Rev. Ronald C. Scharfe served the campus from 1970-1992 in many capacities. However, the role he was most known for and loved by the students was Bible teacher. He was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

His higher education began in his hometown at Carleton University where he achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors. He continued his education at Toronto Baptist Seminary, earning a Masters of Divinity, and then went to Westminster Theological Seminary for a Th.M. He continued his postgraduate work at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago and Concordia Lutheran Seminary in Ft. Wayne.

Rev. Scharfe served as a librarian assistant at a few colleges before receiving the call to come to Ft. Wayne Bible College in 1970 as head librarian.

“That was God’s will, and I responded to God’s call,” he said.

Although he has always been a “lover of books” and had enjoyed being a librarian, he had a longtime desire to teach. In 1973 he was asked to teach some Bible courses, and when asked to teach full time as assistant professor, that dream became reality.  Rev. Scharfe taught mostly New Testament classes while at FWBC. His main courses were: Life of Christ, Gospel of John, Galatians, Prison Epistles, Hebrews, Hermeneutics, and New Testament Theology.

When asked about his favorite memories of FWBC, he quickly responded, “…my classroom teaching was the highlight. The relationships I was able to have with the students, by God’s grace, was certainly the most special to me...and the friendships with many of the faculty and staff.”

Rev. Scharfe left FWBC in 1992. He continued to teach as an associate faculty member at IPFW for 10 years in the philosophy department and then retired in 2004. He continues today as a Pulpit Supply Minister in the Fort Wayne area, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. He has had opportunities to teach and preach in the Netherlands, Russia, Ukraine, Japan, Bermuda, and Jamaica.

He humbly states, ”I am thankful that He (God) continues to open doors even today….”  He enjoys running into former students and catching up on their lives in his supply pulpit ministry and visiting with his two grown children and seven grandchildren.

Comments

Tom Miller | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:15 AM

Class of 1976

Prof. Scharfe. You were my favorite teacher at Ft. Wayne. I always valued your Biblical teaching and the truth of Scriptural principles you taught. I also valued your friendship! I will remember the plane flight we took to Cleveland, Ohio from Ft. Wayne. You went to visit your mother and I was going to see my parents. We had a nice conversation. And then there was the time you hid my bike when I was frantically looking for it. What a delightful and personal professor you were. I will never forget the Book of Hebrews and the Pentateuch class. You're a good man!

Doyle Peyton | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:13 AM

Class of 1974

Prof Scharfe encouraged me to go on to seminary. At the time I felt Bible College was enough for a pastor. His encouragement motivated me to go on for further education. More importantly it motivated me to encourage my children to continue their education. Three of them have seminary degress and one is working toward a doctorate. He helped me to value an ongoing love of truth.

Don Kidd | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:11 AM

Class of 1988

I cannot begin to tell you how often over the past 25 years I have thought of you Prof Scharfe.

Allen Tomlinson | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:10 AM

Class of 1972

Rev. Scharfe was one of my favorite Bible instructors ever!  His outlines of NT books were incredibly clear, and reflected intense research in both older and contemproary sources.  His exegesis of the Epistle to Hebrews changed my life and minsitry.

Nancy (Dudley) Wilson | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:06 AM

Class of 1983

Rev. Scharfe classes were wonderful, as in wonderfully difficult, filled with writing lots of long papers! He was wonderfully funny, like when he would rattle off the longest and most difficult words, but when he got to a simple word, he would spell it!

Barbara (Scott) Powers | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:05 AM

Class of 1988

You forgot the most impressive thing about Rev Scarfe. Once you knew he used to play hockey, you could never get quite get past it. So when he calmly informed you it was fine if you turned in your paper late, just expect a grade lower for each day late it was, you knew you better buck up and get that paper done. Who knows if you might get "checked into the boards" by the alter personality of the quiet Rev. Scarfe. But you did include one thing accurately. After 25 years, if anyone so much as says the the word "humility," I instantly see Rev. Scarfe's face and hear his gentle but passionate voice. He will always be for me the personification of true humility.

Sally Slotterback | Posted Sep 29, 2017 04:03 AM

Class of 1988

In addition to all his well-deserved accolades as a dearly beloved, respected, honored Bible teacher, one must not forget to acknowledge Rev. Scharfe as a great ice skater.  This was exhibited as he joined in wholeheartedly on FWBC student life skating outings, exhibiting his skating finesse and flair acquired in his great white Canadian north.  The spirit of a passionate athlete resides within this man of gentleness and humility.  Beyond this, Rev. Scharfe has continued to be a devoted friend and prayer support to me for over 25 years as I know he has to so many others.  Thank you, Rev. Scharfe, for your enduring faithfulness to our Lord and Savior and His Word, whose knowledge, love, and goodness you instilled in your students. We have long since forgiven your one weakness ~ an aversion to reptiles, particularly small green rubber ones attached to the Nile River on your Bible teaching map."

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