by Clare Jewell
For more than 90 years, Clarks Summit University has worked tirelessly to carry out God’s mission with a commitment to God’s Word, Baptist doctrine, evangelism, disciple-making, and leadership development. The school has also been a longtime ministry partner with the GARBC. We are saddened by the announcement that Clarks Summit University will cease operations this fall.
We recognize that this was a difficult decision made by godly men and women who invested much in this institution and the continuation of its mission to prepare people for lifelong service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As a 1982 graduate of Clarks Summit University (then called Baptist Bible College), I am personally grateful for the impact CSU had on my life and ministry. I met my wife there and learned how to study the Bible there. I have two daughters who graduated from there in 2004 and 2008.
It is fair to say that our family was shaped by the people who served at CSU, and we want to say thank you to all those who invested in our lives and the lives of thousands like us. The GARBC also joins in praying for the staff members who are now looking for new ministry opportunities. We pray God will meet their needs, and we are glad to help them identify future ministry opportunities.
In light of this closing, I pray that our churches will step forward in two significant ways.
First, churches need to equip parents to disciple their children and encourage them to consider serving in full-time ministry. There is a leadership crisis in the greater church and the GARBC. This crisis won’t be resolved by a program. It will take the personal investment of parents and fellow church members to disciple young people to pursue church leadership.
Second, we need all hands on deck to raise pastors, missionaries, and church planters from within our churches. We cannot rely solely on educational institutions. Instead, churches must partner with them to equip a new generation of church leaders.
I pray that pastors nationwide will rise to meet the challenge of discipleship and leader development within our churches. The GARBC and Generate are ready to help through coaching and residency grants.
Let’s come together to move God’s mission forward!
Clare Jewell is national representative of the GARBC and director of Generate.
