Print this issueDuane Kelderman discusses Fredy Chen
Over the last two weeks Calvin Seminary has been rocked by the confusing events surrounding the arrest of one of its students. As rumors swirl though the hallways and student center hard facts are quickly mixed and molded into tales of fiction. Kerux invited Dr. Duane Kelderman, Vice President for Administration at CTS, to respond via an email interview.
More on the Candidacy Committee Meeting
Thoughts on communication breakdowns
This article is the first of a series of pieces meant to continue the conversation that began on the 13th of September regarding the candidacy process. While confidential matters should remain confidential, it is my estimation that there are several issues common to many students regarding the candidacy process. This article is written with respect to these common concerns. Let it also be said that this conversation is not a conversation among equals. We, as students, are in submission to this institution, trusting that it has the best interest of the church in mind. We are thankful for the committee’s decision to be open and to hear our input into this process as students.
Addressing Student Concerns
A letter of response from Candidacy Committee Chair Duane Kelderman
Thanks for your Kerux article in which you point out some of the areas where we need improved communication between the Candidacy Committee and students. I’d like to respond to each of the areas of miscommunication you mention. I hope my responses will be encouraging.
Wrestling With Self
First year student reflections on psychological screening
As a first year student I have loved my experience at Calvin Seminary so far. The professors are knowledgeable and the environment is generally a culture of spiritual growth. There have been moments of silence where I feel the presence and hear the whisper of God. Yet, from several talks I have had with first, second and third years, there is one question that stirs within us all that causes us to question what we think or feel about anything at all.
Group Life: The Ancient Future Community
A review of the Willow Creek Conference
Ancient Future is quickly becoming the hip new Christian catch phrase, especially in the emergent church community. Robert Webber, of “Ancient Future” writing fame, and other modern pastors and authors are addressing the need to strip away all that hinders in the church. They seek a return to the church’s earlier Acts 2 roots, as well as its theology of community, in order to foster an environment of spiritual formation reminiscent of Prof. Rylaarsdam’s IDIS 901 course.
Are We For the Professors?
Before coming to CTS, between kindergarten and graduate school, I spent nearly 22 years of my life in educational institutions of some sort. Some were Christian, others Muslim; some were private, others international. Yet during all those years never once did I hear this phrase: “This professor is for the students.” I think that we can all understand that phrase to mean that such a professor wants their students to do well, in and out of class. It means that such a professor cares for their students and desires to see them grow and mature. It means that such a professor will do whatever it takes to ensure the success and effectiveness of their students during their seminary training and in the years to come. Such a professor is truly for the students.
Alcohol: Used, Abused, and Confused
Previewing the upcoming town hall meeting
On November 1st Student Senate has planned a town hall meeting to raise and discuss the issue of how we, as members of the Calvin Seminary community, use alcohol. This is a touchy issue and one that must be dealt with in a sensitive manner. As a denomination we are not legalistic about alcohol because we see it as a gift of God to be used and enjoyed in a responsible manner. Student Senate has scheduled this town hall meeting to spur discussion in our community because they feel it is a community issue.
Prayer and Brokenness
Confronting the recent run of tragedies in our community
Praying for our brothers and sisters at the Seminary is something that we should be doing continually. In light of a string of recent incidents, however, this duty seems especially important right now.
902...
...One oh-so-intriguing new addition to the curriculum
As an arguably jaded fourth-year M.Div student, I’ve learned not to expect too much from the first day of classes. The syllabus may clue me in to how stressful the quarter ahead will be. The introduction of classmates may clue me in to stories from a summer spent in far-away lands, like Canada. But I expect little by way of God’s voice speaking to me and the tears that sprang to my eyes on the first day of 902 – Theological Education as Formation for Ministry certainly caught me by surprise.