Meet Andrew Iversen!
Andy Iversen can be found at most Clapham events – stop him next time you see him and say hello!
1. What brought you to Clapham?
Our journey to Clapham actually started in St. Louis! When my oldest was only four or five, Dr. Egan was my Greek professor at Covenant Theological Seminary. When we moved to Wheaton a few years later I remembered that he had moved up here and I wanted to talk to him about education options in general. Both in interacting with him over coffee and in the interview process it became clear to my wife and I that Clapham is where we wanted to send our kids. We really appreciate the balance between a classical curriculum and a Charlotte Mason ethos that seems very unique to Clapham. Clapham is a place where each child is seen as a person, made in the image of God, and where God’s goodness, truth, and beauty are taught and appreciated.
2. Tell us about your family (kids, pets, etc.). How did you and your wife meet?
My wife, Kathryn, and I met through a Christian ministry called The Navigators. We served on staff together and became good friends. It didn’t take long for both of us to fall for one another, get engaged, and get married! We have four children: Grace (Class Five), Owen (Class Three), Emmett (EII), and Gunnar, who is with the Lord. We also have a miniature Australian Shepherd named Picket.
3. What do you do for a living? Did you know you wanted to do this or are you surprised to find yourself here?
I wear a number of hats these days. I am a full-time Ph.D. candidate at Wheaton College (studying New Testament), an adjunct professor in the Modern and Classical Languages department at Wheaton (teaching Greek), an adjunct professor at Mid-America Reformed Seminary (Greek and Biblical Interpretation), and I work a few hours a week for the Global Service Network by serving at Christ Presbyterian Church (PCA). I’m thrilled to be able to serve in these myriad ways and look forward to how God continues to lead and provide for us as a family. My sense of call as a whole is to study and teach the Bible, foster discipleship, and train leaders; it is a joy to get to engage in each one of these arenas while here in Wheaton.
4. What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy reading quite a lot both on my own (Tolkien right now) and with my children (Narnia and Harry Potter these days). When I get the opportunity, I also love board games, movies, and disc golf.
5. Is there anything you would love to learn but just haven’t found the time for?
Ecclesial Latin is something I’ve kept my eye on for a bit but haven’t had the chance to give it the proper attention. Not learning to sail while we were in New Zealand is also something I’d love to remedy if the chance arises.
6. What is one of the most interesting places you’ve ever been?
I suppose this depends on your definition of interesting; we lived in New Zealand for four years pioneering a campus ministry with Navigators. Most interesting for me though would either be “carhenge” in Amarillo, TX (not the one in Nebraska, haven’t been there yet) or Lion Rock on the West Coast of New Zealand. Lion rock is one of the world’s black sand beaches and it genuinely feels like a different world.
7. If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
It would probably be some combination of “Marry Kathryn even faster” and a paraphrase of Tolkien’s line in The Hobbit about how it is a dangerous business walking out the front door. Together, I would want to encourage my 18-year-old self that God’s providence over all things is a wonderful mystery: enjoy the steps, don’t waver when things are hard, and press on in Christ.
8. What would you say to a new Clapham family to encourage them?
Welcome! Clapham is a beautiful school and is home to teachers and staff that are committed to partnering with the students and families; it is also a place where families are seeking to care for one another and honor Christ’s call on all of our lives. May it long continue, and we are thrilled you are here.
Thank you Andy!