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Columbia Theological Seminary |
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lifel o ng learning
Adventures in Vitality . . . Because Small Churches Matter We hear a lot about “megachurches” and if we are to believe what we hear, all churches boast rock–concert attendance numbers — as well as levels of excitement and stewardship. But according to a 2010 national survey of congregations by Faith Communities Today, 46% of congregations surveyed reported worship attendance of 100 or fewer; half of those reported 50 or fewer in worship. Smaller congregations are the norm across our religious landscape — and they are thriving! The Center for Lifelong Learning is pleased to offer Small Churches: Adventures in Vitality, November 3–5, developed by Congregational Consulting team members Sarai Rice, John Wimberly, and Dan Hotchkiss. These leaders have extensive experience in congregations, as consultants to small church leaders, including working with the Alban Institute. This team’s proven record of success in church leadership education creates the basis on which this unique learning opportunity was designed, with the needs, interests and characteristics of small–sized congregations in mind. During the final learning module, participants will work with the consultants to design a program specifically suited for their congregations. Participants will not only benefit from Congregational Consulting’s specially designed learning modules, but also from shared experiences and connections made with other congregational leaders. Registration is open now: www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events.
Every Step is a First Step The most beautiful and challenging aspect of the journey of life is the journey itself. We are always on the move, always growing, experiencing, and learning; and in turn always being transformed. In the midst of these transformations we find ourselves in a process of remembering and at the same time re–identifying who we are. We ask ourselves, “Who is God calling me to become at this moment, in this new phase and time of my life?” The Immersion Experience: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life is a spiritual retreat designed to offer you the space, community, and spiritual resources for you to reflect on your “undefined potential” in the midst of your journey, wherever you may be. The next Immersion Experience retreat is scheduled for October 2–5. This is a required course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation (CSF) and is often the introductory class for those who intend to complete the CSF. Enrollment is open to all interested individuals, including those not intending to complete the full CSF course of study. Please visit www.ctsnet.edu/christian–spiritual–formation for more information on enrolling in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation program.
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o n the C o ver Longing for Flight watercolor 44” x 35” Suzy Schultz http://suzyschultz.net/
V antage P o int S pirit u al P i o neers
Going to a New Place It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters . . . .
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n this edition of Vantage, we are talking about what it means for us to be “spiritual pioneers who can plant new faith communities with entrepreneurial skill.” The word “pioneer” is used only twice in the Bible, both in Hebrews. The above passage is from chapter 2, and the other from chapter 12. What is most striking is that these two passages have at least three other commonalities:
Dr. Steve Hayner (seated, left) with the 2013 Guthrie Scholars: Alan Chan, Gilbert “Bud” FriendJones, and James Ellis.
Jesus is named as the one true pioneer. No matter how imaginative we might be in our efforts, we can never go anywhere God has not already been first. We will never meet a person except that God has loved them since before creation began. Christ goes before us and calls us to join in fresh opportunities for the gospel to be proclaimed. Pioneering is closely associated with suffering . . . and perfecting. There is nothing terribly romantic about being a pioneer. No matter how resilient we might think we are, it is a good thing that God is already at work. In pioneering, we feel our limits acutely and question whether we are capable at all. Yet, somehow when we are at our weakest, God is doing something new…perfecting God’s people. The context and result is a renewed and beloved community. We are not alone! Chapter 2 talks of us being “children of glory” and our relationship as “brothers and sisters.” Chapter 12 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” In God’s changing world, we are called from an ancient community and called into a new family. Last fall, I sent a pastoral letter to the entire community here at Columbia Seminary. I was quite disappointed and angry to hear that some members of our community had been victims of racially motivated verbal assaults. I wanted to clarify that our growing diversity is a blessing, and that each individual is a special gift to the body of believers here.
I was inspired by the photography of Gregory Colbert. One series of photographs in particular inspired this painting — a woman dancing with a feather, with a large bird flying over her, it’s wingspan as wide as she was tall. A friend of mine agreed to model for me, and we did a photoshoot in an industrial space where my studio was. There was an art show hanging with an abstract piece behind her. When I started working on the painting, I realized that the abstract looked like wings, and I wanted to suggest that behind her. Much of my work deals with themes of waiting, of longing, of a desire not only to observe things, but to be a part of them, a part of nature, of wildness, of things we can’t tame. And of living in the gap between those things we long to experience, and those things we don’t yet. VANTAGE Spring 2014
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The Faculty issued their own response stating: We, too, believe diversity is a gift from God and we celebrate that Columbia is growing in greater and deeper expressions of that gift than ever before. We also know that growth can be difficult and painful work. We will, and indeed have, hurt one another, and we will, and indeed must, confess that hurt when we are the cause of it, so that as individuals, we can ask for one another’s forgiveness, and as a community, seek God’s redemption. Out of that experience, we committed to closing the entire seminary on Ash Wednesday to hold a “day of learning, reflection, and action toward becoming the beloved community of Christ.” We invited anti–racism facilitators to join us and to challenge us to be the beloved community we are called to be. Pioneering does not always involve going to a new place geographically. Our most meaningful journeys may be with those who have a shared (though broken) history and a shared (and glorious) future. Without leaving our current context, we may in a most profound way find ourselves “in a new place.” So what does this have to do with planting new faith communities? In John 13: 35, Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” The gospel is most compelling when we abide by this word. Diversity is very much a leadership issue in the Church and the world. May we be made new each day, and may others believe in the One who is the “pioneer and perfecter of faith.” To God alone be the glory! Joyfully,
Steve
Editor’s Note: President Steve Hayner was recently diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor. He is currently pursuing an aggressive treatment plan. Prayers are appreciated for Steve and Sharol and family, as well as Steve’s doctors and caregivers. For updates and well wishes, a CaringBridge page has been set up at http://www.caringbridge. org/visit/stevehayner.
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A Statement of the Faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary In 1861, a group of Presbyteries in the American south broke off from the denomination, primarily over the issue of slavery, in order to form the Presbyterian Church in the Confederate States of America. In 1973, a group of Presbyterian churches in the American south broke off from the denomination, primarily over the ordination of women, in order to form the Presbyterian Church in America. Columbia Theological Seminary was at the center of both those schisms and it continues to carry institutional memories of deep pain over them. Today, the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary watches with increasing alarm as new schisms in the church unfold. Though proudly a seminary of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we are not only Presbyterians. We speak as one faculty composed of members of many communions and within hearing of the wider church, even though our primary audience is the PC(USA). Indeed, we believe that our diversity in denominational affiliation, theological conviction, and personal perspective, when joined to our commitment to work together, has helped us develop the resilience necessary to wrestle faithfully with the very questions of identity, unity, and mission that so trouble many contemporary American Christians and will so mark the future of the American church. This diversity also shapes our conviction that schism is a profound theological and pastoral problem. Remembering, therefore, the pain of former schisms and attentive to the pain that current schisms are causing for our students and the church we have taken vows to serve, we now issue the following statement.
Our Witness to Christian Love: A Call to the PC(USA) In the first century, Jesus told his disciples, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34–35). In the third century, Tertullian wrote that non–Christians looked at the church and said, “See how they love one another!” (Apology 39.7). In the twenty–first century, members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) struggle with this command and its witness. As faculty members of Columbia Theological Seminary, we invite the denomination — and, indeed, the whole church — to attend to Jesus’ words again. We note with growing sadness that upheavals in the PC(USA) are causing widespread pain and anxiety. Large demographic changes in society that have an impact on all churches are also creating new challenges for the denomination. Economic pressures that affect much of the population of the U.S. have magnified effects on nonprofit institutions, including individual churches’ abilities to cover the costs of their programs and staffs and the denomination’s ability to run successful programs and maintain effective denomination–wide support. Above all, political and theological debates within the denomination are shaping painful schisms that will continue to cause suffering into the future.
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Yet we also note that upheaval brings new life, that making arguments is better than taking up arms or avoiding conversations, and that the church, in its mission, is called to both purity and inclusivity.
We note with building frustration that many arguments given by persons both within and outside the denomination lack integrity and charity. We attend and teach in churches across the U.S. where we hear “the other side” vilified. We observe claims made about theology, fidelity, and integrity that do not square with Reformed theology, Christian morality, or personal experience. We work with students whose churches are injuring them while they attempt to pursue ordination and graduates who are watching opportunities to pursue their callings dwindle. We note with increasing alarm that the mission of the church is being undermined and that calls to “purity” and “inclusivity” are being used as weapons rather than invitations to pursue holiness and wholeness. We wonder at the church’s willingness to focus its attention on internal failings rather than outward witness. We struggle in teaching students to explore the relevance of the gospel for society when those students are watching a church whose most attention–getting actions seem malicious, passive, or vain. Yet we also note that upheaval brings new life, that making arguments is better than taking up arms or avoiding conversations, and that the church, in its mission, is called to both purity and inclusivity. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long brought life to dead places and hope to despondent ones. It has insisted that its members give reasons for their beliefs and actions so that they might display the ways that they are “being transformed by the renewing of their minds” (Rom 12:2). Even in the face of its most vociferous debates, it has always spent its time, energy, and money in missions that reached both next door and around the world. For many of us, it is the church that has cradled, nourished, trained, and supported us into active ministries of peace, unity, and purity, and we rejoice as we see it continue to do so in the lives of colleagues, students, and fellow Christians. We therefore remind ourselves of our common task as theological educators for the building up of the church. Where we have participated in or encouraged behaviors that tear down rather than build up the church, we repent and recommit ourselves to work that supports the one church and honors its Lord and Savior. We pledge to promote and model civility in our conversations with brothers and sisters from around the world, especially in our writing. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:4–5). Where we have focused on teaching students who were likely to agree with us, we repent and renew our desire to teach all students, no matter where they come from or which denomination supports them. We pledge to promote and model hospitality to those who come to our campus,
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We pledge to promote and model imagination in pursuing a unity that is bigger than agreement, more complex than uniformity, and more mysterious than like–mindedness . . .
