Maranatha Advantage | Spring 2023

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Exceptional.

My wife Abi and I were in the throes of contemplating all the “what ifs” of a possible move to Maranatha Baptist University. We felt a clash in our hearts and minds—the pain of leaving a sweet and thriving church family, mixed with anticipation as we contemplated the great opportunity the Lord was putting in front of us.

As was our routine with many events on campus since we lived only an hour away, we came to campus for MBU’s spring play, Seven Keys to Baldpate. No—we didn’t “find” God’s will during the play! What we did find was a moment of God-given mental and emotional refreshment as we watched a troupe of students, under the good tutelage of an experienced director and staff, do a wonderful job of re-creating an imaginary story. The experience that evening gave us a renewed vigor and focus. For us, it was exceptional.

The scriptures are filled with exceptional works of God, using exceptional servants of the Lord. I immediately think of people like Daniel with his “excellent spirit” or Caleb and his cry of “give me this mountain” or Paul and his candid autobiography—“I

labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.“

What makes something or someone exceptional?

Simply put, an exceptional thing or person stays faithful to its purpose or mission. Daniel had “purposed in his heart” to do God’s will. Caleb wholly followed his God Who had promised him a mountain. Paul, by God’s grace, passionately pursued his calling to bear the Lord’s name “before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”

MBU is on a mission too. By God’s grace we are striving to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world

“To the Praise of His Glory.” And as this community called Maranatha Baptist University has been faithful to its mission, we have seen God produce some exceptional fruit in numerous lives, impacted here to go, lead, and serve Christ and His work. May God help MBU to remain an exceptional community on mission.

Rejoicing,

David Anderson

Community

ON MISSION

WRITTEN BY MATT DAVIS & JONATHAN SHEELEY

Each year, a new group of faculty, staff, and students are welcomed to the Maranatha family. At the same time, parents and students are starting to think about college more intentionally. Usually, they are familiar with our community through the experience of alumni, pastors, or friends. So, becoming a part of this intricate machine, whether on campus or virtual has a relationship to thank for its beginning. This is the way we like it. In this edition of the Advantage, you are going to explore the heartbeat of the ministry. But before you immerse yourself in stories of God’s grace

or alumni faithfulness, let us direct your attention back to why Maranatha exists. Dr. Davis, in his address to the faculty and staff at the beginning of the school year, announced the theme for the year to be “Community on Mission.” If you have been listening to our podcast, you’ll hear echoes of those conversations because it’s grabbed a hold of our hearts. Education is in constant flux for a variety of reasons but there are a couple of key ways it stays the same in our minds: community and mission.

A question we regularly receive is, “how big is Maranatha?” We love answering this because it allows us to show how wide our community is instead of focusing on numbers. You can’t think about Maranatha as just the amazing student body that assembles on campus for eight months a year. You must include the students that will never set foot in Watertown unless they choose to walk in commencement. This includes young parents coming back to finish their bachelor’s degrees, middle-aged professionals making a career switch, or chronic students in search of more education. And of course, you can’t forget the backbone of the ministry–the dedicated faculty and staff who serve selflessly to whomever God brings across their path.

But you must understand our definition of community to grasp its significance. Dr. Davis stated clearly, “community is not so much something we are but rather something we do.” Our relationships are crucial to our success. Why? Because human interaction is still the best agency for growth. Maranatha doesn’t have a reason to operate without the people we have forged longstanding relationships with. Whether it’s the faculty and student relationship or peer-to-peer relationships, the community is vital. We need each other! Sometimes, the shared experience of college establishes core relationships for life. That could be a mentor that you gravitate to while in class or an accountability group that grows organically through coursework or extracurriculars. Our community keeps us accountable.

Our community also provides a defense against discouragement. Working together allows us to keep our focus. And that’s what it means to be mission-focused.

is in the business of developing leaders. But not just any leaders. We infuse church ministries with service-minded members, ready to lead with integrity. Every weekend, faculty and staff serve local churches. Every weekend, churches across the world have Maranatha alumni serving in every capacity imaginable.

Every once in a while, someone will roll their eyes and ask why we are always connecting a meeting or project back to the mission. It’s a fair question as we are busy and have important tasks to accomplish. But to accomplish our goals, we must keep our mission in sharp focus. To appropriately understand Maranatha Baptist University, you must understand our mission. There are 100 good ideas that will never be developed here because they are “off-mission.” We invest our time, money, and relationships around the mission of building servants for the cause of Christ. No matter what new academic program, what new technology, or what format “change” happens at Maranatha, “Mission-Accomplished” looks like faithful servants working, watching, and waiting for the Lord’s return in churches around the world. The goal is to hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

COMMUNITY ON MISSION

What keeps an accountant, a medical doctor, and a piano instructor connected ten years after graduation? What keeps the veritable zoo of academic programs and staff departments on the same team though they might have competing needs and desires? The mission.

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY DEVELOPS LEADERS FOR MINISTRY IN THE LOCAL CHURCH AND THE WORLD, “TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY.”

Mission statements are in vogue. More than ever before, mission statements are baked into public branding. They are on mugs, buses, and banners. At Maranatha, we put it on the walls. People of all generations can recite the mission statement with great accuracy. Why? Because without it, we wouldn’t have a way to relate to each other. We wouldn’t ‘know what way is forward. Our mission statement addresses our bond in Christ. We are pursuing a goal way larger than Maranatha. Maranatha’s mission is actionable. It tells potential students, students, and alumni alike what we do. Maranatha

So, what is the Advantage? It’s about telling stories and platforming ideas that support the mission. The best way to show you what we want for our students and constituents is to tell stories. When you read of a pastor serving in a local church with no worldly recognition or fame, praise the Lord. The mission thrives. When you read of a new faculty coming on board to invest their extensive career wisdom in the lives of hungry students, praise the Lord. The mission is alive. When you read of churches that give students an outlet to develop their ministry experience, praise the Lord. The mission is being taken on by another generation. When you see the iconic faculty and staff leaving Maranatha and doing the work of the ministry elsewhere, praise the Lord! The mission lives on. And yes, when we see beloved members of the family go on to glory, praise the Lord. Their mission is accomplished.

DR. MATT DAVIS (‘96) has been with the Maranatha family since 2010. An attorney by training, he has served as the Director of Institutional Research and Effectiveness, Executive Vice President & Corporate Counsel, and currently the Chief Executive Officer.

JONATHAN SHEELEY (’16,’19) serves as the Director of Communications. He is passionate about extending the impact of his alma mater through clear and effective communication strategies such as the On Mission Podcast that he co-hosts with CEO Dr. Matt Davis.

