“From the church, through the school, to the nations:” C-N dedicates Tom Elliff Center for Missions

A group representing different ages, majors, backgrounds and entities gathered for a dedication of Carson-Newman University’s new Tom Elliff Center for Missions on Thursday, Oct. 29. Despite the varying differences, everyone in attendance shared an indisputable commonality: a heart for missions.
Located on the top floor of the University’s Henderson Humanities Building, the center is already active in its goal of preparing students to live “on mission” and share the gospel of Christ – regardless of their future careers.

“From the church, through the school, to the nations” is displayed prominently on one of the center’s wall. But for Carson-Newman’s new hub for missions, it’s more than a simple catchphrase. It’s the pathway in which it operates.

“It is so encouraging to see our students having both a place to learn more about what it means to be on mission and the privilege of incredible leaders who have been assembled to equip them through the work of the center,” said University President Charles A. Fowler. “That is compounded by ministry partners, like the International Mission Board, already coming along side us to help teach a new generation that has a heart for sharing the gospel. All of this is now taking place in our Tom Elliff Center for Missions.”

Though it has only been operating for a few months, the center’s leadership has been encouraged by students’ response to the new area on campus. This fall semester, the center is averaging nearly 70 students at its weekly gatherings called Mission Fellowships.

“We’ve seen students be very receptive to what’s being offered,” said Phil Young, the center’s director. “We are trying to offer them a very consistent place where they can build relationships with other students who may be sensing God’s call on their life.

“We’re also developing a growing sense of community among those students, where they enjoy hanging out with each other in the center, but also finding that there are other students on this campus who share God’s heart for the nations.”

The center honors 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.

“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,” said Elliff following the initial announcement of the center. “Our vision is multiplying disciples, following Jesus into His harvest.”

To facilitate such efforts, the center is committed to bridging relationships and establishing connections with churches and missionaries.  According to Young, a key partner from the very beginning has been with the International Mission Board.

“We wanted to build a meaningful relationship with the International Mission Board because of Dr. Elliff’s personal involvement,” said Young. “While we will partner with many sending agencies over the years, our primary sending partner will be the International Mission Board – we desired to develop a strong relationship with them from the beginning, and they have received that with open arms.”

As excitement continues to build around the center, Fowler says its model was inspired by its namesake.

“We are most grateful for Dr. Tom Elliff’s example. His life has been devoted to making the gospel known to a lost world,” he said. “This center will honor his service by equipping and empowering the next generation of servant-leaders pursuing missions using their gifts and their education as a platform to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

For those wanting to learn more about Carson-Newman’s Tom Elliff Center for Missions, can call 865-471-3406; email [email protected]; or visit: cn.edu/elliffcenter