WINTER 2015
ADC Acadia Divinity College
Equipping Christians to Serve
President’s Message:
No One Moved
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by Dr. Harry Gardner, ’77
ave you ever been in a situation when it seemed like time stopped? When there was silence for a moment as if all in the room were holding their breath.
ourselves and pray and seek His face, and turn from our sin, then God will hear from heaven, and He will forgive our sin and will heal our land’ (2 Chronicles 7:14).
That is exactly what I recall of a particular evening service in one of the first churches I served. I had been the pastor for some time, and it was our ongoing practice to prepare people for baptism and receive people into membership. The Lord had been calling young and old to Himself. Looking back I recognize that it was a season of expectation and blessing in this small congregation.
My first doctoral course at Fuller Seminary was taught by the Rev. Dr. John Finney, Advisor in Evangelism to the Bishop of Southwell in England. Dr. Finney observes that the evidences of Christian spiritual renewal include:
Harry Gardner is the President, Dean of Theology, and the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Professor of Church Leadership.
That particular Sunday night of worship was no different than most. We had sung favourite hymns and praise songs; we had heard from several members of the congregation either praising God or requesting prayer. I had preached and, following the closing hymn, I offered the benediction. And that is when it happened. No one moved. Most heads remained bowed, and people were praying. I sat down for a moment. But still no one moved. The organist stopped playing. It was quiet.
“I KNEW THAT THE LORD WAS PRESENT IN A SPECIAL WAY… AND SO WE WAITED…”
I knew that the Lord was present in a special way. After a short while, I stood and asked a deacon if he had a suggestion. “We are not ready to leave just yet”, he said. And so we waited and prayed, and sang and shared. Again, no one moved. I suggested that we continue the service in a more relaxed setting at our church centre and most did. We sang, visited with one another, and shared tea and crumpets that had quickly been prepared. It was a special time in the Presence of God with one another. This edition of ADC Today is focused on personal church renewal. Those who have examined patterns of church renewal historically and evaluated trends theologically or culturally will conclude that there are complexities that prevent simple prescriptions for its future occurrence - as much as we would want that to be so. In each congregation, there are factors that may either provide for, or inhibit the Spirit’s work. Of course, God is greater than the climate of the church, and He will at times simply ‘take hold of the situation’. Nevertheless, while we may not be able to offer a prescription, there are evidences of Christian spiritual renewal that can be observed and may provide help for us as we think and pray about this matter of a somewhat urgent nature. Through my mentor, the late Rev. Dr. Dallas Willard, I learned that God is opposed to ‘earning’ but He’s not opposed to our effort. We are taught in the Word to ‘draw near to God, and He will draw near to you’ (James 4:8). We are also taught that if we will humble
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• There is a longing in the church to worship God. We worship Him for who He is and for all He has done. There is an air of expectancy when we meet, that the Spirit will be with us. I must ask myself when I go to church on a Sunday if I am expecting the Lord to speak to me. When renewal is happening, God’s people desire to worship together. • With perhaps a British expression, Dr. Finney describes that in the church there is a ‘hearing anew’ of the Bible. Again, there is an expectation that God will speak through His Word as it is read and proclaimed. • There will be a desire and a joy in caring for the needs of others. The fellowship of the church is rebuilt, and genuine support and prayer are evident. It would appear to me that often the needs of one another are not known, and privacy rather than vulnerability is the case. • There is a desire to share Christ with others beyond the church family and the church walls. The priority of making disciples is prominent in people’s minds. It is a very natural occurrence. • There is a turning from ego-centricity to Christo-centricity. Jesus is Lord over all aspects of life. These five observations are not the whole picture but it gives a glimpse of what renewal can look like. These indicators have personal and corporate dimensions and will result in commitment to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, to the Body of Christ . . . His Church and to the mission of Christ in the world. It was many Sunday nights ago when after I gave the benediction, no one moved. You truly could have heard a pin drop. I have learned that our God is not predictable, and just because He was present in a particular way on one occasion does not mean it will look the same in the future. But, I know one thing and that is my own level of expectation of His Presence needs to increase. I desire that for our faculty, staff, and especially our students as they prepare for service and leadership. n
A CALL FOR RENEWAL T
hese are challenging times for local churches. Many once-vibrant congregations now find their pews mostly empty on Sunday mornings. For such shrinking congregations, it may be a struggle just to pay the ever-increasing heat and maintenance costs for an aging church building, and it is an even greater struggle to attract new and younger people. If ever there was a time when spiritual renewal was needed in the church in Canada, it is now. At the same time, it has been well documented that there is increasing spiritual interest in Canadian society— especially among younger adults. Many growing churches are experiencing remarkable spiritual vitality as they reach out with renewed effectiveness to people of all ages and backgrounds in their communities. The increasing uncertainty that people face in today’s world, the heightened spiritual interest among younger Canadians, and new ways to communicate the gospel with people through digital media mean that this is a time of great opportunity for local churches. The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16) and we have been commissioned to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). God is able to do more than we ask or imagine through his power that is at work within us so that in every generation God will receive the glory (Ephesians 3:20-21). To face the new challenges and to respond to the opportunities, congregations need a renewed sense of our mission to a Canadian society that has changed dramatically in a generation.
