Columbia Contact Fall 2014 by Columbia Bible College

COLUMBIA

CONTACT

FALL 2014

Connecting the Columbia Bible College Community

the bible is the bible is a fake the bible is fiction the bible is old the bible is relevant

Education that Matters p.3 How Columbia is heading into 2020 and why Christian higher education is more important than ever.

From the Editor

“I

t’s like, Columbia: Reloaded!” My friend, CBC alumnus, and fellow communications enthusiast exclaimed. I laughed as I took a sip of tea and the late afternoon sunshine poured in through the coffee shop window. The sunlight was a hopeful reminder of the sunny summer days that were ahead of us. I had just finished describing all of the new and exciting initiatives that were coming down the pipeline at Columbia. A new website was well under way, a refreshed brand and messaging campaign including a web mini-series featuring students and alumni, new program initiatives, and a handful of new Faculty, Staff, and Administrators had come on board in the last 24 months. Indeed, Columbia Bible College looked very different than when my friend and I were freshman just 7 years ago. The post-secondary landscape has changed drastically over the past decade. The economic downturn in 2008 combined with exorbitant tuition rates and a growing demand for trades has left many post-secondary institutions with declining enrollment. To make matters worse, many high school students are beginning to question the value of a university or college education as they order their non-fat, half sweet lattes from Baristas who hold a Masters degree and a student loan bigger than their parents’ first mortgage. Gone are the days where a college degree equates to a steady income. This reality hits harder for many private Christian institutions. National studies show teenagers and young adults leaving the church faster than the audience at Nicholas Cage’s most recent movie premiere. As our nation becomes more secular with each generation, we are forced to ask, is Christian higher education relevant? Or maybe more importantly, is Christianity relevant? Absolutely. Christianity and Christian higher education are more relevant than ever. Anyone who remembers their 20’s will likely agree that the decisions made in the years immediately following high school set the stage for life and are formational in developing one’s character. Young people today are looking for careers that will not just pay the bills but will add value to who they are and give them a sense of purpose in life. Furthermore, despite being the most socially connected generations in history, Millennials and Post-Millennials are desperately seeking a safe community and a sense of belonging. It’s for these reasons that a solid biblical-based education and the experience of a genuine community is imperative for this generation as they ask questions, seek answers, and grow into the world leaders of tomorrow. This is the reason for “Columbia: Reloaded”. We are seeking to stay relevant to the needs and goals of this generation while remaining faithful to our mission of equipping people for life. And while even the flashiest website or most moving video won’t make Christianity relevant, our goal is to communicate to students that Columbia offers the time and space to develop Godly character, lay a solid biblical foundation, and discern God’s calling on their life. This Columbia Contact features stories from members of the Columbia community that believe what we do and the God we serve is, and always will be, relevant. While programs and organizational structure may adapt to the changing educational landscape and job market, our purpose and mission will remain the same. We are confident that God will be impacting lives through Columbia Bible College for generations to come. Mark Klausen Marketing and Communications Manager

Columbia Contact | Fall 2014 Columbia Bible College seeks to equip people for a life of discipleship, ministry, and leadership in service to the church and community. Purpose Statement The purpose of the Columbia Contact is to encourage and provide updates about news, events and related college business to students, alumni and friends of the college. Editor in Chief Mark Klausen Contributing Writers Bryan Born Mark Klausen Kurtis Kube Nathan Martin Jeremy Walker David Warkentin Contributing Photographers and Illustrators: Todd Armstrong (www.bluecoralphotography.com) Stephanie Collins Elsie Georzen Mark Klausen Richard Stobbee (Paragon Creative) Columbia Bible College is located in Abbotsford, BC, Canada, and provides faith formation and professional ministry preparation for Christians of all ages as well as supports the churches of the region in the fulfillment of their mission. Columbia is evangelical Anabaptist and is operated by two regional Mennonite conferences, British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and Mennonite Church British Columbia. Columbia Bible College 2940 Clearbrook Road Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8 www.columbiabc.edu Tel. (604) 853-3567 Toll Free. 1 (800) 283-0881 Fax. (604) 853-3063 info@columbiabc.edu

This Issue

Features 03 An Education that Matters How Columbia is staying relevant to a new generation and what it will be like in 2020. 08 I Am Called to Lead Columbia students can experience many different calling in life, but they all have one thing in common. 12 The Changing Religious Culture The response of urban churches in a changing societal environment. 18 Through the Years Bible College today may look different than it did generations ago, but the heart of the matter still remains. Alumni stories

