A Strange Job to Love

I affectionately describe my new job as “the guy who writes those boring reports.” While “boring reports” identifies how some might feel about my responsibility, I actually see it very differently.

In June, I began a part time job at New Hope Christian College as “Academic Assistant.” My biggest responsibility is helping to shepherd the creation of a “self-study” document to submit in favor of our ten-year renewal of accreditation. NHCC has been accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education since 1983. Click on this link for the New Hope website, or this one for a video introducing NHCC.

Every ten years, member colleges have the opportunity to examine how well they are fulfilling their role in training students for Christian lives and ministry. This is a growth opportunity to examine, evaluate, explain and plan. The two-year process almost always leaves a college stronger, more focused, and more confident.

2 Corinthians 13:5 encourages, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” I realize that the epistle is asking individuals for a personal evaluation. However, when the collection of believers gathered as a Bible College examine themselves, they enter many of the same blessings that scripture promises.

In the next few months, we will certainly find some blind spots – our comprehensive review will reveal weaknesses that our busy-ness has kept us from discovering. We will correct those and emerge healthier. However, for every blind spot to weakness, we will also uncover two or three strengths that we have taken for granted. When we are evaluated by an outside team, they will highlight our strengths as well as areas needing improvement. This will build our confidence.

I admit an ulterior motive behind taking this job. Since it gives leadership to the whole college, I will have an opportunity to work with a large number of the New Hope team. I love seeing people at work, and learning how I can mesh my work of the Spirit with theirs.

So this job is not boring; self-studying actually excites me. The task benefits will be corporate confidence and direction. The personal benefits include a growing sense of contributing to the lives of the many gifted leaders at New Hope Christian College.

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