Kingdom Students makes the very important point that all students—not just those who are studying to be pastors or missionaries—should see their time in school as preparation for a lifetime of service in God’s kingdom. If Jesus’s lordship is as wide as creation, it is as wide as culture. And if it is as wide as culture, it is as wide as the whole curriculum at a given school or college. Highly recommended.”
—Bruce Ashford, provost and dean of faculty, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“I love how this book, from the very beginning, emphasizes the need for students to be kingdom focused. Education isn’t just about learning or job placement; it’s about preparing individuals to serve God and his people. Christianity is no respecter of intellect—the brilliant and the simple are called to the kingdom, and they enter on equal footing. I’m very thankful for this book, and it’s my desire and hope to see every student read this and apply it in their lives. Now has to be the time we, youth workers, prepare our students for a life of loving God and serving his people.”
—Jay Barbier, youth specialist, Tennessee Baptist Mission Board
“God is raising up a generation of college students who are seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness as they pursue their education. This book, written by my friends Cory Barnes and Norris Grubbs, is exactly the sort of resource those students need to begin their college journey on the right track. I’m excited to see how the Lord uses this book in the lives of kingdom students.”
—Nathan A. Finn, provost and dean of the university faculty, North Greenville University
“Without a doubt, this book will enlighten your mind, strengthen your servanthood, and bring your future into a clearer focus as you seek to glorify God while pursuing your education. With a career spanning over three decades in higher education, I found the definition of my calling in the pages of this book. Well done!”
—Lynn Gibson, vice president for enrollment services, Blue Mountain College
“A big challenge many students face when starting their college career is valuing learning academic and life skills, like note—taking and productivity. Barnes and Grubbs provide a clear and compelling argument for why we should develop these skills that help every student be successful in their studies and thrive wherever God leads them. Their use of ‘kingdom students’ frames this endeavor along the lines of seeing how your efforts in college will help you fulfill your kingdom calling. They also have done a great job including many practical ways to develop these important skills. As someone who teaches a freshmen introductory course, I recommend this book to those who have the privilege of teaching this group of students.”
—Jonathan C. Grenz, dean, School of Ministry, Palm Beach Atlantic University
“Kingdom Students: Skills to Succeed in Education and the Rest of Your Life would be an extremely beneficial read for anyone; no matter their age, career, or educational status. However, I say unequivocally this is a must—read for every student beginning their college career. Cory Barnes and Norris Grubbs give a clear challenge for students to pursue more than just a degree during their college years, and their life is about far more than just having a job. Barnes and Grubbs enable the reader to see their life from a biblical perspective and that God—given opportunities must be seized today!”
—W. Thomas Hammond Jr., executive director/CEO, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
“Setting priorities and deciding what you want from your college experience is half the battle in getting the most from your college and post—graduate education. Barnes and Grubbs give solid foundational principles for your education and give a practical, strategic blueprint for mastering the expectations of professors. Moreover, they give solid wisdom on how a God—centered, kingdom mindset will shape every aspect of your life as a student and set essential patterns for the rest of your life. This is a perfect preparation book for students stepping into the world of academia, giving a wonderful blend of practical tips for success in the classroom with foundational principles for aligning priorities and developing a life around Christ’s calling.”
—Jerry Johnson, campus minister, Baptist Collegiate Ministries, University of Georgia
