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Dr. Granados Testimony

Dr. Granados Testimony

Dr. Alexander Granados with Dorian, his wife of 23 years.

“I resolved as a Christianwhose mind is being renewedto replace worldly knowledge, philosophies and opinions with Biblical knowledge and wisdom.”

I was born in Bogotá, Colombia and migrated to the United States when I was 10 years old. My mother was a devout Catholic that made sure her family attended mass every Sunday. She instilled in me from an early age, a love for God and the Church. I grew up wanting to be a good Catholic like her. She taught me to read the Bible and pray. 

But as I prayed and read the Bible, I began to wonder why I was not properly taught the Bible at Church. I had a lot of questions about the Word of God, but no one in the Catholic Church helped me to understand His Word. I read the Bible consistently and found that what the priests said and did was not always in agreement with the Word of God. I made several inquiries as to these contradictions, but they were not explained, instead I was discouraged from asking any more questions and told that the Bible was a difficult book to understand. Frustrated and discouraged, I stopped attending the Catholic Church.

While attending High School, a classmate invited me to go to a Wednesday Night Bible study at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA. I was immediately impressed with the teaching and decided to continue going. I was encouraged by the leadership in the Youth Ministries to get plugged in with a discipleship group and began studying the Word of God. I was hungry for God’s Word and He placed in my life, godly men that answered all my questions, from His Word.

On January 29, 1987 at a youth retreat in Catalina Island, my discipleship group leader shared the gospel with me and challenged me to repent and believe. Praise God, I understood my sin, what Christ has done, what God demands of me, counted the cost, and trusted Him. I rejoice in the reality of God’s inner working my life, producing the fruit of holiness in me. This inner transformation increasingly expressed itself in me through what I said and did, and approved or rejected. 

I resolved as a Christian, whose mind is being renewed, to replace worldly knowledge, philosophies and opinions with Biblical knowledge and wisdom through reasoning that operates in love and obedience to divinely revealed truths. I believe that every event in life is an integral lesson of God’s overall curriculum for my spiritual formation and growth.

While attending UCLA, the Lord guided me to Alpha Gamma Omega (AGO), a Christian fraternity. I lived in AGO for four years with forty Christian brothers. The fellowship and accountability was transforming. The Lord was working in my heart, as I matured in faith and life.

I got more involved at church as the College and Young Adult pastor and recognized that I love to teach and preach. I realized that although I was preparing to go to Law School, I really enjoyed ministry and my friends encouraged me to consider utilizing my gifts of administration and teaching in Christian Higher Education.

I attended The Master’s Seminary where professors like Dr. Dave Deuel and Dr. Trevor Craigen were instrumental in my biblical instruction and formation. I attended Biola University where professors like Dr. Klaus Issler, Dr. Judith Lingenfelter and Dr. Tom Steffen spiritually and professionally formed and inspired in me a passion for Christian Higher Education.

I married Dorian after seminary. She is my helpmate and gently calls me every day to be a godly man. Marriage has been for me an opportunity to recognize areas in my life where I need to grow. I praise God each day for His wonderful gift, Dorian. We have experienced God’s love and comfort through difficult trials. Dorian had surgery to deal with what doctors suspected was ovarian cancer; by God’s grace the end result was that she did not have cancer. Those were dark and lonely days that God carried us through. We have since grown in our love for God and each other. The Lord has blessed us with two adopted daughters that are a source of praise and sanctification.

A major part of my spiritual journey has obviously taken place in the Church. I’ve had the pleasure of serving God and His people in various ministries throughout the years. Key factors in my spiritual growth are the countless number of believers that I’ve ministered to and that have ministered to me. Sharing with God’s people in their birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, marital problems, problems with children, problems at work, and much more have allowed me to grow as a man and a pastor.

The Church has been a place for intimate friendships and fellowship with fellow pastors, elders and lay people. They encourage and challenge me to grow in my love for God, His Word, and His people. It is a joy to journey with people that love and accept me for who I am, but constantly admonish me to be more than who I am today. I have been blessed by the loving and sanctifying pursuit of dedicated Christians that labor to prepare me to be a good neighbor, a loyal friend, a devoted spouse, a committed church member, a dedicated employee, a loving parent, a responsible citizen, and, of greatest importance, a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. They have nurtured my God-given gifts and skills as a servant, preparing me to serve effectively in a number of life roles.

Dr. Granados shares “Philosophy of Christian Higher Education”

Dr. Granados shares “Philosophy of Christian Higher Education”

“A philosophy of Christian Higher Education affirms the intimate relationship between the supernatural and the natural, between God and human, between the body and the soul.”

