Spring 2022 08 A Vision to Teach and Steward Cedarville Welcomes Dr. Nathan Harris By Kathryn McDonald This semester Cedarville welcomed Dr. Nathan Harris to two jobs. He is an assistant professor in the School of Biblical and Theological Studies and the senior director of Annual Giving in Advancement. It’s a unique role that allows him to divide his time between teaching and overseeing the stewardship of annual donations to Cedarville’s funds. “My expectations of joy have been exceeded,” Harris said of his first three months. For the last five-and-a-half years, Harris and his family lived and served in Kansas City, Missouri, where he completed his seminary training at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While studying, he also served in a similar advancement role. Harris said that, about two years ago, God began calling him toward a ministry to college students as a professor, in addition to his role in encouraging, giving and stewarding. It seemed like an impossible dream until the door opened at Cedarville for him to serve both as a professor and a member of the Advancement team. “It’s been a wonderful transition and time for me to really serve in both of the things I feel the Lord has called me to do,” Harris said. “Though my wife and I were praying about what could be next and where the Lord could be leading us, we never thought an opportunity to do this, to do exactly what I want to do, would be there.” Harris has a unique perspective on the role that he plays on campus. As he interacts with donors, he reminds himself daily of his calling. “I am constantly reminded of the Lord has called me to uniquely invite donors to participate in the vision and mission that the Lord is doing at Cedarville,” Harris said. “I feel very passionate about telling donors the Cedarville story and sharing with them how are we uniquely positioned to aid students in standing upon the Word of God and testimony of Jesus Christ but also integrate their faith in learning.” Harris explained that for Christians, giving is rooted in the gospel. “We give because we have received,” he said. “Gospel generosity is the life of a Christian.” Through the gospel, we see a reorientation of our desires to be generous with our resources for the glory of God. Radical generosity is a gift of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life. Our knowledge as believers of God’s sufficiency produces contentment which allows us to be bold in doing many things for the one who meets all our needs. Though Harris’ ministry is engaged in stewarding the financial gifts of donors, the radical generosity that should characterize a believer extends beyond finances to time and talents as well. Good stewardship opens opportunities for God’s people to serve the King and his kingdom. “Everything we have is because the Lord has given it to us,” Harris said. “So, we are stewarding the Lord’s resources. How can we steward those well and make kingdom impact? How can we take our resources – whether that’s time, talent or treasure – and honor the King and impact the kingdom with those things?” Harris’ friend since 2015, Dr. Ronni Kurtz, commented on how he has seen gospel generosity take shape in Harris’ life. “Nathan’s vision for generosity is helpful because it’s more kingdom focused,” Kurtz said. “It’s not just generosity – it’s a generosity that wants to make a significant kingdom impact.” The impact Harris desires to make for the kingdom also extends to the classroom, where he aims to use his platform to teach his students how their faith can impact their vocation. Not all students are at Cedarville to study the Bible, but that shouldn’t stop them from seeking to know, love and serve Jesus, both now and later as they pursue careers to the glory of God. Harris hopes that the knowledge students gain in their training here at Cedarville will inform Nathan Harris splits his time between teaching Bible classes and raising money for Cedarville.
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