How a Retired University Professor Does the Colson Fellows Program

Welcome to the Pursuit, a series documenting the experiences of a Colson Fellow-in-Training as they seek to walk wisely in this time and place. Each segment will provide an insider’s look at what a prospective participant can actually expect should they choose to embark on the journey themselves.

In this segment, we sat down with Walter Norvell, a professor from Tennessee and Arkansas, and asked him to share his experience with the Colson Fellows program. The Colson Fellows program is designed for busy men and women from all walks of life in mind. Here's a glimpse inside. Enjoy!

The Pursuit: Walter Norvell

How a Retired University Professor Does the Colson Fellows Program
As told to the Colson Center Communications Staff

Where are you from? Memphis, Tennessee and Bull Shoals, Arkansas. 

What is your occupation? I was a professor at Dallas Baptist University and Williams Baptist University until my retirement. 

What stage of life are you in? I'm retired, but I still teach online classes in worldview and philosophy for a seminary. I’ve been married almost 50 years and have two grown sons—one a pastor and one a police detective. 

When did you become a follower of Christ? I was raised in a Christian family and church. I was a “good kid” and believed that was enough to be a Christian. But I ultimately came to understand the Gospel and was saved through the witness of fellow church members and my childhood pastor.  

What led to your interest in the Colson Fellows program? I did the Colson Fellows program when it was still called the Centurion Program. I had met Dr. Davey Naugle at Dallas Baptist University. Dr. Naugle was the “worldview guy” at the university, and he greatly influenced my interest in worldview. I found out about the program during my tenure at Williams Baptist University and my interest was piqued, given my existing interest in worldview. 

What Colson Fellows cohort were you in? How many CFITs were in your class? I was in the C4 cohort (the fourth year of the program). We met online with many members from across the country.  

How did you approach the workload for the Colson Fellows program? It was an intense workload that challenged me, but it was well worth it. I benefited from the personal accountability requirements. 

What was your favorite book or topic to study? The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard. Willard’s book helped me understand the Sermon on the Mount anew.  

Most challenging moment? David Naugle’s book (Worldview: The History of a Concept) was the most challenging part of the program for me because the subject matter was more abstract than my natural bent. 

Where has the Colson Fellows program most impacted you? What transformation did it bring about in your life? Its effects continue to reverberate in my life, because I have continued teaching and still use a worldview perspective in my teaching. I’ve also used the worldview framework in a short-term mission context. 

What did you do for your personal mission plan as a commissioned Colson Fellow? At the time, I was teaching in the Department of Christian Ministries at Williams Baptist University, and I developed an ongoing men’s discipleship group for students in that department. The group focused on accountability, personal development, and spiritual study from a worldview perspective. 

What would you say to someone considering the program? It will push you in your thinking, but it will be worth it. If you go in with a realistic view, I’d encourage anyone to do it. I’d also encourage you to have an in-person accountability partner to whom you can teach what you’ve been learning. 

 

Considering the Colson Fellows Program?

Request information is easy as filling out the form below!

Request Information

Add your content here.