ADC Today Winter 2024

ADC TODAY

Hannah Juras, Joel Murphy, Danny Zacharias

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

John Campbell, Eveline DeSchiffart, Carley Lee, Anna Robbins, Trisha Urquhart

PRESIDENT'S message

Scan the Horizon, Shape your Mission!

“The human mind plans the way, but the Lord directs the steps.”

~ Proverbs 16:9

ITSEEMS DAUNTING to think about the future when today has enough trouble of its own. The issues facing us as the church and as inhabitants of the planet seem overwhelming. How can we even begin to consider what will happen in the future?

However, thinking about the future is important. It can help us push through the inertia of present challenges to seize tomorrow’s opportunities today. Often when Christians think about the future, we focus on eschatology, considering God’s future and anticipating Jesus’ eventual return to fulfil history. We look for signs of his coming and often forget that God also gives us signs for our human flourishing now. By discerning these, we can prepare for cultural shifts that will impact our ministry in coming years.

In Matthew 16 Jesus encounters the Pharisees looking for a sign from heaven. They want a revelation, but he tells them they can know what’s going on simply by looking. “You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times,” he admonishes them. Had they read properly what was going on around them, they might have recognized Jesus rather than orchestrate his demise. We often shrink away from the challenge to read the signs available. We quote Psalm 2, suggesting that God laughs at our plans, without recognizing that our decisions to take power by force are what cause his derision. The invitation to prepare and commit our way to the Lord is fully encapsulated in Proverbs 16. We recognize that our plans are always subject to God’s action in the world. Yet the invitation to plan is ever before us in Scripture. In Luke 14:28 Jesus asks, “Who builds a tower without first sitting down to estimate the cost?”

Planning for the future is a daily practice for most of us. When grocery shopping, you plan your route and what items to buy, acting in the present based on future expectations. Similarly, your children choose high school courses with future aspirations

and opportunities in mind, and your financial decisions hinge on anticipated future income. We engage in futures thinking all the time.

The Israelites, too, exemplified practical forward planning. As they were about to enter the promised land, some were sent ahead as spies. They assessed the available resources of food and water, identified potential construction materials, and evaluated adversaries. Their foresight enabled them to make informed plans for their future.

As this edition of ADC Today demonstrates, we have the opportunity today to scan the horizon for signals that will suggest where our culture might be headed. While we may not gain certain knowledge of the future, we can discover indicators that point to a range of possibilities. Recognizing these possibilities enables us to ready our ministries and our churches for what will unfold next. Rather than wandering in the desert, blown about by every wind of change, we can chart a faithful course that will help us to shape our mission for a new day. ADC is grasping this opportunity, and we invite you to join us!

DR. ANNA ROBBINS (’93, ’97) is the President, the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Professor of Theology, Ethics and Culture, and the Director of the Andrew D.MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture of Acadia Divinity College, as well as the Dean of Theology for Acadia University.

Adaptive Leadership

Getting on the Balcony

by Dr. Anna Robbins (’93, ’97), President ADC

CH ANGE IS THE ABIDING REALITY that demands our constant attention as leaders.

There is no plateau that will shield us from the winds of change regardless of where we live and work. To lead change in ways that are innovative, relevant, and biblically faithful, we need perspective. We need adaptive leadership.

Leadership that is adaptive takes the ‘biblical DNA’ of the church and shapes it to meet the challenges and opportunities of the current context. It helps weed out practices that are not inherent to the faith and no longer relevant. It requires mobilizing people to try things through experimentation rather than simply choosing new programs or making technical changes.

“Both learning and experimentation are vital for adaptive leadership. It’s asking: What would the gospel look like if applied to this challenge in this context today?”

Technical change requires knowledge and authority to respond to a challenge. For example, there is a decline in the number of children attending church, so the expertise of the youth pastor is sought to identify curriculum that is more engaging for children. Adaptive change, however, requires decentralized involvement and learning. The decline in children attending church needs diverse minds and voices to think afresh about the church’s mission for children. This is the DNA of the church. The group is encouraged to imagine new ways to approach this goal and consider the culture in which these children live.

Both learning and experimentation are vital for adaptive leadership. It’s asking: What would the gospel look like if applied to this challenge in this context today?

So, how do we move to leading adaptively?

GET A BETTER VIEW

Many books on adaptive leadership discuss the principle of getting 'off the dance floor' and 'onto the balcony'. Some Christian leaders encountered this in Tod Bolsinger's Canoeing the Mountains. However, adaptive leadership specialists have been talking about this principle for years, pioneered by Ronald Heifetz.

Getting onto the balcony changes the view. We can see both the big picture and the small interactions, and the impact

of culture on our faith and how our faith might impact culture. This relationship is itself a dance, constantly moving, changing, and flowing. A better view allows us to see the dynamics without being part of them, helping us imagine new possibilities.

How do we get onto the balcony?

Remember Zacchaeus? He didn’t have a balcony. When we need perspective, any tree will do! Daily devotions can be a start as we invite the Spirit to enlarge our vision. But how about a retreat with a few like-minded leaders to consider together the lay of the land? The solution cannot rest with one leader.

Keep going up ‘til you reach satellite view!

DON’T GET TOO COMFORTABLE

The view from the balcony is just the start. Once we understand the dance floor, we need an even broader view. What are the bigger themes that impact and form behaviour? What significant cultural shifts have influenced us? Understanding this is essential to interpreting activity and interactions, and imagining new ways to live out the mission of God with transformative impact.

Activity on the dance floor can be impacted by three kinds of cultural shifts, individually or in combination: (1) philosophical developments; (2) scientific discovery and technological developments; and (3) major events in history.

The emergence of postmodernism as a philosophy came at the same time as developments in technology producing a new globalization. The 9/11 attacks in 2001 changed global society and shifted warfare to an electronic environment. A more recent example is how technologies and philosophies were dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, producing even greater change, which we witness every day.

As leaders, we can choose to watch and wonder about all of this, while those around ask for technical changes. Or we can gather people together to scan the horizon for signs of change, and ask: What impact will these changes have on our church and mission in the next five years?

Moses was a leader who helped his people move beyond technical change. When they were hungry, they left it to him to ask God for food, and manna solved the immediate problem. But the larger issue was that they had to learn about faithfulness in trial; trusting in their God when they were unsure. This required adaptive change, leaning closer into God’s heart, and becoming his people in a new way.

It wasn’t easy for Moses. But he got up ‘on the balcony,’ and the view he had from the mountaintop drew him closer to God. It helped him see his people as they were, with all the influence of culture around. Amidst frustration and danger, he walked them, with patience, from an old land to a new land. He may not have entered the promised land, but his leadership prepared them to embrace the fullness of their identity as the people of God in a strange land.

