Rev. Julius Medenblik came to Synod 2010 as a delegate from Classis Chicago South—and left as the next president of Calvin Theological Seminary.
Synod approved Medenblik’s nomination at the end of an hour-long, wide-ranging interview before delegates, members of his congregation, family, and many other observers.
He will take office in August 2011.
Medenblik, 49, is founding pastor of New Life Christian Reformed Church, a congregation he planted in New Lenox, Ill., that has grown to 700 members with three worship services.
Before entering the ministry, he had a brief career in civil law in Florida. He is a graduate of Trinity Christian College, the University of Florida Law School, and Calvin Theological Seminary.
During the interview, which was conducted by Rev. Cal Hoogendoorn and included questions from delegates, Medenblik spoke about his life, his family, his ministry, his law background, and his vision for the seminary.
“My greatest hope is that we would train leaders and pastors who are committed to the history of Christianity, who are theologically astute, who are warm in their hearts, and who are mission-oriented,” he said.
The health of the Christian Reformed Church and the health of the seminary are directly related, Medenblik said, and they need to be in constant dialogue and conversation.
One great challenge facing the denomination and the seminary, he said, is staying rooted in a strong Reformed heritage while effectively reaching out to a world that needs to know God better.
“God is seeking to build communities of faith that reflect his heart,” Medenblik said.
Delegates gave Medenblik a standing ovation as the interview ended, then rose again to shout their unanimous approval as the motion to affirm his nomination was made.
Following a benediction and prayer, Medenblik was joined on the floor of synod by his wife, Jackie, for greetings from delegates and friends.
“This is a joyous moment—to see the Spirit of God at work,” synod president Rev. Aldon Kuiper said.
