Tychicus is an obscure figure in the New Testament, mentioned only five times—four times by the apostle Paul and once in the book of Acts in association with Paul’s missionary journeys. Luke lists Tychicus among those who traveled with Paul from Troas to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4-6), most likely as part of the entourage of believers entrusted with delivering the substantial gift offering collected among the Gentile churches for the poor believers in Judea (1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8-9). While under house arrest in Rome, Paul commissioned Tychicus to personally deliver his epistles to the believers in Ephesus and Colossae (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7), and later he is mentioned as one of two possible men to temporarily relieve Titus from his ministry on the island of Crete (Titus 3:12). And in his final letter written shortly before his martyrdom, Paul reveals to his young protégé Timothy that Tychicus has once again been dispatched to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12).
But among all of Paul’s references, his introduction of Tychicus to the believers in Colossae is perhaps the most significant. Bear in mind that the epistle to the Colossians seems to have been written primarily to correct heresies that developed there and were spreading to other churches. Paul, imprisoned in Rome and unable to attend to these serious matters personally, needed a trusted aid whom he could send in his stead—and Tychicus was just the man for the job. Paul describes him as a “beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord” whom he is sending to “tell you all the news about me” for the express purpose that “he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts” (Colossians 4:7-8). Tychicus was no mere courier but a valued colleague who knew Paul and his ministry intimately. Paul trusted Tychicus not only to encourage the believers but to do so with accurate information, sound doctrine, and a discerning heart.
What does Tychicus have to do with ICR? In many ways, Tychicus’ character and abilities are reflected in Chas Morse, ICR’s new Director of Donor Development. Like Tychicus with Paul, Chas has been engaged with ICR since our early days and knows our ministry intimately. Chas’ father was involved with ICR during the 1970s and often enlisted young Chas to operate the slide projector for his speaking engagements.1 Later, Chas was a student under ICR’s founder Dr. Henry Morris at Christian Heritage College, and during the final four years of his 26-year career in the Air Force, Chas served on ICR’s board of trustees. Upon retiring as a Lt. Colonel, he resigned his board position in 2010 to work full-time with ICR as our Director of Church and Seminar Ministries and has been instrumental in many successful events all over the nation. His depth of experience, effervescent personality, and passionate enthusiasm for the ICR ministry are a perfect fit for his new role with ICR.
We have long desired to connect with our co-laborers on a deeper level, and Chas is the right man for the job. Chas has been asked to meet with our longtime supporters to personally thank them for their past support, get to know them personally, and share behind-the-scenes information on ICR’s vision for the future. And like Tychicus, Chas is truly a “beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord” whose intimate knowledge of ICR’s ministry will truly encourage the hearts of those fortunate enough to visit with him. If you get a call from Chas, please make every effort to meet him. You’ll be glad you did.
Reference
- Charles C. “Chas” Morse. 2014. Conversion of a Rocket Man: Charles P. Morse. Acts & Facts. 43 (7): 20.
* Mr. Morris is Director of Donor Relations at the Institute for Creation Research.
