“On the Cusp of Consolidation”
A Multnomah Message Alumni Magazine Article
Summer 2007 - Volume 9, No. 2
President, Multnomah Bible College & Biblical Seminary
Chairperson, Joint Consolidation Task Force Steering Committee
*Edited on January 8, 2008*
The full-text of this article was removed from the blog as it can be found at the following link:
https://www.multnomah.edu/Common/PDF/Message/200711Message.pdf
September 6, 2007 at 2:35 am
I came to Western Sem a year ago, after looking at a number of seminary options along the west coast. I’m glad the leaders of Western and Multnomah have decided to seriously investigate the possibility of collaboration, consolidation, a merger…or wherever else God might lead. Bert Downs’ letter today noted that “steering committees and task forces have been formed,” suggesting that it is not simply one relatively small group of people charged with the immense task of thinking of, listening to, and answering the multitude of questions and issues that this process will raise.
What we don’t know is the composition of those groups, and the representation of the various stakeholders: the “students, teams, donors, current friends and future friends” (and others?) also referenced in Dr. Downs’ letter. Speaking on behalf of students, may I suggest that individuals representing the widest array possible of students be involved: not just “traditional” students who are relatively young, often single, and able to commit 2-3 years to an intensive seminary program; but also non-traditional students who have families and may already be in ministry positions that demand more of their time, leaving less for school (the 4-5 year MA or 6-7 year MDiv students); also older, second-career students (like myself) who have years of practical lay ministry experience and are now striving to make a transition into full-time ministry…and who have families and jobs that place high demands on them.
These students can and will all lend tremendous value to the study process.
September 7, 2007 at 5:45 pm
Dr. Lockwood and Dr. Downs, Thank you for the collaborative approach you and the Boards are taking toward making this decision. I believe the tone of these discussions will greatly benefit any future consolidation if it occurs.
As a Western alumnus and current D. Min. student, I’m deeply interested in both the progress and the outcome of these deliberations. Thank you for making this process as transparent as possible.
October 1, 2007 at 7:25 pm
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