“Whether you are disagreeing with Christians or non-Christians, arguing about matters of faith is extremely difficult.”
Read “Gospel Humility” by Steve Pardue on page 20
PAGE 02
September Highlights
PAGE 05
From the Editor
WIL TRIGGS
PAGE 06
ArtSpace
PAGE 07
Artist Spotlight— Adriaan van Wijk
PAGE 08
What Oppenheimer Never Learned
WALLACE ALCORN
PAGE 09
Opportunities for Prayer
PAGE 10
On Campus: A Dialogue with Evangelist
Mike Hernberg
PAGE 09
Our Vision
PAGE 14
Eternity in My Eye
VIRGINIA HUGHES
PAGE 16
New Members
PAGE 17
Giving Joy: Letting Go
PAGE 18
Why Don’t You Look Where You’re Going?
JON SMALLEY
PAGE 20
Taxed and Overwhelmed
KATY MILLER
PAGE 22
Gospel Humility
STEVE PARDUE
PAGE 25
A Beautiful Way to Spend a Monday Morning MICHELLE KELLEY
PAGE 26
Sanctity of Human Life
PAGE 28 At the Bookstall
PAGE 29
Milestones
PAGE 30
Under the Radar
PAGE 31
Looking Ahead
PAGE 32
Campus Maps
Our Pastors, Directors and Residents: Josue Alvarado, pastoral resident | Matt Anthony, pastoral resident | Cheryce Berg, director of children’s ministries | Roger Burgess, pastor of visitation | Felipe Chamy, pastoral resident | Julie Clemens, director of disability ministries | Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music | Baxter Helm, high school pastor | Dan Hiben, middle school pastor | Tim Hollinger, technology director | Jim Johanik, pastor of evangelism | Ann Karow, human resources director | Howard Kern, facilities director | Bruce Main, pastor of visitation | Josh Maurer, pastor of discipleship | Curt Miller, missions pastor | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Richard Moomjian, pastoral resident | Ben Panner, college pastor | Mindy Rynbrandt, director of women’s ministries | John Seward, executive pastor | Nancy Singer, director of administration and finance | Wil Triggs, director of communications
Our Council of Elders: David Bea | Mark Berg | Mark Bradley | Howard Costley, chair | Steve Ivester | Glenn Kosirog | Josh Moody, senior pastor | Jeff Oslund | Roger Sandberg | David Setran | Jeremy Taylor, secretary | Chad Thorson | Brian Wildman, vice-chair
332 E. Seminary, Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 668-0878 | www.college-church.org
Connections is a monthly newsletter published for and about the people of College Church. Send news items and suggestions to: connections@college-church.org. Keep Connections in mind to promote a community event to the College Church family. Send event information by the following dates: For the October issue: September 9 | For the November issue: October 9 | For the December issue: November 9
WALLACE ALCORN
Wallace Alcorn has always been a teacher, and he doesn’t seem able to stop. He taught scouting recruits as senior patrol leader in his church’s troop and Sunday school while a high school student. In the army, he was an instructor at The Adjutant General’s School, US Army Chaplain School, and Command & General Staff College. He has taught from kindergarten through doctoral students.
MIKE HERNBERG
has been involved with College Church since 2013 and involved in many different ministries over the years—STARS, small group, South Campus, and teaching various Adult Communities and financial stewardship programs. He married Kathy in 2017 and is a life-long Red Sox fan.
VIRGINIA HUGHES
has served in many ways over the years, mainly those related to children and the deaconess board ministries. At home, she is usually working in the garden or writing. She and her husband, Roger, have three grown daughters and often drive up to Ann Arbor (MI) to visit their grandson.
MICHELLE KELLEY
has been on staff at College Church for four years. She started with College Group discipleship, migrated to missions and is currently joyfully serving in women’s ministries. Michelle’s summer bucket list is wrapping up with a long weekend with friends on a lake in Tennessee.
KATY MILLER
is involved in Women’s Bible Study and is a sub in Kids’ Harbor. She lives in Wheaton with her husband, Eric, and four children—Annika, Elin, Ingrid and Jack. Reading for her book club, speed waking with friends, watching college football and traveling with her family are some of Katy’s favorite things to do. Katy works in Naperville as a high school counselor.
STEVE PARDUE
serves as a College Church missionary in the Philippines, where he works as a professor and administrator for two international seminaries. Steve is married to Teri, and they keep busy raising four kids. He loves snorkeling and scuba diving when he has the opportunity to get out of Manila and to the beautiful Philippine coast.
JON SMALLEY
has just completed a three-year term on the Board of Deacons, serving as secretary. He shares emcee duties in Veritas, ushers at the 8 a.m. service, and helps his wife, Kristie, look after a corner of the church’s landscape.
ADRIAAN VAN WIJK
grew up in Namibia and South Africa. He and his wife, Lanie, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this year. They have two teenagers in the house—Ian and Hanalise. In addition to his involvement with ArtSpace, Adriaan is part of the gardening community at College Church.
COVER IMAGE: by featured artist Adriaan van Wijk
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome.
Join us at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. Livestream broadcast is at 9:30 a.m. You can watch it at college-church.org/livestream
MORNING SERMON SERIES: IF YOU WANT TO GET GOD YOU’VE GOT TO GET OVER YOURSELF
From the Book of Judges, Senior Pastor Josh Moody preaching
SEPTEMBER 3: Don’t Go Back, Judges 8:1-35
SEPTEMBER 10: No Will To Power, Judges 9:1–57
SEPTEMBER 17: Sin Not, Judges 10:1–18
SEPTEMBER 24: Submit to God, Judges 11:1–28
SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES
Everyone welcome.
5 p.m. in Crossings
ALL NATIONS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104F
• TEACHER: Jim Tebbe
• STUDY: God’s Mission as seen in Scripture: The Life of Abraham
• DESCRIPTION: Besides studying Scripture, we will have testimonies as well as information about and prayer for the church in countries around the world as a regular feature of the class
FORUM 15 Sundays 8 a.m. in CL01
• TEACHERS: Dick Albright & Bruce Main
• STUDY: In the Beginning: God Speaks
• DESCRIPTION: prayer time, singing and study with class interaction.
GREEK CLASS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room
• TEACHER: Jon Laansma
• STUDY: 1 John
• DESCRIPTION: Reading and discussion of the Greek New Testament. Knowledge of Greek is not required for this class.
EVENING SERMON SERIES:
STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS
Evening sermons from 2 Corinthians
SEPTEMBER 3: holiday weekend, not meeting
SEPTEMBER 10: 2 Corinthians 1:12-14, Pastoral Resident Felipe Chamy preaching. ArtSpace Gallery opening after the service.
SEPTEMBER 17: 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:4, Pastor Ben Panner preaching
SEPTEMBER 24: Richard Moomjian ordination service, Pastor Josh Moody preaching
LIFE TOGETHER COMMUNITY Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Commons Gym
• TEACHER: Teaching Team
• DESCRIPTION: Short teaching with small group discussion Authentic, biblical community for adults ages 25–40
LIVING WORD Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104A & C104C
• TEACHERS: Felipe Chamy, Grant Flynn and Josh Maurer
• STUDY: The Letter of James
• DESCRIPTION: Fellowship and exposition of James, with application to life today
LOGOS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104E
• TEACHER: TBD
• STUDY: TBD
• DESCRIPTION: TBD
THRIVE Sundays 9:30 a.m. in Crossings-Clapham Main Area
• TEACHERS: Joe Becker, Dan Haase, Dan Lindquist, Mark Odell, Dave Setran, John Yoder
• STUDY: Gospel of John
• DESCRIPTION: Fellowship, teaching and prayer with an emphasis on applying God’s truth to our lives
VERITAS Sundays 9:30 a.m. in C104B & D
• TEACHER: Neil Wright
• STUDY: The Nature of God: God Is Better than You Think
• DESCRIPTION: Teaching and discussion about the nature and attributes of God. All Ages Welcome.
WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
MOM2MOM
Park Playdates at 9:30-11:30 a.m.
SEPTEMBER 11: Kelly Park
SEPTEMBER 18: Mom’s Night Out
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
We’re excited to be diving into the Book of Acts for the year. We hope you’ll join us! To register, visit our website.
MORNING: 9:30-11 a.m.
EVENING: 6:45-8:15 p.m.
MEN’S MINISTRIES
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Bible Study, starting Wednesday, September 13, in Commons 6:45-8:15 p.m.
We are studying the Book of Acts for the entire year and are encouraging men to register this year. Register here: https://tinyurl.com/4vc8smjv
MINISTRIES (KIDS’ HARBOR)
SUNDAY MORNING
NURSERY (0–2) at 9:30 and 11 a.m.
BIBLE SCHOOL (preschool–fifth grade) at 9:30 a.m.
