Photo by Dan Callis
ADC
Summer 2016
Equipping Christians to Serve
Advocating
a culture of reconciliation FEATURE ARTICLE
NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community - by Dr. Terry LeBlanc | Page 3
President’s Message Where is the Inn? I’ve been thinking about Inns lately. Not because Nova Scotia has some of the loveliest, but because I’ve been reading biblical accounts featuring Inns and during our College’s recent trip to Israel and Palestine, we visited the places in those accounts. Although I’ve been to Israel several times, I’ve never stayed in Bethlehem. On this trip, I had the privilege to. But, that wasn’t the case for Mary and Joseph. There was no room for them in the Inn. Alternate arrangements were made and Jesus was born in a stable. Shepherds came to see Jesus after an awesome encounter with an angelic proclamation that the Messiah had been born. Perhaps there had been no room for Mary and Joseph in the Inn, but that did not stop God’s plan from unfolding. Our trip to Israel included travelling towards the Dead Sea and Jericho. It brought to mind the story Jesus told of the man who travelled the same route, falling into the hands of robbers who beat him and left him half dead. After several religious leaders passed him by, a Samaritan tended him and took him to an Inn. He made arrangements for the man to stay there to recover, promising to pay the innkeeper whatever it cost. This story was told by Jesus to an expert of the law (Luke 10). The expert questioned Jesus about what he had to do to inherit eternal life. He recalled the admonition of the Word to love God with one’s heart, soul, mind and strength and love one’s neighbour as oneself. He asked Jesus, “And, who is my neighbour?” Jesus made it clear 2
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that another question was more appropriate. “To whom can I be a neighbour?” The expert would not have been prepared to consider that a Samaritan would be the hero of the story. But, he had to conclude that the Samaritan was indeed the one who had been a neighbour to the man left on the road. Hard truths indeed - loving God and loving people go hand in hand. I can hear the expert thinking, “What was wrong with that man travelling alone on the road anyway? He brought this on himself.” Or perhaps he made excuses for those who passed by on the other side without helping the person in the ditch. Where is the Inn? I’ve been asking myself this question as I consider the desperate conditions of individuals and families around the world who have lost so much because of injustices; ethnic cleansing, war, political upheaval. The actual numbers of refugees in the world today is too much for us to come to terms with … but we must! This edition of ADC Today will feature the testimony of what it has meant for one church to be an Inn to a refugee family. We need to ask ourselves, “To whom can I be a neighbour?” “What will it cost?” We also feature ADC’s new partnership with NAIITS, the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies. Dr. Terry LeBlanc provides a perspective that we may not find easy to read. Our seminary is an Inn of sorts. A place where meaningful and needed dialogue takes place. Classrooms where theological discourse ends up with pointed conclusions and more questions that will strike the
by Dr. Harry Gardner, ’77
hearts of students, equipping them to consider, “Where is the Inn?” Theological education requires that we understand the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada relating to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. We cannot pass by on the other side. We need to move from understanding to action and that will require the best thinking of our emerging leaders. The newly launched Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture will make room for dialogue as we consider what it will take to understand and relate to the many displaced people of our country and those who are coming into it. What does it mean to relate to our culture with the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ? Where is the Inn? There is a price to be paid and people are worth it, for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and He expects us to love others also - to make room. There are no easy answers, but this edition holds promise to engage you deeply as you ask, “Where is the Inn?”
Dr. Harry Gardner is the President and the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Professor of Church Leadership of Acadia Divinity College, and the Dean of Theology of Acadia University.
by Dr. Terry LeBlanc, ‘15
NAIITS: An
Indigenous Learning Community
Acadia University’s Chancellor, Dr. Libby Burnham, presented Terry LeBlanc with an honorary Doctor of Divinity in May of 2015.
Indigenous scholar Taiaiake Alfred asks, What is “Indigenizing the academy?” To me, it means that we are working to change universities so that they become places where the values, principles, and modes of organization and behaviour of our people are respected in, and hopefully even integrated into, the larger system of structures and processes that make up the university itself.
Learning Community, questions of culture and faith have been circulating for many years. Questions surrounding contextualization and the redemption of Indigenous North American culture in mission and ministry have surfaced through the many seasons of their lives. Most of the questions that drive the work of NAIITS flow directly from a community that has much invested in the answers. The emergence of NAIITS is directly tied to the many years of labour invested by its board members in the Indigenous Christian community. From the day of its formation to the present, NAIITS has been an Indigenous North American led organization dedicated to introducing change into the education and practice of evangelical Christian mission and theology.
Photo by Dan Callis
ADC introduces the Master of Arts (Theology) in Indigenous Community Development
Christian mission and theology attuned to Indigenous culture, a small group of Indigenous evangelicals were prompted to explore ways to address the issue. Missionaries, theologians, and lay people had been struggling for many years to make sense of the issue to little effect. NAIITS was born in response to this inability of the church to fully include Indigenous North Americans in a manner that affirmed
who their Creator had shaped them to be.
From its very creation, the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) has been asking a similar question. Not just within the academic community, however, but also within the Indigenous and non-Indigenous evangelical Christian community.
It was simultaneously a simple and complex problem: how to articulate a Christian faith in which Indigenous people’s culture was not further eroded or altogether decimated. Stated another way, “How could Indigenous people express their commitment to Jesus Christ and celebrate their God-given indigeneity within that faith without contradiction. Finding little in print or experience that addressed the theological, biblical and missiological issues at hand, NAIITS determined to gather a group of people together to explore the issue of holistically contextualizing the gospel.