Leadership

A CATALYST FOR IMPROVEMENT & SUSTAINED GROWTH

WRITTEN BY JONATHAN SHEELEY

WE WANT TO DEVELOP LEADERS FOR THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY.

When Dr. Marriott announced his appointment to the position of chancellor in May at commencement, many people immediately began praying for what would assuredly be a time of waiting and transition. Thankfully, God ordained Dr. David Anderson to accept the call from the board of trustees in the same month to be the new president. Since May, the board’s decisions have been repeatedly affirmed as Dr. Anderson has been transitioning his ministry to Watertown from Illinois. His pleasant demeanor and warm spirit are a welcome addition to the team. He brings a contagious fire for ministry. You might ask, “How did we get here?” It’s important to understand that reinstating the role of the chancellor and bringing Dr. Anderson on as president is the culmination of leadership structure improvements in this decade.

MARANATHA'S LEADERSHIP LEGACY SERVES AS A CATALYST FOR IMPROVEMENT AND FOSTERS AN ENVIRONMENT OF SUSTAINED GROWTH.

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP

Dr. Marriott took the corner office in 2009. Two of his initial programs to reinvigorate Maranatha’s work were the strategic Bible and Church Ministry Scholarship for students preparing for ministry and the systematic expansion of online and distance learning programs. After announcing the scholarship, Marriott recounts, “The scholarship doubled the number of ministry training students in campus programs.” Since 2010, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been given to students seeking to go into vocational ministry debt free. Reflecting on the centrality of local church ministry to Maranatha’s mission, Marriott often paints a picture of the Bible programs as “the hub of the wheel with spokes coming out from it.” He further explains, “If we can keep our ministry preparation programs strong, the passion for ministry will radiate through all our other programs.” Every week, the entire student body goes out to local churches as active participants in ministry. Dr. Marriott’s careful guidance in building the ministry training programs ensured a future tied to the mission of Maranatha.

In addition to the Bible training scholarship, Dr. Marriott’s vision to build our capacity for online education protected us against financial instability. Though our campus population remains much as it has, our ministry to students reaches coast to coast and beyond each week. Now, students who are returning to the classroom for additional training or to complete their degrees remain plugged into their communities while receiving world-class instruction. Online was never intended to replace the campus but to extend the campus reach and maintain Maranatha’s leading-edge position. As can be seen by the growing number of graduates each year, Maranatha’s community has never been larger. Dr. Marriott signed over half of our alumni’s diplomas before transitioning to the chancellor. With the scholarship recipients going into vocational ministry and the online and distance learning programs reaching ministry-minded students across the globe each year, Maranatha has never had a greater impact for the cause of Christ.

IMPROVEMENT MINDSET

Marriott may be remembered most for his wisdom in assessing, adapting, and constructing leadership frameworks that will long outlast his tenure. He strengthened Maranatha’s leadership backbone by developing three groups of responsibility to counter the increasing demands of higher education complexity while not forgetting the identity of the school as ministry minded.

The largest, Leadership Council, was developed as a communication-focused, cross-departmental standing meeting to ensure alignment. Staff department directors, academic unit leaders, and administration comprise this group. During the school year, Leadership Council meets every other week to share pertinent information with the goal of deepening cross-department understanding and alignment. Leadership Council brings leaders from both faculty and staff together to form relationships around common experiences. The more front-line leaders know of their peers’ work, the easier it is to prevent issues before they arise.

A more focused but diverse group, Strategy Council, leads the campus efforts in looking ahead. The three major concerns of the Strategy Council are the strategic planning processes, accreditation efforts, and institutional assessment reviews. In 30 years of accreditation, Maranatha consistently shines as an example of improvement-minded growth. The last decade of systematic, programmatic, and academic growth can be directly tied to the efforts of the Strategy Council in predicting the changes that occur outside the control of Maranatha and finding solutions to issues that closed the doors of many peer institutions the same size as Maranatha inside and outside the Christian education landscape.

Finally, the Executive Council is made up of vice presidents and special appointees for the purpose of policy and decisionmaking. Now chaired by the CEO, the Executive Council represents an important safeguard on institutional policy while maintaining the connection to the strategic plan. Executive Council members are pivotal to Maranatha’s unity as they labor to keep their respective divisions focused on effectiveness through the lens of Maranatha’s missional success.

These three groups represent a desire for fast decisionmaking at the appropriate levels while maintaining the chain of command. Dr. Davis recounts their vision for the separate groups, “Each specific group allows us to focus on what that time is to be used for…We shouldn’t kick all the decisions up because that destroys efficiency. Institutionally, the implementation of these councils is not to create bureaucracy or rule by committee—the opposite is intended. They give us the opportunity to discuss the topics institutionally that cross department boundaries and break down silos.” In many ways, the trajectory to a more efficient model of leadership led to the most recent series of appointments by the board.

THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF THE LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS, THE BOARD DEEPENED ITS UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPLEXITY OF OPERATING A CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION THAT FULFILLS ITS MISSION.

ENVIRONMENT OF GROWTH

In a time of nationwide higher education disruption, Maranatha is gaining momentum, not losing it. We see God’s hand of blessing as new students join the family eager for a leadershipfocused Christian education, as talented professionals join the team ready for service, and as new doors of ministry open around the world for staff and students alike. As Dr. Davis says, “We are not okay with just existing. We are poised with an opportunity to grow on campus, online, and in the seminary. With the foundation of a decade of solid middle management and stable administration, the board of trustees chose to make a change that unlocks new potential: the chief executive officer, president, and chancellor all with specific and unique responsibilities. This will add a new focus to each of the areas needing attention. There is great wisdom in the board’s decision to adopt this structure.” Because the historic role of the president was a bigger job than any one person can properly give attention to today, the board split the responsibilities. The chief executive officer oversees all aspects of the University both academically and operationally. The president’s responsibilities continue to focus on spiritual leadership, preaching ministry, and special attention to Maranatha’s ministry training programs. The chancellor offers counsel to the CEO and president, assists in campus ministry, provides a historical perspective to the board of trustees, and maintains established relationships with the university constituency. Addressing the structural changes, Dr. Davis states, “We are looking for something that gives us greater longevity that provides stability through transitions as they naturally occur.” The chancellor provides context to standing decisions as well as counsel for new questions that arise, the president focuses on ministry training and spiritual fervor, and the chief executive officer keeps the entire operation working in sync.