For more details, visit ACADIADIV.CA/RAWLYK-2024

For more details, visit ACADIADIV.CA/HAYWARD-2024

EMBRACING HEALTHY CHANGE

Hope for the Rural Church

by Carley Lee, Communications Coordinator

“IA LWAYS TOLD PEOPLE I would never be a pastor.”

Yet, in a world where we have more churches seeking pastors than pastors seeking churches, Connor Kehoe is somewhat of an anomaly: a bright twenty-something Master of Divinity student serving as Senior Minister in a rural church of less than fifty congregants.

“We don’t have any young people attending right now,” Connor says. He pauses briefly before adding, “Let me rephrase that: we don’t have any young people attending on Sundays.”

NEED FOR CHANGE

Before answering the call to the Senior Minister role at Wolfville Ridge United Baptist Church, Connor committed to a discernment period of six months – “discerning by doing,” he calls it. “Over that time, I felt a deep love for this congregation that I hadn’t necessarily felt before. And I felt the call saying this is where I need to be for this season.”

He knew early on that things needed to change before the church could start welcoming new people. These changes needed to go beyond surface-level – beyond the type of songs sung on a Sunday or stylistic preferences.

“Some of our rural churches have already closed down because of a resistance to change,” Connor laments. “We have a good foundation to build on, and good tools at our disposal, but we need to rethink how we’re using those tools and embrace the opportunity to rethink what it means to be the Church.”

Fortunately, his congregation agreed.

“As people start acknowledging the need for change, they’re more willing for people that don’t look or sound or act like them to come in,” Connor says, “and the church decided that if we wanted to start reaching people, we needed to start changing.” This change has been slow and incremental, but Connor is focused on building a healthy community. One of the ways he’s doing this is creating intentional space for the small congregation to connect over a meal each week.

“We’re a family,” Connor says. “We need to be together regardless of whether we agree with each other. There are so many walls being built in this world – we can break some of them down in our own community first.”

Another way Connor is embracing change is by opening the church to international students on Tuesday evenings for a prayer night, which has blossomed into a vibrant ministry.

“These are people my age. The worship is very different from what I’ve experienced,” Connor says, then adds with a smile, “Much more charismatic.” He’s hopeful that over time, some of these students may start attending on Sundays. By then he hopes his congregation will be ready to embrace them so they, too, can call Wolfville Ridge United Baptist Church their home for years to come.

HOPE ON THE HORIZON

Only a year-and-a-half into his part-time ministry role, and in his final year of his studies, Connor is still finding his footing, but he’s finding moments of joy along the way.

“The future is something that’s constantly in the back of my mind,” he says. “If I’m growing and changing to be more effective to the future church, I want my people to be, too.”

As Connor navigates the balance of preaching the gospel and teaching people to walk through the changes of today, he’s grateful for his education at ADC and the ways the College is equipping him for ministry.

“That formative first year set the foundation for the pastor I am today,” he says. “My courses have been helpful theologically and academically. Beyond coursework, the relationships that I’ve formed with mentors and professors have been instrumental.”

Two such connections have come from his peers. Connor is working alongside fellow final-year MDiv students, Jackson Dunn and Alex McMorine, on a guided study looking at the future of the Eastern Valley Baptist Association (EVBA) – another tool that the church could potentially use in new and innovative ways to support pastors and congregations into the future.

For more details, visit

“We have a good foundation to build on, and good tools at our disposal, but we need to rethink how we’re using those tools and embrace the opportunity to rethink what it means to be the Church.”

ADC EXPAND

Exciting New Continuing Education for Ministry Practitioners

by Dr. Danny Zacharias (’06, ’07), Professor of New Testament Studies

ACADIA

DIVINITY COLLEGE RECOGNIZES how quickly the world changes and how those changes impact the demands on those who are in ministry. Many other vocations encourage (and often require) continuing education to help practitioners stay on the growing edge of their work.

Introducing the new ADC Expand program!

The College has long been an advocate of continuing education for its alumni. This is seen in the annual Hayward Lectures and Simpson Lectures, as well as regular conferences and gatherings for alumni. ADC has also been committed to equipping alumni with resources, such as access to the Atla Religious Database. However, Acadia Divinity College is committed to doing even more!

“ADC Expand will offer individuals a chance to continue building on, and learning, new skills and competencies, and to discuss pressing issues in depth.”

In June 2023, during the inaugural East Coast Theology Summer School, ADC announced the exciting new education program, ADC Expand.

ADC Expand is designed for individuals who have already completed a theology degree and are serving in ministry in a local church or in a parachurch ministry. It will offer individuals a chance to continue building on, and learning, new skills and competencies, and to discuss pressing issues in depth. This will take place through short and focused micro-credential courses.

Our first two ADC Expand Micro-credentials in June are:

· Mental Health Care in the Church with Dr. Glen Berry

· Perspectives on Preaching with Dr. Stuart Blythe

FIRST TWO ADC EXPAND COURSES THIS JUNE:

Mental Health Care in the Church

This micro-credential course explores the intersection of mental health and faith-based communities. Students will understand common symptoms, typical course of treatment, and possible complications of the major categories of mental illness. Additionally, students will create a model for a nurturing church environment as a supportive hub for mental health.

Perspectives on Preaching

This micro-credential course explores specific and current perspectives on the nature of preaching. Students will be introduced to current perspectives on preaching and the ways in which they can include these insights into their own practice to enhance their preaching. This year’s Perspectives on Preaching will be built around Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III’s Simpson Lectures and his focus on prophetic preaching.

Held during East Coast Theology Summer School 2024, specifically during Simpson Week (June 11-13, 2024), participants can expect to spend 40-45 hours total on each course, including synchronous class time of up to 15 hours.

CBAC Bursary

The Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) has established a $50 bursary, which will be offered to each CBAC-credentialed pastor completing an ADC Expand course in 2024.

Online Survey

Acadia Divinity College continues to gather ideas for continuing education. If you are in ministry, you may be asked to participate in an online survey to help us better understand how ADC Expand can best equip you.

To apply, visit

OUR EAST COAST THEOLOGY SUMMER SCHOOL 2024 WILL INCLUDE:

• Courses starting in April

• Our first two ADC Expand continuing education courses in June

• Mental Health Care in the Church

• Perspectives on Preaching

• Simpson Lectures & Events (including a Kitchen Party!)

• A special worship night with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III

June 11-13

June 13

For the full schedule of events and registration details, visit

TODAY'S news

ADC Welcomes

May, 2023 Dr. Suraj Komaravalli, Team Leader for Canadian Baptist Ministries in India, attended Commissioning events.

June, 2023 The Simpson Lectures, Reclaiming the Christian Faith for The Common Good, took place June 13-15 with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, Assistant Director, Center for Public Theology & Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. acadiadiv.ca/event/simpson-2023/

August, 2023 Dr. Kang-San Tan, General Director of Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) World Mission, and his spouse, Loun Ling Lee, an editor at Lausanne Global Analysis, visited the College. Pictured left

Dr. Grace Au, Dr. Anna Robbins, Loun Ling Lee, Dr. Kang-San Tan, Dr. Steven Porter.

