DownloadNov. 23, 2009 issue
MB seminary installs new president
By MB Biblical Seminary staff and Mennonite Weekly Review staffFRESNO, Calif. — Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary installed Franklyn “Lynn” Jost as its eighth president Nov. 2.
Franklyn “Lynn” Jost, installed as president of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Nov. 2 at North Fresno (Calif.) Mennonite Brethren Church, is expected to guide the seminary through changes. — Photo by Katie Jerkovich/MBBS
About 200 people came to the celebration at North Fresno Mennonite Brethren Church.
“Leading the seminary at this moment is a great challenge,” Jost said. “MB Biblical Seminary has a strong heritage of serving the Central Valley and the Mennonite Brethren churches. We will build on that heritage and on the strong leadership we have enjoyed for over 50 years.
“In the context of rapid change in seminary education, I am optimistic that we will develop partnerships that will strengthen our capacity to disciple men and women to serve the church in the world.”
The installation service was followed by two informal ceremonies on the Fresno seminary campus. Jost and his wife, Donna, planted a redwood tree near the Memorial Prayer Chapel and donated a brass bell hung on the main building to daily call the seminary community to prayer.
During his presidency, Jost is expected to lead the seminary through the work of reshaping itself.
MBBS is offering courses in new ways, including through distance education and online. The school is also aiming to be more church-based in student learning, said Mark Isaac, director of advancement.
“The seminary has been seeking partners, beginning in the fall of 2008, to expand our reach and simplify operations,” Isaac said.
MBBS and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena ended yearlong negotiations about a partnership through which Fuller would have offered some of its courses at MBBS campuses. MBBS continues partnership conversations with Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fresno Pacific University.
The MBBS board of directors affirmed Jost.
“He may have to effect major changes in the structure and delivery of theological education at MBBS over the next few years,” the board said in a statement.
At recent board meetings, two task forces were created to assist the board and president to address these changes in Canada and in the United States.
Jost has served as acting president of the seminary since September 2008. Jost earned his master of divinity degree from MBBS and his doctorate in preaching and Old Testament from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, Tenn. He represents U.S. Mennonite Brethren on the Mennonite World Conference General Council.
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