The following letter, written by the Rev. Kent Harrop, seminary trustee and pastor of First Baptist Church, McMinnville, Oregon, was originally published in "The Tidings," FBC's newsletter.
To catch a glimpse of God's Kingdom, you need look no further than the American Baptist Seminary of the West. Situated in Berkeley, in the midst of the University of California campus, ABSW is part of the Graduate Theological Union, a coalition of nine seminaries (Protestant, Catholic, Unitarian).
Within this community of nine seminaries, ABSW is considered the most ethnically diverse. Recently I attended the school's graduation. It is a small school of 75 with 26 graduating. Yet within this small community lies a wealth of diversity. I think of Zeus from the Philippines, Young Lan Yoo from Korea, John from Ghana, Thuiyarintam from Nagaland (Northeast India), Dexter from Trinidad & Tobago. The students' ages ranged from 27-61, women and men. In addition to international students, there are African-Americans, Euro-Americans, Latino/Latina-Americans, Chinese-Americans. Students come from Baptist, Methodist and Pentecostal traditions.
Imagine taking a class in such a school! Students draw from their own cultural heritage, sharing with and drawing from the rich experience of one another. In such a setting the Spirit of God is alive, speaking truth in fresh and remarkable ways. In addition, the diverse students of ABSW take classes with students from the eight other seminaries, making the mix of students and teachers even more varied and rich.
The result of this rich mix is an educational experience that is inspiring. Such diversity creates fertile ground for the work of God's Spirit to speak and tends to open a person to hear the voice of God with an open mind and heart. On May 20th, students, teachers, trustees, family and friends gathered to celebrate the graduation of these 26 students. Over 1,000 people came together at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland to send forth these 26 to proclaim to "all the lands" the good news of Jesus Christ.
As a trustee of the school, I knew that I was standing on holy ground. This little school was sending forth these 26 to the far corners of the planet. That through them, God would continue to speak, heal, challenge and encourage. Under one roof, the differences of the students and attendees melded together to become a new creation. Through the working of the One, we knew that we had come together as the Beloved Community. The seeds for this transformation came about through the vision of one small school, the American Baptist Seminary of the West.
Here at First Baptist, ABSW is our "home seminary." As a church we contribute to the financial support of this school. We can feel good about every dollar we send ($500) per year. We can further support our school through increased financial giving, keeping students and faculty in our prayers, and through encouraging people, especially young people, to explore a call to ministry. It is amazing what God can do through one small school.
With you on the journey,
Kent
