Buntain teaches students to ‘proclaim God’s wondrous deeds’ to the nations

Ian Buntain’s heart for reaching the lost and raising up a new generation of Christian leaders has been cultivated by his number one love, Jesus Christ, and the culmination of 34 years spent serving with the North American Mission Board and International Mission Board. 

Buntain, who has served as the director of the World Missions Center and associate professor of missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary since 2021, said for the past 15 years, his life verse has been Psalm 71:17-18: “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

“I have long sought to be a Barnabas to many Pauls, but I don’t think it has ever been my ambition to be a professor. I am a practitioner who longs to see the lost gathered, grown deep in Christ, and living in faithfulness to His commission,” said Buntain.

“Being at Southwestern affords me the opportunity to pour myself into men and women who will continue to faithfully steward the treasure of the Gospel to the ends of the earth … even long after I’m gone. That thought – being in front of students – gives me an overwhelming sense of joy,” he explained. Buntain specifically appreciates Southwestern Seminary because of its “unparalleled missions heritage, and my deep desire to dig up and fertilize those roots again.” 

Buntain believes that all believers are all “called to Christ and to Him alone.” Buntain added, “Once we find ourselves in Him, wherever He leads, we will joyfully offer Him our daily obedience.” He finds it important to remind students that their talents and gifts are “insufficient.” “Since we are not who we need to be, we ought to daily plead the Spirit of Christ to come cleanse ‘our house’ and make it a suitable residence for the King of Creation. For this reason, even though my classes focus on ‘hands-on’ application, I like to think that the priority of every class is a constant pursuit of the joy found in Christ alone.” 

Additionally, he said, “I am committed to helping students engage in immersive cross-cultural missions experiences that are far beyond the edge of lostness … and then dare them to be satisfied with a life of discipling people who look just like they do.”

Samantha Green*, a Bachelor of Arts Intercultural Studies student atTexas Baptist College from Stephenville, Texas, is taking Buntain’s Introduction to Missiology class. 

“It is evident to me that Dr. Buntain is passionate about the Gospel and missions in the way that he teaches,” Green said. “He does not teach in such a way as to just give his students head knowledge, but to help us to become passionate about these things, too.  

Green, who desires to serve in cross-cultural missions following graduation said she leaves her class with Buntain “encouraged and challenged” by her professor’s “own stories from the field as well as the stories of great missionaries throughout history.” 

Green appreciates how Buntain’s classes are applicable for real-life situations. “Dr. Buntain has helped me to think more missionally for my life now and for the future. I appreciate that I can take the things I am learning in class and apply them to my life immediately. His class motivates me to be more active in reaching out to the many nations that can be found in Fort Worth, and it is also helping me in my own preparation for going abroad next semester.”

Zale Tang*, a Master of Divinity student from South Asia, took Introduction to Missiology in spring of 2022 and considers Buntain his mentor. He appreciates Buntain’s passion and heart for missions, which is reflected in his teaching and his praying. 

“He has a good sense of humor, too. He is practical and is also humble enough to accept his faults and make corrections,” said Tang. “Dr. Buntain is one of the motivations behind the start of a prayer movement with my friend in the beginning of this year. He gives me advice when I need it and encouragement when I am down. His ministry stories from Asia are a great encouragement not only for me, but for other students too.” 

Tang wants to pursue further studies after graduation and then go back to South Asia to minister to college students. 

Buntain is still “proclaiming God’s wondrous deeds” after all these years and encourages students to do the same. 

*Names changed for security reasons.