OC • Nov 11

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Orange County Edition Vol. 22, No. 11

Christian Higher Education Guide www.christianexaminer.com

Music & Entertainment

Barry Corey

Chuck Colson

Living legend Andraé Crouch continues journey with 18th album

E before I: True courage begins in the sanctuary

Freedom, Schmeedom: Religious liberty on trial

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FREE

November 2011

New ‘180’ video documentary prompts turnabout on abortion Christian Examiner staff report DALLAS, Texas — The dramatic new documentary “180” is gaining national attention. The documentary uses the history of the Jewish holocaust as a backdrop to challenge pro-choice positions on abortion.

“180,” produced by evangelist and Christian apologist Ray Comfort, features the filmmaker pos-

ing the question, “What would you do if...?” in a series of sidewalk interviews. Comfort begins by asking morally charged questions to a variety of people, most of them college age. He offered several different scenarios about when it was OK to kill. Eventually he leads to the topic to abortion. While several of those filmed got defensive, See ‘180’ VIDEO, page 5

59 percent of young adults disconnect from the church in their teen years. Researchers that they stopped attending church because they wanted to find common ground with their peers, not build walls in areas where they disagreed.

Exclusive faith A woman named Alysea was one of several young people interviewed in “180,” a new documentary from Christian apologist Ray Comfort.

Nearly 500 pastors challenge IRS with Pulpit Freedom sermons

By Lori Arnold PHOENIX, Ariz. — More than a dozen Orange County churches participated in the national Pulpit Freedom Sunday campaign challenging IRS restrictions on what pastors can say from the pulpit.

In all, more than 475 churches nationwide registered for the event, held Oct. 2. The showing was nearly a five-fold increase from the previous year. The pastors represented 46 states and Puerto Rico.

Jim Garlow, chairman of the national Renewing American Leadership and one of the supporters of the event, said pastors “were really pumped up” on a post-event conference call.

“The response of the congregations was really encouraging,” he said.

“Pastors reported being interrupted with applause and in some cases they had standing ovations. We just didn’t anticipate that.”

See IRS CHALLENGE, page 3

Young adults struggle with what to believe in a post-modern world

By Kate Beecken World News Service MINNEAPOLIS — Young Christians, who have grown up in a culture that denies absolute truth, struggle with the exclusive nature of their faith and the way they’ve seen their parents’ generation communicate with an unbelieving world.

According to a research study recently released by the Barna Group, 59 percent of young adults disconnect from the church in their teen years. Many study participants told researchers that they stopped attending church

because they wanted to find common ground with their peers, not build walls in areas where they disagreed.

Twenty-nine percent of study participants, all between 18 and 29 years old, said the church was afraid of the beliefs of other faiths. The same number said they felt like the church forced them to choose between their faith and their friends.

Young adults who grow up in a pluralistic, post-modern society have a hard time claiming that Christ is the only way, said Mark Mellen, the assistant pastor at Substance Church in St. Paul, Minn.

“This post-modern generation thinks that what’s true for you is not necessarily true for me,” Mellen said.

Matt Runion, the associate campus pastor at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., said that the problem of exclusivity is complicated by hypocrisy when the church does not live up to its claims.

“As a general blanket statement, the exclusive claims of Christianity, while they are true, have not always been communicated, whether by words or lifestyle, in ways that are compelling See FAITH SURVEY, page 5

Fast track to nowhere

Violent attack, coma ushers in a newfound respect for Jesus

By Mark Ellis LAGUNA BEACH — Randall Hall was once a free-wheeling playboy who traveled the world, went through women like “potato chips” and dashed around town in his Mercedes 500 SL convertible. Seven unique clothing boutiques from Laguna Beach to San Francisco provided access to beautiful women ready to lay claim to his indulgent lifestyle.

Then he tried to move in on someone else’s girlfriend one night at a bar in this coastal enclave.

The woman’s boyfriend savagely attacked Hall after he left the bar, leaving him unconscious, lying face down in an alley with blood oozing from a cracked skull.

To save Hall’s life, doctors at Mission Hospital induced a coma and removed a portion of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain. After five surgeries and complications due to infection, doctors failed in their attempts to bring Hall out of the coma.

He lapsed into a persistent vegetative state for two years. Over time, his body atrophied and curled into

a fetal position. The doctor estimated that only 30 percent of his brain function remained.

Hooked up to breathing and feeding machines, with no response to sounds or movement, doctors recommended they remove life support.

Rebel from the start From the beginning, Hall was a rebel who dropped out of school and became a professional escort at 17-years-old.

Drugs, alcohol, sex and travel fueled See COMA, page 2

Randall Hall’s mother, Cora, cries by her son’s side during the early days of his coma.

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‘Courageous’ box office maintains top 10 status for three weeks

By Michael Foust BP News Service ALBANY, Ga. — The church-made film “Courageous,� which stayed in the Top 10 in total gross during its first three weekends, dropped to No. 11 Oct. 21 to 23.

Made by Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, it’s per-theater average also remained strong, outpacing four of the to 10, including Moneyball and Dolphin Tale.

It has grossed nearly $25 million since its opening.

The movie follows the story of five men—four of them police officers—as they seek to become better fathers.

In one closely watched stat, Courageous lost 24.4 percent in total gross from its third weekend—a solid performance. Movies often lose 40 percent to 50 percent in gross from one weekend to the next. It’s weekly drop was fewer than any of the seven returning films in the top 10, including “Reel Steel,� “Footloose,� “The Ides of March,� “Dolphin Tale� and Moneyball.�

More than 1 million people saw Courageous on its opening weekend, securing No. 4 in total gross, shocking

Hollywood with another solid showing

by Sherwood Baptist film. In addition to its overall performance, Courageous opened No. 1 among new movies and No. 1 in per-theater average, nearly doubling most of the competition in that category.

Its $9,063,147 opening ended up fourth behind “Dolphin Tale,� Moneyball� and “The Lion King 3D.� But all three of those other films—and every other film in the Top 10—played in at least 2,300 theaters, twice as many as Courageous. The family friendly film also beat three new films with much bigger budgets and far more screens—“50/50,� “Dream House� and “What’s Your Number?� While Courageous’ production budget was $1 million, the average budget of the other films in the Top 10 was $41 million.

Courageous’ per-theater average of $7,806 blew out the competition, with The Lion King 3D’s $4,537 coming in second. “I woke up this morning just praising the Lord,� Stephen Kendrick, Courageous’ producer, told Baptist Press the first Monday after its debut.

Perhaps most impressive, Courageous received an A-plus CinemaScore,

PHOTO BY TODD STONE

“Courageous,� which follows the story of four men as they seek to become better fathers, is making impressive strides at the box office. Its opening week per-theater average of $7,806 blew out the competition, with The Lion King 3D’s $4,537 coming in second.

an exit poll of moviegoers used by studios. Only three other films this year have received an A-plus, said Kris Fuhr, vice president of theatrical marketing for Provident Films, which helped market the movie to the Christian audience.

Sherwood’s most recent film, “Fireproof,� opened in 2008 in 839 theaters

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and grossed $6.8 million on opening weekend for a No. 4 finish. Fireproof’s per-theater average was slightly better than Courageous at $8,148. That higher per-theater figure could be attributed to the fact Courageous opened in more markets and stretched itself slightly out of its strongest base.

COMA‌ Continued from page 1 his innate passions, but in his early 20s, he found Jesus Christ at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. “It lasted for about a year,â€? he said.

Then he fell back into his old lifestyle, which kicked into high gear. He was a prodigal powered by jet fuel. Hall believes God used the assault and subsequent coma to rescue him from his downward spiral. “I was a bad person,� he admitted. “I always took other men’s women,� he said, a practice that led to the violent assault. “I was going to hell if I died, but God saved my life,� Hall believes. “The doctor told my older brother to disconnect me, because my brain was 70 percent dead and if I woke up I would be a vegetable my whole life.�

Older brother Alan—the good, responsible brother who parallels the “older brother� in the biblical story of the prodigal—refused the doctor’s request. He thought he saw occasional flashes of recognition in Randall’s eyes that gave him hope. Randall’s mother concurred with Alan, while his father sided with the doctor.

Extensive research and treatment Alan did voluminous research on comas, and brought in a holistic health practitioner, David Strassburg, to employ the Feldenkrais method, which uses muscle training in an attempt to re-establish connections with the brain.

In January 2002 doctors replaced the portion of Hall’s skull that had been removed after the attack. The new procedure restored normal atmospheric pressure.

A month after the surgery, Hall began to awaken from the coma over a two-week period. Alan said he believes the surgery and the use of the Feldenkrais approach brought his brother out of the coma, but Randall forms a different conclusion. “No human saved my life,� he declared. “God allowed me to die for two years so He could save my life. Doctors can only do so much— they’re not gods.�

Coming out of the coma, however, did not mean a quick return to normality.

“We were in a lot of places that we’ve never been before, because churches and people stepped up and showed us there was a strong demand,� Fuhr said.

Still, there were reports of soldout theaters in places far outside the Bible Belt. Fresno, Calif., Concord, N.H., and Winnipeg, Manitoba all had sellouts. There were even sold-out shows in Essex Junction, Vt., where the theater owner said it was the “biggest opening they’ve ever had,� Fuhr said. “The theater owner said if it had been any bigger he couldn’t have managed it,� Fuhr said.

The film’s box office success caught the attention of mainstream publications. USA Today called it “the surprise success� of the weekend’s new films.

Entertainment Weekly said it was the “real success story of the weekend.� “We were asking the Lord to do something that would surprise everyone and create buzz,� Kendrick said. “With every movie, He’s done more than we could ask or imagine.�

After the first four weekends, “Courageous� remained the No. 1 fan-rated movie at Fandango.com, a leading movie ticketing website. “When I woke up I was like a newborn, mentally,� he said. “My brain was washed clean. I cried for the first year.�

The second year, his mental and emotional maturity resembled a 5or 6-year-old. By the third year, he was like an adolescent. Over time, his memory returned and he believes it is fully restored today.

The journey to restoration, though, involved more than 50 surgeries, One procedure corrected his eyes so they would track together; another removed an excess bone growth on his femur the size of a baseball so he could walk. Another made surgical repairs to his scalp.

Fortunately for Hall, he had purchased medical insurance a month before the assault. Despite more than $3 million in charges since 2000, he is thankful his insurance company, Aetna—along with Medicare—never cancelled his policy.

His recovery is in stark contrast to the early days after the assault when the neurologist cautioned Hall’s family that even if he came out of the coma, it was unlikely he would walk or talk again. He is doing both today—and driving his own car—something no one thought possible. “My surgeons don’t understand.

Usually there is no recovery from a coma,� he said. “They don’t know what God can do.�

Planting little seeds One of Hall’s caregivers, Danielle Schuster, led him back to the Lord in 2007. While caring for Hall, she planted “little seeds� into their conversation. One day, he asked her to take him to church. She packed him into her car and drove him to Life Church in Mission Viejo, where he entered with the aid of a wheelchair.

Hall said he has made numerous attempts to meet and forgive his attacker, but the individual has been unresponsive to Hall’s overtures.

Friends who know about the man’s reputation cautioned against such a move, warning Hall that “he might finish the job.�

Still, Hall said he remains full of thanksgiving for his coma. “Before the coma I denied Jesus,� he said. “I heard His voice in the coma. He taught me the real meaning of love. Now I’m His.�

For more information, visit www. comadude.com.

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IRS CHALLENGE‌ Continued from page 1 He said a poll of the pastors indicated that 98 percent of the pastor said they would participate again. “In 57 years no church has lost its tax exemption by what’s been in the pulpit,â€? Garlow, the pastor of Skyline Church outside of San Diego. “The law creates fear in pastors and nuzzles them.â€?