no matter where they are from, especially in our teaching. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers (1 Corinthians 12:27–28). Where we have stood by and listened silently to narratives about the PC(USA) that are malicious in their intent and injurious in their effect, we repent and reengage in telling narratives about the faithfulness, possibilities, and benefits of the denomination. We pledge to promote and model boldness in speaking out and honesty in the ways we talk about ourselves and others, especially in our congregations. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Exodus 20:16). Where we have allowed polity debates to trump theological convictions and claims to righteousness to silence the call to unity, we repent and reaffirm our belief that the church is one and has an obligation to present itself in that way to a world that is increasingly riven by political divisions and driven by tribal loyalties. We pledge to promote and model imagination in pursuing a unity that is bigger than agreement, more complex than uniformity, and more mysterious than like–mindedness, especially in our meetings. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:22–23). Where we have downplayed our denominational connections or let the fear of negative repercussions divide us, we repent and remember that our past and the denomination’s present are as nothing when weighed against a hope that is greater than any church and a love that is stronger than any fear. We pledge to promote and model Christian love in all our work — writing, teaching, worshipping, administering, and living together — as we seek to become the beloved community. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen (1 John 4:18–20). Finally, we invite our colleagues at our sister seminaries to give witness to their own convictions about the present wisdom and future significance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Regardless of individual priorities or in–house debates, we know that standing together is better than falling apart. Beyond that, in times of reformation we know that we are all sustained by the grace of God who has given us the one church, the body of Christ, through which to respond in gratitude. May 1, 2014.
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hyper – f o c u s
Reflection on a Remarkable Experience
by Michael Morgan, Seminary Musician
God had to be the giver of the feast! The table spread, the fellowship outpoured. Who but a gracious, caring, loving Lord would welcome all, the greatest and the least?
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o begins the poem I wrote after an amazing weekend in February as the guest of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter. Calling us the “greatest and the least” is an exaggeration, but there is a definite gap between a former President of the United States and a simple parish organist. The Carters in a most gracious way bridged that gap, and from a casual meal around the supper table on Saturday night through the evening worship on Sunday, we all became members of a very special community. Some months earlier, one of the directors at The Carter Center in Atlanta had attended one of my presentations on the history of the English Bible, and afterwards she asked if she could put the people in Plains in touch with me to explore the possibility of a similar presentation there. A remarkable woman — Jill Stuckey, who worships at Maranatha Baptist Church with the Carters and is their close friend, behind–the–scenes “coordinator” for special events, and proprietor of the Plains Bed–and–Breakfast — worked out all of the details, and what began as an extemporaneous idea became a reality. Lodging for the weekend was provided by Jill at her inn, One Bible I shared that evening which in the past had been the boarding house where President especially interested President Carter’s parents lived when they first were married, and where he and Mrs. Carter. It was a very was born. The room we occupied was boldly identified by a brass scarce, signed copy of Julia plaque on the door — “Conception Room” — a title that needs Evalina Smith’s Bible — the only no explanation! Other guests for the evening included the state translation of the entire Bible directors of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Georgia and by a woman, published in 1876 Tennessee. when she was 84 years old! Dinner that evening was a simple gathering of eight people around an informal table. I had debated whether to wear a tie or not, while President Carter was comfortably dressed in blue jeans and a pull–over shirt. The local Methodist church always does a special Valentine fund–raiser, preparing take–out plates of ribeye steaks, baked potatoes, and salads, and the food Jill brought for us nourished our bodies well. What fed our spirits was the conversation which followed, when we shared so many experiences in our lives, from the challenges faced by the once most powerful leader in the world to the exploits of a young organist leading congregations in worship; from the global humanitarian efforts of the greatest former President in history to the story of the Bible which inspires us all. Habitat for Humanity, the Great Bible of Henry the Eighth, health clinics in Africa, the manuscript Psalms of Lord Fairfax all found a place at the table. One Bible I shared that evening especially interested President and Mrs. Carter. It was a very scarce, signed copy of Julia Evalina Smith’s Bible — the only translation of the entire Bible by a woman, published in 1876 when she was 84 years old! President Carter had just completed a book
on the enduring struggles of women, and the story of Julia Smith paralleled so much of what he had encountered in compiling his own reflections. In fact, that same day he had spent six hours recording an audiobook version, and was a bit hoarse, but never without meaningful words to say. After the Carters retired, we spent the rest of the evening with a group of media and drama students and faculty who had come from a charter high school in Los Angeles to film a documentary on Rosalynn Carter. They were a delightful and enthusiastic team, to be sure! Sunday morning was something I had looked forward to for a long time — attending one of President Carter’s Sunday school classes. He gave me part of his hour to talk about the Bible exhibit that afternoon, and the evening service when I would talk about the history of the English Bible. Then he did a wonderfully engaging analysis and reflection on the story of the healing of the paralytic man from Matthew’s Gospel to the 300 people who were in attendance. One aspect I hadn’t even considered was the presence of Secret Service agents whenever the President was in a public setting. During the worship service, we sat with the Carters and two undercover officers, while a half–dozen or more milled around in the crowd. Bringing the books into the fellowship hall for the exhibit was an experience — all of the cases and books were sniffed and approved by large tail–wagging but determined dogs, as were the myriad cars which filled the church’s parking lot. The afternoon exhibit was open to the whole community, and was followed by the evening worship service. Maranatha Church’s pastor Jeff Summers, who incidentally is a DMin student at Columbia, left Plains late in 2013 to accept the call from a church in Florida, so I led the worship, focusing on the different versions of the Bible. I even wrote a hymn celebrating the Word of God which we premiered that night! Maranatha Baptist Church is a remarkable welcoming community which has separated from the Southern Baptist Convention to answer its own calling to a ministry of humanitarian goodwill, social justice, and sharing the grace of God with all of God’s children. So much of what I knew about the Carters’ commitment before my visit to Plains was confirmed for me, deeply rooted in the life of their congregation. The postscript to this wonderful experience was a letter I received from President Carter afterwards thanking me for sharing my books with them and for writing a poetic reflection for him and Rosalynn. He also invited me back for another visit, so I could play the organ for their worship, as well as entertain and enlighten them further on the fascinating story of the English Bible. A few days later, Rosalynn wrote a beautiful letter to me, speaking of how my presentation on the Bible had given them a new dimension and deeper understanding of God’s Word among us. The closing lines of my sonnet written for the Carters summarize well my impressions of such a memorable weekend:
Michael Morgan (right) with President Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter and Richard Ezell (left).
Vast wonder met with true humility; as strangers we sat down, then rose as friends. When faith is lived, its brilliance never ends, and life and love are what they ought to be. So let us now in peace and joy depart, and ever sing God’s glory in our heart. VANTAGE Spring 2014
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Advancing Instructional Technology
by Chris Peters ’14
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isdom literature encourages the faithful community to seek clarity of vision (Proverbs 29:18). Over the past few years, Columbia Theological Seminary’s institutional vision has been refined through a Quality Enhancement Plan and ongoing curriculum revision. As the seminary seeks to be always reforming, a vision for the use of technology to enhance teaching has also come into focus. In March 2012, Columbia dedicated the Broyles Leadership Center (BLC), creating new classroom environments with expanded and enhanced technological features. Since that time, professors have been actively utilizing the new infrastructure. Expanding the use of instructional technology to support learning goals is happening in various ways at Columbia Seminary — from basic and advanced degree programs to Lifelong Learning. Israel Galindo, Associate Dean of Lifelong Learning, states that this emerging focus is, “about finding the best means to bring about the best learning outcomes.” Associate Professor of Christian Education Kathy Dawson adds that keeping learning as the focus is paramount. Alongside an emphasis on pedagogy, the use of technological enhancements “is a good way to speak to…the students that we have here, who are living in the digital age and are expecting the seminary to be there with them.” To help faculty members better accompany students in this digital age, Columbia has been working to provide resources for the responsible adoption of technology in the classroom. Kathy Dawson identifies “course capture,” which records video of class sessions along with the PowerPoint presentation, as one of the big improvements. She says, “The course capture 10
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Raj Nadella, Assistant Professor of New Testament that we have built into the BLC is really valuable both to our international students and to folks who have learning differences, who may need to hear a lecture multiple times to be grasped.” Though, many students are known to take advantage of the technology for review purposes. Last fall, Brennan Breed, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, led a group of pastors from the Presbytery of St. Andrew in a Lifelong Learning sermon–design workshop. Brennan was able to lead the group in Mississippi remotely from his office in Decatur, GA, using Adobe Connect, a multi–platform online learning tool. In the past faculty would likely travel to lead such a workshop, taking away time from classes on campus. While Brennan took a “break” from the workshop to teach Intro to Old Testament on campus, the pastors prepared sermon outlines and uploaded them to Adobe Connect for Brennan’s review. Later that day, Brennan provided feedback for the group. Speaking to the success of the highly collaborative event, Brennan said, “It was a better sermon series than any of us could have made individually.” This spring, Professor of Christian Ethics Mark Douglas and Assistant Professor of New Testament Raj Nadella initiated a
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Vol. 106, No. 3, Spring 2014 E d i to r
“Instructional technologies can enhance pedagogy, but they need to do it in ways that are attentive to the community–forming aspects of the pedagogy…
course, Profits and Prophets: In the small class setting, one thing technology ought to The Bible, Ethics, and Economics, utilizing the be doing is increasing the ways that we communicate technological infrastructure with each other rather than having just one-way limited of the Broyles Leadership Center. They took advantage interaction.” Mark Douglas, Professor of Christian Ethics of the large screens and projectors, varied internet connections, and touch–screen hub for teaching to connect students on–and–off–campus in conversation. This was achieved by using Google Hangout, a video–conferencing technology, to allow students to attend class remotely from the comfort of their own homes. Professors Douglas and Nadella also used technology for connections beyond the seminary community. “One of our goals (is) to be able to bring in resource people from other parts of the United States into the classroom,” Raj Nadella said shortly before a session with an expert who spoke to the class from Michigan. Considering hopes for future use of such technology, Mark Douglas adds, “Instructional technologies can enhance pedagogy, but they need to do it in ways that are attentive to the community–forming aspects of the pedagogy… In the small class setting, one thing technology ought to be doing is increasing the ways that we communicate with each other rather than having just one-way limited interaction.” Online seminars and courses with web–enhanced learning create spaces for what Israel Galindo identifies as, “learner–directed, collaborative, interactive, and multifaceted learning.” In October 2014, the Center for Lifelong Learning will implement its first online–only course for active pastors as distance learners titled, Money and Your Ministry. While Columbia Seminary seeks new practical applications for Instructional Technology, it also seeks to train and equip its faculty and staff for the best possible usage and integration. Reflecting on the use of technology in Profits and Prophets, Raj Nadella adds, “if we practice it more often, it will become more of the norm.”
