Alexander Schulze re-elected as dean. An interview

Congratulations on your re-election as dean of Friedensau Adventist University and God's blessings in this important office. You have been dean of the School of Theology since the winter semester 2021/22, for two terms. What has been achieved, where do we currently stand, and what tasks lie ahead in the coming weeks and months?

 Thank you very much for the kind words! In fact, it is only when you are re-elected that you realize how extensive the tasks really are and how heavy the responsibility weighs. But I gladly and wholeheartedly said “yes” because I get to work with wonderful people here at the university and experience God's guidance and blessing in our fellowship.

Over the past four years, 46 young people have decided to study theology in Friedensau. It is a special privilege for us as teachers to be able to accompany them spiritually on this path and in their personal development. Now, at the start of the semester, we were able to welcome another ten new students to the Bachelor Study Program of Theology.

Furthermore, we, the Council of School of Theology, are delighted that all study programs have been reaccredited. This is an outstanding result and not something that can be taken for granted, as we are subject to double quality assurance due to our state recognition under the auspices of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The next review by the Adventist Accreditation Association (AAA) is due before the end of the year, and we are happy to undergo it.
Last but not least, we are delighted to be able to offer the three-year distance learning program in the core subjects of Church History (1st year), Systematic Theology (2nd year), and Practical Theology (3rd year) again, starting in the winter semester 2025/26 with 68 new participants.

During your term of office, the new Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry program was also established. How has it been received?

The start of the 2022/23 winter semester was preceded by an intensive selection and preparation process, in which Friedensau was chosen as the location for the new master's program of the Inter-European Division (EUD). The aim of this advanced training is to complete the theology degree, after the bachelor's degree in the respective native language, with a master's degree in a second part – experienced jointly by all theology students in the EUD in Friedensau.

The time spent studying together here at the university provides optimal preparation for working in the congregations, enables more intensive networking, and contributes to a better understanding of the cultures. The more people get involved, the more successful this will be. As of today, 17 students from Germany, Guatemala, Croatia, Austria, and Romania have enrolled in the new master's program since its launch. The first graduates have already begun their pastoral ministry. We are very happy about this. It is our prayer that many more young people will be called to follow in their footsteps and be trained as pastors.

You live with your family in Friedensau. How do you perceive the place and the community?

As a family, we really enjoy living on campus and appreciate the interaction between different nations and cultures in this very special place. I am often away on business for long periods of time, and I always enjoy coming back home to our small university town not far from the capital. Friedensau has a different charm in every season. We gave up a lot to be here, and we are grateful that we took the plunge.

What advice would you give to prospective students in the School of Theology?

Anyone who is considering studying theology is very welcome in Friedensau. The trial study program is a good opportunity to get a first impression. However, it should not be the first-class study conditions, the small learning groups, the full board, or the good sports facilities that lead to your decision, but rather the simple question of whether you want to be led by God.

Thank you for the interview. God's blessing for your ministry.

The questions were asked by Andrea Cramer.