In 1999, in response to the increasingly controversial issue of
For the participants, in what has now become NAIITS: An Indigenous
Believing that since the earliest period of colonization the Christian community had essentially written them (and their culture) out of the story of the church, NAIITS emphasized the inclusion of Indigenous worldviews, especially as they relate to training Indigenous people in theology, biblical studies, and mission. Since the North American evangelical church had become almost irrelevant to Indigenous peoples as a result of its unwillingness to make this change, NAIITS faculty and students were often left isolated from their own communities of faith in this endeavour. NAIITS is unique in that its founding and management was, and continues to be, by Indigenous people. Prior to NAIITS there were few efforts in advanced theological education. Most that did emerge were birthed in the hearts and minds of the nonIndigenous community, delivered in a non-culturally inclusive way. … continued on page 4
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… continued from page 3
In the spring of 2014, Acadia University, through Acadia Divinity College, entered into a working agreement with NAIITS to begin delivery of a Master of Arts (Theology) in Indigenous Community Development (MA-INCD). The first cohort of three students began that fall. The total enrolment for 2016 is four. This and four other partnerships with different institutions, offering unique degree options, are the first partnerships of their kind delivered entirely by an Indigenous organization focused on higher theological education. Since its conception in the late 1990s, and its organizational birth in the year 2001, NAIITS has become a well-recognized and well-respected group of Indigenous North American men and women dedicated to the advancement of Indigenous people’s
education within the wider compass of those who follow the Jesus Way.
NAIITS believes Indigenous followers of Jesus have something of value to contribute to the Christian community as a whole in terms of mission and theology, but more particularly, that they need to create their own tools for mission to the Indigenous community.
Since 2003, NAIITS partnerships have graduated seven people with doctoral degrees and nine people with Masters of Divinity or Masters of Arts degrees. Presently, NAIITS has five people in Acadia is helping us make that point! PhD programs (two at the dissertation stage) and one in a ThD program at the candidacy stage. Three of these students Dr. Terry LeBlanc , a Mi’kmaqare enrolled in an ongoing program Acadian, is the Executive Director of partnership created by NAIITS, two in Indigenous Pathways and also the a concluding agreement, and one in a founding Chair and current Director single student arrangement. of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS), In the twelve years that NAIITS has an indigenous learning community. been engaged in the delivery of higher Terry holds an interdisciplinary PhD education, through its partnerships, from Asbury Theological Seminary, we have graduated more students and specializes in Theology and with advanced high-quality degrees Anthropology. In May 2015, Terry than in the previous 150 years in the received the honorary Doctor of Divinity traditions of the church from which our from Acadia University. membership has been drawn combined.
Photo by Dan Callis
Rev. Gato Munyamasoko receives Acadia University’s Honorary Doctorate Front cover photo: Gato Munyamasoko, recipient of the honorary Acadia Doctor of Divinity. On May 15, 2016, Rev. Dr. Gato Munyamasoko received the Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Acadia University. He is seen here with Acadia University Chancellor, Dr. Libby Burnham, and Acadia University President, Ray Ivany.
One of the highlights of the weekend of Acadia Divinity College’s Commissioning Service and Acadia University’s Convocation, was the presence of Rev. Gato Munyamasoko - the General Secretary of the Association of Baptist Churches in Rwanda – who received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University. Gato is from Kigali, Rwanda, 4
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and is an outstanding Christian leader modeling and advocating a culture of peace and reconciliation across Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya. He is motivated by the love of God in Jesus Christ and sees every human being as created in the image of God. Because of this he has led Rwandans to understand the causes of the genocide,
to seek and to extend forgiveness, and to build relationships based on the principles of justice, mercy and faith, emphasizing the need for reconciliation with God, self, and others. Acadia University can be proud to bestow this honour on this outstanding human example of grace and love.