Our founders started something unique, and we intend to take that same attitude into the future. The culture of Maranatha doesn’t always lend itself to change. Dr. Davis acknowledged the difficulty this way:

One of the hardest things for an organization that is conservative in its character is to remain innovative and adapt appropriately at the right time. It’s difficult to make the right adjustments at the right time to remain effective for our students. We want to develop leaders for the world as it

is today. It’s important that as a fundamental organization we not be a stick in the mud. We don’t ever want that reputation. Yes, there are some positions that we aren’t even considering changing but there are many generations (of alumni) that can speak to what areas need adjustments and when the timing is right. This team is a phenomenal opportunity for us to not fall prey to the dangers of drift and compromise or the reflexive ties to the old ways and stagnation.

The best days of Maranatha’s ministry are ahead. From Dr. Marriott’s initial areas of emphasis, the adjustments in leadership structure, and the recent appointments to new roles, Maranatha's leadership legacy serves as a catalyst for improvement and fosters an environment of sustained growth.

1 Brock, Rebecca. “Mission-Minded Leadership.” The Advantage no. Fall / Winter, 2020.

2 Sheeley, Jonathan. “Board of Trustees Appoints Dr. Marty Marriott Chancellor.” Maranatha Baptist University, May 15, 2023. https://www.mbu.edu/blog/eventspress-releases/new-chancellor/.

LEADERSHIP ROLES DEFINED

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Oversee all aspects of the university, both academically and operationally.

PRESIDENT

Focus on spiritual leadership, preaching ministry, and special attention to Maranatha’s ministry training programs.

CHANCELLOR

Offer counsel to the CEO and president, assist in campus ministry, provide historical perspective to the board of trustees, and maintain relationships with university constituency.

MISSIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR THE

WRITTEN BY JONATHAN SHEELEY

Dr. David Anderson (’86,’22) was named the sixth president of Maranatha Baptist University in May of 2023 by the board of trustees. The Andersons are not strangers to the campus of Maranatha. Anderson’s father moved his family to Watertown to receive his theological training prior to going into the pastorate where he served for 42 years. Most recently, David and Abi (Potter) served in Roscoe, Illinois at Heritage Baptist Church. All their adult children graduated from Maranatha.

Announcing the appointment, Dr. Doug Jackson, the chairman of the board of trustees, said:

mission, minister effectively to our students and staff and serve as the public face of our university—the chief student recruiter and promoter of Maranatha.

With unity, confidence, and great enthusiasm, the Maranatha Baptist University board of trustees voted unanimously to call Dr. David Anderson to serve as MBU’s new president. As president, we believe he will successfully carry out our

Introducing himself to the team, Dr. Anderson encouraged the faculty and staff saying, “I have been a cheerleader for Maranatha from Illinois. Now I will be your cheerleader on campus!” The energy that filled the room that day was electric. Following that morning's meeting, as I was talking with Dr. Anderson, I couldn’t help but sense his excitement in getting to know the Maranatha family more, and I knew that the Maranatha family needed to know who he is as well. Later that month, I invited CEO Dr. Matt Davis, Chancellor Dr. Marty Marriott, and President David Anderson to join me in the den for a conversation intended to answer a few questions regarding the days ahead. I think the best way to get to know Anderson and how he will approach the presidency is in his own words.

WE WANT EVERY ONE OF OUR STUDENTS TO REMAIN FAITHFUL TO THE LORD AND THE LOCAL CHURCH.

- PRESIDENT DAVID ANDERSON

HOW DID GOD MAKE THE PLAN TO MOVE

TO A NEW MINISTRY CLEAR TO YOU?

Small steps. It’s interesting, that whenever God is directing your steps, it happens in a different way in every one of those decision-making times. When I got the call from the chairman of the board of trustees (Pastor Doug Jackson), it threw our lives into a tizzy. We were not looking for it. God had put us in a wonderful place in pastoral ministry. We were thinking that this church may be where we minister for the rest of our lives—and that was not a sad thought! That was a happy thought. God was prospering that community in a unique way. Then there was lots of prayer. I first came to Maranatha Baptist Bible College as a kid when my dad (Pastor Rod Anderson) came to seminary in 1971. Even as a kid I thought, "Wow, this a cool place!" Now as an adult, Maranatha is in every way a part of who I am in ministry, in life, and in philosophy.

There was a point as we considered returning to Maranatha where Abi and I said, “Lord, you know our hearts and what is going on—we are yours, we’ll do what you want. You direct our steps, and we’ll follow.” The Lord brought assurances from His Word and from other faithful men. Additionally, when the board unanimously voted (to appoint me as president), we sensed the Lord’s hand of leading. Those men know me. We’ve worked together. But probably the most significant assurance was when our church family was told, they said, “We knew this day would come.” I don’t diminish the Lord’s leading in their hearts. Though we had forged close relationships with these dear people, they willingly supported our call to Maranatha.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PASTOR

HEAD UP THE TRAINING PROGRAMS?

The Scripture that comes to mind is “Follow me as I follow Christ.” When a pastor is following Christ, others ought to follow. However, I don’t want (ministry students) to be little David Andersons. I want them to be like Christ. And if I can help them along the way, then I’m accomplishing my Godgiven ministry. There is a tenderness that comes with being a pastor. You look through a lens of love and concern for the flock’s spiritual wellbeing. In pastoral ministry, you catch people at all stages of their spiritual walk—and it’s delightful! You watch the babies, and you feed them baby food. You have

the rebel teen who is walking away from the Lord, and you do everything you can to pull them back. And that’s going to happen here (at Maranatha). We have a segment of three to five years with students, and you have to pour, pour, pour into them.

I hope, someday, there will be a Maranatha reunion in heaven. Many godly saints have followed the Lord all their life—all unique stories of God’s grace. With God’s help, Maranatha will continue to play a part in raising up faithful servants of the Lord.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS MOVING FORWARD?

I would really like to have a year to understand and solidify those thoughts, but I am standing on the shoulders of other faithful men who have laid out Maranatha’s mission and the processes necessary to accomplish that mission. What a joy! Hopefully, I can bring a fresh perspective from my years of pastoral ministry to help our students.

I want our school to prosper in turning out godly young people. I want our preachers to know how to handle God’s Word and be passionate about winning souls for Christ and discipling them, in whatever context God puts them. We want every one of our students to remain faithful to the Lord and the local church. There are more than ministry majors on campus, and I would love for all of them to be active in local, Baptist, fundamental churches that are full of life and ministry. Ministry takes a variety of forms and I want them to understand how we interact and work in the community God places us. Our time seems to be short, let’s get at it! Let’s keep developing leaders for the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’

I’M NOT THEIR PASTOR, I’M THE PRESIDENT. BUT I COME WITH A PASTOR'S HEART.

