of these traits, he was regarded as one of the most influential people in the world shortly before he died,” said Smither.

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ.” The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.