Departments

07 Alumna of the Year 2014 Elsie Georzen answers questions about her ministry and impact.

03 Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Desk

16 Four Percent How Columbia prepared one student for a career she never thought possible.

14 Bearcat Athletics

06 News and Updates

16 14 08

President’s Desk

an education that matters by Bryan Born

n a regular basis I meet people who want to know how Columbia is faring in our changing religious, moral and economic landscape. Within some, I sense a concern the College might be on the road to irrelevancy, an expensive luxury that is nice to have but not really necessary. Others understand that changing circumstances might actually increase the need for schools like Columbia, especially if we hope to encourage the next generation on their own journey of faith. In a recent ChristianWeek article (July 2014), Tim Perry discusses the growing conflict between competing visions of morality here in Canada. “The Canadian governing classes are shaped by (and increasingly shaping) a public morality that deliberately resists any appeal to God or to the transcendent. But we must be clear. This is no easy live-and-let-live relativism. It is a radically different vision of what constitutes the Good Life. A vision that sometimes comports with biblical and Christian ideals, and sometimes does not.” Too often Christians respond to observations like these with lament, but we believe much more is necessary in order to impact our society in the years to come. We need to be proactive, not reactive; driven by mission, not fear. Christian higher education matters because our world and our churches need well-trained people who are radically committed to following Jesus into the places where they can best participate in God’s mission of shalombuilding (reconciling, redeeming and transforming all creation).

In the past number of months, members of the Columbia community have been engaged in a visioning process to help guide our decision-making for the future. While there has been much discussion about academic programs, campus plans, and financial models, one of our primary tasks has been to craft a vision statement. We hope to confirm this statement at our October AGM, but I include it here in its draft form: “By God’s grace, Columbia Bible College will be a thriving, Christ-centered post-secondary institution, embodying and promoting God’s kingdom vision of transformation for the church and world as reflected in Scripture, and developing Christ-followers who are maturing spiritually, academically, and ethically – inspired and able to positively impact their careers, churches, and communities.”

By God’s grace, we want to deliver an education that is Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused, and World-impacting.

Let me quickly unpack that statement. First, we desire to be a thriving, Christ-centered post-secondary institution. Prevailing culture may push and pull in various directions but relevance is not a matter of following the prevailing winds of change, but remaining centered on what (or better, “who”) truly matters. To live as ‘people of the Book’ requires us to live as people of the Way, Jesus. Faith in Christ impacts every area of life: heart, soul, mind and body; and it determines the way we treat others (“Love your nieghbour as you love yourself ”).

Because the church needs well-trained pastors, Bible teachers, missionaries and youth workers, we will continue to partner with local congregations to fulfill that task. At the same time we know many of our students will embark on careers in education, construction, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. If the church is to remain relevant in the decades to come, it must approach life holistically. We are seeking to do so by developing strong course and program transfer agreements with public institutions like the University of the Fraser Valley. Now in its second year, our Praxis program is exploring mission in the rapidly changing urban context, while at the same time, we are launching a pilot program called LEAD (Christian leadership principles integrated with business management skills).

Second, recognizing that a Christ-centered education touches all areas of life, we can appreciate that God’s kingdom vision of transformation extends far beyond individuals to affect families and communities locally and globally. Furthermore it requires an understanding of the church as God’s primary vehicle of mission, while at the same time embracing the reality that every Christian, whatever their vocation, is called to participate in God’s mission.

To remain relevant requires us to pay attention to what is happening around us, and then responding in ways that have significance. In the months and years to come, I hope to have many conversations concerning what we can do best to ensure a Columbia Bible College education matters in the here-and-now, and for eternity. By God’s grace, we want to deliver an education that is Christ-centered, Kingdom-focused, and World-impacting. ■

News + Updates

» Columbia Launches New Leadership Certificate

LEAD, Columbia’s new certificate in Leadership, was approved by the Private Career Training Institute Agency (PCTIA) in summer 2014. Columbia welcomed 13 students into the LEAD program this fall. The program is designed for student who have already completed one year of post-secondary education and introduces students to transformational servant leadership. While the first semester is based on Columbia’s campus, LEAD students study abroad in the second semester in Costa Rica. The program joins Columbia’s other certificate programs, Praxis, Quest, and Columbia ONE.

