Campus News
photo by Scott Streble
David K. Clark was officially installed as vice president and dean of Bethel Seminary on February 7 in an installation service at the seminary. Clark served Bethel University as executive vice president and provost since 2009, but added leadership of the seminary during
the last 18 months after the resignation of the seminary dean. He continued in both roles through December and began serving exclusively at the seminary on January 1. He will lead the 1,100-student seminary, which operates in St. Paul; San Diego; Auburn, Mass.; and Washington, D.C. “I’m excited about the opportunity to move into this leadership position at Bethel Seminary,” says Clark. “The seminary has amazing strengths. Working with the church, the seminary will build on its legacy of service to the kingdom and innovation in theological education.” Clark began teaching at Bethel Seminary in 1988 and served as dean of the Center for Biblical and Theological Foundations from 1995 to 2003. In 2004 he became senior pastor of Faith Covenant Church in Burnsville, Minn. During his four years as pastor he continued as lead faculty for the seminary’s Master of Arts in Christian Thought program. In 2008 he returned to Bethel Seminary full time as professor 2
Winter/Spring 2013
of theology and in 2009 was named executive vice president and provost of Bethel University. Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in religion from Houghton College, Houghton, N.Y. He completed a master of arts at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill., and a doctorate in religious and theological studies from Northwestern University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, Evanston, Ill. He is widely recognized as a theologian through sole or co-authorship of 10 books and many articles or book chapters. “The seminary is crucial both to Bethel’s identity and to the future of the church,” says Bethel University President Jay Barnes. “David has demonstrated skills in his years as provost that are critically needed at the seminary. His vision and passion for the seminary, and his ability to communicate Bethel’s mission, will serve him well.” Clark used his installation address “With the Church. To the World. For the Lord.” to outline his vision for impact, strategy, and community at Bethel Seminary. “We are called to go to the world as catalysts of spiritual formation,” he explained, pointing to “partnership” as the seminary’s primary strategy. “We exist to serve God by preparing leaders for the church,” he noted. “Our strategy is developing leaders with and for our partners.” And while community at Bethel Seminary is about healthy relationships, job clarity, accountability, and mutual support, he observed, it is first and foremost about the students. “We want the student experience to be a ‘wow’ at every point,” he declared. View video of the installation service: vimeo.com/59511981
Heard on Campus Well, two papers in one night was a good way to show me the dark side of procrastination. But you know what made it better? Our President Jay Barnes serving us cinnamon rolls in the DC. Students shouldn’t complain—we’re pretty blessed here :) —Carolyn Held tagged Jay on Facebook
photo by Scott Streble
David Clark Installed as Vice President and Dean of Bethel Seminary