September, 2023 On behalf of Acadia University, ADC hosted Bethel Bible Seminary (Hong Kong) leaders including Dr. Wai Ho Wat, President; Dr. Sau Yi Wan, Registrar; and Dr. Yee Kin Wat-Lai, Director of Field Education & Professor of Christian Education. In October, Dr. Anna Robbins visited Bethel and spoke at their graduation.

October, 2023 The Hayward Lectures, The Redemption of the Land: Rethinking the Place of Salvation, took place October 2-4 with Dr. Willie James Jennings, a thought leader in constructive theology, Africana, and race studies, from Yale Divinity School. acadiadiv.ca/event/hayward-2023/

During the Lectures, French Baptist Union representatives, Rev. Dr. Raphaël Anzenberger, General Secretary, and JeanChristophe Jasmin, Director of Public Affairs, visited ADC. In December, Dr. Anna Robbins visited the La Faculté de Théologie Évangélique and the French Baptist Union in Montréal.

November, 2023 Rev. Renée MacVicar (’06, ’08), the Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC), spoke in Chapel and attended the Board of Trustees meeting along with the CBAC President Dr. Lois Mitchell, recipient of Acadia University Honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2009.

January, 2024 Joe Bridi, Canadian Baptist Ministries Field Staff in Lebanon, spoke at Chapel. Joe was joined by CBM representatives and ADC alumni. Pictured

Research

Acadia Divinity College received funding from In Trust Centre for Theological Schools to determine the changing continuing education needs of clergy in Atlantic Canada. This research will feed into ADC Expand that begins this summer during our East Coast Theology Summer School.

A new phase of collaborative work has begun with our partners at NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community to relate as a learning community for decolonization and innovation in theology education. This project involves other seminary partners and is funded through a $5 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to NAIITS. This work will merge with ADC’s Lilly project focused on experimentation and the future of theological education. In November, the College hosted the inaugural meeting of the Canadian Learning Community for Decolonization and Innovation in Theological Education. It was led by NAIITS and included participants from Acadia Divinity College, Tyndale University, and Ambrose University.

to right:

left to right: Louise Hannem (’11), Randy Stanton (’90, ’17), Joe Bridi, Dr. Anna Robbins (’93, ’97), Michael Waddell (’19).

FACULTY updates

Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Zacharias

Promoted

On November 6, 2023, Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Zacharias was promoted to Full Professor. Danny's journey to this milestone began twenty years ago when he enrolled as an Acadia Divinity College master-level student in 2003. He completed both his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Theology) at ADC before going on to his PhD studies at the Highland Theological College / University of Aberdeen. Between 2008 and 2015, while a PhD student, Danny worked and taught part-time at the College. In 2014, he was first appointed to the faculty of ADC.

With 15 years of teaching experience, Danny has established himself as an expert in his field, and his research interests continue to grow. He brings creativity to the classroom, encouraging students to express their understanding through various mediums.

“Engaging scripture isn’t simply about learning what was said in the past, but how what was said then can manifest in our world today.”

In addition to his academic pursuits, Dr. Zacharias has contributed to Indigenous approaches to scripture and theology. He has played a vital role in the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, demonstrating a commitment to social justice.

“Danny is a keen researcher who publishes extensively and a committed teacher who goes the extra mile for his students,” says President Dr. Anna Robbins. “He is developing excellent skills in academic leadership and brings creativity, efficiency, warmth, and humour to all of his work.”

Dr. Glen Berry Joins the Faculty

After completing an outstanding career in the Nova Scotia Health Authority as a Registered Psychologist, Dr. Glen Berry joined faculty as Associate Professor in the William and Virginia Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology on July 1, 2023.

For 30 years, Glen was a clinical psychologist at the outpatient community mental health clinic and at the psychiatry unit at Valley Regional Hospital (VRH). He also served in leadership roles within the profession, including as Team Leader for Psychology (Nova Scotia Health –Annapolis Valley), Coordinator of Early Psychosis Interventions (Western Zone, Nova Scotia), and former Director of Training for the Psychology Doctoral Residency Program at Annapolis Valley Health in Nova Scotia.

Glen has been involved in education throughout his career, serving as academic supervisor and clinical supervisor, as well as teaching several courses for Acadia University and ADC. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology (1996) and a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (1991) from the University of Western Ontario as well as an Honours Bachelor of Science from Acadia University (1988).

“I am extremely honoured to have been invited to this role. I trust God to use it to meet the personal growth needs of our pastors and churches.”

Glen has a strong interest in helping pastors and the local churches better understand mental health issues and mental illness, as well as building community within and around church families.

President Dr. Anna Robbins stated, “Glen’s impact is already being felt as we consider new ways of integrating selfknowledge and counselling into the curriculum.”

Publications

Dr. Wing Yi (Grace) Au, Assistant Professor of New Testament Studies

· Paul’s Designations of God in Romans, Mohr Siebeck, 2023.

· Theology of the Four Gospels. Co-authored with Luke Leuk Cheung, Xia Xia E. Xue, Chun Ling Yu and Joyce Wai-lan Sun. CGST Theology for the Church Series. Hong Kong: Christian Communications Limited, 2023.

Dr. Melody Maxwell, Associate Professor of Christian History

· Baptists and Gender: Papers for the Ninth International Conference on Baptist Studies. Co-edited with Laine Scales. (Macon, GA: Mercer University Press, 2023).

· “Baptist Boys and Girls: Gender Roles in Southern Baptist Children’s Magazines, 1953-1957,” Church History and Religious Culture, 103, 3-4 (2023): 322-339.

Dr. D. Steven Porter, Assistant Professor of Church Innovation and Evangelism

· “A Tale of Two Histories: Responding to Slavery’s Influence on William Jewell College.” Co-authored with Steven E. Harris. Perspectives in Religious Studies 50 no. 4 (Fall 2023).

Dr. Matthew Walsh, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies

· “Divine Wisdom and Knowledge on Steroids: Geburah in Biblical Tradition and at Qumran.” Journal of Ancient Judaism 15 (2024): 65–97.

Dr. Jody Linkletter Promoted

Rev. Dr. Jody Linkletter was promoted to Assistant Professor of Next Generation Ministry on July 1, 2023. For more than a decade, she has served the College as an academic administrator and educator. Jody has earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Arts from Crandall University in 2000, a Master of Divinity from Acadia in 2004, and a PhD from University of Warwick in 2011. In 2018, she completed the Arrow Leadership program.

In addition to her formal education, Jody brings first-hand knowledge to the classroom having served in a variety of ministry roles including summer camps in New Brunswick and British Columbia and local church ministry in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. She also has cross-cultural experiences in Africa, South America, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as in organizing youth events and engaging youth leaders at conferences and denominational events.