Historically, movements of renewal in the church have been closely linked to a renewed emphasis on the Holy Spirit, prayer, the Scriptures, and the Lordship of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers and in the life of congregations. That has included an emphasis on practical holiness and on turning away from the worldliness that destroys our witness and tempers our zeal. Renewal involves a commitment to follow Jesus faithfully as his disciples. Those aspects of spiritual renewal are no less important than they have ever been: vibrant congregations remain vibrant only when they are continually experiencing the renewing work of the Holy Spirit because the life of the church is the life of Christ in us. However, my research indicates that in many congregations, the problem is not worldliness or a lack of prayer or a lack of knowledge of scripture so much as it is an unwillingness to jettison traditions and nostalgia that have replaced the mission of the church. When I visit and survey declining congregations, I usually discover church members who express a deep and sincere faith, a strong commitment to prayer, and a willingness to serve, but I also discover people who are stuck in their church’s spiritual past and who are unwilling to make the changes that will be necessary to reach out effectively to their secular neighbours with the gospel. Consequently, their congregations are dying. The old traditions have become such idols that to be freed from their spiritually deadening effects it will require church members to deny self and take up their cross and follow Jesus. Of course, in
by Dr. Stephen McMullin Dr. Stephen McMullin is the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Associate Professor of Evangelism and Mission at Acadia Divinity College as well as the Director of ADC - New Brunswick, and Director of Simpson Lectures.
“… CONGREGATIONS NEED A RENEWED SENSE OF OUR MISSION TO A CANADIAN SOCIETY THAT HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY IN A GENERATION.”
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WINTER 2015 3
A CALL FOR RENEWAL
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any spiritually vital congregation, that is what church members need to do every day (Luke 9:23).
“… THIS IS A TIME OF GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL CHURCHES”.
The need for renewal in today’s church is not the same as in the past because the challenges faced by congregations are not the same as in the past. It is not that inward spiritual renewal is any less urgent— such spiritual renewal must be continuous—but even in congregations with faithful and devout members, decline continues. Many local churches refuse to give up cherished traditions that prevent them from being obedient to Jesus’ commission to go and make disciples. In fact, not only do those congregations refuse to give up traditions, but they sometimes make those traditions even more important than they were ever meant to be. Spiritually vital churches must put their trust in God alone, not in out-dated traditions. Churches should care about the spiritual condition of their own members and they should also care deeply about the spiritual condition of the lost people in the community around them. In times when major social changes take place in society, healthy congregations look outward. In faith they make the changes that are necessary in order to be more effective in reaching out to others because they believe in the power of the gospel, they trust God to sustain them in times of change, and they determine to be faithful to Christ’s commands. But unhealthy congregations, when faced with social changes, look inward and try to protect themselves from change because they do not trust God to be faithful. They resist change by focusing on their historic building or by re-emphasizing traditions that are no longer meaningful to younger people or to people who are new to the community. They cherish old hymns just because that is what they prefer to sing. They start saving the church’s money for a rainy day instead of spending more money on effective outreach. Such an inward-looking focus on the church’s past prevents the congregation from “forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13). And it leads to decline and death. Thankfully, many local churches today are experiencing true spiritual renewal and growth but it has only come as a result of faith in God and a renewed determination to be obedient to the Great Commission. Those congregations have been willing
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to make changes to their buildings in order to be more effective in reaching new people. They are spending money on outreach because they are depending on God for their future, not on their bank accounts. As one pastor of a growing congregation said to me, “It’s not that we’re against having a little pot [of money] for a rainy day; the problem would be for us that there’s too much vision to finance. So if there was a pot, the pot would be getting drained because we want to achieve the vision.” Spiritually vital churches believe that God will do great things through them as they trust him, and they are ready to invest their resources to accomplish that vision. Growing churches empower youth and young adults by allowing them to lead in the use of digital media in the life of the congregation. They welcome people of different backgrounds. They do not just preach; they also listen and engage people in conversation about the things that matter for eternity. They care about the social needs in their communities and as part of their witness they take action to help people in practical ways. And in spite of an increasingly secular society they do not believe the lie that people are no longer interested in the gospel. They know that the truth of the gospel is as powerful today as it has ever been. Traditionally, many churches have turned inward to look for spiritual renewal. They believed that renewal would come if only there was more prayer and deeper commitment. As important as prayer and commitment are, the problems in declining congregations today are more likely to be related to an unwillingness to look outward and to engage the changing society around our churches and to communicate the gospel to people in our communities in effective new ways. The gospel is still the power of God for salvation. God is still God, and he is still able to do more than we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work in us. Renewal and growth will occur in congregations large and small today if our primary focus is on carrying out the mission of Christ. n
We Aren’t in Kansas Anymore, Dorothy! by Carolyn Steeves, ’14 Carolyn Steeves, seen here preparing to welcome local school teachers into the church, is the Campus Pastor of Brentwood Campus with the Journey Church in Moncton, NB. On May 11, 2014, Carolyn graduated with her Bachelor of Theology from Acadia.
