Learn God's Word. Serve His Church.

Congratulations to the several ABC students who are recipients of the WVICU Circle of Vision Scholarship!

The recipient of the 2024 Diakonos Award is Ronnie Rigney. Ronnie is a 2007 graduate of ABC. He is married to Janis, and they have three children. Since his graduation, he worked locally, continuing to be a friend and advocate of ABC. He stayed connected in various ways, but especially through his involvement with Alpine Ministries, and his great love for whitewater rafting. Ronnie attends and serves faithfully at Maxwell Hill Baptist Church, the church he began attending as a student 20 years ago. His pastor, Ken Killen, shares of Ronnie’s involvement, ministry, and the personal blessing that he has been. “I have had the privilege of knowing Ronnie for nearly twenty years. I came to know him first as a student then as an intern and for the past few years as a fellow elder in our church. In each of these roles I have been enriched. When I had Ronnie as a student and as an intern, I sometimes wondered which of us should be the teacher. It is no secret that Ronnie thrives in an academic setting. His ability to grasp complex issues and explain them in simple terms makes him an exceptional teacher. Over the course of my relationship with Ronnie I have had the privilege of seeing him grow not just in knowledge but also in character. He exemplifies the character that is required of an elder. Just recently, our whole church watched as his faith and character was tested and proven. Both he and his wife Janis inspired us as they became living examples of what it means to be faithful when their daughter was diagnosed with a life threatening disease.” The Diakonos Award is named for the Greek word “Diakonos” translated in the New Testament as “servant," “minister," or “deacon.” This award is given to dedicated and faithful graduates who serve as laypersons in the church and demonstrate commendable Christian testimony in their family and work. Ronnie, for your evident testimony of faithfulness and service to the Lord, in the workplace, the church, and the home, it is our honor to present you with this year’s Diakonos Award.