Prior to coming to Cambridge in 2009 I served as the Huber L Drumwright, Jr. Professor of New Testament. That capped off 20 years as a professor of New Testament studies, coupled with stints in administrative leadership. I have often been asked why I left that to come to Cambridge. What excites or motivates me? What is it that gets me up in the mornings to keep doing this?
First, the good graces of God have led me, gifted me, and enabled me, and thus after 12 years I continue to do this work to honor and obey Him. Second, what motivates me are the people I work with, students, colleagues, and parents. This is the most remarkable community of Christian servants I have ever worked with. And the students are full of potential and desire, and it is profoundly rewarding to see the fruit of their lives long after they leave here. Please look at the attached photographs. This is one of our alumni washing the feet of a Haitian man and giving him a pair of new shoes. He did this with literally hundreds of Haitians, Africans, and Americans. This is but one example of the fruit I have in mind. What a humbling joy and motivating reality to pour into young men and women like this!
The 2021-22 school year is going to be a great one for us. I am excited to see it all, both the victories and the disappointments through which we all mature. More importantly, I am excited to see the fruitfulness of our student’s lives as they mature in wisdom and virtue, learning to imitate God as commanded in Ephesians 5:1. What a rewarding journey! Getting started on our future campus will only be the icing on the top.