Dr. David Gyertson: Four Asburian Essentials
Nancy and I are blessed and privileged to return, for a third time, to support the mission of Asbury Theological Seminary helping prepare a “community called” to address the challenge of the Great Commission in times like these. Our 100-year history abounds with countless examples of God’s presence and provision during periods of transition.
Birthed in a season of theological uncertainty, and cultural disruption following the “Great War”, Asburians have taken seriously Charles Wesley’s commitment, “To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill. O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will” (A Charge to Keep I Have). And in each decade, it has been our alumni, equipped by faculty living as well as teaching the essentials of biblical orthodoxy and orthopraxy, who have taken up that challenge to be God’s whole and holy people serving their generation.
As I step into this interim leadership role, I am reflecting on what makes Asbury seminarians fit for Kingdom calling no matter the challenges and changes we face. Four essentials, anchored in a radical “kenosis” humility (Philippians 2) that seeks God’s Kingdom first (Mt.6:33), are echoing in my spirit. These are fueling my service as I join hands with our Trustees, Faculty, Administration and Staff to prepare the way for the next leaders who will help us embrace God’s planned future for our mission and ministry.
Asburians, with the Holy Spirit’s tutoring (John 13-17), think deeply, biblically and Christo-centrically about the most important issues of life and living. As such we minister with grace and courage in times when spiritual enlightenment and doctrinal fidelity are essential for serving God’s purposes.
Asburians choose to love freely and fully the God of our salvation as well as those and what He loves (Mt 22:36-40). While not always perfect in our execution, and sometimes flawed in its demonstration, we are motivated to embrace the Great Commandment challenge to love as our Lord loves.
Asburians serve God’s callings on their lives sacrificially with a particular focus on, as was true of Jesus’ ministry, the least, the left and the lost (Luke 4:18). The firm convictions we hold, and the deep love we embrace, challenge us to put “feet to our faith” walking with and among those who need both the living Word (John 1) and the cup of cold water ministries (John 10:42) that demonstrate the validity of the Gospel we proclaim (James 2:18).
And Asburians live in mutually submitted communion – appropriating what Wesley meant by “social holiness” – working and maturing together in meaningful, interdependent relationships for eternal purposes. We recognize that we must be a fellowship of the faithful, a “community called” together, holding up one another’s hands to accomplish the Great Commission work needed in times like these.
As we enter a new season of transition, the Lord, who has led us through a century of impact, is at work preparing the next generation of leadership to take us into an even “greater things” (John 14:12-14) future. It is now our privilege to help write the next chapter in our “Whole Bible for the Whole World” mission. Please be in prayer for us, as we pray for you, that together we will serve the purposes of God for this generation and beyond. To God be all the glory!
Thank you for the Holy Spirit’s reminder and conviction through your words.
Dear Dr. David Gyertson,
Thank you for your inspiring message. It guides my vision to the glory of God!
Ohgueon Paul Kwon