Over two and a half millennia ago Heraclitus the Greek philosopher of Ephesus stated the obvious,  

“Everything changes and nothing remains still . . . you cannot step twice into the same stream.”

I don’t know enough about Heraclitus (a.k.a. the “weeping philosopher”) to know if he was lamenting the relentlessness of change and longing for the past, or if he celebrated change for introducing newness, fresh challenges, and progress. Would he prefer a murky pond to the fresh cool flowing water of a stream? I wonder.

With respect to recent developments in Boxford, change in our case signals progress and the beginning of a whole new chapter. In case you haven’t already heard, Frank has accepted Biblical Seminary’s invitation to become their 4th president.

After spending several days on Biblical’s campus in Hatfield just outside of Philadelphia, Frank was clearly inspired by what he’d seen.

“After interacting with the board, faculty, staff, and students, I’m convinced that Biblical is unlike any seminary I have known. The missional vision is a game changer and I want to be a part of this. I am especially thankful for the leadership of President Dave Dunbar who has blazed the missional path at Biblical Seminary. Carolyn and I are looking forward to joining the Biblical community as we Follow Jesus to Hatfield.”

You can read Biblical Seminary’s full announcement here and also their Statement of Convictions which explains why Frank is so enthusiastic about assuming this new post. 

The move to Pennsylvania brings us full circle, for that’s where we lived for the first seven years of our marriage, where I took an unexpected detour from ministry into software development, where Frank launched into doctoral studies, and where our daughter Allison was born. We’re looking forward to returning to our old stomping ground and rekindling old friendships. We’re especially excited that this move puts us within driving distance to my cousin Karen, her husband Tommy, and their family.

One change is certain NOT to happen—for no move yet has managed to dislodge Frank from his undying loyalty to his beloved Dallas Cowboys. I, however, am more fickle and have every intention of switching from the Red Sox to being an avid Phillies fan . . . again.

Next on our to-do list is getting our Boxford house ready to sell, putting it on the market, and praying the recent positive reports of the improving housing market is for real.

Frank officially begins his duties as Biblical’s fourth president on July 1.