News
Fagerstrom Releases 14th Book
Oct 23, 2009
Dr. Douglas Fagerstrom, president of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary (GRTS), recently released The …
Cultural Intelligence
Sep 19, 2009
Leading with Cultural Intelligence by Dr. David Livermore NOW AVAILABLE! How do you lead with cultural …
Douglas L. Fagerstrom, D.Min.
Grand Rapids Theological Seminary of Cornerstone University is a graduate theological school, fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). With high standards of academic excellence, GRTS equips ministry leaders for global service to current and future generations. I recently told a group of new students, "Lost people and the church of Jesus Christ are counting on you to finish well." God has created us as His workmanship to do good work. We have a good work to do, and we have a great God who has gone ahead of us.
Through the Global Learning Center, you will encounter what God is doing around the world, often apart from Western intervention. Your encounter at GRTS will likely be transformative, as you see how God's glory is displayed among the nations and reconsider our role as the people of a missional God. Through the ministry residency program, you will refine your calling as a Christian leader as you extend your theological training into ministry environments. Students integrate their biblical and theological studies with life-on-life ministry. Over four semesters, you will be mentored by a seasoned ministry leader, providing opportunities for you to develop in your character and ministry competencies.
Your journey will lead you through both testaments of the Bible, the history of Christian thought, 
ancient and modern cultures, and diverse forms of ministry. Along the way, you will encounter godly men and women. They are here to model the life of Christ and Christian ministry. Some will be students, faculty and staff, others will be leaders in local ministry. They are my friends, and they will become yours. Enjoy and celebrate their role in your life. I know you will be challenged spiritually, intellectually, and sometimes emotionally. Remember that, "God is at work in you, both to will and do His good pleasure." You matter to God, and you matter to us. I have already prayed for you, and I would value the opportunity to meet you and put a name and face with my prayer. Please email me if I can answer any questions that you have.
Serving Jesus Christ with you,
Doug Fagerstrom, D. Min
President of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary
Personal
Married to Donna since 1972. As a devoted, loving partner, Donna is a dynamic worship leader and sought as a mentor by ministry wives. Doug and Donna have one daughter, Darci, born in 1979, who is married and currently serves as the Alumni Director at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. The family loves boating, traveling, sharing in ministry and Starbucks.
Education
B.A., Cornerstone University (majors: communication arts and Bible; minors: music and drama; Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges); M.A. in Religious Education, Bethel Theological Seminary (St. Paul, MN); D.Min., Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (Chicago). Dissertation: "Creating a Contextual Mentorship in the Local Church."
Publications Authored, Co-Authored or Edited
- The Volunteer, BMH, 2009
- The Ministry Staff Member, Zondervan, 2006.
- Dramas with a Message, Vol 5, Kregel, 2002. (Educational Book of the Year, 2002)
- Dramas with a Message, Vol 1, Kregel, 1999.
- Baker Handbook of Single Adult Ministry, Baker Book House, 1997.
- Worship and Drama Library, Vol 14, Lillian's, 1996.
- Counseling Single Adults, Baker Book House, 1996.
- Single to God, Baker Book House, 1994.
- Single Adult Ministry: The Next Step, Victor Books, 1993.
- The Lonely Pew, Baker Book House, 1993.
- Single to Single, Victor Books, 1991.
- Singles Ministry Handbook, Victor Books, 1988.
Ministry and Teaching Positions
Doug served in full-time ministry positions since 1973 as a youth pastor, minister of music, single adult pastor, pastor of adult ministries and executive pastor. Churches served: Dalton Baptist Church, MI; Mission Hills Baptist Church, CO; Wooddale Church, MN; Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI.
Doug and Donna have participated as keynote speakers and workshop leaders at many conferences, retreats, church ministries and Sunday school conventions. Doug served as adjunct professor at three colleges and one seminary, teaching: discipleship, education, leadership, church planting and creative communication courses. Trained and/or coached over 50 church planters since 2000, and led the Network of Single Adult Leaders as Executive Director for 12 years. Served as Adjunct Faculty, Cornerstone University, 1991-1997; Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 1999-2003. President of GRTS, 2003 - present.
Ordination and Awards
Ordained in 1982 at Woodale Church, MN. A 1989 recipient of the Who's Who in American Christian Leadership, a 1991 recipient of Who's Who in Religion and named the 2009 Bethel Seminary alumnus of the year.
