Summer 2009 Herald

the official magazine of asbury theological seminary

vol. 119 no. 3 summer 2009

Celebrating Dr. Kalas seventh president of asbury theological seminary

This issue marks the third installment of our 2009 series:

[ONE] the body of Christ

2

the asbury herald

Going green The Asbury Herald is published three times per year and is mailed to more than 17,000 households. This 16-page, quarterly magazine (including annual report) is the official magazine of Asbury Theological Seminary and provides information on a wide variety of topics. It is also now being published in electronic format (asburyseminary.edu/publications) to reduce paper consumption and increase access! Please let us know if you are interested in receiving your Herald in an electronic format instead of print (advancement@asburyseminary.edu or 800.227.2879 ext. 2305).

Publisher

dr. timothy c. tennent Editor in Chief

tammy hogan

Managing Editor

teresa vander molen Graphic Designer

amanda esenbock-stamper

Project Coordinator

above: The Asbury community gathers at Rose Hill for picnic and prayer for Dr. and Mrs. Kalas and for Dr. and Mrs. Tennent. on the cover: Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas and Janet Kalas

c o n t e n t s

03

letter from the president

04

a tribute to j. ellsworth kalas

Dr. Timothy C. Tennent Dr. Leslie A. Andrews

06

expanding the body t o e v e r y p e o p l e a n d n a t i o n Dr. Steve Ybarrola

On the cover:

08

interview with president e l l s w o r t h k a l a s

The Asbury Herald is published by Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY 40390-1199. This issue is dated summer 2009, Vol. 119, No. 3. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Asbury Herald, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY 40390-1199. Asbury Theological Seminary is a religious, not-for-profit, educational institution, which has long enjoyed the benefit of estate stewardship of many friends. If you are considering a bequest, please use our full legal name and address: Asbury Theological Seminary, 204 N. Lexington Ave., Wilmore, KY 403901199 or call 800.2ASBURY for specific information. Find The Asbury Herald and other Asbury Seminary resources online at asburyseminary.edu or e-mail communications.office@asburyseminary. edu.

Dr. Terry Muck

the official magazine of asbury theological seminary

10

kingdom encounter 2010

10

leaders who follow in faith

Kandace Brooks Ronnie Jones

11 o p e n i n g d o o r s : t h e l a t i n o / l a t i n a s t u d i e s p r o g r a m Lizette Acosta

12

on the journey

13 14

faculty publications

J. Ellsworth Kalas

news and events

800.2ASBURY

asburyseminary.edu

summer 2009

Words of hope

Dr. Timothy C. Tennent President asbury seminary Dr. Tennent comes to Asbury Seminary from GordonConwell Theological Seminary where he served as professor of world missions for eleven years. He also has annually taught in India for 21 years.

He is ordained in the United Methodist Church and is the author of several books, including, “Theology in the Context of World Christianity.“

On July 1, 2009, Ellsworth Kalas passed the presidential torch to me in a beautiful service in Estes Chapel. After the service, the community had a barbecue lunch on the grounds of Rose Hill, the home the seminary provides for us. The weather was spectacular, even by Kentucky standards. From the perspective of a person who has spent the last 11 years in Boston, I had almost forgotten that days like this still graced our world. When the meal was over, we joined hands and encircled the entire house while each person prayed for Ellsworth and Janet Kalas, for Julie and me, and for the future of the seminary. It was a powerful moment, not just because it marked the official beginning of my ministry here at Asbury Theological Seminary, but because of the hope for the future which was embodied in the dozens of prayers which were offered.

Indeed, it is the word “hope” which most characterizes my experience with Ellsworth Kalas. He is always a man bearing a word of hope. We live at a time where many people are walking through the valley of despair, living lives of “quiet desperation.” But, to bump into Ellsworth Kalas is to immediately be met with hope. With that characteristic twinkle in his eye and quiet chuckle, he is a man who radiates hope for the future. I enter into this new position with hope, largely because of the wonderful way which Ellsworth Kalas prepared the way for me by giving me a word of hope. In the midst of difficult transitions, he embodies hope; in the midst of one of the biggest financial crises in our nation’s history, he embodies hope; in the midst of the formidable challenge of bringing the gospel to a post-modern, post-Christendom world, he embodies hope. Dr. Kalas’ entire ministry has been about giving people this word of hope. Whether it was his remarkable 38 years in pastoral ministry, his 38 books, or his years on faculty at Asbury Theological Seminary training a whole new generation of preachers, Ellsworth Kalas has been giving people hope his entire life.

There is an old saying that everyone has at least one sermon deep down inside them. When it comes to a master homiletician like Ellsworth Kalas, he must have thousands! Indeed, many of the sermons we have are ones he has given to us. Yet, it is ironic that the very man who has given us so many words would, in the end, leave us speechless to fully capture the essence and impact of his life … his remarkable energy, his undying optimism, his grasp of the gospel. But, for me, if there is one word which captures Ellsworth Kalas, it is that he is a man of hope—a man of promise, a man who is always ready for the next assignment, the next place in God’s plan where he can deliver a word of hope. Hope is, after all, along with faith and love, one of the great verities which will abide with us even in the New Creation, which we all longingly await.

Dr. Timothy C. Tennent President, Asbury Theological Seminary Professor of World Christianity

a community called . . . to prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world through the love of Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God the Father.

