ADC Today - Winter 2023

Your calling is unique.

Your context is unique.

Regardless of where you are called to serve, ADC will equip you to

ADC TODAY

EDITOR

Shawna Peverill

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Robert Strang, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

Stuart Blythe, John Campbell, Catherine Cole, Eveline DeSchiffart, Carley Lee, Karen Padovani, Anna Robbins, Trisha Urquhart

COVER CREDIT

On the cover: Dr. Robert Strang

Photo by: Nicole Lapierre

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Alivelihood Branding & Design alivelihood.me

PRINTING

Rocket

Printed in Canada

ADC Today is produced and distributed once a year to Acadia Divinity College alumni and friends. To receive a digital copy, delivered to your inbox, subscribe on our website.

Available online at ACADIADIV.CA/ADC-TODAY

Dr. Anna Robbins’

with Dr. Robert Strang

Serving Together for the Common Good

CHURCHES ARE, and have been throughout their existence, part of the societies within which they are located. In cities, towns, and villages, church communities have been places of witness to the Good News of Jesus, following His great commandments to love God and love neighbour (Mark 12:28-33).

Throughout history, the church became a servant of the wider public good, advocating for education, freedom, and sometimes engaging the power of state to serve gospel ends. But the Church’s witness also became compromised, often sitting too close to power to speak truth freely.

However, some never forgot the call to be salt and light in the world, never forgot that we are part of the whole of creation, never forgot that there is much we can do to serve in positive life-affirming ways. We have amazing examples in our own history as Atlantic Baptists. The establishment of Acadia University was an act of faith by our forebearers who desired to serve the common good by providing education for those who might otherwise be excluded by a prejudicial system. Churches of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia offered adult education to encourage the development of skills and social mobility of Atlantic Canadians who were historically underrepresented. Our churches have hosted foodbanks, offered shelter to the unhoused, and comforted the lonely.

In this edition of ADC Today, we invite you to consider the ways that your church community has served the common good. What are the ways we are being summoned beyond our church doors by the Spirit of Christ to care for people and communities today? How can we cooperate with what the Spirit is doing in the world, while being faithful to our distinctives as Christians? What good things can we affirm? How can we more thoroughly fulfil Christ’s command because we work together with others?

As part of our East Coast Theology initiative, I spoke recently with Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia about the pandemic response, and ways that the church can serve the common good by supporting people’s physical and mental health. We look forward to our Simpson Lectures in June, when Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove will invite us to reclaim the Christian faith for the common good today. We also offer an example of a church who has considered those outside their worshipping community when devising new buildings or launching new ministries.

At a time when faith often appears pushed to the margins, our time to thrive is here. We have networks, cross-denominational friendships, and community ties that make service to the common good a flourishing mission for our churches today. Confident faith turns outward with outstretched arms, ready to serve everyone because of Christ’s love. This is what He commanded us to do. The flourishing that can come to all through our faithful discipleship is worth the risk to imagine new ways to shine like stars in the world.

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.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

~ Jeremiah 29:7

Beloved Community

Reclaiming the Christian Faith for the Common Good

JONATHAN WILSON-HARTGROVE has committed his life to building ‘Beloved Community’ – a phrase popularized by Martin Luther King Jr. that casts a vision of a space for economic and social justice, peaceful conflict resolution, and the reconciliation of humanity.

A celebrated spiritual author, sought-after speaker, and a well-known peace and social justice activist, Jonathan is one of a generation of leaders influenced by Tony Campolo and Ron Sider, with their emphasis on theology and social action.

One of the ways Jonathan has outworked this influence is through Rutba House – a house of hospitality that he and his wife Leah founded in 2003. Here, the formerly unhoused and the formerly housed share life together.

“This is where we find the kind of joy and gladness that God offers,” Jonathan says about living in this reflection of beloved community, “in being part of how God builds something new, particularly with and among people who’ve been rejected.”

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove @wilsonhartgrove Follow

When the early church proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, they didn’t take people to see the empty tomb. They pointed to the beloved community that Christ makes possible.

Apr 4, 2021

SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

The New Monasticism movement, founded in 2004 by Jonathan and Shane Claiborne, builds on this sense of beloved community.

“The practice of being in spaces where scriptures are read and proclaimed, where we pray and have contemplative practices rooted in a tradition of worshipping the Jesus who sets the captives free – that’s the most important spiritual practice for me,” Jonathan explains. New Monasticism stresses community, spiritual practices, and love for those on the margins of society as a way of following and experiencing the presence of Jesus.

RECLAIMING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH FOR THE COMMON GOOD

But the Church has a chequered history in seeking to love its neighbour. In the North American Christian context, public action has taken on a particular – often polarizing – form. But is there something different and better that can be offered?

In June 2023, Jonathan will be the keynote speaker at the Simpson Lectures in Wolfville during ADC's East Coast Theology Summer School to address just that.

“Throughout Christian history, the church’s call to love of neighbour and public justice has led God’s people to engage in public life for the common good,” Jonathan says. “While this vocation has looked different depending on the political systems of particular times and places – and Christians’ relative power within them – there is no gospel witness without a social witness.”

“Throughout Christian history, the church’s call to love of neighbour and public justice has led God’s people to engage in public life for the common good.”

Register for the lectures at ACADIADIV.CA/SIMPSON-2023

Jonathan warns that political engagement comes with its own temptations. “The story of Christianity in public life has also been a story of sin and betrayal,” he says, “in which some of the most wicked deeds done by humans in the world have been committed in the name of Jesus. In the contemporary North American context, the rise of a “religious right” following the civil and women’s rights movements of the 1950s and 60s in the United States has had a profound impact on public perceptions of Christian public witness.”

In his lectures, Jonathan hopes to “locate our present challenge in the long history of Christian public witness and in the context to the ongoing backlash against movements that were led by Christians.” He’ll tackle questions like “What tactics were deployed to undermine the moral movement for beloved community, and how have they distorted the ways we talk about moral issues in public life today?” He’ll unpack where we can turn for resources to reclaim a faithful public witness, and what movements for social transformation the church might be called to join today.

Join us June 13-15, 2023 for the Simpson Lectures at Acadia Divinity College and online.

ABOUT JONATHAN WILSON-HARTGROVE

Jonathan is a leader in the Red Letter Christians movement and the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival. He directs the School for Conversion, a popular education center that works to build beloved community and resource moral fusion coalitions. He is also an Associate Minister at Saint John's Missionary Baptist Church. He has written many books and regularly speaks at churches and conferences where he seeks to encourage Christians to engage in faithful witness to Jesus Christ in the public sphere.

Starting in December 2022, Jonathan became the Assistant Director for Partnerships and Fellowships and Lecturer at the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School.

Learn more at JONATHANWILSONHARTGROVE.COM

For more details, visit ACADIADIV.CA/ZEMAN-2023 Register for the lectures at ACADIADIV.CA/HAYWARD-2023

He’ll unpack where we can turn for resources to reclaim a faithful public witness, and what movements for social transformation the church might be called to join today.

