I have an exciting announcement to share with you.
With a sense of gratitude to the Lord, I have accepted the Board of Director’s promotion to Chancellor of Phoenix Seminary. They honor me with this new role that will ensure my ability to give myself and my best ministry to Phoenix Seminary for years to come.
In my wildest imagination I could not have predicted the path of leadership that God has had for me here. I say this a lot, and I mean it: No one is as surprised as I am that God would allow me to serve Him at Phoenix Seminary in the ways He has. I have been so blessed to spend so many years in a community that I deeply love and will continue to serve.
I have been with Phoenix Seminary in some way since its inception in 1987, and I have served as President and Professor of Practical Theology for 22 years. This year I’ll be 70, and I believe that calls for a change for me and the Seminary.
As Chancellor, I will have the privilege of being freed up to do what I do best – preach and teach on behalf of the Seminary, and shepherd by building and nurturing relationships with current and new seminary partners and family members.
It is a good time for this move. We are experiencing sustained growth and a sequence of record enrollments in the student body at a time when most seminaries have been in decline. We have successfully attained 10-year accreditation from both of our agencies within the last two years, putting us on a solid path for the future. I have assembled a highly competent and cohesive faculty that is gaining recognition around the world for their efforts. I continue to love and fully support the godly servant leaders who serve on my staff. Financially, God has faithfully met our needs year after year. And this last year, He allowed me to realize the dream of leading Phoenix Seminary to its new permanent campus on Shea Blvd.
My decision to accept the appointment to Chancellor was also made with a desire for God’s best for the needs of the seminary as we look to the future. It’s time for the next generation to step up and take on the daily challenges of seminary leadership, and I am ready to provide all my support to the incoming president who will take the helm of Phoenix Seminary and navigate it into a bright future.
This has not been a sudden or quick decision. I have been discussing this move with the Board for several years. The Board actually approved this promotion in July of this least year in order to begin a purposeful, smooth, and unhurried transition. In addition to my new role, I continue to serve as President until a competent successor is called.
The good news is that I am not going anywhere – I am simply shifting roles for the sake of the seminary and my future ministry.
I want to say in closing how deeply grateful I am to the board for their trust, guidance, counsel, genuine love, and encouragement. They have proven to be both friends and wise board members.
I humbly embrace the privilege of my new role as Chancellor. And I stand ready to fully support the board in its search for the next President of Phoenix Seminary for His glory!
Always Under the Same Wing,
Dr. Darryl L. DelHousaye
President & Chancellor
February 11, 2019
