November 2002
Page 1 - Becoming Unoffendable by Francis Frangipane
Page 2 - How to be Humble Without Being Proud of It by Paul Anderson
Page 3 - Masters Institute - Credit Where Credit is Due by Kathryn Calvert
Page 4 - A Tribute to Dr. Morris Vaagenes
Masters Institute - Credit Where Credit is Due
by Kathryn Calvert"Even if I choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say." II Corinthians 12:6
The number of students at The Master's Institute (MI) has grown to 19. The enthusiasm displayed when applicants learn more about MI is infectious. Last year's instructors, mentors, and internship supervisors have high praise. Every student has an intern site and supervisor and a mentor to walk with them during the coming year. This seems like an ideal time to feel proud. What a temptation!
Here is the truth: God owns MI lock, stock, and barrel. He has pressed in and blessed this ministry in amazing ways. And why not? It was His idea. Everyone involved with The Master's Institute is a caretaker of a tiny bit of this ministry. We are accountable to His purposes and honored to be chosen.
Faculty members receive positive evaluations from the students, but only because they've listened to the voice of God and spoken His truths. Internship supervisors are impressed with the quality of the student interns, but only because students remain humble and dedicated to serve the Lord with their best. Mentors talk about the progress students have made to be more Christ-like in character, but only because those mentors recognize their role to be a vessel for the Holy Spirit to guide the students' lives. Dependence on and faithfulness to God are the key requirements for each participant in The Master's Institute. Only then can we watch for the fruit of MI to bud, blossom, and mature.
What fruit? Students have come from 13 different home congregations. Seven students have pastoral responsibilities in area congregations. Classroom and office equipment have been provided, and the necessary legal work has been done. Staff members bring the right balance of skills to carry out administrative responsibilities. Top quality individuals are on board to teach, mentor and supervise. Our space needs and improvements have been generously donated. More and more people are hearing about and requesting information about The Master's Institute. Students have faced down many hurdles, some that could have derailed their preparation for Kingdom ministry.
These are wonderful gifts, but equally important has been the grace of God as He gives us patience, endurance, hope, and humility when things are happening that might endanger progress or harmony. As Paul Anderson reminds us about humility, "We are not a school of higher learning; we are a school of lower learning." As you learn more about The Master's Institute, keep in mind that we know we have no right to boast, only to lean even more heavily on the will and power of God. Please pray that MI does not give in to the temptation to take credit for what the Lord has done. To God be the glory!
Kathryn Calvert is the Director of Administration at The Master's Institute. She and her husband, Mike, have been involved with the school since its inception.
