Nazarene Theological Seminary

On Thursday April 14, Dr. Ronald P. Benefiel, President of Nazarene Theological Seminary, announced his resignation (effective June 30, 2011) to the Seminary’s Board of Trustees.  Dr. Benefiel has served NTS as President since July 1, 2000. 

In his report to the Trustees, Benefiel indicated that his wife, Janet, had recently been diagnosed with cancer.  As a result, they decided together that it was necessary to move back to Southern California to be near their children and family.  Dr. Benefiel has accepted a faculty position in and appointment as Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University, effective July 1, 2011.

“Janet and I dearly love the Seminary; our eleven years here have been some of the best years we have known in our life together in ministry,” shared Benefiel.  “We love the Seminary's mission and the role it plays in the life of the Church.  But most of all, we love the NTS community; the faculty, staff and students have become our friends; we will miss them.  We have great confidence in those who will continue to lead NTS in the decisions and opportunities that lie ahead.  As we look to the future, we are thankful for the invitation to return to the PLNU community and take up our new responsibilities there.  In and through all of these challenging days, we know the grace and mercy of God, and the hope of the resurrection, more closely and fully than ever.  And we are thankful.”

According to Dr. Jeren Rowell, Chair of the NTS Board of Trustees, “The Board of Trustees is deeply grateful for the exemplary leadership of our President these eleven years.  Dr. Benefiel has led a dramatic re-visioning of the Seminary in terms of new systems for the delivery of our excellent theological education.  NTS is now a leader among the Association of Theological Schools in creative collaborations that are made possible by our system of Nazarene higher education.  The Board wishes Ron and Janet Benefiel God's blessing in every way, and calls upon the Church to pray for the selection of the Seminary’s new leader."

When recently asked to share the identifying “high point” of the President’s work, Trustees, faculty, staff and students overwhelmingly cited Dr. Benefiel’s leadership in developing the Multi-Campus Seminary, noting that he had been especially effective in imagining a future where NTS would partner with denominational universities and colleges in providing graduate theological education.  Benefiel’s leadership and work at NTS also include the growth of the Seminary from a stand-alone building to a 25-acre campus.  Additionally, NTS has significantly increased the scope of its focus from primarily North America to working to resource the Church globally.       

As per the Seminary’s bylaws, the Board of Trustees has appointed a Search Committee that is already at work, in conjunction with the Board of General Superintendents, to elect a new President.

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