From the Director’s Desk: Southwest Servants’ Academy

For the last decade, SWSBS has hosted a summer youth training academy. Each year, high school students endure the grind of being full-time students at SWSBS. From 8:30 a.m. chapel to all-day classes, to evening activities, these few days are packed with study, food, fun, and fellowship.

Southwest Servants’ Academy (S2A) is a unique summer experience. Different from camps, the focus of S2A is the hour-by-hour classroom instruction similar to our full-time two-year program. We have textual classes on books or passages of Scripture, preaching and teaching classes (divided into guys and girls), and history classes to help understand the background of the Bible. These courses help teenagers grow closer to God.

Students do not sleep in cabins or tents, but members of the Southwest church of Christ serve as host families while the servants are in Austin. Relationships are built. We have nightly activities to grow closer to one another. Space is limited to about 40 people. Meals are provided. This allows us to keep classes small and the pace moving. Classes are taught by SWSBS faculty and alumni.

We believe that S2A accomplishes at least a few things:

First, with intensive study of Scripture, faith is challenged to grow. Second, SWSBS and the Southwest congregation get to introduce young people to the good work being done in Austin, TX. Third, the church here and the school are strengthened by hosting teenagers who are committed to the cause of Christ, serious about Bible study, and excited about those things of eternal importance.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining us for S2A this year, August 6–9, please visit our website www.swsbs.edu for more information and an application.

-Trent Kennedy