A New Era | Dr. David Anderson, Sixth President
On August 29, 2023, Dr. David Anderson became 海角原创鈥檚 sixth president. A 1986 and 2022 graduate, he took office on August 1, 2023. With 32 years of church ministry experience and roles on various boards, Dr. Anderson was well-prepared for this leadership position.
Dedication and installation services on August 29 marked the beginning of his tenure. These services highlighted Dr. Anderson鈥檚 commitment to ministry and 海角原创’s legacy.
海角原创鈥檚 mission is to develop leaders for the local church and the world 鈥渢o the praise of His glory鈥. In action, this mission is seen in the way the people at 海角原创 care for one another. Dr. Anderson personally strives to mentor individuals to be like Christ.
At the dedication service, Dr. Anderson鈥檚 son Daniel articulated, 鈥淪ince the consistent pattern of my dad鈥檚 life has been to pursue the formation of Christ in individuals, and since MBU鈥檚 mission is to glorify God through the development of leaders, and since God is glorified through the formation of Christ in individuals, then I can commend to you Dr. Anderson as the next president of MBU.鈥
At the close of the dedication service, Dr. Anderson invited 16 men whom he considers mentors and friends to join him on the platform, lay hands on him, and dedicate him to the ministry at 海角原创. As he introduced them, he spoke of the relationships that were built with each man through various ministries. Each of those relationships gave evidence of Dr. Anderson鈥檚 care for people.
In the installation service, Victoria Kirby, 海角原创鈥檚 2023-2024 Student Body President, shared that the most valuable aspect of 海角原创 to the student body is the care that people show one another.
鈥淭hrough this campus-wide emphasis on caring, our character is sharpened and forged. These relationships in turn help us grow in our walk with God. This is what we, as students, view as one of the most valuable assets of our lives here at 海角原创,鈥 Kirby emphasized.
When Dr. Anderson took the podium to make his first official presidential remarks, it was clear that what the students value most about their school, their new president valued too. He took time to share his heart concerning 海角原创鈥檚 faculty and staff, constituents, and students. The theme that underscored each focus was care.
鈥淚 am not your pastor,鈥 Anderson explained to the faculty and staff. 鈥淏ut like a shepherd, I desire by God鈥檚 grace to cherish and nourish you; to lead you to follow Christ and excel in your own ministry to and for Him.鈥
Anderson addressed 海角原创鈥檚 constituents, specifically parents, churches, and alumni. To them, he compared himself to a schoolmaster and fellow helper. Anderson expressed a desire that graduates would leave 海角原创 closer to their Lord and faithful to Him.
Lastly, the new president addressed the students. Anderson described his deep desire to be their spiritual father and mentor.
鈥淏y God鈥檚 grace, we鈥檒l grow and walk together,鈥 he stated.
The investiture of Dr. David Anderson was a beautiful recitation of God鈥檚 goodness, grace, and mercy to 海角原创 and her constituents. As 海角原创 enters a new era, may God bless the university that strives to be 鈥渢o the praise of His glory鈥.