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Inaugural Address September 2006
by Dr. Clay Perkins

I am reminded today in the midst of all this academia of Albert Einstein who was honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his pants pocket. It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it.

The conductor said, "Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket. Don't worry about it." Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great Dr. Einstein down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.

The conductor rushed back and said, "Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one."

Einstein looked at him and said, "Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going."

Isn't all this regalia interesting? Years ago, after I bought a cleaning company, I went to my mother and told her congratulation. She asked me for what, I said, "You can be proud that your son has finally made it, he is a janitor." If mom were still alive, I think I would tell her, "Congratulations, you now have a son that wears a dress. In public, with bling."

I stand before you saying I know who am, I know where we are going.

I would like to say thank you to President George BonDurant. Whose pioneer spirit laid the foundation for the college. Also to President William Griffin whose charm and grace has guided the school. There is a great foundation to build upon. Since 1948 Roanoke Bible College has been set for the defense to the gospel.  As Paul says, "I am put here for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:16b). She now stands ready to continue the tradition of educating extraordinary leaders for the Kingdom.

Roanoke Bible College has a strong relationship with Elizabeth City State University and College of the Albemarle. I personally thank both of her Presidents for being here today and look forward to a continually mutual partnership.

No one accomplish any thing by themselves. You have heard from a few of my mentors today. I say thank you to all who have molded and shaped me in Christ through the years. Being one of eight children taught me a lot. Thank you. To my gorgeous wife, my sons, and now my daughter-in-law; I love you all.

Many years ago, our heavenly Father sent His son, Jesus. He told us "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matt 28:18-20)" That is the passion of this college. That is the passion of every local church across this globe. I came from a mega church. I have served in both large and small congregations. I left the local church kicking and screaming, but God called. May I remind you that a church is not measured by her seating capacity, but by her sending capacity. Do we not remember, that as "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then as said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field (Matt 9:37)."  Our heart beat is to educate, train, and empower workers for the Harvest field.

That is what we do. And we do it well.
Listen to our student.

"I am here at RBC to achieve a better spiritual life with the Lord, to learn more about the Bible so I am equipped to become a youth minister, and to make long lasting relationships with others." Tommy Leopard

"I really like almost all of the professors. I love leading worship. I also feel a strong pull in my life to do ministry that builds up the church as a whole. I want to be involved in the growth of a church." Jordan Alan Clark

"There are a lot of good things and I dare say even more great things about RBC but the one that stands out the most to me is the teacher student relationship. The teachers here truly want us to succeed both in full time ministry and in life.  I would really love to have the opportunity to evangelize to the people on the North East Coast."
Jonathan Thayer

"What stands out the most is the solid biblical teaching and availability of the professors. I have never had a professor turn me away when I had a question or needed help.  Lord willing my wife and I will be missionaries."
Johnny Scott

"I am  amazed at the vast amount of knowledge that is available to us here.  We have a stellar staff and faculty and I am privilege to be able to study under them.  My goal is the serve the body of Christ as a minister of the Gospel."
Lee Modlin

"What isn't good about RBC!  The family atmosphere is the best part. Oh yeah, the president is a pretty groovy guy, too!  ..A missionary, hopefully somewhere in Europe."
Kimmi Cooper

Listen to our staff.

"I use my position to challenge students to put hands and legs on their faith in service."
Dr. Bob Smith

"I love seeing how a student's life can change when they catch the vision of serving others."
Debbie Dodson

Look at our graduates. You know we at RBC have a reputation that is not valid. RBC is eastern NC/ VA school. Not so, we have graduates serving in 37 states, 11 countries, and five continents. Perhaps it is time to rename to school to Roanoke International?

RBC has for nearly 60 years been very active in God's Kingdom and the future is unbelievable. The best days of RBC are not in her past, but in her future. When one considers the potential of Distant Education, it very exciting! The role Distant Education will play in Kingdom advancement across the globe. As RBC continues to connect with local church, as her alumni continue to expand, one cannot not help but to smile, the best days are ahead.

RBC is a ministerial training school. That is what we do and we do it well. We train ministers, preachers, missionaries, worship leaders, youth ministers--that is and will always be our main focus. But the challenge is great; we cannot have a 1948 mentality. Our mission is not to train ministers for the 20th century, but for the 22nd century.

Just as a train has two tracks that go in the same direction, we at RBC will cherry pick a few other degrees, but only if they aid in changing the culture for Christ. May I also remind you that if a church is not changing the culture of the community to be more Christ like, I am not sure she is dong what God calls us to do. We are to be the salt and the light. So degrees like Elementary Education, Non-profit Leadership, etc. will serve as our tandem track in winning the world to Christ.

At the Gospel Rally an alumni wanted to speak with me. He was older gentlemen, who grabbed my arm. He looked me over from top to bottom. I have to admit it made me uncomfortable. Then he said this, "You're mighty young. If you make it, you'll be here awhile."  One of my mentors, a friend told me, "Clay with your personality and lack of experience in leading a college, you will do well."

So here I am. I know who I am and I know where this college is going. I am your chief servant. I do not know what the future holds for RBC. These are very interesting times with enrollment and finances, but God is sovereign. Therefore He is in charge. We will stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are a Christian Church school. I ask for your continued prayer support. I ask for your financial support. I ask that you send students so that together we can train workers for the Harvest. It is with great humility and a great sense of honor that I officially join the team. The family of RBC, where extraordinary leaders are educated to be workers for the harvest.

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