WONDERS OF WORSHIP “WOW” (K–third grade) during second half of 11 a.m. service
CHILDREN’S CHURCH (older preschool) during second half of 11 a.m. service—opening Sept. 10
CHILDREN’S CHURCH (younger preschool) at 11 a.m.— opening Sept. 10
ALL KIDS’ HARBOR SUNDAY P.M. PROGRAMS (choirs, God’s Children Sing, preschool and nursery) begin September 10.
KIDS’ HARBOR FALL WEDNESDAY MINISTRIES begin september 13.
KIDS KORNER 9:30-11 a.m.
EVENING PROGRAMS 6:45-8:15 p.m.
SUNDAYS: Commons Lower Level at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAYS: in the Crossings, 6:45-8:15 p.m.
SUNDAYS: in the Crossings at 9:30-10:30 a.m.
WEDNESDAYS: 7-8:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 6: Crossings
SEPTEMBER 13: Homes/Small Group Kickoff
SEPTEMBER 20: Crossings
SEPTEMBER 27: Homes/Small Group Kickoff
SUNDAYS: Sunday Gathering in Crossings at 10:45
TUESDAYS: The Table (dinner and Bible study) in Crossings at 6:30 p.m.
SUNDAYS
All classes on Commons Tunnel Level.
INCLUSION (NURSERY-HIGH SCHOOL): rooms vary
CHILD/TEEN COMMUNITY: in C001
ADULT COMMUNITY: in C002
MULTI-GENERATIONAL COMMUNITY: in C005
Steps of Faith such as believers baptism or confirmation, and infant baptism or dedication are important signposts in our lives. If you are interested in pursuing one of these for yourself or a family member, contact Christy at baptism@college-church.org
Details on page 6.
continued on next page
Are you new to College Church? If so, you’re invited to our Visitors Lunch on Sunday, September 10, at noon in the lobby outside the Sanctuary. Come and meet pastors and staff, learn about College Church and find out how you can get involved. Lunch is on us! Help us plan by emailing welcome@collegechurch.org , or using the QR code.
Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety and other problems with mood stability are real and need compassionate support. Living Grace and Family Grace are support groups that will meet about twice a month on Monday nights, starting October 16. Living Grace is meant for the person who is living with the pain of difficult mental and emotional issues; Family Grace is for the person who has a loved one who struggles with these issues. For more information email gracegroups@college-church.org , or register using the QR code.
Despite it being part of life, death is never easy. It hurts to lose someone, and it may be hard to feel optimistic about the future. GriefShare is a 13-week class which features video seminars with experts, focused group discussions and personal study and reflection that can help you face your challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.
GriefShare begins on Monday, September 11, 7-8:30 p.m. You are welcome to begin attending GriefShare any week. Each session is self-contained, so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. For more information, contact Christy at griefshare@ college-church.org , or register using the QR code.
Join the senior adults (55+) of College Church on Friday, September 15, as we enjoy a delicious dinner together, followed by an entertaining program. Marr Miller will share photos and stories of his recent trip to the Holy Land. The evening begins with a time of fellowship at 5:30, dinner at 6, and the program at 7 p.m. Reservations are required by Tuesday, September 12, by emailing keenagers@college-church.org .
are coming September 22 and 23. Enjoy a potluck meal and a sweet time of fellowship together. This isn’t a gourmet supper club, but an opportunity to meet new people or deepen existing relationships in our College Church family. All ages and backgrounds are welcome. We need both hosts and guests Choose a Friday evening supper (adults) or a family brunch on Saturday (all ages), and sign up by Friday, September 15.
Looking for ways to serve at College Church that can be flexible with your schedule? Be part of the Go Team! Within our church family, there are frequent requests for help—taking a meal to someone after a hospitalization, providing transportation to a medical appointment, helping move a piece of furniture, minor maintenance work or handyman help, or even help with a computer problem. Consider being part of the team so that we can show love and serve one another well! Sign up with the QR code.
To make the College Church experience as welcoming as possible for those who do not yet attend, we need men and women who want to be the very first people visitors interact with—those on the parking team!
We are looking for two people each for the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services to guide visitors to available spots in the Commons lot, or to assist them in finding alternative parking options. This is an important ministry, and you get to carry a radio! We’d like to have this team in place for the fall. Sign up using the QR code.
A friend of mine from high school popped up on my Facebook feed in August. There was a photo of himself with his wife and his parents and the Eiffel Tower. That was proceeded by photos of a road trip to New England to see where his mother grew up. His profile has a verse from Galatians as his tag. When we first met as sophomores in high school, he wasn’t a Christian. He gave himself to Jesus as a freshman at USC, followed by missionary service overseas and now stateside. I thought of his gospel journey as I saw images of him journeying to different parts of the world and many unexpected challenges over the years. It was a lot of years ago, but good to see that he is still following Christ.
Gospel journeys seem to be a theme in this month’s Connections.
Missionary Steve Pardue shares the place of humility when it comes to sharing faith—insights adapted from a chapter in his about-to-be published book Why Evangelical Theology Needs the Global Church . Thanks for sharing it with us, Steve. Awareness of the people around us, especially who don’t follow Christ, is a key part of following Christ and telling other people about him.
The “On Campus a dialogue with Mike Hernberg” and Virginia Hughes’ “Eternity in My Eye” bring different perspectives of witness to people who are different from us, internationals be it on campus or in your neighborhood. In Jon Smalley’s “Who don’t you look where you’re going?” COVID, music, Pilgrim’s Progress and Daniel all collide with real life. Katy Miller’s “Taxed and Overwhelmed” moves into new territory where the Bible and the people of God come to life. So often when we meet new people in the pew or in a ministry here at church, we don’t realize the impact we might have. Michelle Kelley’s “A Beautiful Way to Spend a Monday Morning” gives voice to women who find Mom2Mom such a special place.
Wallace Alcorn reflects on the life-changing truths of Jesus that people miss in “What Oppenheimer Never Learned.”
God seems pleased to use people to help bring unbelievers to faith in him. He doesn’t need us, and we certainly are not saving people ourselves. But what a blessing to be messengers along the way. As another school term begins, I pray that many will come to faith in Christ in the year to come. And it would be wonderful if God would use the people and ministries of College Church to help point people to Jesus Christ.
Happy journeying.
ROBERT DOARES: IMMANUEL GOD WITH US
The Life of Christ in Art
Opening Sunday, September 10, 2023, after the evening service (6 p.m.)
Hours: Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 12-2 p.m.
Fifty illustrations and four paintings depicting the life of Jesus on earth, from Nativity to Ascension. The pieces in this gallery are on loan from Crossway Books
A monthly coming together, where we discuss our personal projects and the many facets of creativity and God.
Tuesday, September 12 at 7PM in Crossings
Do you find your art helping you to find awe? If so, how and in what way? This article, though geared for writers, can be helpful for all aspects of creativity: https://tinyurl. com/mrxjtxpb
Please bring a drawing, photograph, poem or anything else that you would like to share using the word “Awe.”
Creativity word for the month: Awe
IMPROV/GAME WORKSHOP
September 16 | 10AM-NOON | In Crossings | Cost: $15
Minimum people: 8; Maximum: 20 You must register to attend.
The Improv/Game Workshop draws heavily from the book Improvisation for the Theatre by Viola Spolin and Neva L. Boyd. Everybody can use more fun and laughter in their lives, even us Christians. Maureen Kelly brings 30+ years of teaching improvisation to this workshop, relying upon the concept of “play.” Workshop participants work with each other in ensemble, keenly aware of their fellow players and working in the moment at hand. Participants will discover and enhance listening skills, unharness innate spontaneity and wit, and increase attention to their surrounding environment and other participants. There also can be quite a bit of laughter, which is never discouraged.
About Maureen Kelly, AEA, WGA, SAG-AFTRA
Maureen Kelly has worked with The Second City Improvisational Theatre in Chicago and performed/created eight reviews on the Mainstage and E.T.C. stages. She is a co-founder of the E.T.C. theatre. She has also worked as an actor and screenwriter in Hollywood, and has collaborated with producer Lawrence Mark, Diane Keaton, Robin Williams, Drew Carey, and many others. She loves teaching theatre games (improvisation) to people from all walks of life. Her improv classes are great for helping adults access their creative sides and have fun at the same time.
For more information or to sign up for a gallery or workshop, visit our webpage: college-church.org/artspace.
I grew up in Namibia and South Africa, as the son a missionary. For me, travel has always resulted in a collage of different emotions and experiences. God uses the visual art of pictures to move my soul. Photography helps me see and express the beauty of God and his creation. God in his grace allows us to see a glimpse of his almighty power, creativity and so much color.
