Great Is Thy Faithfulness: The Trinity Story
The Trinity Story
From basement Bible study to leading evangelical institution.
Starting from humble beginnings in the late nineteenth century, the story of Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is one of faithfulness.
In Great Is Thy Faithfulness, scholars John D. Woodbridge, David M. Gustafson, Scott M. Manetsch, and Bradley J. Gundlach trace the journey of Trinity International University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In order to tell the story of evangelicalism in America, one must know the story of Trinity International University. Great Is Thy Faithfulness is an essential resource for understanding an institution that has been at the center of evangelical theological life for decades. Readers will be encouraged by God’s faithfulness to his people.
The story of Trinity International University is paramount in understanding evangelicalism in America. Great Is Thy Faithfulness tells that story, examining God’s faithfulness over the years to the creation and sustainment of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Though God's favor on the school is evident, Trinity’s growth story has not always been easy. The authors share the difficulties and conflicts the school experienced over the years, including financial crises that, had the Lord not provided, would have ended the university.
In Great Is Thy Faithfulness, readers will see a unifying theme: even though Trinity’s leadership was solid, it was the Lord’s hand that moved the university forward.
An engaging story of God’s faithfulness
In Great Is Thy Faithfulness, you’ll learn the engaging story of God’s faithfulness to a relatively small school that has significantly impacted American evangelicalism in just 125 years. Though the school’s history isn’t perfect, God’s kindness prevailed over the many times things could have gone awry. Throughout its story, you’ll learn:
- how the school didn’t start with the goal of establishing a world-class Christian university but, rather, a 10-week Bible study in the basement of a local church largely made up of Swedish immigrant evangelicals who simply responded to a felt need
- what contributed to Trinity’s growth—including an adherence to its doctrinal commitments, a high view of Scripture, and a commitment to the local church as well as to evangelize, reach out, and plant churches around the world
- how Trinity’s influence has been greater than anyone could have guessed from its humble birth—because God was causing the growth, not man
- and more
Praise for Great Is Thy Faithfulness
For anyone who cares about the church in the modern world—especially the issues of institutional health for the sake of the church and global mission—this is an important work. Many of the personalities told in this story have had a national or international presence and impact. Here we see their institutional home, through all the vicissitudes of social issues and economic fluctuations. A tale well told.
—Scott W. Sunquist, president, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
Great is Thy Faithfulness is an engaging story of God’s faithfulness to a relatively small school—which has made a significant impact—born from a small denomination who never wavered from a deep commitment to Scripture and the message of the gospel. For 125 years, the Lord has used Trinity to his glory and the growth of his church both in the United States and around the world. The Trinity story is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the deep commitment of godly leaders who have remained ‘entrusted with the gospel.’
—Kevin Kompelien, president, EFCA
Trinity International University has a living legacy in training global leaders for the evangelical church. This compelling narrative—marking 125 years of the school’s history—documents Trinity’s enduring commitment to proclaiming the biblical gospel and teaching historic, ecumenical orthodoxy. Here leading church historians and other scholars from the Trinity community recount their institutional history as a story of God’s faithful provision and enduring grace—not just for Trinity, but for people all over the world whose lives are changed by its ministry.
—Philip Ryken, president, Wheaton College
- Foreword by David S. Dockery
- Humble Beginnings (1897–1915) by David M. Gustafson
- On the Move to Merger (1916–1960) by David M. Gustafson
- A Gift to Evangelicalism (1963–1974) by Scott M. Manetsch
- A Christian Liberal Arts College (1957–1996) by Bradley J. Gundlach
- Decades of Consolidation (1975–1996) by Scott M. Manetsch
- Trinity Blossoms as a Christian University (1996–2019) by David M. Gustafson
- Thanksgiving to the Lord for His Great Faithfulness by John D. Woodbridge
- Afterword by D. A. Carson
- Postscript by Nicholas Perrin
- Title: Great Is Thy Faithfulness: The Trinity Story
- Authors: John D. Woodbridge, David M. Gustafson, Scott M. Manetsch, and Bradley J. Gundlach
- Publisher: Lexham Press
- Publication Date: 2022
- Pages: 296
- Format: Logos Digital, Hardcover
- Trim Size: 6x9
- ISBN: 9781683596325
John D. Woodbridge is research professor of church history and the history of Christian thought at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has been on the faculty since 1970.
David M. Gustafson is chair of the mission and evangelism department and associate professor of evangelism and missional ministry at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has been on the faculty since 2012.
Scott M. Manetsch is chair of the church history and history of Christian thought department at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has been on the faculty since 2000.
Bradley J. Gundlach is distinguished professor of history and chair of the department of history at Trinity International University. He has been on the faculty since 1999.