10/27/2022
2022-23 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll (October 26, 2022)
When ACU made the jump to the NAIA in 2009, we won only 3 games in our first season. Since Jeff Rutter's arrival as ACU head coach in 2012, the program has won nearly 73 percent of its games and qualified for the national tournament eight times in 10 years, making its first Final Four appearance last year. This morning, Arizona Christian University was the overwhelming choice in the NAIA national coaches pre-season poll as the No. 1 team in the nation! Amazing!
2022-23 NAIA Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Top 25 Preseason Poll (October 26, 2022)
Arizona Christian leads the way in the first look of the 2022-23 season
10/18/2022
Home - Leadership Not by the Book
Last week Tracy and I were in Oklahoma City and blessed to spend time with the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, David Green, along with Bill High of Signatry. Today is the official launch date for their new book, where David Green shares the unconventional strategies and biblical convictions that enabled he and his wife Barbara to take a $600 loan for a home-based picture-framing business and turn it into an $8 billion business. Today Hobby Lobby gives 50 percent of its profits to ministries! Having previously read and been blessed by David Green's book, also written with Bill High, "Giving It All Away ... And Getting it All Back Again - The Way of Living Generously" - I am looking forward to reading "Leadership not by the Book."
Home - Leadership Not by the Book
David Green, Founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby, Shares 12 Unconventional Principles to Drive Incredible ResultsWhether you lead a business or a nonprofit, a small business or a multinational corporation, a start-up or a department, this book will show you how breaking the conventional “rules” of bu...
09/13/2022
ACU is U.S. News & World Report Best College for the 6th Straight Year; Also No. 13 “Best Value” in the West - Arizona Christian University
Moved up the list of Best Colleges again, this year to No. 11 out of 102 Western colleges, and 13th "Best Value" - 6 straight years in the rankings for Arizona Christian University!
ACU is U.S. News & World Report Best College for the 6th Straight Year; Also No. 13 “Best Value” in the West - Arizona Christian University
For the sixth straight year, Arizona Christian University has been ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report – the most respected and comprehensive college ranking system in the nation. ACU – one of the fastest growing universities in America with 116% growth over the...
06/06/2022
Normandy Speech: Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-Day 6/6/84
"Behind me is a memorial that symbolizes the Ranger daggers that were thrust into the top of these cliffs. And before me are the men who put them there.
These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc. These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end a war."
President Ronald Reagan on the 40th Anniversary of D-Day - hard to believe this speech was 38 years ago today. Take a few moments to watch, reflect and remember the courage and sacrifice of those soldiers we honor today. But also take note of a time when a strong American president was capable of delivering such a compelling tribute to our heroes.
Normandy Speech: Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-Day 6/6/84
President Reagan's Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Normandy Invasion, D-day at Point-du-Hoc - 6/6/84.Table of Contents:0:00...
04/10/2022
Acceptance
Grateful to God for leadership in our football program that is first and foremost about growing young men as followers of Jesus Christ. Today in Kansas City, among thousands of coaches at hundreds of institutions, Arizona Christian University football coach Jeff Bowen received the national award for character in coaching. And as you will see, Coach Bowen used this moment on Palm Sunday to bring glory to God. Congratulations and well done, Coach Bowen!
Acceptance
03/20/2022
Arizona Christian Headed To NAIA Semifinals For The First Time
Headed to the Final Four for the first time in program history! Monday afternoon at 3 p.m. local time ACU (31-4) will play No. 1 Loyola of Louisiana (35-1) for a chance to play Tuesday evening on ESPN 3 for the NAIA national championship! Way to go Firestorm!
Arizona Christian Headed To NAIA Semifinals For The First Time
Kansas City, Mo.- Facing the challenge of beating GSAC rival William Jessup for the third time in one season, Arizona Christian overcame an early deficit to defeat the Warriors on Saturday afternoon. The win sends ACU MBB to the NAIA Semifinals for the first time in program history.
01/17/2022
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.' – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., August 28, 1963.
