Matthew Tuininga Appointed to Seminary Faculty

Synod 2015 last evening unanimously ratified the appointment of Dr. Matthew J. Tuininga as assistant professor of moral theology at Calvin Theological Seminary (CTS).

The son of a pastor who was himself a pastor’s son, Tuininga showed confidence as he demonstrated in an interview with synod why he is qualified to teach seminary students.

His father taught him to think for himself, he said, and that “made me more Christo-centric instead of focusing on being Reformed.” Studying at Emory University helped him to consider deeply how to deal in a confessionally Reformed fashion with the issues of the time and culture.

Tuininga said he wants to teach at CTS because “I want to be  in a place where [I’m] comfortable.” By being there he would be continuing a Reformed tradition.

Tuininga said he believes that theology must always stay related to the church. “Serving the church is where it’s at in doing moral theology,” he said.  His intent is to emphasize following Christ and teaching students to do so.

Noting that “church history is marked with division,” he indicated that more emphasis needs to be placed on the teaching of Galatians 3: 28 as well as sharing the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Tuininga said emphatically that “change is needed with the ethos of being a reconciling body of Christ. We need to ask why things are the way they are.

“The Bible pays attention to reconciliation. We must focus on gospel preaching . . . and our engagement has to have the dynamic of the gospel.”

He said that his time spent living in an African American community was challenging, but he saw the gospel embodied in the church. “I am first and foremost a person who cares about the church and ordinary people. I speak and write to them.”

Discussing the challenges he sees facing young people, given the culture’s emphasis on technology, he said that the church has not done enough thinking about it. “We may solve problems, but we need to know we’re made to be in unity with people,” he said “People are allured by technology. Preachers need contact with real people.”

Rev. Frank de Boer, Classis Alberta South/Saskatchewan, asked Tuininga how he would prepare students to serve as pastors in churches where the teaching on homosexuality varies. Tuininga said we need to “teach what scripture teaches us, relating it to creation order, communicate the gospel to all that scripture teaches, come alongside, and show what fellowship can be in relationship.”

Rev. Tom Bomhof, Classis British Columbia Southeast, asked about his kingdom theology. Tuininga expressed appreciation for the teachings at Westminster West Seminary and that of Michael Horton, but stood behind  “Calvin’s Two Kingdom theology being more eschatological” as it deals with the reality of  “here and not yet.”

Aren Plante, a young adult representative, asked, “Having grown up in the [United Reformed Church], you’ll be helping CRC pastors. A challenge?” Tuininga responded, “It’ll be a learning curve. I want to be out there involved. My URC wasn’t too different from CRC. There’s more commonality than we like to imagine.”

Rev. Ken Bieber, Classis Lake Erie, asked “Do you see weakness in the CRC that you can help correct?” Tuininga said he would like to see the CRC develop more evangelical apologetics and expressed appreciation for what the CRC has that can be shared with the world.

Kurt Monroe, Classis Atlantic Northeast, asked about the role of the Old Testament in Christian ethic. Tuininga replied, “It  gives us the vision of how Christ is the fulfillment of Kingdom vision...and shows what God intends for the world.”

Rev. Sid Sybenga, Classis Greater Los Angeles, asked about Tuininga’s perspective on women in ministry. Tuininga answered by referring to Calvin’s position that puts women’s roles in an area where we can differ.

On abortion and pro-life, Tuininga suggested, “We need to be crafty as serpents to get the best laws.” However, he said, more might be accomplished by other means, by reaching out and being involved with those in distress.

Tuininga said he is excited and challenged with what the gospel means and considers it a great privilege to be engaged to think about such things.

For continuous coverage of Synod 2015 including the live webcast, news, video recordings, photos, liveblog, social media links, and more visit www.crcna.org/synod.