David Howard Retires from Bethel Seminary

David Howard, Bethel Seminary professor of Old Testament, retires after a total of 26 years at Bethel Seminary. Howard has dedicated his life to teaching the Bible at a number of universities both in the United States and abroad, where he’s currently working with students in Romania and Southeast Asia. He’s served as president of the Evangelical Theological Society and has written numerous books, articles, book chapters, and essays. This is what Howard had to say about his time at Bethel and his life moving forward:

When did you begin your career at Bethel? What led you here and why have you stayed?

I began teaching at Bethel Seminary in 1982. It was a well-respected evangelical seminary with prominent Bible and theology faculty members, many of whose writings I had read. I left in 1990 to teach elsewhere for 10 years, but returned in 2000. My family loves Minnesota, and Bethel offered an opportunity to return to the state we love. It has been a good place to teach.

What have been some highlights of your time at Bethel?

The chance to invite people to know and love God through looking deeply into the pages of God's Word has been a priceless gift. I tell people that I can't believe that I got paid to read the Bible! (And to teach and write about it.) I also loved having many great colleagues and countless students over the years.

What will you miss the most?

The students—specifically, in the classroom when the doors are closed and we are in our own "world," poring deeply into the pages of God's Word and listening for God's word for us that day. Those are "holy moments."

What comes next for you?

Continued writing. Continued teaching internationally—Romania and Southeast Asia. Enjoying a slower pace of life. Enjoying children and our four grandchildren—soon to be six!