Dear friends of Bethel Seminary,
Have you ever had a $1.5 million idea? Can you imagine what it meant to Bethel Seminary to receive that much money from the Lilly Foundation'up front and in cash--on the basis of a proposal actually comprising three main ideas? Here they are:
- We want to reach gifted young women and men who are considering many career options, and provide such a compelling vision of how God can use them in ministry that they will open themselves up to God's call.
- Seminaries have learned to measure wisely how a student is faring in history, Greek, or theology, but not nearly as much has been done in the area of assessing growth in character development. We are committed to improving how we assess spiritual and personal formation in the pilgrimages of seminarians.
- The record of longevity for seminary graduates in solo pastorates is frighteningly short--one study suggests that only 50 percent are still in ministry after five years. We want to come alongside solo pastors to provide a network of support and continuing education.
The
lead article in this issue of Heart & Mind describes some of the encouraging
early results of translating those commitments and ideas into programmatic
realities.
We are so thankful for the
support we enjoy from key leaders who invest their unique gifts in the
cause of making Bethel Seminary what God is leading us to be across
the country. For example, Ken Blanchard was the keynote speaker at a wonderful
kickoff for the capital
campaign at Bethel Seminary San Diego in May. And this year's commencement addresses at all of Bethel's locations promise to be remembered as among the best our graduates have ever received:
- Dr. John Ortberg, Jr., at Bethel St. Paul, June 2.
- Dr. Stephen Macchia, president of Vision New England, at Bethel Seminary of the East, July 15.
- Dr. Ron Youngblood at Bethel San Diego, June 3, on the occasion of his retirement from Bethel Seminary after a distinguished career spanning 40 years of outstanding teaching and scholarship.
And we are in the midst of final preparations for the new missions certificate we will offer beginning this summer. How exciting it is to partner with the Global Church Planting vision of the Baptist General Conference, as well as with other missions groups and churches, to design a custom-made program for those embarking on careers in missions.
God is blessing Bethel Seminary.
We are deeply
grateful for the privilege of partnering with you in His great reconciling
work on earth.
Serving Him with you,
Leland V. Eliason
Provost and Executive Vice President
Bethel Seminary