3

4

the asbury herald

A tribute to J. Ellsworth Kalas Seventh president of Asbury Theological Seminary Trustee-faculty-staff dinner May 12, 2009

A tribute to J. Ellsworth Kalas

Dr. Leslie A. Andrews Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost asbury seminary

dr. leslie a. andrews

in paying tribute to president j. ellsworth kalas, we must begin with janet kalas. janet’s diminutive size dramatically understates the magnitude of her soul. she and ellsworth were looking forward to a new season of life when she would have more time with children and grandchildren, and he would devote time to unfinished projects that are very important to him. when the call came from the board of trustees, though, to dr. kalas to step into the presidency during a transition period characterized by intense turmoil, janet was the first to tell him he must do it.

She has been a faithful presence at weekly chapels, has planned special events for the seminary staff, and has carried on in her own quiet way a ministry of care and support to many. I know Janet has packed lunches for Ellsworth, carried out the trash and driven him to work while he recovered from a broken shoulder. I know, too, that he calls her “sweetie” and listens carefully to her counsel. Their togetherness has made it all the more possible for Ellsworth to lay down his personal dreams and to take up the work of sacrificial leadership at Asbury. Thank you, Janet, for standing

by Ellsworth and believing in Asbury. You have been our “first lady” for two-and-ahalf years, and you have done it with grace and dignity.

To know Ellsworth is to know he is a fish-a-terian and he keeps a stash of

chocolates in his desk. I suspect almost everyone among the staff and faculty and administration has received one of his thoughtful, handwritten notes of appreciation and affirmation. Somehow, your day just goes better after receiving one of those notes. To know Ellsworth probably means he knows your name, whoever you are and wherever you serve, because to him it is a sign of respect and honor of persons to know their names. To know Ellsworth is to recognize he rarely offers a personal opinion. But if he does, it is worth sitting up and taking note of what he says. To know Ellsworth is to know he is non-defensive, easily pokes fun at himself and refuses to take life too seriously. To know him as a member of his leadership team is to know he believes in you, and empowers you to do your job, and leans

upon you when he needs what you have and he does not. To know Ellsworth is to hear him say at the beginning of meetings, “Let’s say our prayers.”

Of course hundreds, perhaps thousands, know Dr. Kalas as pastor, author, teacher and now seminary president. But perhaps Ellsworth’s greatest ministry to our community these nearly three years has come through his chapel preaching. When he preaches, we experience him as Charles Haddon Spurgeon was experienced in his day as a “prince among preachers.”

We know him as one who can take the most-obscure biblical passage and make it come alive with significance for us today.

We know him as one who, in spite of his 86 years, will always be contemporary in communicating the good news to his listeners. We hear him and we take what he says to heart because we know him to be a man of utmost humility and impeccable integrity.

One of President Kalas’ most-recent sermons was titled “Preparing the Way for Joshua.” He did what all truly good leaders do. He leaves a place better than he found it and he prepares his or her followers to accept the mantle of leadership now bestowed upon the one who follows.

Ellsworth did not talk much about Moses in that sermon, but I left with the sense

summer 2009

above: J. Ellsworth Kalas, left, is presented with a plaque by Dr. Leslie A. Andrews at the 2009 Trustee-faculty-staff dinner on the Asbury Seminary Kentucky campus.

he had been called to lead us through the wilderness, a most formidable task. And while he might not be at the head of the line as we enter the promised land God has for Asbury Theological Seminary, thank God he will still be walking with us as we enter it.

When the Board of Trustees issued their call to Dr. Kalas to step up and into the office of the president, their charge to him was to be a peacemaker. Jesus told his

followers, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” Ellsworth has fulfilled his Board-mandated mission and, although we knew it before he served us as president, we know now even more deeply that as a “son of God” he has been the reflection of God among us by his presence. And in being a mirror of God to us, he has led us into a place of peace.

Ellsworth, in gratitude for your labor of

love and sacrifice these past two-and-ahalf years, the seminary has determined that one of the preaching chapels in the Beeson Center, where you first began with us, should be named the J. Ellsworth Kalas Preaching Chapel. It is my joy on behalf of the seminary, therefore, to give you this plaque that will be hung shortly on that chapel and henceforward be a “stone—or plaque—of remembrance” in your honor.

5

6

the asbury herald

Expanding the body to every people and nation dr. steven ybarrola

my journey to asbury theological seminary began in the fall of 2005. i had been teaching anthropology for 15 years at a liberal arts college in iowa and had climbed the ranks in academia from instructor to full professor, receiving tenure along the way. i also occupied an endowed chair in anthropology which, in addition to the title, provided funding every year for research and participation in professional meetings. from all external indicators, i was set. however, at the time when i should have been feeling secure and settled, i began experiencing what a missionary friend called “a divine restlessness”—if not a warming, certainly a stirring of my heart.

Somewhat to my surprise, when I broached the subject with my wife, Lorie, she too was experiencing such a stirring. As we talked about what Dr. Steven Ybarrola God might have us do, we deProfessor cided we wouldn’t leave just asbury seminary to take a position at another liberal arts college or university; after all, I was quite happy teaching where I was. No, if we were to leave, it would be to do something different. As we continued to pray about and discuss what this stirring meant, we both felt if we were to leave it would be to go to an institution where I could use my anthropological training and expertise more directly in the service of the kingdom and God’s mission. I had gotten interested in anthropology

through missions, so such a move would, in a sense, complete the circle.

