When I try to define Bethel to a prospective student, donor, parent, or any other person unfamiliar with us, I often start with our seven core values. At Bethel, we seek to be: Christ-followers, character-builders, truth-seekers, learners, reconcilers, salt and light, and world-changers. None of these values alone can describe who we are as a community. Just like with any good recipe, each ingredient is necessary. Each of these values is important to defining Bethel University. This fall, I'll try and share a little bit about each of these values—what they mean to Bethel University and what they mean to me.

Last week, we celebrated our desire to be reconcilers during our annual Reconciliation Day. The day included a special chapel featuring wonderful music and the words of Dr. Pete Menjares, associate provost of diversity leadership at Biola University, followed by a luncheon and afternoon forum including Dr. Menjares and representatives from the Bethel community. A photo gallery from the day is available. Listen to Dr. Menjares' chapel message online.

I’m thankful for this day each year to recommit ourselves to this value. Why is reconciliation important? For biblical reasons, for reasons related to the accomplishment of our mission, we must continue to make this one of our essential commitments. If we are going to “prepare graduates to serve in strategic capacities to renew minds, live out biblical truth, transform culture, and advance the gospel,” then we must show the world our profound belief that each person is made in God's image. The Bethel of the future must celebrate and reflect the racial and gender diversity of the body of Christ, a driving commitment to reconciliation, and an educational practice that connects our employees and students to God's global mission.