PASSING THE BATON
Announced internally last November, Rev. Jul Medenblik intends to retire from his role as President of Calvin Theological Seminary.
This will mark 16 years of stewardship at the Seminary, ending on June 30, 2027. Medenblik led the seminary during a period of major societal, cultural, and technological changes.
CALLED TO SERVE
At the beginning of his presidency, Medenblik modeled a posture of service and hospitality. He introduced the phrase “Called To Serve” at Calvin Theological Seminary, which cleverly incorporates the institution's initials, CTS. This slogan has become deeply embedded in the school's culture and language over the past fifteen years.
“When I was called as President-elect in 2010, I could not imagine all that would unfold. Along the way, I have been inspired by students and alumni from across the globe. I have been blessed by staff, faculty, and Board members who encouraged and carried the vision for the work that we do – together."
President Jul Medenblik
Medenblik's tenure is marked by the expansion and development of the Distance Learning Program, the Calvin Prison Initiative (C.P.I.), and the Spanish Language Program; a pilot in Competency-Based Education; a substantial remodeling of the Seminary building to meet the evolving pedagogy of theological education; and a substantial investment in residential students' experience by building a new student housing facility.
Beyond these tangible accomplishments, Medenblik instilled a culture of innovation and hospitality at Calvin Theological Seminary. His background in church planting for the CRCNA gave him a unique perspective on theology in action, which has served the church well across changing contexts in the US, Canada, and beyond.
BOARD STATEMENT
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to thank President Medenblik for the leadership and vision he has provided for our seminary over the last 15 years. Our gratitude for his distinguished service to the seminary, and by extension the church, is matched only by the way he has navigated leadership through immense cultural changes over the last decade and a half.
As we look forward, our Nominating Committee, chaired by Board Member Tom Nobel, is at work behind the scenes. We ask for your prayers, your collected thoughts and insights, and your continued appreciation for the vital service that Calvin Seminary provides to the church."
Hessel Kielstra, Board Chair
THE TRANSITION PROCESS
The transition process for the office of president is outlined in our Board of Trustees handbook. The Board has retained JobFitMatters Executive Search to assist with this process.
1. Formation of Nominating Committee
The board-appointed Nominating Committee comprises 4 board members, 3 faculty members, 3 at-large members, 1 staff member, and 1 student. The committee is chaired by board member Tom Nobel.
2. Community Input
This includes a targeted survey of alumni, supporters, students, faculty, staff, and the Calvin Theological Seminary community. An executive summary of the survey results will be publicly available once the results are processed.
3. Public Opportunity Profile
The Opportunity Profile outlines our mission, history, current opportunities, leadership needs, and the qualifications we seek in our next leader.
4. Confidential Candidate Visits
The candidate visits key faculty, staff, and stakeholders on-site. Feedback is collected and presented to the Nominating Committee.
5. Faculty Evaluation
The faculty evaluate the candidate's fit for the role and the community and prepare a recommendation, including a written report, for the entire Board of Trustees to review.
6. Board and Synod
The Nominating Committee presents the candidate to the Board of Trustees for approval. If approved by the Board, the candidate is presented to Synod for Appointment to the office of President.
FAQs
The Board has appointed a Nominating Committee to work with JobfitMatters Executive Search. The committee will help develop the Opportunity Profile, review candidates, conduct interviews, and make recommendations in accordance with the seminary's governance process.
The Nominating Committee selected JobfitMatters Executive Search, a Christian executive search firm led by Laura Coverstone and Ed Poff, to assist with the process. JobfitMatters will help with listening, recruiting, candidate evaluation, references, and process guidance.
The search will begin with listening sessions and a survey in August 2026. The Opportunity Profile is expected to be released in October 2026. Candidate review and interviews will take place this fall of 2026, with the goal of identifying the next leader by early spring 2027. Timelines can shift as the committee seeks the right fit.
Our goal is to have a candidate to recommend to Synod for approval during their June 2027 meeting.
Internal candidates are welcome to express interest and will be considered according to the same criteria and process as external candidates. The Board's goal is to identify the best next leader for Calvin Theological Seminary.
You can pray, complete the survey when it is released, participate in listening conversations if invited, and submit nominations once the Opportunity Profile is published.
Many potential candidates are currently serving in other organizations or seminaries. Confidentiality protects candidates, their current ministries, and the integrity of the search process.
The Board and Nominating Committee will evaluate candidates for clear Christian faith, alignment with Calvin Seminary's mission and theological commitments, proven character, and the leadership capacity required for this role.
The start date will depend on the timing of the search, the selected candidate's current obligations, and the transition plan approved by the Board.
The new President can begin serving no sooner than Synod's approval in June of 2027.
Founded in 1876, Calvin Theological Seminary serves the church by holistically equipping servant leaders for their calling to cultivate healthy church communities.