“My journey of faith began in response to the Holy Spirit's invitation to follow Christ while attending a Christian camp as a youth. That experience contributed to my passion for ministry to the next generation. Mentorship has always been important to me, and the desire to equip and encourage churches and families to raise children of faith.”

Activities

At the Baptist World Alliance annual gathering in Norway in July 2023, Dr. Melody Maxwell led the Baptist Heritage and Identity Commission, and Dr. Steven Porter led the Commission on Evangelism.

Dr. Danny Zacharias contributed to Canadian Baptist Ministries’ guided prayer walk for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in September 2023.

Dr. Jody Linkletter presented a session on Children’s Ministry and Theology for the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Québec’s Children’s Ministry Certificate Training Program in January 2024.

Dr. Stuart Blythe presented a seminar “How to give a good academic presentation” at the annual colloquium of the International Baptist Theological Study Centre, Amsterdam, in January 2024.

Dr. Lennett Anderson spoke at Nova Scotia school assemblies on topics: “Moral Courage” and “Spirit of Resilience”.

Dr. Anna Robbins is the “Theologian in Residence” for the District of Columbia Baptist Convention for the "Flourishing While Cross-pollinating and Collaborating" Palmer Grant, beginning February 2024.

First East Coast Theology

Ten faculty members contributed chapters to the first volume of East Coast Theology, which was edited by Dr. Melody Maxwell, entitled Public Health, Pandemic, and the People of God. It was released at the inaugural East Coast Theology Summer School in June 2023.

Purchase a copy, and download the free discussion guide to accompany your reading. This is a great resource for small groups or book clubs.

acadiadiv.ca/east-coast-theology-volume-one-available-now

View a panel discussion on The Church and Public Health. Dr. Stuart Blythe led the conversation of Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer for Nova Scotia, Dr. Rebecca Casey, Associate Professor of Sociology, Acadia University, Dr. Anna Robbins, and Dr. Lennett Anderson.

Blythe,

acadiadiv.ca/summer-school-events-2023

Podcasts

the

pep

The Persuasive Evangelism Podcast (PEP): Dr. Anna Robbins answers What precisely is the relationship between the Christian faith and human culture? Released August 30, 2023.

solas-cpc.org/pep-talk-with-annarobbins/

Scripture Untangled, a podcast of the Canadian Bible Society: Dr. Anna Robbins talks about Finding Our Purpose with the Help of the Scriptures. (Season 4, Episode 09), and Dr. Danny Zacharias talks about What Does the Decolonization of Faith Involve? (Season 6, Episode 02).

biblesociety.ca/scriptureuntangled/

In Trust Center for Theological Schools Podcast: Acadia Divinity College is experimenting and discerning future paths for the Church and theological education in its Pathways for Tomorrow grant, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. President Dr. Anna Robbins and Dr. Jodi Porter, the project director, talk about creating a "sandbox," what it means to experiment, and how they're looking forward to the future.

intrust.org/how-we-help/resourcecenter/podcast/ep-54-a-sandboxfor-theological-education-and-thechurch

In photo below, left to right, Dr. Strang, Dr. Robbins, Dr.

Dr. Casey, and Dr. Anderson.

The

of the

Church Future

Theo-Futures Research to Nurture Forward-Thinking Perspectives

Research & Analysis

ITIS THE YEAR 2050.

“Time to get ready for your evening gathering. It is sunny and 11 degrees outside. You should wear a light coat and UV guard. Your vehicle will arrive in five minutes.”

“Thank you, Zari,” Joanne replies. Her husband Amir exits his home office pod, while her parents-in-law emerge from their suite, but their son is nowhere to be seen. Joanne pokes her head into his room where he is fully engaged in a holographic gaming circle with his friends. “Come on Jonah”, she pleads. “We need to go.” He groans in protest but bids farewell to his friends and they disappear from the room.

“You have arrived at your destination!”

As they tap out of the cab and enter the building foyer, Sunan’s voice comes through Amir’s watch. “Hey gang! Welcome. Could you bring the food up with you? The pizzas are here, and my balcony door is stuck.” Sure enough, they turn around to see the pizza drone hovering just outside.

Soon they are embraced in a warm hive of company and friends, gathered to share faith and food, laughter, and life together. Joanne admires Sunan’s indoor garden, which provides the salad to accompany the pizzas. She can never get hers to flourish like that. “You need one of these,” Sunan shows her a lamp that stores sunlight and releases it to the plants. Joanne asks Zari to order one and have it delivered the next day.

Once seated in a circle, Joanne glances around at the faces of these dear micro-church friends, many of whose parents found their home in Atlantic Canada a generation before, and many others more recently.

Pedro, their link elder, shares his experience of last month’s virtual regional gathering. Zari provides simultaneous translation from Spanish into the many languages of the group.

Sylvie describes a mission protest to re-envision local people experiencing poverty who are being hidden from view behind augmented reality screens in major towns across the region. Together they reflect on how their wider community’s shared rhythms and liturgies have been forming them for the challenges of life, and the opportunities for witness. Their prayers are fervent and multilingual; their faith in Jesus is strong.

After hearing the options, they decide to join the work of another faith community who is partnering with a non-profit to help train mature workers in tech literacy. The small group cleans up the apartment, then each person pulls on a mask and zips up a UV guard before filing out the door.

***

This is an image of a potential future; of what life and the Church could look like. The future could be composed of intergenerational living, micro-farming, augmented reality, AI enhanced homes, increased multiculturalism, networked church, virtual connection, local and collaborative mission.

You may be excited, concerned, or perhaps dismissive of possible scenarios of the future. Yet we live in a reality of rapid and significant change. It is within this cultural context that ADC seeks to embody God’s purpose for these times. We want to imagine what the future might look like so we can imagine the shape of the Church, too. Through the work of The Futuring Hub, an initiative of the MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture, we hope to shine a light on the risks and opportunities available in the future so that we can understand, anticipate, and even influence some of our shared future together. To accomplish this goal, we are engaging in research that helps us to identify signals of the future and understand emerging trends, so that we can reflect theologically on what is coming next.

Futuring is not about predicting the future as though gazing into a crystal ball. In fact, whether looking at the weather forecast to choose your wardrobe, going grocery shopping, or planning for a career or retirement, we all engage in some form of futures thinking every day. At ADC, The Futuring Hub strives to engage in rigorous and collaborative research to help curate and disseminate reflections of social, technological, ecclesial, educational, and cultural conditions and trends relevant to the Church. Our approach to what we call Theo-Futures research is about:

· identifying signals of change and assembling them into larger trends;

· imagining new possibilities; engaging people with diverse experiences and voices to reflect theologically on trends;

· connecting past, present, and future; and using those connections to guide today's decisions

Our churches need leaders who can interpret the rapidly changing world, using Scripture, discernment, tradition, lived experiences, and community wisdom to help them grow and transform. This type of adaptive thinking can yield a vision of the Church that not only responds to the future but helps to shape it.

