Building for Ministry

1985 JEFF LANDIS

BUILDING FOR MINISTRY W hen my wife, Donna, and I visited Westminster Seminary California on a Spring day in 1982, we were directed to an office building in San Marcos. That afternoon we, along with other prospective students, boarded a bus and were driven to an empty hilltop. There we were told to imagine a seminary campus overlooking Escondido. For my first two years, Westminster remained in the San Marcos office complex. But my third year started on Bear Valley Parkway with the completion of the first phase of construction. It was a significant upgrade!

I chose WSC for two reasons. First, I felt called to pastoral ministry and wanted a seminary that would prepare me for that calling. Second, I did not want to live in the snow (my alternative was Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia). I believe I made the right call on both points. Academically, the school gave me a great preparation. Years later while I was working on a D.Min. degree at another seminary, John Frame taught the same class I had at WSC in my first semester with him. My fellow students were overwhelmed; they had never had such a deep and stretching class in their seminary training. WSC gave me the academic foundation that I needed and desired.

The faculty in the early years of the seminary were extraordinary. WSC, from its beginning, was blessed by men with hearts for God, love for his church, and the gift of communicating the things of God to their students. Dr. Robert Strimple’s lectures were invaluable to me. His lecture style of moving from one scripture text to another has continued to serve me well. Good theology must be grounded in Scripture. John Frame challenged me; I came to WSC with very little philosophy in my background, but I left appreciating his clarity on theology and his teaching on presuppositionalism. Church history was already a favorite subject of mine, but Dr. Robert Godfrey made church history come alive for me. And you always knew that his lectures would contain as much systematic theology as church history!

In the Biblical Studies Department, two men especially stood out for me. Dr. M.G. Kline was instrumental helping me understand the structure of the Old Testament and the importance of suzerain treaties towards that end. He gave me insights into the covenants of Scripture that transformed the way I read and understand the Old Testament. I still have a small piece of art he gave us when he and Mrs. Kline came for dinner. Dr. Dennis Johnson was not merely an excellent professor in New

Testament, but was and is one of the warmest and most gracious men I have known. He set an example for me of what a godly pastor looks like.

I am also greatly indebted to Dr. Richard Kaufmann, our pastor during seminary at New Life Presbyterian Church. Our Sunday evening gatherings in Dick and Liz’s home gave me great insights into small group worship. Dick also taught practical theology classes at WSC. Over the years, I have continued to reference his useful lectures on church government and administration. Additionally, his evangelism class provided unforgettable evenings walking through Mallory Square in San Diego and up and down Valley Parkway in Escondido interacting with people and looking for opportunities to speak of Christ. Those stretching moments provided me with key insights on evangelism for my ministry.

When young men come to me for counsel concerning seminary, I always direct them away from an online seminary. Discussions with classmates after lectures helped clarify the points in our minds. Talking about how to apply a particular theological point to a real-life situation caused us to strengthen our pastoral muscles. My claim to fame is that I graduated with the future Dr. Steve Baugh. I warmly remember times with the Baughs and other classmates that rounded out my seminary experience.

This year will mark 34 years of ordained ministry for me. Those years have included both ups and downs, some tremendous challenges and some wonderful blessings. Westminster was the right choice for me, and I have continued to be blessed by the foundation it provided. I am thankful the Lord led me to Westminster Seminary California.