It’s the ninth inning, and the seasoned pitcher takes the mound. Decades of experience and a desire for more send a rekindled energy surging through his veins. But this isn’t just any game. This is a divine calling.
Dr. William J. Senn III, a man who once picked up a ball with dreams of baseball glory, now wields the Word of God with a passion that has shaped decades of ministry. This fall, he will transition to his new role as the Chair of the Pastoral Studies Program at Faith Baptist Bible College, and the game is far from over.
In fact, it feels like the bottom of the ninth, with everything on the line, as Dr. Senn walks onto the field yet again—this time, to train the next generation of pastors.
From the Diamond to the Divine
Dr. Senn’s story isn’t just one of ministry; it’s one of transformation. Raised in Pennsylvania in a non-Christian home, his life revolved around baseball, a sport he loved enough to earn a scholarship to Elizabethtown College.
His initial goals were simple: play ball, enjoy the college experience, and make a name for himself. But God had other plans.
His junior year, he wandered into a Bible study, expecting nothing more than another event on his schedule. What he found was life-changing. The gospel message gripped his heart, and he gave his life to Christ.
The young pitcher who once had his sights set on the major leagues now aimed for something much bigger—an eternal impact.
His transformation didn’t stop at his own salvation. He immediately began sharing the gospel with his teammates, leading many of his baseball teammates to Christ. A once-secular team became an evangelistic force on campus, proving that God can use any platform—including the pitcher’s mound—to advance His kingdom.
A Lifetime of Ministry
Dr. Senn’s passion for reaching the lost, particularly college students, only grew from there. Feeling the Lord’s call to ministry, he pursued theological education, earning his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Bob Jones University.
His ministry path was marked by a deep burden for college students, leading Dr. Senn and his wife, Allissa, to plant churches near major universities. His work at University Baptist Church in Clemson, South Carolina, was particularly impactful. The Senns served there for 19 years, starting Cross Impact Campus Ministries. This organization focused on evangelizing and discipling students and faculty, bringing them from the chaos of secular academia into the clarity of biblical truth.
In 2002, the Senns moved to Westminster, Colorado, answering God’s call to pastor Tri-City Baptist Church. For 23 years, he led the church through growth, outreach, and discipleship, all while maintaining his heart for college students. His work expanded beyond the pulpit, engaging with young adults at the Colorado School of Mines, mentoring them in their faith and training them to reach their peers.
But now, after over four decades of ministry, Dr. Senn is stepping into a new role—one that feels like the culmination of all he has done before.
A New Season at Faith Baptist Bible College
Dr. Senn and Allissa’s transition to Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa, isn’t just a career move; it’s a continuation of a lifelong mission. “Our whole life has been a ministry to collegians,” he says. “That’s been the heart of our work.”
As Chair of the Pastoral Studies Program, he will bring with him more than just experience—he brings a vision. He sees Faith as a place where classroom learning and real-world discipleship converge.
His passion is not just to teach theology but to train young men to be disciple-makers. “We have the joy of training young men for the ministry,” he explains, “but practically getting out and making disciples, especially for those of their own generation.”
Dr. Senn envisions Faith students engaging in outreach to nearby colleges, bringing the same passion for evangelism that transformed his own baseball team decades ago.
He is also eager to emphasize international outreach, equipping students to think beyond the walls of their church buildings and into the broader mission field.
A Legacy of Discipleship
At its core, The Senns’ journey has been about discipleship. Whether through sermons, campus ministries, or one-on-one mentoring, their ministry has been dedicated to helping others grow in their faith and share it boldly.
Their years at Tri-City Baptist Church saw significant church growth, a focus on multilingual outreach, and a strong commitment to mentoring young leaders. Dr. Senn helped the church become debt-free and expand its facilities, all while keeping the priority on making disciples. Now, he looks to do the same at Faith Baptist Bible College, investing his 42 years of ministry experience into the next generation.
“Hopefully, we can pour into them the lessons we’ve learned,” Dr. Senn says. Those lessons aren’t just theoretical; they are forged in the fires of real-world ministry. From leading college students to Christ on a secular campus to pastoring a thriving church for over two decades, his experience is invaluable for young men preparing for ministry.
The Bottom of the Ninth
If life were a baseball game, this might seem like the final inning for Dr. Senn. But he doesn’t see it that way. Instead, he sees this transition to Faith as an opportunity to coach the next crop of young men for the games still to come—a chance to make his biggest impact yet by training others to continue the work.
The roster is loaded with eager students, future pastors, and world-changers who need his wisdom, his experience, and his passion for the gospel.
Whether he’s on the mound or in the dugout, one thing is clear—Dr. William Senn isn’t done yet. This isn’t retirement.
He’s just getting started.