It was at this point in our contemplation that I received the call—actually an email, from the then dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism, Ron Crandall, informing me they had an opening for an anthropologist and asking if I might be interested. I had never met Dr. Crandall, so was taken aback by the timing of his email. However, like so many people in the Scriptures who had clear signs as to what the Lord wanted them to do, but still hesitated, I was not convinced going to Asbury Theological Seminary was God’s will for us.

It wasn’t until I went to the campus to interview for the position and met the world-class

faculty at the seminary as a whole and the ESJ school in particular, that I knew it would be an honor to work with these scholars so committed to the mission of God. So the summer of 2006, we packed up our belongings, left our worldly security behind and moved to Wilmore.

The decision to come to Asbury Seminary is one my wife and I have never once regretted; on the contrary, it has been confirmed over and over again as I not only get to work with internationally-renowned faculty, but also world-class and world-changing students.

Wednesday mornings have become my favorite time of the week, as this is when we gather together for the ESJ seminar. I often look around at this truly multicultural and multi-

summer 2009

national group of believers and am humbled by how God has brought us together to learn from one another and prepare for the ministries to which He has called us. The research our students have done and are preparing to do is really astounding and will have eternal significance. I wish you could meet these students in person to learn of their projects and feel their passion, but in lieu of this, I will highlight just a few of these amazing people.

Matt* is an American student and a Messianic Jew. He has worked with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) for many years and is developing a contextual Wesleyan theology for Sufi Muslims. In this way, Matt is hoping to contribute a theological model that will be effective in reaching Sufis, as well as provide a stronger theological foundation for what has been termed “insider movements” among Muslims. Matt is uniquely positioned to carry out above: Matt such a task as he is fully versed in the “Religions of the Book,” having been raised in a Jewish family, now a mature Christian, and having lived among Muslims for more than a decade.

Paul is a Korean student who served for many years as a missionary in Taiwan, where he met his wife. Through his years of experience, Paul has come to appreciabove: William ate the different Christian movements within China today. Two such movements—the house church and the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM, the officially-recognized church in China)—have mutual distrust of one another, which has led to a division of the church in China. Paul wants to use principles of the Wesleyan tradition to help bring reconciliation between these two movements. This will be no easy task as the TSPM is viewed as being too liberal by the house church movement, but Paul believes this split not only hurts the witness of the church in China, effectively dividing the

body, but also is contrary to Scripture where we are called to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.

William is a Nigerian who is interested in researching the Nigerian immigrant churches in the United States. Today, African immigrants are moving to the United States and Europe with the intention of being missionaries to the West. William plans to research how these churches view their mission, how they are integrating into the host society and culture, and what their connections are to

a growing number of immigrants have arrived to work in Korea’s relatively-strong economy.

Unfortunately, the Korean church, like many around the world today, has been slow to react to these newcomers and, as a result, not many have been effectively reached with the gospel.

Arun hopes that the results of his research will assist the Korean church to be more successful in crossing cultural boundaries to reach these immigrants with the good news. Arun is ideally suited to this task, being an Indian immigrant who understands Korean culture and the church situation there.

These are just a few examples of the exciting things our students in the ESJ school are doing, and the world will be changed as God uses them for His purposes and mission.

In 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Paul states:

above: Paul

above: Arun

their church and leadership back in Nigeria. William’s research will help us to better understand this recent phenomenon in missions and will hopefully help these churches be more effective in their mission goals.

Arun is from India, but has lived for many years in Korea and is married to a Korean.

His research will focus on helping the Korean church be more informed about, and sensitive to, the Indian and other immigrant groups that are now in the country. Throughout most of its history, Korea has been an ethnically-homogeneous country. However, in recent years,

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews … To those not having the law I became like one not having the law … so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all of this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (NIV) I believe these verses sum up what we are about in the ESJ school—learning how to become all things to all people, so by all means some might be saved.

What began as a stirring in our hearts has resulted in a ministry my wife and I couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago. We thank God every day He has made us a part of the Asbury community, with all of the blessings and responsibilities it entails. *I’m using only first names to preserve some anonymity for our students as several are planning to do research in limitedaccess countries.

7

8

the asbury herald

J. Ellsworth Kalas along with his wife, Janet, served Asbury Theological Seminary as its seventh president, from October 2006 through June 2009. he came as interim president during a difficult time and left as president, a change in title that reflected the respect he gained from the entire asbury constituency during his presidential tenure. dr. kalas has been invited by the seminary to continue as a teacher, as senior professor of homiletics. “the asbury herald” asked him to reflect on his years as president.

Interview with Presid What makes being president of Asbury Theological Seminary such a good job?

The chance for such a broad Dr. Terry Muck impact on the Kingdom of Dean of the E. God. A local pastor (that’s Stanley Jones School of World still God’s highest calling for Mission and me) has both the glory and Evangelism Professor of the burden of being local. A Missions and seminary, on the other hand, World Religions reaches across every culture asbury seminary into the whole world. If you want to make an impact with almost-unending results, there is no place like a theological seminary to do it.

