Carson-Newman announces new Tom Elliff Center for Missions

A new center devoted to preparing the next generation of servant-leaders for the mission field is coming to Carson-Newman University this January. The Tom Elliff Center for Missions will be a hub and resource for those pursuing service and missions – whether nationally or internationally.

The campus addition will honor respected long-time pastor and missionary Dr. Tom Elliff. Having pastored churches for 42 years, Elliff’s life has been one devoted to telling others the Good News of the gospel and introducing the world to Jesus Christ. Whether serving as president of the Southern Baptist Convention and the International Mission Board, or sharing the gospel on the mission field in Zambia,the Oklahoma native is passionate about doing his part to fulfill the Great Commission. It’s a passion that is contagious, making its way to Carson-Newman’s campus in East Tennessee.

Fully funded by a donor sharing the same vision, the center will be distinctively Carson-Newman according to University President Charles A. Fowler, one reflecting the shared heart of the institution and the center’s namesake.

“The goal is to mobilize our students with the gospel internationally or in whatever communities they move to, in whatever disciplines they’re in – to be very intentional with the gospel,” Fowler said. “That’s really the heartbeat of what we’re going to be doing.”

Elliff echoes the rhythm of that same beat.

“Some of [the students] will be called to the mission field, but many of them are going to go as engineers, they’re going to go as teachers…physicians, musicians—we want them to have a heart for missions,” Elliff said. “Our vision is multiplying disciples, following Jesus into His harvest.”  

To facilitate such efforts requires bridging relationships and establishing connections.

“We work strongly with the local church,” Elliff said. “In fact, we say strategically that we go from the church, through the school, to the field.”

It’s a process that’s intentional. Elliff explained the importance of connecting students with their local churches. The relationship then, in return, allows for churches to be more connected with campus and their own students.

“Our mission is to advance aggressive cooperation between Christ and His church,” Elliff noted. “So we are really big on tying the student and the student’s church together.”

“We’re blessed to have great relationships with churches,” Fowler said. “But this is going to help encourage other churches to know that there’s something really special taking place at C-N. I think it will encourage even stronger relationships with more churches as they witness the pipeline to nations that is built through the Elliff Center.”

According to Fowler, the center will also allow students to develop valuable connections with missionaries.

“Through the work of this program, there will be several times a year that retired missionaries will be invited to campus, to provide encouragement and serve as examples in mission fidelity to our students,” Fowler said. “We will gather these servant-leaders to come, build bridges, and help shepherd students as they think about their futures and the opportunities in missions.”

Fowler noted that Elliff will also be on campus at times to support and mentor students. His presence and example will be a powerful influence for students as they discern their own call. Dr. Elliff has been a mentor and example in faithfulness to Fowler for many years. The opportunity to introduce him to C-N students and open a door of influence with them is so exciting.

“Dr. Elliff is one of those people who has lived his entire professional life in a very visible platform of leadership in the church and denomination,” Fowler said. “So for him to be willing to lend his name and legacy to this new center, is affirmation of the mission of Carson-Newman University. The heart for mission that people have seen in Dr. Elliff over his ministry, will be the heart for mission they see advanced through this Center.”