Last week at ACU we celebrated Sanctity of Life month with a series of events, and today we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’ve always thought it was fitting that these two remembrances are so close together, because they are so rooted in the same biblically-based moral principles that flow from our nation’s founding document, the Declaration of Independence. Of course, the Declaration goes on to say “… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness …”. Dr. King was correct to call America to account for failing to live up to these principles by so often denying black Americans promised equality under law; a century earlier, President Abraham Lincoln noted that the founders’ placed these principles in the Declaration knowing that the nation’s current policies did not align, and yet “… they simply meant to declare the right, so that the enforcement of it might follow as fast as circumstances would permit…. The assertion that ‘all men are created equal’ was of no practical use to our effecting our separation from Great Britain; and it was placed in the Declaration, not for that, but for future use.”
Remembrances today must celebrate the great strides made since then while recognizing Dr. King’s vision for equal rights is often still elusive, and that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Those ongoing injustices are one reason that Alveda King, MLK’s niece, was the keynote speaker at Arizona’s Right to Life rally on Saturday. Alveda King can speak to the grotesque racist underpinnings of the abortion movement, which has resulted in a much higher percentage of black babies being aborted than any other ethnicity. So it is appropriate to consider these two remembrances together. The fight to end racism and the fight to end abortion are forever linked not only by their shared appeal to the moral principles of the Declaration, but by their foundation in Scriptural truth that all life is sacred, and there is to be no partiality. Let us remember today that “God has made of one blood all peoples of the earth …”. Acts 17:26, as we continue to pursue equal treatment and legal protection for every life created in the image of God.
09/15/2021
Bowen Selected As The 2021 NAIA Coach Of Character Award Winner
The godly Christian culture and life transformation happening in ACU's football program is nothing short of miraculous. It would not have been possible without the enthusiastic leadership of this man. Only one coach in the nation, out of thousands of NAIA coaches, receives this award. So glad to see the nation recognize the character and leadership of Coach Jeff Bowen!
Bowen Selected As The 2021 NAIA Coach Of Character Award Winner
Glendale, Ariz.- As part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Awards Day, Arizona Christian Head Football Coach Jeff Bowen was named the recipient of the 2021 NAIA Coach of Character Award. Bowen will be recognized in person at the NAIA National Convention coming....
09/14/2021
ACU is U.S. News & World Report Best College for 5th Straight Year; Also No. 15 “Best Value” - Arizona Christian University
Thankful again for objective, outside evaluation of ACU's academic excellence and affordability! To God be the glory!
ACU is U.S. News & World Report Best College for 5th Straight Year; Also No. 15 “Best Value” - Arizona Christian University
For the fifth straight year, Arizona Christian University has been ranked among the nation’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report – the most respected and comprehensive college ranking system in the nation. ACU – the fastest growing university in Arizona with three straight years of doubl...
09/01/2021
Join us for An Evening with ACU Alum and DTS Chancellor Dr. Mark Bailey - Arizona Christian University
TOMORROW NIGHT! RSVP HERE: https://www.arizonachristian.edu/evening-with-markbailey/
Dr. Mark Bailey is Chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary and one of ACU's most distinguished graduates. Thursday night he will be on our campus for a message on the Gospels and a Q&A with me - I hope you can join us! https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2021/08/18/join-us-for-an-evening-with-acu-alum-and-dts-chancellor-dr-mark-bailey/
Join us for An Evening with ACU Alum and DTS Chancellor Dr. Mark Bailey - Arizona Christian University
You are invited to join us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 2 for a time of teaching from Dr. Mark Bailey on “The Gospels in the Modern Age.” Come hear Dr. Bailey share a message about the enduring wisdom of the parables of Jesus and their relevance to the world today. Dr. Bailey is […]
08/28/2021
Join us for An Evening with ACU Alum and DTS Chancellor Dr. Mark Bailey - Arizona Christian University
Dr. Mark Bailey served 19 years as President of Dallas Theological Seminary, and now is their Chancellor. He is one of ACU's most distinguished graduates, and a former Bible professor and department chair at then-Southwestern College. Next week he will be on our campus for a message on the Gospels and a Q&A with me - I hope you can join us! RSVP here:
Join us for An Evening with ACU Alum and DTS Chancellor Dr. Mark Bailey - Arizona Christian University
You are invited to join us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, September 2 for a time of teaching from Dr. Mark Bailey on “The Gospels in the Modern Age.” Come hear Dr. Bailey share a message about the enduring wisdom of the parables of Jesus and their relevance to the world today. Dr. Bailey is […]
08/07/2021
August 7, 2021
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:10-11.