The activities of The Futuring Hub aim to equip Christian leaders, churches, and theological educators with the tools to understand the past, discern the present, imagine possible futures, and explore innovative approaches to Christian life and ministry.

“The reliability of God means that we can pursue transformational action while remaining faithful to our history and the foundations of our Christian faith.”

Christians affirm that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The reliability of God means that we can pursue transformational action while remaining faithful to our history and the foundations of our Christian faith. We can consider the present realities that face our cultures and our churches. Then, with great discernment and prayer, we can ‘peek’ over the horizon to discern what may come next, considering how to faithfully respond with the gospel in our local contexts.

What do you see coming next? How can you be ready for it? How is God already at work ahead of us?

Answering these questions and more is the work of The Futuring Hub. This is our work together as the Church.

The Future Feels Quiz

ARE YOU READY TO EMBRACE TOMORROW?

QUESTIONS

1.What's your go-to reaction when someone mentions the latest technological advancements?

 A. Excited! I can't wait to try them all.

 B. Curiosity, but also a bit skeptical.

 C. Panic! I prefer the good old days.

2.How do you feel about the idea of artificial intelligence taking over certain jobs?

 A. Bring it on! It's progress.

 B. Cautiously optimistic, but I worry about job displacement.

 C. Absolutely terrified. I like job security.

3.When it comes to planning your schedule, how far into the future do you usually think?

 A. I'm a long-term planner, thinking years ahead.

 B. I plan for the next few months, taking it one s tep at a time.

 C. I take life as it comes, no need for elaborate plans.

4.What's your reaction to the thought of living on Mars?

 A. Sign me up! I've already packed my space suit.

 B. Intriguing, but I'd need to know more about it.

 C. No way! Earth is my home, and I'm staying put.

This quiz was created using ChatGPT.

5.How often do you update your smartphone or other gadgets?

 A. I always have the latest tech. Gotta stay on the cutting edge!

 B. I upgrade when my current device b ecomes obsolete.

 C. I'm still using my old flip phone. Why fix what's not broken?

6.What's your approach to social media and online presence?

 A. I love sharing every aspect of my life online.

 B. I'm active, but keep some things private.

 C. I avoid social media as much as possible.

7.If time travel were possible, what would you do?

 A. Explore the future! The past is overrated.  B. Visit the past and future, but be cautious not to disrupt anything.

 C. Stay right where I am. Time travel sounds too risky.

8.How do you feel about the idea of a cashless society?

 A. I'm all for it! Digital payments are the future.

 B. I like the convenience, but worry about security.

 C. I prefer using cash. It's more tangible.

Jump to page 25 to analyse your results

PRAXIS 2023 – KENYA

Incredible Experience for ADC Students in CBM Praxis Program

EA CH YEAR, the Global Discipleship scholarship program, Praxis, is offered by Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM) in conjunction with their three denominational seminaries, including Acadia Divinity College (ADC). In May 2023, five ADC students were accepted into Praxis which took place in Kenya where they learned how the Church and Christian organizations are addressing climate change and food security. We interviewed Hannah Juras, an ADC Master of Arts (Theology) student, about her experience.

ADC: What lead you to apply to Praxis?

Hannah Juras (HJ): I wanted to deepen my understanding and relationship with CBM, so this was a prime opportunity to meet their staff and see their projects firsthand. It also fulfilled an academic requirement.

ADC: Have you participated in similar experiences abroad?

HJ: I’ve travelled globally, and been on mission trips, but Praxis is different. The focus is on learning, listening, and building relationships, not on specific work projects.

ADC: During the trip, how were your expectations met?

HJ: Praxis 2023 looked at climate crisis and food insecurity, and I went in expecting to learn. But I was blown away by the quality and expertise of our teachers and how impactful this topic would be to my education, faith, and personal journey. Also, learning alongside other students was collaborative and influential.

ADC: What had the greatest impact on you and your fellow classmates?

HJ: The CBM staff and projects, especially the field staff. It was amazing to learn about individual and communal stories combined with the tangible experiences of being in their contexts. Getting to know the field staff and the work the Lord has called them to, and to see how God is at work in these places was a gift.

ADC: Would you encourage others to apply to Praxis?

HJ: Absolutely yes! The opportunity to gain experience firsthand with people directly working in specific contexts and to explore cultures where CBM works, as well as building partner relationships with CBM, and earning academic credit? It is a big “yes”!

ADC: Do you think it is important to be in partnership with Canadian Baptist Ministries?

HJ: Seeing the work of CBM has given me a richer perspective when studying theology. It’s important we continue to partner with CBM as it captures the mission of God for the global church.

To read more stories on ADC students’ experiences in Praxis, visit

ACADIADIV.CA/PRAXIS-STORIES

PHOTO: Back row left to right: André Sibomana, Africa Team Leader for CBM, Dr. Terry Smith (’10), Team Lead for Praxis, ADC students Alex McMorine, Rodney Steeves, and Hannah Juras. Front row left to right: ADC student Amy Gordon, Tyndale Seminary student Adam Giles, and ADC student Tyler Proude. And Baraka, an endangered black rhinoceros.

OUR graduates · FALL 2022 & SPRING 2023

Community & Connection

CELEBRATING OUR FALL 2022 AND SPRING 2023 GRADUATES

ON

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023, the Acadia Divinity College family gathered to celebrate Commissioning 2023 with the annual supper and service and a full day of connection and community. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends came together on-site and online to send ADC graduands into a mosaic of ministry contexts with prayer and blessing.

During the Commissioning Supper, alumnus, Dr. David Mensah (’84), encouraged graduating students with Acts 1 verses 4 and 12, and his own story. “As you go out,” he said, “the Lord might be asking you to go back to Jerusalem. Take the ‘Jerusalems’ by the horns. We can change the world, in Christ’s name.” He reminded graduands that they are not alone in this work; that ADC faithfully supports them.

Special recognition was given to Master of Divinity student Andrew Taylor, who was presented with the Student Service Award for the ways he faithfully serves the College community.

Welcomed by the warmth of Wolfville Baptist Church, our community gathered for the 62nd annual Commissioning Service on-site and online.

Demonstrating what is possible through online studies at ADC, Dr. Anna Robbins presented the 2023 President’s Award to Master of Arts (Theology) graduand Kallie Hutton, who attended the service virtually from Bolivia where she serves with Canadian Baptist Ministries. The award is given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average and who shows great potential for ministry.

In her Reflections of a Graduand, Kallie Hutton spoke of the deep connection she found with the ADC community, even from afar.

