Advancing the gospel in creative, culturally relevant ways. 

In 2022, the seminary established the Karlson Scholar Program, named for Karl J. Karlson who served as Dean of Bethel Seminary from 1925-48. This program fosters partnerships between influential evangelical leaders and Bethel Seminary, facilitating the development of church leaders who will take insights gleaned from the Karlson Scholar into their ministry leadership responsibilities.

The Karlson Scholar Program is designed to be an experience tailored to the strengths of the nominated scholar. Some of the activities that a Karlson Scholar may engage in include teaching a Seminary for Everyone or seminary elective class, being a featured guest of the “Whole & Holy” podcast, and speaking in Chapel.

2023-24 Karlson Scholar: Francis Chan

Pastor, author, and church planter Francis Chan is a globally renowned and influential evangelical leader. Chan has also authored numerous books. His works include Letters to the Church, Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell, and You and Me Forever, a book on building a healthy marriage that he co-authored with his wife, Lisa Chan.