A Letter From the Dean

Beloved Truett Family,

I came to serve at Baylor’s Truett Seminary in the summer of 2003 as an untenured Associate Professor of Christian Scriptures to teach classes in New Testament and Greek. Over the course of twenty-two years, I have been blessed beyond measure to be a part of a Seminary that exists to equip God-called men and women for gospel ministry in and alongside the Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. I find it difficult to imagine doing anything else or to being involved in any ministry more meaningful and impactful for time and eternity.

I still remember when it was announced that Truett would begin to publish in concert with Baylor a yearly newsmagazine and that it would be called The Cord. I thought to myself and indicated to others that I viewed this as an excellent name for Truett’s yearly news publication. The well-known line from Ecclesiastes 4:12 (“A three-fold cord is not easily broken”) sprang immediately to mind and still does. This edition of The Cord notes and reflects upon any number of cords and threads that bless and bind together our Seminary. I trust that you will read it cover to cover and relish every minute of it. 

Those who know me—and have heard me teach and preach—also know that I am especially fond of Christian music, both traditional and contemporary. (Much of) it moves and ministers to me. Growing up, I remember singing a simple chorus that doubled as a prayer: “Bind us together,” the song stated, “Bind us together, with cords that cannot be broken. Bind us together, please bind us together with cords, cords of love.” It was a good prayer then; it is a good prayer now. 

No less memorable for me is the much older song that was often sung at the conclusion of communion services and fellowship gatherings over the years: “Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”

There is much that binds us together as a Truett Seminary family, not least our common commitment to Jesus Christ and his loving Lordship. May that tie—and much else—continue to bind us in the days and years ahead.

Yours in friendship and fellowship,

Todd D. Still, PhD
Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean
William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures