Doug Fagerstrom, president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, was named Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year.

In June, Bethel University and Converge Worldwide co-sponsored the first-ever Converge Worldwide Pastors and Ministry Staff Network Gathering, held on Bethel’s campus.

The event drew numerous esteemed guests and presenters, including guest expert and ministry staff track co-facilitator Doug Fagerstrom, a 1983 Bethel Seminary alumnus and current president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (Grand Rapids, Mich.) since 2003. Unknown to Fagerstrom, the gathering was more than just a teaching opportunity. Behind the scenes, the Seminary Alumni Council and the Office of Alumni and Parent Services were orchestrating a surprise presentation of the 2009 Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year Award to this distinguished graduate.

With the cooperation of Fagerstrom’s wife, Donna, who noted that “Doug is always surprising others, but rarely, if ever, gets surprised himself,” invitations were issued to family, friends, and ministry colleagues, who all managed to keep the event a secret. Fagerstrom participated in the pastors gathering as planned, and when he was escorted to a room filled with very familiar faces from past and present, near and far, he was truly overwhelmed. Greetings and hugs were exchanged, and as the group began to applaud, Vice President for Constituent Relations Ralph Gustafson announced the reason they were all gathered. Mission accomplished. Fagerstrom was stunned. He later said that he was honored and humbled by his selection as the 2009 Bethel Seminary Alumnus of the Year.

Donna and Doug Fagerstrom

Fagerstrom holds a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.A. from Bethel Seminary, and a D.Min. from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has worked in full-time ministry since 1973. He served congregations in four different churches in Michigan, Colorado, and Minnesota as a youth pastor, minister of music, single adult pastor, adult ministry pastor, and executive pastor. He also worked as an adjunct faculty member at three colleges and one seminary, teaching courses in discipleship, education, leadership, church planting, and creative communications. Fagerstrom has trained and/or coached more than 50 church planters since 2000, and was executive director of the Network of Single Adult Leaders for 12 years. He is author, co-author, or editor of 14 publications, and is a frequent keynote speaker and workshop leader at conferences and retreats, often in partnership with Donna.

In presenting the award, retiring Bethel Seminary provost Leland Eliason noted Fagerstrom’s “transparent love for Christ’s church and distinguished service as pastor, author, teacher, catalyst, coach, mentor, and visionary.” Eliason stated his admiration both for Fagerstrom’s outward leadership of churches and seminary, and inward integrity toward his wife, daughter, and friends. “We commend you for advancing the gospel and instilling a global vision in the next generation of servant-leaders,” Eliason concluded.