Biblical Justice for the

Common Good

New Academic Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice Established

DESPITE THE EMPHASIS on multiculturalism and social equality as public policy, people living in Canada are not always treated equally.1 Closer to home in Atlantic Canada, people of African, Black, and Caribbean descent have experienced segregation, discrimination, and systemic anti-black racism for nearly four centuries, and they continue to experience barriers in employment, education, and housing every day.

“The concept of justice is not a new or progressive dialogue. Justice originated with the God of justice,” said Rev. Dr. Lennett Anderson, Lecturer in Leadership and Racial Justice at Acadia Divinity College (ADC). “If our churches are weak in justice, they are weak in doctrine. Biblical justice is the heartbeat of God – it discerns what is wrong and cares enough to do something about making it right.”

As part of the five-year Strategic Vision Change with Purpose, Acadia Divinity College is committed to equipping their graduates, and the congregations they serve, to become advocates for justice and reconciliation in their communities. ADC understands the central importance of the flow of leadership between the pulpit and the community.

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2022001/article/00005-eng.htm

[left to right] Some members of the Oliver Chair Leadership Team at Saint Thomas Baptist Church: Dr. Lennett Anderson, Dr. Leslie Oliver, Dr. Elias Mutale, Dr. Anna Robbins, Dr. Barbara-Ann Hamilton-Hinch and Rev. John Campbell.

“Rev. Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver recognized that they were not alone in the fight for racial justice and equality. They had allies in the work they did, and we continue to need allies today. I invite you to support the work of the Oliver Chair as we work together for change.”

EDUCATION AS THE PATHWAY

The vision for The Reverend Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice took shape under a leadership team of African Nova Scotians. This chair was officially announced by ADC President Dr. Anna Robbins, on August 20, 2022, during the 169 th Annual Sessions of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia (AUBA).

To the delegates gathered at Saint Thomas Baptist Church in North Preston, Nova Scotia, Anna said, “The creation of this Academic Chair embodies our commitment to the teaching, learning, and practice of racial justice. Rev. Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver, two Christian activists and visionary community leaders, exemplify the actions and attitudes that Acadia Divinity College seeks to instill in future Christian leaders. The Olivers championed education as the pathway to an enlightened future.”

Through the Oliver Chair, ADC affirms that education makes a difference. The Chair will honour the legacy of William and Pearleen Oliver, ensure representation of the AUBA on the ADC faculty, and teach a new generation of church leaders to engage in community transformation.

BECOME ADVOCATES FOR JUSTICE

With your help, ADC will raise $3 million to fully endow The Reverend Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice by the end of 2024.

“Having an endowed academic chair is important to ensure the work that needs to be done continues over the long term,” says Dr. Leslie Oliver, son of William and Pearleen Oliver, and Acadia University Professor Emeritus. “It provides the funding for the faculty position indefinitely, ensuring the principles of equality and justice are embedded in the work of our seminary.”

Former member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly the Hon. Dr. Wayne Adams agrees. “This distinguished Chair will continue on with the great work of social justice and community leadership as modeled by William and Pearleen Oliver. By participating in the endowment of this new Chair, you will contribute, by extension, to a major transformation of our churches and society.”

CELEBRATING THE CHAIR

On October 28, 2022, the Board of Trustees, Faculty and Staff of ADC gathered with special guests to celebrate the Reverend Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice. Three of those special guests –Dr. Wayne Adams, Rev. Grace Skeir, and Dr. Leslie Oliver –shared personal stories about the Olivers and the impact of their ministry, as well as the need to continue this vital work.

Rev. Grace Skeir, the Associate Pastor of New Horizons Baptist Church in Halifax, NS spoke about the impact the Olivers had on her and others. “Rev. Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver recognized that they were not alone in the fight for racial justice and equality,” said Grace, a graduate of ADC and now a member of the ADC Board of Trustees. “They had allies in the work they did, and we continue to need allies today.”

[left to right] Pictured outside Clark Commons, Acadia University: Dr. Anna Robbins, The Hon. Dr. Wayne Adams, Dr. Peter Ricketts (President, Acadia University), Rev. Grace Skeir, Dr. Leslie Oliver, and Mr. Mark Jelley (Chair of ADC Board of Trustees).

~ Rev. Grace Skeir, Associate Pastor of New Horizons Baptist Church, and Member of ADC Board of Trustees

Join in William and Pearleen Oliver’s pursuit towards the Biblical call for justice and equality.

OLIVERCHAIR.CA

Jesus walks here through Mi'kma'ki and Africville, on the waters of the Bay of Fundy and in the mountains of Gros Morne. We follow him with the scent of salt on our clothes and earth on our fingers; through the pine forests of Miramichi and the bustling streets of Halifax. Jesus walks here. We follow him here. The Bible speaks to our experiences and nurtures our faith.

Today we recognise that there is an Atlantic Canadian voice that can engage the important issues here, where sea meets land and sky.

What is East Coast Theology?

INATLANTIC CANADA, so much of our thinking, our theology, our education, and our preaching has relied on resources developed outside our region. The result is that there has often been a disconnect between our theological reflection and our lived reality.

But the East Coast of Canada is unique. We engage the world in particular and nuanced ways in light of our life in this place of natural beauty, relational warmth, and conflicted history.

That’s why we created East Coast Theology.

East Coast Theology is a THEOLOGICAL EXPRESSION

Through the sharing of ideas, engaging with churches, and deepening our scholarship in this place we call home, we will write theology for this place and this time. This theological expression will discover what is unique about this place, allowing God to speak through His Word to where we are and what we’re doing here today.

East Coast Theology is a SUMMER SCHOOL

Events, seminars, and continuing education opportunities will engage issues that are important to Atlantic Canadians as we develop accessible theological reflection on what matters to us here. The Summer School will take a localized approach in training church leaders to express a Christian voice that is engaged with the world as we see it.

East Coast Theology is a PUBLISHING PROJECT

Volume One is called Pandemic, Public Health, and the People of God and will be a timely resource for anyone interested in how the church can be involved in public health. This volume arose in part out of the desire of Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia, to partner with the church and his heart for Christians to serve their own communities. Our professors will write the chapters, and Dr. Strang will write the foreword and afterword.

East Coast Theology is about what God’s Word is saying through our voice, our heartbeat, for our time.

FEATURED SUMMER SCHOOL EVENTS – ON CAMPUS!

May – June: Summer Courses

• Leading Healthy & Effective Churches with Dr. Lennett J. Anderson

• Personal and Professional Ethics with Dr. Glen Berry

• Revelation with Dr. Danny Zacharias

• And more!

June 13–15: Special Events

• June 13: Seminars on Pastoral Psychology

• June 13–15: Simpson Lectures

• June 14: East Coast Kitchen Party

• June 15: Launch of East Coast Theology

Volume One with Dr. Robert Strang

• And more!