» The Metzger Historical Collection

Construction of The Metzger Historical Collection was completed in August. Julia Small, a library technician at Columbia, is heading the display phase over the next few months. Julia, trained in museum practice and theory, has catalogued thousands of museum artifacts and has worked on various museum projects as well as served in museum administration for six years with Granville Island Museums. A grand opening for the collection will take place in early 2015.

» Columbia Transitions

Stacey Gleddiesmith began as Columbia’s new Worship Arts Director. Stacey is a worship leader with over 20 years of experience in planning, leadership development, music performance, worship arts, song writing, and liturgy. She is passionate about theologically-driven worship that transforms the people of God into the unified diversity of the Body of Christ. Kurtis Kube is the most recent addition to Columbia’s Development team. Kurtis holds a BA from Columbia Bible College and an MBA from Azusa Pacific University. Kurtis has spent time working in both finance and marketing and has been involved in pastoral ministry for over 8 years with his wife Karen. Jerry Pauls joins Columbia’s Biblical Studies Faculty. Jerry has been teaching OT and Theology at Columbia as adjunct and associate faculty since 1999. Previous to that Jerry completed studies at MBBS and Regent College and served 3 years as a youth pastor in Chilliwack. Claire Suchy accepted her new role as Counseling Services Supervisor. Claire is a graduate from Trinity Western University (MA), and is certified by the Canadian Counselling & Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). She has counseled clients from around the world and has been invited to speak at local agencies in the areas of anxiety, trauma, and healthy relationships.

Enrollment Update Columbia saw an increase in new student enrollment for the first time since 2008, up nearly 8%. Additionally, enrollment targets were exceeded in very category. Despite an overall enrollment decrease due to a large graduating class in 2014, Columbia is hopeful that the increase in new students is the beginning of a positive enrollment trend.

Quick facts about the student body of Fall 2014:

Female 50% Male 50%

Residents 45% Commuters 55%

New 42% Returning 58%

Alumna of the Year On April 19, 2014, Columbia celebrated the class of 2014 at the 78th Annual Commencement Ceremony. Each year Columbia recognizes an alumni/a who has gained unique distinction through their accomplishments and has brought positive change to the community through Christian leadership. This year Columbia recognized Elsie Georzen (‘65, MBBI) for her bold advocacy work and establishing support groups for the vulnerable and hurting. Elsie took the time to share a bit about what she does and her involvement in the Kingdom of God.

Currently, I work with MCC BC as coordinator of the End Abuse Program, giving support to women who have experienced abuse in relationship. The support is individual, and through ‘When Love Hurts’ support groups. We also offer the ‘Home Improvement’ group for men who want to learn healthier ways of being in relationship. Many volunteers contribute their time and energy to MCC BC in this work. The inspiration and guidance for the work comes from the life and teachings of Jesus, who had women disciples, who affirmed the oppressed and disadvantaged, and elevated the status of the women he related to and healed. The work of seeing women and men coming back to fullness of life has been liberation work, as when Lazarus was unbound from his graveclothes.

CBC: How did the Lord lead you into this opportunity to serve people? EG: Well, this could be a long answer, since I’ve been walking this path for almost 50 years. Looking back, I can simply say that each small step taken led to another, and it is quite astounding to see the pattern that brought me to the place I am in now: from pediatric nurse, to facilitator for a child abuse prevention program, to coordinating a support program for single mothers with preschool children for almost 20 years, while also serving on the MCC Women’s Concerns Committee, and eventually (after retiring, I thought) accepting this job as End Abuse Coordinator at MCC BC in 2007. CBC: How did your experience at Columbia have an impact on your work for God’s Kingdom today? EG: Columbia was an early step on the journey described above. An indicator of the influence of the time spent there 50 years ago was when singing ‘Messiah’ this past Easter, and realizing I “knew” every note, retained over the years after we sung it at Columbia in 1964. Our world has changed in many ways over these 50 years, from one phone in the house which was part of a “party line,” to the iPhone in most everyone’s hand. And yet the relevance of God’s Word remains. The core principles of God’s love and care for each person, and for the world, and Jesus’ life and teachings still guide our lives. Clearly, Columbia was foundational. ■

Photo: Elsie Georzen

CBC: What is the nature of the ministry that you are engaged with? EG: Generally speaking, for most of my adult life, I’ve participated in various projects that work to end abuse, and bring mutuality and equality to relationships. I’ve been privileged to have a partner (Walt, who also attended CBC) who has affirmed and supported my work.

