The beginning of the 2008 fall semester marks The Institute for G.O.D. International’s fifth year. After a rewarding summer, the students and faculty of The Institute for G.O.D. are focused on the responsibility of their call in regard to preparation. Having spent the summer abroad with their students, faculty members are preparing to teach with a renewed sense of purpose. The intensity of student morale and purpose is evident in their words and commitment to one another.

Jeff Sherrod, staff member, returned from India with a large tote full of books for our library. The books are all produced by Indian academics in their respective fields. Aric Carroll has also made a donation to our growing library. I remember when all of the students would come to me and ask about good books to read. These days they often introduce me to books that are worthy of a good read.

The office is busy with the printing of our ministry’s monthly newsletter as well as our 2008-2009 school catalog. This year we have increased the number of required units for graduation to 124. All students enrolling from this semester onward are subject to the new requirement.

I am particularly happy to begin our Master of Theological Studies program. We are offering Greek, Hebrew, Biblical Theology and Kierkegaard’s Christianity (I know SK would object to the title). I have a great group of students in my M.T.S. classes and anticipate some wonderful discussions. Reading John Goldingay’s works on OT Theology will help them all in their Hebrew skills and their critical thinking skills. Goldingay also writes in a way that ambiguity remains while his statements carry with them the authority of an extraordinary biblical scholar.

Each year I have all of the students meet with me in my office during registration. It is one of my favorite times. As we begin the year it is my place to inspire, challenge, and charge them with the constraints and the liberty of our calling. I look forward to tears and God’s presence.