For the full schedule of events and registration details, visit EASTCOASTTHEOLOGY.CA

THE SAVE DATE

Approaching the Future of the Church Through Collaboration and Curiosity

Acadia Divinity College (ADC) is beginning something new – a dynamic project called the Futuring Lab. This innovative space will research trends and developments that will impact the future life of the Church, and experiment with new approaches to theological education. The Lab has two inter-related elements: a Hub of Trend Research and Analysis that will conduct, gather, and interpret research on cultural trends, and a Sandbox for Theological Education and the Church to experiment with new methods and pedagogies.

During 2022, the lower level of the College building was renovated to be fully accessible with two offices and a room for engagement. ADC is excited that the Futuring Lab is taking the next step forward in 2023 with two staff appointments. As the project prepares to unfold over the next four years, Dr. Jodi L. Porter, Director of Education for Ministry Innovation, and Joel Murphy, Facilitator of Trend Research & Analysis, were asked what they hope to accomplish through their work and how it will directly impact our churches in Atlantic Canada and beyond. Here’s what they had to say:

Jodi: I look forward to joining the ADC community and learning from students, faculty, staff, churches, and all ADC constituents about the current needs and hopes for educational ministries and theological education in Atlantic Canada. Community insights and evidence-based research will help guide our imaginations for the future of our churches and their essential formational work.

Joel: We live in a period in which the pace of change is accelerating rapidly. Foundational to the Futuring Hub for Trend Research & Analysis (The ‘Hub’) is collaboration and curiosity. I am so excited to work with, and learn from, individuals, churches, and organizations about how we can prayerfully consider, courageously imagine, and creatively action ways to approach, prepare for, and engage future possibilities to be the Church in our communities.

To learn more about Jodi and Joel visit: ACADIADIV.CA/FUTURING-LAB-APPOINTMENTS

The Futuring Lab project is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative.

FACULTY updates

After Nearly Four Decades of Service Rev. Dr. R. Glenn

Wooden Retires

Dr. Stephen McMullin Retires from Acadia Divinity College

In June 2021, Rev. Dr. Glenn Wooden completed his tenure at Acadia Divinity College. Although formally retired, he has continued to serve parttime as the Payzant Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies and will do so until June 2023.

Glenn’s connection to ADC runs deep. In addition to earning both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts (Theology) at Acadia, he has faithfully served the College community since 1986, initially as a lecturer in biblical languages. During his tenure, Glenn was the College Librarian, the Director of the Master of Arts (Theology) program as well as the liaison for several years to two affiliated colleges in Nigeria. He has engaged countless students as they learned the biblical languages, and explored history, exegesis, and application of the Bible. He provided students and community members with a rich educational experience by leading and co-leading six tours in Israel-Palestine, Turkey, and Greece. A biblical scholar, Glenn has published and lectured on the Book of Daniel and on the Septuagint version of the Hebrew Bible.

Glenn’s local church ministry experience includes serving as a youth worker in two churches in New Brunswick and pastoring three congregations in Nova Scotia. Currently, he is heavily involved in his local congregation, and he continues to guest preach at churches throughout the region.

“Glenn is an excellent teacher who does not shy away from introducing his students to challenging historical-critical discussions of the biblical text but does so with a pastoral concern for those he teaches and ultimately those to whom they will minister. I have learned so much from Glenn about the importance of caring for students and being cautious and judicious as a biblical scholar and historian.”

~ Dr. Matthew Walsh, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at ADC and Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Theology) graduate.

In December 2022, Rev. Dr. Stephen McMullin completed his tenure at Acadia Divinity College. Steve faithfully served the College for 12 years, including two threeyear terms as Academic Dean. He also acted as the Director of ADC New Brunswick and occupied the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Chair of Evangelism and Mission.

With a heart for the local church, his academic research focused on evangelism, church renewal, and the presentation of the gospel in culturally informed and effective ways in an increasingly secular social environment. He has made significant contributions towards the church’s response to domestic violence, developing effective ways for churches and religious leaders to work with community resources to provide compassionate and practical help for victims.

“Dr. McMullin’s gentle way of engaging in a conversation and asking the right questions helped students produce thoughtful work. He encouraged me to think outside the box, and I still reflect on what I learned in his classes to help guide me in ministry today. His lectures gave me the insight to lead a healthy church as well as take that same information and understanding and apply it in my daytime workplace.”

~ Rev. Andrea Anderson, Master of Divinity graduate, Public Service Commissioner for the Government of Nova Scotia, and the Intentional Interim Pastor of East Preston United Baptist Church, NS.

During his nearly three decades of church ministry, Steve emphasized evangelism and mission, and the importance of community. Beyond his service at various churches across New Brunswick, Steve has contributed greatly to the life and mission of the College.

If you or someone you know have a story to share, you can contact us at 902-585-2223 or CALLEDTOSERVE@ACADIAU.CA

Faculty Updates

Dr. Lennett Anderson spoke at various events related to race and justice including the National Apology to No. 2 Construction Battalion and the CBAC Justice Summit. Lennett also co-facilitated the training program, Halifax Regional Police Journey to Change.

Dr. Spencer Boersma published “Reflections on Scripture and Tradition Towards a Constructive, Baptistic Grammar for Hell Language” in Perspectives in Religious Studies. He was invited by the NABPR to lecture as part of the 2022 College Theology Society conference entitled Why We Can’t Wait: Racism and the Church.

Called to Serve: Sharing the Stories of Ordained Baptist Women

Did you know that between 1954 and 2020, Atlantic Baptist churches ordained more than 80 women? These pioneering women overcame many challenges to follow the call of God on their lives. Yet their stories remain largely untold.

Rev. Dr. Melody Maxwell, Associate Professor of Christian History at ADC, has recently launched the oral history project Called to Serve featuring the stories of these women. Funded by a grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the project involves interviewing as many ordained women as possible over the next several months.

“We hope that women and men can consider the obstacles and opportunities that these women have faced and be inspired to go further in their faith and ministry commitments as a result,” says Dr. Maxwell.

ADC students Taylor Adams and Hannah Roberts play a vital role as research assistants for Called to Serve. Along with Dr. Maxwell, they launched a podcast in January which features some of the interviews they have conducted. A new episode releases every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and on the Called to Serve website, calledtoserve.ca . You can also follow Called to Serve on Facebook and Instagram @calledtoserveproject.

Dr. John McNally published “Journaling about Head, Heart, and Hands: A Vital Tool for Cultivating Formation” in Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry.

Dr. Anna Robbins was the keynote speaker for the 2022 CBWC Pastors & Spouses Conference, and the 2022 National Canadian Baptist Youth Ministry Invitational Forum on the theme Changing of the Church in the mid/post COVID world.

Dr. Matthew Walsh published “With God (and the Angels) on Our Side: A Comparison of Celestial Assistance in the War Scroll and 2 Maccabees” in the volume, The Dead Sea Scrolls in the Context of Hellenistic Judea.

