Last week we welcomed new and returning students back to campus for Bethlehem College and Seminary’s eighteenth year of education in serious joy. God’s Word calls us to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7), and we strived to show the welcome of Christ to these incoming students and their families. Our Welcome Week events and activities showcased our school’s core commitments.
Here are several highlights from a truly memorable and God-honoring Welcome Week.
God-Centered
We opened new student orientation by lifting our voices in praise as Dr. Brian Hanson led us in worship. It was also a privilege to pray with the parents of new college students and hear testimonies of God’s grace from our faculty and new seminary apprentices.
Bible-Saturated
I opened my orientation day remarks with reflections on Psalm 11:2, which shows that delight in God’s Word and God’s works provides serious and sweet motivation for deep and careful study. Later Pastor Steven Lee shared a devotional on the priority of local church involvement, drawing on Hebrews 10:24–25.
Church-Based
Our founding churches, Bethlehem Baptist Church and The North Church, hosted the new student cookout on Monday and the welcome picnic on Tuesday, with many pastors and elders on hand. Students also participated in the mid-week church activities and attended Sunday services.
Historically Rooted
Students moved into the newly renovated Tomlinson Hall and Steller Hall, named for our school’s first president and academic dean. They also learned about the rich and complicated history of our amazing city.
Missions-Minded
We concluded Welcome Week with a “City Vision” tour led by an experienced missiologist, who introduced us to the religious and cultural landscape of Minneapolis. Along the way, we enjoyed Somali tea, Swedish chocolate, and Mexican sweet bread, and explored the Midtown Global Market. CityJoy also hosted a breakfast for our students to highlight local ministry opportunities.
Intentionally Relational
Our faculty and staff spend many hours getting to know our students and their families throughout Welcome Week. Three personal highlights were watching a Twins victory over the Braves at Target Field with many college students and colleagues, meeting with the new seminary apprentices at our board chairman’s home, and hosting students for lunch with my family after worshipping together at the North Church.
Remarkably Affordable
VP Rick Segal reminded our new students that their extraordinarily low tuition represents only a fraction of the true cost of a Bethlehem education and is subsidized by many generous friends who have made the Serious Joy Scholarship part of their personal ministry for Jesus Christ. We also introduced new parents to The Parents Partnership to encourage their prayers, service, and generosity on behalf of Bethlehem College and Seminary.
My heart is full, and I am eager to see how the Lord will work in and through this remarkable new group of students at Bethlehem College and Seminary to satisfy them with his steadfast love and equip them for every good work.
Brian J. Tabb, Ph.D.
President & Professor of Biblical Studies