“What could have been an isolating time became a time of connection,” she said. “This journey of faith simply cannot be done alone. We require fellow travellers; we require mentors. I am grateful I have found those people at Acadia.”

The Annual John Gladstone Sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Glenn Wooden (’84, ’86), Payzant Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies, who retired in 2023. He asked the ADC graduating class to consider their legacy – not what they will achieve throughout their lives, or what they will build, but the legacy they will leave in people, the legacy of their relationships, the legacy of who they are as a person of Christ in ministry.

“Form a legacy that will change the perception of the world towards the church,” he encouraged. “Have as a goal that, at the end of your ministry, you will be a good exemplar of following Christ in the 21st century.”

We celebrate you, graduates – welcome to the alumni family! May your Christ-centred legacy live on.

LINDA D e MONE

CALEB DIXON

MELODIE BERGQUIST-TURORI

STEPHEN KING

TRAVIS DUKE

EUGENE FOSTER

BENJAMIN PASS

TAYLORE ANSTEY

STEPHEN WHEATON

TAYLOR ADAMS

MULLAI MANOHARAN

DANIEL DIXON

STUART M c KNIGHT

NIGEL BUTTERFIELD

KALLIE HUTTON

DARSON SAINT-FORT

KATHERINE MOLONEY

CASSIDY DIXON

MATTHEW THOMAS

BENJAMIN DAVIDSON

DMIN *

MASTER OF DIVINITY

MASTER OF ARTS (THEOLOGY)

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY

Congratulations to all our Fall 2022 & Spring 2023 graduates, and blessings for what's next!

* DOCTOR OF MINISTRY

** GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES

*** CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES

**** CERTIFICATE IN MINISTERIAL STUDIES

JASON COLE

SOPHIA DUNN

JAMES HAZELTON

MATTHEW MAGUIRE

MITCHELL CARVERY

MATTHEW PITMAN

AMY GOLBERG

LAURA ROBERTS

STEPHEN RING

ABIGAIL MURPHY

CHRISTOPHER WICKENS

CALEB LANE CMS****

GDCS**

CCS***

ACADEMIC AWARD RECIPIENTS

1

2

KALLIE HUTTON Acadia University Silver Medal in Theology and Acadia Divinity College President's Award

CASSIDY DIXON Acadia University Bronze Medal in Theology

CLASS notes

1985 · MIKE BRAVENER was a 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee for his album Have You Ever Heard the Story?. Mike is a part-time Protestant chaplain at UNB, Fredericton, NB.

1986 & 2012 · MARC POTVIN was appointed Director of Field Education at the Montréal School of Theology.

1989 · JOHN WILTON retired from full-time ministry at Birch Cove Baptist Church, Halifax, NS.

1990, 1995 & 2014 · ELIAS MUTALE accepted the call to South End Baptist Church, Dartmouth, NS.

1993 & 1994 · TROY DENNIS was promoted to Major and posted to CFB Edmonton as the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group chaplain.

1995 · CAROL ANNE JANZEN accepted the call to Pereaux Baptist Church, NS.

2002 & 2007 · GARTH MacKAY and his wife, Liane, accepted the call as interim ministers of Faith Bible Church, Charlottetown, PE.

2004 · JODY LINKLETTER was promoted to Assistant Professor at ADC in July 2023.

1 2006 & 2008 · RENÉE MacVICAR accepted the call as Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

2006 · DAVID PHILLIPS accepted the call to Rockland Drive Baptist Church, McAdam, NB.

2006 & 2007 · DANNY ZACHARIAS was promoted to Full Professor at ADC in November 2023.

2007 · TIM MacKINNON is the new Spiritual Care Coordinator for the Circle Drive Special Care Home in Saskatoon, SK, and occasional preacher at Faith Community Church in Wakaw, SK.

2010 & 2014 · PAUL WORDEN successfully defended his doctoral thesis An Ecclesiology for Mission in the Twenty-first Century at Carey Theological College, Vancouver, BC.

2011 · ALLISON MacGREGOR completed her PhD with Evangel University. In November 2023, she became the Academic Chair of the School of Business and Information Technology at Fleming College, Peterborough, ON.

2011 · JOHN H. McNALLY accepted the call as Senior Pastor of Kingsway Baptist Church in Etobicoke, ON, effective June 2024. He will complete 10 years of service at ADC.

2014 & 2017 · JENNIFER SUTTON accepted the call as Lead Pastor of Aenon Baptist Church, Chester Basin, NS.

2 2015 · ERIN (JACKMAN) BRUEGGER resigned from Stevens Road United Baptist Church, Dartmouth, NS. On January 13, 2024, Erin and her husband, Markus, welcomed their baby son, Eli.

2015 · PATRICK GILBERT was ordained at Aylesford Baptist Church, NS on November 26, 2023.

2016 · STEPHEN BAKER was ordained at Milton Baptist Church, NS on October 22, 2023.

2016 · CODY BOLTON was ordained at Highfield Baptist Church, Moncton, NB on October 15, 2023.

2016 · HEATHER CARD married Rev. Gus MacDonald on December 2, 2023.

3 2016 & 2018 · KAYLA COLFORD and EVAN COLFORD (2016 & 2020) welcomed their baby daughter, Isla Ann, on June 8, 2023.

4 2016 · MEGAN HICKS ECKEL and her husband, David, welcomed their first child, Benjamin, on April 28, 2023.

2016 · BENJAMIN MacDONALD accepted the call as ADC College Recruiter in March 2023. In May 2023, he graduated with a PhD from Wycliffe College at the University of Toronto.

Have you had a significant event in your life this year that you would like to share? Typical updates include ministry changes, wedding and birth announcements, special awards, publications, and more. Photos welcome!

If you are part of the alumni of ADC and would like to update us on your news, please email Trisha Urquhart at trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca

5 2017 · DAVID FIELDS published his first book, Preaching and the Mission of God: Faithful Witness after Christendom.

2017 & 2020 · YAE WON (GRACE) HAN opened a counselling practice, the Healing Inner Stigma Playground, in 2023.

6 2018 · SPENCER CONWAY and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their first child, Hunter Garret, on September 14, 2023.

2018 · CHRIS PELLERIN is the Executive Director and Manager of the Second Mile Food Bank in Dieppe, NB, and runs his own Maple Syrup and Micro Greens business.

2019 · ELISABETH CROSBY began work with Lifemark Health as an Occupational Therapist for adults, primarily veterans.

2019 · RACHEL KWAN was appointed as Director of the newly established Serenades for Seniors Program by the St. Andrews Art Council.

2019 & 2022 · NATHAN McEWEN was ordained at Minto Baptist Church, NB on October 21, 2023.

2019 · KEVIN RICHARDSON accepted the call to Nasonworth Baptist Church, NB.