Acadia Divinity College Welcomes Rev. Dr. D. Steven Porter and Dr.

Grace Au to the Faculty

The President, Dr. Anna Robbins, and Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College are pleased to announce the appointments of the Rev. Dr. D. Steven Porter as Assistant Professor of Church Innovation and Evangelism and Director of Doctoral Studies, and Dr. Grace W.Y. Au as Assistant Professor of New Testament Studies

Dr. D. Steven Porter earned a ThD in 2017 from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He also graduated with a Master of Divinity (1998) from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Since 2014, Steven has served as Coordinator of Global Missions, for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in Decatur, Georgia, supervising evangelism, community development, and disaster response in 30 countries. He also has served on the steering committee of the Mission Leaders Forum of Christian Churches Together and on the Board of Directors of International Baptist Theological Seminary in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He presently chairs the Commission on Evangelism for the Baptist World Alliance. For more than 25 years, Steven has been committed to preparing Christian leaders through community engagement starting in urban ministry and later by facilitating intensive conversations on evangelism with churches. Steven has lectured on evangelism, mission, and global Christianity on the faculty of George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University and in adjunct roles for Duke University Divinity School and William Jewell College. His research and academic presentations have centred on reimagining the church’s witness in the present and future by studying its past. Steven is married to Dr. Jodi L. Porter, and together they have two children. Steven will begin at the College on July 1, 2023.

Associate Deans Appointed

Dr. Grace Au holds a PhD in New Testament and Christian Origins (2021), jointly awarded by the University of Edinburgh and the China Graduate School of Theology. She also earned a ThM in New Testament Studies (2017) and a Master of Christian Studies in Biblical Hermeneutics (2013) from the China Graduate School of Theology where she received the Theological Studies Award.

Most recently, Grace has held the tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at the China Graduate School of Theology. Her area of expertise and research has centred on the New Testament, with an emphasis on Pauline Studies. In addition, her teaching interests include Early Christianity in its Jewish and Greco-Roman background, and sociolinguistic theory and hermeneutics in Biblical interpretation.

Grace is an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the European Association of Biblical Studies and has ministered amongst churches in Hong Kong. She is married to Rev. Caleb K.F. Cheng, and together they have a daughter. Grace will begin at the College on August 1, 2023.

Effective July 1, 2022, Dr. Stuart Blythe was appointed as the Associate Dean responsible for Faculty, and Dr. Danny Zacharias as Associate Dean responsible for Curriculum. Both continue to teach and research in their respective disciplines.

Dr. Stuart Blythe has recently published articles on rhetorical preaching including “Preaching as a Rhetorical Act: Practices and Possibilities with Reference to the Rev. Dr. John Gladstone (19212005)”, McMaster Journal of Theology and Ministry. He also published “The Metaphors We Preach By: Preaching as Graffiti” in the Journal of European Baptist Studies

Dr. Danny Zacharias co-lectured with Dr. T. Christopher Hoklotubbe at The University of Iowa on the topic, “Reading the Bible on Turtle Island,” exploring the difference one’s Indigenous heritage and culture makes in interpreting Christian Scriptures.

CareCommunity for the

Good Common

by Carley Lee,

Specialist

A Conversation between Dr. Anna Robbins & Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia

Communications

DR.

RO BERT STRANG, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia, guided the province as we navigated the COVID-19 pandemic crisis together. Dr. Strang believes faith groups including churches have a role to play in supporting the public health of our communities. With his encouragement, our faculty have discovered some ways that the Christian church can support health and well being for the common good. Their reflections are being published in the first volume of East Coast Theology entitled Pandemic, Public Health, and the People of God that will be released in June 2023.

Recently, ADC President Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins had a conversation with Dr. Strang to discuss the importance of the local church’s involvement in ongoing community care.

Dr. Anna Robbins (AR): What does it look like for the church to play a role in the health of communities?

Dr. Robert Strang (RS): We need to look at health in all its dimensions: physical, emotional, and spiritual. All of us have some sense of spirituality. Spiritual health is about where we find meaning and how we understand our place in the world. Increasingly, people are feeling lost. Spiritual connection is foundationally important. If we don’t have that, we’re rudderless. Traditionally, churches have played a significant role in community. There have been challenges as well – the church has been part of some not-so-good things in community, too, and understanding how to acknowledge that is something we need to grapple with collectively. But there is still a place for the church in community to meet people where they’re at, to serve needs without judgement, and to love people without an agenda.

AR: That’s the way Jesus approached the public. There was a call to “follow me” but if you followed Jesus, it was to follow him while he was healing, while he was helping, while he was feeding. In what other ways can the church participate in the common good of our communities?

RS: In these challenging economic times, housing and food are two core needs. There’s an opportunity for churches to collaborate with community groups and organizations that are already meeting these critical needs. A collective impact is greater and more efficient at minimizing gaps and overlaps. Health is about adequate resources and opportunities. Nutritious food, clean school and work environments, spaces that promote physical activity, resources that support mental health, and communities that create a sense of belonging and acceptance regardless of background or context – these are just some of the complex social factors that determine our individual and collective health. Many of the needed solutions

“Many of the needed solutions are in community, and there is absolutely a place for churches in that complex mix of how we create safe, vibrant, healthy, and sustainable communities for everybody.”

are in community, and there is absolutely a place for churches in that complex mix of how we create safe, vibrant, healthy, and sustainable communities for everybody.

At the core, I believe our Christian faith is about loving and caring for each other; that’s how we demonstrate our love to God. I am of the strong belief that uniting around that core is an opportunity for the collective church to be more meaningful, relevant, and attractive to our communities.

AR: The teaching of some churches has been that there’s a separation between body and soul as if the body doesn’t matter. A human being is a body and a soul, and God has created us to thrive. Yet, we see this divide as if the body is unimportant.

RS: There’s a parallel in medicine where for far too long we divided mind and body. But we’re learning more about how they are connected. The state of your mind has an impact on your physical health, and the state of your physical health has an impact on your mental health.

On an individual level, our health is physical, mental, and spiritual – the soul is our spiritual health. But it’s all in one body. The body is what we’re given so we can do what we’re called to do for our family, for our community: to show love. Keeping ourselves whole – including spiritually – allows us to fulfill our call to love God and to love others.

AR: The Western world is in a medical crisis relating to body, mind, and soul. What can the church in Atlantic Canada do to respond to that?

RS: A vital part of building communities is making sure people aren’t isolated. This is by no means meant to replace the healthcare system. It’s about support. People need somewhere they can reach out to for help that may delay or prevent them from needing a formal healthcare system.

A lot of mental health challenges brought on by the complexities of day-to-day life – beyond diagnosable psychiatric illness – can be addressed in community. But we need to create space for people to be open about their mental wellness. Communities, including churches, are very good at caring for people who have physical ailments by bringing meals and offering support. But if someone feels comfortable enough to share that they’re struggling with depression or anxiety or stress, we’re not nearly as ready to move in with support or practical help because we’re still not as comfortable with mental health challenges.