Philosophy of Christian Higher Education

Alexander Granados, ThM, PhD

 

My faith journey, education, and experience inform my philosophy of Christian Higher Education. A philosophy of Christian Higher Education affirms the intimate relationship between the supernatural and the natural, between God and human, between the body and the soul. It draws from the truths based on divine revelation and human reason. I affirm the education of the total person: the intellectual, physical, affective, social, moral, aesthetic and spiritual. Therefore, its role will never be limited simply to offering Bible courses.

Christian Higher Education Affirms the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

The uniqueness of Christian higher education begins with an understanding that there is an infinite-personal God. This God has created all things for His glory [Col 1:16]. The Christian worldview affirms God’s existence and His activity in the world. Christian scholarship begins with the recognition of God’s existence and His sovereignty over creation, including man and his intellectual pursuits [Ps24:1]. The knowledge of God is the beginning of all learning [Prov 9:10].

Christian Higher Education Affirms the LORDSHIP OF CHRIST

Christian higher education is Christ-centered education. It recognizes the lordship of Christ over all of life, including every academic discipline. It affirms that all Christian scholars must bow the knee to Him and that every thought must be brought captive to Christ [2 Cor 10:5; Col 2:8]. The lordship of Christ affirms that all scholars will one day give an account for their activities, including those of an intellectual nature [Phil 2:9-11;Js 3:1].

Christian Higher Education Affirms a DISTINCTIVELY CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Recognizing that all scholarship begins from a theoretical base, namely the scholars’ worldview, Christian higher education affirms the metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological distinctives of a uniquely Christian worldview perspective. This worldview must permeate teaching and scholarship.

Christian Higher Education Affirms an EPISTEMOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

The foundation of Christian knowledge is grounded in the Scriptures. The Bible is truth [Jn 17:3] and as such provides the Christian scholar with confidence that truth is knowable. The pursuit of truth has particular meaning for the Christian scholar who has the authority of the Word of God as a foundation and basis for knowledge. The Scriptures provide epistemological certainty against the relativistic flux, non-rationality, and theoretical changes within the frameworks of our academic disciplines.

Christian Higher Education Affirms a COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

The Christian scholastic community bears a special responsibility to model excellence in our teaching, research, and service, to the broader academic community as ambassadors for Christ [2 Cor 5:20]. If our motivation for scholarship and teaching is doxological, then excellence must follow. The Christian scholar bears the responsibility to demonstrate this excellence in their academic vocation [Mt 5:16]. Our scholastic activities must bring glory to God through both the pedagogical articulation of our Christian worldview and by demonstration of professional quality and excellence in our work. The apostle Paul’s engagement in Athens at Mars Hill is especially illustrative of this principle (Acts 17:16–34).

Christian Higher Education Affirms the DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY

Christian higher education affirms the dignity and greatness of humanity as created in the image and likeness of God [Gen 1:27] and that creativity and rationality, which are essential to higher education pursuits, are both bound to the imago dei. However, mankind has fallen in revolt against God [Gen 3]. The fall has affected the totality of humanity and all aspects of personhood, including the intellect. Humanity, both corporately and individually, is in need of regeneration, restoration, and reconciliation with God. Christian higher education affirms that redemption occurs through the finished work of Christ alone, not educational betterment.

Christian Higher Education Affirms the PILLARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

The foundational trilogy of American higher education – teaching, research, and service – has special bearing on Christian higher education. The pursuit of truth and quest for knowledge (research), the dissemination and acquisition of scholarship and research by the individual, both theoretical and practical (teaching & learning), and compassionate application of truth (service & ministry), all have special meaning to the Christian scholar. The Christian academic community shares particular responsibility in light of these realities.

Dr. Alexander Granados Named President of Calvary University

Dr. Alexander Granados Named President of Calvary University

From Pastor Tom Zobrist, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Calvary University:

The Board of Trustees of Calvary University is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Alexander Granados as our new incoming President, effective January 4, 2021.

Dr. Granados comes to us with an extensive knowledge of higher education, business, fundraising, and strategic planning.  But, more importantly, we know him to be a man of great faith and humility.

We so appreciate the vast Calvary family that has prayed with us through this extensive interview process. We feel that God has answered our prayers in a most gracious manner.

We will release more information in the New Year so until then, have a blessed holiday season celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus and the great hope we have in Him in the New Year!

Rev. Tom Zobrist, Chairman of the CU Board of Trustees

Get to know Dr. Granados

Below are three recent Calvary chapels featuring Dr. Granados during the candidating process.

Calvary Hosts President’s Dinner at Loretto Campus

Calvary Hosts President’s Dinner at Loretto Campus

“Calvary is not its campus… first and foremost, it’s a place where God does redemptive work in individuals through Christ.”

Presidents Dinner attendees walked the halls of the historic Loretto campus last Thursday revisiting Calvary’s roots. For many alumni, it was a chance to relive the memories of their college experience at the campus where Calvary operated from 1967 to 1980. Nearly 150 persons attended the event and heard an address by interim president Jeff Campa, a performance by Calvary’s music group lux voces, and testimonies from alumni. Dave Allen, who assisted planning the event, said, “As a recent graduate from the Graduate school at Calvary, it was extremely gratifying to see the history on display” at the historic campus.