What would Janet count as your greatest accomplishment in your years as president?

I think she would count as my greatest accomplishment (I’ve heard her say this) that I have done what they asked me to do—I have brought some understanding between real or potential antagonistic parties and I have been able to bring back something of the trust our school needs in its relationships with one another. Candidly, I think this is still fragile.

We are like any recovering body: if some infection appears, we will be in trouble again, because we aren’t yet strong enough to endure a serious infection.

Are there any advantages to becoming president

when you are more than 80 years of age?

Yes. One advantage is the accumulation of knowledge, out of which comes at least some measure of wisdom. I’m very cautious when people credit me with wisdom, because I’m not sure what that word means, but one does have an accumulation of knowledge, which gives a context for decisions. Also, at my age you don’t care that much what people think of you. No, that’s not quite right. What people think of you becomes less important to your ego, and that clears the decks when it comes to making decisions.

Any surprises when you became president?

I had only a general, broad sense of the variety and magnitude of the job. But I had been warned by a very fine, experienced consultant that being the president of a large theological seminary is one of the most difficult jobs in America. Now I know why he said that.

Why did he say that?

Because of all you need to know. Actually, this was really a mercy because it compelled me to do what I did not do well as a pastor, namely to respect and to use (with all humility) the ability of other people. When I was a pastor, I tried to do everything, be the leader in everything that went on, which was stupid and arrogant. Here at Asbury, I didn’t know

the finances of running an institution with a budget of, at that time, over $20 million a year. I didn’t know the laws affecting faculties, and the rights and privileges of being a faculty member, though I had been one here for thirteen-and-a-half years at that time. I didn’t know any of that, and so my provost, my development people, my people in the finance offices, were crucial to my getting the job done. I am so grateful that somewhere God gave me the humility to simply step back and trust others, and know that ultimately of course, I was the person who would be blamed, and ultimately in some case I would get credit, but I had to trust the judgment and knowledge of my team.

What gave you the most satisfaction about being president?

The unique opportunity that simply comes with the title. People put an astonishing degree of trust in a title. This was a revelation to me.

What made you realize that?

Two things. First, I quickly learned to be careful of what I said. For example, as a teacher and as a person, I’ve always been very casual about humor. I often said things I meant to be taken humorously. As president, I discovered now they weren’t humor—they were gospel. So I had to re-evaluate where to go with

[ ONE: the body of Christ ]

summer 2009

dent Ellsworth Kalas my casual conversations. Second, I love to say hello to people I meet as I walk across campus. Part of that comes from my Iowa personality. Part of it comes from my early years as a pastor in a small town where everybody knew you. I say hello to people whether I know them or not. I suddenly discovered now when I said hello, people looked upon it as a kind of benedictory statement. It somehow honored them to be greeted by the president. At first I was amused by this. Then I began to think, this is a gift from God. Will you have to adjust in your post-president years?

Yes, I will have to go back to being just an ordinary greeter.

Is there an “undone list” you wish you could have gotten to?

Yes, there really is. I’ve had to make peace with that. I was called as an interim president which meant I simply was not able to do anything that had a long-range quality. I first met that issue when a member of my cabinet resigned. I couldn’t conduct a nationwide search because I couldn’t promise anyone they would have a job after my term of office, which was going to be short. I couldn’t ask anyone to leave a position and come here.

What would you say are the growing edges of Asbury Seminary?

Spiritual formation. We must continue to send out people who will bring faith to the people to whom they minister. I thought about it the other day, getting on an airplane.

It suddenly struck me as I saw the pilot, “I want him to be a Christian who loves life.” I don’t want him to be somebody who doesn’t care whether he lives or dies. He’s flying my airplane. And I said to myself, every church deserves to have a pastor like that, because if the pastor is a despondent human being, short on spiritual resources, they’re going to cause some ships to crash. I want us to develop still more spiritual formation. And I do cherish the international scene. We must be increasingly sensitive to the rest of the world so we’re able to minister to them effectively.

We really ought to be leading the way here in understanding the rest of the world because I believe so much that we can’t understand the rest of the world simply by economics or political science, but by what makes human beings tick, by the issues of faith.

What are your immediate plans? And what about long-range goals?

There are those who would say that at my age I have no right to long-range goals. But I do have them. Immediate goals – I’m blessed to know I’ve been invited to serve at least for another year as senior professor of homiletics, so I’ll do part-time teaching. Long range,

I want to do more writing. I would like to explore areas in writing a little beyond where I’ve gone, though I don’t want to go too far because I know that my best contribution has been for thoughtful lay people. And I want to have more time now to read and to just flat out enjoy life. Janet sometimes says to me, “Now what are you going to do?,” and I think she really is wondering because this presidential thing came as such a ‘bolt out of the blue’ she figures who knows where the next bolt might be? I can’t imagine. I’m just trying to be open, in any event.

What happened to your spiritual life while you were in office?

I’ve learned as I never had in all my years as a pastor the importance of having people pray for me. It has been for me an almost physical experience to sense again and again I was being prayed for. When I look back on my first year in my job and recall what it was like when I started, I realize it’s the mercy of God I didn’t know how bad it was when I stepped into this spot. And only afterwards did I see.

I think that, too, was because people were praying for me. I’m so grateful. I will always have a different view of what it means to have people praying for you.

Terry Muck/Ellsworth Kalas interview, May 26, 2009. Read the full interview at asburyseminary.edu.

9

10

the asbury herald

Kandace Brooks Director of Community Life, Florida Dunnam campus asbury seminary

Kingdom Encounter 2010: A Conversation with Eugene Peterson is scheduled Feb. 1-3 on the Florida Dunnam campus. Pastor, scholar, author and poet Eugene Peterson will guide conference participants in a study of spiritual theology centered

on the person of Jesus Christ. In the context of vibrant worship and bringing personal stories to the table, participants will “ask, seek and knock” in plenary and smallgroup sessions. This year’s program format will allow participants extended time with a single speaker, thereby enriching the experience and deepening the conversation.

Online registration is open, and registration costs have been reduced to accommodate individual and group registrations.

Information is available at asburyseminary. edu/events/kingdom-encounter-2010/.

Leaders who follow in faith I believe the Holy Scriptures are complete; however, if editing were allowed, there is one area I would expand. I would add some names to Ronnie Jones the faith hall of fame found Advancement asbury seminary in Hebrews Chapter 11. The list is impressive, ranging from Abel to Abraham and Sarah, from Moses to David, but there have been so many great men and women of faith since the writing of this book that I would like to see them included in the list.

Consider the following verse, Hebrews 11:6: “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” (NLT) Many great people of faith have lived since the writing of Hebrews, believing in Jesus Christ, trusting Him for all their needs and living out the Kingdom in their daily existence. As I ponder the retirement of Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas from the presidency of Asbury Theological Seminary, his life of faith overwhelms me. Growing up during the Depression, coming to Christ at an early

age, going off to college and then seminary, Dr. Kalas had to trust God at every turn.

Then came his honor to be called one of the great Methodist preachers of the 20th century, pastoring influential churches across the land, noted as a powerful author of many books and articles, and then on to Asbury Seminary—his faith in God always leading him onward.

The respect he has garnered throughout the years could only be attributed to the undeniable anointing of the Holy Spirit and his super-charged life of faith before God. I ask you to consider one more verse, Hebrews 11:8: “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” (NLT) Dr. Kalas continued the legacy of Kingdom-focused leaders when he assumed the presidency of Asbury Seminary. It took great faith to follow in the steps of Dr. Henry Clay Morrison, Dr. J.C. McPheeters, Dr. Frank Stanger, Dr. David McKenna, Dr. Maxie Dunnam and Dr. Jeff Greenway.

Great faith indeed—Dr. Kalas heard the call, obeyed, came and now has received an inheritance—as one of the great men of God who led Asbury Seminary onward in its Wesleyan heritage.

Asbury Seminary strives to raise up men and women who will go forth and proclaim in their life and ministry the immeasurable treasures of the Kingdom of God. We would not be where we are today without these seven men who have led us in the exercise of great faith. We look forward with great expectation to the contributions Dr. Timothy Tennent will make to the presidential legacy.

Equally important is the support you have provided, our alumni and friends. Thank you for your continuing gifts. You have helped to send academically-prepared, spiritually-transformed and Christ-centered students into the world by helping provide a place for them to train. You have joined with these great men of faith who have stood tall in the office of president at Asbury Theological Seminary to bring glory and honor to our God.

summer 2009

what some people would describe as a chance encounter opened doors for training, ministry and expanded community

Opening Doors: the Latino/ Latina Studies Program One day years ago, former Vice President Steve Harper was working in his office and noticed a man walking into the Florida Dunnam campus Lizette Acosta foyer. The receptionist area LLSP Manager asbury seminary was vacant, so Steve went out and greeted the visitor. The unexpected guest was a local Hispanic pastor who also served as president of an area Latino church organization, and had come to learn about Asbury Seminary.

While they talked, the pastor shared the great need in the Latino community for trained pastoral counselors. The need was heard, others joined the conversation and, in 2001, the Latino/Latina Studies Program (LLSP) was founded. An anonymous donor funded the first three years and Dr. Burrell Dinkins taught the first classes on narrative counseling assisted by a translator.

Since then, the program has evolved tremendously. LLSP, now a three-year, nondegree certificate program, provides theological training to the Hispanic community in its own language and context, and from a Latino perspective. The Certificate in Theological Studies, totaling 48 units, ranges in classes from church history and biblical studies to pastoral theology and crisis counseling. The mission of LLSP is, “to perpetuate the story of God through theological education so that the people of God will not forget His mighty works.”

But perhaps the best way to describe LLSP is from the perspective of those whose lives have been forever touched. One hundred fifty men and women have studied through LLSP. In my role as LLSP manager, I have listened, countless times, to students share about their long search for a place where they could pursue theological education in Spanish to prepare them for the

ministry to which God is calling them. They have identified LLSP to be the key that opens the door to beautiful possibilities through excellence in education and a commitment to community.

LLSP maintains Asbury Seminary’s high standards. Students receive a quality and academically-challenging education. Professors are well prepared and experienced, having a minimum of a master’s degree in the field in which they teach, and are dedicated individuals, committed to Christ and to their students. The LLSP classroom provides a call to excellence and a place of community.

above: Alexandra Santini is an LLSP student on the Florida Dunnam campus.

Students consider LLSP an extension of the church and look forward to coming to class week after week. Describing LLSP, student Alexandra Santini says: “One of the most-satisfying experiences … is not only in the academic part, but also in experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit within this healing community that is preparing itself.

It has been extraordinary. In the classrooms we have cried; feelings have been awakened in people because we have become a family. Now it no longer matters if you are a Methodist or Pentecostal or from wherever you are. We all have the same desire to equip ourselves, the same desire to do something for Christ and that is the general feeling.”

I have heard her words echoed by so many others who have found in LLSP a family; a place where sisters and brothers will walk alongside each other in their joys and sorrows.

My goal is to continue to provide an environment in which students can be “transformed by the renewing of their minds” through theological education, and be equipped to fulfill Christ’s call in their lives and through their first language. The need is great, and the LLSP door remains open wide for members of the Hispanic community to come and learn and leave equipped to minister with excellence.

The legacy of hospitality and kingdom service continues through the Asbury Seminary Latino/Latina Studies Program for the glory of God … ¡para la Gloria de Dios!

11

12

the asbury herald

On the journey J . E L L S WO RT H K A L A S

Friends and acquaintances of every kind asked me the same question during the closing weeks of spring: What do I plan to do when I no longer serve as president of Asbury Seminary?

The simplest answer is one I report with pleasure. The Asbury Seminary administration has named me senior professor of homiletics, so I shall continue to teach part time for the coming year. But some want me to tell more – what do I plan to read, to write? Do I plan to travel? I have quickly learned that not even my kindest friends want as complete a report as I would be willing to give, so I’m wise enough not to give you an extended answer here.

I can tell you this, however, I plan to grow.

These days, I usually qualify every statement about my future with the words of the apostle James, “the Lord willing.” I don’t need to do so when I speak of growing.

God wants me to grow. God delights in growing things, especially growing people.

I’ve learned that we have to be intentional if we want to grow. The psalmist said that some people who go through the valley of Baca, “make it a place of springs.” I’m very sure that others go through Baca and find it only another rather tedious valley. The psalmist goes on to say that those who make it a place of springs, “go from strength to strength.”

I believe in that kind of Christian life. I believe in that kind of holiness. I live in the conviction that God isn’t done with me yet. At some time God may want parts of my ministry to rest, but as long as I am in this mortal flesh, God won’t be done with me. God will want me to grow.

Every age presents particular perils for growth. When I recall some of the arrogant things I said in my teens and twenties, I’m astonished that God didn’t judge me a hopeless case and smite me dead. Probably several people would have rejoiced if God had done so. One knows so much when one is young that there are great odds against growing.

But it’s hard also to grow at middle age. Ennui asserts itself in its own tiresome way. At middle age, troubled by dreams

above from left: Trustees Jerry Russell and Ira Gallaway, Seventh President of Asbury Seminary J. Ellsworth Kalas, and Trustee John McNairy gather at the 2009 Trustee-faculty-staff dinner on the Asbury Seminary Kentucky campus.

unfulfilled and by then perhaps unfulfillable, one can easily surrender to mediocrity of mind and spirit – and I suppose that if mediocrity means anything, it means being content with what one is and to lose all desire to become better, to grow.

As one grows older, it’s even easier to stop growing.

Opportunities for public or professional growth generally diminish, so it’s natural for older persons to live largely in the past tense, looking for someone who’s willing to listen to their tales of past victories. Society doesn’t expect much of those who are older. It’s not only that the older retire, it’s that our expectations of them retire as well.

But I plan to keep growing. It may not show in what I write or say, but the growth I have in mind is focused on God. I hope God will see this in my soul and will be pleased with this point in my journey.

summer 2009

Faculty publications m a rc h - m ay 2 0 0 9 Arnold, Bill T. “Genesis Study Notes.” The Wesley Study Bible. Ed. Joel B. Green and William H. Willimon.

Nashville: Abingdon, 2009. 1-66.

Arnold, Bill T. “Reflections on the Composition of Genesis.” The Bible and Interpretation. 31 Aug. 2009 <http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/genesis.shtml>.

Arnold, Bill T. “Mesopotamia.” The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld. 5 vols. Nashville: Abingdon, 2009. 4:54-58.

Arnold, Bill T. “North Country, The.” The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible. Ed. Katharine Doob Sakenfeld. 5 vols. Nashville: Abingdon, 2009. 282.

Arnold, Bill T. “Why Such a Stir? Early Responses to The Wesley Study Bible.” Good News Magazine. Mar.-Apr. 2009: 12-13.

Johnson-Miller, Beverly. “ATS Seminary Interviews: Response by Beverly Johnson-Miller, Asbury Theological Seminary.” Christian Education Journal (Supplemental Issue Spring 2009): S101-S105.

Muck, Terry C. Christianity Encountering World Religions: The Practice of Mission in the Twenty-first Century. Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing, 2009.

Seamands, Stephen A. “Walking Wholeheartedly with God.” Good News Magazine. Mar.-Apr. 2009: n. pag.

Stonehouse, Catherine. “Child Theology Matters: Offering Guidance for Practices of Christian Nurture.”

Dharma Deepika: A South Asian Journal of Missiological Research Issue 28 12.2 (July - Dec. 2008): 18-32.