AR: I think sometimes people are reluctant to address mental wellness because they think they’re not properly equipped. But we don’t need to become therapists; we simply need to listen to people and support them day to day.

RS: I agree. If we create spaces where people know they can receive unconditional support, who knows what that might grow into? There’s a place for the healthcare system to work with community organizations – including churches.

Churches have physical space and often a solid volunteer base. We need to work together and be part of a network approach to engage the community, identify the needs, and come up with collaborative solutions.

AR: When it comes to your own mental health, how are you processing the experience of COVID-19? I know so many leaders who are exhausted. What insights do you have for those who are still feeling that?

RS: It starts with recognizing where you are at and being okay with asking for help and perhaps putting your well being first. Take time to completely step away. Not just for a weekend, but for a good chunk of time. Surrounding yourself with people who understand what you’re going through is very helpful. It’s therapeutic to commiserate and connect over that common bond. It has a healing, soothing effect when you’re together. I also made the choice to see a psychologist periodically to help process some of the bigger things, which I think is important.

AR: I wish more people could hear that. I can already see something we need to send out to our leaders: take a break, process with other people, and engage professional support. Public health is about serving and sharing burdens.

RS: It’s about the collective. Life is always going to have challenges and we need to find ways to work together to support one another.

“A vital part of building communities is making sure people aren’t isolated. This is by no means meant to replace the healthcare system. It’s about support.”

RURAL NOVA SCOTIA CHURCH WORKS WITH COMMUNITY

Working Together for the Common Good

by Shawna Peverill,

WI NDING ALONG Highway 210 on the south shore of Nova Scotia, pine forests line the road for kilometers. It seems isolated until you turn a corner and approach the banks of the Medway River, home of the Medway Reserve (part of the Acadia First Nation) and the community of Greenfield.

It may appear to be a quiet place. But suddenly a large facility housing the Greenfield Recreation Centre and Greenfield United Baptist Church can be seen.

The concept of a combined centre began in the late 1970s. While Greenfield Baptist was considering the future of their aging building, Greenfield Recreation was dreaming of creating a sports area. That’s when church and community united.

Church members and the recreation committee discussed creating a place where children and teenagers from the wider community could gather for sports, youth groups, and extracurricular activities; a place for young people to develop physically, socially, and spiritually.

“You have to give children an opportunity to grow where they live,” says Kevin Freeman, a deacon at Greenfield Baptist Church. “As a church, we wanted to give something to the community. Forward thinking is what set the whole project in motion.”

Student

Services

Freeman was one of almost 200 volunteers to work on this development. Community businesses promoted the project, local craftspeople offered their skills, and residents held bottle drives to raise funds. In 1985, the dream became a reality with the dedication of the church and centre.

Since that time, it has been the hub of the community. On a weekly basis there are church services, community groups, and sports. It houses the pre-primary class, and the local school board leases the gymnasium. Both church and recreation share costs including insurance, plowing, and maintenance.

ADC graduate Rev. Janet Baker is Pastor of Greenfield United Baptist Church. She says the facility is used for many special occasions simply by opening the sliding doors between the two spaces. She sees growth at Greenfield Baptist as families who move into the area first use the recreation centre, and then get involved in church.

“Some of the people I play pickle ball with at the rec centre are now attending church and come to special services,” says Janet. “It is those connections, made with me and others at Greenfield Baptist who use the Rec, that are helping to building bridges in the community.”

ADC Registrar and Manager of

“You have to give children an opportunity to grow where they live. As a church, we wanted to give something to the community.”

OUR graduates · FALL 2021 & SPRING 2022

Welcome to the Alumni Family

ACA DIA DIVINITY COLLEGE’S annual Commissioning Service and Supper gives our community the chance to celebrate and thank God for the story He is writing in and through the lives of our graduates. It’s also an opportunity to welcome the graduands into the ever-growing ADC alumni.

The 61st annual Commissioning Service held on May 6, 2022, was particularly meaningful – for the first time in three years, it was held in person. And, for the first time the Commissioning Service was in a hybrid format, with several graduands, as well as the ADC staff and faculty and close to 200 supporters, onsite, and other graduands and over 180 supporters participating live from around the globe. This special time brought together friends and family, staff, faculty, and board members, current students, and alumni.

During supper, Honorary Doctor of Divinity recipient and ADC alumna, Colonel (The Reverend) Barbara L. Putnam addressed the graduands by welcoming them into the alumni family as well as encouraging them to maintain ties with the College, classmates, and other alumni. “Ministry is demanding work,” she said. “You cannot take all of it on your own shoulders.”

Special recognition was given to two graduands. Master of Divinity graduand Erica Corbin was presented with the Student Service Award for her servant leadership and Doctor of Ministry (DMI) graduand Connie Phillipson received the MacRae Prize, awarded to the student with the best DMI thesis.

The Commissioning Service was held at Wolfville Baptist Church. Significant achievements were recognized, including the 2022 President’s Award, which ADC President Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins presented to Master of Arts (Theology) graduand

Charity Darby, who attended the service virtually from Newfoundland. The award is given to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average and who shows great potential for ministry. Dr. Robbins next publicly affirmed that the title of President Emeritus was conferred on Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner in November 2021.

In the Reflections of a Graduand, Dr. Raphael Iluyomade, a Master of Divinity graduand, acknowledged the importance of the ADC community in the success of the graduating class. “The treasures we found in our studies and the compassion of ADC faculty and staff have formed us for the world of our time.”

Rev. Dr. Steve McMullin, retiring Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Professor of Evangelism and Mission and Academic Dean, was next to inspire graduands during the Annual John Gladstone Sermon. “This 21st century, digital post-modern world of pluralism and secularism and anxiety needs to know God’s love, God’s grace, God’s hope,” said Dr. McMullin. “In such a world, how will you serve? How will you lead?” Completing the service was the Act of Commissioning. This is a significant time when graduands are prayed over and given a blessing as they go out into a mosaic of ministry contexts.

As we celebrate our newest graduates, we welcome them into a diverse, life-long community, made up of individuals committed to serving the mission of God with transformative impact. Welcome to the family, graduates of 2022! In the words of Dr. McMullin: “May you serve with faith in God, may you lead with faith in God, may you live by faith in God. And to God be the glory.”

CONNIE PHILLIPSON

ERICA CORBIN

SAM LEE JULIA BENWELL

ZAC JACKSON

JERZY ROGACZEWSKI

ROB LANGMAID

JOYCE HANCOCK

JOHN BARTLET

BRAEDON MACDONALD

STEVEN TOWNSEND

MARLENE PITMAN-KNOWLES

CHARITY DARBY

TERRY-LYNN MIREAULT

PHILIP STYLES

STEPHEN BEDARD

BLAINE DONALDSON

RAPHAEL ILUYOMADE

GREG WILLIAMS

EMMA BATUMBYA

GINNY WILMHOFF Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal

CHARITY DARBY Acadia University Silver Medal in Theology and Acadia Divinity College President's Award

SIOBHÁN PARR Acadia University Bronze Medal in Theology

CONNIE PHILLIPSON Acadia Divinity College MacRae Prize

BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY

Congratulations to all our Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 graduates, and blessings for what's next!

* GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CHRISTIAN STUDIES ** CERTIFICATE IN LAY LEADERSHIP

BLAKE DAWSON

DANIEL FLOWER

GINNY WILMHOFF

ZACH PEABODY

EVAN BLEWITT

ALEX HISEY

JARED COOK

KIRA SMITH

NATHAN MCEWEN

ANNA GROVE

VIVIEN PEALING

AZARIA CAREY

SIOBHÁN PARR

MATTHEW BENT

GDCS * CLL**

ACADEMIC AWARD RECIPIENTS

CLASS notes

1971 · GARY MANTHORNE received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in January 2023 at Nova Scotia’s Province House for service to the community.

1985 · JOHN MARTIN married Dr. Wendy VanderWal on January 4, 2022.

1987 · TERRY ATKINSON became Interim Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada on December 1, 2022.

1988 · JUDITH TOD received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal at Nova Scotia’s Province House in January 2023 for volunteerism in bringing refugee families to the Annapolis Valley.

1989 · DANIEL GOODWIN received Crandall University’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award on May 6, 2022.

1991 & 2006 · DERRICK MARSHALL has concluded his ministry as a Major with the Canadian Armed Forces after 25 years of service.

1994 & 2008 · PETER SHERWOOD AND LAURA SHERWOOD (2008) retired from Portage Vale Baptist Church, NB on February 27, 2022.

1992, 1993 & 2006 · MOSES ADEKOLA has finished his ministry at Second New Glasgow United Baptist Church, NS and celebrates 50 years of pastoral ministry. He has retired to Alberta.

1995 · BARBARA PUTNAM received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University in May 2022, for her leadership and service as a Canadian Armed Forces Chaplain.

1995 · PETER REID retired as Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada. Congratulations!

1996 · DONALD DUNN has been called to LifePoint Church, Stewiacke, NS as of November 14, 2022.

Share the Joy of Your Journey!

for service to volunteerism on behalf of the Monarchist League of Canada. The honour was approved by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia.

1 1998 · DALE STAIRS and his wife, Twila, welcomed their first two grandchildren, Jerrica Lynn in July 2021, and Elijah James in December 2022. Dale recently successfully defended his PhD thesis at the International Baptist Theological Study Centre and the Vrije Universiteit (Free University) of Amsterdam.

2 2000 · LENNETT ANDERSON, in November 2022, received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal. It was given by command of the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Nova Scotia for his service to Religion, Education and Community.

2010 · GARTH M ac KAY has completed his ministry at Clyde River Baptist Church, PE in August 2022 and has begun a new ministry with his wife Liane at All Things New Ministries, PE. It is a travelling ministry.

2012 & 2014 · HELENA HUMAN is the new Executive Director of Camp Geddie, NS and Youth Consultant for Atlantic Canada for the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

2012 · JOYCE-ANN SPINNEY completed her ThD at University of Toronto – Wycliffe College. Her dissertation was on David's census and the Balaam narrative with the title Obedience in the Face of Danger: Balaam and David before God.

2013 · TARA ALBERT has completed her ministry at The Church by the Lake in Middle Sackville, NB.

2013 · JOEL MURPHY has recently been appointed Acadia Divinity College Facilitator of Trend Research & Analysis as part of the Futuring Lab project.

2003 · SARAH SCOTT has concluded her role as Pastor of Arlington Church, NS and is serving full-time as the Spiritual Health Clinician for Valley Hospice and “The INSPIRED” program for COPD patients and families.

2006 · AL KIRKBRIDE has begun ministry at New Minas Baptist Church as the Pastor of Connections and Discipleship.

2007 · ARON SPIDLE received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

3 2013 · RHONDA BRITTON in August 2022 received Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in Halifax, NS. Rhonda received this honour in recognition of her significant service to the Province of Nova Scotia

4 2014 · SARAH STEVENS and her husband, Raymond, welcomed a daughter Ellie Marie Grace born on March 4, 2022.

5 2015 · KAYLEY (SANDERS) BAKER and husband, Aaron, welcomed their first child, son Finn on March 31, 2022.

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

2015 · PELHAM FLOWERDEW and his wife, Allison, welcomed a daughter, Adeline Dove, on July 13, 2021.

2016 & 2021 · EVAN COLFORD completed his ministry at Berwick Baptist Church, NS, in August 2022 and is now teaching at Halifax Christian Academy.

6 2016 · CHRIS DIOTTE AND SAMYI DIOTTE (2018) welcomed their third child, Nahara James, born July 24, 2022.

7 2016 · MEGAN HICKS ECKEL married David Eckel on March 20, 2022, in Renfrew, ON.

8 2017 · KEITH BLAIR (The Drive Baptist Church, Fredericton) and his wife, Kathleen, welcomed their first child, son Luke William Patrick, on September 19, 2022. A grandson for alumnus MICHAEL M c DONALD (1993 & 2013) (Hanwell Community Church, Hanwell, NB) and his wife, Angela.

9 2018 · TAYLOR ADAMS and her husband, Josh, had their first child, Piper Rae, on July 9, 2021. Taylor, a Bachelor of Theology graduate, is a student in ADC’s Master of Divinity program.

2018 · JOSHUA SMITH was ordained at Lewisville Baptist Church in Moncton, NB on November 6, 2022.

2018 · RUTH TONN has become the Pastor of Families and Community Outreach at Wolfville Baptist Church. She is currently enrolled in ADC's Doctor of Ministry program.

10 2019 · JACKSON DUNN and his wife, Lilly, welcomed their first child, son Michael Whalen, born September 16, 2022. A grandchild of GAIL WHALEN-DUNN (1997) and her husband, Paul. Jackson, a graduate of the Bachelor of Theology program, is a Master of Divinity student at ADC.

11 2020 · LESLIE (UBELS) ARCHIBALD AND CALEB ARCHIBALD (current student) welcomed their daughter, Elliana, on December 6, 2022.

2020 · CAM GOLBERG was ordained on March 27, 2022, at Bayridge Alliance Church in Kingston, ON.

12 2021 · ANDREW CONRAD was ordained, and inducted as Senior Pastor of Berwick Baptist Church, NS, on October 16, 2022.

2021 · PAUL HATFIELD has been called to Jordan Falls Baptist Church in Shelburne County, NS.

13 2021 · JAMES M ac LELLAN married Savanna Munn on October 29, 2022.

2022 · ERICA CORBIN has been called to military chaplaincy with the Canadian Armed Forces and is currently serving as Associate Pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Lower Sackville, NS.

2022 · NATHAN M c EWEN became Lead Pastor of Minto Baptist Church, NB, in September 2022.

