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Larry Oats

Professor
College of Bible and Church Ministries
Maranatha Baptist Seminary 

Dr. Larry Oats began at Maranatha as a student and was a member of the Maranatha’s second graduating class. He began teaching while working on his master’s degree. The Oats family left Maranatha for a short time to get experience in Christian Education but returned in 1972. Dr. Oats has been part of the Maranatha ministry ever since. During his years as a faculty and staff member, he has served in a multitude of positions, from admissions worker, Academy principal, Director of several departments, and Dean of Students, to Interim President, all the while maintaining his role as Bible Professor. From 2009-2019, he held the position of Dean of Maranatha Baptist Seminary. He currently teaches residential courses during the spring semester each year and spends the fall semester writing, traveling, preaching and teaching. 

Dr. Oats continues teaching at Maranatha, as he says, because “I love helping people learn.” His challenge to students – “Your years at Maranatha will be some of the best of your life. You will find lifelong friends. You will be tested mentally, financially, emotionally, maybe even physically, but these tests will prepare you for a life of sacrifice and ministry. Enjoy your time… God has put you here for His reasons, under these exact circumstances (even the coronoavirus), because he knows it is what you need now to prepare you for tomorrow. Revel in what God is doing in you.” 

Education and Credentials

PhD Systematic Theology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School 

ThM, Maranatha Baptist University 

MDiv, Maranatha Baptist University 

MA Bible, Maranatha Baptist University 

BA Pastoral Studies, Maranatha Baptist University 

more about larry oats

Recent publications: “The Trinity” and “God the Holy Spirit”, Frontline Magazine, Foundations Baptist Fellowship International 

Recent speaking engagements: One-week doctrinal seminar, Grace Baptist Church, Singapore; Heritage Baptist Conference Lincoln Park Baptist Church, Washington; Seminars at Foundations Baptist Fellowship, Alaska; Advanced Soteriology and Theology 4 courses at National Theological Graduate School, Cairo, Egypt 

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Family: Larry and Colleen Oats celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2019. Their two sons and two daughters graduated from Maranatha, and they have twelve grandchildren. 

Church Ministry: Dr. Oats teaches Seminary level classes on Wednesday nights in his church and frequently preaches at churches throughout the Midwest. 

Other activities and interests: travel, especially to mission fields