Michael Thompson Des i gn
Lucy Ke P h otog r ap h y
Pamela Cooper-White Craig Thompson, Disciple Design C ont r i buto r s
William Brown Kate Brearley Buckley ’14 Randy Calvo, Jr. ’81 Pam Cottrell Corie Cox Mary Lynn Darden Mark Douglas Sarah Erickson ’03/DEdMin ’10 Israel Galindo Dorie Griggs ’02 Steve Hayner Paul Junggap Huh Angelle Jones ’14 Michael Morgan Deborah Flemister Mullen Rodger Nishioka Elizabeth Orth Chris Peters ’14 Barbara Poe Stanley Saunders Suzy Schulz Joseph Taber ’13 Doug Taylor Sandra Taylor Diane Thorne Jeffrey Tribble, Sr. Kristin Wolf ’15 This issue of Vantage is available online at www.ctsnet.edu. Go to News & Publications, then Vantage.
Chris Peters is a 2014 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary’s M.Div. program and is currently seeking a call in the PC(USA). Chris has worked as Youth Director at Morningside Presbyterian Church since September 2011 and spent nearly six years as Youth and Young Adult Director at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. He holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina (’04). He lives in Decatur, GA and will be married in June 2014 to fellow 2014 M.Div. graduate Lauren Van Wicklen.
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r ec y cle After you read this issue of Vantage, pass it along to a friend or colleague, or neighborhood take it to your recycling cent er.
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EcoExplorations
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by Dr. William Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament and Dr. Stanley Saunders, Associate Professor of New Testament
or several years now, Columbia’s curriculum has been requiring our second–year MDiv students to take an “Explorations” class (formerly known as “Alternative Context”). Such classes are designed to immerse students in entirely different contexts of ministry and life. Decatur, admittedly, is a bit of a bubble, so it is critical that our students have the opportunity to explore ministry in its various settings worldwide, whether in Jamaica, Central Europe, or the Appalachians…or Atlanta! Sometimes what is right next door beckons exploration, where God is doing a “new thing” among immigrant communities and within the fray of racial division and economic inequality. “Eco–Explorations Atlanta” is the newest Explorations class developed thus far. This class is designed specifically to immerse students in the environmental challenges facing Atlanta communities today, affluent and poor, black and white, ecclesial and grassroots. Its first iteration was taught by my visionary colleague Stan Saunders in May of 2012. Three years prior, Stan and I co–taught a class on the Bible and Ecology and envisioned the kind of class that would be more immersive, one that would take us out of our hermetically sealed classroom. That opportunity came with the help of Dean of Faculty Deborah Mullen and Director of Contextual Education, Kim Clayton, and a pilot class was born. That class proved to be transformative, and so a second class was born the following year, which I had the privilege of teaching. Stan and I sometimes kid ourselves as being the ideal teaching team: Stan provides the doom, and I provide the hope. But in teaching this course, we have discovered that fear and hope are very much interconnected. Living faithfully involves being realistic about the difficult realities we face while at the same time being hopeful as we strive to live out our calling in Christ for the salvation of the world.
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And so we learn from scientists about the “long emergency” our planet is facing due to the ravages of climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution. In this class we worship at churches that maintain urban gardens and implement energy– conserving measures to lessen their carbon footprint (and save money). Fear and hope are both deeply felt as we struggle to sustain God’s vision for the healing of creation in the face of mounting destruction and injustice wrought by human hands. This class is very much hands–on. Not only do we learn about sustainability and conservation, we hike, plant, and climb. The class begins by hiking five miles in the mountains of north Georgia to Len Foote Hike Inn, a nearly self–sustaining lodge. There we catch the vision of sustainability. In this class we worship But back in Atlanta, we at churches that maintain confront the harsh reality of urban gardens and implement disaster preparedness and relief. energy–conserving measures At the Centers for Disease to lessen their carbon footprint Control and Prevention (and save money). (CDC), we become trained in “crisis emergency and risk communication” (CERC). With a Georgia State University professor, we learn of the collapse of countless fisheries around the world due to overfishing and economic competition. In Southwest Atlanta we become shockingly aware of environmental injustice committed daily against minority communities through polluted watersheds and toxic waste sites. With despair setting in, the vision seems so distant. Hope, according to David Orr, is “a verb with its sleeves rolled up.” So we get dirty. We work with Global Growers Network, a grassroots organization that manages gardening projects across Atlanta for immigrant families. One of their gardens is located right across the street from Columbia’s campus, unbeknownst to many of us. There, we help plant sweet potatoes and thin carrots, as we
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learn how GGN helps international farmers to grow good food and create economic opportunities for themselves by providing fresh, organic produce at local markets. The despair begins to lift. We tour a recycling plant, a community center with an edible landscape, a Mennonite farm in Atlanta, a center devoted to sustainable building practices, and some of the more daring among us climb to a rooftop to see a vast solar panel array made possible by a local business developer. We get to know advocacy groups and resource organizations, including Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL), that are committed to seeking energy–wise solutions to seemingly intractable challenges that threaten the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. “Eco–Explorations Atlanta” is a class that faces fear and instills hope, wrestles with despair and cultivates wonder. It explores what it means to be creation–wise in ministry. Its outcome is transformation, the renewal of our calling to give witness to God’s love for the world (kosmos in John 3:16). And it is our hope from this Explorations course that caring for God’s world, caring for creation, will become an integral part of every ministry, in whatever form or context.
Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is an interfaith nonprofit organization dedicated to stewardship and care of Creation by people of faith.They hosted their 8th Annual GIPPYs awards ceremony, bestowing recognition to congregations and faith groups which promote care and love of the planet in response to God’s loving care. Professors Stan Saunders and Bill Brown won the Trailblazers Award given to new and creative fostering of earth care–consciousness for their Eco–Explorations class.The Eco–Explorations tour of Atlanta opens students’ eyes to the realities of humanity’s impact on God’s creation.The class heard from traffic experts, air quality scientists, biochemists on climate change, and business ethics professionals.The group toured the Atlanta Waste Water Treatment plant, an electronic recycling center, an urban farming project, and the watershed of Atlanta. Even as the class was confronted with the harrowing ways we have treated Creation in the Atlanta area, students were offered hope and comfort that we can join in movements of reconciliation, to actively anticipate God’s restoration of this world.
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Prayer of Confession
by Kate Brearley Buckley ’14
Creator God, here is no shortage of reasons to despair about the ways humans have mucked up the beautiful planet you have entrusted to us since Genesis. In Atlanta, we have raw sewage bursting through manholes when impervious surfaces cause storm water to flood our drainage systems. We do not meet any of the EPA standards for clean air, and we breathe in our own pulverized debris from roadways causing countless and unknown respiratory illnesses. We are estimated to be creeping along our streets and highways of Gwinnett County at 15 mph by the year 2030 if we do nothing to carpool or use mass transit. We have overfished cod in the state of Georgia and must wait 80 years to harvest any or they will die out completely. We conduct our business with a false sense of competition. We feel compelled to grasp after dollar bills that gratify for the moment when we should be looking ahead for the common good. Often, we do not know where our food comes from or who is exploited in its trip to our tables. Open our eyes, God, to the ways we hoard and manipulate the precious manna you provide. Calm our fears that there is not enough. Strengthen us to live more simply, to tread more lightly, and to love more deeply. May we trust in You. Give us despair enough to realize our dependence upon you. Give us hope enough to spur change, and to live towards your kingdom, which even now is coming. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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Isaiah 11:9 “ They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
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Kate Buckley ’14 is a senior in the MDiv program and a sustainable food and farming intern for Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL). She grew up near the marshlands of Brunswick, GA and graduated with a degree in telecommunications from the University of Georgia. During the EcoExplorations program at Columbia Seminary, Kate was introduced to the role of sustainability in ministry which transformed and clarified her vocation. She is excited about ways her theological background intersects with the local food movement. Kate enjoys helping others provide wholesome, God–conscious meals for their families.
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Exploring Cherokee Language
by Kristin Wolf ’15 Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from journal entries posted during the trip.