Pulpit Freedom Sunday, a project of the Alliance Defense Fund, targets an IRS regulation known as the Johnson Amendment. The rule prohibits pastors from endorsing or opposing candidates from the pulpit, although they are free to discuss political issues. The law was created in 1954 by then-Sen. Lyndon Johnson who was upset with two businessmen who used their nonprofit status to campaign against the representative. As is common practice today, the amendment was slipped into another bill and passed as part of that legislative package with no comment. “The 2,500 attorneys of the ADF believe that it is unconstitutional,�

Garlow said. “The IRS has been very skillful at keep it out of the courts.�

In an effort to bring the law under court review, ADF has been soliciting pastors willing to challenge the IRS by preaching sermons “that present biblical perspectives on the positions of electoral candidates.�

The pastors are also sending audio and hard copies of their sermons directly to the IRS. “We are not saying that every pastor need to endorse from the pulpit, put they all have the right to do if we are going to have an authentic separation of church and state,� Garlow said. “It’s for all pastors not conservatives or evangelicals. I don’t agree with what Pastor Jeremiah Wright believes, but he has a right to say it.�

Garlow was referring to the President Barack Obama’s former minis-

OC

ter who espouses liberation theology.

His views garnered national attention during the 2008 presidential election, prompting Obama to distance himself by leaving the church after 20 years.

The increase participation has garnered the attention of the mainstream media, with coverage by The New York Times, MSNBC, CNN and Forbes. “Now it’s become a national conversation,� Garlow said. “Most people don’t know there are 29 categories for nonprofits and the 501c3 is the only category with this restriction.�

Johnson intention misapplied?

Garlow said it has been widely reported that several former Johnson staffers said the senator never intended the law to impact churches, but was designed instead for nonprofit lobby groups. “It’s been a 57-year-old cultural myth,� the pastor said. “When government taxes, the government controls and when the government controls and when government controls, government has the power to destroy.�

ADF Senior Legal Counsel Erik Stanley said the annual Pulpit event is a necessary step in getting the government out of American pulpits. “Pastors and churches shouldn’t live in fear of being punished or penalized by the government,� Stanley said in a statement. “Churches should be allowed to decide for themselves what they want to talk about. The IRS should not be the one making the decision by threatening to revoke a church’s tax-exempt status. No government-recognized status can be conditioned upon the surrender of a constitutionally protected right.�

Orange County churches registered to participate were Church of the Broken Vessel, First Southern Baptist Church of Buena Park, Cornerstone United Methodist, Living Water Christian Fellowship, South Shores Church of Monarch Beach.

Chapman University OK’d to buy Crystal Cathedral GARDEN GROVE — Crystal Cathedral’s governing board—facing a Nov. 14 deadline to sell its property as part of its bankruptcy reorganization—has selected Chapman University as its preferred buyer for the property.

The deal, part of the church’s exit plan from Chapter 11, must still be approved by the Creditors’ Committee’s Plan of Reorganization.

Under terms of the $50 million agreement with Chapman, the church would still be able to lease back its core buildings, including the sanctuary and school. The deal also allows the church to buy back those facilities when it regains its financial footing. The $50 million purchase price would allow the landmark church to pay all of its creditors.

Although the board approved the plan, senior pastor Dr. Sheila Schuller Coleman, in a statement

posted on its website, said she is still believing that church will be able to raise the $50 million required by the November deadline and avert the needed sale. “We continue to pray, believe, and stand behind our ‘Jeremiah 29:11 plan,’ which we submitted to the court—‘For I know the plans that I think toward you, says the Lord, plans of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope’—even though our board has had to reluctantly vote to accept a plan due to the deadlines required by the court,� Coleman said.

In a statement released to the media, Coleman’s father and church founder, Robert H. Schuller, lauded Chapman as “an esteemed educational institution.�

The church filed for bankruptcy last year after several years of declining revenue, prompted by the economy and ongoing disagreements within the founding family.

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Living legend Andraé Crouch continues journey with 18th album

By Lori Arnold After 17 albums, Gospel legend and Grammy-Award winner Andraé Crouch is still going strong with the release of yet another project, aptly named The Journey.

The album is produced by Luther “Mano” Hanes, president and CEO of Riverphlo Entertainment.

“I am playing music today because of him,” Hanes said. “I learned how to play piano by imitating him when I was 6 years old.

I studied all of his records, all day long.”

The 15-song disc includes “The Promise,” written by Crouch and Hanes, an award-winning producer.

Although impressed with Crouch’s progressive approach to music, Hanes said the musician’s success runs much deeper than solid air time or strong record sales.

“What made him great was how his songs exploded and took deep root inside the church—no mat-

Prolific singer and songwriter Andre Crouch has released his 18th album, “The Journey.” Crouch also pastors a Southern California church.

ter what color or denomination,” the producer said. “His songs were made great by the churches all over the world.”

Hanes, who signed Crouch to his new label last year, said he believes the timing of the project, especially the lead song, “Somebody Told Me About Jesus,” will minister to society at a time of immense need.

“When I thought of this project,

it was very important that we start off with a song that spoke to the state of the world today, the times we are living in and how we really need to hear from God,” Hanes said. “The body of Christ needs to be reassured of God’s promise to His people. I felt this song was the perfect song for the body of Christ in this hour.”

When Crouch is not in the studio he spends most of his time in Southern California, where he serves as senior pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, the church founded by his parents. A prolific songwriter, Crouch said he pens 20 to 30 songs each week.

Winter Jam coming to Ontario Winter Jam, America’s largest annual Christian concert tour, heads to the West Coast for the first time ever with a series of shows, including a Nov. 20 performance in Citizens Business Bank Arena.

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Reuben Morgan and the Hillsong band are heading to the U.S. after touring Europe. Their tour dates include stops in Los Angeles and San Diego.

The nine-act concert features the Newsboys, Matthew West, Kutless, Red, Fireflight, KJ-52 and speaker Tony Nolan. For those arriving early, the pre-jam party will feature Dara Maclean, For King & Country, Patrick Ryan Clark.

Winter Jam, conceived in 1995 by contemporary Christian group NewSong, features a variety of artists every year and is still hosted by its founding band.

At the door admission is just $10.

Advance tickets are not available.

The Southern Californa concert arrives just weeks after the 2012 line-up was announced at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

Next year’s tour will be headlined

by Skillet and feature Kari Jobe, former Newsboys frontman Peter Furler, Sanctus Real, Building 429, Group One Crew and illusionist Brock Gill. The keynote speaker will be Nick Hall.

For more information, visit www. jamtour.com.

Heath, Nicole head to Santa Ana Six-time Dove Award winner Brandon Heath, including last year’s Male vocalist of the Year, brings his Leaving Eden Tour to Santa Ana at 7 p.m. Nov. 27, with a performance at Yost Theater. Britt Nicole will also appear.

Heath, who had been touring this year with MercyMe, is promoting his 2011 release Leaving Eden.

On his website Heath said the album was a collaboration of thoughts and ideas from friends who helped him shape material for his third release.

“The album opens with the title track stating the obvious pain in the world, by just reading the headlines,” Health says on his website.

“With the state of things around us, it’s clear we’ve left Eden.”

Although it all points back to Adam and Eve, Heath said he’s compelled to first look in the mirror.

“I must first mourn the loss of Eden’s innocence in my own life, acknowledge sin and move forward in repentance,” he continues. “I think rediscovering and preserving innocence is part of the umbilical cord that attaches me to God. The life support is still there.”

Nicole, a preacher’s grandkid, got her start in music singing at her grandfather’s church and, eventually, his weekly TV ministry. She declined a university scholarship to pursue her singing career. Her most recent album, The Lost Get Found, was released in 2009.

Tickets prices vary with VIP, general admission and a meet-andgreet pass offered.

For more information, visit www. transparentproductions.com.

Hillsong USA tour to feature Christmas tunes Fresh on the heels of its European tour, Hillsong is heading to the United States with a Dec. 5 concert date at Nokia Theater.

A show is also scheduled for Dec. 6 at set for Rock Church in San Diego.

In addition to numbers from its “God Is Able,” the band is expected to showcase some of the songs from its Christmas EP, Born Is the King, which was set for release Nov. 8. This studio recording includes two new songs, “Born Is the King (It’s Christmas),” written by Matt Crocker and Scott Ligertwood, and “Emmanuel,” written by Reuben Morgan. The album also includes “The Westward Procession,” “Joy to The World,” “We Three Kings,” “Come Let Us Adore Him,” “Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

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November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 5

NAE delegation meets with President to discuss issues important to evangelicals

By Scott Noble WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 20-person delegation of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) met with President Barack Obama in mid October to express to the president issues of concern to evangelicals.

According to a report of the meeting from Carl Nelson, president of Transform Minnesota who was part of the group, Leith Anderson, president of the NAE and pastor of Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn., led the group and thanked the president and the State Department for their efforts in the case of Iranian pastor Yousef Nadarkhani, who has been sentenced to death because of his conversion to Christianity.

George Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God spoke about religious minorities in countries like Iran and Egypt. Wood told the president that three of the four most recent Christian martyrs in Iran were pastors of Assemblies of God congregations. The president told the group, according to Nelson, that he “frequently applies pressure� on the issue of religious persecution when meeting with foreign leaders.

In addition, the discussion focused on religious freedom, protection of religious hiring rights, immigration reform, traditional

‘180’ VIDEO‌ Continued from page 1 over the course of the 33-minute video, eight pro-choice advocates appeared to have changed their stand on abortion.

Comfort, who released the video online on Sept. 26, is hoping the documentary will go viral. The video received more than one million views online in the first thirty days while thousands of DVDs are making rounds on college campuses nationwide.

After viewing the DVD, Francis Chan, best-selling author and founding pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., said, “Extremely convicting. It made me question my courage. I pray it causes many to evaluate their silence.�

Ironically, the film itself completed its own 180 degree turnaround as the filmmaker was focused on Hitler and the holocaust to create a companion DVD to go along with Comfort’s new book “Hitler, God, and the Bible.�

In the course of the interviews for that project, Comfort offered up a variety of questions about life as it pertained to the holocaust and ultimately linked the discussion to abortion. “It began with two male university students completely changing their minds about abortion when we asked them this one question,�

Comfort said in a news release. “We

marriage definitions and how to care for the poor.

John Jenkins, pastor of First Baptist Church in Glennarden, Maryland, expressed concern on the part of the NAE that the Justice Department has not sought to uphold the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

The NAE supports marriage as between one man and one woman and believes it provides the “fundamental guarantee of societal survival and thriving� and also for the successful procreation of the next generation. “We expressed concern about [Obama’s] evolving views on marriage and that we believe changing the definition has serious consequences for our society,� Nelson said. “It was pointed out that many chaplains in the military are concerned that changes to DADT [“Don’t ask, don’t tell�] and DOMA may require them to violate their faith.�

Immigration reform was also an important issue discussed by the religious delegation and the president. According to Nelson, the president thanked the NAE for its support for comprehensive immigration reform and for its biblical and moral approach to the issue.