Stratton, Stephen P. “Forgiveness Interventions as Spiritual Development Strategies: Comparing Forgiveness Workshop Training, Expressive Writing about Forgiveness, and Retested Controls.” Journal of Psychology and Christianity 27 (Winter 2008): 347-357.

Thompson, David L. “Study Notes on Ezekiel.” The Wesley Study Bible. Ed. Joel B. Green and William H. Willimon. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2009.

Wood, Laurence W. “The Origin and Development of John Wesley’s Theology of Holiness and Attempts to Make It Consistent.” Wesleyan Theological Journal Spring (2009): NP. Wood, Laurence W. “John Fletcher: The First Wesley Scholar.” Catalyst 35:4 (Apr. 2009): n. pag.

O’Malley, J. Steven, ed. A Higher Moral and Spiritual Stand: Selected Writings of Milton Write. Maryland: Lanham, 2009.

O’Malley, J. Steven. “The Influence of Gerhard Tersteegen in the Documents of Early German-American Evangelicalism,” Pietism, Revivalism and Modernity, 1650-1850. UK: Cambridge-Scholars Publishing, 2008. 232-255.

Pachuau, Lalsangkima. “Primal Spirituality as the Substructure of Christian Spirituality: The Case of Mizo Christianity in India.” Journal of African Christian Thought 11.2. (Dec. 2008): n. pag.

Ybarrola, Steven J. “Identity Matters: Christianity and Ethnic Identity in the Peninsular Basque Country.” Power and Identity in the Global Church: Six Contemporary Cases. Ed. Brian Howell and Edwin Zehner. Pasadena: William Carey Library, 2009. n. pag.

Ybarrola, Steven J. “Avoiding the Ugly Missionary: Anthropology and Short-Term Missions.” Effective Engagement in Short-term Missions: Doing it Right. Ed. Robert Priest. Pasadena: William Carey Library, Fall 2008. n. pag.

13

14

news

the asbury herald

President Tennent responds to “Christianity Today” error The July 2009 issue of “Christianity Today” inaccurately stated Asbury Seminary “is not offering student scholarships in the next fiscal year due to a significant drop in its endowment value.” When contacted by Asbury Seminary representatives, magazine editors agreed to print a letter to the editor in the next issue. Following is the Asbury Seminary letter to the editor:

July 15, 2009 Mark Galli, Senior Managing Editor Christianity Today International 465 Gundersen Drive Carol Stream, Illinois 60188 Dear Mr. Galli, Thank you for the opportunity to correct the news brief referencing Asbury Theological Seminary scholarships in your July issue. While your news brief was correct in stating Asbury Seminary had reduced staff in April, the reference to Asbury Seminary not offering student scholarships for ’09-’10 was inaccurate.

I write to assure your readership of the commitment and ability Asbury Seminary has to offer more than $2.5 million in student scholarship funds for the upcoming academic year.

It may also be helpful to explain the efforts Asbury Seminary has made to address the global economic upheaval of the last nine months. Asbury Seminary is extremely blessed to have balanced its operational budget for the fiscal year just ended. The Asbury family worked very hard to reduce expenditures and costs dramatically, and that hard work paid off. We are deeply grateful, also, to our alumni and friends as they have continued to support this Kingdom work during what I am sure have been trying personal economic times as well.

May our Lord continue to bless the ministry of “Christianity Today” and the lives of those whom you serve.

Yours in the service of Christ,

Timothy C. Tennent, Ph.D. President Professor of World Christianity Asbury Theological Seminary

For Canadian residents: Donations to prescribed universities outside Canada Asbury Theological Seminary is now listed as a prescribed university. A nonrefundable tax credit in respect of donations made to prescribed universities outside Canada may generally be claimed by individuals and trusts for Canadian income tax purposes. Contact the office of advancement for more information.

TATS notation lifted The Association of Theological Schools Board of Commissioners met in June 2009 and included on its agenda the report submitted by Asbury Seminary petitioning for removal of notation N8.5. “The School does not adequately define or implement the roles, responsibilities, and structure of administrators and faculty in governance and administration.”

After reviewing the information in light of the pertinent Commission Standards and Procedures, the Board voted: To remove notation N8.5.

Following receipt of notation removal, former President Dr. Ellsworth Kalas sent the following email to the Asbury Seminary community: “I am pleased to report that today, June 24, I have received notice from The Association of Theological Schools that notation N8.5 has been lifted.

“The Board of Commissioners of the Association was particularly gracious in comments about our handling of the notation. They praised ‘the careful description of the process that included the wise use of consultants and external evaluators to help shape a new understanding of seminary governance that is now in place and appears to be working effectively.’

“This was a seminary-wide process, involving faculty, Board, and administration. I cannot say enough about the dedicated, intelligent, professional leadership Dr. Leslie Andrews has given to this process, and I know that she in turn is grateful to Board members, faculty, staff and administrators who have worked with her.

“I had hoped especially that we would be able to clear this issue during my time in this office. I am grateful to Dr. Andrews and to so many others—especially to our Heavenly Father—that Dr. Tennent can begin his period of leadership free from the shadow of possible Association judgment.”

Giving through your estate You can make an investment in the future of Asbury Seminary by making a bequest in your will, in a revocable trust, or by designating Asbury Theological Seminary as a beneficiary of your insurance policy.