Because we humans are sinful, flawed and often mistaken – all our best efforts to build churches and institutions to glorify God are likely to go off track at some point. We see that in historical Christian denominations that lose sight of the truths of Scripture and no longer even accept that Jesus was and is God. Universities once dedicated to Jesus – Harvard’s original motto was a Latin phrase meaning “Truth for Christ and the Church” – now mock, attack and reject the teachings of Jesus.
Paul reminds us the true foundation is Jesus Christ. To build wisely, as Paul did, and with care, we must constantly and with humility return to Jesus Christ as the only foundation - and pray that those who follow us in our churches and Christian universities will do the same.
08/04/2021
August 3, 2021
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2.
The Apostle Paul often – at least 8 times – asked other believers to pray for him. Sometimes he asks for prayer for his physical health and safety – but never for that alone. He typically asks for prayer for himself so that he can advance the gospel or fulfill some other purpose of God. This was a good reminder for me. When we ask others to pray for us, or when we’re asked to pray for others – it seems as if we should pray that healing/comfort/protection happen not just in the abstract, but so that the person can accomplish God’s purposes through their lives.
08/02/2021
August 2, 2021
“‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.” – 2 Chronicles 32:7-8.
I have seen great discouragement in the body of Christ, even among leaders, as we witness our culture’s departure from biblical truth. A relationship with Christ and an understanding of God’s plan and purpose are vital to human flourishing, and it is discouraging to see the pain and destruction so many bring on themselves and others while actively cheerleading for false gods of materialism and identity.
And yet … greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world! All of us in the body of Christ, and especially leaders, should not wallow in discouraging trends and statistics, but recognize like Hezekiah that the God of the universe is able to overcome armies of opposition in an instant! When we speak truth about the power of God to change individual hearts, to reveal true identity and destiny, and to quickly reverse negative trends by bringing awakening even to nations – we speak hope and “the people gain confidence.” He is able!
08/01/2021
August 1, 2021
“Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, ‘May the LORD, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the LORD, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.’ And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.” – 2 Chronicles 30:18-20.
Even before sending Jesus as ultimate sacrifice and Passover lamb, in the Old Testament we see examples of the compassion of God for those who seek Him. As Christians in America we are heading into uncharted territory, at least for a season – where fewer and fewer of our friends and neighbors know anything of the ways of God. As we experience trials and challenges in our culture, hopelessness and despair will become ever-present companions, more so for those who know nothing of God.
Some will recognize the hope we have beyond this world and will turn to Christ, or even look to us to learn more. They won’t know the words to the songs, or even how to worship, let alone how to live according to Scripture. They may feel impure, not good enough. But the Father, whose mercies are new each morning, will pardon and heal “everyone who sets their heart on seeking God.” It’s as if He just can’t wait for even our first, fumbling attempts to turn to Him! Like Hezekiah did, we should pray for these seekers, knowing that God will welcome them joyfully into the family, just as He did for us when we were lost.
07/12/2021
Literally no one ever has feared a deer.
06/02/2021
June 2, 2021
“Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.’’ – John 21:16.
