WALKER LEADS BCF SUMMER CLASS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2010

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Summer courses at The Baptist College of Florida (BCF) have a faster pace than the normal semester, and the classes can be very intense. One of the first summer sessions at BCF started with Associate Professor of Theology Mark Rathel teaming up with James K. Walker to teach MI 405: American Cults and Sectarian Groups.

Walker's background as a former fourth generation Mormon has given him a unique understanding for familiarizing students with the theologies and histories of major religious movements within the United States. The week-long summer course gave him not only the chance to pass that knowledge on to students at BCF, but also to visit the campus that holds a special place in his heart. Putting it plainly, Walker said, "Graceville, what a name, for that is where I found grace."

Walker's wife asked him to come to Graceville to visit a friend of hers in November of 1976. When they pulled up to the Baptist Bible Institute (BBI) in Graceville, he was sure they had made a wrong turn. Walker came to know Christ that night and accepted Him as his Savior. "When I returned home to Columbus, I went to a Christian bookstore and bought every book on Mormons that they had," stated Walker. While waiting in the checkout line, the sales clerk asked why he was purchasing all those books and she referred him to a local religious support group. Not only did the lady suggest it, she dialed the number and got Walker in touch with the local leader of the Watchmen Fellowship. According to Walker, the group was founded to provide those struggling with their beliefs with a Christian support group and Bible studies. Through the help of this group, Walker was able to understand more about Christ and what it meant to be a Christian.

This group was not only instrumental in the beginning of Walker's walk with Christ; he has served as President of the organization since 1994. While that is still his full time job, he teaches classes and seminars around the country when given the opportunity.

Walker says that each time he teaches a class, he tries to plan at least one class period that the students will remember 10 years down the road. He has done that at BCF this semester. Students were given the opportunity to listen and to question a Mormon bishop during their last class session. BCF student J.J. Lain said, "Unlike most classes where you simply learn the material, Dr. Walker taught us ways to share the gospel with those in other religions in real life situations."

This type of teaching opens doors and pushes students to think more critically and to prayerfully consider ways to reach unreached people groups. Walker knows from firsthand experience what it means to have knowledgeable Christian friends. "I still remember what it felt like to have so many questions and to know that I had Christian friends to help me find answers to those questions," stated Walker. "Now, I want to be there for others who are in that same situation."

For more information on other exciting BCF classes and ministry opportunities call 800.328.2660.