[Transcribed
from the Chapel Speech given by Dr. Shoemaker
February 13, 2023 at 10:08]

[... First part of the speech missing ]

The King's Singers first performed
at fine arts here on the college campus and they were super well received, so
arrangements were made for them to come back. Unfortunately, COVID cancelled
that in 2021, and they were rescheduled for this last weekend. We were really
looking forward to hearing them again. As a group they are superbly talented
and accomplished musicians. They are gracious gentlemen. And we have had no
reason from past interactions to expect anything that would create concern.

However, on Saturday we began to
receive communications with serious objections about a member with an open
lifestyle contrary to scripture. This is concerning as a Christian college.
We're committed to upholding biblical standards as reflected in our articles of
faith.

We treat each person with dignity
and respect, but when an individual makes a choice that's in clear violation of
scripture, we cannot condone or endorse it in any way, so this presented a real
dilemma for us. We found ourselves asking -- how [unintelligible] -- h -- how
can we host an event that imp-- that provides an implied endorsement for that
lifestyle? On the other hand, the artists were already on campus. It was the
day of the concert. Honestly, there was no decision where there wouldn't be
somebody who was disappointed. And, thus the difficulty, a no-good situation. As
president of the college, I prayed about the matter sought the mind of the
Lord, and concluded there were three steps that needed to be taken.

 First, we needed to cancel the concert. I
realize that making this change Saturday afternoon was not ideal for anyone. It
not only inconvenienced the artists, but also you our dear students, our staff
and faculty, guests from the community: I'm so sorry for the disruption to your
schedule and for the late notice.

 Second step, we need to do right by the King's
Singers. Some of you were troubled that in this process they may have been
slighted in some way. I assure you that they were treated with the utmost
Christian love and dignity. When comm... communicating our decision to them, it
was done with sincere apology and the promise that we would more than fully
compensate them according to the terms of their contract. They responded, so
gracious, with the highest level of understanding and professionalism.

 The third step, that needs to have been taken,
is that we would need to be more thorough in the vetting process for outside
guests. Although their agreement was made years ago, we could have avoided the
whole situation if we had more timely awareness.

Let me just say, I-- I know that
this decision is not popular with some, but please understand before God and
our commitment to you: we need to do what's right; we need to do what's
Biblical; we need to do what's in your best interest, even if it is unpopular
to some.

You know I tell you that I care for
you. Our faculty care for you. Caring for you is not only shown when we give
you things. Although I love to do that. Caring for you is not only shown when
we change rules that we all wish were changed, [audience laughter] and I enjoy
doing that. Caring for you most importantly is shown when we do what's right,
for you, for this college.

Throughout your education and life,
your adult life, you no doubt will be introduced to cultures to worldviews to
lifestyles that are very different than your own. It's part of personal
Christian maturity to learn to interact with conflicting views with a civil
loving and gracious manner. Further, you may find yourself disagreeing with
other Christians on how they respond to issues.

are strong feelings on campus, yes? -- Strong feelings on both sides of this
situation. So, I'm asking you, out of respect for your fellow students, for
your college, and most importantly out of love for the Lord, that you put each
other and our God front and center in your hearts. As we do so, you'll learn
and grow through the situation, come together as a unified student body, and
God will be glorified.

[applause, note that there were a few mixed boos in the audience response]