Wearing the presidential’s medallion newly placed around his neck, Dr. Bernard Bull promised to lead Concordia University in reflection of its Lutheran values while looking towards the future.
Following a list of convictions that detailed Concordia’s desire to be a faith-based bastion for educational and spiritual growth, Bull challenged himself and others push beyond those words.
“For those of you who know Concordia well, you recognize these statements already describe some of what happens here, but at the the same time, you also know that we have room to grow,” he said. “These convictions are like plants that require our ongoing care, attention and intentional tending. I look forward to engaging in that good, important gardening for many of you in the room.”
Bull’s delivered this promise as his address during his inauguration as Concordia’s 11th president at Concordia’s Friedrich Arena Oct. 22. Students, faculty, Seward community members and representatives from the Concordia system and the Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod were on hand for the occasion.
Bull said his inauguration coincides with an exciting time in Lutheran education. He said the gravity of his role is not lost on him and he hopes to continue to make Concordia a place where students not only find their calling, but become foundational members of their community.
“A Lutheran education is one devoted to deep thinking, intellectual and moral virtue, the cultivation of excellence and the skills to be used out of love for what’s many neighbors,” he said. “The result is a people who can be salt and light, regardless whether they live among those who are friend, foe or indifferent to the church’s confession.”
Bull added his responsibility may be intimidating to himself, but it’s a challenge he’s willing to embrace with faith and conviction.
“It’s an incredible honor to be serving the community of Concordia-Nebraska and one that I embrace with no small pressure of fear or trembling,” he said. “Fortunately, we have a God who can do much with little.”
To show his commitment to the cause, Bull provided a list of promises to those gathered. He vowed that Concordia would be a place where prayer is celebrated together, where history will be celebrated while keeping the need for innovation and advancement at the forefront and a community that looks outside of campus walls to expand the efforts of Lutheran ministry.
“Now is the time to deepen our resolve and commitment to growing as an intentional Lutheran community - a community of Christian scholarship, lifelong catechisis and lifelong faith formation.”
Bull acknowledged the path of success and growth is not an easy one, but one that will be guided.
“There will be troubles, uncertainties and complexities to navigate,” he said, “but by the grace of God, we will move forward with courage and conviction knowing we have a God who is with us and who is capable of immeasurably more than we can imagine.”
