Vance Boelter, the suspect in the tragic shooting of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, has ties to Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, where he attended in the late 1980s.
An official from the institute confirmed that Boelter graduated in 1990 with a Diploma in Practical Theology in Leadership and Pastoral, following his enrollment from 1988 to 1990.
Following the incident that led to Boelter’s arrest, CFNI expressed its deep dismay regarding the news, stating, “We are absolutely aghast and horrified that a CFNI alumnus is the suspect. This is not who we are. This is not what we teach. This is not what we model. We have been training Christian servant leaders for 55 years, and they have been agents of good, not evil.”
The institute, which has roots in Pentecostal, charismatic, and evangelical traditions, emphasized its commitment to non-violence and the promotion of love and compassion in its mission statement.
“Christ For The Nations Institute unequivocally rejects, denounces, and condemns any and all forms of violence and extremism, be it politically, racially, religiously or otherwise motivated,” the institution stated in a release.
CFNI further clarified that its core Christian values stand in stark contrast to the actions attributed to Boelter, asserting the importance of valuing human life and promoting service and prayer.
Notably, CFNI maintains partnerships with several accredited institutions, such as Dallas Baptist University and Oral Roberts University, allowing its students to transfer credits for continued studies.
While Vance Boelter is now facing serious charges, including murder, after allegedly posing as a police officer and fatally shooting Hortman and her husband at their residence, he also reportedly shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home nearby.
Friends and former colleagues have recounted Boelter as a devout Christian who actively participated in his evangelical church and attended rallies in support of President Donald Trump.
Although he held conservative political views, sources noted that he did not frequently discuss politics and appeared to exhibit a non-extreme demeanor.
In a reflection of the institute’s teaching philosophy, CFNI addressed a slogan often associated with its founder, Gordon Lindsay: “Every Christian should pray at least one violent prayer a day.” This phrase, they clarified, refers not to physical violence but to the intensity and passion of one’s prayer life.
“Gordon Lindsay, who passed away in 1973, often shared this slogan privately and at public Christian gatherings,” the college explained. “By ‘violent prayer,’ he meant that a Christian’s prayer-life should be intense, fervent, and passionate, not passive and lukewarm, considering that spiritual forces of darkness are focused on attacking life, identity in God, purpose, peace, love, joy, truth, health, and other good things.”
CFNI reiterated that it does not support violence against individuals in any form, firmly disavowing any attempts to link Boelter’s actions with the institution’s biblical teachings.
Amid the ongoing situation surrounding the shootings, the institute continues its educational activities, with students participating in summer camps on campus, highlighting their dedication to fostering a positive and nurturing environment.
As the community grapples with the fallout from the shootings, the stark contrast between the ideals promoted by Christ For The Nations Institute and the actions of its former student has become a focal point of concern.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/news/faith/2025/06/16/minnesota-shooting-suspect-attended-dallas-religious-school-school-confirms/