The president also acknowledged that a majority of Americans want to enact immigration reform.

realized it wouldn’t be convincing to have only males speaking on the subject, so we took to the streets, asking that one particular question, and found that six women changed their minds from pro-abortion to pro-life in a matter of seconds. It was amazing!�

Comfort said he quickly recognized the film’s potential to open the doors of discussion. “I have held up pro-life signs. I have printed pro-life literature and spoken against abortion in pulpits and in my books, but I have felt that all my efforts were almost futile— that is, up until now,� Comfort said of the documentary. “In ‘180’ we have a nation changer.�

He said the short film could become a vital tool in altering America’s prevalent pro-choice view, particularly among young people. “Most of us know that we should be doing something to stop this horror, but the thought of protesting is a little unnerving, especially with the demonization of those who do so,� he said. “But here is something each of us can easily do—we can give this DVD out. We can pass them out on the streets, leave copies on park benches or on seats in malls or give it to the checkout lady at the supermarket. This isn’t hard to do, and it will save lives—perhaps millions of lives.�

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Jo Ann Lyon, general superintendent for the Wesleyan Church encouraged the president to continue to make immigration reform a top priority.

Anderson concluded the meeting by praying for the president.

Nelson said the president concluded the meeting by thanking the group for being gracious on issues of disagreement. “It’s important that we dialogue with public leaders in a civil manner,� Nelson said. “There are issues

that evangelicals and the president don’t agree upon (i.e. marriage), but he thanked us for being gracious in our discussion of those things we don’t agree upon, and I think that it is important for us as leaders to help reclaim a tone of civility in our nation.�

Meeting with the president was a bit of a surreal experience for Nelson. “It felt a bit anti-climatic,� he said. “That’s not to say it wasn’t significant

or impressive; it was, but the staff who welcomed us were personable and friendly like anyone else. Shaking the president’s hand and looking at him across the table was a bit surreal. The president seems familiar to all of us because we see him on TV and in photos constantly, but looking him in the eyes and listening to him talk from across the table is a much different experience.�

FAITH SURVEY‌

debate. “We allow for the diversity of belief to exist inside our church,� Mellen said. Only people on the Substance leadership team must agree to the church’s statement of faith.

Some respondents to the Barna study also equated the church to a country club, open only to the “right� kind of people. Young adults may perceive that church is only for those who already believe and act a certain way. “What I hear students saying is ‘We don’t have space. In the churches we grew up in, there isn’t a lot of space for the people who believe other things or don’t believe what we believe,’� Runion said Perhaps in response to those concerns, Runion sees a trend in churches nationwide that have begun marketing as ‘a place to belong’ and opening the door to people with various backgrounds.

Robert Shell, a Biblical and Theological Studies major at Bethel, said when he worked in a church youth program, he watched the country club mentality alienate students who felt they didn’t fit in. “They didn’t feel like they were

welcome, that their opinion could be shared or that they could express their faith as they wanted to express their faith,� he said.

Shell suggested church leaders emphasize inter-generational dialogue to help make young believers feel like they are part of the community, rather than outsiders. “I think the pastor has to be the main person to do this, because if it’s not spoken from the pulpit, I don’t see how it’s ever going to get worked in,� he said.

Continued from page 1 for young people entering into this diverse world with lots of different perspectives,� he said.

The struggle of students to support Christianity’s claims is complicated by churches that say they are different than the rest of the world but lack any fruit to prove it, Runion said. If churches emphasized action and living out Biblical mandates in practical ways, church would be more attractive to young people, he said.

Not only do students wrestle with Christianity’s claims compared to other religions but also with how narrowly some churches define their own theology.

Mellen said that Substance Church responds to these differences through a concentric circles approach. Absolute truths, like acknowledging Jesus as the Son of God, are in the center, with surrounding circles making room for interpretations, deductions and cultural questions about which the Bible is less clear and there is more

For more information about the NAE, visit www.nae.net.

6 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

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E before I: True courage begins in the sanctuary We have a simple, rich mission statement at Biola University—biblically centered education, scholarship and service, equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

This statement contains just two verbs: equip and impact. Their order matters. Equipping paves the way for impact.

This year Biola’s theme is “Sacred Spaces.” The impact we believers make in the world is cultivated during our quiet, holy moments before God—it’s a preparation of the heart.

Courage begins in the sanctuary, the sacred space, and it is a virtue that takes time to take root. Just ask Hezekiah, king of Judah.

Hezekiah was the son of Ahaz, who neither lived nor led with any sense of godliness. Hezekiah, according to 2 Chronicles, had the spiritual and leadership fortitude to go against the cultural grain and godless family values preceding him. In the midst of opposition he stood strong for truth.

He wasn’t weak like his father, but was willing to shake free from family baggage and step up to lead with godly courage.

Hezekiah’s courage was cultivated not at the moment of challenge, but it was long nurtured in the sacred space.

2 Chronicles chapters 30 and 31 set the stage for his courageous living, telling the story of what happened in the sanctuary, the temple of the Lord.

In these “sacred space” chapters, this king encouraged the people of God to consecrate themselves for service, prepare their hearts for worship, and think deeply about what it means to

follow the one, true God. Preparation for lives of courage begins with the words of Hezekiah: “Submit to the Lord. Come to his sanctuary, which he has consecrated. Serve the Lord your God.” Chapter 31 ends by saying that Hezekiah did what was good, right and faithful before the Lord. In everything he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands—which is the Word of God—he sought God and worked wholeheartedly (v.

20-21).

These two chapters paved the way for the courage he needed in Chapter 32.

After this preparation in the sanctuary, God called Hezekiah and the people of Judah to stand up for what is right in the face of daunting challenges.

The chapter begins, “After all that Hezekiah had so faithfully done, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah.”

Because God’s people had been prepared in that sacred space, the sanctuary, they were ready when he called them to courageous action.

So Hezekiah gathered the people in the city square and encouraged them with these words: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us … And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said.”

“Be strong and courageous.”

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He took these words paves the way for imfrom Moses, who said pact. them to Joshua as he As I look to the fuwas about to enter the ture of our culture Promised Land (Deuand society, I believe our greatest challenge teronomy 31:16).

He took these words is a courage deficit. from David, who exCourage is the quality horted his son, Solomon of mind and charac(1 Chronicles 28:20). ter that enables you to The words of Moface difficulty and opses became those of position without fear.

Barry H. Corey David, which became Courage comes from those of Hezekiah, the word, “heart.” which become our words.

“I have told you these things,” JeBut courage must begin in the sus says in John 16, “so that in me sanctuary, the sacred space of your you may have peace. In this world life where you nurture your heart you will have trouble [opposition]. before God. Remember, equipping But take heart! [Be courageous.] For

I have overcome the world.”

Courage means we must engage the culture, in a loving way, with a deep conviction in Truth.

May we recall the eternal truths of God’s Word, the sovereignty of God and his redemptive love for his people. More and more, institutions like Biola need to be places of courage. We need to equip the rising generation from a position of biblical strength, our sights set on making an impact on the world for Christ.

Remember, equip before impact for the cause of Christ.

Dr. Corey is the president of Biola University.

Legislative Update

Promises, promises, campaign pledges

By Rebecca Burgoyne SACRAMENTO — When campaigning for his third term as governor of California, candidate Jerry Brown—who served in the same capacity from 1975 to 1983—sold himself as well acquainted and adept with the moving parts of the Sacramento Capitol. He prided himself on being able to work across the aisle and get the job done. In his primary election victory speech, he said, “I have the preparation, know-how—and the independence—to challenge the status quo and get our legislators to work together to put California first, not just members of the Democratic or Republican parties.”

Yet, as he entered office with one primary goal—a realistic, balanced budget—he failed miserably. Lowering expectations and blaming Republicans, he failed to place equal blame at the feet of Democrats, who refused to waiver in catering to unions and other special interests and neglected to help him achieve any of his other major policy goals.

Despite his promises, and relying only on Democrats, Brown signed yet another gimmicky budget—based on rosy, unrealistic assumptions of future income. Legislators included “triggers” to be pulled—automatic cuts in spending to be made—should their income assumptions fail to materialize. With a poor fiscal outlook this fall, legislators passed a last-ditch attempt to change the trigger rules, giving themselves more leverage and requiring that the state finance director consult with legislative leaders about alternatives prior to recommending budget reductions— a move vetoed by Gov. Brown.

Veto blues In mid-September, complaining about the sheer number of bills on his desk, Brown warned legislators to prepare to sing the “veto blues.”

Reiterating language previously included in a veto message, he advised, “Not every human problem needs a law. That’s kind of my first principle I’ll be applying.” In the last days of the veto window, the governor’s veto percentage reached 17 percent. He signed 466 and vetoed 97 of the last measures on his desk. By comparison, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed 27 percent of all submitted bills in 2010.

Showing his partisan stripes, the governor signed Senate Bill 202, Hancock, D-Oakland, a blatant last-minute power grab by majority Democrats, which also benefits labor unions. The major impetus for SB 202 was the citizen effort to qualify several measures—aimed at the spring 2012 ballot—that would weaken the unions’ stranglehold on their members and politics. By moving all citizen-sponsored initiatives to the fall General Election ballot, where turnout tends to favor Democrats and their union allies, SB 202 would impair the power of the people’s initiative, often successfully used by conservatives in the present toxic legislative climate.

Another legislative power grab signed by the governor further weakened parental authority. Assembly Bill 499, Atkins, D-San Diego, allows children as young as 12 to circumvent parental authority and consent to medical care related to the prevention or treatment of a sexually transmitted disease. The focus of the legislation is to allow teens to receive the hepatitis-B and the controversial human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines without parental knowledge.

Pandering to special interests With Democrats firmly in control of the Legislature, the list of bills on the governor’s desk read like a list of favors pandering to special interests. Equality California, a prohomosexual advocacy group, had boasted of the passage of “the most

comprehensive legislative agenda in the organization’s history.” Ten of the 12 key bills they sponsored were signed into law. One of those bills, AB 887, Atkins, D-San Diego, makes sweeping changes to California law, defining gender expression as “a person’s gender-related appearance and behavior whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth,” and adding “civil rights” protections on the basis of gender identity and gender expression to the Civil Code, the Education Code, the Government Code, the Insurance Code, the Labor Code, and the Penal Code. Several other bills advance the acceptance of homosexual behavior in public schools under the guise of protecting students and faculty from “bullying.”

While Brown showed a bit of an independent streak and did not completely rubber stamp the Democratic legislative agenda, he tilted decidedly left in the bills that he signed. While Brown has fared relatively well in recent polls, the Legislature’s job approval is a dismal 20 percent, and most voters think California is seriously off track.

Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” For too long, Californians have complained and sat idly by while sending people to the Capitol who limit parental authority, expand special rights for homosexuals, and pander to special interests at the expense of average families. Instead of listening to empty promises, get involved in your community—attend school-board meetings, start or join a citizenship council at your church, and learn about what is happening in our culture and community.

Righteousness can thrive, but only when a majority decides to stand up, trusting God for the results.

Burgoyne is a research analyst with the California Family Council.

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November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 7

Freedom, Schmeedom: Religious liberty increasingly on trial Can the government really tell a church whom to hire as a minister?

That frightening question is very relevant today.

“That is extraordinary,” proclaimed Justice Scalia.

“I, too, find that amazing,” Justice Chuck Kagan chimed in.

As reported by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, The conservative Scalia and the liberal Kagan seemed bewildered by the Obama Administration’s unbelievable assertion that there should be no “ministerial exemption” for churches when it comes to hiring.

That’s the issue at stake in the case Hosanna-Tabor Church v. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission. Who, in the end, decides who is a minister and who is not? A church, or the government?

In his excellent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal, Stanford’s Michael McConnell, a for-

mer federal judge, notes that for “40 years lower courts have applied a ‘ministerial exception,’ which bars the government from any role in deciding who should be a minister.

“But,” McConnell continues, “the Colson Obama Justice Department has now asked the court to disavow the ministerial exception altogether. This would mean that, in every future case, a court— and not the church—would decide whether the church’s reasons for firing or not hiring a minister were good enough.”

