We now call him “Doctor.”

On August 22, 2020, Baptist Mid-Missions’ president, Patrick Odle, received an honorary doctorate from his alma mater, Faith Baptist Bible College & Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa. The ceremony was held at FBBC&TS’s 2020 graduation service, rescheduled from May due to the COVID-19 shutdowns.

Honorary doctorates at FBBC&TS are given as a recognition of “distinct achievement and evidence of God’s work in one’s life and ministry.” In the college’s unanimous decision to bestow this honor, they cited not only Dr. Odle’s presidency of Baptist Mid-Missions but also his 26 years of pastoral ministry in Iowa and Ohio.

Dr. Odle’s ministry training began at FBBC&TS when he earned a bachelor’s degree in pastoral studies in 1992 and a master of arts degree in 1998. He later served as FBBC&TS’s Vice President of Enrollment and Student Life from 2008 to 2011.

The college’s president, Dr. Jim Tillotson (also a BMM Council member), said, “I’m proud to call him my friend. He is a frequent speaker here at Faith; I’ve always enjoyed his preaching. I love his heart for ministry, and he is certainly a deserving individual. We are honored to present him with an honorary doctorate.”

Dr. Odle commented, “I am truly humbled by this honor. Like the apostle Paul, I marvel at the fact that God would save me, let alone call me, and let alone use me in ministry.”

Dr. Odle’s first ministry position was youth pastor of Ankeny Baptist Church, a position he started while finishing his master’s degree. During this season, he led his first youth mission trip. From that time on, his heart for youth and for missions has never wavered. As the new president of Baptist Mid-Missions, Dr. Odle is passionate about challenging the next generation to see that God wants to use ordinary people to do the extraordinary work of leading people to the Savior and helping them grow in Him.