When the pressure was on and Jesus was under arrest, Simon (Peter) denied Christ three times. Peter must have been dealing with overwhelming shame and guilt. But when the resurrected Christ interacts with Peter, he does not even mention Peter’s failings. Jesus first asks Peter to confirm his love, and then gives him a new assignment. Just like Peter and every Jesus follower, we have all had moments where our conduct, thoughts or speech did not honor Christ. The enemy wants us to wallow there in shame and guilt, reliving our failure and separated from God. But Jesus simply wants us to confirm that we love Him so He can give us a new Kingdom assignment! Amazing grace.
06/01/2021
June 1, 2021
“Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:29.
When I was younger, I would read this passage and get excited and think, “That’s us! Jesus is talking about us and saying we are blessed for believing without seeing Him in the flesh like the disciples did!” But today I’m thinking about Thomas, who needed more proof in order to believe. And I’m praying for those millennial and Gen Z prodigals who have been told about Jesus since birth, and who were raised in the truth about their identity and destiny in Christ and their purpose in this generation. They’ve seen evidence for Jesus in the imperfect but loving sacrifice of parents who every day for decades set aside their own desires to meet the needs of their children. And I’m asking God to show them more, give them more, do whatever it takes, so that they too will bow down and exclaim like Thomas, “My Lord and my God!”
05/31/2021
Memorial Day, May 31, 2021
“Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.” Proverbs 16:12.
War is a terrible thing, but sometimes necessary in pursuit of righteousness. Only the willingness of free nations to go to war prevents cruel and evil nations from practicing genocide, from ra**ng and plundering and murdering innocent civilians, and from destroying weaker nations. A nation committed to righteousness will always seek to restrain itself in wartime. Despite our flaws, the United States is unique in human history in repeatedly going to war to liberate other nations, rather than to conquer and subjugate them. This would not be possible without soldiers willing to lay down their lives for others. Today we remember the sacrifice of those soldiers and their families, recognizing that their bravery not only enables Americans to live in freedom but also provides the opportunity for self-determination for many other nations of the world.
05/30/2021
May 30, 2021
“It is time for you to act, Lord, your law is being broken. Because I love your commands, more than gold, more than pure gold, and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.” – Psalm 119:126-128.
Christians today are often criticized for continuing to engage an increasingly secular culture with biblical truth. But the law of God is designed for our good. Because we love people, we “hate every wrong path.” We know the painful consequences of defying the law of God – we see it in the lives recorded in Scripture, but we’ve experienced it in our own lives and the lives of those close to us. People may not believe in gravity, but that will not save them from plummeting to their destruction if they leap from a tall building. In the same way, defiance of God’s commands and precepts inevitably leads to disaster. That’s why we can’t and won’t shut up about the law of God – whether this culture wants to hear it or not. We love people and want them to flourish.
05/28/2021
Coach Cole Takes Over Sandra Day O'Connor Varsity Basketball
Congratulations Josh Cole! I met him when he was a student in several of my classes and have been blessed to watch him grow into a godly husband and a man of great wisdom, character and faith. We will miss you!
Coach Cole Takes Over Sandra Day O'Connor Varsity Basketball
Glendale, Ariz.- Assistant Coach Josh Cole has been hired as the varsity boys' basketball coach at Sandra Day O'Connor High School. The Arizona Christian alum joins a distinguished list of assistants that have become head coaches under Head Coach Jeff Rutter.
04/05/2021
It was a most Egg-cellent day celebrating the Resurrection with family. Eight of 10 grandkids were old enough this year to participate in an Easter egg hunt!
04/04/2021
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
02/06/2021
Happy Birthday Mr. President! You reminded us that “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.... It must be fought for, protected, and handed on...”. You were right that it is never more than one generation away - but sometimes it is much closer than that. Sometimes loss of freedom is right on top of us.
01/30/2021
What a treat to play golf and have dinner with Christian contemporary music artist Jeremy Camp (https://www.facebook.com/jeremycamp), his friend and agent Matt Balm, and our mutual friend Ben Shultz. Have loved Jeremy's music for decades, and was moved by the film "I Still Believe" - which chronicles Jeremy's early years and the loss of his first wife to cancer. What a blessing to be able to share what God is doing at ACU and have fellowship with serious, humble Christian men who God is using to share the good news of Jesus!