Your gift may be unrestricted, or you may designate it for a particular purpose such as a scholarship fund. Please call our office of advancement at 1.800.227.2879, extension 2305, today, to discuss the possibilities of giving through your estate.

events

summer 2009

Admissions preview weekends

Inaugural events to welcome President Timothy Tennent November 9-17, 2009 Kentucky campus Installation ceremony, 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, Estes Chapel Inaugural reception, following installation ceremony, Monday, Nov. 9, B.L. Fisher Library Inaugural chapel, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, Estes Chapel Florida Dunnam campus Presidential inaugural lecture, 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, room 208 Inaugural celebration luncheon, noon, Tuesday, Nov. 17, Harper community room Inaugural celebration chapel, 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 17, chapel

ACE clusters to begin Fall 2009

ACE extension Two classes are being offered this fall through the Asbury Seminary Cluster Education and Vineyard Leadership Institute partnership. The ACE program provides a cohort model enabling students to learn together through classes and formational experiences each semester over the course of a two-year period.

Sept. 17-19 and Oct. 8-10 (IS501) Christian Formation: Kingdom, Church and World Nov. 5-7 and Dec. 3-5 (IS502) Christian Formation: Vocation of Ministry Prospective students interested in ACE VLI should call admissions at 800.2ASBURY.

Evans lectures: Lyle Dorsett October 1, 2009

Florida Dunnam campus Lyle W. Dorsett was named Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism at Beeson Divinity School in 2005, where he teaches evangelism and church history. The founding pastor of Church of the Great Shepherd (AMiA) in Wheaton, Ill., he now pastors Christ the King Anglican Church in Birmingham. He has authored 18 books, including several Christian biographies and three works on C. S. Lewis. Dorsett’s latest book is “A Passion for God: The Spiritual Journey of A. W. Tozer.” He is married to

Mary Hayes Dorsett, a deacon in AMiA, and founder and general director of Christ for Children International (CFCI) in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, Mexico.

Christian revitalization forum October 15, 2009 Kentucky campus

A free, public forum at 7 p.m. in Hughes Auditorium at Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., opens “Pentecost and the New Humanity.” The consultation, designed to take the pulse of Christian revitalization movements occurring around the world, is hosted by the Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements, housed at Asbury Seminary.

A keynote address by Dr. Howard Snyder, renowned Christian renewal leader, will be followed by four responders. The public is invited to meet global participants at a dessert reception following this event.

Results of the research will subsequently be available to the public.

Funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, the center exists to provide Christian leaders with resources to aid their global work. The full consultation will be comprised of plenary addresses, shared worship, intentional table discussion and demonstrations of revitalization practices.

For more information, call 859.858.2338 or visit asburyseminary.edu/revitalization

Florida Dunnam campus:

October 16-17, 2009 Kentucky campus:

October 23-24, 2009 Meet with faculty, financial aid consultants, academic advisors and current students.

Worship, share meals and attend class — experience what it’s like to be part of a community called. Register with admissions online at asburyseminary.edu or by calling 800.2ASBURY.

Kingdom Conference October 19-22, 2009 Kentucky campus

This year’s Kingdom Conference, “Integral Worship,” will explore connections between worship, mission and justice. Events will include an address by guest speaker Dr. Swee Hong Lim, an African choir concert and an international potluck dinner.

Kingdom Encounter to feature Eugene Peterson

February 1-3, 2010

Florida Dunnam campus Spend three days in meaningful conversation with pastor, scholar, author and poet Eugene Peterson on the Asbury Seminary Florida Dunnam campus. Details on page 10.

Q3 conference to address issues of faith and science

March 9-11, 2010 Kentucky campus

Plans are progressing for Asbury Seminary’s first Q3 ministers’ conference, designed to assist pastors and laity who serve in a variety of ministries to perceive the integration of faith and science in their work. Speakers will include scientists, theologians and experienced pastors who will share from their knowledge of God and of the world for the practice of ministry.

Q3 is funded by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation’s Science for Ministry Initiative. The three annual ministers’ conferences will address the “big questions” often arising in discussions of faith and science among church leaders and parishioners.

15

non-profit org. u.s. postage

volume 119 number 3

asbury theological seminary

PAID

204 north lexington avenue wilmore, kentucky 40390-1199 asburyseminary.edu

Lexington, KY permit no. 850

address service requested

Fall 2009 admissions preview weekends October 16-17, 2009

florida dunnam campus

October 23-24, 2009 kentucky campus

Meet with faculty, financial aid consultants, academic advisors and current students. Worship, share meals and attend class — experience what it’s like to be part of a community called.

“Asbury has enabled me to better figure out who I am in Christ.” —Kevin Brenner, alumnus A campus visit helped Kevin Brenner realize God’s call for him to attend Asbury Theological Seminary. Brenner followed the call and never looked back.

Register with admissions online at asburyseminary.edu or by calling 800.2ASBURY.

“My experience in class, in worship and with the admissions team proved to be the confirmation that God was in fact calling me to Asbury,” Brenner said. “First and foremost, my time at Asbury enabled me to better figure out who I am in Christ.”

“Now that I am away from campus, serving full time, knowing how to learn, interpret and think for myself are the most valuable skills I have taken from my Asbury experience.”

Kevin is a fourth grade teacher at Calvin Wiley Elementary School in Greensboro, N.C.