As I listened to Anderson communicate his desires for the Maranatha family, I was reminded of what Dr. Matt Davis has said before: “to be a ministry leader is to be an eyewitness to God’s goodness.” We are blessed to have Dr. Anderson join the campus community of leaders on a mission to train other leaders.

WHERE GOD IS WORKING

WRITTEN BY DR. STEVE LOVE

Bedrock to Maranatha’s foundations is the concept of the primacy of the local church. If Dr. Cedarholm had a “hobby horse,” it was this. He believed all other institutions and organizations, including Bible colleges, were ancillary. These many years later, our mission statement— Developing leaders for ministry in the local church and the world “To the Praise of His Glory”—reflects the same focus. We have not strayed from our moorings.

It could seem presumptuous to make the claim that church is where God is working, as our title states. Yet, in an astounding declarative in 1 Timothy 3:15, the Apostle Paul wrote to Pastor Timothy, “that thou mayest know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” One commentator notes that this metaphor was cultural and explains, “As the foundation and pillars of the Temple of Diana were a testimony to the error of pagan false religion, so the church is to be a testimony to God’s truth.”1

Where there is life, there is activity. The “church of the living God” is the assembly in which the living God interacts within local communities. If we truly believe it, what God-seeker wouldn’t want a front-row seat to be “in on the action?”

MBU clearly nurtures this concept. It is the core of all our training, be it in the ministry track, business, education, music, or nursing. We promote active service in local church for all students, staff, faculty, and graduates, and data corroborates our effectiveness.

Currently this ministry commitment encompasses partnership with roughly 120 churches within driving distance of Maranatha. We are indebted to these local assemblies who welcome our students, providing opportunities for them to practice their faith and hone their gifts. Nearly half of our student body works in varied aspects of children’s ministry, and the majority minister in music. Many of our students engage in visitation, or with technology, security, and youth. Over half of our students travel more than forty-five minutes to churches outside Watertown to have opportunity to participate in these worship ministries.

Faculty and staff are pacesetters in ministry, leading by example. Surveys show that nearly 95% of these are engaged in church ministries, and the majority invest more than five hours each week in their varied positions.

Branching out yet further, the true test is whether or not this practice is perpetuated in our graduates. Do they continue to embrace local ministry after leaving the campus experience? Have they transferred it from a campus expectation or ideal into a lifelong pursuit? Was the vision of Maranatha instilled in their hearts? Do they seek to build the “church of the living God,” the center where God is working? This is more difficult to track.

The attrition rate of Bible college and seminary graduates in ministry is the subject of documented studies, such as benchmark research by Barna: The State of Pastors.2 It is also the topic of journal articles, doctoral theses, and surveys. These reports encompass a broad spectrum of denominations and religious affiliations. Their results are as correspondingly wide, but all reveal a trend of failure, some calculating 50% dropping out within the first five years,3 and others up to 80%.4

Whatever the true numbers are, Maranatha falls far below the perceived average dropout rate. Of graduates who have reported that they entered vocational ministry, 71% continue to serve after 10 years or more. In addition, 87% of alumni, who reported that they are not in full-time ministry, serve in a local church ministry for an average of 3 hours per week in capacities such as deacons, Sunday school teachers, and youth workers.

Truly our “living God” is working in the church, and training and equipping another generation of laborers to serve in local assemblies continues unequivocally to be the heartbeat of Maranatha, “to the praise of His glory.”

DR. STEVE LOVE (‘76) joined Maranatha’s College of Bible and Church Ministries in 2015. He felt the Lord’s calling into the pastoral ministry when he was a college student at Maranatha. He pastored in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia for 38 years. His specialty is teaching Missions and Cross-cultural courses.

1John McArthur, 1 Timothy (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995), 136.

2The State of Pastors: How Today’s Faith Leaders Are Navigating Life and Leadership in an Age of Complexity (Barna Group in partnership with Pepperdine University, 2017). 3Studies by the Alban Institute and Fuller Seminary noted by K. Meek, M. McMinn, C. Brower, et al, “Maintaining Personal Resiliency: Lessons Learned from evangelical Protestant Clergy,” Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31.4(2009), 339-47 and cited by Jerome Richard Johnston, An Exploration of Rates and Causes of Attrition Among Protestant Evangelical Clergy in the United States, a doctoral thesis published in 2012.

4Richard J. Kejcir, Statistics on Pastors. The Francis A. Schaeffer Institute of Church Leadership Development, 2007. http://www.intothyword.org/apps/articles/default.asp?articleid=36562&columnid=3958.

At MBU’s Commencement Ceremony in May 2022, Stephanie Brahs’ educational journey of over 20 years culminated in two separate trips across the graduation stage and two diplomas — a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. “My family, my friends and my students’ parents rallied around me and showed their support by praying for me and offering encouraging words. My success was their success.”

I grew up in Michigan, the fourth of six kids. My dad was a pastor, and he and my mom both attended Maranatha in the 70s. They wanted each of their children to attend Maranatha too. The Lord was calling me into education, and I knew I wanted to work with early childhood-aged students.

Although Mrs. Kolwinska urged me to stay on to complete a bachelor’s degree, I graduated with an associate degree in early childhood education in May of 2001, and my husband, Justin, and I were married soon after.

Over the years, I had the opportunity to work with children as a teacher aide, in after-school programs and in daycare centers. With 3 young sons, I looked for opportunities that allowed me to prioritize being a mom and caring for my boys.

In 2016, our family moved to Saint Francis, Minnesota where we joined First Baptist Church. I was offered a K4 teaching position at St. Francis Christian School and developed the school’s K3 program. When the K5 position became available, I was offered and accepted the teaching position with the stipulation that I complete a bachelor’s degree program as soon as possible.

2018 was a big year! I started in my new position as kindergarten teacher while also beginning online courses in the Educational Studies bachelor’s degree program at MBU. The online program was easy to navigate. The courses were organized in a way that allowed me to be a full-time mom, kindergarten teacher, coach our girls’ basketball team and

still have time to enjoy life. I had to be organized, and there were some late nights. Sometimes I had to choose homework over a social event. But – these occasions were not the norm.

When I completed the required courses in my program, my MBU advisor suggested that I use my remaining elective credits to pursue a master’s degree. I had never intended to get a master’s degree. But being able to complete both degrees at the same time was appealing, and I decided to go for it! It was an intense year, but I now have a master’s degree that God may use to open additional teaching opportunities for me in the future.