Folks this is frightening. And I can’t but help wonder if there’s not a deliberate pattern here by the Obama Administration to restrict religious freedom.

Now, I’m not given to conspiracy theories, but how else do we interpret the Administration’s actions over the past couple of years?

Remember last year, I warned

Who, in the end, decides who is a minister and who is not?

A church or the government? something was up when Hillary Clinton proclaimed that “freedom of worship” was a top U. S. priority. As I explained then, “freedom of worship” and “freedom of religion” are not interchangeable. One allows you to worship any way you want in private — even Chinese citizens enjoy such so-called “freedom of worship.” Freedom of religion, however, means the right to live out your faith in private and in public.

Well, not long after Clinton’s speech at Georgetown, the Administration said it would no longer defend or enforce the Defense of Marriage Act—that’s a federal statute!

Earlier this month, the administration announced it would not renew a $19 million contract with Conference of Catholic Bishops to help sex trafficking victims. Why not? Well, we do know the ACLU sued the government to terminate the contract because the Bishops Conference wouldn’t help sex-trade victims obtain abortions!

And recently, the Department of Health and Human Services issued regulations that would force all employers—religious or otherwise—to purchase insurance that covered contraception and other “preventative care.”

Could that be true? True enough that the President chirped “Darn

Tootin’” at a political rally.

What is the Administration up to? The Catholic Bishops are alarmed enough that they are forming a committee to press the Administration on its overtly hostile approach to religious freedom.

This is why everybody reading this today has got to read and sign and get friends to sign the Manhattan Declaration. If you have read it already, go and read it again.

I think there’s good reason to fear that if we fail to raise our voices now, we will be forced into civil disobedience. It’s time to rally our forces. Christians should not have to compromise their faith to remain free and equal citizens.

Again and again, we must make clear, as the Manhattan Declaration states, we will under no circumstances ever render to Caesar what belongs to God. © 2011 Prison Fellowship. Reprinted with permission. BreakPoint with Chuck Colson is a radio ministry of Prison Fellowship.

Visit www.manhattandeclaration. org for information about the Manhattan Declaration.

Sonogram requirement is effective approach to curb abortion House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi sometimes sounds as if she has cast aside any attachment to reality. Responding to a bill co-authored by Rep. Joe Pitts, Pennsylvania Republican, that would prevent federal funds from going to pay for abortions under the slowly unraveling health care law critics call “Obamacare,” Pelosi said that if Republicans vote for the measure, “they will be voting to say that women can die on the floor and health care providers do not have to intervene.”

The Protect Life Act passed the House in mid-October, but will likely die in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

There are more stirrings on this fundamental social issue. The Nov. 8 ballot in Mississippi will include Initiative 26, known as the Personhood Amendment, that says: “The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.”

According to Mississippi law, a minimum of 89,285 signatures were required to put the measure before the voters. As of April 2010, Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said his office had certified 106,325 signatures. That num-

…pro-choicers don’t want women to see what their babies look like in the womb…because…abortion has become a sacrament. ber has since grown to 130,000, which strongly suggests the measure will pass.

Perhaps an even greater counterattack on what former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop’s seminal documentary on the issue “Whatever Happened to the Human Race?” referred to as “the slaughter of the innocents” is a series of initiatives organized by a coalition of pro-life groups to put legislation on ballots in every state requiring an abortion-minded pregnant woman to see a sonogram image of her fetus prior to termination.

I have long favored this approach as a means to substantially reduce the million-plus abortions performed every year in the United States. It imposes no restrictions on abortion, but gives women informa-

tion. The Chicago Tribune, reporting on the “Ultrasound Opportunity Act,” lobbied for in Springfield and the recent Catholic Conference in Illinois, quoted Conference spokesman Zach Wichmann as saying during a news conference at the Capitol: “We have studies and statistics that show something north of 80 percent of women (seeking abortions) who view ultrasounds of their babies decide against abortion.”

Moral and intellectual dilemma Mandating sonograms creates for “pro-choicers” an impossible intellectual, not to mention moral dilemma. If they oppose women receiving information, they are censors. Pro-lifers are aligning themselves with truth in labeling and truth in lending laws requiring that

become a sacrament. information be proThey embrace a right vided to women (and to kill while simultamen) in order to help neously denying the make decisions preright to life. Showing sumed to be in their a pregnant woman a best interests.

When pro-choicers picture of her baby in stand in the way of womthe womb, heart beaten receiving informaing, can only enhance tion about such a critithe possibility that the cal decision, they place child will be given the Cal Thomas themselves where they opportunity to live. say conservatives reside, in the land of Legislators who vote for these intolerance and ignorance. pro-life measures will put themThe response to this proposed leg- selves on the side of freedom of islation goes something like this: “You information and force the proare insulting the intelligence of women choicers to admit they favor a single who are smart enough to figure out choice: abortion. these things on their own.”

Over many years of speaking to “Fine,” I say, “then let’s remove women who regret their abortions, labels from cans, bottles and pack- the most common response has ages and do away with paperwork been, “If I had seen a picture of my at the bank when a woman applies baby, I would have made a different for a loan. Let’s also rip Monroney choice.”

This legislation empowers womstickers off vehicles at car dealerships because women should be en. It is the best way to reduce the smart enough to figure out the number of abortions while waiting price, options and miles per gallon for the courts to catch up and restore the “endowed right to life” on their own.” that stood for centuries until the Supreme Court ruled in favor of One-way choice The reason pro-choicers don’t Roe in 1973. want women to see what their babies © 2011 Tribune Media Services look like in the womb is because, for too many of them, abortion has Inc.

Justice—especially in 9th U.S. Circuit—can be illusive Finding justice in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals can be a frustrating endeavor. As a young lawyer you are trained to believe that the law is applied as it is written. Sure there is room for interpretation, but some things about the law are supposed to be as black and white as the words on the page in front of you.

As an experienced lawyer, practicing conservative constitutional law in the Ninth Circuit, it is far too easy to get jaded. Far too quickly you begin to realize that most often court opinions reflect the opinions of the judge more than they reflect prior case law. Results-oriented reasoning has become the norm in the Ninth Circuit.

Recently, I argued in the Ninth Circuit on behalf of a young man, Chad Farnan, who has exhibited the strength and courage you always hope for in a client. Over the last four years I have fought hard for him, Jennifer wanting to make sure that both he and his family understood that I was aware of the sacrifice they made and that I would do my best to make sure that sacrifice resulted in positive change.

Our lawsuit argued that Chad’s high school history teacher violated the Establishment Clause of the United States Constitution by

expressing hostility towards religion by making pervasive negative comments regarding religion, conservatives, and Christianity.

The district court agreed with us that at least one of the teacher’s classroom Monk comments revealed an unconstitutional disapproval of religion.

The Ninth Circuit, however, punted and refused to address the constitutional question, despite the fact that so often Christian teachers are held to a much higher standard even if they indirectly bring religion into a public high

school classroom.

After receiving news of the ruling, it seemed the ever-illusive concept of justice had evaded me yet again in the Ninth Circuit. Fortunately, however, these aren’t just any clients. They reminded me that the outcome is secondary to the importance of standing up and being heard.

Positive change in our culture does not just come in the courtroom, although I will continue to battle in that setting. Positive change comes each time someone learns more about our Constitution and their rights, and then stands up boldly to proclaim them. It comes with each sacrifice–because with each sacrifice comes education and a chance to change the law

for the better.

I still have hope that justice will prevail in the courtroom as we ask the United States Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuit’s ruling.

More importantly, however, I have learned that the outcome is secondary and that neither I nor the Ninth Circuit’s judges control that outcome. It properly belongs in the hands of an almighty God who asks of each of us to give Him our talents and our passions for His use– regardless of the outcome.

Monk is associate general counsel at Murietta-based Advocates for Faith and Freedom. For more information, visit www.faith-freedom. com.

8 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

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THE J. PAUL GETTY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, MS. 107.4

This Italian Tempera and gold leaf on parchment Leaf page is dated 1250 to 1262 and is titled “Initial I: Scenes of the Creation of the World and the Life of Christ.� Its one of the featured pages of the Abbey Bible, which will soon go on exhibit at the Getty Museum.

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LOS ANGELES — The Abbey Bible, one of the earliest and finest in a distinguished group of north Italian Bibles from the second half of the 13th and early 14th centuries, will go on display Dec. 13 at the J. Paul Getty Museum.

The museum acquired the rare Gothic-era Bible in September.

Named after a previous owner, a celebrated collector of Italian manuscripts, the Bible is said to exemplifies the highest achievements of its era. “It is extremely rare for a complete Italian volume of this splendid quality to come onto the market,� Thomas Kren, acting associate director for collections at the J. Paul Getty Museum, said in a news release. “The Abbey Bible is set apart by its unusually lavish illumination that spills into the margins, often activating the entire page with whimsical figures, biblical narratives, and images of Dominicans and Franciscans in prayer.�

Produced for the use of a Dominican monastery, its illumination is said to be a superb example of the Byzantine style of the eastern Mediterranean that played such a dominant role in Italian painting and manuscript illumination in the second half of the 13th century.

A distinguishing feature of the Abbey Bible is its marginal vignettes, which museum curators said are remarkable for their liveliness and delicacy. Sensitively depicted facial expressions, rare among 13th-century Bibles, reveal the artist to be a skilled storyteller, and the pages brim with incident and event. “There is a restrained elegance and emotional tension within the enclosed initials that works together with the physical exuberance in the margins,� said Elizabeth Morrison, acting senior curator of manuscripts. “There’s a vitality in these

finely painted tiny figures that gloriously flow across the page but are also exceptionally refined.�

Although filled with drolleries or grotesques—the decorative thumbnail images in the margins of illuminated manuscripts from that era—and dynamic pen flourishes, the Bible was intended for serious use and study, as evidenced by the many edits, corrections, and amendments to the text, which officials said suggest a university origin for the manuscript.

The Abbey Bible will be featured in the Getty Center through May 13 as part of the “Gothic Grandeur: Manuscript Illumination, 1200– 1350� exhibit.

In addition to its spectacular architectural influences, the gothic era also produced the elaborate illuminated manuscripts representative of the Abbey Bible. In addition to the scriptural text, the exhibit will draw from other pieces in the Getty Museum’s collections that are characterized by whimsical marginal decorations, vivid narratives and a naturalistic style of painting.

The period also saw an explosion in the variety of illustrated books being produced, ranging from scholastic university treatises to entertaining romances. On Feb. 27, the pages of the manuscripts will be turned to allow visitors to see additional treasures.

The Getty Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Sunday, and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission to the Getty Center is free, but parking is $15 per car, except after 5 p.m. Saturdays when it is free.

Reservations are not required for parking or general admission.

For more information, call (310) 440-7300.

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

A recipe for deep thinking at Concordia The world doesn’t fit into neat compartments, like science, art or math. Everything connects and meshes together in amazing ways.

This is the premise behind Concordia’s Core Curriculum.

Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a common, coherent core curriculum for all of its students.

Rather than asking students to cobble together a meaningful general education experience from a vast array of disconnected distribution courses, Concordia’s Core is carefully crafted so that every student sees the purpose of a liberal arts general education and grows intellectually, ethically, and spiritually.

“The whole reason that we exist as a Christian liberal arts institution is to pursue the interaction of faith

Concordia University Irvine is among a distinctive group of universities that offer a common, coherent Core Curriculum for all of its students.

and learning,” notes Dr. Tim Preuss, Dean of Arts and Sciences. “We want to make it an intentional part of the students’ education.”

Concordia’s Core is comprised of classic liberal arts courses offered in small, innovative learning communities. Students take Core courses together in linked pairs: biology with theology, mathematics with philosophy, and history with literature. Transfer students take their own unique pairing: philosophy with theology.