A biking accident and my recovery from it has helped me to rethink God’s work in our lives, in creation and creativity in new ways. He humbles us in life, allows accidents to reform us to see him in new ways to bring glory to him.
The currently released film “Oppenheimer” is based on an earlier biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer who is enshrined in history as “the father of the atomic bomb.” Focused on, first, his industry to produce the bomb, and then, his postwar political controversy, the film omits another part of his efforts that interests me yet more. In point of fact, what David Nirenberg reports in The Wall Street Journal (“J. Robert Oppenheimer’s Defense of Humanity,” July 15) intrigues
me by its suggestion of a reality of which I have been thinking much.
“Oppenheimer, Einstein, [John] von Neumann and other Institute [for Advanced Study, Princeton] faculty channeled much of their effort toward what AI researchers today call the ‘alignment’ problem: how to make sure our discoveries serve us instead of destroying us.” The usual answer has been yet more sophisticated technology. Oppenheimer, especially but also
Einstein, countered that “if humanity wants to survive technology…it needs to pay attention not only to technology but also to ethics, religion, values, forms of political and social organization, and even feelings and emotions.” No alignment of technology with humanity can be achieved through technology alone, which understands only mathematical constants and variables. What is needed, Oppenheimer argued, are human values. These cannot come from STEM but by the insights of “sociologists, psychologists, political scientists, philosophers, historians, theologians.”
Technology works with the “isness” of things but is unable to determine the “oughtness” of the very objects with which it works. (It is here but ought it to be here? It is not here but ought it to be here?) Oughtness is derived from purpose, and purpose is prior to being. A current task of technology—a monstrous task—is to address the oughtness of AI. For this, it is unprepared and will remain so until it finds the answer outside itself. Technology, as well as science more broadly, needs a good deal more humility and look for meaning beyond or, more likely, prior to itself.
It must account for origins in order to trace both development and divergence as well as possibility and probability. We need to know not only where we are and where we are going, but also where we have been and how we got here. At least as critical as knowing purpose and design, we need to understand them.
May I intrude into this conversation and assert most particularly the Bible, the book of origins? The Bible is not a science manual, and it doesn’t intend to be. We’ll be careful not to claim it says something it doesn’t intend to say. Nonetheless, the Bible is the single source of what scientific investigation and philosophic inquiry have never found and never will because what the Bible reveals just is not the stuff science and philosophy can handle. It is, specifically, divine revelation. It is what the Creator of everything—including man himself—reveals about anything God intends to reveal. What he chose to reveal can be learned no other way—neither by empirical examination nor mental reasoning.
In order for technology to be made to align with human values, it must learn from revelation what is of value (use) for humans. God has his own purpose for humans, and he has designed humans to meet his purpose. Yet more obvious in the Bible is a narrative of how design became corrupted, purpose subverted, and the provision made to right all this—nothing short of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Call the church office or email info@college-church.org for details on these prayer meetings.
Sunday Morning Prayer 8:15-8:40 a.m. in C101
Monday Morning Prayer 6:15-7:15 a.m. in the Board Room
Wednesday Night Prayer (Zoom only) 7-8 p.m.
SEPTEMBER 6: STARS Family Services (SFS), board president, Tony DiLeonardi and Dr. Sharon Coutryer, new director of SFS.
SEPTEMBER 13: Jose Pablo & Jane Sanchez, evangelism and church planting in Madrid, Spain, with Faith & Learning/Fellowship of the Word
SEPTEMBER 20: Sherry Kwan, participant in College Church’s Missionary Preparation Program
SEPTEMBER 27: Kyle & Dariana Bradley, sports ministry in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, with GO Ministries
Friday Prayer for the Persecuted Church 12-1 p.m. in the Board Room. Led by Wil and Lorraine Triggs. The weekly prayer guide is also available at our website: collegechurch.org/impact/prayer
Aaron-Hur Fellowship will meet on Thursday, September 14, at 7 p.m. at the home of Marr and Mary Miller, 1607 Stoddard Avenue in Wheaton, (630) 668-8828. Our guests will be Greg and Faith Hurst, serving in Bolivia.
Barnabas Fellowship gets acquainted with Jose-Pablo and Jane Sanchez from Spain at the group’s meeting on Wednesday, September 20, at 1:30 p.m. in the Creative Arts room at Covenant Living at Windsor Park. The Sanchez family has reach out for many years to Spaniards who have little exposure to the gospel. Both men and women are welcome to visit or join the group.
From the East coast to the West coast to the Midwest, tell us a bit about your journey and how God has been at work in your life.
I was raised in the in the suburbs of Boston in a remarkably fun, loving and God-fearing family that attended church regularly but did not know the gospel. In high school, I came alive in Jesus and the faith through the high school ministry of an evangelical church in my community.
I went to college in central Pennsylvania and was active in a campus fellowship.
I experienced remarkable gospel transformation in high school and college and witnessed the same transformation in many around me who have since become life-long friends. After college, I moved to Rochester, New York, for twenty-five years and raised my four children there. For the first seven years I worked in an engineering division for large company, and then worked in campus ministry for eighteen years. In Rochester, my experience and
witness of God’s work in the marketplace, in my family, in my neighborhood, in church, and as a campus missionary was incredible — so many were converted, grew in their faith and were sent out for the gospel in each of those spheres.
I moved to San Diego in 2007 where I returned to the marketplace to work in finance. My first move to Illinois was in 2013, and I attended Wheaton College as a full-time grad student. I moved back to Southern California in 2015 but came back to Wheaton in 2017 to marry my wife, Kathy Anderson, and continue my work in financial planning and investment advising. In 2021, I began paid ministry with Reformed University Fellowship-International (RUF-I) at Northwestern University in Evanston. It has been a blast to be back with students, and our RUF-I team of paid staff and volunteers at Northwestern have had the privilege of seeing a remarkable season of God converting students and growing them as mature disciples.
Your master’s degree is in evangelism and leadership from Wheaton Graduate School. Why did you want to pursue this degree?
2014 was in a time of career transition for me and I deeply sensed I needed to, first, reflect on how I could finish strong as a disciple as I moved closer to age sixty, and second, I wanted to continue to steward the incredible experiences and works of God I have witnessed throughout my life in the areas of evangelism, evangelism training and leadership development.
How long, and in what ways, have you been involved in student ministries?
I have been active in college ministry in some way for most of the last forty-eight years—active on campus for 35 years as a student, a volunteer in campus ministry and in paid ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and now with RUF. Ever since I stepped on campus as a freshman in the fall of 1975 at Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA), I have had a deep sense that college campuses are great avenues to develop and be a gospel missionary in what is often a hostile environment. I had incredible training in high school on how to be a life-long “disciple who makes disciples” as well as a biblical leader in ministry. So, I have been doing what I was trained to do as a disciple who makes disciples and leads since 1975.
Describe your ministry and work with Reformed University Fellowship, and for those of us more familiar with other campus groups, what are some of the goals and ministries of RUF?
My goal is to focus my time with students and visiting scholars in three ways: practicing unconditional hospitality to international students, visiting scholars and their families; introducing lost students to Jesus, the gospel and the church; and discipling believing internationals to become over the course of their whole lives disciples who make disciples, and who will lead well in their families, neighborhoods, churches and vocation.
I not only do this on an individual basis each week with students, but also with events such as weekly conversational English classes, monthly social events (a Christmas party, am Easter event, welcome picnics and end of year picnics, Valentine events, etc.), weekly Bible studies for believers, and a weekly dinner and Bible discussion time designed for non-believers.
RUF is the national campus ministry of the PCA (Presbyterian Church in America). It is active on about 200 campuses in the U.S. mostly with undergraduate students. I work with RUF-International which focuses exclusively on internationals and is active on about 25 larger campuses in the U.S. such as Northwestern University.
Why invest in ministry to international students who are here today and gone tomorrow?
The students that come to the U.S. are the best and the brightest from around the world. So, so many leaders around the world today and those in the future are educated at a university in the States. It is an incredible opportunity to reach the nations as well as future world leaders with the gospel and the teaching of the Bible.
From your perspective, how has the atmosphere at universities evolved through the years, and how has that affected campus ministries?
College and university administrators, faculty, trustees and students are more direct and open about their hostilities to Christian groups, the gospel and the basic teaching of the Bible on identity, sexual ethics and other hot-button cultural issues. This has brought many changes in the public and personal proclamation of the gospel on campus as well as access to university space and resources. Also, the secularization of culture has radically changed approach to witness and the time it seems to take for someone to respond in faith the good news in a genuine way.
My personal conviction and observation are that students are much less resilient emotionally than twenty years ago, and that the economic risks (and debt load) for smaller colleges and all college students are and will change dramatically in the next twenty years.
Some people view secular higher education as Public Enemy Number One. So, how do you proclaim the hope of the gospel in that environment? And what keeps you steadfast in proclaiming the gospel?