7 2021 · ANDREW CONRAD and his wife, Arielle, welcomed their second child, Willow Evelyn Mae, on August 24, 2023.

2021 · PAUL HATFIELD was ordained at Jordan Falls Baptist Church, NS on November 4, 2023.

2021 · MARTHA ROSS was recognized by CBAC as a Lay Leader of Clyde Avenue Baptist Church, Sydney Mines, NS.

2021 · DEREK THORNE, married Michelle in November, 2022 and was ordained at Bedford Baptist Church, NS on October 29, 2023.

2022 · JOHN BARTLETT accepted the call as Ministry Director at Cornerstone United Baptist Church, Stratford, PE.

2022 · EMMANUEL BATUMBYA accepted the call as Senior Pastor of Centreville Baptist Church, NS, and his ordination was fully recognized by the CBAC.

2022 · ERICA CORBIN was ordained at Faith Baptist Church, Lower Sackville, NS on October 22, 2023.

2022 · RAPHAEL ILUYOMADE was ordained at New Beginnings Ministries, Cherry Brook, NS on November 12, 2023.

8 2022 · ZAC JACKSON married Jenny in Sackville, NS on January 8, 2023.

2022 · SIOBHÁN PARR is the Pastor of Church Life at the Evangelical Free Church of Lethbridge, AB.

2022 · ZACK PEABODY was ordained at Church by the Lake, Sackville, NB on November 5, 2023.

2022 · VIVIEN PEALING was recognized by CBAC as a Lay Leader of Greenfield Baptist Church, NS.

8 9

2022 · GINNY WILMHOFF was ordained at All Saints Cathedral, Halifax, NS on September 28, 2023. She became a Clinical Spiritual Care Provider at Ridgewood Veterans Wing in Saint John, NB.

9 2023 · BEN DAVIDSON was married to Melanie in Gaspereau Valley, NS on June 24, 2023.

Current Students

10 MEASHA BRUEGGERGOSMANLEE has been named a 2024 laureate of the Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award by the Governor General Performing Arts Awards.

KIM BUTLER was ordained at Atlantic Community Church, Apohaqui, NB on October 1, 2023.

SARAH CRISP accepted the call as Associate Pastor of New Ross Baptist Church, New Ross, NS.

WE remember

WE REMEMBER ADC ALUMNI

1953 · KEN THOMPSON passed away October 7, 2023. While an Acadia student, Ken was the Student Christian Movement President and the Class of 1951 ‘Cap and Gown’ speaker. His ministry spanned 61 years.

1961 · ALLEN HALLETT passed away February 3, 2022. He served The United Church of Canada for 40 years in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario.

1 1965 & 1984 · JOHN BEERS , seen here with his wife, Ethel, passed away July 30, 2023. John served in Baptist churches across Nova Scotia for many decades. Before retirement, he served as Area Minister for the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada for 10 years. In retirement, John served as an interim pastor for several churches.

1966 · JACK PALMER passed away October 26, 2023. Jack served with the Royal Canadian Navy before entering pastoral ministry. He served churches in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

2004 · MICHEAL CANNELL passed away on July 11, 2023. Micheal pastored Baptist churches throughout Nova Scotia including Seabright, Indian Harbour, West Dover, and Pleasant Valley.

Acadia Divinity College is saddened by the passing of the following members of our ADC Community.

WE REMEMBER ADC FRIENDS

2 REV. DR. HUGH A. McNALLY, recipient of the Acadia University Honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2011 and friend to Acadia Divinity College, passed away on May 17, 2023. Hugh’s life’s contributions encompassed outstanding pastoral ministry in Atlantic Canada, exemplary missionary service to India, and a breadth of leadership to the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. His mentorship to women discerning their call to pastoral ministry was widely recognized, resulting in the founding of the Atlantic Society for Biblical Equality. Donations in Hugh’s memory can be made to a new ADC bursary named in his honour.

3 REV. WALLACE SMITH SR passed away on October 3, 2023. Rev. Smith was senior pastor of Saint Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston, NS for over 20 years. He was beloved for his role as a church leader and was seen as a pillar of the historical African Nova Scotian community. Along with other members of the Sanctified Brothers, as lead singer, Wallace sang at the installation of Dr. Anna Robbins as President of ADC.

4 MARY McDONALD passed away on November 5, 2023. Mary was the wife of Dr. Lee McDonald, who served as ADC President from 1999 to 2007. Mary is remembered for her beautiful smile that warmed all who knew her, and for her faith, love, and encouragement wherever she and Lee lived and served.

5 REV. DR. GARY V. NELSON, recipient of the Acadia University Honorary Doctor of Divinity in 2020 and friend to Acadia Divinity College, passed away on January 22, 2024. For over 40 years, Gary offered exceptional Christian leadership in Canada, including Canadian Baptist Ministries General Secretary and Tyndale University College and Seminary President and Vice-Chancellor. Everywhere he served, Gary advocated for inclusion and multicultural participation, while inspiring young leaders and creating opportunities for service.

We produce this list to the best of our knowledge and with the information provided to us. Please email Trisha Urquhart at trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca

Continued from page 13

Research on Tommy Douglas The Future Feels Quiz

Tommy Douglas (1904-1986), Baptist minister, politician, and the first leader of the National Democratic Party, is often credited as the father of the Canadian Universal Health Care System. In 2004, viewers declared him the “Greatest Canadian” in a CBC television poll. People often attribute his success as a public figure, at least partly, to his gifts as a public speaker and debater.

Dr. Stuart Blythe, John Gladstone Professor of Preaching and Worship, is researching the rhetoric, “sacred and secular”, of Tommy Douglas. He is exploring the features of Douglas’s public speaking, which made him and his message appealing. In so doing, he is examining the similarities and differences between Douglas’s speaking at the pulpit and the podium.

“One of the challenges of this research,” said Dr. Blythe, “is that while many of Douglas’s speeches are readily available, some in an audio format, his sermons are not.” A recent visit, however, to the Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa has provided some examples of written sermons. This visit was funded through an institutional grant made available through Acadia University. Dr. Blythe continued, “It will be at least interesting, if not instructive, to identify the features of his rhetoric which helped this Baptist minister appeal to listeners within and beyond the Church.”

ARE YOU READY TO EMBRACE TOMORROW?

(Answer the questions on page 17)

TOTAL SCORE INTERPRETATION

For every "A" response, give yourself 3 points.

For every "B" response, give yourself 2 points. For every "C" response, give yourself 1 point.

• 2 4 Points - Future Enthusiast

You eagerly embrace and anticipate the future with excitement.

• 1 6-23 Points - Adaptable Optimist

You have an open mind but may approach the future with a hint of caution. Embrace the positive aspects for a more enriching experience.

• 9 -15 Points - Cautious Observer

While you have reservations, exploring the benefits might ease your concerns and unlock new possibilities.