2022 · ZACK PEABODY became Pastor of Family and Community Connection at The Church by the Lake in Middle Sackville, NB in November 2022.

Current Students

14 CONNOR KEHOE married Isabelle Lebrasseur on August 27, 2022. Connor was called to Wolfville Ridge Baptist Church, NS on September 1, 2022.

JOSH TREMBLAY has resigned at Life Boat Church in Saint Margaret’s Bay, NS, and has joined the Military. Upon completion of school and training he will be a CAF Chaplain.

CHRIS WICKENS became pastor of Wilmot Baptist Church, NS in June 2022.

WE remember

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

1957 · ROSS A. HOWARD passed away January 10, 2022. For over thirty years, Ross served as the Protestant Chaplain of the hospitals in Charlottetown, PE. His pastoring began in O’Leary, PE, and later involved volunteer roles at First Baptist Charlottetown and the wider faith community.

1957 · HOWARD M c CORMICK passed away November 30, 2022. He served as Pastor of Churches with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) and pastored in Saskatchewan. Howard was Minister Emeritus of Pereaux Baptist Church, NS.

1959 · HAROLD KAY BEAUMONT passed away December 12, 2021. He ministered throughout Nova Scotia until his retirement. In 2018, he was honoured for his 55 years of ministry.

1968 · FRANK GUINTA SR. passed away July 1, 2022. Having served the Royal Canadian Navy, Frank Sr. was a decorated World War II veteran. Later, he felt called to ministry. He served several Baptist churches in the Maritime Provinces. He also served the Reformed Church of America in Quebec and the United States.

1969 · ROGER PRENTICE passed away on April 8, 2022. He had a life-long connection with Acadia, where he was the University Chaplain for 22 years. In 2008, Roger was recognized by Acadia when he received Doctor of Humanities, Honora Causa, as a "dedicated scholar, friend, servant of and ambassador for Acadia University."

1968 · DOUGLAS PORTER passed away July 9, 2022. For over 60 years, Doug served churches in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the United States. He volunteered for over forty years with fire departments in Aylesford and Pleasantville, NS, as a fire fighter and chaplain.

1972 · ALBERT N. MARSHALL passed away July 31, 2022. After serving churches in Ontario and Nova Scotia, Albert was ordained by the CBAC and served pastorates in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland. Upon retirement, he was involved in interim ministry in the South Shore of NS.

1976, 1981 & 2017 · RICK TOBIAS passed away on May 18, 2022. Under his leadership, Yonge Street Mission in Toronto, ON was transformed into a leading urban ministry in North

America. Rick was one of Canada's best-known advocates for people whose lives are constrained by poverty and injustice. He received many significant awards, including an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Acadia University in 2017.

1977 · WILLIAM “BILL” HEATH passed away September 16, 2021. Bill served in several churches across Canada, as well a church in Bedfordshire, England. He was also an avid blogger for the Canadian Baptist Historical Society and the Centre for Post-Christendom Studies.

1979 · EDWARD “BEV” BEVERLY DENSMORE passed away August 6, 2022. Before being called to ministry, Bev worked at Maritime Beverage Co in Saint John, NB. After attending Acadia Divinity College, he pastored churches in New Brunswick, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

1979 · HAZEL (ANDERSON) PARENT passed away October 31, 2022. Hazel served as a missionary in South America with her husband, Hazen. After attending Acadia Divinity College, she served as a chaplain in the Nova Scotia prison system where she was respected by both inmates and staff.

1987 · ROBERT BAKER passed away December 7, 2022. Bob was ordained in 1964, and later attended Acadia Divinity College. He served in pastorates in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

1991 · SCOTT M ac DONALD passed away April 17, 2022. Scott had a passion for his rural ministry and served pastorates in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. In the midst of his own significant health issues, Scott’s compassion for the hurting and sick was evident. Scott’s son, Brandon, graduated from Acadia Divinity College a few short weeks after Scott’s death on May 8, 2022.

1994 · EUSTACE MARSHALL passed away September 9, 2022 in Kentville, NS. Eustace served many churches in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Guyana. He was a chartered member of the Institute of Purchasing and Supply in London, England.

1998 · ROBERT TRITES passed away in March 2022 in Saint John, NB. Robert served in churches in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Upon retirement from pastoring, he worked in the trucking industry both in the office and as a driver.

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

REV. DR. WILLIAM H. BRACKNEY – Acadia Divinity College shares in the sadness of the loss of Dr. Bill Brackney on November 13, 2022. A Fellow of Acadia Divinity College, during his tenure Bill served as the first Dr. Millard R. Cherry Distinguished Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics, and Director of Acadia Centre for Baptist and Anabaptist Studies. Bill was passionate about teaching theology, and his students spoke highly of his courses. Prior to ADC, Bill held several academic leadership roles in seminaries throughout North America, including Vice President and Dean at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Principal of McMaster Divinity College, and Chair of the Department of Religion at Baylor University. Upon his retirement, Acadia University recognized his distinguished academic career and service by conferring on Bill the distinction of Professor Emeritus. ADC is grateful for his lifetime of service to the church and his significant contributions to theological research and education during his tenure on faculty.

REV. DR. BRADLEY NOEL (’97, ’98, ’14) – Acadia Divinity College was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Dr. Brad Noel on September 10, 2022. Brad was passionate about sharing the good news of the Gospel to a hurting world, as well as helping believers understand more fully what it means to live according to Kingdom principles. He delighted in helping to train others to do the same. He prepared by completing both a Master of Divinity (’97) and a Master of Arts (Theology) (’98) at Acadia Divinity College. His sister, Tanya Morgan (’99), and his mother, Gail (Noel) Hancock (’04, ’05), followed him, with Gail later becoming the Registrar of the College. In 2008, Brad was appointed as Director of Pentecostal Studies at Tyndale University. He was also an Adjunct Lecturer at Acadia Divinity College. After completing a Doctor of Theology at the University of South Africa, Brad returned to ADC to complete a Doctor of Ministry in 2014. He will be remembered as a dynamic pastor, teacher and mentor, and a friend to many.

REV. DR. MICHAEL ODELAMI (’84, ’97) – It was with great sadness that the community of Acadia Divinity College learned of the death of Dr. Michael Odelami on May 21, 2022. Michael completed the Master of Arts (Theology) program at ADC. After completing his studies in Wolfville, Michael returned to Nigeria, and established two colleges Christ International Divinity College (CINDICO) and Universal Gospel Divinity College (UNIDICO). Acadia University affiliated CINDICO in 1990 and UNIDICO in 1994. With all courses taught by faculty from Nigeria, these affiliations ensure that those who are called to serve God can be equipped for Christian leadership in their homeland. In 1997, Michael was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Acadia University, in recognition of his service to theological education for the church in Nigeria. At the same time, the late Dr. Andrew MacRae appointed Michael to serve as the President of the newly created Acadia Consortium of Theological Colleges in Nigeria, a role in which he served faithfully until his death.

