Inauguration of Lewis R. Shelton
From Pastor to President
By Alycia Scheidel – Student Journalist
The general mood in the packed gymnasium was one of eager anticipation. People of all ages had gathered together to witness one man’s crowning achievements. The orchestra slowly begins to play, a sweet melodic hymn of ancient days, All Creatures of our God and King. Slowly enters a proud procession of board members, faculty, and various dignitaries of other organizations, all wearing colorful floor length gowns of reds, blues, and blacks. Trailing the procession is President Lew Shelton, decked in a black robe with a crimson lining. He makes his way onto the stage along with a dozen other members of significant importance to the Bethany community. Looking out across the wave of viewers were expressions of pride and looks of excitement for the future. President Shelton’s own face was radiant with joy and humble anticipation. Following an opening prayer and speech by Dr. Tom Powell, V.P. of Academics, the choir and audience begin to sing the hymn; My Faith Looks Up to Thee. Then a number of speeches are presented in honor of the “President Elect”. Several letters are read in turn, written by close friends and colleagues. “It requires faith, fortitude, and an institution like Bethany in days like these,” reads one of the letters. Another states: “The Lord will use you in a productive way to the students.” Each letter is filled with gratitude, hope, and the prayers of individuals all over the world, who hold Bethany’s best interests in mind.
Following these speeches is a performance by Bethany’s musical troop the Ambassadors. The 10-member group proves climatic with their buoyant music and uplifting lyrics. After more words of encouragement the members of the board lay hands on the President and pray for God’s guidance in his life. This moment is the emotional and spiritual pinnacle of the entire ceremony. A quick glance to the audience proves that many are in tears, and others have their own hands stretched out, as a prayer escapes their own lips on behalf of the new President. To see grown men and women in such vulnerability is moving to the heart. It is a vulnerability that only the power of a living, breathing God could invoke. After the prayers, President Lew Shelton is presented the “Medallion of the President” by Rev. Jim Braddy, NCN District Superintendant. Braddy ends this scene by jovially proclaiming, “You the man!” which brings the audience to a roar. Several more congratulations are given, including one by Dr. Sharon Anderson, V.P. of Student Affairs, and another by David Nisthal, Student Body President, before President Shelton himself addresses the audience. “I don’t know if I’ve been this nervous since the night before I was married,” he says, extracting more chuckles from his audience. Coming from Weed, California, President Shelton attended college here at Bethany and then earned his Master’s Degree at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri. Following his schooling, he went on to pastor for forty years. Reflecting on that thought the now President Shelton declared, “It is a humbling thing indeed to realize the sovereign hand of God on your life, directing you to a ministry you never dreamed you would know, to do a job you question your ability to do, yet with a sense of assurance and confidence that you are the individual He has chosen to use.” The hope that President Shelton delivered struck a strong chord with everyone who attended his inauguration. He spoke of joining together and of the amazing miracles that could take place if all Christian churches could put aside their minor disagreements, and join together under one banner. President Shelton ends his inaugural speech with high emotions and intense aspirations for a better future. The choir begins to sing Hallelujah, Amen, setting the mood for one of ample victory, and slowly the newly appointed President and his wife, Margaret, make their way down the red carpet, towards a greater and brighter future than Bethany University has ever seen.
Congratulations to the President on behalf of the newspaper staff here at Bethany University.