Core classes typically have just 25 students in them and are taught by full-time professors.

In the Core, students wrestle with life’s foundational questions and ideas. Students are challenged and coached to read great works closely, think critically and creatively about problems, communicate ideas effectively, and make meaningful connections between academic disciplines, the Christian faith, and life. “We are creating a shared experience for students, one that will allow the faculty and students to interact presuming a common body of knowledge,” said Dr Scott Ashmon, Director of the Core Curriculum.

By developing their knowledge and strengthening their intellectual habits, students prepare themselves broadly for life. They gain wisdom and confidence to be citizens who can address life’s problems and assume various vocations in service to society and the church.

To learn more about Concordia’s distinctive Core Curriculum, visit www.cui.edu/Core .

OC

November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 9

10 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

Fall enrollment at California Making it matter at Biola Baptist surges past 5,400 Fall 2011 enrollment at California Baptist University posted the largest one-year numerical increase in the institution’s history, surging past 5,400 students – a nearly 700 student increase from last year’s 4,715 students. “Enrollment is a key indicator of institutional achievement,” CBU president Ronald L. Ellis said.“This year’s record figure including the largest single-year increase indicates that the high quality Christ-centered education provided at CBU offers significant appeal for many students.”

U.S. News & World Report names CBU as best regional university for 2012 California Baptist University has been recognized among “America’s Best Colleges” for the sixth straight year in a national ranking

by U.S. News & World Report magazine. CBU tied for the 46th position as a “Best Regional University,” improving the 48th place ranking it earned last year. Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, CBU President, said many students and their families consider factors that go into the rankings to help with important decisions about which college to attend. “The criteria used in these rankings provide a useful snapshot about the value of academic programs and other aspects of the institutions that are featured in the report,” Ellis explained.

“The continuing advancement by California Baptist University in the U.S. News &

World Report ranking recognizes the high quality of education that students receive and affirms the commitment to excellence embodied in the faculty and staff at CBU.” CBU establishes new College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design CBU recently announced the establishment of the College of Architecture, Visual Arts and Design. Mark Roberson has been named as dean of the new academic unit which will house the university’s popular Graphic Design and new Architecture programs. Roberson most recently served as Vice President/Director of Design with Fender Architects in Fort Worth, TX. He brings extensive experience as a design and project architect for large commercial projects including retail/ service buildings and public facilities, as well as churches.

Roberson has held positions as a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, a teacher with the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas and as a visiting lecturer at Ecole des Ponts, the world’s oldest civil engineering school located in Paris. He earned a bachelor and master of architecture degrees from the University of Southern California, and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a registered architect in the State of California and is LEED certified by the American Institute of Architects.

In your search for the right Christian college, Biola University offers just what you’re looking for: a national reputation, a strong heritage, a commitment to biblically centered education and a desire to serve the world for Christ.

Since its founding in downtown Los Angeles over a century ago, Biola has emerged as one of the nation’s premier Christian universities, with tens of thousands of alumni making a difference around the globe.

From the start, Biola has been committed to equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for Christ — no matter which field they study or career they pursue.

Today, over 6,000 Christian students from around the world take part in Biola’s wide range of academically rigorous, biblically centered programs each year — learning in an environment where all students, faculty and staff are professing Christians. They leave Biola ready to champion a biblical worldview, to lead with conviction and courage, and to serve the world for Christ.

At the undergraduate level, the university offers 37 majors and 120 emphases, ranging from business to nursing to cinema and media arts. Biola’s six graduate schools offer convenient, respected master’s and doctoral programs in theology, psychology, intercultural studies, education, business and more.

Each program, whether at the graduate or undergraduate level, is designed to prepare you to inte-

grate your faith with your career. Each undergraduate student completes 10 Bible courses — the equivalent of a minor in biblical studies.

For over 20 years, Biola has been classified by U.S. News & World Report as a “national university,” putting it in the same category with the nation’s leading and most well-respected universities. This year Biola was ranked in the highest tier and was designated one of 17 “up and coming” national universities.

Located on the border of Los Angeles and Orange counties in the city of La Mirada, Biola is just a short drive from beautiful beaches, world-renowned entertainment venues and a wealth of diverse ministry and service opportunities. In 2011, Newsweek ranked Biola #11 on its list of “Best Weather” colleges.

If you’re interested in our undergraduate program, please consider attending our Spring Preview Day on February 19-20.

Potential graduate students can schedule a visit at www.biola.edu/grad/visit. To request information or to apply to Biola, visit www. biola.edu/makeitmatter/cc or call 1-800-OKBIOLA.

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

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12 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

Law as ministry Trinity Law School students have a unique opportunity to change their lives by transforming the way they see the world, to impact their communities by actively pursuing fairness and justice, and to transform the world by seeking and defending the good and the true.

Our students come from diverse ethnic, religious, and educational backgrounds which inform and influence their desires and passions. Trinity Law School equips students to use their legal education not just as a career, but as a tool for Christian ministry.

Students at Trinity Law School are trained to recognize, address, and resolve all kinds of legal issues. What sets Trinity apart from other law schools, and what makes a Christian attorney different from all others, is that Trinity students and Christian lawyers see the world in terms of service, not personal gain. Trinity Law School is dedicated to exposing students to a wide variety of foreign and domestic organizations in the hopes of demonstrating the immense need in the world and the ways in which they can address those

needs as attorneys.

The staff and faculty of Trinity Law School recognize the many ways a law degree can impact and empower Christian ministry.

Because of this, Trinity students are actively encouraged to be engaged in the community. For example, Trinity students serve the residents of the Orange County Rescue Mission not only by addressing their legal needs, but by helping to restore dignity and hope to those rebuilding their lives.

At Trinity Law School, legal education is about more than a good career; it is about the pursuit of all things good and true. Trinity law school is dedicated to training attorneys who will embrace the world’s needs equipped with excellent legal training and courageous commitment to the truth of the Bible.

Trinity Law School is part of Trinity International University.

The university is affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America and has campuses in Chicago and Deerfield, Illinois; Davie, Florida as well as the Law School Campus in Santa Ana, California.

Trinity students are trained to advocate for justice, pursue the truth, and serve the Church.

God’s new Harvard Patrick Henry College’s goal is launching leaders for Christ Founded in 2000, Patrick Henry College has, in its eventful first decade, grown into an influential evangelical college attracting highcaliber Christian students from all backgrounds. Its rigorous academic programs, exclusive apprenticeships in Washington, D.C. and beyond and championship debate culture prepare leaders for high level service in the public square, and led to its being dubbed “God’s Harvard” in a recently published book.

Located in Purcellville, Va., less than an hour from Washington, D.C., Patrick Henry College is a classical Christian liberal arts college created for students seeking an academically demanding education at a school forged from America’s founding principles and powered by passionate Christian discipleship.

Its unique profile, combining Ivy League-caliber scholastics with a distinctly Christian worldview, has produced graduates who today serve at the highest levels of government, business, the legal profession, media and academia.

The New Yorker reported in 2005 that Patrick Henry College students held roughly the same number of White House internships as Georgetown, which, for a College of roughly 300 students at that time, reflected the College’s unusually high standing on Capitol Hill. Employers for whom they serve agree that PHC students excel because of their disciplined

work ethic, critical thinking skills and plainspoken humility.

Many graduates have gone on to prestigious graduate schools, including Harvard,Yale and Columbia law schools, and presently work for the 10th U.S. Circuit Court, the Arizona Supreme Court, the FBI, National Geographic, Fox News, and throughout the intelligence community, to name a few. Anchoring its mission to infuse the public square with world-class Christian speakers, jurists, and apologists, PHC’s vaunted legal debate team not only defeated Oxford twice, it has won five of the past seven ACMA national moot court championships.

Michael P. Farris, the founder and chancellor of the College, says, “When we started Patrick Henry College, our goal was not merely to build an educational institution, we wanted to change America.

Most students who come to PHC have a vision and intend to make an impact.”

Reinforcing its mission to impact the culture for Christ, Patrick Henry College has designed one of the most comprehensive core curriculums in the country and an academic foundation built upon the truth found only in Scripture.

To protect itself from government regulations and thereby safeguard its liberty to teach from a Christian worldview, the College accepts no government funding. Its operations and facilities are funded entirely through donations.

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

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November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 13

110 years of forward-thinking Since its founding in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University has produced graduates whose knowledge, work ethic, and compassion have made a positive difference in the lives of others. As we celebrate our 110th year, we take pride in the work of our alumni. Whether they serve as nurses, teachers, pastors, business leaders, or in other fields, graduates of PLNU are known for bringing fresh thinking and high ethical standards into their workplaces.

Take Annie Gerhart (’83), an emergency room nurse and nurse to the San Diego Padres who does medical missions around the world – or Greg Spencer (’07) of the Paradigm Project, who founded a social enterprise that uses carbon offsets to help the global poor. Then there

San Diego Christian College graduate vindicates Texas youth San Diego Christian College day was on religious beliefs. The graduate Matt Krause (‘03) recently instructor charged Dakota with“posrepresented a 14 year old Fort Worth sible bullying” and indicated, “It is ninth grader in an effort to overturn wrong to make such a statement in his suspension for public school.” telling another stuMatt called the dent that he believes incident “mind homosexuality is inblowing” and said appropriate. Dakota the teacher had Ary was in a Gerfrequently brought man language class homosexuality into at Western Hills ninth grade classHigh School when room discussions. the topic of homo“There has been sexuality arose. Daa history with this kota said to one of teacher in the class his classmates, “I’m 2003 SDCC graduate Matt regarding homosexa Christian and, to Krause is an attorney with ual topics. He told me, being homo- Liberty Counsel of Texas. the students this is sexual is wrong.” happening all over the world and you The class topic was religious need to accept the fact that homosexbeliefs in Germany. During the dis- uality is just part of our culture now.” cussion, one student asked what GerAs a result of Matt’s intervention mans thought about homosexuality on behalf of Dakota and his family, in relation to religion. This question the Fort Worth Independent School provoked the conversation about District has issued a letter fully Christianity and Dakota’s expression vindicating Dakota and retracting of his opinion to one classmate. the suspension. The District’s letter The instructor overhearing Da- apologized for the delay in returning kota’s comments wrote him an Dakota back to the classroom, and infraction and sent him to the prin- stated that “Dakota has the right cipal’s office. Dakota was sentenced to express an opinion in a manner to one day in-school suspension and consistent with law and policy.” The two days of full suspension. Prior to District’s letter will be placed in Dathis incident, Dakota had a spotless kota’s permanent file to further clear record, was an honor student, volun- his record. teered at his church and played on the Matt is an attorney with Libschool football team. erty Counsel (www.lc.org) of Texas, The discipline referral form sub- a non-profit organization dedicated mitted by the instructor stated that to,“Restoring the culture by advancDakota’s comment was out of con- ing religious freedom, the sanctity of text, even though the lesson for the human life and the family.”

is Sarah Reed (’07), who helps children with autism and other disabilities in her moderate/severe special education class.

And these are just three of more than 40,000 PLNU alumni whose forward thinking, faith, and dedication are making a difference. Our alumni found nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurial ventures, perform life-saving surgery, counsel those in need, author influential books, develop new technologies and inventions, preside over important court cases, and so much more.

As we reflect on our storied history and the inspirational accomplishments of PLNU graduates, we also look forward to our next 110 years – to the work our current and future students will do, and are doing, in our community and world.

14 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

Doing ministry together After undergraduate work at the University of Colorado, Dan Vanderwarker became involved in Campus Crusade. Then he headed west.

