Faithful Leadership for the Common Good: Gordon’s Eighth President Delivers Inaugural Speech

The afternoon of Friday, September 16th, members of the Gordon community congregated on the sun-lit quad for the installation ceremony of Gordon’s eighth president, D. Michael Lindsay. Students and professors had the day free of classes so they could participate in the full day of events, which included a symposia and worship service in the morning, the robing ceremony in the afternoon, and a concert featuring Sara Groves in the evening. However, the installation service at 2:00 was the main event.

The ceremony commenced with a processional, accompanied by Gordon’s Wind Ensemble. Faculty members stopped and greeted students and friends beside them in the crowd. Many joined in singing hymns such as Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee and Be Thou My Vision before Dr. Nathan O. Hatch, President of Wake Forest University, delivered a speech. The Gordon College Choir gave a performance of Here I am, Lord before Gordon’s sixth and seventh presidents, Dr. Richard F. Gross and Dr. R. Judson Carlberg respectively, presented D. Michael Lindsay with the presidential medallion.

Finally, Lindsay stepped to the podium to deliver his inaugural address, entitled “Faithful Leadership for the Common Good.” He launched the speech lightly, making jokes about his struggles driving in Boston and his unpreparedness for the fickle weather. The rest of the speech focused on three main imperatives for Gordon: to expand the intellectual horizons of young people, and thus Global Christianity; to deepen faith and fully serve the Lord; and to elevate contribution to students, the community, and Gordon as an institution.

“I’m convinced that ‘good enough’ never is,” said Lindsay. “Going forward, if Gordon has been doing X, I want us to do X-squared.”

Lindsay ended the speech recognizing three people who have influenced and inspired him to take on this task as Gordon’s president. He reminded the audience that change is the process of individual efforts working together for a common mission.

“I pledge to do everything in my power to guide and equip the next generation of Christian leaders with a framework of faithfulness as they influence cultures throughout the world,” said Lindsay. “And I trust you will join me in this effort.”

The ceremony commenced with How Great Thou Art: a reminder that Gordon College cannot fulfill any mission without God’s help.