The 2024 Faculty Installations Service at North Park Theological Seminary honored the newly endowed chairs of the institution.
Dr. Michelle Dodson—Milton B. Engebretson Chair in Evangelism and Justice
Dr. Max Lee—Paul W. Brandel Chair of Biblical Studies
Dr. Hauna Ondrey—Wilma E. Peterson Chair of Church History
The service includes:
- Welcome and Acknowledgments (0:08–1:00): The president of the North Park University, Mary Surridge, and visitors are acknowledged.
- Introduction to the Honorees’ Fields (1:01–1:25): A brief mention that the honorees will discuss the importance of their disciplines to the study of the church and Christian life, with more specific research discussions to follow the next morning.
- Call to Worship and Prayer (1:28–2:22): The congregation stands for a call to worship, followed by a prayer giving thanks for the honorees and their service.
- Musical Interlude (2:25–6:10): A song titled “All Are Welcome” is performed.
- Scripture Readings (6:15–7:38): Readings from Deuteronomy and the Gospel of Mark.
- Dr. Hauna Ondrey’s Address – The Necessity of History (7:56–13:57): Dr. Ondrey speaks about the importance of memory and history in Christian faith, emphasizing that faith is handed down through tradition and that understanding history helps to wisely steward and meaningfully transform the church. She cautions against approaching the church as a consumer product, advocating instead for being builders and farmers in the vineyard.
- Dr. Michelle Dodson’s Address – Evangelism and Justice (14:07–19:08): Dr. Dodson discusses the importance of meeting people where they are to share the gospel, emphasizing that the good news must speak to the “particulars” of people’s lives. She highlights that evangelism should bear witness to God’s love, compassion, and fierce heart for justice, especially for the impoverished, oppressed, and broken.
- Dr. Max Lee’s Address – The Challenges of Biblical Studies (19:21–24:50): Dr. Lee addresses three challenges in biblical studies: mining the gap between ancient texts and modern readers, standing in the gap by interpreting the text in a contemporary world with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and overcoming the personal gap between knowing God’s word and living it out.
- Installation of Endowed Chairs (25:31–29:58): Dr. Hauna Ondrey is installed as the Wilma E. Peterson Chair of Church History (25:37–25:40), Dr. Michelle Dodson as the Milton B. Engebretson Chair in Evangelism and Justice (25:40–25:46), and Dr. Max Lee as the Paul W. Brandel Chair of Biblical Studies (25:46–25:50). They commit to their new responsibilities, teaching, mentoring, fostering unity, and engaging with their disciplines.
- Prayer for the New Chairs (29:59–31:41): A prayer is offered for strength, joy, inspiration, rest, and hope for the newly installed chairs.
- Charge to the Community (31:44–34:28): The speaker reflects on the challenges and opportunities in theological education, encouraging the community to embrace contradictions and pray for the church as a whole.
- Closing Song and Benediction (34:43–36:50): A final song and a call to reception are given.
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