One of the most pivotal and intriguing moments in human history took place in mid-15th century Germany. I have always wondered what it would have been like to be there for the Gutenberg moment, when the printing press made its dramatic entry into the world. Everything changed.
Once the printing press was invented, making mass production of books possible, the revolution we know as the Reformation was only a question of when, where, and who? When and where would it burst forth? Who would be the key players?
The world is in the midst of a similar “Gutenberg moment” when everything changes. The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly accelerated the revolutionary shift to an online, digital world. Everything has changed and nowhere more so than in education. From grad schools to grade schools, there has been a frantic rush to adapt to online learning.
We did not know the pandemic was coming, but God did. We believe He providentially prepared us for this moment. We have been on the cutting edge of online education for years, pioneering the live-streaming of classes in “real time” to students both here and abroad in order to reach as many as possible.
Here at SES we believe our digital-first approach is our “Gutenberg moment.”
AN IMMERSIVE DIGITAL CAMPUS EXPERIENCE
This past fiscal year saw a 59% increase in new applications and a 54% increase in new student enrollments and shows no signs of slowing down. We believe this is merely a harbinger of a flood-tide of new students if we can find the resources to meet this need. The responses from our students to our digital campus experience have been very affirming. Students tell us that the live-streaming format accentuates professor availability, class discussions, and online forums with fellow classmates.
Our newly added Digital Theological Library gives our students access to over 650,000 eBooks, over 35,000 journal titles, over 50 million peer-reviewed articles, and much more. Additional resources are currently being added to our digital campus that will further facilitate the spiritual growth and educational experience of SES students.
We are greatly expanding our digital footprint both here and abroad. More and more students now attend SES from all across the world, from places like Jordan, New Zealand, and South Africa. Many of these students, especially from abroad, cannot afford even our very modest tuition. Please, prayerfully consider partnering with us to meet these compelling needs so that together we can train up even more apologists, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for His Kingdom’s sake.
REDEEMING THE TIME
Thank you for your support in helping us to meet this unprecedented opportunity and to “redeem” it for God’s Kingdom (Eph. 5:16). We know that God put SES here to serve students and to serve His church. We are seeking to be responsive to the needs and to maximize the number of men and women who can avail themselves of our integrated approach to theology, philosophy, and apologetics via our immersive digital campus. Yes, it has been a difficult year for so many, but we hope and pray you are as excited as we are to seize this moment in history and claim it for God’s glory.
In His service,
Dr. Richard D. Land, SES President