Evenings with the President

Last night, we had twenty students in the St. Paul's Library of the Deanery. Our speaker was the Rev. Alexander H. Webb II (class 2010). The topic was "Fundraising as Pastoral Care". It was riveting. Here was an alum, the Rector of the Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis, Tennessee, who sketched out five important principles of fundraising. Drawing on stories and illustrations from his own service in Memphis, he was moving, funny, and profound. The most fundamental insight he shared was the importance of authenticity: "you must be a person who loves Jesus, witnesses to Jesus, and really believes in God." It is the reality of God that makes fundraising for the Church different from any other non-profit. It is the key to success.

There is at least one Deanery evening a month, where we discuss a particular topic and often invite a speaker. And for this semester, I will offering a comparable opportunity for the students at General Theological Seminary. The first meeting will be on Wednesday 22nd February and the topic will be "Commencement at GTS". It will be a chance for the seniors, in particular, but all students are invited to discuss the form of shape of commencement at GTS.

The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of General Theological Seminary