by Rev. Mark Reece, ‘04
Paradise Baptist Church Welcomes Refugee Family In January 2015, one of my deacons caught a CBC Radio interview on the plight of Syrian refugees and the Government of Canada’s willingness to receive a large number for resettlement. The interview’s participants identified a role for local churches in sponsorship and expressed hope that there would be movement toward that end. The need was shared with our leadership team and the Paradise Baptist Church congregation as a whole. Could we do it? One of the realities of small, rural church life is that we can easily develop an inferiority complex: “We could never do something like that!”“Our resources are limited.” Yet, rural churches are often well positioned to extend hospitality and offer community. Following a process with necessary discussions, our congregation agreed to pursue Blended Visa Office-Referred sponsorship through the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (CABC) in partnership with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). On May 20, 2015, the profile of our Iraqi family of six—twice displaced in the Middle East—was selected by the empowered sponsorship team. In short time, a neighbouring church, Bridgetown Baptist, offered muchneeded fundraising and hands-on family support. How do we measure success? Early on, we determined that success must not be measured by whether the family put down roots in Bridgetown or even Atlantic Canada. Our primary focus was getting them out of a terrible, wartorn environment. Therefore, success was achieved as soon as their first
flight landed in Toronto. It was further realized when their second flight landed in Halifax on August 20, 2015, three months to the day and hour of profile selection. Paul Carline, Director of Intercultural Ministries for the CABC, comments, “It’s a new day for many of our churches, and for many of the families that they’re receiving.” Psalm 46:1 reminds us that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (NASB). In this way, we are all refugees in need of protective strength. It has been a joy for a congregation of refugees to extend a hand to a family of refugees. Refugee sponsorship has reaffirmed Paradise Baptist in its mission and purpose, providing a new ministry opportunity. Today, we are seeking to live out the challenge of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) with which Jesus broadly and inclusively redefined the word “neighbour” to include the least expected. We are seeking to think intentionally beyond ourselves. This includes a renewed focus on the practical needs of our next-door neighbours. Local needs surface often, and we feel that it is important for the church be in a position—yes, financially—to respond with the love of Christ. How does the family measure success? Since arriving in Canada, the mom and girls have experienced both the pleasure and pain of life in a new country and culture. So much is new, and the learning curve is steep. They are learning about their new community, and the community is learning about them. Their primary focus over the past 12 months has been to learn English. But, they are able
to work, attend school, play sports, and pursue other interests without fearing for their safety. Security, while never fully guaranteed to anyone, is more tangible. Their nightmare has ended, and dreams are becoming realities for our newcomers. What does the community think? Opinions on immigration, refugees, and citizenship abound. Christ’s love abounds, too. Society recognizes when the church is being the church. The support that the sponsorship team has received from the wider community cannot be adequately conveyed with words. Every need has been met, and offers of assistance continue to arrive from both likely and unlikely sources. We have been able to taste and see the Lord’s goodness. One of my responsibilities has been keeping our local ecumenical ministerial abreast of refugee sponsorship developments. I am pleased to say that our brothers and sisters in the Anglican Parish of Bridgetown have recently decided to pursue sponsorship. It is a joy to be in a position to encourage and resource others on the journey. I am convinced now, more than ever, that Christian unity and cooperation that honours Jesus Christ is a powerful witness to the world in which we live.
Rev. Mark Reece is the pastor of Paradise Baptist Church in Paradise, NS. Mark graduated from Acadia with his Master of Divinity degree in 2004, and is currently in the College’s Doctor of Ministry program. Summer 2016
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by Dr. Glenn Wooden, ’84, ‘86
How can we do less? Should we help nonChristian refugees? Biblically it is clear that we must help those of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10). But what about others? Our congregation used to support a foster child, but someone probed the wisdom of our choice: “Why are you supporting a Muslim child in a Muslim country,” he asked, “through a charity that doesn’t preach the gospel? You need to switch to a Christian sponsorship plan.” But, must Christian charity always be twinned with Gospel preaching? Is there a place for helping people, with no strings attached? I believe that, biblically, there is. Every human is “made in the image of God”. What exactly Genesis 1:27 means is debated, but this is clear: “the human” is the only creature made in the image of God. Not even sin changed that. After Genesis 3 and 4, 5:1 reaffirms: “When God created humankind, he made them in the likeness of God.” The passage then lists the descendants of Adam and Eve; they all bore the image of God. Psalm 8 marvels at how our Creator still remembers the “sons of Adam” and cares for us (v. 4). Paul teaches about Christ that, “all things have been created through him and for him” (Col. 1:16). Every human is not only created in the image of God, but is created by Jesus, “for himself”. There should be little wonder that God still considers humans to be “crowned with glory and honour” (Ps. 8:5).
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Amos challenges us with implications of this “image of God”. In Amos 1-2, Edom is described as the regional human trafficker (1:6, 9); and its citizens were a ruthless, revengefilled people to be judged (1:11). Yet, amazingly, God judges the king of Moab, because he desecrated the bones of Edom’s king. Even the dead leader of this judged people had innate human dignity that God expected all humans to respect. This is underscored when God warned His covenant people not to overestimate their importance; they are no different than the Ethiopians, Philistines, or Arameans (Amos 9:7) whom God helped. Even Jesus said: “he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” (Matt. 5:45). God provides for a good life for all whom He created, regardless of our eternal destination. “Go and do likewise.” In Luke 10:25-37, An expert in biblical law wanted Jesus to affirm his own ethnic prejudices. Jesus had affirmed the law “to love your neighbour as yourself” (Lev. 19:8) as one of two primary laws. “But surely,” the lawyer reasoned, “my neighbour is a Jew, someone just like me.” To clear his vision, Jesus told a story about a Samaritan. Jesus’ audience thought about Samaritans in the same way many Christians think of Muslims today. So, a non-Jew, Samaritan traveler became the one who “was moved with pity” for the helpless Jew at the side of the road. When Jesus asked: “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour …?”, the choice was inescapable: “The one who showed him mercy.” “Go and do likewise,” Jesus told him … and us.
The God of immigrants. “For Yahweh your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, … who loves the immigrants [sojourners, foreigners], providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the immigrant, for you were immigrants in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10:17-19). Whereas we, too, were “rescued from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Col. 1:13-14), how can we ignore God’s command to “love the immigrant, for you were immigrants”?
We must do more, but we cannot do less. We must never forget that the Gospel is the power of God that leads to salvation. That needs to be preeminent among our priorities. But, as transformed bearers of the image of God, Christians more than anyone should act compassionately toward all other bearers of the image of God, regardless of how they act or what they believe. God provides sustenance for all and requires acting with human dignity towards even the worst sinners. To love our neighbour is to care for the “other” without monetary or religious strings attached. So, when people suffer, whether they be Jews, Samaritans, Muslims, Yazidi, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, Indigenous, Canadians, terrorists, atheists or believers, Christfollowers treat them as one of “us”. We must do more, but we cannot do less. We did not stop sponsoring that Muslim girl. Our money helped provide her with food, water, and education. And I believe that was the godly, Christ-like decision to make.