REV. DR. FRANK GUINTA JR (’75) RECEIVES

THE 2022 ALUMNI AWARD

A Ministry of Mentorship and Life-Giving Relationships

INRE COGNITION OF HIS faithful service and lifelong commitment to building the body of Christ through cooperation and mentoring, Acadia Divinity College honoured Rev. Dr. Frank J. Guinta Jr. (1975) with the 2022 Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Reflecting on his studies at ADC Frank says, “Acadia became my spiritual home. It is a place that I have returned to time and time again for refreshment, encouragement, and growth.”

In a world that often polarizes and divides, the ministry of uniting people in Christ is a difficult, but important, calling. Over his 60+ years of ministry, Rev. Dr. Frank Guinta Jr. has been committed to building the Kingdom of God by encouraging and facilitating cooperation between individuals, churches, and organizations. Frank served several churches within the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada (CBAC) and the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia before being ordained at First Baptist Church, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in 1975. In 1979, the Lord called him west to serve in pastoral roles with the Canadian Baptists of Ontario and Quebec as well as the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, before returning to pastor again in Nova Scotia in 2003.

In 2009, Frank became a Regional Minister with the CBAC. In this denominational role, Frank provided support, encouragement, and oversight for over 80 churches in Halifax, Cape

Breton, and Newfoundland. “It was in this work that I really learned how important it was for churches to be together and to work together,” Frank says.

Following his retirement in 2011, Frank refocused his life on mentoring individuals and churches in their walk with the Lord. “Ministry is hard, and you should not do it alone,” Frank says. “Jesus’ model was to invite others to partner with Him to do ministry together. We need to do the same.”

Through this intentional interim ministry, Frank comes alongside a church in a

time of change and transition. He walks with them, helps them dream, and make plans for the next stage of their ministry in their communities. “Life together creates a vibrant and powerful community that creates change for the cause of Christ. We are better together.”

Frank is married to Donna and lives in Dartmouth, NS. He has two children, Jonathan and Julia (who is married to Jesse), and a grandson, Owen. His father, Rev. Frank Guinta Sr. (BD ’68), was part of the first graduating class of Acadia Divinity College.

“Acadia became my spiritual home. It is a place that I have returned to time and time again for refreshment, encouragement, and growth.”

ADC advancement

Strengthening Churches by Strengthening Clergy Wellness

REV. WILLIAM (BILL) AND VIRGINIA LEACH pioneers and advocates for clergy wellness in Canada, led a life dedicated to the lives of others. As a theological student, Virginia met Bill in Toronto after he arrived from Dublin, Ireland to study for his ordination in the Anglican Church. They were married in 1955 and their union led to an amazing partnership dedicated to the practice and promotion of spiritual care throughout North America, and beyond.

William Leach served as Director of Chaplaincy Services in Boston and Toronto, and was a wise and caring pastor and teacher, dynamic preacher, and sportsman. Virginia was a respected theological librarian. From churches to hospitals, the two worked tirelessly to advocate for clergy wellness in Canada. With their shared love of Christ and the church, they extended their vision for pastoral education by establishing The Beatty Ryckman Trust. The Trust focused on helping Christian ministers know themselves better as a key component for health and vitality in ministry.

“We are pleased to honour the wish of Bill and Virginia to establish a permanent chair in pastoral psychology at Acadia Divinity College … It was their prayer that this Chair will strengthen clergy wellness and in so doing, strengthen the church.”

In 2010 the Trust began a partnership with ADC, providing support for education in self-knowledge and pastoral care. Ensuring Bill and Virginia’s work continued following their deaths, the trustees bequeathed the remaining resources to Acadia Divinity College in 2022 to establish a new academic chair: The William and Virginia Leach Chair of Pastoral Psychology. This Chair will promote the vision of Rev. William and Virginia Leach by supporting and expanding ministerial education in pastoral psychology, clergy wellness, and mental health.

A further donation established The Beatty Ryckman Operating Endowment to support the work of The William and Virginia Leach Professor of Pastoral Psychology.

“We are pleased to honour the wish of Bill and Virginia to establish a permanent chair in pastoral psychology at Acadia Divinity College,” stated Rev. Dr. J. Peter Holmes and Ms. Marie Soderlund, advisors of The Beatty Ryckman Trust. “It was their prayer that this Chair will strengthen clergy wellness and in so doing, strengthen the church.”

Bill and Virginia’s dedication to the formation and care for their fellow clergy is inspiring. Acadia Divinity College is deeply grateful for their lives and legacy and is honoured to be entrusted with the continuation of their ministry.

To learn more of the story visit ACADIADIV.CA/LEACH-CHAIR

Need for Giving Continues

AS WE CELEBRATE MAJOR GIFTS

ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE is grateful for our friends and alumni who have provided ongoing support throughout the years that ensure we continue to fulfil our mission to equip Christians to serve the mission of God in church and world with transformative impact. Through foundations, we have also been the recipient of grants designated for specific projects and uses. These gifts help us maximize opportunities for the creative development of theological education that equips able leaders for ministry service. There is a lot to celebrate!

As many of our faithful donors rejoiced at these good news stories, a few also asked whether the College continues to need their ongoing financial support. The answer is yes! We need your support more than ever to keep the day-to-day operational work of the College running effectively for our students and wider college community. Your consistently generous giving provides the foundation that ensures the strength of our ministry.

We invite you to join us in celebrating all the Lord continues to do, and to also support the mission of Acadia Divinity College to equip students with the best possible theological education and ministry skills for serving today’s church and world.

To give a gift to support the ongoing work of ADC, please visit ACADIADIV.CA/GIVE

2%

10%

FUNDING SOURCES (as of March 31, 20221)

“I am so grateful for the many donors who make studying at ADC possible! Without donations to subsidize tuition, provide entry scholarships, and fund bursaries, I and many other students would not be able to pursue higher theological education. It is an amazing gift to be supported to grow in faith and skill without bearing the full financial burden required to make such a quality education possible. Thank you!”

~ Luke Steeves, Master of Divinity student

Investment Income Tuition & Fees Donations & Grants Acadia University grant*

$306,000 $860,000 $952,000 $709,000 $50,000 $2,877,000 30%

CBAC TOTAL

1Based on 2021-2022 audited financial statements. Rounded to nearest 1000s.

28 · ADC TODAY

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, as indeed you are doing.”

~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The Reverend Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice

“William and Pearleen understood that their faith called them to care for those who were disenfranchised, needy, weak, or needed help. Their ministry flowed from the pulpit to the streets. They made the Bible sing with their ministry that brought hope, joy, peace and new harmony to people who had never seen it before.”

By supporting the Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice, you will join William and Pearleen's pursuit towards the Biblical call for justice and equality of all persons.

~ The Honourable Dr. Donald H. Oliver, CM, ONS, KC

Rev. Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver exemplified the actions and attitudes that Acadia Divinity College seeks to instill in future Christian leaders.

But let justice roll out like waters, And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

~ Amos 5:24

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