• 8 Points - Traditionalist

You prefer the familiar and are cautious about embracing future changes. Exploring the potential advantages of the evolving world might reveal unexpected opportunities.

This quiz was created using ChatGPT.

REV. DR. DANNY SMITH (’04, ’19) RECEIVES THE 2023 ALUMNI AWARD

The Impact of Intentional Mentorship

INRE COGNITION OF HIS faithful pastoral service and deep commitment to mentoring pastoral leaders, Acadia Divinity College awarded the 2023 ADC Alumni Distinguished Service Award to Rev. Dr. Danny Smith (’04, ’19), lead pastor of Middleton Baptist Church (MBC).

“The thing that really excites me about serving as a pastor in a local church,” Danny says, “is the opportunity to see the change that Jesus makes in people’s lives. I get a front-row seat every week to people taking important steps towards faith in Jesus. There’s nothing else like it.”

Danny’s commitment to mentorship has had great ripple effects, impacting the community of MBC and beyond. Because of his intentionality in mentoring and encouraging individuals in their call, over the past 15 years, most of MBC’s permanent pastoral staff positions have been filled by someone in the congregation, or with a close association.

“Throughout my season of as a pastoral leader, God has given me the privilege to walk alongside other leaders and emerging leaders on their journey,” Danny reflects. “Students from ADC –those God has raised up within our own congregation and called to pastoral leadership – and ministry peers.”

During Danny’s first summer as lead pastor, he met Dwight Habermehl, founder of Aaron Ministries, which exists to see healthy leaders leading healthy churches that transform communities with the Gospel. Through Dwight’s

encouragement, Danny began to work with the organization hosting monthly gatherings for pastors called ‘The Well’. “For those of us in church leadership, one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other is the gift of time – the gift of ourselves – walking with one another on the journey,” Danny says. “I continue to see the difference having others walking with you on the journey makes, and I determined that as God gives me the opportunity, I would make myself available to him to do the same in the lives of others.”

When he received the award, Danny said, “I would like to thank ADC for your trust and faith in me in presenting me this award. My own life has been blessed and touched by the College as you have helped to shape me. I want to encourage you to keep doing what you are doing –training up leaders who love Jesus and are equipped to serve the local church.”

Learn more about Danny and his ministry

“For those of us in church leadership, one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other is the gift of time – the gift of ourselves – walking with one another on the journey.”

ADC advancement

Empowering Students for the Sake of the Gospel

Harry Hoyt Pickett Doctoral Scholarship

HARRY HOYT PICKETT BELIEVED that everyone could succeed if given encouragement and the opportunity. This conviction profoundly shaped his life.

Born in 1935, in Newcastle Creek, New Brunswick, Harry came to Acadia University to pursue his Bachelor of Arts degree, where he won multiple awards in Greek and Theology. After graduating in 1959, he ministered for a year at his home church in Newcastle Creek. However, Harry felt called to the classroom, so he enrolled in Acadia's Bachelor of Education program and graduated in 1961.

Harry dedicated his life to empowering students to succeed. “He had high expectations of his students,” says Eleanor, his wife of 58 years. “He did everything he could to encourage them and provide them with the opportunity.” An example is while teaching in the small town of Waterloo, Québec, he heard about a provincial history competition. Though administration were doubtful, Harry encouraged his students to enrol. Astonishingly, 44 qualified to go to Montréal for the finals where they won the silver medal, proving that success was possible.

Harry was also a person of deep faith who desired to see the Church share the Gospel effectively. He took action to ensure high-quality theological education was available to pastors to equip them for their calling. “He had the same high expectations for his pastors as he had for his students,” says Eleanor, “and he wanted to ensure they had every chance to succeed.”

Through his generosity, the Harry Hoyt Pickett Doctoral Scholarship was established to provide much-needed financial assistance to Doctor of Ministry students.

“The Doctor of Ministry program provides space for seasoned ministers to listen to the Holy Spirit and reflect critically on their vocations, practices, and contexts,” says Dr. Steven Porter, Director of Doctoral Studies and Assistant Professor of Church Innovation and Evangelism. “Our churches need such leaders, and the Harry Hoyt Pickett Doctoral Scholarship makes this deep discernment and spiritual resilience possible.”

Last year, the Scholarship provided financial support to five doctoral students. One such student was Rev. Ruth Tonn, Pastor of Families and Community Outreach at Wolfville Baptist Church in Nova Scotia. “I am grateful for the opportunity to study for my Doctor of Ministry at ADC, and for the vision of faithful servants of God such as Harry Pickett,” says Ruth. “My doctoral studies not only inform my current ministry but are preparing me for a greater contribution to the kingdom work in Atlantic Canada.”

Although Harry died in 2021, his legacy of encouraging students and providing them with opportunities to achieve excellence carries on. We are deeply thankful for Harry Pickett and for many others supporting the students at Acadia Divinity College.

“Our churches need such leaders, and the Harry Hoyt Pickett Doctoral Scholarship makes this deep discernment and spiritual resilience possible.”

To

Atlantic Baptist Foundation Makes Generous Matching Grant

CELEBRATING SUPPORT OF THE OLIVER CHAIR

THE ATLANTIC BAPTIST FOUNDATION has pledged $100,000 in matching funds toward endowing The Reverend Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice. This pledge is a clarion call by the Foundation to churches and associations to contribute towards a shared goal of $200,000, doubling the impact of each donation.

The Oliver Chair honours two distinguished leaders and enhances Acadia Divinity College’s theological education by strengthening its training in leadership, social justice, and the challenge of racism. It is both an academic position and a beacon of hope for positive change, aiming to cultivate leaders to be adept at addressing social injustices and guiding communities toward harmony and understanding.

As a community, we have a unique opportunity to be part of this historic initiative. The matching grant from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation is an invitation to make a lasting difference in community leadership and social justice.

To learn more, visit OLIVERCHAIR.CA

You helped ‘Keep the Kettle on’

Our Giving Tuesday goal of $2,000 was exceeded through your generous support, raising over $2,500 to ‘Keep the Kettle On’! These gifts will help foster an intentional community at Acadia Divinity College through hospitality. On behalf of the students of ADC, Thank You!

OLIVER CHAIR FUNDING (as of February, 2024)

GOAL: $3,000,000

RAISED: $594,000

Scholarship Opens Doors

Last year, Vipin Joseph sensed God’s call to leave his home in India and dig deeper into Christian Theology. He applied to ADC and began his studies in September 2023.

“The warm welcome and care at ADC has been delightful, and receiving a scholarship was nothing short of a miracle...The things I value are the friendships and connections that God has given me. Each day at ADC, I am amazed and inspired by the commitment of the ADC faculty and staff, who consistently exemplify the love of Christ through their words and deeds.”

~ Vipin Joseph, Master of Divinity student

This summer, financial support mental health for pastors to access education.

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