Through my experience as an online student, God taught me the importance of redeeming the time. He helped me prioritize my responsibilities to ensure that no area of my life was neglected.

In September 2021, as I was nearing the end of the program, I lost my father to cancer. I felt like I was falling apart. But –God taught me, in a very real way, that His grace is sufficient. My instructors were understanding and accommodating. I was able to continue in the program due to God’s grace and a network of people supporting and caring for me.

I’m now teaching first grade. I regularly implement the educational strategies that I learned through my studies. My hope is to use my classroom experience and education to impact my students and to inspire the next generation of teachers.

Many of Maranatha Baptist University’s students — on-campus and online — have stories like Stephanie’s. The online options at Maranatha are built for adults with careers, not just students ages 18-21. The flexible nature of the online format meets you where you are. If you aren’t sure where to go next, Online advisors are ready to help make a plan that’s right for you. Be encouraged that you, like Stephanie, can improve and grow in your field.

DANA DAVIS began teaching at Maranatha in 2011. Before assuming the role of Assistant Vice President of Online and Distance Learning, she served for nine years as Instructional Designer and then as Director of Online Instruction. She teaches both residential and online courses in the School of Education with expertise in reading.

TDEGREE TITLE

WRITTEN BY COURTNEY RANKIN

Now before you irritatedly turn the page - because of course if you want to be a politician, you must have a degree in political science - calm down and keep reading because no, you don’t.

Don’t get me wrong; your degree is important. But higher education is more about honing skills and who you become than what you do in your career.

When he arrived at Maranatha, SHANE SAXON (‘14, English) was a typical freshman student. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to study, but he jumped into college with both feet.

“I started as a Bible major thinking that I might want to be a pastor. If I was going to be a pastor, I thought I would need classes in counseling, Biblical languages, and other skills required for the pastorate. Thankfully, I was required to take a British literature course with Mr. Huffstutler,” Saxon

shared. That class changed the course of his life.

“In that class,” Saxon continued, “he made the point that we fail to make the most of our education if all we’re concerned with is the vocational skills it can provide. Instead, education can be so much more if it’s the process of learning what it means to be human and gaining an appreciation for how I can flourish in the world spiritually, intellectually, vocationally, etc.”

Saxon is currently working as the Director of Schools Division, Trademark Schools, and Wholesale Distribution at Memoria Press. He started working there as an editor - thanks to the editorial skills developed in Mrs. Stephens’ Advanced Writing course.

He wasn’t the only student to benefit from technical writing courses at Maranatha. NATHAN NEWCOMER (‘14, Business Management) recently passed the Ohio Law Bar exam and is a practicing attorney. “Being an attorney requires a lot

HE TITLE OF YOUR DEGREE DOES NOT DICTATE YOUR CAREER FIELD.

SHANE SAXON

NATHAN NEWCOMER

of writing, and while that skill was honed in law school, the professional writing skills that I learned at MBU provided the foundation,” Newcomer stated.

SYDNEY (LUTTRELL) BURCKART (‘19, English) graduated from Missouri School of Law in May 2023 and took the Bar exam in July. “[The] time management and critical thinking skills I learned from my literature classes especially have helped me be an independent worker and quickly gain the trust of my superiors.”

United States Air Force SERE Specialist DAVID WILLIAMS (‘18, Pastoral Studies) teaches various military personnel how to survive in a POW situation. This involves putting together presentations and teaching/public speaking among other things - skills he developed during his time at Maranatha. Williams’ career path did involve over a year of specialized training in learning to survive in any biome, evading capture, rescue, and parachuting, and then learning to teach those skills. “The time management and critical thinking I learned at MBU were vital in succeeding in my training. The process and skills learned in earning a degree are more important in my career than people knowing what my degree was for,” Williams said.

“To move from undergrad to law school, the name of my degree didn’t matter at all,” Burckart stated. “In my class, I have friends who majored in English, Business, Economics, Poly Sci, Dramatic Productions, Psychology, Physics, Education, literally almost anything you can think of.”

“In my field,” Saxon concurred, “the title of my degree matters very little. I happened to enter a career where the very view of education that I learned during my college experience is exactly the view of education that my job is designed to support!”

Newcomer agreed, “In my career, what is important is: Can you

write well? Can you be a critical thinker? Can you communicate effectively? And all of those skills are developed irrespective of what undergraduate degree you pursue.”

Employers aren’t looking for just hard skills. Soft skills are crucial in today’s business world.

These alumni testified that soft skills such as critical thinking, time management, problem-solving, communication, and organization were instilled and developed within them during their years at Maranatha.

“No class could have prepared me for the variety of tasks that I have to perform, but the characteristics I was encouraged to develop have helped me with every one of them,” Saxon stated.

What about careers where the title of an undergraduate degree carries more weight? If you’re pursuing fields like nursing or accounting, the bachelor’s level is where you need to start.

So, think versatile. Instead of getting a degree in poly sci because you want to be a politician, get a degree in humanities. Remember, the title of your degree does not dictate your career field because your education is more about who you become than what you do as a career.

COURTNEY RANKIN ('19) serves as the Assistant Director of Communications, bringing with her a diverse skill set that includes project management, graphic design, and desktop publishing. With a background in Humanities, Rankin forges connections within the Maranatha community through storytelling.

SYDNEY BURCKART

DAVID WILLIAMS

THE CAMPUS CHEMISTRY

WRITTEN BY JONATHAN SHEELEY

Education is under attack. No matter where you look, education is under intense scrutiny to prove its viability in the culture of tomorrow. This concern is nothing new, really. Education has always needed to balance the needs of the workforce with the construction of the whole being. And Christians are not exempt from this discussion. Let’s consider three specific reasons that campus education will thrive, not just survive. At Maranatha, we believe that the arts, athletics, and leadership development are a part of our curriculum.

FINE ARTS ARE MORE THAN JUST A HOBBY.

Fine arts primarily refer to theater and music. There are many forms of art represented in our productions on campus. From set design, costuming, and makeup to our Fall Festivals where we integrate public speaking into the musical presentations, Maranatha has a deep affinity for the arts. It goes without saying that group music and theater cannot be done without the campus. Maranatha values the arts for three reasons: art reflects the glory of God, art reflects the beauty of creation, and art communicates the gospel.

Humanity gives glory to God when we appropriately and intentionally work toward excellence. A musician maximizing her talents for the Lord instead of selfish gain is a worthy endeavor. An actor dedicated to mastery by slow and steady improvement brings God glory. The process is as important as the product.

