A Void That’s Hard to Replace
In this episode, Dr. G reflects on the deep and difficult-to-define void left in the Pacific Northwest by the closing of Multnomah School of the Bible. He explains that whenever a faithful school or church closes, the true size of the loss isn’t fully understood until it’s gone — and in this case, the hole feels especially large because so much of his own heart was invested there. While the influence of Multnomah continues through churches, small groups, and Bible studies, Dr. G emphasizes that something unique happens when a Bible college model truly works. It’s the convergence of students hungry for Scripture, mentors devoted to teaching, and peers who sharpen one another through shared passion, gifting, and conversation. That kind of environment — where hearts beat faster simply from being together — is extraordinarily difficult to reproduce. Multnomah, he explains, wasn’t for everyone. But for those who knew they wanted deep Bible training, it was exactly the right place. When those people were gathered together in one community, something special happened. Dr. G recalls the joy of teaching students who were already spiritually motivated, already gathered, and already eager — a privilege he says he would have gladly done for free. That kind of concentrated, Bible-centered community is what he believes is hardest to replace.

In This Video
• What kind of void Multnomah leaves in the Pacific Northwest
• Why the loss is felt most by churches and people who loved it deeply
• The irreplaceable power of mentors and peer community
• Why Bible college life creates something unique
• What made Multnomah a place where “good things could happen”

About This Series
This video is part of a collection celebrating the story, ministry, and legacy of Dr. Garry Friesen (Dr. G), honoring the heritage of Multnomah School of the Bible / Multnomah University and the continuing work God is doing through new ministries around the world.

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The production of these videos was provided by the Multnomah Family Team, if you would like to help sponsor more videos like this, please contact us here.