Ani–Yun–Wi–Ya he Cherokee refer to themselves as the Ani–Yun–Wi–Ya or “The Principle People”. We began the first day at the New Kituwah Academy Language Immersion School. It is privately owned, receiving a small amount of funding from the tribe, but is mostly self–sustaining. The school teaches the Cherokee language to children, to have them and their families embrace it, and to reclaim a language that was almost lost. The idea for the school came about when nearly 13,000 Cherokee were surveyed and only 300 native speakers remained. Losing a few elder native speakers each month, something had to be done for the language to survive. When we arrived, we saw a giant sign above the double doors which read “ENGLISH STOPS HERE”! Unless it is absolutely necessary, English is not spoken on the campus. All subjects are taught in Cherokee with two speakers in each classroom, so that the kids may witness and learn to be in conversation. All text books and state testing are translated as well. The kids spend 30–45 minutes of their day in tutoring later to recapture in English the subjects already learned in Cherokee. They begin as toddlers and move up through 5th grade. Garfield, our host and one of the school’s directors, said his hope is to see the school expand through 8th grade. Then the children will have a better chance of continuing to speak it. Cherokee is primarily an oral language with 87 characters, each representing a phonetic sound. There are different dialects within the language based on region. Sequoyah came up with the writing system when he saw the need to record their history in 1909. A full system was developed by 1921. He was accused of black arts and witchcraft for his attempts in developing a writing system. In spite of resistance even from his own wife, Sequoyah was persistent in finishing his work.
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Di–Gwe–Nv–Shv–i The Cherokee use the word Di–Gwe–Nv–Shv–I to identify where one is from. In English this means, “I am of...” So you would say, “I am of the wolf clan.” More literally it means, ”My fire is in...”Fire is an incarnation of the divine. The word Cherokee has no meaning in their culture. It
was a word applied to them, as they were known as the fire people, or the Tsa–la–gi. Each town had a fire in their central town house fed continuously day and night by men. Doing anything to the town fire was punishable by death. Later, we went to Living Waters Lutheran Church and met with Rev. Jack Russell, a full blood Cherokee. He mentioned that other people tell him they wish they had his “Native American Spirituality.” He began with a discussion of what it means to be spiritual and what it means to be religious. The conversation sparked many insights but he left us with this quote: “Spirituality is what our mind calls us to believe in.” We also met Patty Edgemon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Roman Catholic Church, who is a social worker in Cherokee, NC and a member of the Healing and Wellness Coalition. Patty began her talk describing historical grief and trauma. Historical grief affects us generationally. It has been scientifically proven that whatever is left un–addressed, we pass on. She then moved into how the Cherokee culture has experienced this using her personal testimony. This woman packed a punch, and she glowed. To be in her presence was to feel God moving. What the Cherokee experienced was truly genocide. Teachers would put rice on the floor and make the kids caught speaking Cherokee kneel on it for hours. The story of the “Trail of Tears” looms infamously in our history, as a quarter of the people perished along the way. Even in more recent times, there was an adoption movement among white Christians who would show up to hospitals with baskets to carry an infant. They would convince the Cherokee women that they were ill-equipped to raise their own children. People are still returning to Cherokee, NC, to find their parents today. It was not until 1978 that the Freedom of Religion Act was passed, allowing the Cherokee to finally worship and practice VANTAGE Spring 2014
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without punishment from the government. This was a holocaust— an attempt to annihilate, assimilate, acculturate, and relocate an entire people. Wayah Ageu Finally, we met Freeman—a man of the Wolf Clan. He brought us to the Kituwah Mound which was a “peace land” of the Cherokee tribe. There could be no fighting or bloodshed here. When the Cherokee died, they were buried under the home of the family. The entire village was burned to the ground by Christians. When the Cherokee lost the land, the graves under the town fire were excavated—a terrible sign of disrespect for any community. The Cherokee eventually were able to buy back the land. At one point, Freeman blessed each of us in Cherokee with elements by the river. We carried dirt from the riverbank to the mound one at a time. (They do this to rebuild it since it was destroyed.) We were told to walk the grounds in silence for a
moment to feel the presence. We were standing atop Cherokee graves and the richest unexcavated archaeological site in the country. You could see the mountains for miles. You could feel the pain, the peace, the fire that used to burn for the town, the history. It was beautiful and tangible. Freeman taught me to say “wolf ” in Cherokee (wayah), and then told me that I was “Wolf Woman” (Wayah Ageu). He gave me a necklace. I told him that I had Cherokee blood and that my last name was Wolf. He replied that I was truly his sister. Amazing! Kristin Wolf ’15 is a middler student in the MDiv program. She received her BFA in Music Theatre from Shorter College in 2009. Her passions include worship ministry, biblical storytelling, as well as education, awareness, and solution–oriented development for addicts and alcoholics. She has most recently worked for B Street Theatre, Sandy Springs Christian Church, and is looking forward to an internship at Newnan Presbyterian Church this summer.
Columbia Connects ...Those Called to Teach Register now for one of these courses designed for individuals engaged in teaching ministries. August 4–6 & August 15–16 Reconciling Paul/II Corinthians (2014-15 Horizons Bible Study) led by Elizabeth Hinson-Hasty & Sharol Hayner August 7–9 Educating in Faith:The Craft of Christian Teaching led by Israel Galindo September 16 Key Practices for Intergenerational Ministry (A GenOn Ministries Course) led by Paula Hoffman
www.ctsnet.edu/lifelong-courses-and-events 404-687-4577 or lifelonglearning@ctsnet.edu 16
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New KAM Journal: Twelve Influential Early Korean Preachers
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he Korean American Ministries (KAM) at Columbia Theological Seminary has published a new journal issue, No. 6 “Twelve Influential Early Korean Preachers.” The whole issue is available in English and can be downloaded at http://webkam.org/journal. “Twelve Influential Early Korean Preachers” represents a sampling of Korean sermons, and highlights the significant life of early preachers in the history and development of the Protestant churches in Korea. This is not a complete list, but is a representation of denominationally recognized names of early Christian leaders in Korea. Over the past few years, Columbia Theological Seminary has experienced a gradual increase of Korean students studying in the MDiv and other degree programs. In spite of the growing population of Korean students in U.S. theological institutions, we do not know much about the Korean context. Thus, there is much to be learned from these Korean students and what they represent in the growth of the church and the challenges they are facing. As director of Korean American Ministries and the first Korean to be a tenure–track professor in the history of Columbia Seminary, Dr. Paul Huh is receiving a number of inquiries about Koreans, Korean–Americans, and Korean Christianity from the community and other theological institutions around the world. Recently, an Australian website (http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/articles_jkamt– 01.php) for Biblical studies requested permission to reproduce the KAM journals into separate files for each of the individual writers. This particular issue, No. 6 is fruit of the good work by Korean students in a class that Prof. Huh taught on “Korean Worship and Preaching” during the Fall of 2013. In order to define Korean worship and preaching, the students were assigned to research examples of historical sermons, and learn from pastors whom they respect and by whom they have been influenced.The choices crossed denominational differences depending upon the availability of printed sermons.The class realized immediately how little information is available on this subject, especially in English. For this particular edition, Prof. Huh thanks Dr. Jae Hyun Kim, founder and director of the Korea Institute of Advanced Theological Studies (KIATS). Because the KIATS series has introduced and translated primary Korean documents into English, the class was able to do their research in the English language. Many thanks go to each student writer who helped make this valuable information known to a wider audience outside of the classroom.
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reas o nable service Nomadic Text by Brennan Breed (Indiana University Press, 2014) Assistant Professor of Old Testament Brennan W. Breed claims that biblical interpretation should focus on the shifting capacities of the text, viewing it as a dynamic process rather than a static product. Rather than seeking to determine the original text and its meaning, Breed proposes that scholars approach the production, transmission, and interpretation of the biblical text as interwoven elements of its overarching reception history. Grounded in the insights of contemporary literary theory, this approach alters the framing questions of interpretation from “What does this text mean?” to “What can this text do?”
Mystery Worshipper by Paul Huh (Dongyeon Press, 2013) Assistant Professor of Worship and Director of Korean American Ministries Paul Junggap Huh writes about how American churches worship, which is illustrated by 30 U.S. congregations across all denominations that Dr. Huh visited personally on Sundays. Paul led opening and closing worship service for Korean Diaspora Mission Conference at Myungsung Church, Korea. He and Kevin Park along with Kathy Dawson led DMin/DEdMin Travel Seminar to the 10th World Council of Churches, Busan, Korea. During the trip, the students and professors led worship services at Pohang Central Church, Pohang and Dongshin Presbyterian Church, Busan.
Sailboat Church by Joan S. Gray (Westminster John Knox Press, 2014) Is your church a rowboat church or a sailboat church? Rowboat churches depend largely on human effort. When church budgets shrink and membership declines, rowboat churches frantically row harder against a current, often frustrated and disappointed at their efforts. Sailboat churches, on the other hand, take up the oars, hoist sails, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them. Arguing that churches should be “sailboats,” Interim Dean of Students Joan S. Gray encourages readers to shift concern from the many daily, practical concerns of their local church to fresh ideas that can be found using the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The book includes forty days of sailing prayers, quotes from Scripture, brief reflection questions, and an extensive bibliography that is arranged by theme. Perfect for groups to read together, this book will help leaders reframe their church’s mission and practice with the Holy Spirit as their guide.
Wisdom’s Wonder by William Brown (Eerdmans, 2014) Wisdom’s Wonder offers a fresh reading of the Hebrew Bible’s wisdom literature with a unique emphasis on “wonder” as the framework for understanding biblical wisdom. William Brown, the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, argues that wonder effectively integrates biblical wisdom’s emphasis on character formation and its outlook on creation, breaking an impasse that has plagued recent wisdom studies.
The Future of the African American Church by Ralph Basui Watkins and Justin G. West (Judson Press, 2014) What is the future of African American churches? Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth Ralph Watkins and Justin West don’t claim to have a crystal ball. They don’t come with a corrective prescription for what the African American church should be. Instead, they come to the conversation as Christian leaders who love the black church as family — and who want to talk about what the church can be. The Future of the African American Church invites elders and young leaders alike to the table to discuss, “How does the church serve the present age?” How can “prophetic churches” and “praise churches” come together to reimagine ministry? What can each tradition learn from the other — and what gifts do we together have to offer the people of God in the world?
The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms by William Brown ed. (Oxford University Press, 2014) The Psalms—the longest and most complex book in the Bible—is a varied collection of religious poetry, the product of centuries of composition and revision. It is the most transcribed and translated book of the Hebrew Bible. Intended for both scholar and student, The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms is edited by William Brown to provide a diverse array of essays that treat the Psalms from a variety of perspectives. Beginning with an overview of the Psalms that touches on the history of scholarship and interpretation, the volume goes on to explore the Psalms as a form of literature and a source of creative inspiration, an artifact whose origins remain speculative, a generative presence in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and a still-current text that continues to be read and appropriated in various ways. Classical scholarship and traditional approaches as well as contextual interpretations and practices are well represented. The Handbook’s coverage is uniquely wide-ranging, covering everything from the ancient Near Eastern background of the Psalms to contemporary liturgical usage. This volume offers a dynamic introduction into an increasingly complex field and will be an indispensable resource for all students of the Psalms. All books may be found in the John Bulow Campbell Library or may be through the Bookstore in the Broyles Leadership Center: Store Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:30am–2:30pm (when classes in session) Phone: 404-687-4550 (10:00–4:30 each day)
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Fax: 404-687-4658 Email: bookstore@ctsnet.edu Manager: Sue Crannell
S pirit u al P i o neers
The Pioneering Faith Community
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he church in which I was raised was organized prior to 1797. I remember the celebration of their 200th anniversary a few years before I was confirmed there. Its worship space is about as traditional as one could imagine: slate floors, wooden pews, expansive pipe organ, and a ponderous communion table. My home church’s identity is steeped in tradition, and its walls clad with the icons of its own history. We are not, however, the portrait of a pioneer stepping into the untamed spiritual wilds. During my time as a student at Columbia Theological Seminary, I had the opportunity to visit several New Church Developments around Atlanta. Some of them doubled as coffee shops, others explored what technology could do in worship, still others had radically different ideas about how to celebrate the sacraments. But there was no over–arching model for what a new faith community should look like. Which makes me wonder: perhaps there is no algorithm that brings about a new and fruitful ministry. Perhaps there is not a flow–chart to a successful start–up church. Perhaps rather than a linear program, the difference is in the way of thinking. I wonder if the thing that these communities had in common, aside from a preponderance of folding chairs, is that the group of people who founded them looked around and asked, “What is God doing around us?” That’s a question any faith community can ask. Moreover, it’s something every faith community should do. Irrespective of whether a church is celebrating two hundred years or two hundred days, we must witness God actively working in the world around us. That is sure to bring out a diversity of church models, because our God is too big to be described by one way of being the body of Christ. Sometimes we baptize our entrepreneurial skills and look for an unmet need. Then we start a ministry to meet it because God is about to do a new thing in the world. Sometimes we reach
by Joseph Taber ’13
into our history and tradition, Perhaps there is not and stand out from cultural a flow–chart to a successful immediacy by preaching God’s start–up church. eternity. Sometimes we just Perhaps rather than a gather to share our stories, linear program, the difference because the author of all is in the way of thinking. creation is with us wherever two or three are gathered. Perhaps the “Spiritual Pioneer” is not in costume hacking out a life in the frontier, but rather a leader who is willing to trust that God is at work in the world. Sometimes, in fact frequently, that will mean doing something differently, because our response in faith is never complete. Our communities will change. They will look different, they will act different, they will sound different, and they will emerge from places we had not even thought about. Through all of these changes, our faith communities will still truly preach the Word, rightly administer the sacraments, and ecclesial discipline will be uprightly ministered. The spiritual pioneers among us will find new ways to express those marks of the true church, but it will all come as a response in faith to the God who speaks into being things that do not exist. Joseph Taber ’13 MDiv lives in Shelby, NC with his wife, Leah. He recently accepted a call as designated pastor for the Presbyterian Church of Lowell, NC.
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Church in the Shark Tank
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by Angelle Jones ’14
absolutely love the T.V. reality show called Shark Tank. The show features aspiring entrepreneurs who present business ventures to a panel of potential investors. I especially love it when young children come to the show, and even more so when they get a deal. Since being hooked, I have asked myself, “What if everyone instilled in their children the possibilities of becoming entrepreneurial geniuses?” Better yet, “What if the Church trained its potential leaders to serve with entrepreneurial skill?” Like the investors on Shark Tank, I’m inspired whenever new and innovative ideas are presented. However my greatest excitement is when genius thoughts are given by God to leaders in the Church. I’m not talking about the routine church growth, new ministry or discipleship programs, because I know we all get tired of church as usual. On the other hand, I’m sure we are all thrilled when a faith community begins to dream in the midst of normalcy. The statistics in churches are the same amongst many mainline and traditional denominations. The unfortunate truth is that Church no longer seems relevant to those that we’re supposedly trying to reach. Across the board, the numbers are telling a story. Regrettably, the response of the Church also tells a story when we are reduced to using gimmicks to try to increase membership. Books are being written by the thousands on how to grow the church, ways to attract new members, and how to creatively raise building funds. It’s high time that we begin to rethink possibilities in the Church. On the bright side, there are new spiritual pioneers arising among us, aspiring leaders with vision to plant new and innovative faith communities. I’ve come to the conclusion that I like Shark Tank because of the work the hopeful entrepreneurs do in order to pitch their business ventures. Many come with zeal and excitement about their idea, but they haven’t done the work to develop or market their product. However, those who come with passion, a spirit of entrepreneurial excellence, and are already making a profit; those are normally the ones who catch the eye of the investors. The investors expect the potential entrepreneurs to have done most of the work, and to have already experienced a level of success before they consider investing. The investors want to know that 20
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those in whom they choose to invest have proven that they are willing to do the work to become more skilled in their craft. In today’s growing technological world, the Church must be prepared to combine theological and technological expertise to reach the world. Like the investors, God expects church leaders to prepare themselves for the work of ministry. Completing our education is our job while allowing the Holy Spirit to energize our work is God’s. At Columbia, students are preparing to contend as imaginative, creative and resilient leaders for the 21st century and beyond. We are being given the tools to create imaginative communities that will look nothing like those of the past. That might mean exchanging our routine Sunday morning service, and serving in the community instead. God forbid that the Church might choose to go to the non–churched instead of expecting them to come to us. What would happen if parishioners were given one Sunday a month off to spend with family, taking the risk of experiencing a literal Sabbath? Instead of writing a check, what if the Church encouraged its professional members to help train the poor with skills to help them become self–sufficient? There are many ways in which our entrepreneurial genius can be revealed in the local church. As religious institutions cultivate spiritual pioneers, it is imperative that they be challenged to plant new faith communities where Spirit and entrepreneurial skill unite. Angelle Jones ’14 is finishing her Masters of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) with a concentration in Christian Ethics. She holds a BA in African–American studies from the University of Cincinnati, and is a graduate of the Hosanna Bible Training Center in Macedonia, OH, where she was ordained into ministry as an Itinerate Minister and Missionary/Evangelist. Since then, Angelle has ministered across the U. S., South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa. Additionally, she worked as the founder and director of In the Spirit Ministries, an evangelistic outreach ministry; and as Missions Director of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Columbus, OH. She currently serves as co–moderator for the Women In Ministry (WIM) organization at Columbia. Angelle is the mother of one adult daughter and has three grandchildren.
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Pursuing a Different Call
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by Dorie Griggs ’02, 2014 Pioneer in Ministry Award (see page 26)
used to joke that I was the only tenured student at Columbia Theological Seminary. After six years, one of which was spent on bed rest with my daughter, it really felt that way. My seventh and final school year, 2001–2002, would be a very special one. It was the year I would live into the vague calling I had felt for years. That year I participated in an extended unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at St. Luke’s Training and Counseling Center. My idea was to find a CPE supervisor to oversee a ministry I knew was needed, but not recognized, providing a ministry of presence for journalists. Fortunately the supervisor there, Rev. Miriam Needham, listened to my vision and took the risk of allowing me into her group. My classmates worked with the homeless of Atlanta while I spent time each week with journalists. My life was profoundly changed by the experience. As I approached the school year, many of my classmates and professors questioned why journalists needed a chaplain. Then September 11, 2001 happened. The world saw how the journalists continued to report through their own tears. The people who questioned my call, now affirmed my call. When Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street journal reporter, was beheaded in February of 2002, more friends began to understand the dangers journalists are exposed to in the course of their work. I’ll admit it, I was a little nervous of how I would be received in journalism circles. My early career was in sports public relations. I still volunteer in the pressrooms of major sporting events in Atlanta. Introducing myself as a chaplain in that environment felt funny to me. Apparently it sounded funny to at least one other person, an older journalist from a newspaper in New Jersey. We were in the pressroom of the NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball tournament. I saw he was with a paper I read growing up in New Jersey and introduced myself. The conversation began, “Hi! I’m Dorie Griggs. I’m a chaplain to journalists.” The gentleman looked at me side ways and replied, “What is that some internet thing?!” I laughed and explained the academic degree and the courses I’ve taken. He drew closer. As it turned out, he had lost his sister to cancer right before 9/11. Then he and many of his co–workers lost friends and family when the towers fell.