Shannon McGonigal went south from Washington to do her undergraduate work at Azusa Pacific University.

Then, in 2006, they both found themselves interning in college ministry at Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, Calif. It wasn’t long before they knew two things: first, they were going to get married; and second, they were both going to start seminary at Bethel Seminary San Diego, Shannon in the MFT program and Dan in the Master of Divinity (M.Div.).

They began seminary in fall 2007, taking many of their classes together, and got married their first quarter. But it’s not quite what you expect, says Dan.“We thought it’d be really fun to study and learn together. But we have very distinct learning differences,”he explains. “I’m much better studying at night; Shannon prefers the day.

And she, of course, gets much better grades than I do.”

After a year, however, Shannon realized the MFT was not the right fit.

“I liked my classes, but the thought of doing therapy was really stressful,” she explains. “I began praying and talking to people who knew me really well.”She then switched to the M.Div. program with an emphasis on pastoral care and counseling, and felt much more affirmed in the direction of her studies.

Both say one of the biggest benefits of being in a class at the same time is the understanding and grace afforded each other. “If I have to

study, even though it’s our day off, she totally understands,” says Dan. Outside the classroom, they’ve been practicing what they’re learning together. In summer 2009 they moved to Forest Home to be pastors to the college-aged students who were on the summer staff at the camp.

“Camp ministry is unique in that it is both very physical and spiritual,” says Dan. “Going into that summer with two years at Bethel, Forest Home gave us a platform to take what we were learning in the classroom into real life. We had the opportunity to interact with families as they were participating in camp programs and staff as they were running them. We even had the privilege to start a little church service called ‘Church in the Woods.’” The service attracted both camp staff and locals from the surrounding communities.

“Doing ministry together is where we feel most alive,” says Shannon.

“It’s been a rich experience to be doing it while we’re both in seminary, too. What you learn you can apply right away–or debunk.”

Now, they’re both at Grace Presbyterian Church in Vista where Dan is a youth director and Shannon is an intern working with adult discipleship. They will graduate in 2012 and admit they wonder about future job opportunities. “Like everyone else, churches are not operating in the economic climate,” says Dan. “We’re curious if we’ll be able to find two jobs in ministry. Each piece of out ministry puzzle has been put together as we go, though, so we’ll see what God has next for us.”

What’s new at Fuller?

A number of exciting developments are taking place at Fuller Theological Seminary this fall: new faculty members, a new provost, a new center exploring youth development, and a new position focusing on diversity and international programs.

New faculty Fuller has welcomed five new professors to its faculty for the 20112012 academic year, each bringing a distinguished set of credentials: Justin Barrett, Professor of Psychology and Thrive Chair for Applied Developmental Science, comes to Fuller from the University of Oxford’s Center for Anthropology and Mind. He leads Fuller’s new Thrive Center for Human Development, which will provide resources to help young people become flourishing adults.

Oliver Crisp, Professor of Systematic Theology, is from the U.K., where he served at the University of Bristol as a lecturer and Reader in Theology. For Dr. Crisp, “theological formation and theological community are closely intertwined,” and he looks forward to furthering this kind of community at Fuller.

Hak Joon Lee, Professor of Theology and Ethics, comes to Fuller from a longtime post at New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey. A widely recognized authority in Reformed Christian ethics and Martin Luther King Jr., Dr. Lee was attracted to Fuller “for its global vision and connections.”

Kyong-Jin Lee, Assistant Profes-

sor of Old Testament Studies, grew up in Bolivia and has lived in Israel, Europe, and the U.S. as well. Coming most recently from a teaching post at Spring Arbor University in Michigan, she brings to Fuller “a sensitivity to the multicultural society in which we live.”

Maria Wong, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, comes from the University of Illinois and focuses her research on children’s social, emotional, and spiritual development. She hopes to explore ways that parents can enhance their children’s experience and development of spirituality.

A new provost Fuller began the 2011-2012 academic year with a new provost: C. Douglas McConnell, formerly dean of the School of Intercultural Studies. A noted missiologist and skilled administrator, Dr. McConnell is enthusiastic about building upon Fuller’s position as a global leader in theological education.

A strategic new position Juan Francisco Martínez has been named Associate Provost for Diversity and International Programs, a newly created position that addresses issues of high priority to Fuller in its mission to serve the global church. Dr. Martínez, at Fuller since 2001, will also continue to lead the seminary’s Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community.

To learn more, visit www.fuller. edu.

Christian Higher Education Advertising Supplement

Bethel Seminary San Diego 6116 Arosa St. San Diego, CA 92115 (619) 582-8188 www.bethel.edu Bethel Seminary San Diego: a seminary that develops whole and holy globally-minded leaders for God’s service. Offering an opportunity for integration, experience and development by providing biblical/theological foundation, transformational leadership and spiritual and personal formation via the MDiv, M.A.T.S., M.A.A.M., M.F.T. degrees, our distant learning program in children and family ministry - M.A.C.F.M., and our Doctor of Ministry.

Biola University 13800 Biola Ave. La Mirada, CA 90639 1-800-OK-BIOLA www.biola.edu

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November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 15

Point Loma Nazarene University 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106 1-800-733-7770 www.pointloma.edu Point Loma Nazarene University exists to provide higher education in a vital Christian community where minds are engaged and challenged, character is modeled and formed, and service becomes an expression of faith. PLNU offers graduate programs in biology, business, education, nursing, and theology, as well as a full array of undergraduate programs.

Providence Christian College 1539 E Howard St. Pasadena, CA 91104 1-866-323-0233 www.providencecc.net

Biola University, a leading private Christian university located in Southern California, has remained firmly committed to its mission of biblically centered education since 1908. With 145 academic programs ranging from the B.A. to the Ph.D., Biola offers academic excellence and intentional spiritual development in an environment where all students, faculty and staff are professing Christians.

Providence provides a Christian liberal arts education that takes seriously both the integration of biblical truth with every academic discipline and the formation of faithful, engaged Christians. Each course is taught from a biblical perspective, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, effective communication, and research abilities that prepare graduates to succeed vocationally as well as to serve as leaders in their churches, families, and the broader community.

California Baptist University

San Diego Christian College

8432 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504 1-877-CBU-3615 admissions@calbaptist.edu www.calbaptist.edu Founded in 1950 by the California Southern Baptist Convention, CBU offers 90 undergraduate majors and concentrations, plus an additional 25 graduate majors and credentials. The campus offers one of the region’s largest aquatic centers and the JoAnn Hawkins Music building is one of the nation’s most advanced music production and recording facilities. The university has been named the 2011 U.S. News & World Report Best Regional College.

Concordia University 1530 Concordia West Irvine, CA 92612 1-800-229-1200 admission@cui.edu www.cui.edu A blend of rigorous studies within a Christian community in the Lutheran tradition makes Concordia University Irvine distinctive. Graduates are prepared for the world because they have experienced Concordia’s mission— that each student would develop as a wise, honorable and cultivated citizen. BA degrees are available in business, education, liberal studies, athletic training and more.

MA degrees include business, education, coaching, international studies and theology. Adult studies include degree completion, education and nursing.

Fuller Theological Seminary 135 N. Oakland Ave. Pasadena, CA 91182 1-800-238-5537 admissions@fuller.edu www.fuller.edu Fuller Seminary is one of the largest and most diverse multidenominational seminaries in the world, with more than 4,700 students from 60 countries and 100 denominations. Providing professional and graduate-level education in its schools of theology, psychology, and intercultural studies, Fuller is located in Pasadena, California, with regional campuses in Northern California, Coastal California, Washington, Colorado, Arizona, and Texas.

Patrick Henry College 10 Patrick Henry Circle Purcellville, VA 20132 1-888-338-1776 admissions@phc.edu www.phc.edu Patrick Henry College seeks to recreate the American collegiate ideal: education for truth, truth for leadership, all for Christ. We equip young leaders in a Christian classical tradition with our comprehensive core curriculum, centering all truth on the person and work of Jesus Christ. Hands-on apprenticeships cement classroom instruction in the areas of Government, Journalism, Literature, History, or Classical Liberal Arts.

2100 Greenfield Drive El Cajon, CA 92019 1-800-676-2242 www.sdcc.edu Located in beautiful San Diego, could there be a better place to attend college?

San Diego Christian College was founded in 1970 by Tim LaHaye, co-author of the Left Behind series. SDCC offers 15 majors to a student body of 450, with a curriculum in the liberal arts that is reinforced with a Christ-centered atmosphere.

Southern California Seminary 2075 E. Madison Ave El Cajon, CA 92019 1-888-389-7244 info@socalsem.edu www.socalsem.edu Located in San Diego, SCS is an accredited Seminary offering traditional and online programs in Bible,Theology, Counseling, and Psychology. SCS offers eight degrees in our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs: AA and BA in Biblical Studies; M.A. in Christian Ministry, M.A. in Biblical Studies, Master of Divinity (M.Div), Master of Theology (Th.M.), M.A. in Counseling Psychology; and Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D).

Trinity Law School 2200 N. Grand Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92705 1-800-922-4748 www.tls.edu Trinity Law School prepares students by offering a legal education from a biblical perspective. It is one of the few evangelical law schools with a focus on the integration of law and theology. Accredited by the State Bar of California, it is a community of professors, lawyers, and students committed to pursuing justice.

Programs include the Juris Doctor.

Vision University (a seminary) 1550 E. Elizabeth St. Pasadena, CA 91104 (626) 791-1200 visionuniversityusa@gmail.com Vision University has sought to fill an existing void in the field of theological education by addressing the needs of students who require a less traditional approach to securing quality instruction at the graduate levels, as well as the flexibility afforded by both night courses and short-term seminar classes, day classes and correspondence. Accredited with Transworld Accrediting Commission International.

16 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • November 2011 OC

Have your event listed FREE! Send us your Christian activity/event for next month, and we’ll list it in THE CALENDAR at no charge. The deadline is the 18th of the prior month.

Send to the Christian Examiner, P.O. Box 2606, El Cajon, CA 92021. Or fax to 1-888-305-4947. Or e-mail to calendar@christianexaminer.com. We regret we cannot list Sunday morning services.

www.christianexaminer.com

DEC 1 • THURSDAY “Christmas Fantasia 2011: An Evening of Celebration & Joy.” Segerstrom Center for the Arts/Renee & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa • vanguard.edu

DEC 2 • FRIDAY NOV 4 • FRIDAY

NOV 11 • FRIDAY (cont.)

“Soul Surfer,” movie night. 7pm, Son Light Christian Center, 172 N Glassell, free • (714) 997-8501

11am-9pm, Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena • rosebowlgathering.info

“The Nativity Story,” movie night. 7pm, Son Light Christian Center, 172 N Glassell, free • (714) 997-8501

Social Security Workshop. 7pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 154 S Shaffer St., Orange • (714) 262-4858

Second Annual Friday Frenzy Organ Recital Series. 12:30-1pm, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 600 St. Andrew’s Rd., Newport Beach • (949) 300-1205

“Christmas Fantasia 2011: An Evening of Celebration & Joy.” St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach • vanguard.edu

NOV 5 • SATURDAY

NOV 11-13 • FRI-SUN

DEC 2-4 • FRI-SUN

Social Security Workshop. 9am, Grace Lutheran Church, 6931 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach • (714) 840-7510

International ProLife Youth Conference, with Bernadette Smyth, Lila Rose & more.

St. Matthias High School, 7851 Gardendale St., Downey. Hosted by Student for Life of America, Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust & Ireland’s Youth Defense • internationalprolifeyouth.com

“The Christmas Movie,” a different kind of Christmas Production. Fri 7pm; Sat 2pm; Sun 6pm, Calvary Church, 1010 N Tustin Ave., Santa Ana • calvarylife. org/christmas

NOV 12 • SATURDAY

Christmas Rotational Dinner Dance.

