Theology scholar inspires students
By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
LUTZ — For Dr. Paul Enns, director of Life University at Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church, studying the Bible is a passion.
The bookshelves in his office are packed with theology texts, some of which he wrote. Enns, who received his doctorate from Dallas Theological Seminary and began teaching at Idlewild 14 years ago, believes all Christians can benefit from looking deeper into scripture. He named Idlewild’s continuing education ministry Life University because, he says, God’s word changes lives.
“A lot of times people go to church on Sunday and then that’s all they get, but really, as Christians, we all need more,” Enns said.
Currently, 750 men and women attend enrichment courses at Life University. They don’t receive credits or certificates. The reward is knowledge. Topics range from marriage and parenting to discipleship and missions. Longtime church members, deacons and pastors teach the classes, which are open to all not just Idlewild members.
This semester, Enns is teaching a class titled, How to Study the Bible. It’s a subject he’s dedicated countless hours to while teaching in the United States and Germany. His book, “The Moody Handbook of Theology” is well known in the Southern Baptist community.
Lolita Barnett and her husband, Mike, are currently enrolled in Dr. Enns’ class. The couple describes the teacher as a passionate speaker with a brilliant mind. Both have taken several of his classes.
“I’ve learned so much and this class, it’s going to be good,” Lolita said. “I’m learning how to read a chapter, learn from it and turn that into personal growth.”
Mike doesn’t mind dedicating free time to the study.
“Like anything, to learn you have to apply yourself,” he said. “Dr. Enns encourages you to read and re-read a verse, because each time you read it the Holy Spirit will teach you something different.”
Jodi Montgomery, women’s ministry coordinator at Idlewild, was inspired by Enns to teach at Life University. She leads courses geared specifically to women, including studies on strong women of the Bible. She is currently teaching a Beth Moore study.
Montgomery believes women should rely on God’s word when making life decisions.
“It’s important to study the Bible for yourself, to get into the word and learn what messages are there,” she said. “There’s a lot we can learn from the stories of old.”
Kim Griffin has studied with Montgomery and enjoyed the small group setting of a Life University classroom.
“I like being able to learn from the other ladies,” Griffin said. “We can bounce ideas off one another.”
Griffin has taken several classes. Her favorite was, Effective Parenting in a Defective World.
“It’s helpful, especially if you’re raising younger children,” Griffin said.
Enns considers the Bible a reference tool.
“People need to be taught how to raise children properly,” he said. “We approach everything from a Biblical perspective and we minister to people where they’re at. We have classes to address most issues. We have classes on relationships, finances, even how to handle anger.”
Since studying with Enns, Mike Barnett has noticed a change in his way of thinking.
“I look at everything differently,” he said. “I look at the world and I am more analytical. I think about what I’ve learned. I think more about what’s going on around me and what it means Biblically.”
Anyone interested in attending Life University can pick up a course catalog from the church. Though class sessions are divided by semester, many classes remain open throughout. The only fee is for the cost of materials, which can range from $5 to $30.
Course books include texts by Enns and studies by popular Christian authors.
Enns is always studying and writing. He spends most his time at the computer, preparing materials to pass onto students. His desire to teach is innate.
“I tell people you know how some guys like to golf, my golf is sitting and writing in a room surrounded by books,” Enns said. “It’s not work to me.”
Students appreciate his enthusiasm and say Enns is the reason Life University has succeeded.
“As long as he keeps teaching, I’ll keep taking classes,” Mark Barnett said. “What I’ve learned has actually changed my life.”
If You Go
- What: Life University
- Where: Exciting Idlewild Baptist Church
- When: Classes weekly, times vary
- Contact: (813) 264-8758