There we were in a crowded pressroom, hundreds of reporters and photographers buzzing around, and we were having a very deep pastoral conversation. By the time we finished talking he looked at me and said, “You’re a good chaplain.” Conversations like these happened with some frequency that year. It was affirmation to me that I was indeed where God called me. After graduation I was asked to join the staff of the program, Faith And The City, as the producer of their interfaith dialogue television program, Faith And The City Forum: Interfaith Dialogue on Civic Issues. I continued to reach out to journalists when I read or heard of a story from dangerous areas. It really is amazing the response rate you get from journalists when you put “Thank you” in the subject line. I heard over and over again how grateful they were that someone recognized that their work was difficult but important. The Committee to Protect Journalists based in New York keeps track of the number of journalists killed because of their work. So far, as of this writing in 2014, 14 journalists have been killed because of their reporting. In 2002– 2004, the years I was at Faith And The City the war in the Middle East began. I kept a list of journalists reporting from the Middle East and eventually posted it to my web site with a note that read, “The following journalists are filing or have filed stories, photos and articles from Iraq. Please remember these people and their families in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to work to keep us informed. Also, please remember the journalists around the world and in your hometown who work daily in dangerous situations and on difficult stories. If you know of other journalists who should be listed, please send their name and affiliation along with a link to their work to: dorie@dorielgriggs.com The list includes people from around the world. Soon the National Press Photographers Association posted a link to the list. Messages came in from all over thanking me for praying for them. Many sent names of their friends. Eventually I met several people from my list. They were visibly moved when I showed them they VANTAGE Spring 2014
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had been prayed for. More than a few told me they could feel the support and knew they were not alone. My volunteer call to support journalists has led to some amazing opportunities. The Dart Center of Journalism and Trauma, now based at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, has included me as an observer in several of their meetings. The founder, Dr. Frank Ochberg, is an acclaimed psychiatrist. We first met at a meeting of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies the year he was given their Life Time Achievement Award. When we first met he told me, “I was raised Jewish, I’m Atheist now, but I really like what you do.” He has served as a mentor to me since that first meeting years ago. The Dart Center and the Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Program at the Carter Center co–hosted an event about trauma reporting in 2003.That involvement eventually led to invitations to be an observer at a few meetings at The Carter Center focusing on support for returning veterans and mental health issues. One of the journalism Fellows, Bobbie O’Brien of WUSF in Tampa, heard that my oldest son was an Army ROTC cadet at The Citadel and asked me to contribute to her blog, Off the Base. She thought her readers would appreciate hearing what it is like for the mother of a future soldier in a time of war. To my surprise my entries were very popular with the parents at The Citadel. My son graduated and began his career in the Army, but new parents would find the blog entries and reach out. They were nervous about the process and my blog posts helped them feel less nervous. It wasn’t long before I realized God was using my experiences in ministry to be a caring presence for these parents, most of whom I have never met in person. Today there are Facebook groups for three classes worth of parents and others based on special interests. These groups include over 1,000 parents, all connected virtually.
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Many of the people I come into contact with are part of a worshipping community, but some are not. In a number of cases I am the only person of faith an individual knows. The years since graduating from Columbia Seminary have been filled with exciting opportunities. My interest in traumatic stress has led to opportunities to speak at conferences including the Association of Professional Chaplains and the Workplace Chaplaincy Conference at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture as well as college journalism programs and hospital staff meetings. The most rewarding work, and the work to which I know I am called, is to be a caring support person to the journalists who risk their own safety to keep us informed, and to the parents of cadets and future military members at The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. Many of the people I come into contact with are part of a worshipping community, but some are not. In a number of cases I am the only person of faith an individual knows. I feel incredibly privileged to be called to, and be present for, these individuals and groups of people. My time at Columbia Seminary gave me the tools I needed and the confidence to provide a ministry of presence for people of all faiths or none at all.
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Church Planting with Entrepreneurial Skill
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he mission of Columbia Theological Seminary is educating and nurturing faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world. As a part of this mission, members of our faculty are engaged in the extraordinary challenge of helping to inculcate knowledge, habits, practices, and disciplines for persons who discern a call to plant churches. We envision those who are effective at this as “spiritual pioneers who can plant new faith communities with entrepreneurial skill.” The holy work of new church development, which requires human agents partnering with the Holy Spirit, is complex, exciting, and challenging. In our feeble efforts to describe this mysterious work, we have selected a constellation of complementary images and metaphors: pioneers, planters, and entrepreneurs. Each of these images is rich and meaningful; but, the most compelling of these for me is that of the “spiritual pioneer.” A pioneer is “a person that goes before, preparing the way for others, as an early settler or scientist doing exploratory work.” One of my favorite Scripture passages is the text which I selected for my initial sermon. In Hebrews 12:1–3, Jesus Christ is identified as the “pioneer,” who goes before and points out the way to followers who must be perfected, or brought to maturity, through preparation, concentration, and determination. A host of ancestors and fellow saints are named who provide inspiration for those who “grow weary or fainthearted.” A living “cloud of witnesses” is needed to provide inspiration, guidance, and support for the spiritual pioneer to persevere. These may be a church planting team, a mother congregation, a sending denomination or a church planting agency. Though there has been successful church planting done by persons without theological education, we believe that seminary professors who mentor students and provide them with sources of theological wisdom—biblical, historical/ doctrinal, and practical theology
by Dr. Jeffery L. Tribble, Sr. Associate Professor of Ministry
— may also be among the “cloud of witnesses” which help to educate and form spiritual pioneers for church planting. Columbia Seminary is developing its capacities to help equip spiritual pioneers to plant new churches. Bryan Stone highlights seven leadership traits of new church planters: 1) strong spiritual formation and an ongoing commitment to spiritual accountability, disciplines, and practices; 2) imagination and creativity; 3) an ability to call forth the gifts of others and to create in others a sense of ownership of ministry; 4) a keen ability to exegete and analyze a community along with the surrounding culture and contextualize the gospel within that community; 5) flexibility, adaptability, energy, and resilience; 6) intrinsic motivation; and 7) basic leadership skills in leadership and character formation, administration, contextualization, interpersonal communication, and an ability to think theologically about the nature of the church and its mission in the world. This blend of spiritual formation, theological grounding, and skill development cannot be located in one class or in one area of the curriculum. However, as we live into our new curriculum, new advising responsibilities, and engage fully the range of courses taught by our faculty in degree programs in our classrooms and in a variety of contexts that we are connected with, it will be possible for our students to cultivate each of these seven areas of leadership development. In the new Master of Divinity curriculum just approved by the faculty, students must take a limited number of required courses which may contribute to educating and nurturing emerging “spiritual pioneers.” These required courses are in the categories of 1) Orientation to Theological Education, Spiritual Formation, and Christian Practices; 2) Christian Witness (courses in the areas of Old Testament Interpretation, New Testament Interpretation,
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Christian History, Christian Seminary education is a Theology, and Biblical “seedbed” out of which persons Greek or Biblical Hebrew); can over time and with practice 3) Contextual Education; grow in imagination, resilience, 4) and an M.Div. capstone and skill for ministry. course. In addition, they It is one moment in the lifelong must take at least one learning of Christian discipleship. course in Christian Vocation in the following areas: Christian Ethics, Christian Leadership, Preaching, Worship, Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Advanced Supervised Ministry. Professor Ralph Basui Watkins and I teach the majority of courses designated in the category of “Christian Leadership.” Spiritual pioneers need courses in leadership that help them to engage God’s changing world and develop missional churches. On the CTS website, you will find a rich offering of “P” courses that we teach such as: Introduction to Christian Leadership, Theology of Evangelism, Urban Evangelism, Exploring the Missional Church, Evangelism via Storytelling and Multimedia Approaches, Theological Grounding and Development of the Virtual Church, Church Administration, and Reaching Young Adults in the Media/ Digital Age. Seminary education is a “seedbed” out of which persons can over time and with practice grow in imagination, resilience, and skill for ministry. It is one moment in the lifelong learning of Christian discipleship. Through our degree programs and lifelong learning, Columbia Seminary is developing its capacities to educate emerging spiritual pioneers who are able to plant new churches with entrepreneurial skill. Editor’s Note: Professor Jeffery Tribble was recognized in February by The International Ministers and Lay Association of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church with “The Frederick Douglass Award.” The award states, “In the true spirit of Frederick Douglass, this award is given to one of Zion’s scribes.” It goes on to recognize his accomplishments as an author, practical theologian, and educator—among other things.
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New
“Columbia Connections”
Blogsite!
We have launched a new online blog for Columbia Theological Seminary at http://columbiaconnections.org/. New articles will be posted each week in the following categories: · About Columbia: For prospective students and supporters · Along the Journey: By the Center for Lifelong Learning · For God’s Changing World: By Alumni/ae and Church Partners · Imaginative & Resilient: By Faculty, Staff, and Students · In the Campus Forum: Other campus news There are also videos and additional pages with information about the seminary. All members of the Columbia Theological Seminary community (faculty, emeriti, staff, students, alumni/ae, pastors from partnering churches, donors) are welcome to make submissions for the blog of about 400-500 words in length. This is meant to be a full community site! Contact editor Michael Thompson, director of Communications, if you are interested at ThompsonM@ CTSnet.edu.
S pirit u al P i o neers
students and others who are trying to organize around other important things happening in their lives. Additionally, the new calendar aligns Columbia Seminary more closely to the ITC and Emory calendars allowing for easier cross–registration.
