One of the most emotionally moving experiences of my life was touring Omaha Beach and other locations related to the Normandy Landing in World War II. Two particular moments left a life-changing impact on my understanding of the mentality and quality of American military leaders and soldiers.

The first was reading a plaque describing the Rangers who ascended and assaulted Pointe du Hoc, called by allied commanders one of the most dangerous missions of the war. They were led by Lt. Colonel James E. Rudder, who later became the president of Texas A&M University. The quality of leaders who set aside their careers to serve their country was astounding and humbling. It reminded me to challenge our best and brightest to serve in the military and other forms of public service.

The second was reading an inscription on the wall of the Normandy Visitor’s Center, a quote from an early speech by General Mark Clark. He said, “If ever proof were needed that we found for a cause and not for conquest, it could be found in these cemeteries. Here was our only conquest: all we asked was enough soil in which to bury our gallant dead.” Our armed forces fought to liberate, not conquer. They fought to ensure freedom, not establish control. Reading those words brought Jesus’ words to mind, “No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). In the case of our military heroes, they were willing to die for the freedom of strangers, not friends. What a sacrifice!

These selfless acts—and countless others in wars fought over more than two centuries – are commemorated this week with Veteran’s Day. Sadly, except in military communities, this day will pass with only token consideration by most of us. We can do better. On a personal basis, reach out to veterans in your family and community and show your appreciation to them. Use your influence as well to demand better service for veterans by our government. While our government is currently preparing to spend billions on new social programs, many veterans are waiting too long for medical care—particularly mental health care—from a system ill-equipped to meet their needs. We have a moral obligation to care first for those who have guaranteed freedom for all of us and assured the strength of a nation that can offer such social programs.

Thank you veterans for your service. Thank you for making our freedom possible. May God bless you with peace, satisfaction, and a sense of pride in the work you have done for the greater good of us all.


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Declining Religious Affiliation

Dr. Iorg evaluates why churches in the US may be declining and emphasizes that the gospel must take center-stage in the church’s mission.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

Reclaiming Manhood

Dr. Iorg discusses what it means to raise men in today’s society.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

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Lead On Podcast
May 21, 2023

Preventing “Let Down” Sundays

Easter and Christmas are just a few of the major Sundays that demand a lot from leaders and volunteers. How do you prevent burnout or “lagging” Sundays for the week after? 

Lead On Podcast
May 14, 2023

Leading Worship in Corporate Services

There is no area where people have such great differences of opinion than on worship in church. Dr. Iorg challenges worship leaders to serve the worship experience and not to focus on their own experience.


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Spirituality of Jonathan Edwards | JEC at Gateway Seminary

Dr. Chris Chun hosted a digital symposium with Dr. Michael Haykin and Dr. Robert Caldwell to discuss Edwards’ spirituality, devotional life and theological impact in American Christianity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Faculty Dialogues: Dispensationalism or Not

In this episode of Faculty Dialogues, Dr. David Rathel and Dr. Paul Wegner held a live discussion on their views on dispensationalism.

David Rathel
Associate Professor of Christian Theology
Dr. Rathel is the associate professor of Chrisitian Theology at Gateway Seminary. Prior to Gateway, Dr. Rathel supplied pastoral care to churches in the United States and Scotland, served as an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Philosophy for the Baptist College of Florida, and provided teaching assistance for the University of St Andrews.

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