I don’t think the academy is more of an enemy of the gospel than other institutions in our country (such as some courts, government institutions and leaders, media, etc.)
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Given this, I approach proclaiming the gospel on campus in much the same way I have with my colleagues in the marketplace, with friends and with my family. I focus on gentleness and respect while trying to remain bold. I also focus on asking questions about their interests and ideas on important subjects. And I ask permission to share about my faith and gospel message when I send interest or an “open door.” I also focus on proclaiming the gospel in three different venues like Jesus did—one on one, in small group settings and through large group events.
The amazing joy and change that I have experience as a new creation in Christ, and that he promises to others, gives me huge motivation. Also, I never tire of seeing God convert and grow folks.
Why is that gospel hope so essential to university students?
It’s essential to everyone. We all need and hunger for forgiveness, power to live the lives we are designed to live, and to experience the amazing presence, power, love, joy and peace of Jesus. Of course, university students tend to be in a huge time of transition and can feel this hunger and need more deeply than perhaps at other times in life.
Lastly, how can we pray for you and your ministry? And for you and Kathy?
Rejoice with us for the AMAZING fruit God has brought and we have seen in conversions and disciple maturation
the last three years! Plead with us that God multiplies this and keeps this going.
Pray for more gifted volunteer staff.
Like many, we are facing family health issues as we age. We long to navigate this well and along the way, see Jesus glorified and bring tons of comfort, endurance and healing in the lives of our family members who are suffering.
Sunday, October 15
LOCAL FOCUS: Pastor Jim Johanik preaching
Sunday, October 22
GLOBAL FOCUS: John Waldrop preaching
The vision of College Church is summarized in three words: “Proclaiming the Gospel.” This higher purpose elevates and focuses all our activities. We have identified five initiatives for the purpose of proclaiming the gospel.
Pathway. We structure our ministries so that you can Discover Jesus, Grow in Your Faith, and Impact the World. Our goal was to call a pastor of evangelism by June 2023. Jim Johanik accepted that call and is leading the discover portion of this pathway.
Community. We are a community that cultivates care, encouragement and connection. Our goal is to mobilize us all to care for each other, call a community life pastor, and have increased use of counseling with designated space in the Crossings.
Discipleship. We will elevate biblically rigorous and practical discipleship. Our goal is to explore more adult communities and two churchwide educational seminars on matters of current discipleship importance by December 2023.
Campus. We will increasingly activate our campus. Our goal is to utilize the Crossings as a crossover space to reach our community, for student and family space, with phase 2 plan established and capital campaign launched by December 2023.
Planting. We will leverage the church’s history of church planting, training programs, and connections across the country and world. Our goal is to plant multiple new churches in partnership with likeminded churches by 2030.
Last month, we were blessed to hear from Alex Reindl, pastor of Hope Wipptal in Austria, during our 11am service. Alex is our latest global church planting partner. Let’s pray for Alex and his team as they teach the Bible and reach out with the gospel to those living in this rural part of Austria. We are also researching church planting partnerships regionally and nationally.
Scrumptious Sandies cookies and the beach, sunshine beating down, ahh, shade of weeping tree.
Voices splash, delights drum, little feet pound through halls, out in the yard echo calls, “Ready or not here I come!”
Fire pit flames lick the apple limb, sweet smoke rises, garden bees still, Frogs croak, crickets chirp while cicadas drill.
To all the squirrels who eat more than they bury, shift more than they carry— and remain fat amidst compulsive worry,
Here’s to living now within the bounty, hold it close . . . hold it dear . . . hold it right now, and not just when I die, here’s to eternity in my eye.
A new friendly neighbor moved in next door. He is living alone while his wife remains overseas hoping to eventually join him. He needed a lighter for grilling dinner; so, I gave him one and told him to keep it. He was thrilled to grill and bowled over by the gift of the lighter.
While I am not Prometheus, I am immediately bound. In a flash my neighbor is generously bringing plates of grilled liver kabobs and half-cooked squares of duck meat. It brings him so much joy to share his favorite treats. Not being a fan of liver or any meat half-cooked, I muster a “How nice; how kind!” Trying to cover an awkward moment, that’s mostly in my mind. He assures, with a wave of his hand that more liver kababs may be coming our way.
I don’t want a stream of liver kababs wasted on me, especially when the preparer immensely enjoys his grilled liver kababs. There’s a lot of grilling weather still remaining. Will I be able to sit on my patio amidst a steady forecast of liver kababs? I think, “Oh no! Avoid, avoid,” a not-so-subtle screech of brakes just when we were doing so well as next door neighbors.
I can’t help but wonder what other foods are prevalent in his culture and learn that kababs sold by street vendors and restaurants often include beef liver, heart, kidney and suet. Next on the online recipe list is lamb brains baked in tomato sauce followed by a recipe for stuffed camel spleen. I realize he may be squeamish about what seems normal for us to eat, something like grilled chicken and a Caesar salad.
Lord, give me wisdom. Sharing food, a simple way to show care—may be off the menu. Basic cultural differences throw obstacles like sandstorms into the eyes to easily slay a friendship when what is ultimately desired is sharing thoughts about faith and eternity with Jesus.
My father’s ministry overseas had its moments of cultural mishaps, many involving language mistakes. Dad practiced with language records. He also practiced with his trusty interpreter and decided he was ready to preach his first sermon without the interpreter standing beside him.
When Dad stood to deliver the sermon, he opened by telling a story about a surprise encounter with a large rat in the house. But instead of saying the word for rat, Dad said a word very close to rat, which meant bad smell, specifically, pass gas.
The congregation began giggling. Dad continued the story which had the pass gas chasing him from the room, down the hall, out into the yard and beyond, and how he could barely keep ahead of the pass gas. If he stopped running, he feared the pass gas would bite him. How to not act
afraid when he was actually very afraid of the pass gas? He turned around and the pass gas was not visible and no longer chasing him. He hoped the pass gas had not found its way back into the house. And the congregation roared.
My story about the rat is not that funny, what am I saying wrong? Dad wondered. “Bear with me folks, I need more language practice,” he smiled and added, “It is good to see you have a sense of humor.” Dad suggested they offer ideas of how to get rid of the pass gas following the worship service. The interpreter finally appeared alongsinde none too soon, and gently informed Dad exactly what he was saying. Everyone was still chuckling including Dad, now flushing, shaking his head with embarrassment, yet smiling.
The song leader jumped up and started a rousing chorus of “Amazing Grace,” which the congregation sang many verses of in order to shift gears. The interpreter remained nearby while Dad began to deliver a sermon about putting off the old man and putting on the new man in Christ.
On the spot, Dad put off embarrassment, misgivings, or any thought of throwing in the towel. He preached in their language. He put off the old service and put on the new service in Christ. Dad said, “It wasn’t my first language mistake, and it won’t be my last, Lord willing.”
Dad is in heaven now, but if asked, he would say that eating liver kababs is nothing; what are you going on about? Then he would list all the foods he has eaten all over the world to build friendships and share his faith. Dad was blessed with actually liking unusual food including beef liver and would say, “Keep ‘em comin’!”
I continue to pray for opportunities for faith conversations with my neighbors in God’s timing, and speaking of God, his sense of humor is not lost on me either. I remain optimistic but may artfully dodge the liver kababs as I keep eternity in my eye.
The Bernthals married in 2008 and have three children. They are involved in the Life Together Adult Community and serve in Kids’ Harbor occasionally. Jenny is involved in Women’s Bible Study and a small prayer group from Life Together. Dave teaches high school chemistry and coaches boys’ soccer. Jenny is a homemaker and former elementary school teacher.
Joe and Meagan married in 2014 and have twin girls. Joe is an educator, golf teaching professional and entrepreneur. Meagan has been involved in women’s ministries. She is a homemaker and former interior designer.
Ben is married to Charis (formerly Bastian), and they have two young children. He is involved in a men’s small group. He is a mechanical engineer who works at an automotive and aerospace contract manufacturing company. Ben enjoys being outdoors and working with his hands.
The Garretts married in 2011 and have two young children. They are involved in the Life Together Adult Community. Kristin has been involved in women’s ministries. Eric works as a job coach at Clare Woods Academy. Kristin is an assistant professor of political science at Wheaton College. Their family enjoys bike rides, and anything outdoors, in the summer.
Julia was a missionary in Ecuador for 15 years with Christian & Missionary Alliance. When she returned to the Wheaton area she worked in Christian non-profit agencies for another 15 years, and then spent nine years teaching ESL on the west coast. About four years ago she moved to Windsor Park where a sister also lives. She enjoys the activities there, as well as doing some editing and library work.
