What's In A Name?

In the days of old, names were often used to define an individual or a community. We find multiple examples of this in the scriptures. I have wondered the same about Barclay College. Does the fact that it bears the name of Robert Barclay mean something? Does it define who she is?

According to former president Dr. Glenn Leppert the transition in name from Friends Bible College to Barclay College in 1990 was not necessarily associated with the philosophy of Robert Barclay but was more historical in nature. Dr. Leppert states that “Robert Barclay as the first theologian, or at least the first to write on behalf of the Friends, was the one thing that led the college to use his name. We also wanted someone to combine academics with spirituality and many were impressed with his quote that no amount of education could replace the work of the Spirit” (Email, May 19, 2010).

I am encouraged by this revelation for several reasons. First, I like the idea that Barclay College seeks to align herself first and foremost with the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and not with the philosophies of men. No doubt Robert Barclay was a good man and has positively impacted Friends and the Kingdom of God in some extraordinary ways but sacred literature tells us to emulate Jesus. Thank you Barclay College for your sensitivity in this matter when selecting another name.

Second, I like the dual track Barclay College follows in fulfilling her mission statement. By dual track I am referring to her emphasis on the personal work of the Holy Spirit in the academic life of the student body. I believe it is the work of the Holy Spirit which transforms lives, calls forth workers into the Kingdom and blesses the labor of Christians in their preparation and practice. To pursue academics without the unction of the Holy Spirit would not distinguish Barclay College from many other institutions nor would it adequately prepare students for engaging the demands of ministry in the 21st century.

I am excited to be joining the staff at Barclay College in the next few months. I feel honored to be a part of the narrative God is writing in Haviland Kansas. It is a new day for Barclay. In less than ten years God has raised her like a phoenix from the ashes of despair and destruction to glorify Himself and to globally resource the Evangelical Friends Church and support His Kingdom agenda in the 21st century. As Robert Barclay penned in the late 1600's, "I am confident that with God's help there is nothing that I cannot do when I have devoted myself and all that is mine to Jesus Christ" (Barclay's Apology, pg. xix). Maybe there is something in the name after all... Hmmmm ....

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian