I am pleased that my good friend Steve Pettit has taken on the post of president at our mutual alma mater, Bob Jones University. Steve and I were in seminary together, shared many classes, not the least of which was “Snack Shop Theology” where we would hash over what we learning during breaks between classes.
I call him a good friend, and so I consider him, though our ministries have been miles apart and we have not crossed paths frequently since graduation. There are some points of practice where he and I might not see completely eye to eye, but Steve is a good man and will be a strong leader for BJU, something that has been sorely needed for some time.
I am sure he will receive the occasional “what in the world is going on” kind of letter from me as both of his predecessors did. But, still, I think he is a good choice and I wish him all the best.
It is interesting to me that another mutual friend told me this was going to be the choice back in March. I don’t know when the final decision was made, but my buddy surely had the goods on this one at that time.
Where does Dr. Pettit stand on fundamentalism?
Rod, I believe Steve is a fundamentalist. Time will tell, of course.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
Hi Don,
Let me do a little prodding. If one has to ask about someones position on fundamentalism, and if the answer by a “good friend” is less than definitive, doesn’t that answer the question, at least in part? Granted, Dr. Pettit may not circulate in the circles that Rod runs in and he may not know him. From recent travels I expect that this news will be met with “mixed reviews”.
Dan S
Hey, Dan, very perceptive. Yes, there are some questions. Personally, I think he stayed connected with Northland too long. However, I am (at the moment) more confident of him than the previous president.
Maranatha!
Don Johnson
Jer 33.3
So, no longer a Jones but still a Steve/Stephen, so Steve II or Steve Jr.
This appointment caught be by surprise — I’m definitely not in the know — but the more I thought about it, the more his itinerate ministry, like BJ Sr before, is probably a benefit in connecting with a large base of the BJU church constituency.
As always, I appreciate your graciousness. I also want to be gracious concerning Pettit as he seems to be humble yet confident. Please do continue your “what in the world is going on” correspondence. For the sake of some balance, which is very hard for us who hold on to hope for BJU, I hope you will allow your readers access to this post. There is “much going on” so that we need to step outside our hope a bit and look at fundamentalism for where it stands…and pray over much.
http://kentbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2014/05/thoughtful-fundamentalists.html
Again, I am hopeful in finally having a strong leadership presence, but there is much to have been or continue to be watchful about.