I AM CALLED TO by Mark Klausen

s Jessica reached for her daypack, her Nalgene bottle, that was plastered with stickers from every known outdoor store, dropped out of the side of the bag and began rolling towards the edge of the Sumas Bluff. As the bottle, almost in slow motion, inched towards its fateful 20m plunge, Jessica leapt to her stomach and stretched out in a heroic attempt to save her beloved water bottle. Frantically, I immediately followed suit, conducting a graceful belly flop onto the mountain side, grabbing Jessica’s right hiking boot. Our camera man, Dwight, fearing that one of us would sacrifice too much, screamed from behind, “It’s not worth it!!” Despite our valiant efforts, it was too late. The three of us joined in a harmonious, “NOOOOO!”, as we watched the bottle disappear off the mountain. We immediately broke into a fit of laughter and tears. This type of shenanigan had become common place for Dwight and I over the course of filming Columbia’s new video series, I Am Called. Over the past seven months we had been shooting several short films that featured students and their journey that brought them to Columbia. Jessica Evans, a first year Outdoor Leadership (OL) student, was the hero of our most recent video. We had spent the previous weekend white water rafting on the Chiliwack River with the OL crew and were now wrapping up a full day of rope rescue at the Sumas Bluffs. We had just filmed the interview portion of the video before the tragic water bottle incident. Jessica grew up in Southern Ontario with a loving and supportive family. Like many students, Jessica wasn’t sure where to go or what to do after she graduated high school. After a

process of discernment that included wise words from her Dad and a “gap” year of travel and adventure, Jessica knew three things: 1) she loved the Lord, 2) she loved people and 3) she loved the outdoors. Fast forward a year and here she was, perched on top of Sumas Mountain starring out at the grey-blue backdrop typical to the Fraser Valley in late March; Jessica was wrapping up her first year as an Outdoor Leadership student. “I felt like this program was perfectly knitted for who God created me to be,” Jessica explained during her interview. “I feel like the Outdoor Leadership program is equipping me to be able to give back to those programs that poured into my life and lead and come alongside [others] who have the same passions and dreams.” Jessica is just one example of the students I had the privilege to interact with. What amazes me about all of their stories is the authentic passion each student has for following God’s call on their lives and the drive to make the world a better place. Many students recounted the steps of faith they took to attend Columbia; some had financial struggles and others had parental or societal pressure to pursue a different, more “stable” career path. However, whatever obstacles they overcame, each student felt a sense of calling on their life and knew that Columbia Bible College was going to be a part of their journey. It was a privilege to hear Jessica’s story and it reminded me, once again, how God is working in and through the community at Columbia. Watch Jessica’s video and other I Am Called videos at www.youtube.com/ColumbiaBibleCo. Oh, and the Nalgene survived its fall. ■

Support

Building a Holistic Worldview by Kurtis Kube “We gain favor with God by keeping His law.” This worldview, which all too often exists within the church, was shared by one of my students who proclaimed that he was an adherent of Judaism. It was communicated in a discussion I was having with some students during a mid-class break. My class? Accounting 101. The location? The Federal Bureau of Prisons in Florence, CO (medium security). The irony of this student’s (inmate’s) statement was apparent to all in the room but him. “Wait. You’re telling me that we gain favor with God by keeping His Law perfectly?” I asked. “Yes,” he replied. I paused for a moment and looked at the other students in the room. Finally I responded calmly and deliberately, “I can’t keep man’s laws, much less God’s perfect Law. In Matthew 5:48, Jesus told us that perfection is the only option. He raised the bar to unachievable levels. This completely destroys any hope we have of obtaining salvation through our efforts (works). It just can’t be done!” After we sat for a couple of moments pondering the desperate position of our soul, and the irony in a statement made by an inmate regarding keeping the law, I had an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with him and several other inmates who had found themselves in a mini church service; and they thought they were there to learn about debits and credits! Our God is incredible! My experiences teaching in the Federal prison system, along with the diverse experience I have had working in churches and the corporate world, have given me a renewed awareness and appreciation for the training and instruction I received at Columbia Bible College over a decade ago. My understanding of anthropology (who is man?) and theology (who is God?) have shaped my worldview and enabled me to share God’s love in grace and truth. Without a strong foundation in these two critical areas I would be completely lost. These two questions, more than any other, shape every person’s worldview. From the Anabaptist to the Atheist (and every worldview in-between), all attempt to answer these questions in order to come to an understanding of what our experience on earth is all about, and whether there are greater powers at work or not. And these questions are eons old. They are questions that people