2016
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1 On Friday, May 13, 2016, the faculty and graduands of Acadia Divinity l 3 l
College participated in the 55th Annual Commissioning Service which was held at Wolfville Baptist Church.
2 Steve Baker (centre), Bachelor of Theology graduand, with his l
mother, Marion (left), and his wife, Janet, ’13. Steve has been accepted to the Medical University of the Americas to pursue a degree in medicine.
3 Cheryl Ann Beals, Doctor of Ministry graduand, attended l
Commissioning Supper with her family. L to R: her aunt, Ruby Beals, Cheryl Ann, brother, Elliott Beals, nephew, Aaron, and niece, Janay.
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4 Christoph Deutschmann (right), Master of Divinity graduand, with his sister, l
Elisabeth, and his father, Karl, who travelled from Christoph’s hometown in Austria to attend the celebration.
5 The Bent family and supporters! A rare occurrence - father and daughter l
graduating together. Jessica (back row, centre) graduated with her Bachelor of Theology, and her father, Anthony Bent, (back row, far right) graduated with a Master of Arts (Theology) degree. Seen here with their direct family including four children from Lithuania that the Bent Family recently adopted.
6 Mentors and supervisors of ADC graduands are invited to participate in the l
laying on of hands during the Commissioning Service. Left to right: Dan Green, ‘11 (alumnus and pastor of Chester Baptist Church) with his son, Joe Green, Master of Divinity graduand, and Gary Myatt, ‘98 (alumnus and Associate in Clinical Pastoral Education). Joe gave the ‘Reflections of a Graduand’ address during the Commissioning Service.
7 Dr. Carol Anne Janzen, Dean of Students (far right) presents Evan and Kayla l
Colford (Master of Divinity graduands) with Acadia Divinity College’s ‘Special Service Award’.
8 Chris Diotte, Bachelor of Theology graduand, and his girlfriend, l
Samantha Hicks, a current Bachelor of Theology student. Chris led worship at the Commissioning Supper and played piano during the Commissioning Service.
9 Rev. Rob Nylen, Master of Divinity graduate from 1998, l
was the special speaker at the 55th Commissioning Service.
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10 Acadia Divinity College’s ‘Class of 2016’ in front of the Manning Memorial Chapel l
after Convocation on May 15, 2016.
11 Master of Arts (Theology) graduate, Ben MacDonald (right), speaking with l
Ray Ivany, President of Acadia University, after receiving the University Silver Medal in Theology. Ben was also the recipient of the ADC President’s Award, presented during the Commissioning Supper.
12 Angela Wade (left), Bachelor of Theology graduate, celebrating with her l
sister, Stephanie Blades. Angela is the Associate Pastor of Children and Families at the Hampton, NB site of Atlantic Community Church.
13 Ken Neilsen and Sheila Heneise, Doctor of Ministry graduands, lining up for the l
processional into the Acadia University Convocation on Sunday, May 15, 2016.
14 Master of Arts (Theology) graduate, Taylor Murray, speaking to his thesis l
supervisor, Dr. Bob Wilson, Thomas James Armstrong Memorial Professor of Practical Theology and Church History at ADC.
15 Samuel Bado Auler, Master of Arts graduate, moved to Canada from Brazil with l
his wife, Vivane, in order to study at Acadia Divinity College.
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16 Doctor of Ministry graduates. l 17 Bachelor of Theology graduates. l 18 Master of Divinity graduate, Jeff Baggaley, enjoying himself after Convocation. l 19 Master of Divinity graduates. l 20 Master of Arts (Theology) graduates. l 18 l
21 Natasha Davidson celebrating after graduating with her Master of Divinity degree l
on May 15, 2016.
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10 ADC Today
Take That First Step
by Samantha West, ‘15
Top: Darcy Gillis and Dr. Harry Gardner at the 2016 Convocation ceremony. Bottom: Joe Green delivering the ‘Reflections of a Graduand’ at the 2016 Commissioning Service.
As the Recruitment Coordinator of Acadia Divinity College, I have the privilege of talking to individuals from all over the globe, and hearing their stories of how God is at work in their lives. I am consistently amazed by the diversity of students God brings to the College, all of whom are listening to God’s call. But what does it mean to respond to a call? What I hear repeatedly is simply this: take that first step. Like Peter responding to Jesus’ call to step out onto the turbulent waters of the Sea of Galilee, each student decided to take that first step. They became willing to leave their comfort zone, and made themselves open to what God was saying. In his book, author, Os Guinness, explains: “We are not primarily called to do something or go somewhere; we are called to Someone. We are not called first to special work but to God. The key to answering the call is to be devoted to no one and to
nothing above God himself. … Listen to Jesus of Nazareth; answer his call” (The Call, page 43). This is true for Darcy Gillis and Joe Green, two 2016 Master of Divinity graduates. Before coming to ADC, both had already earned academic masters degrees, and both were married and settled into full-time careers. Neither planned nor expected to complete a third degree and move into fulltime ministry roles. But they both responded to a desire to learn more and draw closer to God, and took that first step. Darcy knew little about our College, but she was attracted to courses in practical theology and spiritual care, and the option to take units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Joe, in contrast, was quite familiar with ADC through his father, alumnus Dan Green (’95, ’11), and had sat in classes several years ago. Regardless, both found it
was important to visit the College and learn about our current priorities, and get to know current Faculty and students. After his first discussion with Tracy Demmons (’04), Joe said “I left thinking that I just witnessed what I felt called to do with others.” Both of these alumni live over an hour from Wolfville and completed their degree through distance and intensive course options while working full time. They agree this required sacrifice, but Darcy explains, “It really made a difference that I was studying something that was interesting and energizing for me. I often told people that school was like a hobby that I had to do. I enjoyed reading and thinking about what I was learning and so when I faced deadlines, I tried to focus on how I was enjoying the work I had to do.” Both are grateful for the amazing support that God provided in many ways. … continued on page 16
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Now, more than ever... Scholarships and Bursaries
Four Strategic Priorities
Acadia Divinity College exceeds goal of $1 million
for Acadia Divinity College
Today, God calls people from different ages and stages of life to serve in many different ways. There is no typical Acadia Divinity College student. Some complete degrees through traditional on-campus programs. Others study part-time by utilizing ADC off-site courses, distance education, and intensives. Scholarships and bursaries help remove financial barriers that prevent capable people from faithfully responding to God’s call. Between August 2014 and June 2016, the College has received more than $1.2 million in donations to increase financial support for students. This incredible response represents gifts from more than 50 unique donors including 4 estates and 3 churches. Included in this total are two recent significant estate gifts that advanced the College past its original goal of $1 million, a gift of $792,639 from the Ruth E. Eldridge Estate and a gift of $296,292 from the Josie (McLellan) Nickerson Estate. (See page 15 for an article on Josie Nickerson.) The College is grateful for this extraordinary leadership in giving.
Update on Giving As announced in August 2015, Acadia Divinity College has four strategic priorities designed to have long-term impact for decades to come: 1. Refurbish the College building on Acadia’s campus; 2. Ensure quality instruction through increasing endowments for key academic Chairs; 3. Support students through increasing scholarships and bursaries; and
Priority
Opening Balance July 31, 2014
College Building
Total Gifts and Pledges since August 1, 2014
Total Balance
Target Amount
$434,291.21
$434,291.21
$1,500,000.00
4. Go public with the Gospel by securing an endowment for the new Centre for Christian Faith and Culture.
Langley-Mitton Chair
$505,928.69
$18,028.77
$523,957.46
$2,500,000.00
We are pleased to announce
Fountain Chair
$435,519.00
$200,000.00
$635,519.00
$2,500,000.00
that all members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff
McDormand-TaylorVeinotte Chair
$140,668.13
$129,220.00
$269,888.13
$2,500,000.00
of the College have given or
Gladstone Chair
$1,085,012.81
$1,601,200.00
$2,686,212.81
$2,500,000.00
pledged to give to one of the
Scholarships
$1,297,833.84
$1,297,833.84
$1,000,000.00
MacRae Centre
$253,900.00
$253,900.00
$500,000.00
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Four Strategic Priorities.
John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship First Fully Endowed Academic Chair of Acadia Divinity College The training by Acadia Divinity College (ADC) of future church ministry leaders to preach and conduct worship has recently received $1.5 million in gifts and pledges. In early November 2014, there was slightly over one million dollars endowed in the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship. Since then The W. Garfield Weston Foundation made a gift of $500,000 and offered an additional $500,000 as a “challenge grant” to match any other gifts to the Gladstone Chair, on a dollar-for-dollar basis made or pledged before the end of 2015. On February 10, 2016, Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner announced that ADC has received $404,800 in gifts and $95,400 in pledges for 2016 and 2017 towards The W. Garfield Weston Foundation “Challenge Grant”. These gifts and pledges from more than 50 donors in 4 Canadian provinces, along with The W. Garfield Weston Foundation’s matching grant, will result in the first fully endowed academic chair of Acadia Divinity College.
Priority
“We are honoured by the Foundation’s willingness to partner with the College to reach this significant milestone,” stated Dr. Gardner, “And we are also deeply grateful to the Atlantic Baptist Foundation. Their gift of $250,000 was critical in securing the The W. Garfield Weston Foundation’s matching grant offer. Acadia Divinity College owes its donors a huge debt of gratitude.” Reaching the target of $2.5 million places Acadia Divinity College in a position to attract a top scholar-practitioner to occupy the Gladstone Chair, ensuring excellence in the preparation of students.
Rev. Dr. John Gladstone The John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship The Acadia Chair of Preaching and Worship is named after The Rev. Dr. John N. Gladstone (1921-2005), the highly regarded Senior Minister at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, Ontario, where he served for 26 years. He was widely recognized for his vibrant and distinguished preaching and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from McMaster Divinity College in 1970. A strong supporter of Acadia Divinity College throughout his career, he was the Gerald K. Simpson guest lecturer in 1984 and also shared the teaching of a Doctoral course in Preaching and Worship in 1994.
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On February 9, 2016, ADC celebrated the formal launch of the College’s third Centre of Excellence during the annual Simpson Lectures. The MacRae Centre will be an integral part of the work of the College preparing students and church leaders to think deeply on matters of faith and witness. The Centre is named for Andrew D. MacRae in honour of his valuable leadership as the 4th Principal of the College and recognition of his lifelong commitment to evangelism and mission. A permanent endowment has been established to provide funding for the ongoing operation of the MacRae Centre, with a funding goal of $500,000. The College is grateful to two anonymous donors who have given so
generously through a gift of $150,000 and a pledge of $100,000, as well as other gifts and pledges, amounting to $253,900. Dr. Harry Gardner announced that Dr. Anna Robbins will serve as the new director of the Centre. “Dr. Andrew MacRae’s greatest desire is for people to know Christ. I am excited to further the work he has begun by helping our churches and leaders learn to engage our culture well,” said Dr. Robbins, Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics. Dr. Anna Robbins
The College was pleased to have the MacRae family as guests at the Sheldon Fountain Learning Commons. Left to right: Back row - Findlay MacRae (son), Fiona Webb (daughter), Anna Robbins, Julie MacRae (daughter in-law), Jean MacRae (wife), and Harry Gardner. Front row - Andrew MacRae (grandson), Jane MacRae (granddaughter), and Calum MacRae (grandson). Dr. Andrew MacRae viewed the announcement via livestream as well as other family members from their homes in Newfoundland: son-in-law, Greg Webb, and three grandchildren, Bruce, Jana, and Joy Webb. Dr. Andrew MacRae 14 ADC Today
Celebrating the Life of Josephine McLellan Nickerson “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death.” Philippians 3:10 Josie (McLellan) Nickerson’s life truly reflected her favourite scripture. Josie began serving the Lord early in her life and continued until the Lord called her home in 2014. She gave freely and willingly of her time, her energy, her talents, and her funds; ultimately she served the Lord with her whole being. She was willing to help in whatever capacity she could from volunteer to youth leader, camp director, Sunday school teacher, field secretary / representative for the United Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union, and elementary school teacher. Her passion was Christian education. From her early career until her retirement, Josie shaped the lives of hundreds of children and youth. Education was important to her and, while her siblings went off to work, Josie chose to further her education at Toronto Bible College and later earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from Boston University. Josie was a lifelong learner. Josie came from and loved the Maritime Provinces. She served as the Field Representative of the United Baptist Woman’s Missionary Union throughout the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and her home province of New Brunswick, and she led Christian education for youth at Brunswick Street Baptist Church between 1950 and 1955.
She married the Reverend Everette St. Clair Nickerson, a Nova Scotian, in 1955. Everette served with the Everette, Acadia 1951 Royal Canadian Artillery during World War II and then attended Acadia University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1951 and his Divinity degree in 1953. Everette always had an affinity for Acadia Divinity College; thus, in 2004, Josie established the endowed Everette & Josie (McLellan) Nickerson Scholarship Fund after his death on Christmas Day 2003, with an initial gift of $5,000. Three subsequent gifts were given between 2008 and 2010 adding more than $7,000 to the endowment. Josie’s story does not, however, end with this commitment to Christian education. She continued “to know Christ and the power of His resurrection” until her own death in February 2014. Through her estate, she again reached out to Acadia Divinity College with a significant gift of nearly $297,000 to the endowment of the Everette & Josie (McLellan) Nickerson Scholarship Fund to encourage Christian education and enable students who have a clear call to Christian ministry, to pursue their calling through training that will equip and prepare them for whatever God calls them to. Josie’s lifelong passion for Christian education is once again demonstrated through her generous gift. Today, we celebrate the life of God’s servant, Josephine McLellan Nickerson (1926-2014). May God continue to be reflected and served through her life and her contribution to His Kingdom.
Josie, Toronto Bible College, 1948
Natasha Davidson, Acadia 2016, a recent recipient of this Scholarship Fund Summer 2016
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… continued from page 11
Joe and Darcy’s paths intersected through CPE under Associate Rev. Gary Myatt (’85, ’98). They describe this transformative experience as “a kind of refining fire” that brought healing and greater selfunderstanding. Darcy is now certified as a Specialist with the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care, and works as a community spiritual care practitioner and advance care planning facilitator with the INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program, based out of the QEII Hospital in Halifax. Joe is applying his experience as the pastor of Aenon Baptist Church in Chester Basin, and
Western Shore United Baptist Church, where his practical training enables him to be “better equipped to engage people’s brokenness and pain without fear.” In retrospect, both can see how their previous work and education were stepping stones to their current service and calling. Joe says, “If you are looking for a way to deepen your life in Christ and discern ways to serve him and be equipped to do so, then ADC is the place for you.” Darcy adds: “Education is never a waste of time, and if you are seeking God’s will, it will always lead to goodness. Seminary is not only to teach you how to help others through ministry, but it
also helps to form you into the person God is calling you to be.” Maybe as you read this, you have already heard Jesus calling for you to “come” and step out of your current life? Or perhaps you know somebody who is searching for a deeper connection to Christ and looking to offer God more of who they are and what they do? I encourage you to speak into their lives and to act as a mirror to show them their gifts for ministry. And remember that Jesus’ instructions remain powerful and true today: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Luke 10:2 NLT).
Celebrating New Appointments at Acadia Divinity College effective July 1, 2016 Dr. Anna Robbins, ’97, has been appointed Vice-President of Acadia Divinity College. Anna will continue to serve as the Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics as well as the Director of Doctoral Studies. In February 2016, she became the inaugural Director of the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture. Dr. Stephen McMullin has been granted tenure and will serve as Academic Dean for a three-year appointment. He was named to the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Chair of Evangelism and Mission on July 1, 2014. Steve will continue to serve as the Director of the ADC New Brunswick and the Director of Simpson Lectures. Dr. Glenn Wooden, ’86, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, has been named to the Payzant Chair of Biblical Studies. Glenn has also accepted the role of Director of the Master of Arts (Theology) Program. He will continue to serve as the Liaison to the Affiliated Colleges in Nigeria.
Dr. John McNally, ’11, has been appointed as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. He will continue to serve as the Program Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. Dr. Danny Zacharias, ’08, has had a title change from Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies to Assistant Professor of
New Testament Studies. Danny was appointed to faculty on July 1, 2014, and he has been a Lecturer in Biblical Studies since 2008. In January 2016, Danny became the Director of Hayward Lectures.
Dr. Matt Walsh, ’06, has been called to Acadia Divinity College as Lecturer in Biblical Studies. Matt successfully defended his PhD dissertation at McMaster University in June 2016.
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News A D C
Simpson Lectures 2016 The 2016 Simpson Lectures, held February 8-11, were “an outstanding success”. Entitled ‘We Are Babylon: Dispelling the Myths of Exile, Hospitality, and Security’, the lectures were delivered by Dr. Anna Robbins, Vice-President of ADC. Dr. Robbins is the Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics, Director of the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture, and Director of Doctoral Studies. Left to right: Harry Gardner, Anna Robbins, and Stephen McMullin, Director of the Simpson Lectures. (Recordings are available on the ADC website at: acadiadiv.ca.)
ADC Study Tour to Israel and Palestine In May, Harry Gardner, Anna Robbins and Glenn Wooden (seen here in the back row) led a study tour to Israel and Palestine. This photo is taken from the Mount of Olives facing west toward the temple mount and the Dome of the Rock (Qubbat As-Sakhrah) in the background. The blue double domes toward the upper left is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre over the traditional Golgotha and garden tomb.
ADC Hosts Nigerian Delegation In early March, Acadia Divinity College hosted three Nigerian delegates from the Christ International Divinity College (CINDICO) and Universal Gospel Divinity College (UNIDICO). On behalf of Acadia University, Acadia Divinity College oversees affiliations with these two Nigerian theological colleges, and Acadia University awards Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Religious Education degrees to graduates of these colleges. Front row left to right: Dr. Harry Gardner (President) and Rev. (Dr.) S.K. Abiara (Chancellor of CINDICO). Back row left to right: Dr. Stewert Dockendorff (Consultant), Prof. (Pastor) AMA Imevbore (Chair of Governing Council of CINDICO), Dr. Anna Robbins (Vice-President), Dr. Michael Odelami (President of the Acadia Consortium of Theological Colleges in Nigeria), and Dr. Glenn Wooden (Liaison for Affiliated Colleges in Nigeria).
Professor Alan P. F. Sell, Minister of the Gospel On February 7, 2016, the College was saddened by the news of the death of Dr. Alan Sell, a lifetime Fellow of Acadia Divinity College. He was formerly the Professor of Christian Doctrine and Philosophy of Religion at the United Theological College, Aberystwyth (Wales), and his main areas of expertise were ecumenical dialogue, the philosophy of religion, and philosophical theology. Dr. Sell also distinguished himself through noteworthy contributions to the life and mission of ADC. He was the Simpson Lecturer in 1989, taught as a guest professor for several graduate and doctoral courses, and received the honorary Acadia Doctor of Divinity in 2002. Summer 2016
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News A L U M N I
1967 - Perley Tidd - On October 30, 2015, the members and adherents of the Port Mouton United Baptist Church were honoured to host a celebration in recognition of Rev. Perley N. Tidd’s 60 years in ministry. Perley is seen in this photo with his wife, Marlene.
1977 - Randolph Legassie has accepted a call to serve at Hampton and Wilmot Mountain (Port Lorne) Baptist Churches, NS, as well as Lower Granville Field (Granville Beach, Lower Granville, Port Royal & Port Wade Baptist Churches), NS.
1983 - Leo Gallant (’05) completed his ministry at Sussex Baptist Church, NB.
1986 - Marc Potvin (’12) completed his ministry at Centreville Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to Green Ridge Baptist Church, QC. 1987 - Terry Atkinson completed his ministry at Brunswick Street Baptist Church, NB and accepted a call to Heart Lake Baptist Church, ON.
1988 - Fred Bigelow completed his ministry at Ashmore Bethel and Riverside United Baptist Churches, NS and accepted a call to Bear River East Baptist Church, NS. 1988 - Elizabeth Waugh completed her ministry as at Lower Granville Pastorate 18 ADC Today
(Granville Beach, Lower Granville, Port Royal & Port Wade Baptist Churches), NS.
1990 - Terry Brewer accepted a call to serve at Milton, Charleston & Port Medway Baptist Churches, NS. 1992 - Kendall McRae completed his ministry at Upper Kingsclear Baptist Church, NB.
2003 - Kevin Grant and wife, Michelle, welcomed their first born, Isabelle Ava, on June 2. 2004 - Mark Reece and wife, Jennifer, welcomed their third child, Levi James, born on December 29.
2005 - Joseph Mitchell accepted a call to serve at Stewiacke Baptist Church, NS.
1992 - Neville Gosman (’93) completed his 2006 – Matt Walsh has been called to ADC ministry at Penobsquis Baptist Church, NB.
1993 - Ronald Ford (’14) accepted a call to Port Hillford, Port Bickerton & Sonora Baptist Churches, NS.
1995 - Wade Harvey completed his ministry at Greenfield Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to Okanagan Falls Community Baptist Church, BC.
1995 - Margo MacDougall (’08) completed her ministry at Pocologan Baptist Church, NB. 2001 - Aaron Kenny received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Carey Theological College, Vancouver, BC. 2003 - Stephen Budd completed his ministry at Maugerville Baptist Church, NB and accepted a call as Associate Pastor of Worship & Discipleship at Kanata Baptist Church, ON.
as Lecturer in Biblical Studies. He successfully defended his PhD dissertation at McMaster University in June 2016.
2008 & 2009 - Warren and Sarah Clapham welcomed a son, Daniel Stanley James, born on October 24.
2008 and 2009 - Claire and Al Fewkes welcomed a daughter, Eva, born on January 9. 2009 - Christopher Drew completed his ministry at Sackville United Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to Stevens Road Baptist Church, NS.
2012 - Norman Pearce completed his ministry at Port Bickerton and Port Hillford United Baptist Churches & Sonora Baptist Church, NS.
2014 - Kemar Fender is working at Accredited Supportive Living Services as a Community Social Service Worker in Peace River, AB.
2015 - Pelham Flowerdew has been called to serve as the Pastor of Youth at Grace Chapel, Halifax, NS. 2015 - Patrick Brightman and his wife, Kim, welcomed a son, Barrett Maverick Gordon, born on October 7. 2015 - Isaac Russell accepted a call to Berwick Baptist Church, NS. 2016 - Christoph Deutschmann completed his ministry as Associate Pastor of Kentville Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to Billtown Baptist Church, NS.
2016 - Sheila Heneise has been appointed Director of the American Baptist Churches of Maine Institute for Ministry. The aim of the Institute is “to provide ongoing theological, ministerial, and discipleship education to pastoral leadership and laity in Maine.”
ADC Remembers
Current Students
1954 - Owen Cochran passed away on November 18. Owen served in many Baptist churches throughout the Maritime Provinces. He was predeceased by his wife, and is survived by his five children. Owen taught at the former United Baptist Bible Training School (now Crandall University, Moncton) and recently celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination into Ministry.
Joe Chiasson has been called to Westport Baptist Church, NS.
1961 - Roland McCormack passed away on January 9. Roland served for more than 20 years as a Baptist church pastor in maritime churches, followed by 20 years as a teacher and guidance counselor. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Laura.
1983 - Everett “Wayne” Mitton passed away on March 9. Wayne received a Bachelor of Theology degree from Acadia Divinity College and ministered in several Baptist and United Churches in NS and NB. He is survived by his wife, Janet.
Spencer Conway recently won the first-year tuition grand prize to Acadia as part of the East Coast Lifestyle Tuition Contest based on his spoken word poetry.
Events of Interest Friends and Alumni Supper Friday, August 26, 2016 – 5:00 pm Crandall University Registration: www.acadiadiv.ca/oasis2016 Contact Trisha Urquhart, Events Coordinator, for more information: 902-585-2217 or trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca
All-ADC Retreat for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees Friday, September 9, 2016 – 9 am to 4:30 pm New Minas Baptist Church Speaker Dr. Jim Horsthuis Topic Flourishing: A Spiritual Invitation and A Pastoral Pursuit Registration is required by August 31. Contact Eveline DeSchiffart at eveline.deschiffart@acadiau.ca.
Hayward Lectures October 17-19, 2016 - 7:30 pm KC Irving Auditorium or live online Speaker Dr. John Walton, Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College Topic Engaging Genesis Today: New Light on Biblical Origins Summer 2016
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Upcoming ADC Go Courses FALL TERM
ADC Go courses are delivered
in a format to meet people where they are, without sacrificing the quality education that students have come to expect from Acadia Divinity College. Combining the flexibility of online learning with the educational experience of face-toface interaction, ADC Go courses follow a weekly format within the semester. Individuals works through the assigned weekly material at their convenience, and then students meet together online for one hour a week with the professor. ADC Go courses are designed to make theological education accessible to a broader number of people, while still providing the opportunity for discussion and community.
If undeliverable please return to: Acadia Divinity College 15 University Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
WINTER TERM
September – December 2016
January – April 2017
Interpreting the Old Testament (BIBL 5023 T1) Dr. Glenn Wooden. This course will introduce the student to the different sections and genres of literature in the Old Testament, to interpretative methods appropriate to them, and to theological principles, and survey aspects of the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament.
Interpreting the New Testament (BIBL 5033 T2) Dr. Danny Zacharias. This course will introduce the student to the different sections and genres of literature in the New Testament, to interpretative methods appropriate to them, and to theological principles. The course will also survey the world of Jesus and the early Christian Church.
Introduction to Christian History (CHUR 5013 T1) Dr. Robert Wilson. Christians have developed many ways to live out their faith in the world. In this course the student will gain a critical appreciation of Christian tradition both in its relationship to the norm of Scriptures and in its changing diverse regional, cultural, and denominational expressions.
Transformational Discipleship Ministry (DISP 3013 / 5013 T2) Dr. Carol Anne Janzen. This course seeks to equip students to become transformational leaders in the discipleship ministries of their churches. Recognizing the uniqueness of every ministry context, the course presents pedagogies, programs, and models that can lead to transformation in the life of individual believers of all ages as well as the corporate faith community.