My first impression of Reformed Theological Seminary chancellor and CEO Ligon Duncan was that he was an anachronism. With his suit and tie, pocket square, and neatly combed hair, he looks like he just stepped out of a 1950s Presbyterian session meeting.

That stereotype didn’t last long. Duncan is not stiff or severe. He’s fun to talk to—energetic, quick to laugh, and full of good stories. He’s generous with his time and counsel. He’s curious, well-read, and interesting.

He’s also interested in people—which is why he’s spent his life building institutions that other people have started. He sees the value in accountability, in structures, and in the character formation that comes from belonging to a healthy organization.

“Institutions actually are the engines that allow movements to continue on into the next generation in a healthy, flourishing way,” he told me.

In a time of hyper-individualism, when institutions are often seen as villains impeding personal growth and self-actualization, Duncan is unusual. You might even say he’s anachronistic.

But he doesn’t hail from a past that seems oppressive or harsh. He’s pulling from traditions of close friends and family, football on Friday nights, and loud laughter around the Sunday dinner table. He’s drawing from memories of uncompromising biblical orthodoxy combined with humble, soft-hearted apologies for sin.