Teaching in the Federal prison system, along with the diverse experiences working in churches and the corporate world, has given me a renewed awareness and appreciation for the training and instruction I received at Columbia. have sought the answer to for thousands of years, and will continue to do so. The people that ask these questions are your neighbors, children, friends, grandchildren, co-workers…perhaps even inmates. Do you have an answer for the hope that is within you? Are you prepared to share why Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, to the exclusion of all others? My time at CBC gave me the foundation to begin building my theistic worldview. One that trusts the sovereignty of God, relies upon the complete and perfect gift of Jesus, and rests in the work of the Trinity to call, save and sustain me in and through it all. It is this training, built on God’s inerrant Word, which has changed my life and eternity. It is this training that is so desperately needed within the church and God’s people. It is within this dialogue that lives will be changed as we lift up Christ and communicate His amazing love for a lost and broken world. Some may be seeking, and some may think that they are “just attending an accounting class,” but God is love and is seeking to change lives. Sharing Jesus with the world through engaging conversation and transformative theological training, is the wonderful work that you, I, and Columbia Bible College are called to participate in. Our God is incredible!

Kurtis Kube (pictured with his wife and kids) joined the Columbia team in 2014. Working in the Development Department allows Kurtis the opportunity to connect with those who support the mission of the college and hear how their lives have been impacted by God. If you are interested in finding out ways to support Columbia, you can contact Kurtis at kurtis.kube@columbiabc.edu or

Learn how to get involved at columbiabc.edu/support 09

Your impact lives here.

When you give to Columbia, you participate in the mission of God. Your generous support goes beyond our students and reaches the lives of those our student and alumni impact around the world.

WAYS TO GIVE Scholarships & Bursaries Legacy Giving Endowments Monthly Donations Gifts in Kind

Donate today at columbiabc.edu/donate 10

The Changing Religious Culture by David Warkentin

From mega churches to house churches to traditional churches to community churches, the diversity in expression for the people of God in cities is vast. Yet amidst all the diversity, there is one commonality among North American urban churches: they all exist within a changing religious culture. Whether a church chooses to adapt, engage, withdraw or reject such change, they can’t deny that the church’s role in culture is in fact changing. Some church leaders have identified this changing culture as a state of liminality. Liminality literally means a threshold in which something or someone experiences ambiguity and disorientation. Related to the church, Anabaptist leader and writer Len Hjalmarson explains liminality as a time of transition for the church. “When the church is in transition…confusion surfaces. Even casual conversations can become complex, with people using language in very different ways. Words like church and evangelism and even Christian carry baggage they didn’t once possess.” Urban churches face this liminal context everyday. This cultural transition for the church involves many different social aspects of a city, from increased diversity and multiculturalism, to changing socio-economic conditions in specific neighbourhoods, to a general suspicion of anything related to traditional religion, be it Christianity or otherwise. Canadian churches are forced to navigate commitment to the way of Jesus in a culture that is hesitant to commit to anything. Vancouver pastor at First United Mennonite Church, Greg Thiessen (Dip. ’03), describes the experience of liminality for their church with “the transition of our neighbourhood from ‘Little Berlin’ as it used to be nicknamed to a very multi-cultural and predominantly Punjab area of Vancouver.” Thiessen also notices that neighbourhood transience, especially for young adults and families, further complicates how an urban church can effectively minister in their neighbourhood. Rapidly changing neighbourhoods are part of a rapidly changing urban culture that the church is left to address in one way or another. It’s into this context of liminality that some urban churches are adopting a new spin on an old concept: parish ministry. Parish ministry stresses the importance of local neighbourhoods as the primary context in which the gospel is lived out and shared. Based in Seattle, the authors of The New Parish, refer to a parish as “all the relationships (including the land) where the local church lives out its faith together. It is a unique

