by Tony van der Hiele

Training up leaders for ministry is at the core of what we do at the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary & College. As such, staff and faculty invite students into something more than just academic learning: an ongoing journey of drawing closer to God. That’s why, at the beginning of the fall semester, one entire week is dedicated to this cause. Spiritual Emphasis Week stands as an intentional pause in the day-to-day schedule, a time to purposely realign with God and His Word through daily chapel services, where everyone can drink in what God has to say.  

This year’s speaker has a resume that includes not one, but two doctoral degrees. Dr. Jamie Dew is the President of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Professor of Christian Philosophy, and an exceptional speaker. His journey of learning and leadership is inspiring and deeply grounded in faith. Rob Blackaby, President of CBT, touched on the similarities between the social-cultural contexts of New Orleans and Canada as he introduced Dr. Dew, observing how students at both schools are preparing for ministry in tough places. As such, he continues, “We are incredibly honoured to have him share his heart with the student community for Spiritual Emphasis Week 2025!”  

With wisdom, humility, and a longing for his audience to draw nearer to the Lord, Dr. Dew walked the group through the Psalms, kicking off the first session with the rich content of Psalm 1. Cautioning everyone not to put their faith on autopilot, he inspired them to pursue God and live a life that flourishes in union with Him. In the next session, he went through the well-known twenty-third Psalm and explained that God is always enough. As such, he challenged the room to examine what truly compels them in life. On day three of SEW, Dr. Dew led the group through Psalm 90 and asked, “How do we make our life count? Is it through the ways the world celebrates or through the ways of God?” The last session covered the plethora of truths found in Psalm 139. Whatever happens in life, God is not indifferent nor is He distant. He is all-knowing, all-caring, and all-present!  

At the end of each session, Dr. Dew posed a question for the participants to ponder. Leaving ample time for reflection, Dr. Blackaby encouraged students to say “Yes!” to whatever God would show them. And God worked through these intentional moments, impacting students and the community. “Dr. Dew is a gifted speaker, and his messages resonated deeply with me,” answered second-year seminary student Michael Bartolay when asked about SEW. “We have heard sermons on these Psalms many times, but Dr. Dew made me see them in a whole new light!” Spiritual Emphasis Week came at a crucial moment in another’s spiritual journey as he wrestled with adding the academic element to his existing personal, intimate walk with God. Dr. Dew’s questions challenged David to seriously reflect on his motives for pursuing ministry education. ”God gave me such a powerful revelation…Balancing school and religious duty is not a dilemma for someone who is taken hold of by the hand of God; all it takes is surrender and full expectation that He will satisfy your needs. So that week, God had broken me down and built me back up in the strength of Christ – not my own understanding, but the almighty will of God.” What a testimony of a personal God who makes known to us our deepest needs at just the right times. 

Dr. Dew thanked the school for welcoming him into their community. He expressed his delight at the friendship that has begun to emerge between the two schools. “I had a great time with you this week. I appreciate the way you love the Lord and listen attentively, as people who want to hear and receive from the Lord.” Spiritual Emphasis Week 2025 has been an invitation to start the year grounded in faith, surrounded by community, and open to all that God has in store!