The Start of a New Academic Year

Dear CTS Friend and Supporter:
We are about to begin our 149^th Academic year with International Student Orientation!

We are privileged to be receiving new students from the United States and Canada as well as Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea.

From 1991, I still remember walking my four-year old son to a bus pick-up point for his first day at his new school in Grand Rapids. It was a heart moment filled with anticipation and anxiety.  I did my best to hide my anxiety and help my son look to the future and all the fun and learning that would fill his days.

The students might be older, but I still have a heart moment of anticipation and anxiety at the beginning of a new school year.

I am asking you as a key supporter to pray for the beginning of the new school year, including some international students still waiting for their visa interviews.

Calvin Theological Seminary has been a place of learning and formation for the mission of serving the whole church – the global church – for generations.

At the same time, the conditions for seminary education and for denominational schools are facing major shifts and even headwinds.

How will our current climate affect Calvin Theological Seminary?
What do we need to know and hear from you as we look not only toward a 150^th anniversary – but beyond that anniversary date?

To help us answer those important questions I ask that you consider participating in a supporter survey. 

The scope of ministry still centers on local churches, but also includes schools, hospitals and hospice centers as just a few of the places where our graduates represent Jesus Christ and bring the good news of the gospel.   The landscape may have changed, but our purpose remains the same.

God has given you insights and maybe even questions about the future of the church and the future of the seminary.  The health of the Church is key to the health of the seminary.

I am at an age where I need to have a yearly check-up with my doctor.  If I do not go for that annual visit, I will hear from loved ones in my family!

Thank you for helping us do a check-in and check-up with you.  In this case, you are the doctor and your counsel will help guide us as we continue to seek and serve the Church as the Church serves the Mission of God!

Thank you again for your service and your participation!
In His Service With You –

President Jul Medenblik