It’s About Time

Well, here are my thoughts regarding expansion of NBBC from college to Univ settings.  My reservation lies in the area of identity. When a college calls itself a Baptist college, it immediately specify what it stands for (logically speaking). I’m not saying Northland is ditching its distinctive (I think one of the men in the Northland video interviews mention something in passing though not in direct reference to my point of concern that identity will not be lost).  Personally I’d like to see it retain its Baptist identity despite changes.  Undoubtedly, these men have spent much time musing and discussing the pros and cons of certain decisions and these aren’t easy decisions to make.  Dr Ol’ has often said that the choices also determines the consequences or destination.

Another area of interest rather than concern is that of accreditation. As a college it has received accreditation status but this new aspect?

Anyway, I’ll be writing to Kevin Priest or Sam Horn about these and see what they will say. It’s still early days yet and I’m sure their email inboxes  have been stuffed with queries (not to mention accusations etc)!  It’d wouldn’t be prudent to jump to conclusion but be open-minded and process information as they trickle in….

Will enter my thoughts later. . .

A week or so ago, got an email from Curt Lamansky, likely to be group-mass mailing thingy, informing that major changes has taken place at Northland, my alma mater.  I gathered that this announcement was made during the Missions Conference.  Northland Baptist Bible College will now be under the umbrella of Northland International University.

It turns out to be an expansion of Northland’s vision and purpose to serve a larger community of believers.  A quick visit to Northland’s new website reveals major expansion plans.  One particular page shows video interviews of Dr Les Ollila, Dr Mat Olson and Dr Sam Horn, with each man explaining the purpose and direction in which Northland is heading in the coming days ahead.

With many things happening in my own church and personal lives (illness), I have yet to fully comprehend (actually digest is a more accurate word!) the implication and though some questions are floating in my mind, I am sure in coming days I’ll get some answers and understand things better.

Undoubtedly, certain segments of community will be apprehensive seeing what directions Cedarville and Grand Rapids had become over the years with the change of names.  Will post additional thoughts later.