The Sending Place Is Being Sent

by Timothy Howe

View over San Francisco from Golden Gate Seminary
(The photograph is from sfgate.com.)

I heard some sad news this week. My graduate school made public a decision to relocate its main campus. This decision was not made lightly. The rationale was presented clearly by the seminary president, Dr Iorg. He lays out some of the actions projected to take place during the transition period from Mill Valley to a new campus. I am encouraged by the courageous, visionary leadership that made this hard decision.

Perspective
The announcement made the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle. The photo above was the photo in the story. Of all the photos that could have been selected, this one speaks volumes. Undoubtedly, the journalist chose it because of the spectacular view. Hearing about the "view" is very normal in Marin. Houses purportedly increase in value based on the "view" and more so with each additional "view." 

Yet, the photo captures something more than I think the photographer intended. Many institutions are known for the architecture of their buildings. It would be challenging to describe Golden Gate's architectural signature. One thing that does stand out, however, is that bench. For people who have spent much time on campus, the bench in the photo will resonate deeply. It has been a place of quiet contemplation and of important decisions made. 

Looking Out
Here is one of the least valuable structures in monetary terms on campus, yet it is highly valued in great part because of the direction it faces. It looks out. It looks over the Bay to a city in need. It looks out onto a world that needs its students while not even realizing that need. How fitting that in such an important announcement about its future, the photograph used to depict the seminary does not even show the school. Instead, it captures the view "looking out."

God who sends
Golden Gate has long been known as a "Sending Place." I remember Francis Dubose discussing "God Who Sends." Many, many people have been sent from this place. We have traveled the globe, near and far. Countless numbers have heard the gospel in numerous languages, in various settings, all because one place sent them. Now it is Golden Gate that is being sent. The "sending place" is being sent into a new future. It is being sent into a more strategic location where it can make an even greater impact. The sending place recalls that our faith is based on our sending. 

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
                                              Matthew 28:19-20 HCSB

We are to make disciples as we are sent. Many of us have been sent throughout the years from this beautiful place. Now the school is relocating in order to better carry out this command. It's Golden Gate's turn to be sent.