Amidst all the diversity, there is one commonality among North American urban churches: they all exist within a changing religious culture. word that recalls a geography large enough to live life together (live, work, play, etc.) and small enough to be known as a character within it.” First United Mennonite Church, for example, has responded to their changing neighbourhood by engaging their literal neighbours and building relationships with them, including increased involvement with local community events. Artisan church, pastored by Nelson Boschman (BA ‘93) and Lance Odegard (BA ‘02), has adopted a parish model of church planting that focuses on “reproducing incarnational neighbourhood parishes that focus on discipleship through covenant community.” Artisan organizes their small groups geographically as a way to maintain a consistent presence in Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. Boschman and Odegard stress that “each person’s gifts are required” to make this relationally-based church model work, as each person is continually invited to “participate as ‘co-artisans’ in God’s movement of renewing all things.” Artisan’s first parish was based in Downtown Vancouver and they are presently launching an East Van parish. The focus on presence in local neighbourhoods with the parish church model is just one example of how urban churches are adapting to a changing culture while remaining faithful to the gospel. Columbia Bible College is excited to have the opportunity to lead students to grow in their discipleship as future residents and leaders in our cities. As Thiessen reflects on the impact of Columbia on his urban ministry, “Columbia has helped equip me with a sense mission that is not just professional in nature – not reserved for pastors and missionaries – but for all Christians to live out. Columbia also helped expand my own horizons of what it means to look like a Christian – that it is not just the GermanMennonite mold I grew up with but reaches across cultures in diverse expressions and understandings.” As Columbia continues to partner with urban churches, our goal is to continue developing students who positively impact their careers, churches, and communities in cities around the world. ■ David Warkentin is the Praxis Director at Columbia Bible College. Praxis is an 8-month urban discipleship program with an emphasis on faith and culture in an urban context. Learn more about Praxis at www.columbiabc.edu/Praxis.

Bearcat Athletics

t was March of 2013 when two teams shook hands at the end of a women’s volleyball match and something interesting happened, something that I had the privilege of witnessing dozens of times throughout the season. The teams came together at center court, and with the music level rising in preparation for the next match, they stood intermingled, arm in arm, with their heads bowed. The announcers, who were broadcasting this opening match at the 2012-2013 CCAA Women’s National Volleyball Championships, didn’t know exactly what to do but turn the music down in a natural response to what they were witnessing. With heads bowed the losing team in the match, our CBC Bearcats, began to pray with their opponents and people in the crowd were stunned. One man next to me turned and said, “I’ve got goose bumps!” I smiled, not knowing where this stranger stood in his faith, but knowing that what he was watching was something significantly different than anything he had ever witnessed before at a National sporting event.

See game schedules, team rosters, and read stories from student athletes on the Bearcat Blog!

columbiabc.edu/BearcatBlog

In our ever changing world there continues to be many influences that aim to separate faith from every possible arena of life. As a pastor and chaplain to the teams at Columbia Bible College, I have been involved in athletics for more than 33 years and have witnessed this separation firsthand, this drive to remove faith from our athletic endeavours. However, this event at Nationals reminded me that as cultural pressures mount, the role of faith in athletics becomes all the more important. For our athletes at Columbia, it is essential for them to learn how to combine their God-given talents and abilities with their faith in every arena of life, including athletic competition. It is vital that Christian athletes understand the connection between their faith and their sport. For many of our athletes, competing for Columbia is the first time they have had the opportunity to compete in their sport at a high level while being a part of a program that is faith-based and faith-driven. In this unique environment our athletes get the chance to see the difference Christ can make in their own lives, in the lives of their teammates and coaches, and in the lives of those who happen to attend their games throughout the season. In addition to this, our athletes acquire valuable life skills such as time management, organization, the value of hard work, team work, persistence, and leadership, as they engage in and learn to manage their class, practice, and game schedules. While each one of these skills allow the athletes to grow athletically, they also allow them to grow in their faith and engage with Christ in ways that become practical and real to them as they deal with the ups and downs of any season or in life in general. Moreover, when our athletes compete at the collegiate level, their faith impacts the lives of those around them on the court. Going back to my experience at Nationals, that simple moment of prayer, engaged in with integrity and honesty at the beginning of a National Tournament, allowed our women’s volleyball team to develop friendships with their opponents that lasted throughout the week and beyond. Upon their return home many of our athletes continued to connect with those they prayed with in Lloydminster through social media and personal email, much of which actually focused on their faith in Christ and what that meant in their lives as young Christian adults. We may never know the impact that those interactions that weekend had on the lives of those fellow athletes from half way across the country, or those simply observing from the stands. However, we do know that without a clear and honest demonstration of faith, in connection with athletics, those seeds may never have been planted and given the opportunity to take root and grow! ■

2014/15 BEARCAT HOME GAMES VOLLEYBALL DATE Oct 18 Oct 23 Oct 26 Nov 6 Nov 8 Nov 28 Nov 29 Jan 9 Jan 10 Jan 23 Jan 24 Feb 20