The arts have a unique connection to the soul. Music often

elicits an emotional and physical response. Music is such a gift from God. To perform what God wove into our world is an awesome experience. Often, I am brought to tears during a musical performance as I feel the range of emotions associated with the sounds of the performing group. The inspirational or soothing nature of choral music especially turns my heart to the Maker of all good things. To return the gift of music to our Lord is a worthy endeavor.

Finally, the arts can clearly communicate the gospel. Whether in rich theological texts set to music or scripts that explicitly give the gospel, art is one way to connect the gospel to any time. Humanity learns through story and what is theater but telling good stories? Music has a way of sticking around. Have you ever caught yourself humming or whistling a tune from days or even weeks prior? How good is it to remember the good news of Jesus in this way?

In a busy and loud world, it is good to pause and listen, watch, or create good art. What better place to do that than with world-class performers and instructors?

SABERCAT ATHLETICS ARE MORE THAN

SOMETHING FUN ON FRIDAY.

It’s obvious that you wouldn’t be able to compete athletically without some physical campus. But why should we encourage and support athletics? This is not an exhaustive list of reasons, but they stood out to me as I have interacted with collegiate athletics for over a decade. Everything about athletics can be broken down to “process.” Because we compete in Division III of the NCAA, our students aren’t here on scholarship. Most of them are not looking for professional careers in their chosen sport. So why do we put such effort into creating these opportunities for the students? Process.

Coach Jeff Pill, in an interview for On Mission—the university podcast with CEO Dr. Matt Davis—perfectly summarized a defense of collegiate athletics by stating:

THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM.

As believers, we are all called to bring honor and glory to our Savior…. I look at my calling to be a coach (teaching the game, values, responsibility, and tactics) as a vehicle to fulfill my calling from my Savior…with excellence… What I love about athletics is that it highlights our preparation. You can’t hide… It’s exposed in the public forum every day… Scripture tells us that (we are to) approach life with commitment, dedication, and purposefulness. That to me is (the definition) of excellence. Doing what we can with the talents that we’ve been given.

To Coach Pill, it’s all about the stewarding of talents. Maranatha student-athletes display amazing feats of athleticism but their reason to compete is to draw attention to their Maker, not themselves. You ought to take every chance to be a collegiate athlete if you are gifted because you can bring glory to God through your mindset, growth, and attitude. Find value in the process.

The final reason that we know campus education is valuable is leadership development. There are lots of places to get a cheap and accessible education. But at Maranatha, our highest goal is to produce leaders going into churches ready to take up the mantle of ministry.

Leadership, at Maranatha, is about personal integrity and influence. So, when we say we are training leaders, we mean that we are in the business of developing character. Our worldview is unapologetically Christian. We believe that Christians have the ultimate reason to serve in the family, church, and workplace. Christ commands it. We give our students the tools to step into the gap. The ability to apply academic content to the church context is vital.

We inspire our students to aspire to leadership. When students serve in the dorm, on a society cabinet, or in a leadership job on campus, they will be given an opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills.

FIND YOUR NICHE AT MARANATHA.

In the past ten years, colleges across the nation have seen seismic shifts in their enrollment numbers. At Maranatha, we see an increase in our home-educated students, a renewed investment from alumni, and a desire to experience traditional college campus life. If you are looking for an experience in collegiate-level athletics or fine arts, Maranatha is for you. But even if none of our “extra” curriculars interest you, leadership and integrity still matter to the church. And that’s the Maranatha DNA.

THE HEART OF MBU

CHAPEL, SMALL GROUPS, & ASSEMBLIES

WRITTEN BY DR. ANDREW GOODWILL

CHAPEL IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO AT MARANATHA.

I remember hearing these words repeatedly when I came as Dean of Students. What did I discover? It’s true. Chapel moves our eyes daily from the temporal to the eternal. It makes us stop to consider how grades, classes, work, and friends ought to lead us to glorify God. It advances our mission because it forms and guides our mission. Over the past two years, I have thought of one word when I consider chapel: intentional. We cannot simply do chapel for the sake of doing chapel. We must be intentional in order to do it “to the praise of His glory.” How are we intentional with our chapel? I’m glad you asked.

First, we have a Word-centered philosophy. Chapel is not about us or our agenda. Instead, we gather to hear God’s Word because God uses His Word to reveal Himself, change lives, and guide our steps. How can we train leaders for God’s glory if we neglect His Word?

Second, we choose diverse methods for communicating God’s Word. We must not waver from the priority of preaching, but not every day of chapel looks the same. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the campus community gathers at the beginning of the week to hear God’s Word from our Bible faculty or visiting pastors and missionaries. For the past several years, our Bible faculty have planned and preached a yearly chapel series sprinkled throughout the chapel schedule. The series have included Colossians, 1 Peter, 1 Thessalonians, and now Psalms in 2022-23. Why have a theme? Intentionality. A series provides continuity that allows each speaker to dive deeper as he builds off the previous sermon in the series.

Thursdays alternate between faculty/staff-led workshops and guest speaker assemblies. The workshops cover a variety of personal, cultural, and spiritual topics from a Biblical perspective. Students appreciate getting to interact with faculty/staff who they may otherwise never have in class. The assemblies provide students with the opportunity to hear from a variety of speakers who specialize in a particular field. These

assemblies often challenge students to view the world and their relationship to the world through a Biblical worldview. Fridays are society and student body days which give students the opportunity to encourage their peers. None of the above methods are much different than what Maranatha has been doing for decades, but there is one exception in our chapel schedule: Wednesday small groups.

In the Fall of 2020, COVID-19 protocols forced us to innovate our chapel time in an effort to social distance. While planning a Covid-protocol semester, a question arose: could we meet for a chapel in small groups? What began as a COVID-19 accommodation has become a fantastic innovation. Every Wednesday, groups of 7–10 students meet with a faculty/ staff leader in every feasible space around campus. Our goal: relationships formed around God’s Word. We develop our own small group curriculum around topics such as the local church, the fruit of the Spirit, or character studies from the Old Testament. The Fall ‘22 small group study teaches Bible study skills while interpreting and applying Proverbs. These small groups have changed the dynamic of our campus community as we have built stronger Word-centered relationships and patterned how students can lead/teach small groups now in the dorms and later in the church.

I had a visitor recently ask, “What is chapel like?” That’s a hard question to answer simply. Our heart for chapel has not changed, but sometimes chapel looks different on the outside so that we as a community can intentionally advance our mission.

