Dr. Jim Lo, Dean of Chapel for eight years, announced he will leave the position after this semester. He disclosed this information publicly in chapel April 1. Starting fall 2015, he will be teaching full time in the School of Theology and Ministry.
Lo explained his reasoning in a special statement to The Sojourn. Here is the full statement below, sent via email:
There are times God asks us to do things that do not make sense, but as Sovereign God He knows what He is doing. During the winter break in my journal I wrote that a true follower should be willing to surrender all to God … to include pride, position, possessions, praises of men, etc. When the possibility of the STM [School of Theology and Ministry] was presented to me, my pride kicked in. My thinking went something like this; “I like the title of dean … and I like some of the authority it gives to me.”
I could have stayed on as DoC. I wanted to hold onto this position for two more years; it was an issue of pride … to be able to say that I had been DoC for 10 years.
But the Lord has been working on my heart. I am trying to learn what it really means to “surrender oneself to God” even when what He asks me to do may not make much sense to me.
Another thought that I believe comes from God is this: any time He asks us to make a change, it is for our good, but I sense it is also because there is an individual or individuals He wants us to minister to. I may never know who that person is as I enter into full time teaching, but I look forward to eternity when God may reveal to me the one I was able to help in a significant way.
We have heard the words of Jeremiah many times: “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.. plans to prosper you and not to harm you … plans to give you hope and a future.” I love these words of promise. … I do not just want to have these words memorized in my head. I want to live them out for God’s glory.
He also provided the full transcript of his chapel announcement from April 1. Read it below, along with some added comments:
The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote, “There is a time for everything … and a season for every activity under heaven.”
For the past eight years, the activities the Lord has allowed me the privilege to be a part of have been those which have centered around the responsibilities of being the Dean of the Chapel. My life has been sharpened, blessed and challenged in this role. My office, if it had ears, has heard the sounds of hearty laughter, spiritual advice and counsel being given, and many prayers being lifted up on behalf of the needs of this university. It has also witnessed the shedding of many tears, numerous “hi-5’s”, as well as many hugs given to encourage. On a personal level, the DoC role has caused me to understand the important place of prayer in ministry and leading. When many voices would come my way, I sought to sharpen my ability to listen to and hear the voice of the Great I AM… for Him to give needed guidance and grace. This position has helped me to connect with God in deeper ways than ever before.
I have also been immensely blessed by those I have had the joy of serving with … the DoC staff of Sue Wampner (my assistant who has served as my trusted advisor and faithful prayer support), Jennifer Martin (our fabulous chapel coordinator, known by worship leaders as “mom” because of her caring heart and listening ear), Dr. Michael Dennis (who gives wonderful direction to our worship teams, both spiritually and musically), Phil Huber (who, with his team of student workers, all of whom model what it means to be servants of God, provide the technical support of chapel), Kristen Willey (a grad assistant also serving as our outreach coordinator) and Charlie Alcock (our lead chaplain, a stupendous encourager and a dear friend) as well as student chaplains and student outreach coordinators. I have found fulfillment and satisfaction serving this academic community. I want to thank the many of you who have shown great patience and kindness as I have sought to serve.
Ecclesiastes reminds us, “There is a season for every activity…”
Seasons have a beginning and seasons have an ending. And seasonal endings need not be interpreted as being something that is negative, since they can have a way of opening the door of new beginnings … and with God, new beginnings can be the springboard for greater blessings, more exciting adventures and deeper, meaningful ministries.
Yes, there is a sadness that comes with endings, but there is also a sense of excitement one can have as one anticipates entering into a new season.
God is allowing the season I have had as Dean of the chapel to come to an end, allowing me to then walk into a another new and wonderful season.
When I took on this role I knew that one day I would be back in the classroom, teaching. As one person put it, “to enter back into the sweet spot of your ministry and spiritual gifting”. The School of Theology and Ministry had approached me towards the front-middle part of the Spring semester about coming on board to teach full time…and after much prayer and counsel and affirmation from trusted friends and confirmation from the Spirit of God, I have accepted their invitation to do so. Dr. Keith Newman has also asked that I would still serve this community in a pastoral-care role, praying and promoting prayer among those within this community: being an encourager, a resource and cheer-leader for the next Dean of the Chapel, representing IWU at different events and continuing to serve on the residential cabinet. Thus, I am announcing to you that at the end of this semester the DoC season of my life will be coming to an end, with me then entering a new season of teaching and caring. As the song we just sang stated, “I see the King of Glory” in all of this.
I want to thank you for the privilege you have afforded me to serve you these past few years as Dean of the chapel. My life has been blessed and sharpened by You.
Added thoughts (from Lo to The Sojourn):
I love the students at IWU. So many of them have ministered to my heart with words of encouragement and hugs of support and prayers for strength during these past eight years. In a way, even those who have sent messages that were not as gracious were used by God to minister to me; causing me to realize that I am truly a weak vessel that can only be truly useful for God when empowered and equipped by His Spirit.
I needed to be reminded of this reality over and over. Therefore, I want to thank the IWU community for being used by God to touch and bless my life. My prayer and hope has been that even though I know I am weak and “frail”, God has been able to use me to draw at least a few who are a part of IWU community closer to the heart of God.
The above statements are published in their entirety, with only a few grammatical edits.
