by David Melton
We have just finished six amazing weeks in Boston. In the days leading up to our graduation, we had an unexpected blessing. A gentleman who had never contributed financially to our college volunteered to match all the money we could raise in six weeks — up to $125,000. What a blessing and challenge! Our whole Boston team, especially our trustees, helped me bug you to death! Thanks to the pastors and churches, alumni and friends from all over the world, we met the challenge and raised the largest annual offering in our college’s history. Thank you so much! (Incidentally, we are still taking donations.)
That is a strange way to begin an article entitled, “Others could do it better.” But it is summer, so while it isn’t slow around our campus in Boston (we have eight weeks to do all our physical repairs and improvements while students are away!), it is different in my office. So I want to have a little summer fun. If I think of biblical characters, who would be better at this than I am? Here are some of my nominees:
Methuselah – He just lived so doggone long that I think he could have been a great Bible college president. This is a task that isn’t easy and takes time to do EVERYTHING.
Solomon – Maybe an obvious choice because of his wisdom, but I’m thinking of his having 300 wives. He HAS to be a diplomat. Keeping everybody happy is a big part of running a college built on hundreds of independent churches and leaders.
Thaddeus – Because he has a cool name that sounds smart. Who would argue with a guy called “Thaddeus” who has personally seen the risen Christ?
Job – see #1.
The woman at the well – She was apparently a recruiting whiz, she made one announcement and the whole town showed up. Most of us who lead colleges would like to have such powers of persuasion.
Isaiah – He would do ANYTHING to get God’s work done. I think Isaiah would surely be undaunted by the kinds of challenges I face sometimes in Boston.
Silas – He didn’t seem to need much attention. He stayed at his job even when it got rough. He didn’t quit when people inevitably said, “You’re no Barnabas.”
The wise men – It would help to have a little extra gold, frankincense, and myrrh lying around.
Post-resurrected Lazarus – He had already died once so he was surely fearless (“What are you going to do … kill me … again?”). He must have known more than most people. He seems to have been debt free (he owned his own home). And Jesus stopped in regularly!
Okay — play the game with me. If you have a better idea, email me at dmelton@boston.edu or stop me when you see me and share a nomination. In the meantime, I’m glad I get to keep the job and work with you to make the kind of progress we’ve seen this summer.