Old First Churches Tell a Story T by Dr. William Brackney Dr. William Brackney is the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Distinguished Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics at Acadia Divinity College, and the Director of Acadia Centre of Baptist and Anabaptist Studies.
he Baptist community in the Atlantic provinces is privileged to have some long-term survivors in their midst. Almost twenty of our congregations are two centuries old or more. They have steadfastly relied on God’s providence and risen generation after generation to fulfill Christ’s mission. What are their unique characteristics and what is their secret to longevity? How is their witness special? First, “Old First Church” refers to congregations who pioneered in their communities. The phrase was coined in studies of a type of congregation in the United States that possess a unique character. They were first, planted by stalwart pioneers and church planters. They early achieved a spiritual leadership in their communities and the larger Baptist cause. These congregations produced leaders with valuable gospel skills and service to the larger villages, towns, and cities where they are located. They evolved to be care centers, educating children over many generations, providing food and shelter for those in need, pastoral support for those grieving and celebrating milestones in life stages, and a visual witness by their physical presence in the heart of commerce and activity. Countless people attach their conversions and baptisms to “old first church.” An important result of the ministry of old first churches has been spawning new congregations. Sometimes it has come through differences of opinion or interpretation or leadership styles. At other times, it has happened as a natural result of the expansion of communities into new subdivisions and or ethnic groups. The mother congregation provides new leaders, perhaps funding and validation of ministry for the daughter congregations. Countless are the “Second” and “Third Baptist” or “Emmanuel” or “Calvary Baptist” so-named churches that owe their origins to the “First” church. Likewise, especially since the 1880s, old first churches have specialized and focused their outreach to new immigrants, producing alternative services and congregations in their facilities. Hence we bear witness to German Scandinavian, Slavic, Hispanic, French, Chinese Filipino, Indian and South Asian, and Arab missions born in old first churches. As old first churches get older, they face challenges. Buildings over-constructed for a former generation, can be burdensome to maintain. Pastoral leadership
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needs to refocus the mission of old first congregations from bricks and mortar to evangelism and service. Similarly, old first church continually observes the aging of its membership. Constant attention to recruitment and soul-winning is mandatory, while also caring for those “lifelong loyal saints.” Old first churches in rural or village settings have both advantages and disadvantages over their urban counterparts. Stages in the congregational life cycle produce both subtle and dramatic transitions. As the economic and social conditions change dramatically in isolated communities, old first congregations may survive as the enduring essence of a community’s character. I once had a local politician tell me that our little village church was the last vestige and symbol of a bygone community. He encouraged me to find ways to sustain our witness at all costs for the spiritual life of the area. I found that through part-time and shared ministries, it was less expensive to sustain and even bring about renewal of a small, viable congregation than a downtown church in a changed neighborhood. I found many community folk ready to love and cherish the old churches I have served. Some were members, others adherents. Like many community associations, old first churches may suffer from a kind of family oligarchism. This occurs when one or two extended families control a congregation, creating an elite and conserving social presence and witness. To encourage new growth and inclusion of the entire congregation in ministry, leaders in situations of this kind must be gracious and caring of those who have supported and led in the past, while ‘watering and feeding’ new leaders to assume the mission of the ‘always coming’ next generations. Our old first churches demonstrate the ultimate validity and acceptability of our denominational witness. In villages, cities, and provinces and regions, old first congregations testify to Baptist character: a biblically centered proclamation, a missionary orientation, a passion for evangelism, congregational decision-making, all under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It really matters that from the beginnings of our political and social institutions, there has been a Baptist witness to Christ. Old first churches are a surviving witness to what God has done in our midst over many generations. n
An Interview with
DR. WILLIAM BRACKNEY
by Kaley Saunders, 3rd year Master of Divinity student
Dr. Brackney, you are a distinguished professor at Acadia Divinity College. What is your field of research?
My research is in the area of Christian thought and ethics, two very different major categories. In the field of Christian thought, I am very interested in historical theology and theological foundation of ministry in the church. In Historical Theology, I am particularly interested in the early church, the first five centuries, and also the 17th century. I am writing in both of those areas. On the ethics side, my specialty is human rights and I am working on a book with a former Doctor of Ministry student on the meaning of poverty and the poor among the world’s religions.
What do you teach at Acadia Divinity College?
I teach the basic courses in my field, which are Introduction to Theology, Introduction to Ethics, and Christian Theology in a Pluralistic Context, which are all required courses. I also teach electives, which are the historical line (the Early Church, Reformation, and Modern) and doctrinal (Christology, Holy Spirit, Trinity, and Eschatology).
You also have a new role teaching at Acadia University. What are you teaching and how did that happen?
They invited me. I passed one of the senior administrators one snowy day and he said, “You are a person in hiding; we need to talk to you.” What came from that very brief conversation was an interview and they elected me to the position of adjunct professor in the Department of History and Classics, which includes Comparative Religion. I start this winter term.
In your perspective, how important is it to have ADC on the University campus, and what are the benefits to students?
Exceedingly important! We are the mother faculty, and the reason we are here is theological-training for ministry as a church-related institution. That gives us orientation to the study of theology and divinity that is both academic and professional, which belongs in a university setting. The benefits of being on the Acadia campus include an excellent library, rigorous-ranking faculty, interaction with other people from other disciplines – and frankly, Acadia is a beautiful place to live.
WINTER 2015 7
NEWS
ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE NEWS
WINTER 2015
Friends and Alumni of ADC gather during Oasis On August 22, during Oasis in Moncton, over 200 friends and alumni of Acadia Divinity College gathered for a delicious meal. Dr. Harry Gardner, President of ADC, as well as the new Director of Advancement, Rev. John Campbell, spoke to the enthusiastic group. Those in attendance enjoyed fellowshipping with one another as well as using the ‘ADC Photo Booth’, adding items to the ‘Memory Board’, and listening to the wonderfully talented Tammy Giffen. During the gathering, an announcement was made that Rev. Aaron Kenny, ’02, had received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award.
‘I will make you fishers of people’ - ADC Israel Tour In May of 2014, Dr. Anna Robbins, Academic Dean and Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics, and Dr. Glenn Wooden, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, led several students and other individuals on a tour of the Holy Land.
During the tour to Israel and Palestine, the group was able to sail on the Sea of Galilee where they were shown how a fisherman in New Testament times would have cast his nets. The group also visited the City of Jerusalem and many other historical sites.
Trisha Urquhart receives 25 Year Service Award from Acadia University On June 12, 2014, Trisha Urquhart received her 25 Year Service Award during Acadia University’s annual Summer Assembly. The Award was presented by Ray Ivany, President of Acadia University, and her citation was read by Dr. Harry Gardner, President of Acadia Divinity College, seen her with Trisha on that special day. Trisha is the Administrative Assistant to the Advancement Office of ADC. Congratulations, Trisha! 8 ADC TODAY
ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE NEWS
Zeman Lectures On November 12 & 13, the 2014 Jarold K. Zeman Memorial Lectures welcomed Dr. James M. Stayer, the Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History from Queen’s University. Participants enjoyed two nights of rich scholarship and camaraderie that included Dagmar Zeman-Carter’s reflections on her father Jarold’s life and ministry. In addition to his fine lecture on the ‘Trajectory of Moravian Anabaptist History,’ which highlighted J. K. Zeman’s substantial contribution, Dr. Stayer participated in an intriguing panel discussion with history and classics professors Dr. Jennifer MacDonald and Dr. William H. Brackney, moderated by Dr. Barry Moody. At the close of the lectures representatives from the Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies (ACBAS), Acadia Divinity College, the Acadia University Library, together with Dr. Robert Perrins, Vice President, Academic, and Professor of History, were pleased to present Dr. Stayer with a citation of recognition and appreciation for his outstanding lifetime contribution to the field of Anabaptist scholarship. Photo from left to right: Dr. Perrins, Dr. Stayer, and Dr. Brackney. Well attended from a large cross section of the community, the Zeman Lectures represent the best of ACBAS’s mission to develop and promote the wealth of historical resources available at Acadia University.
Pam Butler receives recognition for 30 years of service
Hayward Lectures 2014 The 2014 Hayward Lectures took place from October 20 to 22, with Dr. David Capes, Houston Baptist University’s Thomas Nelson Distinguished Professor. Dr. Capes presented very stimulating lectures on how the Apostle Paul appropriated Old Testament texts that refer to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and applied them to Jesus. This practice suggests that Paul regarded Jesus in divine terms. These lectures will appear in the Acadia Studies in Bible and Theology series. Photo: Dr. Capes seen on the left with Dr. Craig Evans, Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at ADC.
On October 1, 2014, the ADC Community recognized Pamela Butler for her 30 years of faithful service to the College. Dr. Harold Mitton, the former Principal and Dean who hired Pamela in 1984, sent the following greeting on this occasion, “My engaging you as caretaker was one of the best decisions I made during my term in office. You proved to be dependable and conscientious in making the building a pleasant place.” Congratulations, Pam!
Dr. Anna Robbins teaches at IBTSC in Amsterdam This August, Dr. Anna Robbins, Director of the Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) program, taught several students who are part of ADC’s European DMIN program. The courses were taught at the International Baptist Theological Study Centre located in Amsterdam. WINTER 2015 9
Student Spotlight:
GRACE HAN
Tell us briefly about yourself, what your program is at ADC, and where you are located now.
My name is Grace and I am currently in my first year of the Master of Divinity program. I am from Toronto and now live in residence at Acadia University.
What is your training and previous work experience?
I went to a Bible college in Calgary and took a Bachelor of Religious Studies program. When I graduated, I worked at Calgary Drop in Centre, the largest homeless shelter in Canada. I later moved back to Toronto and
did an internship at St. Paul’s Anglican Church for six months through a program called Youth in Motion. I was then introduced to an organization called Sky’s the Limit, a non-profit organization that raises money to provide refurbished computers for youth. For six years, I worked as an administrator and then a project coordinator.
Tell us about your call to ministry.
I loved working at Sky’s the Limit, but I knew I was called to ministry. I have been involved in some form of ministry since I was in high school. I went to a bible college for my undergrad and I knew that my calling was to preach and work with families who have children and siblings with disabilities. I am still trying to figure out what my specific role will be in the church, but I know I am called to teach and preach the good news of Christ. I also love being involved in mission and have travelled different parts of Asia and the Middle East, and hope the Lord will take me back one day.
A number of current and prospective ADC students will be reading this. What advice would you give them? I originally came to ADC just to focus on my studies. However, I have already made lifelong friends and ministry partners. This is a community that strives to prepare you for ministry both academically and spiritually. I would like to stress that we have an excellent faculty who not only provide a high-quality education, but also shares wisdom that they have gained through their own experiences.
Lastly, is there anything you would like to share for which the ADC community could pray?
I am still in the process of praying about direction in ministry. Please pray for me that I may be obedient and faithful to His calling, wherever He may lead me.
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DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS
ONE PERSON AT A TIME
The importance of Story in Stewardship by Rev. John Campbell, ‘07
On November 28, Dr. Harry Gardner, President of ADC, and Trisha Urquhart, Administrative Assistant to the Advancement Office, presented Dr. David Watt with a painting of the Acadia University campus in recognition of his years of service and retirement from ADC.
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ow do you create partnerships with people around the world and invite them to be part of a common cause? The answer: One person at a time.
On November 28, we had a chance to say thank you to someone who has done just that for Acadia Divinity College. Over the years, Rev. Dr. David Watt has had many different roles within the ADC community. He’s been a student, a staff member, a lecturer, an alumnus, and a strong supporter. Now, after a decade of dedicated service, David is retiring from ADC. In November, over one hundred people gathered together at Birch Cove United Baptist Church in Halifax, NS to celebrate what David has done for the Kingdom, both at ADC and elsewhere. During the celebration, we heard story after story of how David had touched people’s lives in meaningful and lasting ways, and the impact his investment in lives has made. David stepped into my life over ten years ago. He recruited me to ADC, took me to Poland on a short-term mission trip, mentored me in the Development world, and even played a part in introducing me to my wife. Now I find myself stepping into David’s shoes as I take on the role of Director of Advancement. As I find my way forward, there are three principles that David has lived out that helps guide my way.
John Campbell is the Director of Advancement for Acadia Divinity College.
1. It’s about Relationships – Whether it’s trying to raise the $400,000 that the College needs annually to continue to ‘Equip Christians to Serve’, or ministering to individuals in our local churches, it’s all about relationships. We have to remember to treat individuals as people first. They’re not a number or a prospect or an attender or a donor. They are people, loved by God, just like me. 2. It’s about Story – Everyone has a story that’s worth listening to and telling. ADC is full of amazing stories of how God is using marvelously diverse people to bring His love to the nations. We need to become the bards of our communities as we collect the stories of God at work and learn to tell them over and over again.
ANNUAL FUND GOAL
3. It’s about Inviting – Fundraising is not about tricking, pressuring or guilting people into giving. Much like evangelism, it’s about inviting people into a relationship and a way of being. It’s about fostering a rhythm of giving in others and inviting them to be part of something wonderful and life changing. So, following in David’s footsteps, I want to invite YOU to partner with what God is doing at Acadia Divinity College. By finically supporting His work here, you’re Thanks to you, we’ve not only helping to equip our students today, but are raised just over making an investment that will echo in eternity as our $172,000 (or 43%) of our $400,000 goal! graduates serve the Kingdom for years to come. n
To find out more, or to make a donation today, visit www.acadiadiv.ca or call Trisha at 902-585-2217. WINTER 2015 11
Events of Interest February 9-12, 2015 Simpson Lectures: Forum on Church Renewal in Atlantic Canada Festival Theatre, Acadia University NEW and EXCITING format, NOT TO BE MISSED!! Check our website for updates at www.acadiadiv.ca NOTE: The ‘Friends and Alumni Supper’ will take place on WEDNESDAY, February 11 at Wolfville Baptist Church. For more information and to register, visit: www.acadiadiv.ca
March 10 & 11, 2015 Experience AcadiaDiv Visit Acadia Divinity College during its annual open house! Sit in on classes, talk to students, and meet professors! To register, visit: www.acadiadiv.ca
May 8, 2015 54th Annual Commissioning Service & Supper Commissioning Supper: 5:00 pm Wheelock Dining Hall, Acadia University RSVP – adcevents@acadiau.ca
June 11-19, 2015 Old First Church Conference Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville, NS To register: http://libguides.acadiau.ca/ Old_First_Church_Conference
54th Annual Commissioning Service – 7:30 pm Wolfville Baptist Church, Wolfville, NS
EXPERIENCE
ACADIA DIV Have you been asking yourself,
DISCOVER YOUR CALLING! • March 10 & 11 • Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NS
“What does it mean to prepare for ministry in today’s changing world?” “How will a seminary education at Acadia help me to follow God’s call?” “What is God calling me to do with my life?”
AC A D I A DIVINITY COLLEGE Equipping Christians to Serve
1-866-875-8975 • 902-585-2217 12 ADC TODAY
acadiadivinitycollege @acadiadiv www.acadiadiv.ca
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When you study at Acadia Divinity College, you become part of a family for life. We want to continue to train and equip you to serve long after you’ve crossed that stage with degree in hand. We have two great new initiatives to do just that!
AUDIT A CLASS FOR $99 OR EVEN FOR FREE!
Take a class on us! Starting in January 2015 all Alumni will be able to take qualifying courses from ADC for just $99. If you bring someone who’s never studied with us before, you can take the course for free!
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FREE LIVE STREAM OF SIMPSON LECTURES
Can’t make it to Wolfville for this year’s Simpson Lectures on Church Renewal? Not to worry! We’re offering a free live stream for Alumni to watch the evening sessions. Check out www.acadiadiv.ca/ adc-for-life for all the details.
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YOU TELL US!
We want to hear from you! What are some ways we could support you in your ministry? Retreats, resources, classes on specific topics, better access to professors. No idea is too large or small. Watch out for a survey coming out this winter to give your input.
Check out www.acadiadiv.ca/forlife for more information.
Acadia Divinity College Courses NOTE: To take courses for academic credit, individuals must be current Acadia Divinity College students. To audit a course, please inquire by contacting Student Services at 902-585-2215 or adcinfo@acadiau.ca. Class limits do apply. ADC in Metro - Winter Term • Apologetic Engagement of Church & Contemporary Culture Dr. Anna Robbins Stoneridge Fellowship Church, Lower Sackville, NS Tuesdays, 6:30-9:15 pm (beginning January 13) • Introduction to Christian History Dr. Robert Wilson Faith Baptist Church, Lower Sackville, NS Thursdays, 6:30-9:15 pm (beginning January 15)
ADC New Brunswick – Winter Term (NOTE: these courses are designed for individuals preparing for, or currently in, pastoral ministry) • Understanding Pastoral Care & Counselling Rev. Ken Nielson Kingswood University, Sussex, NB January 16-17, February 6-7, and March 13-14 • Effective Preaching & Engaging Worship Dr. John McNally Oromocto Baptist Church, Oromocto, NB January 30-31, February 27-28, and March 27-28
February 9-13, 2015 Simpson Week Courses at ADC • Evangelism and Discipleship of Youth Rev. Renée Embree • Leadership that Advances the Mission Dr. Bruce Fawcett • Professional & Personal Ethics Dr. Glen Berry (Please note: restrictions do apply) Spring Term May 22 – June 4: Developing Artistry in Ministry - Rev. Renée Embree and Rev. Iain Hoskins (Note: this course takes place in Prague, Czech Republic) June 15-19, 2015: Psalms – Dr. Glenn Wooden, Wolfville, NS WINTER 2015 13
Alumni News 1957 Donald Robertson has completed his ministry at Digby Baptist Church, NS and will be retiring.
1988 Mark Shaw has completed his ministry at Gaspereau, Wallbrook & White Rock United Baptist Churches, NS.
2006 Matthew Walsh has accepted a call to serve at West End Baptist Church, Halifax, NS.
1976 and 1977 Randy & Elizabeth Legassie have completed their ministry with Canadian Baptist Ministries.
1995 John Ferguson has accepted a call to serve as Bridge Worship Pastor of First Moncton Baptist Church, NB.
2007 Karen Doucette has completed her ministry at Alton Baptist Church, NS.
1979 Michael Trites has completed his ministry at Elmsdale Baptist Church, NS.
1996 Jeff White has completed his ministry at Windsor Baptist Church (NS) effective May 31, 2014 and accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor of United Baptist Church of Digby (NS) effective July 1, 2014.
1981 Gordon Walker has completed his ministry at Jordan Falls Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to serve at SpringfieldWest O’Leary Baptist Church, PE. 1982 Dennis Leamont It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dennis Leamont who died on July 23. Dennis served as a Pastor in many communities throughout the Maritime Provinces including Debert, Belmont, Bathurst, Milton, Plymouth, and Falmouth. Dennis was a graduate of Acadia Divinity College where he was honoured with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003. 1983 Edward Powell has completed his ministry at Grand Bay Baptist Church, NB. 1984 Randy Fawkes It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Randy Fawkes who died on July 28. Randy completed both Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees at Acadia Divinity College, as well as a diploma in Prison Ministry. Randy served as a pastor in Wilmot, NS, the Protestant Chaplain at the Atlantic Institution in Renous, NB, and later as the Baptist Chaplain at Saint John Regional Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital. 1985 Donald Krause has completed his ministry at Summerside Baptist Church, PE. 1986 & 1997 Douglas Kellough was recently elected President and Member of the Board of Managers of the Jounral of Pastoral Care Publications, Inc. JPCP Inc. is the publisher of the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling as well as books and monographs in the fields of pastoral/spiritual care, counselling and education.
1998 Derek Melanson has completed his ministry at Nerepis Baptist Church, NB and has accepted a call to serve at Barrington Temple United Baptist Church, NS. 1999 Ian Rough has completed his ministry at Nashwaak Village Baptist Church, NB. 1999 Daniel Walton has completed his ministry at Jemseg Baptist Church, NB. He has accepted a call to serve as a Canadian Air Force chaplain in Trenton, ON. 1999 David Watt retired from Acadia Divinity College. During his ten years at ADC, he served as Director of Development and Recruitment, taught missions, and also served as an Advancement Consultant. 2004 Greg Porter has completed his ministry at Truro Heights and Nuttby Baptist Churches, NS. 2004 Mark Reece and his wife, Jennifer, welcome their baby girl, Rachael Anne, born on July 17. 2006 Mitch Deware and his wife, Carolyn, welcomed their first born, Emma Meghan, on July 18. 2006 David Hopper has completed his ministry at Clyde Avenue Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve at Jordan Falls Baptist Church, NS. 2006 Jeff Irving has completed his ministry at Dundas Baptist Church, NB.
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2009 David Cawley has completed his ministry at New Tusket Baptist Church, NS. He and his wife, Lorna, have moved to Alberta. 2009 Al Fewkes has completed his ministry at Kennebecasis Baptist Church, NB and has accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in New Maryland, NB. 2010 Matt Snow has completed his ministry at Birch Cove Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor of Rivercross Church, Saint John, NB. 2011 Louise Knowles has completed her ministry at Bayers Road Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor of Timberlea Baptist Church, NS. 2011 Susan Mattinson married Colin Rackham on August 30. Her mother, Beth Mattinson, ’04, officiated at the wedding. 2011 Andy Scott was ordained on November 23 at First Moncton United Baptist Church, NB. 2013 Janet Baker was ordained on October 8 at Harmony Baptist Church, NS. 2013 James Smith has accepted a call to serve at Wentworth, Westchester, Millvale and Central New Annan Baptist Churches, NS. 2014 Dustin Day has accepted a call to serve as Youth Pastor of Florenceville Baptist Church, NB. 2014 Mary Grace Hawkes has completed her ministry at First Cornwallis Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve as Co-Pastor of Pereaux Baptist Church, NS.
2014 Greg Sparkes has completed his ministry at Geary Baptist Church, NB. 2014 Carolyn Steeves has completed her ministry at The Journey Church (Moncton, NB) and has accepted a call to serve as Senior/Lead Pastor of West End Baptist Church (St. John’s, NL) effective March 2015. 2014 Sarah McIntyre Stevens was ordained on November 16, at Bethany Memorial Baptist Church, NS.
Current Students Rick Campbell has completed his ministry at First Hampstead, Queenstown and Upper Gagetown Baptist Churches, NB.
Jennifer Smith was inducted into ministry as the Pastor of Family Life at Windsor Baptist Church, NS on October 26.
Heather Card has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Mount Denson Baptist Church, NS.
Stephen Wheaton has accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor (part-time) at First Cornwallis Baptist Church, NS.
Derek Geldart was ordained on October 26 at Hillgrove Baptist Church, NB.
Acadia Divinity College Celebrates
Distinguished Alumni, Aaron Kenny Matthew records the story of Jesus walking through a Galilean fishing village and calling workers for his mission team. While they worked their nets, he called out to them, “Come, be my disciples, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matt. 4:19) The Master continues to call men and women to work the “abundant harvest” from villages, towns and cities around the globe. That “special call” was laid upon the heart of a young Aaron Kenny several years ago while living in Charlottetown, PE. He responded and began the journey of preparation for ministry that included completing a Master of Divinity degree at Acadia Divinity College. After serving churches in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and in Midland, New Brunswick, Aaron sensed a call to consider serving with Canadian Baptist Ministries in Kenya. I was privileged to be one of Aaron’s references as he wrestled with and eventually responded to the overseas opportunity. Aaron, along with his wife, Erica, and their children, has served faithfully for eight years in one of the most opportune, complex and challenging contexts of international ministry. They serve as CBM’s Africa Team Leaders, providing support for CBM
missionaries, partnerships and programs. They seek to strengthen the local churches in their outreach to Muslim neighbours through integral mission, peace and reconciliation initiatives, literacy projects, food security and micro-enterprise development. Living miles away from his Prince Edward Island roots, Aaron and his family provide a model of servant leadership by working among the marginalized of our world. Aaron has honored the call of Jesus on his life to “fish for people”. I witnessed the presentation of his Kenya work during his short visit to Canada this summer. His passion for the work and respect for the people brought a fresh realization that God continues to transform people and communities through those he calls to serve in difficult places. They are making a significant difference. Like the Apostle Paul, Aaron can say, “And so, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to that vision from heaven” (Acts 26:19).
by Dr. David Watt, ’99 Dr. David Watt is the Advancement Consultant at Acadia Divinity College.
The ADC Alumni Association is pleased to honour Rev. Aaron Kenny, an ADC trained pastor-missionary, co-worker and good friend, as the Distinguished Alumni of 2014. n
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If undeliverable please return to: Acadia Divinity College 15 University Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 41228525
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ADC TODAY
In Honour:
The Reverend Dr. David R. Watt, ‘62, ‘65, ‘80, ‘99
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his edition of ADC Today is in honour of the Reverend Dr. David R. Watt who has completed a decade of service at Acadia Divinity College. David has been in ministry for over 50 years. He has been a pastor, a missionary, a chaplain, an educator, and an administrator in a variety of Christian settings. David served as a pastor for 32 years in five Canadian urban and rural churches following his ordination in 1965. During his pastoral ministry, he developed a passion for crosscultural ministry, recognizing that the mission of the church is global as well as local. His first overseas mission trip with Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) was in Scotland in 1987. Between 1997 and 2004, David served with CBM in India, Brazil, Europe, and the Mediterranean. Through David’s leadership, Katowice, Poland, became a centre of missionary experience for many teams from Canadian churches and Acadia students. He also facilitated teams from Poland who were hosted by Atlantic Baptist churches.
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David was also a lecturer at Acadia Divinity College through his ministry with CBM. He taught pastoral care, supervised field education, and missions. In December 2004, David became a full-time employee at Acadia Divinity College as Director of Development and Recruitment and Lecturer in Missions. In 2010, he moved to part-time work as Director of Development. In the various roles he held at Acadia Divinity College, David continued to be a pastor to students, alumni, and donors, using his gifts of visitation and mentorship. In 2009, he received the Acadia Divinity College Alumni Distinguished Service Award. This Award was inaugurated in 1995, to honour members of the Alumni of the Acadia Divinity College, whose gifts for ministry have contributed significantly to the Christian Church in Canada or throughout the world. Few individuals have been as connected as David to the pastors and churches of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches. We thank God for his leadership and wish him every blessing in retirement. n