Graduate Profile: Danny Thursby (MTS)

I began at Reformed Baptist Seminary fresh out of college, where I studied the Bible from a non-Reformed perspective. I was eager to find a Reformed seminary to further my education as I prepared for the ministry. I thought this meant moving and attending seminary in the traditional sense. Jeff Johnson, my pastor, encouraged me to think differently and introduced me to RBS. This allowed me to stay in Conway, AR which led to the beginning of a long-term ministry with Grace Bible Church.

Apologetics was my first class, and I immediately began drinking from the rich well of Reformed Theology. My studies complemented well the teaching and mentoring I was receiving at GBC. The courses at RBS continually fueled me as I began to preach and teach regularly. Dr. Bob Gonzales has been a particular blessing over the course of my studies, as he served as a help and example to me at a distance.

After hosting a couple of modules with RBS, our church was moved by the Lord to start a new seminary in Conway, Arkansas. I am blessed to serve as the Director for Grace Bible Theological Seminary where I will, Lord willing, serve long term. We are thankful for the fellowship and friends we have in RBS and pray the Lord continues to abundantly bless their work in ministry.

Allow me to give a couple of acknowledgments to a few people who were of vital support in my studies. First, to my wife, Ariel, who is a faithful helper. During my studies, she served as a persistent grace, as she does in every other aspect of our life. She took an interest in what I was studying, pushed me to work hard and to finish well. My second acknowledgment is to Jerry and Pat Higginbotham, fellow church members and friends who show consistent support, fellowship, encouragement, and prayer. Thank you.

In the future I will look to continue formal education in the subjects of Theological Education, Educational Leadership, Organization and Research. For now, I will labor diligently with GBTS as we enter a new and demanding phase of ministry. My time at RBS will serve as a long term grace in my life and ministry. The Lord used this seminary to lay a theological foundation upon which I will continually build. For this I am greatly blessed.

Danny Thursby