Republished from Bethlehem Baptist Church
Last month, Bethlehem College and Seminary held its 16th annual commencement. This is one of my favorite events each year—not only because we celebrate another graduating class, but also for the wonderful reminders of the “whats” and “whys” that stand behind the school’s existence.
One of Bethlehem College and Seminary’s core values is to be church-based. In practice, this means:
- The school was established by the church. Under the vision and direction of Pastor Tom Steller, The Bethlehem Institute (TBI) was developed to provide strong theological education for the congregation and to train men for faithful, biblical eldership. TBI eventually grew into a full degree-granting institution, Bethlehem College and Seminary.
- The school is theologically accountable to the church. The school’s leadership and faculty gladly affirm and uphold the Bethlehem Elder Affirmation of Faith. Formally, Bethlehem Baptist Church and The North Church are the founding “members” under the school’s bylaws.
- The school partners with several churches throughout the Twin Cities region. Faculty, staff, and students attend a number of churches in the Treasuring Christ Together Network (TCTN), whose pastors and leaders help facilitate seminary apprenticeships.
- Faculty, staff, and students alike actively participate in the worship, community life, and ministries of these local churches. Academic training thrives in the context of healthy church engagement.
- For Bethlehem specifically, “church-based” means more than simply housing Bethlehem College and Seminary within our facilities. Quite practically, we do a lot of life together, sharing space, serving one another, and bearing the ordinary burdens and blessings of ministry life together. Even more significantly, we are linked in name, reputation, and mission. Thus, the answers to “Why are we doing this?” can never be taken for granted.
So then, why does Bethlehem facilitate a church-based college and seminary? The following is not a comprehensive answer; it reflects my own thinking on the question:
- From the beginning, TBI sprang from a desire to train up men and women for lifelong discipleship and faithful service in the local church. Through the school, we continue to multiply that endeavor.
- The school significantly expands the spread of our theological vision expressed in the Bethlehem Elder Affirmation of Faith. Dear Bethlehem, do you know how many pastors and churches around the world have been strengthened by this statement of faith?
- For many decades, church planting has been integral to our mission and vision. Bethlehem College and Seminary helps fuel that church planting work with qualified elders and well-equipped congregants.
- And one further reason: for joy. To be sure, there are challenges and obstacles to doing this partnership well. But the labor is not in vain. Our ministries are strengthened, our congregational life is enriched, and our joy in Christ is deepened. Want proof? Attend a commencement and hear the church and school sing together.
Finally, I want to say a word of thanks to our seminary graduates, Thomas & Madeleine Florestano and Matthew & Diana Harris. These dear couples have embraced and embodied the values just outlined—and we have been all the more blessed through them. As we do each year, we say goodbye to graduates and their families, whom we have come to love over their time among us. They now head into new church ministries, equipped in no small measure by your love and encouragement.
For the glory of Christ,
Pastor Mike
Mike Lane, M.Div. ’23
Executive Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church