A Time to Celebrateby Duane Beeson
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Presidential inauguration commemorates God’s faithfulness to Northwestern
It may have been Greg Christy’s presidential inauguration, but he made it clear throughout the day’s activities on Oct. 10 that he wanted a much broader focus.
“This day is really not all about me, nor do I want it to be,” Northwestern’s ninth president told a packed Christ Chapel audience. “Today is about celebrating what God has done, is currently doing and will continue to do through the hands and feet of his servants here at Northwestern College.”
Christy briefly reviewed how God has blessed Northwestern—from its humble origins in the consistory room of First Reformed Church in 1882 to its current status as a distinctively Christian liberal arts college that has earned numerous external commendations.
“Our greatest assets by far are the authenticity of our Christian mission and our people. We have a noble mission and are blessed to have some of the brightest and most talented professors you will find anywhere,” said Christy.
Western Theological Seminary’s president, the Rev. Dr. Tim Brown, gave the inaugural address. Focusing on the story of midwives Shiphrah and Puah, who defied the Egyptian king’s order to kill Hebrew baby boys (Exodus 1), Brown challenged Christy and the audience to dare to make a difference.
“God is looking for people who say, ‘No, we don’t do it this way. We march to the beat of a different drummer,’” Brown said. “Keep the Lord in mind with every step you take.” 