(Details to follow) • (714) 622-4002, christiansinglesfunevents.com

Disaster Preparedness Day. 9am-1pm, Tru Hope International, 12832 Knott St., Garden grove, free • (714) 897-8972 Harvest Festival. 4-7pm, Mount of Olives Church, 24772 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, free • (949) 837-7467 Quartet Night Orange County with Glory Gates Quartet and Firm Foundation Quartet. 6:30pm, Taft Avenue Community Church, 1350 E Taft Ave., Orange, free • ggqf.org ApologetiX Concert. 7pm, First United Methodist Church of Huntington Beach, 2721 Delaware Ave., Huntington Beach, $10-15 • (714) 962-2593 Apologetics Club, movie and lecture series. 7:30pm, The Logos Building, 3000 W MacArthur Blvd., Costa Mesa, free • (714) 425-9474

NOV 6 • SUNDAY Inspirational & Dynamic Messages to help you personally, thru Nov. 3pm, Spires Restaurant, 13030 Goldenwest/ Knott Ave., Westminster, free • (714) 943-7942

NOV 8 • TUESDAY Women’s Aglow. 9:30am, Hometown Buffet, 1630 West Katella Ave., Anaheim, $9.50 • (714) 795-9965, (714) 727-6980

NOV 10 • THURSDAY Veterans Day Tribute. 8:15am, Covenant Christian School, 1855 Orange-Olive Rd., Orange • (714) 998-6650, covp.org Women’s Connection Luncheon. Holiday Inn Buena Park, 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park • (714) 761-4012

NOV 11 • FRIDAY 11:11:11 – A Line in the Sand global gathering.

First Aid/CPR/AED Class. 8am-4pm, Tru Hope International, 12832 Knott St., Garden Grove, $45 • (714) 897-8972 Annual Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair.

9am-3pm, Anaheim “First Love” Church of the Nazarene, 1340 N Candlewood, Anaheim • (714) 635-1331 Christian Singles: Veteran’s Dance Party. 7pm, Crossroads, 2331 Kellogg Ave., Corona, $15-20• (714) 622-4002, christiansinglesfunevents.com

NOV 19 • SATURDAY Holiday Boutique. Christ Lutheran Church, 2216 E South S, Anaheim • (714) 315-0642

DEC 8 • THURSDAY Women’s Connection Luncheon. Holiday Inn Buena Park, 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park • (714) 761-4012

DEC 9-10 • FRI-SAT Living Nativity. Hephatha Lutheran Church, 5900 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim • (714) 637-0887 17th Annual Drive-Thru Nativity. 6-10pm, Mount of Olives, 24772 Chrisanta Dr., Mission Viejo, free • (949) 837-7467

DEC 13 • TUESDAY

American Family Living 32nd Annual Holiday Fashion & Luncheon. 11am, Victorian Estate & Gardens, 1774 N Glassell, Orange • (714) 637-7900

Women’s Aglow. 9:30am, Hometown Buffet, 1630 West Katella Ave., Anaheim, $9.50 • (714) 795-9965, (714) 727-6980

Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship Int’l, inspiring testimonies. 2pm, Coco’s Restaurant, 12582 Valley View St., Garden Grove, no cover charge • (714) 943-7942

DEC 16-17 • FRI-SAT

Big Gospel Musical, with Christ Connection, High Desert Gospel Aires & more. 5pm, Greater New Foundation Fellowship Church, 841 S Main St., Pomona • (951) 675-0655 Apologetics Club, movie and lecture series. 7:30pm, The Logos Building, 3000 W MacArthur Blvd., Costa Mesa, free • (714) 425-9474 Upper Room cof fee house, with Dr. David & Jan Stoop. 7:30pm, Venue TBA • 1-888-679-8228, theupperroompresents. com

Come to the San Bernardino Mountains

Sa Ha Le Lodge Plan now for your winter and spring camps and retreats s %NJOY OUR MODERN FACILITIES s 9OU PROVIDE YOUR COOK FOOD AND PROGRAM CATERING IS AVAILABLE P.O. Box 13 Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

DEC 3 • SATURDAY

(909) 866-4155 www.sahale.org

“The Music of Christmas,” with the California Baptist University Choir & orchestra. Fri 6pm & 8pm; Sat 4pm, Calimesa SDA Church, 4th & Myrtlewood, Calimesa, $10-12 • (909) 795-4960

DEC 27-30 • TUE-FRI San Diego Christian Film Festival. The La Jolla Marriott • sdcff2011.com

DEC 31 • SATURDAY Upper Room cof fee house, New Year’s Eve Celebration, with The Darrell Mansfield Band, Brian Gentry & Robert G. Lee. 7:30pm, Venue TBA • theupperroompresents.com, 1-888-679-8228 Christian Singles: Giant New Year’s Eve Dance Party. Cal State Fullerton, Titan Student Building. Partnered with KKLA 99.5 • (714) 622-4002, christiansinglesfunevents.com

JAN 21 • SATURDAY Mark Lowry’s “Unplugged and Unplanned” tour, music and comedy, 6pm, Calvary Church, 1010 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana. $12-$25 • 1-800-9659324, iTickets.com

FEB 18-25 Sandi Patty & Friends Cruise, with Natalie Grant, Mark Shultz, Wayne Watson & more. Eastern Caribbean • 1-800-2884778, cruisewithsandipatty.com

FEB 25 • SATURDAY Educator Job Fair.

Stoneybrooke Christian Schools, San Juan Capistrano. Hosted by Network of International Christian Schools • nics.org

MAY 25-27 • FRI-SUN Spirit West Coast, San Diego. Del Mar Fairgrounds • spiritwestcoast.org

JUN 21-23 • THU-SAT Spirit West Coast, Monterey • spiritwestcoast.org

Church to host holiday boutique ANAHEIM — First Love Church of the Nazarene will hold its annual Holiday Boutique and Craft Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12.

The event will feature 50-plus vendors where shoppers can also get their cars washed while enjoying delicious food and bake sale desserts.

Supervised activities will be available for children.

Door prize drawings will be held every 15 minutes and a special gift will be offered for the first 50 shoppers.

The church is located at 1340 N. Candlewood.

For more information, call (714) 635-1331.

Live Nativity chronicles Bible scenes MISSION VIEJO — Mount of Olives Church will host its 17th annual drive-thru Nativity from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10.

The family-friendly event reenacts the story of Christ’s birth with 10 live scenes. The free event is designed so visitors can simply drive-thru the campus at Mount of Olives Church to view the inspiring scenes. Actors and animals are used to bring the story to life.

A food drive will also be hosted at the event to help to help stock local food pantries. Visitors are asked to bring non-perishable food items to donate at the end of the drivethru.

The church is located 24772 Chrisanta Drive.

For more information, visit www.christmasatmoo.org or call (949) 837-7467.

First aid training at Tru Hope GARDEN GROVE — Tru Hope International will host a daylong seminar for residents seeking their two-year certification for First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Heart Association.

The seminar will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12.

The cost of the course is $45 which includes hands-on training, materials, lunch, and a certification card.

The church is located at 12832 Knott Street For more information, call (714) 897-8972.

Artisians, crafters at Anaheim boutique ANAHEIM — Christ Lutheran Church of Anaheim will host its free Holiday Boutique on Nov. 19.

More than 25 artisans and crafters are expected to display one-ofa-kind gifts and handcrafted items for holiday giving. Also available will be delectable goodies from

Mrs. Klaus’ Bake Shoppe, holiday music, opportunity drawings and other activities.

Proceeds will benefit the congregation’s children’s ministry The church is located at 2216 E. South St. For more info, call (714) 3150642.

“The Christmas Movie’ at Calvary Santa Ana SANTA ANA — Calvary Church Santa Ana is taking a different approach to its annual Christmas production, combining several different classics into a single production called “The Christmas Movie.”

Performances are planned for 7 p.m. Dec. 2, 2 p.m. Dec. 3 and 6 p.m. Dec. 4.

Described as a family-friendly story, the free production includes song, dance, art and media while portraying the message of how Christ is inescapable and that God’s “screenplay” will not be outdone.

It includes scenes from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “A Christmas Carol” and others.

Patrons are asked to bring new or gently used children’s books as an outreach to the Santa Ana Unified School District.

The church is located at 1010 N. Tustin Ave. For more information, visit www.calvarylife.org/christmas.

SoCal to host youth pro-life conference DOWNEY — Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, Ireland’s Youth Defence and Students for Life will host America’s first-ever International Pro-life Youth Conference Nov. 11 to 13 at St. Matthias Auditorium.

The conference is described as an opportunity to participate in large-scale pro-life action alongside international leaders, and to meet other pro-life youth from all over the world.

Speakers for the event include Father Frank Pavone for Priests of Life, Bernie Smyth of Ireland’s Precious Life, Lila Rose of Live Action, Eoghan De Faoite of Ireland’s Youth Defence, Jill Stanek of jillstanek.com, Bryan Kemper of Stand True Ministries, Troy Newman of Operation Rescue, Walter Hoye of Issues4Life, Austin Ruse of C-Fam and Warwick Pascoe of New Zealand’s DC Communications.

Other guests include Eric Scheidler of Pro-Life ActionLeague, Astrid Bennett of Hispanics for Life, Andy Moore of ProLife Planet, Ide Nic Mahthuna of Youth Defence and Kristina Garza of Survivors.

The auditorium is located at 7851 Gardendale St. For more information, visit www. internationalprolifeyouth.com.

MORE EVENTS online now at • Future events for Orange County not listed in this issue.

• Events for the Inland Empire, LA County and San Diego County.

• Weekly and monthly ongoing meetings: Bible Studies, Evangelism, Fellowships (Men, Women, Seniors, Singles, Youth, MOPS), Motorcycle Ministries, Music/Entertainment, Prayer Groups, Recovery and Support groups (Alcohol, Divorce, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Food, Sexual, Grandparenting, Grief, Celebrate Recovery, The Most Excellent Way, and many more), Seminars/Classes, Health/Fitness.

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AFL to host fashion luncheon ORANGE —American Family Livings’ 32nd annual Holiday Fashion and Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 19th at the Victorian Estate and Gardens.

The guest speaker for the event will be Marty Olsen.

The estate is located at 1774 N. Glassell.

For registration call (714) 6377900.

Stoneybrooke schools fund Cargo of Dreams SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Stoneybrooke Christian School held a ceremony Oct. 26 to officially dedicate two Cargo of Dreams containers that will be used to help the needy in Nepal.

Over the course of a year, Stoneybrooke students, parents, staff and community members outfitted two 40-foot-long shipping containers that will be used as a preschool, church and community center in the South Asian country.

The containers were built at both the San Juan and Ladera Ranch campuses of Stoneybrooke Christian Schools. “We are so excited to know that Stoneybrooke had a hand in helping people in a far away land that we’ve never seen or know,� said Dennis Bock, Stoneybrooke’s assistant superintendent. “We trust that God will bless this village through this project for years to come.�

Students and parents donated items such as first-aid supplies, school supplies and furniture. Parents, staff and area residents built walls, installed electrical wiring, donated light fixtures

OC

Costa Mesa. While there, Holland was the director of the School of Worship and re-launched Calvary Chapel Music.

He also founded the Worship Life Worship Leader Conferences that focused A brightly colored shipping container will head to on ministering to Nepal where it will serve as a preschool, church and the needs of worcommunity center, thanks to students and staff at Stoneybrooke schools. ship leaders, vocalists, instrumentalists, and installed floor tile. sound engineers and songwriters.

