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Winnipeg, Man
New president commissioned


Concord College combined its fall opening celebration Sept. 24, with the commissioning of its new president, John Unger. Concord College Board chair, Herta Janzen, led the service. She compared Unger to Joshua, who led his people

Prayers of commissioning are offered. Pictured are (l-r) George Shillington, Earl Davey, John Unger, Herb Kopp and Scott Walker.

into the promised land. Unger, too, will lead the College into complete Mennonite College Federation during the next year. She encouraged Unger with the example of Joshua, who was told three times, “Be strong and courageous.”

Manitoba Conference Minister Herb Kopp chose Micah 6:8-9 as his text for a homily entitled “New Glitter for Old Words.” Scripture sometimes needs to be seen from a new point of view in order to be revealed in all its beauty, he said. He encouraged Unger to do justice, love goodness and to walk modestly with his God, while still being concerned about budgets and staffing and board meetings. However, budgets and board meetings are not the things to die for, he added. The only thing worth our life and our death is the Kingdom of God. In his response, Unger suggested that the investments being made in Concord today are investments for the present, but much more, investments for the future. To be a good leader for the future he needed to surround himself with those who are better in specific areas, and then follow them.

New Academic Dean Erwin Warkentin stated that he had been called to ministry, but had thus far spent his time in the academic world. He was now able to combine the two, in a place where academics was not the prime focus, but rather where the focus was on changing lives for the glory of God.

School of Discipleship Director Wally Schmidt challenged the students (and all Christians) to run the race. It’s a race already won, but it takes discipline to stay in the race to the end, he commented. He mentioned that students in the SOD this year will likely sleep in 20 different beds, in 10 different cities before they are finished their course.

Greetings from sister schools, Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Menno Simons College and Providence College encouraged Unger in his presidency and pledged to continue the cooperation that has been established.  – SB

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Last modified October 13, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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