On October 5, Bethel University launched the public phase of a $105 million comprehensive campaign, the largest in the university’s history. Titled “Taking the Next Step,” the campaign is intended to secure commitments for facilities, build Bethel’s endowment, and strengthen the Annual Fund—improvements that will help to develop Christian leaders through all schools of Bethel University, including Bethel Seminary San Diego.

Bethel President George Brushaber and campaign leaders announced that $67.3 million has already been raised during the leadership phase of the six-year campaign, which extends from 2002 to 2008.

The effort will change the face of Bethel Seminary San Diego. Educational opportunities will be greatly enhanced by a $5.3 million addition that will provide larger classrooms, offices, a preaching lab, library expansion, instructional technology, a student lounge, and a 380-seat auditorium and conference center.

“God has planted Bethel Seminary San Diego at a crossroads of the world for a reason,” declares Dean John Lillis, who notes that the seminary will soon mark its 30-year anniversary of providing graduate education and training for pastors, chaplains, missionaries, marriage and family therapists, and others engaged in full- or part-time ministry.

As a result of the program’s success, Bethel has outgrown the current facilities (built in 1990), designed to accommodate 200-250 students. During the next few years, Bethel Seminary anticipates enrollment to swell to 400-450 students.

“Building a new auditorium with greater seating not only allows us to grow as a seminary, but it also shows the extent to which Bethel Seminary San Diego is reaching out to a broader community in Southern California,” says David Price. Price is a Bethel University Board of Trustees member from Carlsbad, California, and chair of the campaign steering committee for the Bethel Seminary San Diego project. “Bethel’s excellent programming (LAOS) and our Distinguished Lecturer Series are bringing academic scholars and speakers with national and international reputations.”

Land has been acquired, and $3.8 million of the $5.3 million estimated construction cost has already been pledged, including two major gifts of $1 million each.

Application has been submitted to the city of San Diego with projected completion of the permitting process by next fall.

“We hope to complete the capital campaign by summer of 2007. This is both an exciting and challenging project,” says Lillis. “In bold faith, we are addressing facility deficits to prepare for a new chapter in Bethel Seminary San Diego’s outreach and impact.”

Those interested in contributing to Bethel Seminary San Diego should call the Office of Development at 619.582.8188, ext. 117, or send an email to s-milligan@bethel.edu.