Gracia Burnham, who studied at the Loretto campus, shared a quote from Adoniram Judson, “There is no success without sacrifice. If you succeed without sacrifice it is because someone has sacrificed before you. If you sacrifice without success it is because someone will succeed after.” She encouraged the faculty, staff, and donors that the sacrifices they make have impact, even when they don’t see them. Alumnus Bud Jones added, “The foundation I received here is still preparing me… I have no better memories in my Christian life than the memories I have at Calvary.”

Chief Financial Officer Randy Grimm presented the annual Hand-in-Hand award, a recognition given to an organization that has blessed and served Calvary in the past year. Grimm presented this year’s award to Calvary’s Board of Trustees, “for their leadership, wisdom, and prayers in a year of great challenges.” Chairman of the Board, Tom Zobrist, said, “We do what we do because we love Calvary and we love Jesus… we want to glorify Him.”

Interim President Jeff Campa also addressed attendees, saying, “The alumni that call this place home can attest to [God’s] work in and through Calvary, and they are bearing witness to God’s faithfulness in their lives and ministry.” He added that, in the face of a difficult year, “We learned that Calvary is not its campus… first and foremost, it’s a place where God does redemptive work in individuals through Christ. For 88 years, God has used people just like you, organizations just like yours to sustain this work, and for that, we are ever grateful.”

Interim President Jeff Campa addresses attendees.

Touring the room where chapel was held.

Fred Hendricks shares how his time at Calvary impacted him.

Calvary students served the meal catered by Affordable Elegance.

Presidential Search Committee Interviewing Candidates

Presidential Search Committee Interviewing Candidates

Board encouraged by the quality of candidates

Calvary’s Presidential Search Committee has vetted several candidates and progressed to a phase of interviews. Vic Borden, member of Calvary’s Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Presidential Search Committee, outlined what they are looking for in a president: “The prospective candidate must agree with the CU doctrinal statement unreservedly.  Additionally, the Committee and Board will be considering the candidates’ spiritual life, integrity, education, experience, character, people skills, etc.”

Borden said the search committee is working from a narrowed group of applicants, and “there are interviews pending with three candidates, with more to follow.” He added, while the quantity of candidates is small, “there is profound quality in the group.”

Once the interviews are completed, the Committee will make recommendations to the Board, and the Board will make the decision of offering the position. Borden said, despite the long process of vetting candidates through their personal and professional references, the Committee is progressing quickly. He pointed out that, “in order to do as thorough a job as possible, time is needed.” Overall, he and Chairman of the Board Tom Zobrist agreed, “It’s going very well, especially in light of the high quality of candidates the Committee has received.”

Presidential Search Committee Interviewing Candidates

Lead With Compassion (A Statement from Interim President Jeff Campa)

By Jeff Campa  

Interim President
Calvary University

The mission of Calvary University is to “Prepare Christians to live and serve in the church and in the world according to the Biblical worldview.” Our faculty and staff are committed to teaching and demonstrating this in the classroom and beyond as God gives us opportunity.  

Our nation (and our church!) is grappling with the upheaval brought about by the tragic death of George Floyd and equally tragic violent protests born out of anger and frustration.  As we seek to regain our personal and national equilibrium, I encourage us to do so considering the Biblical worldview.   

The Biblical worldview condemns racism.  

The Biblical worldview condemns abuse of power.  

The Biblical worldview condemns injustice.  

The Biblical worldview condemns unlawfulness.   

Unfortunately, it is painfully obvious that in this fallen world racism, brutal abuse of power, and injustices of every kind are daily realities. If we care to learn, history will teach us another unfortunate lesson: those of us who have not personally experienced racism, abuse, and injustice come to believe they are not daily realities in the lives of others. How does the Biblical worldview teach us to navigate such disparity in experience and understanding?   

The Biblical worldview demonstrates love.  

The Biblical worldview demonstrates grace.  

The Biblical worldview demonstrates patience.  

The Biblical worldview demonstrates mercy.  

During personal and cultural turmoil related to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire the Biblical author Jude teaches us to demonstrate compassion toward those who are uncertain (Jude 22). Whether we question that a problem actually exists or that change is a real possibility, we are uncertain. What is compassion’s role in this dynamic? Compassion listens so it can understand, not just respond. Compassion speaks so it can provide hope, not just prove a point. And when compassion does speak, it speaks the truth in love not pride.   

As we emerge out of social distancing restrictions and can resume “going to church” may we all be more excited about “being the church” by demonstrating love, grace, patience, and mercy. Let us lead through these uncertain times with compassion.  

Jeff Campa  
Interim President 
Calvary University