The Best Seminary Possible

Executive Director and Provost Leland Eliason announces August retirement.

Volume 22 No 1 | Winter 2008-2009

“Just over two years ago, my wife Carol and I spent a weekend praying through the options of when I should conclude my ministry at Bethel Seminary. We felt led to stay until the new president was chosen, and our desire was to turn over the best seminary possible…”

So began a note to new Bethel University President Jay Barnes relating Leland Eliason’s decision to retire as executive director and provost of Bethel Seminary. Following are the President’s musings about Leland’s influence after a quarter century of service to Bethel.

“Leland Eliason has led Bethel Seminary for the past 15 years, and will complete 25 years of service to Bethel in August 2009. He has done heroic work in leading the seminary to be the most innovative seminary in North America.
“Under Leland’s leadership, the seminary anchored its ministry to the church and built strong curricula that stressed the importance of biblical and theological foundations, personal and spiritual formation, and transformational leadership. The seminary took on new ministry opportunities on the East Coast, strengthened its ministry in San Diego, and delivered a variety of programs meant to resource the movements of God around the world through its main campus in Arden Hills. In addition to effective face-to-face teaching, the seminary pioneered leading distance and hybrid delivery models.

“Leland was instrumental in advancing Bethel’s anti-racism agenda, developing connections with leaders and churches of color. He also advanced Bethel’s reputation through building effective partnerships with prevailing churches and with national organizations such as the Willow Creek Association. In addition to building the student base, he spearheaded the New Wineskins Initiative, which raised $325,000 last year alone to support the operating budget of the seminary.

“History will tell us that Leland came to Bethel for such a time as this. I am deeply thankful for his service and partnership. He has been gracious and supportive in my transition to president. It is my goal to continue to strengthen the seminary so that the Bethel Seminary of the future will bring glory to God and joy to my colleague Leland.”

Jay Barnes
President
Bethel University