Friends in Jesus:
There are many things being said in other quarters about Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA). The Michigan District has and will continue to speak into the situation as well. CUAA has been a cherished partner in the Gospel through its ministry these last many years.
Certainly, you have questions, concerns, and hurt about recent developments at CUAA. Ever since February 13, uncertainty has entered your life. Decisions made last week by the CUWAA Board of Regents have only increased such uncertainty. I will say, I have never seen as many lives disrupted in such a short time as I am witnessing from the actions of Concordia University Wisconsin Ann Arbor.
But that is not the point of this letter. It is not to rehearse what you have experienced; it is to bring you a word of encouragement. It comes to you as from a pastor.
There are three things you should know.
First, God has got this. You might be uncertain about what is happening, what you should do, where this is going. Tears. Lost sleep. Anger. Fear. But you need to know your Father is in this. He is not unaware of the chaos others have introduced in your life. He who made the heavens and the earth in six days is at work in your life right now and is able to work all things together for your good. If you are a student, He can open doors. If you are a parent, He loves your child more than you do. If you are faculty or staff, He will bring blessings in unexpected areas.
Second, Jesus has loved you with an everlasting love. Our hope is in Jesus, not in the things or the people or the other stuff of this world. We put no trust in horses, armies, or institutions. I had hoped that the Board of Regents and the administration would stay the course that was introduced in November which would have expanded the existing ministry of CUAA, building on the clear successes of the last 10 years. When that hope was lost in February, I was stunned. Then I had hoped that there would be some path toward autonomy and that CUAA would continue on the same trajectory of mission and ministry that we have been witnessing. Certainly, we demonstrated through financial commitments, development of a plausible roadmap, prayer support, and rallying of supporters that there was a desire and ability for CUAA to achieve autonomy, if that is what CUWAA desired. That hope was lost this last Thursday. But hope itself is not lost, because our hope is in Jesus, not the actions or inactions of His Church. Please, above all else, do not let anything you see in the people of Jesus pull you away from the person of Jesus and His love. To say “fix your eyes on Jesus” is more than a slogan; it is our way of life and our only path through it.
Third, the Holy Spirit of God will grant you wisdom in how to react and what you should or should not do next. The Spirit of God will guide you in whatever is the appropriate calling in your life and will lead you toward it. He may lead you to remain at CUAA this next year and make it the best and most memorable year of your life. He may lead you to attend a different college or seek employment elsewhere. Be assured that in the midst of your hurt or confusion or 101 other emotions about the whole situation, with groanings that are unutterable, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, will intercede on your behalf to the Father, making your requests known to Him.
There is a fourth thing for students. Don’t be “that guy.” The statistics are grim about college students whose college closes (or whose programs are eliminated). A very large percentage either never enroll in another school or never finish a degree. Do press on. Press on through the power of God. Whether at whatever CUAA ends up being or at another institution of higher learning, press on and finish your degree. God has given you gifts over which He has made you steward regardless of the decisions others make that intrude in your life. Press on in relationship with Jesus. Your walk with Jesus is the most important, powerful, and positive thing in life. And it will see you through everything you face this year and the next.
I am sad that we are facing what we are all facing. I am sad that you are facing what you are facing. In the midst of that, let me share my favorite Bible passage.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to tread on the heights” (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV).
…eyes on Jesus…
Rev. David A. Davis
District President
Michigan District, LCMS
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