Seminary of the East Prof has Unique Connection to Bethel Past and Future

Volume 22 No 1 | Winter 2008-2009

When Bethel Seminary of the East celebrated its commencement last spring, Brian Labosier, professor of biblical studies, delivered the charge to graduates. Listening attentively that day were M.Div. graduate Jeremy Labosier as well as outgoing Bethel University President George K. Brushaber. Brian has a close and unique connection to both.

Jeremy is Brian’s son, following in his father’s footsteps as he pursues graduate theological education and ministry preparation. Brushaber, coincidentally, was a guiding force in Brian’s own theological education. Brushaber was chair of the department of philosophy at Gordon College when the elder Labosier transferred there in the fall of 1967. Brushaber served as professor for a number of Labosier’s philosophy courses and was his faculty advisor for several years. After graduation, Labosier visited Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, looking for career guidance. Once again he met Brushaber, who was then the part-time director of admissions and who encouraged him to start seminary the very next week. Labosier calls this a “key life-changing experience for me.” After pastoring churches in upstate New York and for 12 years in inner-city Philadelphia, Labosier joined Seminary of the East in 1987, and with the merger of Bethel University and Seminary of the East in 2002, he once again had the opportunity to work with George Brushaber!

The Labosier family’s graduation photo is a special one, with father and son sharing a unique bond on commencement day. But there’s another man in some of the photos: the everpresent George Brushaber, who also celebrated Jeremy’s achievement. “I was thankful that he was able to be with our family when my son graduated from seminary,” says Brian. “As is characteristic of Dr. Brushaber, he reached out a hand of friendship to my son and graciously allowed us to include him in some graduation pictures!”