2021-2022 Student Handbook
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Welcome to the community that is known as Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. As you probably know, we are a Seminary that is both northern (Hamilton, MA and Boston, MA) and southern (Charlotte, NC and Jacksonville, FL), both traditional and cohort-based, inperson and online, both urban and rural. We are a diverse community of Christians committed to the best in academic scholarship in service of God’s Kingdom. In my months before coming into the presidency, I listened to all of the faculty and many adjunct faculty members, as well as most of the staff on four campuses and many of the alumni. What is it that makes Gordon-Conwell special? Here, I list the main characteristics that were mentioned by most people: • • • • • •
Pervasive and respectful study of the Bible — all the Bible Commitment to God’s global mission — for all of us Diversity of evangelicalism and diversity of cultures and peoples Renewal and planting of new churches in North America Renewal of the church through the unity of Christians High academic standards and deep piety
I think you and your ministry will benefit greatly from your involvement in such a Seminary. Our core commitments revolve around the saving work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Scriptures that point to Him and his work. Our common concern is that God’s mission be carried out in both renewal of churches in the West and reaching the unreached in the rest. We trust that you will grow in humility and gentleness even as you grow in wisdom and knowledge. If this happens, we can feel that we have carried out our duties faithfully. We are aware that most students today are studying while they are working, many are in the midst of ministry while they are studying for ministry. Knowing this, we are trying to make theological education available in multiple ways using technology and creative teaching methods. We also hope that you will learn from others in your classes, as well as from the faculty and from course resources. May God bless richly your studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary!
Scott W. Sunquist President and Professor of Missiology
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
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