Mark P. Pritchard
College of Business
Central Washington University
During the rough & tumble of academic life, few things loom larger than tenure. In the natural scheme of things denial can mean a rather swift downward spiral. Yet as Christ’s profess-ors, we believe there is a higher authority at work in the challenges we face; that our God is more than able to bring about good (Romans 8:28).
A Flashing Red Light
My testing of this began with a flashing red light on my phone. I’d just returned from our monthly Christian Faculty luncheon at Arizona State, where a campus ministry team (Ben & Sarah) and I had prayed for His clear direction on whether I should accept invitations to interview at other institutions.
Following up that red light found me in the Dean’s office the next week. “We’re sorry” he said, “but there is no support here for your file.” Three strikes (department, college & dean) confirmed that I was headed somewhere new. I can only say that at his words (and later with my chair) I not only felt a great peace but a growing sense of excitement. Aslan , it seemed, was on the move.
With interviews at all four points of the compass, the search lasted 18 months. Yet like Paul, how I navigated this journey would also be important. How would I respond when snake bit? My colleagues had endured ugly dismissals before and were watching to see what tack I would take (Acts 28:4).
Even with a strong conviction of Christ’s hand at work in the matter, this would prove a greater struggle than I realized. First there was the desire to vindicate, next the temptation to elicit sympathy from my peers. Nevertheless I knew I’d prayed, asked for His plan, said I’d trust Him, and now was wrestling with this cross.
My Definition Of Success
I must confess to being proud of working at an R1. Surely this arena is where God would want to establish me. “Lord, what haven’t I surrendered?” I asked one day. His voice, cool & steady replied, “You need to surrender your definition of success.”
Although bit I survived, but with a course correction (and I might add a promotion, bonus, and a beautiful spot to live). Unlike Paul I wobbled through the whole experience wondering, doubting. Yet, coming to realize where my loyalty must lie; becoming more determined that my professional life should remain bent to His larger purpose (Galatians 2:20). Trusting Him even when things jostle my presuppositions of what living for Him might mean.
“For it is for this that we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers” (1 Timothy 4:10).
© 2007 Mark Pritchard Used by permission of Faculty Commons