Presidential Address | Dr. Ben Merkle | New Saint Andrews College

In this Disputatio lecture at New Saint Andrews College, President Dr. Ben Merkle addresses the nature of work, ambition, and frustration in light of the biblical curse and calling. Dr. Merkle reflects on how frustration in labor is not accidental, but formative, and how Christian ambition must be rightly ordered rather than abandoned. Drawing from Scripture and pastoral wisdom, this talk challenges students to aim high, embrace responsibility, and persevere through the inevitable difficulties of work without losing heart. Far from discouraging ambition, Dr. Merkle exhorts the students to pursue lofty callings with faithfulness, endurance, and humility before God. Apply for Fall 2026: https://nsa.edu Support the work of New Saint Andrews College by sending a tax-deductible gift at: https://give.nsa.edu/gifts #NewSaintAndrews #NSA #Disputatio #NSALectures #ChristianMen #Vocation #Calling #GodlyAmbition #FaithAndWork #ChristianEducation #ReformedTheology