Students raised money to build I wanted to do a teaching prothe roof through a coin drive and gram that would take a unique collected more than $5,000 in just approach to radio,� Holland said. two weeks. In all, the school raised “I realized that most people who $30,000 for the efforts. All the con- listen to the radio in their car while struction materials were donated they’re driving from one place to to the school. The teachers, parents another. That means the average and staff have collected sleeping person may only hear 10 minutes mats, building blocks, books and of a program.� classrooms supplies.

So they designed the program to The container program is a part include three 10-minute segments, of partnership with the Irvine- each designed to stand alone. based nonprofit group Cargo of The San Clemente church held Dreams. For more information, its first Sunday morning service visit www.cargoofdreams.org. on Valentine’s Day 2010 with more than 235 people in attendance.

Worship Life CC starts new radio program SAN CLEMENTE (ANS) — Worship Life Calvary Chapel has launched a brand new radio program on KWVE 107.9 FM called Worship Life Radio.

With its unique approach to programming, Worship Life Radio broadcasts Saturday evenings at 10:30 p.m. with hosts Frank Montenegro and Pastor Holland Davis.

Holland previously served as the Worship Leader for Pastor Chuck Smith at Calvary Chapel

Worship Life Calvary Chapel Pastor Holland Davis co-hosts a new radio program on KWVE 107.9 FM called Worship Life Radio.

November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 17

Dates for 2012 Spirit West Coast festivals announced Christian Examiner staff report DEL MAR — After a yearlong hiatus because of the economy, Spirit West Coast Del Mar returns Memorial Day weekend, May 25 to 27 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

As part of its pre-event planning, organizers are hosting an online survey seeking input on whom the fans would like to see appear at the San Diego event and its sister festival in Monterey June 21 to 23.

Jon Robberson, the festival’s promoter, said his team was encouraged by a substantial increase in attendance at this year’s Monterey event. After weak attendance in 2010 in Del Mar, and Monterey, which was hit hard by the timing of its July 4 weekend run, officials decided to produce just one show, sticking with the Monterey event at Laguna Seca, the 15th annual festival. The 2011 attendance numbers mirrored those in 2009. “When the noise and excitement of the music and fun fanfare subsides, it’s important to remember that Spirit West Coast is a spiritual event,� Robberson said in a news release. “The volunteer group of event organizers truly enjoys providing a setting for thousands of all ages to have an unforgettable experience, but it’s the opportunity for lives to be impacted spiritually, that is the true motivator behind it all.�

In addition to full line-up of music, the festival reported that more than 250 people made first-time salvation commitments and nearly 500 others rededicated their lives.

Event beneficiary Compassion

International received commitments for 365 child sponsorships, bringing the festival’s overall sponsorship to nearly 11,000.

Some firsts were also presented on the music front as the Newsboys presented a light show and used several boom lifts to project the band out over the audience, while Skillet wowed the crowd with the first-ever pyrotechnics display in SWC history. “After each year, I sound like a broken record, touting all the positive things that happen, but that’s the way God works,� Robberson, of Celebration Concerts, said. “Anytime thousands of people come together in a place where the Lord is invited to be there, He shows up and does amazing things.�

To participate in the survey, visit www.itickets.com/contest/ spiritwestcoast. For more information on Spirit West Coast, visit www.spiritwestcoast.org.

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The changing face of evangelicalism Why do some—particularly younger ones—leave the movement?

By Scott Noble Part two in the three-part series Statistics are oftentimes helpful criteria when attempting to define a movement. Yet when those statistics vary widely, their usefulness is severely limited.

When it comes to the number of evangelicals in the United States, the latter example appears to be the case. Various polls and studies puts the number of American evangelicals at somewhere between 20 percent and 40 percent of the population, a range that is so broad it does little good. The only thing that can be sufficiently determined from this broad range is that tens of millions of Americans identify themselves as evangelicals. Pinpointing that exact number is nearly impossible, however.

Nevertheless, that number can change—drastically in some cases—depending on what boundaries or stipulations are used to define an evangelical.

Evangelicalism is a broad movement that encompasses a shifting number of people. As with almost all movements, there is no central committee that determines membership criteria or measures potential adherents’ commitment.

In the U.S., inclusion within evangelicalism has come to be identified—in broad terms—by having a personal relationship with Jesus preceded by a bornagain experience, believing the Bible to be the inspired or inerrant word of God, believing in Jesus’ life, death and literal resurrection, and oftentimes several other criteria, depending on who is determining the boundaries.

Yet some argue that these boundaries—shifting as they are—have become much more stringent over the years, encompassing an ever greater array of attitudes, beliefs and commitments. The result has been that more people who once considered themselves evangelicals are leaving the movement or are becoming increasingly frustrated with the work it takes to maintain

good standing within its confines.

‘You can have it’ Steve Knight had a fairly typical evangelical upbringing. His parents came to Christ and were discipled through the Navigators ministry.

As a young family, they attended a Baptist General Conference (now Converge Worldwide) church and regularly had small group Bible studies in their home.

In Knight’s teen years, the family left their church because of disagreements with a new pastor.

This exposed Knight to what he called “the wrinkles of denominationalism,” how individual churches fragment over theological issues or other practices.

“I’ve since learned more church history,” Knight said. “This is sort of the history of Protestantism … that we have this history of splitting and breaking off into different factions over all kinds of different things.”

His college and early professional career were marked by typical evangelical experiences. During the mid- to late-1990s, Knight was introduced to some of the thought leaders of the emerging missional movement. When he and his wife moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2003, they became involved in Warehouse 242, a church Knight described as “the closest thing to an emerging church in Charlotte.”

It was soon after that Knight’s evangelical adherence began to crumble.

While working for an evangelical mission agency, a coworker became concerned about Knight’s involvement with the emerging church movement and brought these concerns to the organization’s administration. This led to a several month-long theological accountability process, which ultimately revealed significant differences in views of Scriptures between Knight and the organization—particularly over the issue of homosexuality.

Knight believed the organization was drawing the circle smaller as to what it means to be an evangelical.

“I didn’t feel like it was worth the

energy to try and save it … for me personally,” he said. “I just felt like, you know what, you can have [evangelicalism]. I don’t have the energy anymore to try and defend it and keep it as an identifier for myself.”

Even though his association as an evangelical is in the past, Knight still feels a strong connection to the movement.

“It’s my tribe; it’s where I came from,” he said. “Because it’s where I came from, it’s really how I was formed spiritually. The way I think theologically, the language that I still use is very evangelical.”

‘It’s increasingly meaningless to say evangelical’ For Minnesota native Mark VanSteenwyk, his evangelical experience began at a Bible camp when he was 14.

“One of the kids at church invited me to Bible camp, and so I went to camp,” he said. “At the end of the week, they had like a campfire testimony time, and I ended up having a fairly emotional conversion experience.”

His conversion experience was followed by attendance at an Evangelical Free church and enrollment at an evangelical college and finally seminary.

When he was in his early 20s, VanSteenwyk said one of two things began to shake his confidence in the evangelical label.

“I started really reading, for my own fun, church history and saw how really … it’s really hard to feel super confident [as an American evangelical] with a deep awareness of church history,” he said. “Because all of the stuff we really hold to are kind of … the way we hold them … or the way evangelicals hold things are kind of modern. It’s not exactly the way things have always been understood.”

This resulted in a “slight crisis of faith” for VanSteenwyk. “I felt like I needed to re-set the way I engaged Jesus or either that or I had to walk away—and I didn’t really feel walking away was a real option,” he said.

As a result, VanSteenwyk began to explore ways to live in the manner he believed Jesus taught.

This led him to Anabaptism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism, which he believes have a better understanding of the relationship between belief and practice.

Those movements “in my mind emphasize living more like Christ, at least as an ideal as a way to knowing Christ, rather than the Protestant tendency which is to put experience or practices as secondary to belief,” he said.

In the end, VanSteenwyk’s walk away from evangelicalism wasn’t so much out of disagreement or frustration as it was finding what he believed was a better representation of how the Christian faith should be lived out.

He now describes himself as a Christian anarchist.

“Once we realize that there is no distinction between religion and politics and ethics,” he said, “once we have a holistic way of understanding the spheres of our lives and you realize Christ makes not only spiritual claims on us but political claims—that He is our political messiah and king just as much as He is anything else— then there is not much room for other allegiances. If I’m going to give my allegiance to Christ— whatever that means—that means I can’t recognize any other sorts of authority over me that aren’t Christ authority.”

Crisis in evangelicalism?

Several books and articles over the last decade have heralded the coming crisis in evangelicalism.

Some argue the crisis will be the result of evangelicals’ becoming too immersed in politics, while others believe evangelicals are unable to effectively interact with the culture.

Still others are concerned about moral issues and the aging of many in the movement.

Both Knight and VanSteenwyk believe evangelicalism is at a crisis point.

“I think there are some definitely clear fault lines,” Knight said. “Who really steps up and is identified as leaders of the movement [is who gets to define those things]. There is going to be a shake out. I can see it contracting and more folks like

me who are close to it or have been close to it and grew up in it are feeling more and more left out and pushed out.”

VanSteenwyk believes there are three current poles within evangelicalism: the “re-entrenching” evangelical, the mega-church consumer and those who are exploring alternatives to evangelicalism.

“You have younger evangelicals who are trying to find something more prophetic and potent and meaningful,” VanSteenwyk said. “But they almost always have to go outside evangelicalism for influences to bolster their faith.”

Both Knight and VanSteenwyk said that evangelicals’ involvement in politics—a hot-button issue for many critics of the movement—played little or no role in their decisions to walk away from evangelicalism.

Twenty-something angst Many times the Church operates on the assumption of pouring resources into youth groups and youth ministries because of the commonly held perception that if someone doesn’t come to faith by the time he or she is 18, then that person’s chances of coming to faith are severely limited.

Knight’s and VanSteenwyk’s experiences would echo that sentiment but also add ministry to twenty-somethings into this mix, as that was the decade where they both began to explore alternatives to evangelicalism—based upon their own particular frustrations.

While evangelicalism in the U.S. isn’t in any immediate danger of collapse, some argue that its fissures should be addressed before they become gaping holes.

Part one in “The Changing Face of Evangelicalism” series, “How politics and cultural engagement have shaped the Evangelical movement,” has been archived at www.minnesota. christianexaminer.com under August 2011.

Next month the third and final part of this series will explore “What will the future be for evangelicalism?”

How to personally know God Realize that you are a sinner.

No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God’s desire for us to be holy.

The Bible says, “There is no one righteous—not even one” (Romans 3:10 NIV). This is because we cannot become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.

Recognize that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead.

The Bible tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NIV). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.

Repent of your sin.

The Bible tells us to “repent and turn to God” (Acts 3:19 NIV). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him. Receive Christ into your life.

Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church. It is having Christ Himself

take residence in your life and heart.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9 NIV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, simply pray this prayer with complete sincerity.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess you as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

To put your faith in action, be sure to spend time with God by reading your Bible, praying, getting involved in a Bible-preaching church, and telling others about Christ.

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BUSINESS FOR SALE Transmission Repair Shop for sale. Christian owner, retired. 20 years in Orange County. (714) 675-8271.

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ROOMS FOR RENT Room for rent, furnished, $550/month plus utilities. Kitchen privileges. Single female only. Mission Viejo. Call (949) 582-5664.

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November 2011 • CHRISTIAN EXAMINER • 19

12408 Mt. Vernon Ave. GRAND TERRACE lot 3.64 acres building 24,000sf, two sanctuaries 650 seats and 350 seats $3,750,000

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