Criswell News

Alumni Highlight: Dr. Mitchel Hamilton ’87

Aaron Helm July 19, 2023

Dr. Mitchel Hamilton, a renowned figure in the world of ministry, has dedicated his life to spreading the message of Christ. Graduating in 1987 with a major in Biblical studies, his journey towards a Christ-centered career began alongside his personal salvation. Growing up in a non-Christian household, it was a chance encounter with a Christian girl that sparked his interest in spirituality. Although they initially broke off their relationship due to his lack of faith, this experience set him on a path of self-discovery and led him to attend church in Oklahoma.

 

During a mission trip to Falls Creek in Oklahoma, Dr. Hamilton’s life took a transformative turn. It was there, surrounded by the fervor of the Christian community, that he surrendered his life to Christ and felt a deep calling to ministry. Little did he know that this decision would shape the course of his life. He reunited with the Christian girl who had initially inspired him, and they have been happily married for over 40 years.

 

Dr. Hamilton’s journey led him to Criswell College, where he was exposed to a community of like-minded individuals pursuing a Christ-centered education. It was through contacts at the University of Oklahoma that he discovered Criswell, and the influence of Thomas Hatley, an alumnus, solidified his decision to attend the College.

 

One of his most cherished memories from his time at Criswell was the opportunity to learn under the tutelage of David Dockery, particularly in the field of theology. Dockery’s approach to teaching, encouraging engagement with opposing views while remaining firmly rooted in conservative beliefs, shaped Dr. Hamilton’s perspective on ministry.

 

The impact of Dr. Hamilton’s Criswell education on his subsequent ministry cannot be overstated. The College’s emphasis on expositional teaching and effective communication laid a solid foundation for his preaching. For over 30 years, every sermon he delivered drew from the lessons learned in his Criswell classes. The language background and expositional methodology instilled in him at the College allowed him to effectively convey biblical truths to his congregations.

 

When asked about advice for aspiring ministers, Dr. Hamilton stressed the importance of recognizing that ministry is not merely a profession but an integral part of one’s identity. He emphasized that being called to ministry also comes with an equipping—a divine ability and desire to fulfill that calling. Rather than defining one’s life solely by what they do, Dr. Hamilton encouraged aspiring ministers to focus on their spiritual growth, maturity in Christ, and submission to God’s will.

 

Dr. Mitchel Hamilton humbly acknowledges that he is but a small piece in the grand puzzle of God’s plan. His ministry has been an honor and a blessing, and he remains dedicated to serving as a conduit for the message of Christ. Through his transformative journey, his Criswell education, and his unwavering faith, Dr. Hamilton has become a shining example for those who aspire to embark on a Christ-centered career.

 

In addition to his impactful journey and educational background, Dr. Mitchel Hamilton has extended his passion for ministry to a specific focus on migration through his website, M2M3. As the founder of M2M3, he aims to serve Churches and Faith-Based Organizations by providing contextually relevant information on migration, particularly focusing on the global movements of sub-Saharan African peoples.

 

The website serves as a valuable resource for local church leaders and faith-based organizations seeking to engage with migrant communities. M2M3 offers a wealth of information and resources that can empower ministries and aid in the development of strategies to serve migrants within local contexts.

 

Through his work with M2M3, Dr. Hamilton continues to demonstrate his commitment to serving others and bringing awareness to the challenges and opportunities presented by migration. His website serves as a platform for sharing valuable insights, fostering understanding, and equipping those involved in ministry with the tools they need to make a positive impact on migrant communities. For further exploration of Dr. Hamilton’s work, interested individuals can visit his website and delve into the wealth of information it offers.

 

To learn more about our B.A. in Biblical Studies, follow the link below:

B.A. in Biblical Studies

To learn more about our M.A. in Christian Leadership, follow the link below:

M.A. in Christian Leadership

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