Student-Faculty Retreat

We cancelled all of our classes this Wednesday. There were no reading assignments. No projects were due. Instead, the entire school—students and faculty—gathered together off campus to focus on our mission.

In the daily grind of class preparation, writing projects, emails, article publishing, and budget meetings it is easy to lose sight of why we do all of those things. So once per year, we put aside the books and gather to talk about what it means practically to serve God and others as a Christian lawyer.

It was--as always--a great day. We began with a time of praise and worship led by students (and Professor Brad Jacob on bass).

We then heard from two outstanding speakers. Bob Goff, litigator and founder of Restore International, inspired us with stories of how God led him to seek justice for children in Uganda. He also challenged us to be "all in" as we use our time and legal talents for Christ. Corne Bekker, professor in the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship, challenged us to die to self and become a servant as we follow Christ into Christian leadership. Both talks were passionate, inspiring, challenging, and convicting.

The day ended with two very special times. First, students shared testimonies of how God is working in and through them. Truly encouraging! Second, we finished the day with a lunch--again students and faculty together.

I can't speak for others, but the day fulfilled its purpose for me. I was refocused, inspired, and challenged. And I was reminded how glad I am to teach where I do. What a special community!

Reflections from the Inauguration

Last Saturday was a good day. Becky and I joined 7000 others outside the state capitol in Richmond to witness the inauguration of Virginia's 71st governor - and Regent Law Alumnus - Bob McDonnell. It was an exciting day to be a citizen of the Commonwealth. But it was also an exciting day to be a law professor at Regent University School of Law.

Ultimately, our school's impact will be measured largely by the careers and lives of our alumni. Will they promote justice and create a lasting legacy through their work and their character? Will they effectively lead by serving others?

I watched and listened to Governor McDonnell Saturday with great hope and confidence. Throughout his career, Governor McDonnell has been a highly effective leader. But he has not led to accumulate power and prestige to himself; he has led because he desires to serve. He is the same man in public as he is in private. He displays grace, humility, integrity, and honor. And that is just the kind of leader who will change the world.

On Saturday, Richmond was filled with hope and joy. So was I. It was a very good day.

Regent University School of Law Stands with Haiti

Regent University and the School of Law are deeply concerned for Haiti, and we join with prayers around world for its grieving and suffering people. Our sister organization Operation Blessing, which has worked extensively in the past to relieve Haiti’s ongoing hunger crisis, is already on the ground providing earthquake relief, and our university community has responded with a drive to send aid immediately.

Our concern extends to the poor and oppressed around the world. Students, alumni, and alumni-led organizations like the Jubilee Campaign spend their lives fighting for social justice, an urgent cause which our emerging Center for Global Justice and Human Rights will soon support.

We pledge to do all we can to help Haiti, and we invite you to join us with prayerful and material support.