ANDREW GOODWILL came to Maranatha to be the Dean of Students and a Seminary professor specializing in the Old Testament. He and his wife Heidi have three children. His unique role allows him to lead the team of student leaders on campus while overseeing the student life experience.

AN INTERVIEW WITH ABBY (BANKS) FAIR, '22

Major: Communication Arts, Dramatic Productions concentration Puma Women’s Society + Student Body Council

Q

A

Why the Pumas?

The Puma ladies have a variety of different interests and majors— and they focus a lot on local ministry. We visit nursing homes, sponsor the canine cuddles fundraiser, and participate in community service together.

Q

A

What’s the best way to participate in society?

Show up to prayer meetings, sports games, special events, and offcampus ministries. And intentionally get to know people in society meetings—you could sit by someone new each week!

Q A

What did you learn from serving on Student Body Council (SBC)?

SBC taught me that the Lord values relationships with everyone, whether they are part of our peer group or not. Believers are one in Christ, and we’re all looking for a place to belong. When I encourage people to attend SBC events, it helps them feel wanted. And as one who orchestrated SBC events, it helped me buy into the mission of Maranatha, and especially the work of loving others like Christ does.

Q A

How can a student get involved in SBC?

You can get involved in SBC by taking advantage of the opportunities that are in front of you! Then serve—knowing that your primary purpose is to help build student-to-student and student-toleadership relationships on campus. If one student feels closer to another student because of the event that you helped lead, then you’ve succeeded.

Q A

What stands out about your MBU experience?

My professors taught me to think critically, based on a biblical foundation. I’m grateful for deeper friendships, a stronger understanding of life, and a greater relationship with my Lord. This is invaluable to me.

AN INTERVIEW WITH JEREMY FOPMA, '23

Major: Pastoral Studies Minor: Greek Spurgeon Dormitory Supervisor

Four-time NCCAA Cross Country DII Champion

Q A

How does running reflect the Christian life?

Early on in my running career, I thought running was a solo effort. But as I've matured, I realize that I can't be a better runner without people around me. It's the same idea in the Christian life. I see the church and being around other believers as being vital to the Christian life. If I surround myself with other believers, I’ll grow in my walk with Christ.

Q

A

What does a dorm supervisor do?

My goal is to care for the guys in my dorm to the best of my ability. I want to see my guys use their talents and abilities for the Lord. I work to lead them by example with my running talent, and when I see my guys use their talents and gifts for God, I encourage them.

Q A

What are room devotions and dorm meetings like?

The room leader shares a short devotional with the guys in his room on Thursday nights. Floor devotions are led by the floor leader on Tuesday nights. Dorm devotions are held each Monday night. Dorm devotions are a time as a dorm to focus our minds on God’s truth and each other. I bring a challenge from my personal devotions and use the time to encourage the guys practically.

Q A

Do the guys in the dorm spend time together?

Many of the guys have different majors and interests, but we all come together and treat each other as brothers. Spurgeon loves to have fun, so we have many small traditions that we do to celebrate and spend time together.

Q A

What is most memorable about living in a dorm?

Years after college, you might not remember all the things you studied for in classes, but you will still have those relationships with brothers in Christ—brothers who care about you and who pick you up and carry you through difficult times.

Q A

What do you appreciate about your MBU experience?

I have most appreciated the men that I have built relationships with over the past years. Many of these men have been within my dorm. These men challenge me each day to love God and serve Him and are truly the most valuable asset I gained from my MBU Experience.

AN EXCELLENT EDUCATION

A LOOK BACK AT 30 YEARS OF REGIONAL ACCREDITATION

WRITTEN BY DR. WILLIAM LICHT

Maranatha Baptist University is a regionally accredited member of The Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional accrediting organizations in the United States. After 30 years of membership, it might be easy to take accreditation for granted and forget the pathway we have traveled and the blessings we have inherited by God’s gracious hand. So, let’s raise an Ebenezer, remember the journey, and praise God.1

When Maranatha was founded in 1968, no one thought about academic accreditation. In fact, according to former Academic VP Dr. John Brock, essentially no one at the time thought it was a good idea for a conservative Baptist institution to become accredited by a secular organization.2

But as Maranatha entered the 1980s, the landscape began to change. Maranatha’s administration began to explore the benefits of some type of academic accreditation, and a seven-year journey to regional accreditation commenced in 1987. 3 At first, progress was slow, and many forms of accreditation were explored. Maranatha’s Board of Trustees and Maranatha alumni needed to be reassured that the pursuit

of outside accreditation would not lead to institutional compromise or the surrender of biblical principles. At times, sister institutions did not understand Maranatha’s intentions. 4

But in January 1989, the Maranatha Board of Trustees gave their blessings for the college to apply for regional accreditation with the North Central Association (today named the Higher Learning Commission – HLC). Maranatha decided to attempt the highest form of university accreditation with the same organization that accredited The University of Minnesota, Michigan State, Notre Dame, the University of Wisconsin, and hundreds of institutions of higher learning in the central United States. It was indeed a leap of faith. Dr. Brock mused about those days, “Could a little, faith-based, fundamental Baptist college like Maranatha fit into such a land of giants?” 5

Maranatha soon saw the Lord’s hand of blessing. Maranatha was granted Candidate status in HLC in March 1991, and at surprising speed, Maranatha’s leadership moved toward full approval. With the hard work of the faculty and administration, and with God’s great blessing, Maranatha was able to navigate through the candidacy status in two years – usually, a three-to-six-year process, culminating in official approval of regional accreditation by HLC in February 1993. With the Lord, nothing is impossible. 6

Looking back on the move to seek regional accreditation 30 years ago, Maranatha clearly sees God’s wonderful grace and guidance. Maranatha’s regional accreditation has blessed decades of students. The driving rationale that began the process in 1987 has proven to be both visionary and accurate.

Several conclusions drove MBU to choose initial accreditation with HLC. Through the years, the accuracy of those conclusions has been tested, and the evidence clearly shows that regional accreditation brings significant benefits to the institution and its students. Institutional credibility and accountability were at the forefront of the early conversation and are still premier byproducts of the association with HLC. 7

The credibility of a college or university is vitally important. A student attending a university without credibility might have difficulty transferring credits or gaining acceptance into graduate programs at other universities. From the beginning, Maranatha wanted to make sure other institutions properly recognized the value of Maranatha’s students’ credits and academic standing. According to John Brock, “The administration felt an acute sense of responsibility to preserve the utility of Maranatha credits for its graduates.” 8 Without question, this noble goal has been met. Throughout the 30 years since Maranatha received its regional accreditation, Maranatha students have been welcomed into graduate programs worldwide, and MBU credits effortlessly transfer to other institutions. No MBU student worries that their MBU transcript will be slighted or disregarded.