Interview with Dr. Rodger Y. Nishioka Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education
Curriculum Changes for Columbia A committee of faculty and staff have worked for three years to bring about the most significant changes for the seminary’s curriculum in nearly 30 years.The new curriculum launches with the academic year 2014–15 beginning in July. Following the second full year of the new curriculum, the faculty will assess what changes need to be made both in the near and the long term.We sat down with committee chair Dr. Rodger Nishioka to learn more. Vantage: Rodger, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule. I suppose the first thing most people will want to know is: what do these new curriculum changes offer our students? Rodger: Thank you for this opportunity to share what we’re doing! This was definitely an important exercise in re–examining the needs of our students, so an important thing which came up again and again is “flexibility.” Overall, there are changes to the schedule which will allow greater flexibility for all students, but especially MDiv students who come here from denominations other than the PC(USA). This curriculum acknowledges the fact that our student body is becoming increasingly diverse ethnically and denominationally. There are also less required courses and more electives. This helps us seize pedagogical opportunities afforded to faculty and students by the Broyles Leadership Center and the new ways students are learning. It allows more options for commuter
How do the new changes reflect our Quality Enhancement Plan of “educating imaginative, resilient leaders for God’s changing world”? The changes very much embed the seminary’s Quality Enhancement Plan into the MDiv curriculum, and frame the course of study with action and reflection to start and close their particular journey at Columbia Seminary. We hope to prepare students, not just for ministry in today’s context, but the kind of contexts they may face in the future. We need to recognize change as events unfold and meet them together. We want to privilege the practice of ministry and the integration of theory and practice in a new way. This enables students to study and experience a more holistic understanding of the Bible and the Church. One way we accomplish this is by scheduling internships simultaneously with classes, so that students are making direct connections between what they are learning and what they are doing. The new schedule also supports a more consistent faculty advisor–student relationship and helps develop a deeper mentoring relationship between faculty and student.
So what do these changes say about the values of Columbia Seminary? On one hand, we’re still holding on to Hebrews 13, right? Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. On the other hand, ministry is not always the same. Our call hasn’t changed, but our context has. We’re looking for ways to continue living faithfully in a way that produces a sustainable model of church. Rather than looking backward to “the great day of the Church,” we want to stand on the rich tradition we have and move forward into the future. Welcoming modern technology, yet still affirming that we are embodied souls who meet and learn in community. Holding all of this together is what we value. VANTAGE Spring 2014
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April 25–29 | Colloquium 2014 2014 Distinguished Service Award Douglas Wiley Hix An ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church USA and a graduate from Davidson College, Columbia Theological Seminary, and Duke University, Douglas Wiley Hix has served as a pastor at several churches in Georgia and North Carolina. At King College, he served as the Associate Professor of Philosophy and Christian Thought and the Dean of Students. At St. Andrews Presbyterian College, he served as the Associate Professor of Christian Thought, as well as the chair of the Christianity and Culture Humanities Program. He also served as the Director of Advanced Studies and Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Columbia Theological Seminary.
tauta panta
T a u ta P a n ta
Tauta Panta is Greek for “all these things” as in Matthew 6:33 — “Seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” In our case, it is the section of Vantage which serves as a living tradition of what is being done by students, alumni/ae, staff and faculty. Come and see what God is doing in the life of our community to serve God and God’s changing world.
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2014 Pioneer in Ministry Award Dorie L. Griggs As a graduate of the University of Richmond, Dorie L. Griggs worked in various public relations, marketing positions, and the hospitality industry. She graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2002, where she developed a model for chaplaincy for journalists who cover traumatic events. She has served as a volunteer with the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma and is a member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies and the Ochberg Society for Trauma Journalism. She is the chair of military ministry at Roswell Presbyterian Church and is involved with ministering to military families at The Citadel, which is the military college for South Carolina. She has published a variety of columns, lectured at many universities, and produced the award winning interfaith dialogue cable TV program, Faith And The City Forum. She is currently volunteering her time with the nonprofit, Care For The Troops and writing her own blog, as well as contributing to the blog site Off the Base. (See full story on page 21).
25th Reunion
T a u ta P anta | Alumni/ae News & Notes
“Loving the World Next Door” 2 Corinthians 5:18–19
I
n cooperation with the Interfaith Community Institute of Atlanta, Columbia Seminary hosted Colloquium 2014, a 5-day interfaith experience for seminary alumni/ae and other interested participants from April 25-29. This event began with an off-campus “immersion” weekend into such religious traditions as Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. A couple of dozen participants were invited into the sacred spaces and communities of these other traditions where they experienced firsthand their respective practices and beliefs. In the midst of traditional differences and distinctions, participants received welcoming hospitality at each site visited. The interfaith immersion weekend was followed by two days of on-campus dialogue with presenters representing each of the participating religious communities. Along with several seminary faculty members including professor emeritus, Ben Johnson, subjects such as evangelism, worship, sacred text, and religious practice were explored from the various faith perspectives of each of the religious traditions. In the end participants were reminded of the wisdom of the words of writer, Kahlil Gibran, who declared that “Your neighbor is your other self dwelling behind a wall; in understanding all walls fall down.”
50th Reunion
About Our Alumni/ae 1960’s Earl Vaughan ’66 is retired and attends church at First Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville, NC where he sings in the chancel choir and in a male octet chorus known as “The Men of God” . . . . . Jeff Aiken ’69 has joined the board of directors of AllSpire Health Partners, a consortium of seven healthcare systems that includes 25 hospitals in the Northeast US which formed an alliance to build expertise in populations health management, while achieving the benefits of scale to reduce healthcare costs. He represents the Lehigh Valley Health Network in this venture where he serves as vice chair of the board of trustees. 1970’s Steve Rhodes ’75 has a new book. What Might Not Be is a sequel to The Time I Didn’t Know What to Do Next. He ponders those moments and places where the possible rubs up against the unlikely, where the boundary between “is” and “might or might not be” becomes blurred . . . . . Walter Peters ’78, ’07 (DMin) retired as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Westminster, MD . . . . . Joanna Adams ’79 was named the “2014 Woman of Achievement” by the YWCA of Greater Atlanta. 1980’s Ted Land ’84 (DMin) is coordinating presbyter at Florida Presbytery and the interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Marianna, FL . . . . . Jan Blissit ’86, ’91 (DMin) has finished her first book. Under My Robe: Holy and Irreverent Stories was published in March . . . . . Robert Montgomery ’88 is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Pulaski, TN. He recently spoke at the 200th annual meeting of the Rock Creek Bible Society in Lewisburg, TN . . . . . Arvie Maynard ’89 was recently featured in the Sunday Herald Dispatch, Huntington, WV in an article entitled “Young–at– Heart 87 year–old still happy on his Harley” . . . . . Alan Wright ’89 is pastor of Reynolds Presbyterian Church in Winston–Salem, NC.
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T a u ta P anta | Alumni/ae News & Notes
1990’s Todd Jenkins ’90 recently received the second place award from the Presbyterian Writers Guild’s First Book Award competition. Tuesday’s Muse, a book of poetry illustrated with black–and–white photographs, was self–published in 2013 . . . . . Mary D. D’Alessio ’92 is pastor of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church, Liberty Hill, SC . . . . . Kelly Allen ’92 is a candidate for moderator of the 2014 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The election takes place in Detroit in June . . . . . Joseph Dorociak ’92 (DMin) is pastor of Barrington Presbyterian Church, Barrington, IL . . . . . Ann Pitman ’93 is interim pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Ashland, KY . . . . . Dan Thornton ’96 (DMin) recently returned from Paris, France, where he served as the visiting pastor of the American Church in Paris . . . . . Jan Stewart–Tolbert ’98 was recently honored with a reception at Carrollton Presbyterian Church celebrating her 10–year anniversary at the church . . . . . Ralph Hawkins ’99 is executive presbyter and stated clerk of Shenango Presbytery in New Wilmington, PA . . . . . Shannon ’99 and Greg Kershner ’99 have relocated to Chicago where Shannon is pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church . . . . . Erin Sharp ’99 is a resident in pastoral and relational counseling with the Samaritan Counseling Center of the North Shore.
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2000’s David Hyers ’01 and wife Mary Elizabeth are proud parents of a baby boy, Findlay Scott, born April 27 in Troon, Scotland. . . . . . Agnes Norfleet ’01 (DMin) is the preacher for the Sprunt Lectures May 5–7 at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA . . . . . Pressley Cox ’02 is stated supply pastor of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Simpsonville, SC . . . . . Dorie Griggs ’02 is beginning a one–year residency at Atlanta VA Medical Center . . . . . Cindy Benz ’03 is interim head–of–staff at First Presbyterian Church, Palatka, FL . . . . . MaryAnn McKibben Dana ’03 is a nominee for Vice Moderator of the 2014 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) when it meets in Detroit in June . . . . . Kyle Goodman ’04 and wife Michelle are proud parents of a baby girl, Maelyn, born April 9 . . . . . Susan Thomas ’04 was ordained May 17 and is serving as pastor with Fairbanks Union, New Portland and North New Portland Community Churches in New Portland, ME . . . . . Shannon ’05 and Jonathan ’04 Ball are proud parents of a baby boy, Charles Alexander, born March 23 . . . . . Tom Bryson ’07 and wife Ashley are proud parents of a baby boy, Henry Hardin born March 24 . . . . . Elizabeth Gabbard ’07 is interim chaplain at the University of the Ozarks and has entered the DMin program at McCormick Theological Seminary . . . . . Kyongkuk Han ’07 (ThM) successfully passed his PhD oral defense in preaching at Knox College, University of Toronto . . . . . Jule Nyhuis ’07 (DMin) is designated pastor of Hermitage Presbyterian Church, Hermitage, TN . . . . . Catherine Cavazos Renken ’07 and husband Brad are proud parents of Rylie Catherine Renken born April 25 . . . . . Scott Tucker ’07 is development officer with the Saint Joseph’s Mercy Foundation in Atlanta, GA . . . . . Sara Varnado ’07 is parish associate at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Altamonte Springs, FL . . . . . Ryan ’07 and Amy Baer ’08 are proud parents of Joshua Charles born April 10 . . . . . Chip Pope ’08 is associate pastor of youth and their families at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC . . . . . Brian Coulter ’09 is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Aiken, SC . . . . . Barrie Kirby ’09 (DMin) has written a novel called No Such Thing as a Cherokee Princess which explores psychological, cultural, ethical and theological issues in a college setting . . . . . Kathy Wolf Reed ’09 and Nick Reed ’07 are proud parents of Charles Edward Reed, born February 27 . . . . . Betsy Turner ’09 is contract call pastor at Luther Hays Presbyterian Church, Covington, GA.