BASKETBALL DATE Oct 31 Nov 7 Nov 8 Nov 21 Nov 22 Jan 16 Jan 17 Jan 22 Jan 24 Jan 30 Jan 31 Mar 5-7

» See full game schedules at columbiabc.edu/BearcatGames

In addition to pastoring Discovery Church in Ridge Meadows, Trevor Stearns serves Bearcat Athletics and its student-athletes as Team Chaplain, and has done so for the past 5 years.

by Jeremy Walker

would never have guessed that the woman sitting across the table from me scored only 4% on one of her first tests as a Columbia student. In fact, it would be hard to believe this accomplished professional ever struggled on a test at all, but her recollection of the introductory assessment of biblical knowledge revealed otherwise. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The test actually made me more determined to discover what it is I actually believed.â&#x20AC;? Stephanie Collins, a Columbia graduate, is the Marketing Manager for the CFL Calgary Stampeders. I had a chance to sit down with her over coffee this past June where her passion for her work and faith came across in spades.

Stephanie, now 13 years separated from her Columbia experience, sees immense relevance to her timely education and her current success. “Taking the time to invest in my spiritual growth enabled me to stand firm in my faith when it was being challenged. More importantly I learned to trust the wisdom I had gained from asking tough questions about Christianity.” In light of her low first test score, Stephanie used her year at Columbia to fill in those biblical gaps and to ask hard questions. Ultimately, that year became a part of her preparation for entering the rest of her post-secondary education and established a foundation from which her career path could solidly unfold.

CBC: What would you say to a High School student thinking about bible college, but not necessarily a career in “traditional ministry”?

Stephanie decided to attend bible college for a host of reasons. Despite uncertainty concerning a career, she acted upon a few things that she was certain about: her passion for sports (volleyball in particular) and the desire to grow up and be challenged outside the comfort of her parent’s home. Stephanie loved Jesus and had the positive testimony of others who had attended bible college. With the lure of a new gym to play women’s BCCAA volleyball in and the beckoning of beautiful British Columbia as a backdrop, Stephanie came to Columbia.

CBC: How would you describe your current job success in relationship to your own discipleship and kingdom investment?

Stephanie recalled leaving Columbia with a new found ability to engage in sermons at her local church, in conversation with non-believers, and in critical dialogue around the Bible. Her experience strengthened her for further education at a post-secondary institution where syncretism was embraced, simply doing what ‘feels good’ was normal, and where having little accountability for beliefs was standard. Stephanie also spoke to the relevance of her Columbia friendships. “I am still in contact with people that I went to school with after only attending one year at Columbia. Along the way, these relationships have served and supported me immensely. Little did I know, I was going to experience really tough things in my personal life. These relationships helped me through the hard times. It was the support that I needed in my walk with God and helped me fight for my faith.”

SC: Since I left Columbia, I’ve completed my Business Degree from Mount Royal University majoring in sport and recreation. I’ve travelled around Western Canada representing sport and nutritional products at major cycling, running and adventure racing companies. I’ve had the opportunity to work for a Sport Marketing Agency doing PR for Olympic Athletes like: Jon Montgomery, Denny Morrison, Kristina Groves, Charles and Francois Hamelin and Maelle Ricker at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. This experience led me to my current job in the CFL working as Marketing Manager for the Calgary Stampeders. It is in all three of these jobs that I’ve faced my largest mission field. I rub shoulders everyday with those seeking purpose in their life. You’d think Olympic Champions would have the answer to questions like: What is our purpose here on earth? What do you put your hope in? What do you believe? While their accomplishments are very cool, they are just as lost looking for fulfillment in everything but God. – You learn a lot about your faith from meeting people with different perspectives, and different opinions who’ve experienced different situations. Now think what kind of impact you can make on these amazing people if you had a firm understanding of Jesus, the Bible and his purpose for you in this world. While being a Marketing Manager may not be the job one pictures as a direct result of an education at Columbia, Stephanie’s story certainly suggests that Columbia is no less relevant to her success. The value she has found in addressing the other 96% illustrates exactly why Columbia continues to invest in young adults – to be a part of their life long discipleship in a variety of vocations. ■

Photo: Stephanie Collins

While attending Columbia, Stephanie experienced academic challenge that would prepare her for years of education to come. “I can honestly say that Columbia Bible College marked/graded me harder than any other post-secondary institution I’ve attended. You were encouraged to master your skills. You were challenged to think outside the box.” Stephanie reflected on the fact that being at Columbia was not easy, and was even overwhelming as she played competitive volleyball, attended classes, and juggled various relationships. However, despite these challenges she never regrets being in a place that fostered the discovery of her identity in Christ.

