You turn us back to dust,” writes the psalmist. But then he cries out, “Turn O Lord . . . Have compassion on your servants!” (Ps 90). This is the wisdom of the Lent: to acknowledge our finitude and failings and to turn to the God who turns to us in mercy. So we practice the creaturely humility of fasting, the spiritual humility of prayer, the moral humility of repentance and vicariously, the sacrificial humility of Christ himself. In the gravity of Lent we choose a downward movement of soul, and in this turning we are humbled. In the humbling, we find a growing freedom and grace.
— These words from Bobby Gross’ Living the Christian Year (InterVarsity Press, 2009) began a time of personal reflection as we opened InterVarsity’s Faculty Ministry Leadership Team meetings (February 20-22). We rejoice in your prayers for our team’s time together. As you read the below notes and respond to the requests for prayer/input, imagine this lively, creative, dynamic, and enouraging team engaged in rich conversation, humor, and prayer. What a joy to serve the Lord with Craig, Carrie, Doug, Elsy, Kim, Howard, Nan, and those who were unable to join us for the meetings [Mike, Myra, Robin, Tom (Trevethan), and many other helpful contributors]. To God be the glory!
- The State of Faculty Ministry, particularly with respect to our mission, vision, and basic values statement.
- Response: We last met in October, as such we rejoiced in the unexpected growth in
- Hearing from faculty and students who deeply appreciate our labors in higher education.
- Story: Craig Gartland, Director of InterVarsity’s Faculty Ministry, shared about a recent visit to InterVarsity’s Faculty Fellowship at Claremont when he had extended conversations with a number of faculty including Mary Poplin, Dave Vosburg, and Francis Su. Scholar after scholar emphasized to Craig the significance of being part of InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministry, in particular the sharpening and encouragement in vocational witness. Su was particularly complimentary with regard to the development of The Lesson of Grace in Teaching: From weakness to wholeness, the struggle and the hope (MAA Haimo Teaching Award Lecture. Joint Math Meetings. 1/11/2013). More on this story to come 🙂
- Note: Numerous InterVarsity staff, students, and faculty have shared with the FMLT their appreciation for our highlighting of The Lesson of Grace in Teaching. If you haven’t already listened to/read and forwarded Su’s talk, I encourage you to do such. Yesterday, Craig relayed the enthusiasm of a Faculty Chapter Planter regarding the presentation and the opportunity to share the link. I noted 36,686 visits and a number of FB likes when I swung by earlier today. To God be the glory! [Read more…] about The Joy of the Faculty Ministry Leadership Team Mtgs
- Story: Craig Gartland, Director of InterVarsity’s Faculty Ministry, shared about a recent visit to InterVarsity’s Faculty Fellowship at Claremont when he had extended conversations with a number of faculty including Mary Poplin, Dave Vosburg, and Francis Su. Scholar after scholar emphasized to Craig the significance of being part of InterVarsity’s Graduate and Faculty Ministry, in particular the sharpening and encouragement in vocational witness. Su was particularly complimentary with regard to the development of The Lesson of Grace in Teaching: From weakness to wholeness, the struggle and the hope (MAA Haimo Teaching Award Lecture. Joint Math Meetings. 1/11/2013). More on this story to come 🙂
- Hearing from faculty and students who deeply appreciate our labors in higher education.
- Response: We last met in October, as such we rejoiced in the unexpected growth in