Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

Alumni News                                                               
I would like to introduce one of our newest Alumni, Noah Filipiak.  About three years ago, Noah and his wife Jennifer started a new church (church plant) in the Lansing area, while he started attending seminary, at the same time. I remember Noah and Jennifer participating in Noah’s first seminary course, Church Planting I. I remember thinking, “This couple gets it! They are going to be a great church planting team, while facing a very tough situation. They defined reality. And, while there were many fears, they trusted God through their tears.” Their story is no longer a memory, it is a reality. They not only “get it”, they are doing it and doing well.

Recently, Noah was kind to send the following note. I want to share a portion of his journey with you.

Hi Doug, I can't wait to be done with school [Seminary] … only because I am itching to go full-bore into my pastoral/missional duties as a pastor/church planter out in Lansing.  Balancing the tasks of student and pastor over the last 3 years, while being very rewarding, has also been a stressor and burden on my schedule.  I'm excited to graduate because it will free up my time to really take my pastoral ministry to another level.

I wanted to let you know I have greatly appreciated my time at GRTS.  I am very thankful for making the decision to begin attending, and to see it through.  The things I have learned have already greatly benefited me in ministry, and I know that these things, as well as the learning-patterns that have been developed in me, will continue to greatly benefit my ministry in the future.  A long time ago as I was considering auditing the church planting classes, you convinced me to give seminary a try and enroll.  I thank you for this….  My views of seminary have changed greatly since our first conversation back in the fall of 2005. 

Have a good weekend,
-Noah

We have many seminarians like Noah, who are fully engaged in ministry while taking courses. That was my experience nearly 30 years ago. My wife Donna and I look back and ask, “How did we do it?” The only answer is the grace, strength and goodness of God. So, “To God Be the Glory” for men and women, like Noah and Jennifer.

Doug Fagerstrom
Seminary President