Karima was invited to attend College Church by someone in the 20s Group which she joined, made friends and began attending worship services. These have helped her grow in her faith. Her parents are from Latin America, so she has been able to travel to their places of origin. Karima works as a medical technologist at a hospital.
One weekend many months ago, I was trying to find an item of clothing that I knew I had, somewhere, but just couldn’t locate it. I was getting frustrated with the whole process and logged on to Marie Kondo’s website about de-cluttering. Soaking in her sage advice about throwing away a certain number of items in each room, and all kinds of other seemingly helpful tips, I began to realize that she has made a boatload of money from her process of helping others get rid of their stuff. Kondo is painted as a creative lady who has inspired millions of people to only hold on to those things that bring them joy.
Then I began to compare the essence of her teaching and lifestyle to Luke 12:16-21: And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere
to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, by merry’. But God said to him. ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.
ByMarie Kondo’s standards, my possessions, my “things” don’t really bring me joy. Maybe they did for a whole millisecond when they were shiny new, but not anymore. So why am I always thinking about the new things I see advertised, figuring out whether I can afford them and where to store them? I wish I could have some of those larger closets that California Closets showcases in their television commercials. Then I read Luke 12:16-21 again, this time more slowly and knew that Jesus was talking directly to me along with millions of other people with similar large hordes of possessions that we could easily do without. After all, when Jesus calls me home, someone else will just have to go through my “stuff” and dispose of it. How much do I really need?
I set about to divide my clothes into those I needed, and all the others which I could give away. When that was done, I did the same thing with other possessions, some of which had some real value that I could sell, and I donated those funds to church. The biggest impact, however, came from the decisions I made regarding what I would purchase going forward, or more importantly, what I would not purchase going forward. I kept track in my journal of what I saved each month in not buying what I would have in the old days, and instead gave that amount of money to church. That got me a long way to being able to give a full tithe that I had always wanted to do. Talk about joy. I doubt Marie Kondo ever experienced that kind of joy!
If your childhood was even remotely like mine, these words would immediately resonate with your memories of instances marked by carelessness, confusion, ignorance or perhaps any combination of the three.
My father exhibited an unerring ability to deliver these simple words in a manner which embodied
riding a bicycle, walking a tightrope, climbing a rock face. By extension, when we want to travel on a journey, having identified a destination, we are wise to investigate the appropriate mode and means—maps; flight schedules; etc., to ensure that we arrive as intended.
So far, so good. Interesting perhaps but arguably not very instructive.
Contrary to my inflated sense of immunity to common physical ailments—wrongly placed it proved to be—COVID recently struck and gave me the redemptive blessing of time to think.
such breadth and depth that his message of imminent danger was always received with both crystal clarity and amplified volume—of course, that is a story for another day.
But should such a question really be necessary? After all, it seems to be innately reasonable that to go anywhere with intention, we first need to look towards that end. Indeed, from the earliest age we learn to walk by looking to where we want to go to ensure a measure of success in getting there. Even the most accomplished movers employ the same principle whether
As a part of my endeavor to while away the hours, I listened to musical selections that reflected my eclectic taste ranging from the sublime thanks to these later years of mine, to the ridiculous courtesy of misspent youth. As I listened, I observed an emerging theme, particularly with ballads of lost opportunity in the face of late-in-life eventualities. The trend is rooted in such sentiments as: “I wish I had said” or “Why did I not do...” or “If only I could undo.” When faced with an inevitable and possibly not very promising future, regrets tend to rise to the surface and maybe, just maybe, there is value in trying to remedy or right the wrongs of the past. If we cannot resolve the past, perhaps we can at least salve our own conscience so that we can have peace of mind as we face whatever lies before us.
This train of thought was abruptly interrupted with Pilgrim’s Progress and the words of Evangelist to Christian who, having come to the realization that he needs to flee the City of Destruction, and
Why don’t you look where you’re going?
find his way to the Celestial City. Despite the clearest of conviction, Christian is in a quandary because he does not know the way or how to find it. Evangelist provides words of hope and instruction:
Pointing across a very broad field, Evangelist asks: “Do you see yonder Wicket-gate?” No, says Christian. “Do you see yonder shining Light? Christian thinks he does. Very well, Evangelist concludes, he should follow the Light to the Wicket Gate, where he should knock and he would there be told what to do.
A recurring event throughout Bunyan’s account of Christian’s journey to the Celesital City is account, which you can uncover for yourself, is the repeated exhortation to look where you are going— my paraphrase.
Next, my mind then ran to the Bible which is replete with such guidance and illustrations to look where you are going. Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance, for he was able to look where he was going, looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.
Job during his suffering was encouraged to abandon God, but he was able to look where he was going. “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another.” (Job 19:25-27)
Jeremiah expresses grief and sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Despite the unfolding tragedy, the prophet finds hope as he looks where he is going: “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lamentations 3:21-24)
Daniel had plenty of reasons to look around at his circumstances and the enemies who were anxious to find reason to accuse him of disloyalty before King Darius. But Daniel was able to fix his eyes to look where he was going: “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”
(Daniel 6:10)
Stephen facing imminent physical death had his eyes fixed such that he was looking where he was going: “But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
(Acts 7:55)
Paul reflecting on the challenges of being a follower of Jesus: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
Our ultimate example, of course, is Jesus himself: “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
What should we make of all this? Are we to reflect on missed opportunities to do the right thing that were by an unspoken need to offset the bad with some good? This sounds like works righteousness to me. Certainly, it is good and right, even biblical, to do whatever we can to address wrongs and missed rights where possible as it is too late when we die. But, even the most successful in this endeavor can only carry forward a balance which will ultimately prove to be lacking.
When all is said and done, the question does have pressing relevance for us as we seek to follow our Lord’s example. So, why don’t we look where we are going? Too many distractions? Too many challenges? Too little progress? Too many doubts? Too little clarity of vision? Too many regrets? Maybe it is simply the case that we like to walk backward facing!
Evangelist asked Christian whether he could see the Wicket-gate—Bunyan uses this image to describe Christ who portrays himself as the door. Incidentally, the term “wicket-gate” intentionally conveyed a sense of limited access as Christ is the singular means of gaining access into the kingdom of God. Christian is honest with his response because he did not see things clearly at all. He had not come far enough in his pilgrimage. But Evangelist was not going to take away either calling or hope and asks Christian if he can yet see a glimmer of light, to which Christian acknowledged that he could.
So it is and should be with us. We need to be reminded and to remind ourselves that our eyes should focus on our intended destination. Whether we see just a glimmer of light or whether we can see Christ more fully, it is enough to look where we are going as we make our own pilgrimage to the Celestial City with assurance and confidence to our heavenly destination.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
In 2012, we moved to Wheaton from Denver so that my husband could work for his family’s business. A move which involved leaving tight-knit friendships, weekly mountain hikes under sunny skies, quitting my dream job as a high school counseling and becoming a stay-at-home mom of a two-year-old and a two-week-old. Here I was, new to the area, new to homemaking (I always had found identity and purpose in my career)—I felt mentally taxed and overwhelmed.
Shortly after we moved in, my neighbor and church member Lavonne VanSomeren came over with a huge jar of homemade cookies. A rare gesture in our neighborhood back in Denver that was filled with kind people who kept to themselves. Lavonne asked me if I was a believer. This was one of the first times I heard that question. I had been going to church off and on all my life but was never asked this specific question about my belief in Christ. She also invited my children and me to Women’s Bible Study the next day. She told me she would pick me up and assured me that my daughters would be in good hands at its phenomenal children’s program. This was all new to me, former working mom, but I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and give Women’s Bible Study a try.
At the study, I was immediately welcomed by the church community. Lavonne introduced me to a ton of people, including her two daughters who were also new moms, and remain two of my closet friends to this day. I was placed in a group with women from all walks of life, and I felt like an imposter.
I rarely opened my Bible and was embarrassed to look at the table of contents when we were turning to different books in the Bible. But I came back every week with my lessons completed, drinking up God’s Word each day. I realized that all my group members had questions and we were going through God’s Word together. God knew my needs, heard my cries to him and continually put amazing women in my life to help me see his love and be his light. It was through Women’s Bible Study that I heard about Apples of Gold, a program led by Mary Gieser. My new friends from Bible study and I decided to sign up for Apples of Gold. It was a game changer. My fears as a struggling stay-at-home mom and homemaker were put to rest as I discovered how to be not only a more intentional mother, wife and friend, but also how to nurture a Christ-centered hospitable home. Lessons I learned from this program I use to this day.
Over the next ten years I poured into my spiritual life at Women’s Bible Studies, with intentional prayer and through meetings with prayer warriors. I embraced motherhood (with two more children for a total of four) and experienced community with sisters in Christ. My husband and I were in a small group with other couples in the church family, and I sporadically worked in Kids’ Harbor. I grew emotionally, socially and faithfully. I learned to forgive myself for imperfections and the guilt I let rule my life began to subside. My career which once defined me was still important, but I grew to understand that it was God who gave me a gift of encouragement to successfully connect, communicate and work with adolescents. I work to glorify him, to be his light.