01/05/2021
ACU Community Mourns Death of Trustee Paul Westphal | Arizona Christian University
ACU is grateful for the life of Paul Westphal. https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2021/01/04/acu-community-mourns-death-of-trustee-paul-westphal/
ACU Community Mourns Death of Trustee Paul Westphal | Arizona Christian University
ACU Community Mourns Death of Trustee Paul Westphal by ACU News | Jan 4, 2021 | Featured, In The News Arizona Christian University mourns the passing on Jan. 2, 2021 of basketball legend and beloved ACU Trustee Paul Westphal. “Paul Westphal lived an amazing life,” said ACU President Len Munsil. ...
12/24/2020
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned...
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
11/24/2020
Excited for NAIA No. 9 Arizona Christian University playing live on Fox Sports Arizona Friday at 4 p.m. against perennial WAC champion and NCAA D1 tourney team New Mexico State! Hope you can tune in!
11/20/2020
Dallas Theological Seminary Announces Collaboration with Arizona Christian University - DTS Voice
Arizona Christian University continues to increase the number and quality of our academic partnerships! Very excited to announce this collaboration with Dallas Theological Seminary! https://www.arizonachristian.edu/2020/11/19/acu-and-dallas-theological-seminary-announce-innovative-41-academic-collaboration/
Here is DTS news release: https://voice.dts.edu/article/dallas-theological-seminary-announces-collaboration-with-arizona-christian-university/?fbclid=IwAR0QSFB8i0hn-41AOPePtNTKSVCGB07RXMx_vjlHUrrKjMgOy4rNXSMpuBc
Dallas Theological Seminary Announces Collaboration with Arizona Christian University - DTS Voice
Dallas TX— November 19th, 2020 — Dallas Theological Seminary is honored to announce our collaboration with Arizona Christian University on an innovative
11/11/2020
Thankful for our Veterans! Happy Veterans Day from Arizona Christian University.
11/03/2020
It is outrageous that businesses across America are having to board up their storefronts today due to an expectation of violence. I don't know what will happen with the election, but no matter what the results are there is no excuse for violence and property destruction. Hoping and praying we can soon return to having free and fair elections where results are trusted, both sides accept the outcome, and Election Day is a celebration of freedom, respect and civility.
10/26/2020
Just learned of the passing of Dr. C.T. Wright. Heaven is rejoicing as this amazing Christian leader is reunited with his precious wife Mary. He was a great friend and supporter during my run for Governor. His booming prayers for the nation at Republican Party and National Day of Prayer events invariably drew standing ovations. As someone who rose from being a day laborer in Georgia to earning a Ph.D. at Boston University and serving as a University President - Dr. Wright believed in the promise and opportunity of America. But most importantly, he was a man of prayer and faith, and today is hearing "well done, good and faithful servant."
10/10/2020
Event Registration Homecoming 2020 and Tim Reed 30-Year Celebration
I hope to see all ACU friends and alumni and fans of the legendary Tim Reed at Homecoming this year! Must be registered to attend! https://arizonachristianuni.typeform.com/to/ft1hpaKA?_ga=2.149643830.1241161738.1602289908-797900990.1577127496
Event Registration Homecoming 2020 and Tim Reed 30-Year Celebration
Arizona Christian University Event Registration Homecoming 2020 and Tim Reed 30-Year Celebration
10/01/2020
“This award demonstrates that the transformational miracles God is doing through the amazing students, faculty and staff of Arizona Christian University are starting to be recognized on a broader scale. For that, we are grateful and thankful. To God be the glory.”
https://www.arizonachristian.edu/blog/2020/10/01/acu-president-len-munsil-named-as-a-2020-leader-of-the-year-by-arizona-capitol-times/?fbclid=IwAR2DUBNzDYwQg7to-tUntHIoILyr6nidOSBIryXu8G5F1WMNidIrBmTg-8M
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