Welcoming New Students to Calvin Theological Seminary: Will You Join Us?

When you begin a trip, whether across town or across the globe, you probably rely on your phone and the included GPS system to get you to the right destination. It’s a simple tool, but one that provides direction, clarity, and reassurance along the way.

I’ve often thought that the concept of GPS can serve another purpose here at Calvin Theological Seminary: a reminder of who we are as a community and institution. As we welcome a new class of students this month, I’d like to invite you to see GPS as a reminder of Calvin Theological Seminary – a mission you help make possible through your prayer, financial support, and ongoing involvement in training future ministry leaders.

GLOBAL

From our earliest days, Calvin Theological Seminary has been committed to equipping and serving the global church, both through the education we provide and the resources we create. This year, our student body will feature students from over 30 countries across the globe, bringing diverse cultures, languages, experiences, and stories of God’s work into our classrooms and community.

In classrooms and in faculty offices, in online discussions and in prayer, I trust that our students will learn much from each other. In that process, they will also teach us, helping us broaden our vision of God’s Kingdom beyond our own experience.

PRAYER

Prayer is an integral part of our life together. It is something that begins our class sessions and binds us together in Christian support and fellowship. You’ll find classes, meetings, and community events marked by regular prayer for one another, bringing our praises, needs and laments before God.

As Calvin Theological Seminary comes to mind, I ask that you pray for our students, especially for our incoming class. Many are leaving familiar surroundings and stepping into new contexts, thousands of miles away from home. Many are leaving familiar surroundings and stepping into new contexts, thousands of miles away from home. Your prayers are one way you can walk alongside our students, even from a distance.

STUDY AND SERVICE

Our students come to Calvin Theological Seminary to study and learn. However, that study is never an end in itself, but a means of preparation for service in the global church. Our graduates are serving as missionaries, professors, pastors, counselors, nonprofit leaders, and other God-given callings.

At each graduation, we give students a towel, embroidered with the words “Called to Serve.” We hope this towel serves as a reminder not only of what they’ve learned at Calvin Theological Seminary, but also the posture of their service to Christ and his kingdom, service marked by humility and love. As our incoming and returning students begin their studies, we also look forward to the day when they will graduate, stepping out to serve wherever God calls.

A SHARED JOURNEY

As we mark our 150th anniversary during the 2025-2026 school year, I’m reminded that the journey of Calvin Theological Seminary is a shared one. Students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and friends are all part of this story that God is writing.

So next time you use your GPS, I hope you’re reminded of Calvin Theological Seminary: a global community marked by prayer, study, and training for service in God’s kingdom. This is who we have been and continue to be. It is the reason we welcome new students with such joy, and the mission you help advance through your prayers and support. Thank you!

In His Service with You,

Jul Medenblik

President, Calvin Theological Seminary