SC: Whatever you think you’re going to do in life, you are likely going to have to work with and interact with people. Consider Columbia your personal development 101 certification. The most important thing you can do after high school is invest in your relationship with Jesus. It’s the most important relationship you’ll have and the most consistent thing you can fall back in a world that forces you to make decision after decision after decision amongst people with different perspectives.

Through the Years. by Nathan Martin

1939: Conference of Mennonites school established. 1936: Mennonite Brethren school began in South Abbotsford MB Church.

1946: Bethel Bible Institute launched by Conference of United Mennonite Church of BC.

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1970: MBBI and Bethel Bible Institute 1960: BC join to create 1955: The Conference of Columbia Bible Society MB Churches Bible Institute 1975: Third purchases land accepts (CBI). year added to in Clearbook operation of curriculum and established MBBI. 1966: Original and record Mennonite Redekop Hall enrollment of Brethren Bible constructed. 266 students. Institute (MBBI).

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hroughout years past, going back generation after generation, Christian higher education in Canada has carried a sacred trust, to equip, encourage, challenge and commission thousands of men and women to go out into their homes, workplaces and communities in which they live and the hands of Jesus extended to the world. Over the years the carrying out of this trust has been accomplished through various initiatives and visionary endeavors. The later part of the 19th century saw the establishment of missionary/ministry training schools, the early part of the past century welcomed the launch of numerous bible schools throughout the country. The 1960’s prompted a stirring on the part of many bible colleges to actively pursue accreditation in order to better serve their graduates. In the decades that followed the arrival of Christian liberal arts and science institutions also appeared on the Canadian landscape. And now here we are, in the year 2014. Bible Colleges and other Christian post-secondary institutions still carry the same sacred trust. The mission has not changed but the same cannot be said for culture and society. It used to be that generation to generation a few changes, the occasional social adjustment or technical advancement that made the day-to-day just a bit easier. But in this day and age all you have to do is look back a couple years and you’ve gone through two generations of your current smart-phone, the viewing of the piolet episode and subsequent cancelation of what you thought was going to be your new favorite tv show, and the rise and fall of so many foreign national governments that it’s hard to keep track.

1978: June 11, Conference of Mennonites and MB Conference join in covenant, creating the first interMennonite Bible Institute in North America.

1982

And then there’s the economy, forcing everyone to second guess where they are investing their money because now we’ve learned the hard way that returns on investments, even low risk ones, are not always a guaranteed things. So, what about going to Bible College? What about Christian higher education? Is it still a worth-while investment for myself, my kid? Is it really needed anymore? The answer to all of the reseeding questions is “YES!” With surveys indicating that significant numbers of young people are walking away from their faith during their first few years as an undergraduate student the role of Bible Colleges that offer 1 year discipleship and spiritual formation programs has never been more needed. If a 1-2 year educational experience that pays eternal rewards is not worth financial investment then what is? The truth of the matter is that trends will continue to come and go, culture will continue to change and being a follower of Jesus will never get any easier. In the like of this stark reality the question of whether or not Bible Colleges are still relevant really becomes a bit of a no-brainer. Do you value your faith? Do you value the faith of your children? Do you want them to be equip, encourage, challenge and passionate about being the hands of Jesus extended to the world around them? If so, then “yes,” Bible Colleges are still relevant, Christian higher education still has a place among our priorities. ■ Nathan Martin joined the Columbia community in 2013 as the Admissions Coordinator. He is currently working on a Masters of Education from the University of St. John.

2004: New Student Centre opens including new dining hall, student lounges and recreation room.

1987: June 26, BC Legislative Assembly passes Columbia Bible College Act, giving CBC the right to grant theological degrees.

1992: Threestorey Resource Centre constructed including new Library.

2001: Columbia Place, a state of the art Athletics Centre is built.

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2011: New Redekop Hall opens, increasing residence student capacity.

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Faith is the greatest legacy you can leave.

Columbia Legacy Giving allows donors to invest in Christ-centered education. Columbia Bible College, with assistance from Mennonite Foundation of Canada, provides donors an opportunity to set up planned contributions that will leave a lasting legacy of God honouring education for generations to come.

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