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6 • GCU MAGAZ I NE
B Y R I C K V A C E K
Ke
e
ping
the
faith
Cover
Story
Grand Canyon Theological
Seminary focuses on
fulfilling a critical need in
churches — and the world
A
lot of spiritual words come to mind when you think
of a seminary.
Devotion.
Compassion.
Faith.
To name just three. But there’s another word that has a spirit all its
own in the seminary environment.
Focus.
It might be the most important word of all at Grand Canyon
Theological Seminary, which opened this year on a vibrant campus in a
busy city.
“We’re in this incredible moment historically where the global
culture clearly has shifted in directions that are unhealthy and, in many
ways, unfocused, and there’s this kind of groping, not sure where we’re
going,” said Dr. Jason Hiles, dean of Grand Canyon University’s College
of Theology and the Seminary. “When the world around us doesn’t know
what it’s doing, we’d better have our act together within the church.”
But this is a different type of seminary focus, and that’s what makes
it special — and it’s also why instructors and students alike are so
excited about it. There is the introspective aspect of the theological
environment, sure, but it is mixed with the opportunity to take part in
the multitude of campus events and do ministry in the community.
“It’s cool to say, ‘Hey, I go to seminary, but I go to seminary at
a university with Division I athletics, which is unique,’” said Bijan
Mahlouji, who got his Christian Studies degree from Grand Canyon
University in April and now is enrolled in the Seminary’s Master of
Divinity program.