"there is no more important work
than the study of God . . . "

Ruthann Knechel Johansen, President

It's an exciting time here at Bethany Theological Seminary . . .

as we WELCOME new students to our 104th academic year! Gathering in the morning over tasty bagels and fruit and jovial, lively conversation, President Ruthann Knechel Johansen charged the students with these powerful, poignant words:

"I am delighted to welcome you to Bethany Theological Seminary. Ever since my first day in kindergarten, through all the years I have been in school, and all the years I have taught, first days are filled with excitement and tinged with anxiety. And so they may be for you as well.

I have four things I want to say by way of welcome and I hope might be touchstones throughout your year of study in this place.

First, you are launching on an important adventure. In my view, there is no more important work than the study of God, the inquiring study of scripture and other texts, reflection on the nature and purpose of life, and the disciplining of your own life and choosing discipleship with your life.

Second, I say that there is no more important work because the longing for love, justice, and peace in our churches and societies throughout the world is profound.

Third, because this hunger for love and meaning is pervasive, keep what you study inside these walls always in close relationship with what is happening beyond them: in Denver and St. Paul, in Darfur and Georgia, in Pakistan and Iraq, in Richmond and Jerusalem.

Fourth, you have come to two very special, distinctive seminaries, Bethany Theological Seminary and the Earlham School of Religion. Both are small schools, but you will work with faculty who are large in mind and heart and who will invite you and your fellow students into similiar depth.

This summer I had opportunity to visit historic European sites of the Pietist and Anabaptist movements. I was repeatedly struck by the power of individuals with faith in Christ’s way of love, who studied scripture together and chose another way of being in the world, who with courage and radical commitment risked wealth and security, to change the face of religion and societies across several centuries. The need for similar faith and vision and courage in the 21^st century is at least as great as it was in the 16^th, 17^th, and 18^th centuries.

So I extend to you God’s blessings of faith, strength, and joy as you begin this important adventure."

Friends, hold us in prayer this day and in the days to come . . . call upon others to serve God in their daily lives, no matter their vocation, but don't be afraid to tap the shoulder of another who God is calling to serve in set-apart ministry -- for there is no greater time than NOW for the world to follow after the One who truly and wholly knows LOVE, JUSTICE and PEACE . . .

Elizabeth Keller

Director of Admissions