“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

To the Executive Committee of Reformed Theological Seminary:

This is my final report as Chancellor-elect! That really means that it is the last report of the Chancellor, Dr. Ric Cannada. As you all know, the Chancellor Succession Plan comes to a conclusion this month. June 1st is the day that Ric goes emeritus. It is my first day on the job. Yet because of the beauty, wisdom and elegant design and implementation of this Succession Plan, the work was handed off seamlessly and without too many bumps several months ago. Well, I want to use my report to give a report, not on the plan, but on the man. [Editor’s note: the original URL (link) referenced is no longer valid, so the link has been removed.]

The Bible passage that I think of when I think of my dear friend, Dr. Ric Cannada, is this one:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58

ESV).

Ric has demonstrated that in his theology, his dedication to the pastoral ministry, his dedication to preaching the Gospel, and to serving the Church of Jesus Christ. He has abounded in the work of the Lord, focusing his work, primarily—and to our joy and benefit—through the narrow channel of the ministry of RTS. His work according to St. Paul is not in vain. His labors in Christ have not only deepened the Golden Lampstands of the Church around the world, but his labors will produce an ever-increasing harvest of good Gospel fruit until that day when he sees a multitude of souls “safe in the arms of Jesus” as a result of his work among us. And the best is yet to come.

I would like, therefore, that my final report as Chancellor-elect to be a hymn, that according to his daughter, who talked to me, is Ric’s favorite. It is amazing to me that he has modeled the hymn, which reflects this passage. It is also filled with the Biblical truths of Christ that we pray will lead us forward.

Before we sing, let me give one last word about the Chancellor/CEO transition. It has been a long and GOOD flight path to land this transition. In 18 months of sitting in a “left-seat-right-seat relationship” with Ric in leadership, I have learned much. Mostly I have seen the life of Jesus Christ in the life of Ric Cannada. I have seen an example of wisdom and prayer, humility and boldness in the Gospel, and the spirit of servanthood before Christ and His Bride, the Church.

I, thus, give glory to God, thanks to the Executive Committee for your wisdom and oversight, and I want to express my gratitude to my esteemed predecessor. I cannot replace Ric. I can only follow him.

Would you stand to sing to God with me?

May the mind of Christ my Savior

Live in me from day to day,

By His love and pow’r controlling

All I do and say.

May the Word of Christ dwell richly

In my heart from hour to hour,

So that all may see I triumph

Only through His pow’r.

May the peace of Christ my Savior

Rule my life in every thing,

That I may be calm to comfort

Sick and sorrowing

May the love of Jesus fill me,

As the waters fill the sea;

Him exalting, self abasing,

This is victory.

May I run the race before me,

Strong and brave to face the foe,

Looking only unto Jesus

As I onward go.

May His beauty rest upon me

As I seek the lost to win,

And may they forget the channel,

Seeing only Him.

[Source:

http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/401#ixzz1u0LqRytg]

With prayers for every blessing on our faculty, staff, students, board, and our constituents, I am

Yours Faithfully,
Mike