Cut to last year when my youngest started kindergarten. I “felt led” (this happens when you give control to God) to get back to my career and started working part time at an area high school in advanced placement student support. I worked in the mornings and was a little forlorn that I no longer could attend the morning Women’s Bible Study. A friend, who also went back to work, reminded me of the evening Women’s Bible Study. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect or if it was going to feel different, but it again proved to be rewarding and I loved connecting with and meeting new sisters in Christ.
I was navigating a lot of new transitions in my life–from being a stay-at-home mom to working again, new and scary diagnoses for both my parents and in-laws,
emotional challenges with my four children, and my husband taking on a new role in the family business. And the overwhelming and drowning feelings came back. It felt like I was in this inconsistent and unsettling bubble that left me tired and riddled with worry. I felt anxious and defeated.
But every week Wednesday night would roll around, and the amazing teaching at Bible study, my small group God’s Word would inspire and remind me how Christ has my back always. He is consistent and loyal. He can take away all my worry, anxiety and redeem my failures. He can transform my life.
I have spent more than 10 years in various women’s Bible Studies and have collected countless nuggets of wisdom, but one will stay with me forever. A question in our study last year asked how can you tell if your confidence is in yourself or Christ? A dear friend in my group (the same friend who reminded me about the evening study) commented that one way to do this is to ask yourself, “Do I take the problems I have straight to God, or do I try to take them on myself?” Something so simple but what a freeing transformation for me, and it has made a significant impact on how I have handled situations of late. This also is a good reminder of how God reveals himself through others. If you have wisdom from him, share it with others. The littlest things can make the biggest impact.
This year, I am going back to work full time as a school counselor, the career I left 11 years ago. God showed up in the process and I am in awe with the ways he has equipped me ever since we left Denver. It brings me tears of joy and thankfulness of how I conduct my professional life now, using the gifts and tools he blessed me with to glorify him and bring light to him. My purpose and identity are no longer in my career success, but in him. My plate is still very full, and I still feel mentally taxed and overwhelmed at times, but I now have a richer and deeper answer to the question my neighbor asked long ago, “Are you a believer?”
You may still catch me in the pew or at a Bible study glancing (quickly) at the table of contents in my Bible, it’s not about being perfect or looking competent or like I have the control. It’s about taking a moment and realizing that God knows what we need and is ready to equip us if we just let him. There is only One who is perfect and that is Jesus. My confidence is in God, and he gives me the courage, the strength, to know that I am not alone in trials on earth nor need to feel like I am drowning or inadequate. I have him. I have his Word. And I have the incredible Wheaton and College Church community to be God’s hands and feet and to help shepherd us through life.
“Religion and politics are topics that should never be introduced into general conversation,” wrote John Young in 1882, “for they are subjects dangerous to harmony. Persons are most likely to differ, and least likely to preserve their tempers on these topics.”1 This has been standard etiquette in the United States for at least 150 years, but when I moved to the United States after growing up in the southeast Asia—where the rules of etiquette in this regard are generally more lenient—I remember how perplexed it left me. From my perspective, it seemed that this rule was almost explicitly designed to keep conversations as meaningless and shallow as possible.
Years later, after violating the rule more times than I care to admit—what’s a theologian to do? I acquired more sympathy for whoever thought it up. These subjects can be explosive in unexpected ways, and it is often nearly impossible to have a productive resolution of even the smallest religious or political disagreements. Whether you are disagreeing with Christians or non-Christians, arguing about matters of faith is extremely difficult.
Yet it is not a task we can easily duck. One reality of modern life is that we are increasingly
likely to interact with people who disagree with us about our faith. Changing migration patterns as well as shifts in the religious composition of the United States population mean that we are much more likely than we were 30 years ago to live and work alongside people from all faith backgrounds, as well as people who do not identify with any faith at all.
If you’re like me, these situations often bring up a challenging conflict. I find myself excited about the possibility of sharing my faith, bearing witness to what
God has done for me and is doing in the church. But I’m also reticent, knowing the potential for a difficult conversation, especially in the current, polarized environment. But aside from the standard concern about things getting explosive, I think most of us also struggle with a uniquely Christian challenge: on the one hand, we are deeply committed as Christians to being humble, knowing that pride is antithetical to a good relationship with God and our neighbors. On the other hand, sharing the gospel with our neighbors actually requires a high level of confidence and firmness in our faith, and it’s difficult in our culture for this not to come across as the most offensive kind of arrogance. We may even wonder internally at times: “Am I being arrogant to believe that I have the right answer, and all these other wise and good people are wrong?”
I remember vividly the first time I confronted the problem of how humility applies to matters of faith. I grew up in a town in the southern Philippines, home to a significant Muslim minority population. My siblings and I ran with a group of kids in the neighborhood from Muslim households, and as we grew up together, we increasingly became aware of how different our faiths were, and how mutually exclusive their truth must be. Though we never squabbled over our religious differences, it struck me as a child that we and our Muslim friends stood in an awkward position—while we loved and respected each other a great deal, at the end of the day we each had to look at the other and think, “As far as I can tell, you are wrong about the fundamental direction and orientation of your life.” Surely only the insanely arrogant would have the audacity to affirm such a claim, right?
The most popular approach to resolving such challenges in our culture is to minimize the differences between the Christian faith and other belief systems. We can choose to focus on the things that unite most religious groups, such as the appeal to love others, to protect the marginalized, and to find something holy in a world gone astray. In this frame, the problem of Christian arrogance is eliminated by the assertion that all religious traditions are equally enlightening, inspiring and fruitful. They are little more than different paths up the same mountain, distinctive in their own ways, but identical in their aim and equal in their effects.
At first glance, this seems to bring us to a place of humility. We follow the path laid out for us by Jesus, but accept that we may be wrong, and our neighbors of other faiths may be right. But while this approach seems to resolve the problem of religious arrogance, it creates another problem: it diminishes the truth claims and convictions that most religious people hold dear, reducing them to an aesthetic preference—some prefer
Bach and others the Beatles, so some prefer the Buddha and others Muhammed.
But this is a way of looking at religion that is fundamentally at odds with most serious believers in any faith. Neither my Muslim friends nor I could affirm that our faiths were simply flavor preferences. Serious believers of various faiths have genuine and important disagreements about the nature of reality that shape the way they pray, worship and conduct their daily lives.
In addition to failing to take our neighbors’ faith seriously, this account of religious humility makes it hard to see how Jesus could be the ultimate model of humility. If Jesus embodies humility, surely, he should have been a firstcentury advocate of religious pluralism and tolerance—a view that was quite popular in the ancient world. Instead, Jesus often condemns his opponents as being dead wrong in their beliefs about God, even if he also demonstrates surprising love and compassion in the process. This applies whether he is dealing with people in his own faith, such as his rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 or appealing to those of other faith backgrounds to follow him, such as when he interacts with the Samaritan woman in John 4:1-26. So, if humility regarding our faith is not simply a matter of admitting that our views are preferences rather than claims to truth, what does it require of us? How can we engage those who have different views of God—whether they are from another faith, or simply from another branch of Christianity—with both humility and conviction? I want to propose that there are two essential ways that conversations like this can be marked by authentic Christian humility.
First, we recognize our ability to learn from others, even when they disagree with us, and even when they are in fact wrong about the most important things in life. Because we are creatures with limits and subject to entanglement with sin and its effects, we need to learn important things from our neighbors, whether Christian or non-Christian. Early Christian thinkers like Augustine spoke of this as “plundering the Egyptians,” drawing from the experience of Israel as God led them out of slavery. Exodus tells us that as the Israelites left their land of bondage, God allowed them to take silver and gold and other precious items from their captors (Exod. 3:22; 12:36), and it was likely these very materials that were later used to construct the tabernacle, Israel’s place of fellowshipping with the one true God (25:1–7). For Augustine, this was a perfect metaphor for the way in which Christians should be (continued on next page)
open to depending on their non-believing neighbors, demonstrating a willingness to learn from them.
In God’s providence, we will sometimes even come to recognize new things about our faith in interaction with non-believing neighbors. For example, I came to understand the notion of atoning sacrifice in new ways only after talking with a friend who came from a nonChristian background where his family made regular sacrificial offerings.
Theologian John Stackhouse points out that this posture of willingness to learn allows us to “adopt the voice of a friend who thinks he has found something worth sharing but recognizes that not everyone will agree on its value.…we should sound like we really do respect the intelligence, and spiritual interest, and moral integrity of our neighbors.”2 When we approach our neighbors with authentic, unfeigned humility, we don’t just increase the persuasiveness of our message; we also allow the medium to match the message, as we point people to the servant King.