Accountability is foundational in assuring the public that an educational institution has quality. The presence of an outside stamp of approval “assures parents and students that a program is legitimate, credible, and recognized.” 9 The 30-year association

with HLC has profoundly improved the quality at MBU. Without being prescriptive, HLC accreditation guidelines have helped the university remain current with changing technology and trends. It has also produced an atmosphere of continuous improvement, and it has bolstered academic excellence. HLC has often commended Maranatha before its peers for being creative, flexible, and innovative. Most recently, MBU was praised by HLC for its “collaborative and inclusive approach to assessment work … and for the institution’s ability to be flexible.” 10 The HLC commendation ended with high praise: “Overall, the MBU quality initiative is simply outstanding. This type of assessment and the institutional lessons learned from them are precisely what is intended by the Commission in engagement in continuous quality.”

11 Overall, Maranatha’s accountability to HLC has significantly strengthened the credibility and excellence of an MBU education.

Over the past 30 years, the journey has abundantly demonstrated biblical convictions put to action, abiding faith in the Lord’s provision and protection, the faithfulness of God’s people, and God’s hand of blessing. “Could a little, faith-based, fundamental Baptist college like Maranatha fit into such a land of giants?” 12 The answer is yes. It could fit nicely, and without compromise, to the praise of His glory.

DR. WILLIAM LICHT joined the MBU faculty in 1993. Prior to his appointment to the Vice President for Academic Affairs in 2014, he served as Chair of the Department of Humanities and then Dean of the School of Education along with his faculty responsibilities. Dr. Licht continues to teach selected undergrad History courses and graduate courses in the MEd program.

1I Samuel 7 :12. Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.

2John Brock. Personal notes on the accreditation process. 2009

3Kim Ledgerwood. Rich in Mercy, p. 127-128. 2008

4James Deuink, Ed. The Accreditation Trap, Balance, 1987

5John Brock. Personal notes on the accreditation process. 2009

6Luke 18:27. And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.

7MBBC. Accreditation: A Biblical Perspective. 1993.

8John Brock. Personal notes on the accreditation process. 2009

9MBBC. Accreditation: A Biblical Perspective. 1993.

10HLC. Open Pathway Quality Initiative Report. 2022.

11HLC. Open Pathway Quality Initiative Report. 2022.

12John Brock. Personal notes on the accreditation process. 2009

How do you understand the middle of the story, when you already know the beginning and the end?

My last semester teaching brick-and-mortar classes at MBU was a whirlwind. I’d announced that I was running for state office in a special election and, in between teaching classes, I was also launching a campaign.

In a rare moment of quiet, I was grading essays in my office when I was happily interrupted by a student. We pulled up chairs and easily entered into conversation, just one more to add to the many others we’d had over the past three years.

“Mrs. Meinhardt, why are you running for office? How do you know this is the right thing to do?” she asked.

There were a lot of ways I could have answered that question. But I found myself falling into a familiar and comfortable answer.

“Because I was created to do so.” I said.

At the beginning of the story, God placed humanity in a garden to accomplish specific tasks, and the ending of that story sees humanity once again in a garden, ruling under God’s sovereignty, just as He had created us to do from the start.

The middle of the story, then, is how humanity tries to fulfill its creation mandate. The desire to build, to organize, or to nurture is ingrained into humanity as image bearers. God gave humans the entire world as their canvas to explore what their creative energies could accomplish.

Yet, the middle of the story is also full of the thorns and thistles of the Fall, making it difficult to steward the earth. It is full of broken relationships that need restoration. But that difficulty does not excuse us from our purpose. Believers cannot be so afraid of being corrupted by the world that they renege on their created purpose. We are not meant to live in fear, but by faith.

And as we live out our ‘middle’ we will face fears and disappointments. Though I lost my election by sixteen votes, that was okay. I didn’t necessarily decide to run for the sake of holding office; I ran because I had an opportunity to fulfill the Creation mandate: to rule and to steward the earth, and to nurture and to cultivate life.

If the mission of the church is to make disciples, the mission of redeemed people is to realize--with renewed understanding-their mission to steward and nurture the world. Doing so requires us to engage with the world in ways that help life to flourish. For some, these roles will be our careers. For others, these roles will be filled in a volunteer capacity. Either way,

OUR CREATED PURPOSE

A PATTERN OF MINISTRY TO FOLLOW

WRITTEN BY JENNIFER MEINHARDT

failing to engage with the world around us is to default on our created purpose.

“To rule” might be as obvious as running for office or working, as I do now, for organizations like Americans for Prosperity that promote sound policy. It could also be volunteering to knock on doors for a candidate that you support.

Or perhaps you’re drawn to organizing and managing, taking joy in stewarding things so that order replaces chaos. Such work is needed in every industry and service. Even the work of collecting garbage--unglamorous though it may be-- fulfills the Creation mandate as individuals develop more efficient methods of disposal. While the work may seem futile, there is joy in knowing that creation itself, though presently groaning, will one day be delivered from the bondage of corruption.

Finally, there is the nurturing of life. While nurturing evokes images of tenderness, it oftentimes requires great courage, for it is here we see the greatest ravages of the Fall in the broken relationships between people. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, states are now deciding to what extent abortion will be legal. Thanks to an 1849 law, abortion is not legal in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Right to Life has been assisting crisis pregnancy centers while also working with legislators to ensure that abortion stays illegal. There is a great need for volunteers and donations at these centers who are working

to assist more women than ever before.

Each of us is uniquely created with certain aptitudes that draw us towards certain areas, and our middle of the story is figuring out how to cultivate ‘my corner of the garden.’

The mission of MBU to develop leaders for the local church and for the world reflects the purpose of our lives: to rule and steward the world while spreading the good news of Christ to others so that they, too, can fulfill their created purpose and to live out the ‘middle’ of their story in submission to their sovereign God.

JENNIFER MEINHARDT (‘01) played an essential role at Maranatha as an oncampus associate professor of history in the Humanities department for nine years and recently ran for WI State Assembly. Now, she serves as the Coalitions Director at Americans for Prosperity.

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ALUMNI OF THE YEAR 2023

Mike and Jennifer Fiocchi and Mike High were honored during Alumni Weekend at the Alumni Dinner on August 25, 2023. Read the articles on MBU News.

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