20 years of professing

This year marks 20 years since I became a full-time professor in Christian higher education. At the time I discerned a call to teaching, I was in my early thirties and working as an engineer. To be qualified, I had to first complete my doctoral degree. My wife and I, together with our three children, moved to Hamilton so I could pursue my graduate degree at McMaster University. During that time, our family expanded with the birth of a fourth child (who is now attending McMaster University).

Just as I was completing my degree, Redeemer College had an opening for a computer science professor. That is how my 20-year journey in Christian higher education began. Later, a casual conversation over a coffee at Casey’s Bakery in Sioux Center, Iowa led to one year teaching as a visiting professor at Dordt College.

Iron sharpens iron

Leaving a secure job to pursue full-time studies with a young family was a leap of faith. But my wife and I can attest that God wonderfully provided during that season of our lives. Some of my students have done summer research alongside me and have co-authored papers in various engineering publications. Other students have gone on to earn masters and doctoral degrees and to find industry positions in Silicon Valley and across the United States and Canada. At every graduation ceremony, I have been proud as a mother hen to watch my students walk across the stage to receive their degrees – launched to become salt and light in various corners of the technology world.

I also enjoyed my many colleagues over the years. I made efforts to bridge disciplinary boundaries, seeking interactions with colleagues in Political Science, Philosophy, Theology, Sociology and the Arts. I have fond memories of participating in a “Reformational reading group” at Redeemer College in which a small group of faculty worked our way through different books, bringing insights from our diverse disciplines. Like iron sharpening iron, I have developed as a Christian scholar through many wise and winsome colleagues.

Over the years, I have collected fond memories beyond the classroom. I have been encouraged at academic conferences with Christian college professors from across North America, discussing the integration of faith and learning. I have also had opportunities to speak to dozens of groups about faith and technology, including at elementary and high schools, churches and workshops. There has been the privilege of speaking with Christian teachers and professors globally, including in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Zambia and Nigeria. I have witnessed firsthand the hunger for Christian education across the continents.

Called to profess

The call to teaching is a privilege, but it is also a responsibility. “Not many of you should become teachers,” warned James, “ . . . because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Richard Mouw observes, “Not everyone in the Christian community needs to be seriously involved in intellectual pursuits. But it is important – crucially so – that the Christian community have some people who are cultivating the intellectual disciplines.”

I am grateful for the call to teaching I received just over 20 years ago. The word “professor” is derived from the Latin word for a “person who professes.” It is my hope that I may be found faithful in professing that Christ is Lord of all – including the world of technology.