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A Long Ride in a Cadillac
Reflections After 38 Years on the Faculty
For this edition of CIU Today, I’ve
turned the First Word over to
retiring CIU professor Dr. Terry
Powell. For nearly four decades,
Terry has been committed to
his calling — and to Columbia
International University. It has been
a privilege to serve with him.
-Bob Holmes, Editor
During a conference for church
education professors in 1989, eight
of us sat around the dinner table.
When I introduced myself, a wide-
eyed colleague from a different university blurted,
“Wow — you
teach at the Cadillac of Bible colleges!”
Three decades later, as retirement looms for me, I still agree with
his assessment. Here are two of the many reasons why.
GODLY LEADERSHIP
What memories or impressions do I associate with CIU presidents?
* I remember Robertson McQuilkin, his chin quivering, tears
streaming down his cheeks, broken-hearted because so many
unreached people had never heard of Christ.
* After broaching an issue concerning my family to Johnny Miller,
he interceded for me and offered wise counsel. More than once,
when he overheard a student compliment one of my classes, he
delivered a handwritten note in which he passed along the
encouraging remarks.
* George Murray’s incisive chapel preaching, marked by clear
exposition, strong application, and passionate delivery, fed my
soul. His effectiveness wasn’t only the result of God’s grace-gift
of teaching. He modeled diligence, averaging an hour in
preparation for every minute in presentation.
* Bill Jones didn’t just teach a course on personal evangelism —
he consistently shared the gospel off campus, modeling what it
means to be an opportunistic, winsome witness. When he’s
around people who don’t know Christ, he
can’t not
share the
plan of salvation!
* I thank God for Mark Smith’s expertise in enrollment, marketing
and fundraising. What impresses me most, though, is how he
exemplifies humility and daily dependence on God’s sustaining
grace. Dr. Smith experiences daily physical pain, the aftermath of
an auto accident years ago. Yet he leads with an optimistic,
exuberant spirit, a reminder that God’s power is perfected
in weakness.
THE FIRST WORD
Bob Holmes, Editor-in-Chief
Compassion for the lost. A pastoral heart. Penetrating preaching.
Evangelism personified. Optimistic perseverance.
Who wouldn’t
count it a privilege to serve with leaders of this caliber?
FACULTY/STAFF LONGEVITY
When I interviewed for my position in 1981, what left an indelible
impression on me was how long people had worked here.
Teachers, administrators and support staff had been serving 20, 25,
even 30-plus years.
What accounted for it? Integrity of top leaders; a compelling
sense of mission; clearly-communicated core values, and a
hospitable work environment.
This phenomenon of long tenures still characterizes CIU. My mind
sees a parade of current employees who’ve been here two or three
decades: faculty members, administrative assistants, maintenance
staff — even our nurse! The blend of long-term employees
and newer, competent faculty/staff keeps us anchored in CIU’s
traditional values, yet open to changes that don’t compromise our
mission or doctrine.
General Motors still turns out luxurious Cadillacs. CIU is as effective
as ever in turning out students who impact the nations with the
message of Christ.
After retirement, Dr. Terry Powell plans to serve CIU as an adjunct
professor, and devote more time to writing. His blog on depression
and faith is
penetratingthedarkness.com
.
Bob Holmes
CIU Today
Editor-in-Chief
One of my memories of Dr. Terry Powell will be passing by his office and
seeing him diligently grading papers while sitting on this couch. He’ll be
missed. (Photo assistance from Sarah Cho.)
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CIU Today
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Spring 2019