|
Opening Service Comments from Elder Jan Paulsen
Comments by Elder Jan Paulsen, President of the General Conference
Oakwood College (University) occupies a unique place in Seventh-day Adventist history and consciousness. For more than a century, this college has provided a wellspring of intellectually prepared and spiritually committed leaders. Its graduates have distinguished themselves in so many different fields—throughout the world church and within the broader community as well.
And so it is a great privilege for me to be here today to help inaugurate this new center; a center that marks such an important step forward in the life and witness of Oakwood College. I want to commend all those whose vision and hard work has brought us to this moment.
In the name of this center I see reference to three men who also hold a unique place in Seventh-day Adventist history and consciousness; men who have used their extraordinary gifts to serve their Lord and their church in leadership and mission. It is fitting that their contribution is honored in this way—through a center that will prepare others to follow their example of faithful service
I’d like to share with you two hopes that I have for this center.
First, I hope that it will produce leaders who understand today’s realities; leaders who are equipped to preach eternal truths within a world that is in a constant state of change in which values are being abandoned, and new ones introduced. Postmodernism; the growing power of the media; communication technology that is evolving at an incredible rate; a society where relativism has replaced absolute truth, where materialism defines values, and fear determines the public discourse: this is our new reality! And these are the challenges that you, who direct and staff this center, will face every day as you prepare a new generation of church leaders.
Second, I hope that all who pass through these doors will come to appreciate the special nature of Adventist leadership. The church operates within so many different cultures, and in many places it naturally takes on a local feel and “flavor”. Yet when it comes to leadership there are unique values that transcend culture and geography; values that reflect the special nature of the community we serve.
a. Our community is voluntary—to be an Adventist involves a choice. And so our leadership style emphasizes consultation and consensus. We don’t wield power like political leaders or business executives; we serve at the pleasure of the community and the Spirit.
b. Our community is defined by spiritual values, not the values of the world—so models of secular leadership have limited usefulness to us. Ambition and self-seeking, so commonly on display elsewhere, do not belong in any assignment in our church.
c. Our community is global, and so Adventist leaders must think broadly and inclusively, always with an eye toward fostering ties of shared faith and purpose within our diverse worldwide family.
d. And our community exists for mission. Effective Adventist leadership is motivated by mission, focused on mission, and measured by mission. Leaders who are not fired by a sense of urgency—who do not have an appreciation of the time in which we live, and the task we have been given—are no longer useful to God.
The mandate of this center is clear: our church has never had a greater need for strong men and women of God; men and women who are rich in His grace, filled with His compassion, and prepared for service; men and women who, under the power of the Spirit, will help guide this church into God’s future.
Thank you for your commitment to make this center useful to God and his global church.
|