Aside from adopting the posture of learners, there is at least one other way that our conversations with neighbors can be marked by authentic Christian humility: we can learn to bear joyful witness to what God has revealed to us while also acknowledging unflinchingly what we do not know.
We must be careful here not to undersell the incredible nature of the revelation in which we live. In the New Testament’s testimony about Jesus, we see nothing less than the revelation of “the mystery hidden for ages and generations.” (Col 1:26) Paul here is telling the Colossians unequivocally that Jesus’ coming inaugurated a new phase of history, offering humans a qualitatively different kind of knowledge of God than what they had before.
The rest of the New Testament is replete with confirmation that we are indeed recipients of a better revelation than our Old Testament forbears. The author of Hebrews puts it this way: while God has always been communicating with his people through the prophets, in our time he has “spoken to us by his Son,” who is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” (Heb 1:1–3)
Peter writes about how the Old Testament prophets “searched and inquired carefully,” hoping to discover what we now know, good news into which “even angels longed to look.” (1 Pet 1:10–12) As these passages demonstrate, we have good reasons to be confident that because we know Jesus by the power of the Spirit, we know God in the deepest and truest possible sense.
But the New Testament also highlights the partialness of our current knowledge. We “know in part and prophesy
in part,” Paul tells us, but eventually, “the partial will pass away.” For now, we “see in a mirror dimly,” but then we will see “face to face.” He looks forward to the day when our knowledge of God will be similar in quality to God’s knowledge of us. (1 Cor. 13:9–12) John similarly looks forward to the day when we will “see him [Jesus] as he is;” this kind of face-to-face knowledge, he says, will result in our transformation and final sanctification (1 John 3:2). The point of these passages is to highlight that we are only in the second, rather than the final phase of human history. Though Christ has come, and through him God has spoken with clarity and finality, our redemption is not yet complete, and our acquaintance with God as full as it will one day be.
For Christians, humility with regard to our faith does not mean we have to doubt every belief, or constantly question our convictions. But it does require that we read the eschatological clock correctly.
Because we have not yet experienced final redemption and sanctification—because we, like the rest of creation, continue to yearn in anticipation of that day when we know Jesus face to face—we should be ready to confess the provisional nature of our knowledge in the meantime. We await that day with joyful confidence, but without the arrogant presumption that we have arrived.
I have no illusions about how difficult it really is to live alongside and speak with our neighbors in a way that balances joyful confidence and a posture of humility. Even if we can master that posture perfectly, we should not expect it to be an evangelistic “silver bullet.” It will not (or at least not typically) persuade skeptics immediately to trust the Christian account of the universe over others. But it is a spirit of true humility that, when paired with a genuine openness to learning from others, lays a sound foundation for genuine friendship with our neighbors from other faith traditions (or those from no religious tradition at all). Cultivating such friendship is a central calling for Christians of every generation and place because it is precisely in such contexts that we are most effectively able to bear witness to the humbling, lifealtering message of the gospel.
1 John H. Young, Our Deportment: Or, the Manners, Conduct, and Dress of the Most Refined Society (Springfield, MA: W. C. King, 1882), 91–92.
2John G. Stackhouse, Humble Apologetics: Defending the Faith Today (New York: Oxford University Press, 2002), 229.
When I say “Monday morning” what comes to mind? An extra-large cup of coffee? A resistance to starting another week of work? My guess is you probably don’t think of a room full of children and moms who are playing games, doing a craft, singing songs and enjoying a devotional thought on motherhood. But for Women’s Ministries, Monday means Mom2Mom!
Mom2Mom supports moms of young children by building community with other moms—both those at the same life stage, as well as a group of mentor moms, those who are a little further down the path. We’ve used three sentences to explain succinctly what we hope to do in our gatherings: Get Connected. Be Encouraged. Receive Support.
Relationships are foundational to this ministry as mentor moms seek to be a listening ear and provide the perspective that comes from having walked the road ahead of our young moms. And, as our young moms seek to get to know one another. We asked some of our regular attenders this question: What do you appreciate about Mom2Mom?
“I am so excited to serve, encourage, and be encouraged by our younger moms. The infant and toddler years can be so full of joy, with new stages to explore, but it can also be a time of questions, uncertainty, and, at times, loneliness. The Lord knew, when he encouraged us into community, that as wives and mothers we all need fellowship, encouragement, and to know we are not alone as we earnestly seek to love our children and raise them to follow the Lord.”
Karen Bagge“I love Mom2Mom because it’s such a unique opportunity for moms of every generation to gather to develop deep relationships by connecting, encouraging and serving each other. Being a mom is the hardest yet most rewarding job I’ve ever had and it’s so encouraging to walk alongside other moms who feel that same way. It’s nice for me to have a social outlet with other moms. I really enjoy learning about other people and hearing their stories, so this group always energizes me on a Monday morning. It’s a place where you
feel safe to ask for advice or share things weighing on your heart. I (and my kids) have made so many new friendships because of this group and we look forward to these Mondays.”
Becca DeMoss“I remember well the challenges of being a young mom–the time, the fears, the dedication, the doldrums, the comparisons, the tears, the questions, the pregnancies, the no-sleep nights, the crying babies, the bad news from school, disciplining, trying to make ends meet, and so on and so on. My husband and I called them ‘survival years’ and they lasted a long time. My desire to be involved with Mom2Mom these last four to five years stems from simply wanting to help or encourage or lighten the load of these young moms in their ‘survival years’ in any way I can.”
Janel Prichard“I remember the challenges of mothering a young family–the isolation, the questioning of myself, and that relentlessness. The Bible encourages those of us who are older to teach and encourage younger women to look to Jesus and to God’s Word and so I’m happy to do that as the Lord leads.”
Teri HibenWe’re so thankful to see the body of Christ at work, supporting and caring for one another–as well as having fun.
If you’re a mom who is past the ‘littles” stage and you feel stirred to journey along with younger moms and have space to invest, we’d love to talk more with you about this special mentoring opportunity. Contact Karen Bagge by emailing Mom2Mom@college-church.org to learn more about what it looks like to serve as a mentor mom with Mom2Mom.
Moms, we hope to see you this fall with your little ones! Learn more about all these events on our website. Look for the Fall/ Winter schedule on page 31.
From Caring Network President, Kirt Wiggins
I’m very sad to report that Governor Pritzker signed HB1909 into law on July 27. Officially named the “Deceptive Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers Act” the law includes verbiage that directly impacts pregnancy resource centers like Caring Network.
This law
• requires pregnancy centers to refer women to an abortion clinic, even if it goes against their own conscience or the policies of the center.
• allows the Illinois Attorney General to issue a complaint against a pregnancy center if it’s in the “public’s interest.” (The Attorney General could then request a court order to “impound” the center’s records, forcing a closure while the investigation continues.)
• potentially holds pregnancy centers liable for the “omission of any material fact” (related to providing abortion-related information to women)—a broad interpretation that could lead to fines up to $50,000. In spite of this new law, I want you to know that Caring Network’s mission remains unchanged. We will continue to reach and serve women considering abortion, provide non-judgmental counsel and love, and equip them to choose life for their unborn baby. We will also continue to share the hope of Jesus Christ with these women—many of whom are alone and filled with fear.
• Will you pray for God to protect us?
• Will you partner with us financially to reach more women and save more lives?
Thank you for standing with us as we battle to reach more women and save more lives in Illinois!”
“Thomas More Society attorneys filed a federal lawsuit against Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, seeking to stop him from enforcing Illinois Senate Bill 1909, a measure drafted by Raoul’s office that declares the prolife speech of the state’s life pregnancy help ministries to be a “deceptive business practice.” Thomas More Society is representing NIFLA, a national pregnancy help center network, along with several Illinois pregnancy help centers and pro-life organizations. This new law tramples the free speech and religious exercise rights of pro-life pregnancy help centers and sidewalk counselors across Illinois.
“This law is a blatant attempt to chill and silence prolife speech under the guise of ‘consumer protection,’” explained Peter Breen, Thomas More Society Executive Vice President and Head of Litigation, and a former Illinois State Legislator. “Pregnancy help ministries provide real options and assistance to women and families in need, but instead of the praise they deserve, pro-abortion politicians are targeting these ministries with $50,000 fines and injunctions solely because of their pro-life viewpoint.”
Under this new revision to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, the state seeks to curtail the speech of pro-life organizations by illegally targeting their efforts to “dissuade pregnant [women] from considering abortion care.” It also faults pro-life organizations for “pay[ing] for advertising… that is intended to attract consumers to their organizations and away from medical providers that offer” abortions, accusing the prolife organizations of providing misleading information “overstating the risks associated with abortion.” Yet, Breen asserts, and as the filing states, that all the abortionrelated information provided by these pro-life centers and organizations is backed by scientific research.
