January 16, 2026
East Texas Baptist University welcomed students back to campus January 12 for the start of the Spring 2026 semester. At the start of the day, ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn addressed students, faculty, and staff at the first chapel service in Baker Chapel.
“We're glad to hear the sights and sounds of college students,” ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn said. “We are so grateful to be reunited for another semester. Together, we are a community of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We’re so thankful that you're here, and we want to treasure every moment we have with you as you continue to prepare for what God is doing through your life.”
ETBU launched the Spring chapel series with the theme The Way of Wisdom, centered on Scripture that shapes understanding, cultivates a love for what is good, and guides students to live wisely throughout life. Throughout the semester, the ETBU community will gather in Chapel to seek this wisdom together. The series opened with a message from Dr. Gevan Spinney, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Haughton, Louisiana, who challenged students to recognize that The Way of Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, taking God seriously in every aspect of life.
“What does ‘fear the Lord’ really mean? Taking God seriously,” Dr. Spinney said. “To take God seriously in your life, for the decisions of your life, for the things that you do, the things that you don't do, the direction of your life, the will for your life, walking in fear of the Lord. Living your life as if it’s not yours. I want to ask you a question: are you, at this moment, taking God seriously?”
In addition to the return to classes, campus ministries kicked off the semester with opportunities for fellowship, including a Men’s Ministry event on Monday with s’mores, games, and live music, and a Women’s Ministry gathering on Tuesday that included watercolor painting and studying of scripture.
On Wednesday, Executive Director of Texas Baptists Dr. Julio Guarneri spoke to the campus community during chapel. Dr. Guarneri’s message emphasized that true success and happiness are found in The Way of Wisdom, as revealed in Psalm 1. From God’s perspective, success is not defined by wealth, fame, or achievement, but by a life rooted in God’s Word, shaped by wise relationships, and sustained by faith in Christ. A flourishing life grows from good soil (wise influences), is nourished by good seed (delight in God’s Word), and produces lasting fruit (a life that blesses others). True vitality, purpose, and joy come not from self-effort, but from God’s grace as we trust Him and live according to His design.
“The fruitful person rejects the counsel of sinners in order to receive the counsel of God,” Dr. Guarneri said. “The truly happy person decides that he or she is going to listen to God’s voice in their life. They’re going to delight in His Word and personalize it on a daily basis. It’s not a box to check off so you can say, ‘Okay, I read my chapter today.’ It’s something to be enjoyed.”
Following Wednesday’s chapel, ETBU hosted a pastor appreciation luncheon for ministers across East Texas, where attendees enjoyed lunch, fellowship, and updates about the ongoing work of Texas Baptists locally and abroad. The event concluded with Dr. Guarneri sharing about Texas Baptists’ GC2 Strong initiative: Living out the Great Commandment and Great Commission in Texas and beyond.
“Did you know that Texas Baptist churches worship in 80 languages on any given weekend? I rejoice at that, but there's still a lot of other languages that are not represented within our family,” Dr. Guarneri said. “So, as we look at that situation, as we look at our state, the growth, and the people who are coming to Texas, when we think of the Great Commission, we often think go and make disciples. We often think that go means crossing the ocean. And I think it certainly includes that. There are some people who are called to cross the ocean, but in our day, God has brought all nations to Texas. And sometimes going to make disciples of all nations means crossing the street and getting to know our neighbors who are different from us who speak a different language. There's a tremendous urgency for the gospel in our state. What we are looking for, first and foremost, is a GC2 awakening. We are wanting to see God awaken the hearts and the imagination of our pastors and our people for the Great Commandment, and the Great Commission.”