The following article was written for The Commons, a publication of Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan to celebrate Carol´s 31 years of teaching as Western Theological Seminary on her retirement as a seminary professor. Waldensians and their friends worldwide are grateful that Carol will continue to serve as the executive director of the American Waldensian Society.
In a season focused on cultivating God’s call in students’ lives, it’s fitting to honor a Distinguished Alumna who has spent her career planting and nurturing those very seeds.
As she retires this year, we are pleased to honor Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel as the 2025 Distinguished Alumni. In 31 years as a member of the Western Theological Seminary faculty, she impacted over 1,000 students, preparing their hearts and minds to answer God’s call on their lives.
Dr. Bechtel joined the faculty in 1994, bringing with her a deep love of Scripture, a gift for making the ancient world come alive for contemporary hearers, and her harp. Dean Dr. Kristen Johnson shares, “Dr. Bechtel’s steadfast presence at Western Theological Seminary has shaped generations of students for ministry. Her teaching and her wider ministry in the church have had a tremendous impact, including forming women for ministry in deep and significant ways.”
And her students agree, “I can feel the warmth and passion of Prof. Bechtel as she helps and guides us to reflect on the essence of theology,” one student shared.
A dedicated mentor, Dr. Bechtel, especially encouraged women preparing for ministry. Dr. Bechtel broke through the “stained glass ceiling” as the first woman ordained by the Classis of Illinois. She was also the first woman in the RCA to be ordained as a General Synod Professor of Theology.
Before joining WTS, she taught at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia, was a teaching fellow at Yale Divinity School, and pastored Turn of River Presbyterian Church in Connecticut. In addition to a Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary, she holds degrees from Hope College and a Ph.D. in Old Testament from Yale University.
Dr. Bechtel has also served the broader church in many roles. A General Synod Professor of Theology in the Reformed Church in America, she was President of the RCA’s General Synod (2008–2009) and currently serves as Executive Director of the American Waldensian Society.
She grew up on a farm in Fulton, Illinois, and now lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband, Tom Mullens. They enjoy life with their four children and ten grandchildren. Her hobbies include singing, gardening, cooking, and playing the Celtic harp.
Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel gave her “Last Lecture” as the 2025 Founders Day lecture. View the lecture here: https://wtsem.info/foundersdaylive
Find more resources, books, and blogs by Rev. Dr. Carol Bechtel on her website https://carolmbechtel.com/
The 2025 General Synod of the Reformed Church in America presented Carol with an honorary volume entitled, Like a Watered Garden: Essays in Honor of Carol Bechtel. The volume is edited by James Hart Brumm and includes essays by many of Carol’s colleagues from across the years. One essay, “The Silenced Victims of the Book of Job,” is by a Waldensian, Dario Barolin.
Carol is also a writer of hymn texts. Her most recent text, “Before the Face of God,” set to the tune Aurelia which is known to many of us as the tune to¨The Church´s One Foundation,” articulates the vision and purpose of Western Theological Seminary:
1. With grateful hearts we gather
before the face of God–
a flawed, forgiven body,
yet gifted, formed, and called.
From many places gathered
as grain from many fields–
diverse, yet still united,
as grapes from many hills.
2. We seek no iv’ry tower,
no place in which to hide—
but rather through our study
your costly grace to find.
Your prophets and your gospels
equip us to relate
the advent of salvation—
the end of death and hate.
3. Through pulpit, font, and table
we grow in faith and grace.
In classrooms and in friendships
we glimpse your loving face.
O keep us ever learning,
and may your Spirit teach
through all of life’s encounters,
through ev’ry word we preach.
4. Now send us out for service,
and lead us as we go–
so ev’ry heart that’s hurting
your love and grace may know.
Make our whole lives a witness,
and keep us ever strong–
until with all creation
we sing your Sabbath song.
(© 2024 Carol M. Bechtel)
Many Waldensians and their friends are waiting for Carol to write a hymn embodying the spirit and mission of the Waldensian movement!