Change is inevitable, but Messiah remains true to its mission
It is my pleasure to address the employees of Messiah University each August and give the State of the University speech. Below is an excerpt of my 2023 address; I invite you to read it in its entirety at messiah.edu/president.
The ancient Greek Heraclitus, the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes and the singer Bob Dylan offer a similar conclusion: change is inevitable. Heraclitus explains that you can never step into the same river twice because the river is in constant flux. In Ecclesiastes 3, King Solomon notes that there is a time and season for everything. And many of you know the familiar tune penned by Bob Dylan that reminds us, “the times, they are a-changin’.”
We’ve experienced significant change at Messiah University during the last few years. Many of the changes have been positive and some have been very complicated. As Christ-followers, I believe that our attitude and response to change reflects a faith defined by hope – a hope that rests in knowing and trusting the promises of God.
I believe that this particular season in time is Messiah’s moment! Although many have become suspicious of Christianity and increasingly averse to Christian ideals and language, we embrace this moment and the privilege of demonstrating an alternative way of Christ-centered being, knowing and doing. Campus Pastor Emily Bingham says of Messiah, “Faithfulness to Jesus requires upsetting both extremes. Being in the middle, like Messiah, is about more than avoiding extremes; it’s about adopting a compelling vision that is truth-seeking and hospitable.”
Because we willingly occupy a middle ground of combining rigorous academics, sincere faith and gracious hospitality, Messiah has the opportunity to defy the negative narratives about higher education and demonstrate how a Christian university can provide value by remaining true to its identity and mission in the midst of rapid cultural change. First, we must continue to distinguish ourselves as a university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences. Second, we must nurture a community ethos of compassion and civility, which informs the ways we think and speak in this age of discord. And finally, our missional emphasis on reconciliation must continue to compel us to seek restoration with God and humanity.
As we embrace these tensions and occupy our “middle” space in winsome, gracious ways, we appeal to a wonderfully diverse mix of prospective students and generous donors and friends who enable us to maintain a solid financial position and a strong institutional profile.
With God’s faithfulness as our anchor of hope, we can be enriched, equipped and encouraged to meet the changes and challenges of the upcoming academic year. This is Messiah’s moment!