Graduate Profile: Jamin Gentry (DTS)
/My name is Jamin Gentry. My wife, Kandis, and I currently live just outside of Richmond, VA, and are expecting our first child.
Not long after my conversion at 18 years old, the Lord began to grow in me an interest in global missions. A few years later, through the influence of a close friend, the Lord began to lay upon my heart a burden for the unreached people groups of the world.
It was largely this growing desire to go and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ to the nations that led me to consider Reformed Baptist Seminary (RBS). Though I was unsure of how the Lord would want to use my life, I decided to take classes for the purpose of preparing for the mission field, if this was indeed the Lord's call.
I can see numerous ways I have benefited from RBS and ways that the Lord has grown me. Before I started at RBS I had a strong desire to serve the Lord, but it was in some respects a raw desire or zeal without understanding; I lacked maturity in the faith. I believe RBS made a significant difference in this. First, my studies enabled me to gain the deeper understanding of the Bible that I desired but lacked, and RBS provided the much needed structure by which I could obtain that deeper understanding. The Marrow of Theology program also offered a well-rounded study plan that exposed me to various branches of theology in addition to my focus on the exegetical branch. I feel so much more confident in my understanding of God’s Word. Second, I have been equipped to continue this pursuit for the rest of my life. My classes at RBS have taught me how to study the Bible, and I can therefore continue studying the Bible much more deeply on my own. Third, the knowledge I have gained has enabled me to much more effectively defend and share my faith. Fourth, I praise God that the knowledge I have gained at RBS has not only filled my head but has also penetrated my heart. I have not only grown intellectually, but this season of immersion in God’s truth has grown and matured me in my walk with Christ.
Finally, I have been able to put what I have learned into practical use in ministry at the local church, Grace Bible Church, where my wife and I are members. Under the mentoring and discipleship of our pastors and elders I have been able to assist in our church’s evangelistic efforts as well as in various teaching opportunities and overseas mission work. These ministry opportunities have been of immense help as my wife and I pray about whether the Lord may be leading us to the mission field, and they have allowed our church leaders to observe and discern our eligibility for such a call.
Whether you are young or old, in formal ministry or serving as a lay person, if you do not have any formal education in the Bible, I heartily recommend Reformed Baptist Seminary. You will benefit more than you might ever think.
I want to thank Dr. Bob Gonzales for his counsel throughout my time with RBS, my mentors, Paul Smalley, Pastor Jeff Johnson, Pastor Glenn Ferrell, Pastor Rick Zaman, my personal Greek tutor Aldo Yannon, and the many other men who have encouraged and mentored me throughout these years of study.
I pray and trust that the Lord will use the education and knowledge I have gained at RBS to help me serve his church more deeply and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world more effectively, whether at home or abroad. May the Lamb who was slain receive the honor due to him (Rev 5:12), and may his name be great among the nations (Mal 1:11).