THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD?

UPDATED 5/10

Moments ago, Dr. Barry H. Corey (presidential candidate for Biola University) finished speaking and answering questions in Talbot chapel. I've no conclusions (a few conclusions added 5/10), but I do have notes:

THE TALK
"It's okay if you don't know where you're going, as long as you know what you're looking for." (in context of his multi-year study of Genesis, especially Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

Build an altar
Pitch your tent

Altar stones:
Prayer
Bible
Grace-filled community
Absolute truth of the Lordship of Jesus Christ

THE QUESTION & ANSWER TIME

1) definition of "success" in the context of a Christian university or college

• clearly committed to what the school states it will be
• training leaders with a biblical worldview, who think christianly, and engage culture
• biblical fidelity
• diversity
• global

2) AOG ordination and position on ordination of women, tongues as a sign of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, eternal security, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a second work of grace

• Baptism of the Holy Spirit

1. long wondered about it
2. not a cessationist
3. strong family connection to AOG
4. has preached no sermons and written no articles on the subject
5. during January and February of 2007, in response to the search committee packet from Biola University, he began to think deeply and theologically on this issue: a) the baptism of the Holy Spirit is true; b) there is a single, initiatory event in which the Trinity, at regeneration, comes to dwell in the believer in the person of the Holy Spirit; c) empowering (AKA filling) is different from baptism; d) the Holy Spirit comes in a person once; e) he seems willing to "take the hit" at Biola and in the AOG

• Tongues: has never spoken in tongues
• Eternal Security: is coming to a new understanding of irresistible grace
• Ordination of Women: is a mild complementarian--women may not be Senior Pastors

3) Definition of "evangelical" and the "ecumenical imperative" (honestly, there was some context here I missed): avoid ecumenical sloppiness

4) Balance of family and university responsibilities: spend quantity and quality time with family; he is not naive

A FEW CONCLUSIONS

• Dr. Corey's responses and additional information from a trusted professor have allayed my concerns about baptism of the Holy Spirit and other AOG beliefs.
• While it is likely that I still disagree with Dr. Corey's stance, I believe he is able to sign Biola's doctrinal statement in good conscience. Further, I have great respect for anyone willing to place their long held beliefs in submission to the Scripture and change them when Scripture makes it necessary.
• Dr. Corey's passionate comments about the authority of Scripture and the need for Biola to be what it claims to be give me great hope for the future of Biola under his presidency--should he be called to serve at Biola.
• I believe it would be in the best interest of Biola University and Dr. Corey for him to write an article explaining his position (on baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues, and persistence of salvation) and the reasons behind it as soon as possible after he is confirmed. There will most certainly be resistance from various constituencies within the greater Biola community. Information will help shed light rather than heat.
  

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