by Dr. Kristopher Endean on Oct 6, 2023
Tri-City Baptist Church (TBC) in Chandler, Arizona, had the unique opportunity to host the promotion ceremony for their former pastor, Brigadier General Michael D. Sproul, a 1995 D.Min. graduate of International Baptist College and Seminary. On Friday, October 6, at 1 p.m., TBC hosted the promotion ceremony in its main auditorium.
Only 11 chaplains in all branches of our military hold the rank of General Officer. This is the first time an independent Baptist chaplain holds the rank of General.
Dr. Sproul has served as a chaplain since 1991. He has completed tours of duty in Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and on Guam. Dr. Sproul was very active in encouraging area pastors while he pastored TBC and taught at IBCS. In 2019, he stepped down as pastor to serve a temporary appointment as Director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps at Joint Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. As a man committed to local church ministry, Dr. Sproul currently pastors Littleton Baptist Church in Littleton, Colorado, while continuing his responsibilities with the Arizona Air National Guard.
Students, staff, alumni, and friends, along with fellow chaplains from across the nation who are endorsed by the Foundations Baptist Fellowship International, attended this very special ceremony as we celebrated this significant milestone with him and encouraged him as he assumes this new leadership role. Local dignitaries, various other individuals from around the country, and many senior military leaders from the Arizona Air National Guard also attended this momentous event.
Learn more about the M.Div. and D.Min. programs at IBCS, degrees that will equip you to serve in the military chaplaincy programs.