Charting the Future: Don Ross
Northwest University is unique among colleges in the Pacific Northwest. No other college in our region boasts the same level and extent of relatedness to local churches that we do. Indeed, we commonly say that Northwest University is a college with the soul of a church. Whether “soul” means, as one dictionary suggests, “the animating principle, the essential element of something” or “the inspirer or moving spirit of some action, movement, etc.,” we would declare that the same principles that animate and inspire the Church—i.e. the Great Commission of the church (Matthew 28:19) as well as the Missio Humanitatis (Genesis 1:18)—enliven and motivate us as well. Since 1934, our purpose has centered on equipping students to become disciples of Jesus Christ who fulfill His mission and obey His commands. From the very beginning, we have trained both ministers and so-called “laypeople” for significant Kingdom service.
The testimony of Dr. Don Ross, team leader of the Northwest Ministry Network and its 350 churches, offers powerful witness to our continuing efforts to prepare Christians for ministry in a wide variety of professions around the world. Four generations of his family have trained at Northwest University, and he recognizes the huge particular role that we have played in the spiritual and intellectual formation of many of our region’s finest pastors. Across the lines of denomination and throughout the rich structure of the Kingdom of God among us, we rejoice in the impact of our graduates in significant service. I love to say that Northwest University graduates serve God in every time zone on the planet. We are proud of their faithfulness to God.
We think the world needs universities that always put Jesus first. When we succeed at that, we guarantee the best possible outcome for the whole world. Other universities are constantly discovering new animating principles and convictions and motivations and “truths.” Northwest will always remain committed to “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”