Further, the law’s definition of pro-life pregnancy ministries is broad enough to capture sidewalk counseling organizations (i.e., “organization[s]” that do not provide
or refer for abortion or “emergency contraception,” that have a “primary purpose” to engage in “health counseling service[s]”), which engage in quintessentially protected and peaceful speech on public right-of-ways.
Breen observed that the instigation of the new law, authored and backed by Raoul, is completely without rationale or provocation. The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has not been able to provide any hard evidence that pregnancy help centers engage in so-called “deceptive practices.” According to Freedom of Information Act documents obtained from Raoul’s office, Breen shared that “the Attorney General has received zero complaints from members of the public against an Illinois Pregnancy Help Center for alleged violations of the Deceptive Business Practices Act.”
A temporary preliminary injunction has been granted in federal court, preventing the law from being enforced while the case makes its way through the court system.
Leann found out she was unexpectedly pregnant. A friend recommended her to call Planned Parenthood. When Leann called, there were no appointments available for a couple of weeks. She was also concerned that if she went there, she would have to leave with a pregnancy decision made, and she was still very uncertain on what to do. She reached out to Caring Network instead, where she was able to have a pregnancy test and ultrasound quickly—but wouldn’t feel pressured to decide by the end of the appointment. After her ultrasound, she was still torn between abortion and parenting. She already had one child and was worried she wouldn’t be able to love another child equally. Her consultant, a mother herself, was able to encourage Leann that a mother’s love doesn’t divide between children but multiplies. After her appointment, her consultant continued to stay in touch with her and two weeks later, Leann chose life! She gave birth to a healthy baby girl—and has found plenty of room in her heart to love them both!
Diapers (all sizes- opened packages accepted), wipes, baby lotion, shampoo, and wash, diaper cream, and formula)
For the rest of September, you will find the donation crib in the Commons near the reception desk and stairs.
The Baby Bank distributes baby supplies every two weeks to financially needy Caring Network clients.
Scan the QR Code to order on Amazon. Select “Church of the Resurrection’s Gift Registry Address” for where to ship
You’re invited to the Caring Network Annual Banquet
Thursday, October 19 at 6 p.m., Drury Lane, Oak Brook https://www.caringnetwork.com/events/annual-banquet/ The banquet is always so encouraging! You may request to sit with others from College Church if you like (or attend via livestream).
Saturday, September 23, 1-2 p.m. Join Sanctity of Human Life Task force at 40 Days for Life’s year-round peaceful prayer vigil. Meet on Waterleaf pregnancy center’s property across from Planned Parenthood Aurora’s driveway. Report from the vigil site: A car with Wisconsin plates pulled into Aurora’s Planned Parenthood parking lot. The young woman who was driving the car got out and walked directly to one of the sidewalk counselors, not even taking one step in the direction of Planned Parenthood’s building. She said that she has two kids with no support for this pregnancy. The sidewalk counselor started to walk with the young woman towards Waterleaf Women’s Center and he motioned for the other sidewalk counselor to call Waterleaf to alert them they were coming.
The young woman was in Waterleaf for about two hours, covered by prayers of volunteers outside. When she left Waterleaf Women’s Center, she walked past another sidewalk counselor and told him she changed her mind—she was not going to abort her child! The sidewalk counselor said the woman had a peace about her as he congratulated her on her decision. He handed her a baby blanket before she went to her car, still parked at Planned Parenthood, to drive away.
Praise the Lord for answering prayers, allowing this young woman’s heart to be softened! Please continue to pray for her. God continues to answer prayers on New York Street in Aurora. This makes it the seventh baby that has been saved from abortion between April 2 and July 11. These prayers are answered when sidewalk counselors and prayer warriors are available to assist women looking for hope and help.
Please fill out SOHL participation interest survey if you are interested in pro-life learning and training, sharing pro-life information with others, inviting others to events, advocating for the vulnerable, or volunteering. Being aware and able to share information in your circles advances the value of life.
Invite a friend to join our SOHL monthly e-news to receive events schedule, resources and inspiration, and life-related news.
https://college-church.org/impact/sohl/
There are so many messages floating around in today’s world that sound right, but need to be corrected by biblical thinking. As Christians, we can fall prey to some of these lies. I’ve gotta look out for number one. I’ve got my truth, you’ve got yours. I can’t change. Just imagine how easy it is for an unbeliever to believe the world’s lies!
In his new book, The Truth About Lies, Mack Stiles gives us help on how to deflect some of the subliminal messages the world throws our way. We are helped with answers we can share with our non-Christian neighbors, family and loved ones. This is the type of book you can read and then pass on to those in your life that really need to be challenged to look into who Jesus is and why they can believe him rather than the lies of the world.
For the month of September, we are offering this book for $7 or two for $10.
INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
• Part-time Outreach Media Coordinator (10-15 hours per week)
A successful candidate will have experience with developing original, high quality social media posts, social media analytics and metrics, and be excited about our vision of Proclaiming the Gospel. Candidates must have experience in photography, Adobe Creative programs, Microsoft Office and Planning center, experience in doing audience research and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Digital Communications. We are looking for someone who has excellent written and oral communication skills, an eye for detail and great design, as well as the ability to think critically and problem solve. Candidates must be a regular member of CCIW or be willing to become a member.
• Part-time Wedding/Events Coordinator
A successful candidate will have a love for God and College Church (CCIW membership is required) with a heart for encouraging and assisting others with use of the church facilities. They will have a good attention to detail, be creative, a good listener, enjoy problem solving and troubleshooting and will be energized by assisting others with their plans and challenges. This position requires availability on evenings and Saturdays as well as the ability to stand for long periods of time. Compensation is by flat rate per project.
Stay updated by visiting our job opportunities webpage: www.college-church.org/job-openings
For more information, please contact Ann Karow at: akarow@college-church.org
Ellyn Hope was born to Tony and Claire Morano on July 21. She joins her big siblings Owen and Olivia . Ellyn’s maternal grandmother is Becky Garrett .
Zach Kvam and College Church member Sarah Puhr were married at College Church on July 22.
College Church members Joel Jamison and Madeline Joy were married at College Church on August 12.
Pray for Ben Crane and family as they grieve the loss of Ben’s wife, Jean , who passed away on August 10.
Pray for Teri (Brad) Hiben and family as they grieve the loss of Teri’s brother, Rod Wiebe , who passed away in Colorado on August 10.
Pray for Leigh (Sarah) Mikolajczyk and family as they grieve the loss of Leigh’s father, Walter , who passed away on July 18.
the teaching ministry of Pastor Josh Moody, features Bible teaching, both online and on the radio. This exciting ministry with a global reach continues to grow in impact. Here in the U.S., the program is heard on the radio in about 70 locations. Globally, the ministry also has a mission impact. The teaching is heard online through the OnePlace and TWR360 platforms, which have extensive listenership outside North America. Imagine! More than 35,000 people have been touched with some form of gospel content through this outreach, either an online audio message, a spiritually encouraging article, or a devotional reading. You can listen locally on Moody Radio (WMBI) at 10 p.m. M-F and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and can have daily devotionals delivered right to your inbox.
Your prayers and partnership with this ministry are greatly appreciated.
godcenteredlife.org
It’s no fun to hear about an event after the fact. That’s why we feature Under the Radar. If you know of a local event that includes College Church members or attenders or may be of interest to them, email connections@college-church.org with the details and we may be able to include your event in this space.
DUPAGE FOREST PRESERVE
Shop online for native trees and shrubs adapted to DuPage Co conditions.
shopdupageforest.com
Pick Up at St James Farm September 22 & 23
Farmhouse Tour: Back to School in the 1890s
KLINE CREEK FARM
September 9, 10 a.m.
Donation $5 per person
EDMAN CHAPEL
Friday, September 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Ballet 5:8 with Daniel Paul Horn and Kyle Orth, pianists A female and minority-led premier ballet company recognized for remarkable artistic excellence.
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
September 23, 24, 30 (dates in October as well)
Performance starts at 4 p.m. Ticket prices and information at: https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/ walking-plays/
DOWNTOWN WHEATON
September 25-October 8
10 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs throughout downtown. FREE
EDMAN CHAPEL
Friday, September 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free and open to the public
Ready to participate fully in the life and ministries of College Church? Come find out about College Church’s history, core beliefs, ministries and what it means for you to be a member. This one-day only membership opportunity will be Saturday, October 28, from 8 a.m.- noon; registration is requested. For more info, contact Christy at membership@college-church.org, or call (630) 668-0878, ext. 175.
OCTOBER 20
Enjoy dinner together and hear from missionaries attending the Missions Festival
