President’s Blog
Life Lessons – Gratitude
“What do you say?” I have had the privilege of giving gifts to young children and then hearing young parents (just like Jackie and I did for our children) prompt…
Words Matter: Getting Specific
We live in a world of slogans and soundbites. If you doubt this, just watch political commercials for the next few weeks! I believe one of the reasons why we…
Words Matter! Disaffiliation or Separation – What is the Difference?
“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”– Mark Twain Current conversations within…
The Start of a New Academic Year
Dear CTS Friend and Supporter: We are about to begin our 149th Academic year with International Student Orientation! We are privileged to be receiving new students from the United States and…
Synod 2024, the Second Inaugural Address and Rock Valley, Iowa
This year, 2024, marked my 15th in-person Synod. I had the privilege to attend our denomination’s annual meeting in various capacities since 1990. I first served as an elder delegate, then…
100 Years Later – What Can We Learn?
There was anticipation, eagerness, concern and maybe even dread. You never know what will happen at a Synod. Overtures had been prepared and prayers were being offered. Strong opinions were…
Commencement 2023—Pray for More
Since 1876, for 147 years, God has used Calvin Seminary to form leaders for His church. On Saturday, May 20th we celebrated 46 graduates from 13 different nations – Brazil,…
Synod 2023 – Blessing In A Time Of Leaving
Last week, we repeated the Synod 2022 Medenblog that focused on the “Day After Synod” as the most important day of Synod. You can read it here. This blog comes…
Synod 2023
Dear CTS Community: Prior to Synod 2022, I prepared a Medenblog that anticipated that there was going to be disappointment and asked “how would we approach the results of Synod…
The Most Important Day of Synod
As a leader in the Christian Reformed Church in North America, I have been asked by a number of people, “What is going to happen at Synod?” Behind that question…
Nearer, Still Nearer – Lent 2022
Have you had the privilege of watching a funeral service recently? I have. One of the benefits that has come through COVID is the use of livestream and the opportunity…
Medenblog: Give them a break!
One of the privileges of serving as President of Calvin Theological Seminary is that you meet with a lot of pastors and a lot of congregational leaders. Meetings have led…