The TEDS academic year officially kicked off this past Tuesday with Convocation. I thoroughly enjoyed the energy on campus as students, faculty, and administration gathered to worship together at the beginning of this new term. I challenged students from Colossians 1:9–4 to be “Fully Mature in Christ.” In theological education, it is essential to pursue maturity in Christ in all dimensions of their lives as well as in their academic pursuits. We are excited and full of anticipation about what is ahead for our students and for Trinity.

I was also officially installed as the 17th President of Trinity International University. I am truly humbled by the privilege to serve in this capacity. God has been gracious to Trinity over the past six months, and our faculty and staff have worked hard to invest in our current students while looking toward shaping the future for TEDS. I am encouraged and hopeful for the days ahead.

When the TIU Board of Regents asked the EFCA Board of Directors to release me to serve as president of Trinity, it was with the understanding that my availability to serve either the EFCA or TIU in a full-time capacity was limited by my plans to retire in the summer of 2025. Since that transition in March, I have been clear about my personal plans and timeline with EFCA leaders, TEDS faculty and staff, and students. My goal between now and next summer is to encourage the faculty, staff, and students. I also hope to lay a good foundation for the next president, who will lead the way into the future.

The search for the next president of TIU officially went public on August 9. The search committee retained services from Carter Baldwin, and we are glad to say that the process is off to a great start. You can view the Opportunity Profile online. Anyone interested ought to contact Carter Baldwin directly, ideally by or before October 5. We hope to have a new president in place by the middle of next year. Please join us in praying that God will guide the search for the next president.

After a good, fruitful summer, we have entered the fall term with strong enrollment and the largest incoming class of students in more than five years. As we continue working together, I am increasingly confident that TEDS can continue to uniquely serve future pastors, church leaders, counselors, and scholars through spiritual growth, practical preparation, and robust study of God’s inerrant Word. We continue to trust that he is able to do abundantly more than all we ask or think.

Serving the Savior together,