T a u ta P anta | Alumni/ae News & Notes
2010’s Hamilton Barnes ’10 and Carrie Bowers ’11 (MDiv) / ’14 (MAPT) were married on May 3, 2014 . . . . . Catherine Foster ’10 is associate pastor for mission and discipleship at Shallowford Presbyterian Church in Atlanta beginning June 2014 . . . . . Kati Salmons ’11 married Robbie Collins on March 22, 2014 in Ponca City, OK . . . . . D. C. Adams ’12 is pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Harrison, AR . . . . . Sandra McNeill Kern ’12 (DMin) retired as pastor of Thyatira Presbyterian Church, Salisbury, NC . . . . . Sheldon Steen ’12 / ’13 (ThM) has been accepted into the doctoral program at Florida State University and will begin fall of 2014 . . . . . Ken Hughes ’13 (DMin) is pastor of Springville Presbyterian Church, Springville, KY. . . . . . Chris Vogado ’13 was ordained March 2, 2014 . . . . . Kally Elliott ’04 preached at the service. Chris is pastor intern at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, Kingsport, TN . . . . . Rob White ’13 and his wife Tracy have a baby girl, Adalyn Elizabeth, born April 1.
In Memoriam Janie T. Barrows ’88 . . . . . . . . . James H. Daughdrill ’67 . . . . . . . Ellis B. Davis ’84 (DMin) . . . . . . Dean V. DuBois ’74 . . . . . . . . . Joseph C. Eckstine ’51 . . . . . . . H. Thomas Foley ’57 . . . . . . . . Irwin P. Gates ’57 . . . . . . . . . . C. Patrick Griffin ’67 . . . . . . . . G. Barrett Gilmer ’57 . . . . . . . . Jack M. Kennedy ’50 . . . . . . . . William H. Morrison ’56 . . . . . . Andrew Ritchie ’03 (DMin) . . . . William T. Wing ’47 . . . . . . . .
October 28, 2013 May 3, 2014 March 11, 2014 November 2, 2013 March 21, 2014 February 28, 2014 October 30, 2013 May 12, 2014 September 21, 2013 February 24, 2010 August 16, 2013 February 16, 2014 August 26, 2013
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Brennan Breed, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, taught a class at the Church of the Epiphany on the topic of Justice in the Book of Micah on February 8. He also taught a class on Justice in the Old Testament at Epiphany on March 9. Brennan submitted an essay, “Reception of the Psalms: The Example of Psalm 91,” for the Oxford Handbook of the Psalms, edited by Bill Brown, which was published in March. In May, Brennan’s first monograph, Nomadic Text: A Theory of Biblical Reception History will be available from Indiana University Press. On April 21, Brennan taught a class on the social and economic context of the 8th century BCE prophets at Trinity Anglican Mission. He taught a two–week course on Noah in Bible and Film at First Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on April & May 4. On May 18, Brennan preached at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church. Brennan is also an editor for “Bible Odyssey,” produced by the Society of Biblical Literature and funded by a grant from the NEH, which will go live online this month at www.bibleodyssey.org. He has three articles published there: The Reception of Job in Visual Art, How was the Bible Written and Transmitted?, and What are the Earliest Versions and Translations of the Bible? William Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, published Wisdom’s Wonder: Character, Creation, and Crisis in the Bible’s Wisdom Literature (Wm. B. Eerdmans) and the edited volume The Oxford Handbook of the Psalms (New York / Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014). Over 40 contributions are featured, including essays from Kim Long, Brennan Breed, Walter Brueggemann, Michael Morgan, and David Rensberger. Bill gave two lectures at First Presbyterian Church in Americus, Georgia, on January 21–22. He was the theologian in residence at the University of Kansas, sponsored by the Ecumenical Campus Ministry, February 15–18, giving four lectures and leading worship. In April 26–27, Bill taught a class “Fifty Shades of Green: The Bible’s Ecology of Wonder” in the Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity at Brite Divinity School. Kelly Campbell, Associate Dean and Director of John Bulow Campbell Library, was elected to serve on the American Theological Library Association’s (ATLA) Board of Directors. ATLA members elected four candidates to serve a three–year term, 2014–2017. Anna Carter Florence, Peter Marshall Associate Professor of Preaching, preached for chapel service at McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta. In April, she preached, lectured and led a workshop for the Festival of Preaching Northwest in Seattle. In May, Anna will preach and lecture at the Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis. Kim Clayton ’84 / ’08 (DMin), Director of Contextual Education, is still moderating the Session for Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church, and acting as the Committee on Ministry liaison for St. Andrews Presbyterian Church’s Pastor Nominating Committee. On February 23, she preached at Hillside Presbyterian. Pamela Cooper–White, Ben G. and Nancye Clapp Gautier Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care and Counseling, returned on January 31 from Vienna, Austria, where she was the 2013–14 Fulbright–Freud Visiting Scholar of Psychoanalysis. She gave an interview in February on Radio Österreich ORF about Sabina Spielrein, psychoanalysis, and religion — online (in German). Her article “Why Didn’t Freud Reject Pfister?” was published in Pastoral Psychology 63 (2014):91–95, and 5 entries in the “Countertransference,” “Intersubjectivity,” “Melanie Klein,” “Bridget, Saint,” and “Birgitta of Sweden,” in the Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, 2nd ed., (New York: Springer Science, 2013; online at SpringerReference.com, 2012). On March 1, Pam represented Columbia Seminary as a Delegate to the Inauguration of Dr. Lallene Rector as the first woman and first layperson elected to be President 30
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at Garrett–Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston (Chicago), IL. On May 2, she was the keynote plenary speaker at a conference entitled “The Way to Wellness: Coping with Mental Illness and Trauma through Pastoral and Psychological Counseling” at Baptist Health, Jacksonville, FL. Pam co–led two sessions of a Professional Boundaries Training for Columbia Seminary with Prof. Kathy Dawson on March 26 and 27. On June 14 she will be an invited plenary presenter, speaking on her Fulbright research work–in– progress: “’Dirty Old Gods’: Religion and Freud’s Wednesday Night Psychological Society from Habsburg Vienna to the Holocaust” to the Society for Pastoral Theology annual study conference. She recently signed a contract from Fortress Press for a book on “Ministry Practices” to be co–authored this summer with Dr. Michael Cooper–White, President of Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, for a new Fortress series Foundations in Ministry for persons discerning about seminary and a call to ministry. Kathy Dawson ’94, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Director of the MAPT Program, co–taught the Compass Points class for Camp and Conference certification students on Program Design and Implementation with Joel Winchip in March. Along with Pamela Cooper–White, she co–led boundary training and child protection with students at Columbia Seminary. In April, Kathy co– taught a Lifelong Learning event with Rev. Anne Apple (MDiv ’01) called Baptism and Beyond: Scaffolding a Life of Discipleship. Kathy is the current moderator of Educator Certification for the PC(USA) and has a new Gracie, the Fish story out for One Great Hour of Sharing. There is now a Gracie archive on the PC(USA) website at http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/specialofferings/gracie/, and Gracie has her own Facebook page. Kathy was also delighted to give the charge to Nick Setzer (MDiv ’11, MAPT ’12) at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Roswell on March 9. Mark Douglas, Professor of Christian Ethics; Director of MATS Program, taught on Jewish and Christian understandings of the land/Israel at a joint First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta–Temple gathering in January. In February, he taught at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta and worked with Georgia Interfaith Power and Light to host their annual awards banquet. In March, Mark presented a paper on links between pacifist movements and environmental movements at the Southeastern Commission for the Study of Religion meeting, attended a small conference on theology and ethics at Yale Divinity School, and was interviewed by a class at Earlham School of Religion on theology and public life. He attended a State Bar of Georgia Investigative Panel Meeting in Greensboro, GA. In April, Mark taught at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta where his wife is the Associate Pastor for Christian Education and at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He will also preside at a Georgia Interfaith Power and Light fundraiser in the old 4th Ward. On May 5, Mark worked with colleagues at Stellenbosch University and the University of the Western Cape to create an interdisciplinary, interscholastic, international, and internet–based conversation about John DeGruchy’s book, Led Into Mystery, using a Google Hangouts platform with about 20 South African and 10 CTS faculty members gathered. He taught a DMin Seminar on “Israel, Palestine, and the Future of the Middle East” in May at the United Nations Office co–sponsored by the United Nations Ministry of the PCUSA and Auburn Theological Seminary in New York. Sarah Erickson ’03 / ’10 DEdMin, Director of Lifelong Learning, preached and led worship on March 16 for both services at Northminster Presbyterian, Macon, GA, where Alumni/ae Council and S3 group member C. Jarred Hammet (’85, DMin ‘03) is pastor, and on May 25 at Carrollton Presbyterian Church, where Jan Stewart Tolbert is pastor. She authored five sessions in Unit II, “What the Prophets Foretold” of the Spring 2014 THE PRESENT WORD curriculum (leader guide, student book and worship leaflets for each session). Sarah contributed the morning and evening devotionals during Holy Week at CASA: An Experiment in Doing Church Online (www.facebook.com/groups/casacommunity). The more VANTAGE Spring 2014
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than 1,110 members of this global community come from the UK, Western Europe, Africa, Canada, the US, Latin America, South Asia and Australia. They represent diverse faith traditions and give us a preview of what the next Christianities might look like. On April 26, Sarah participated in the Time of Remembrance during the Georgia State Chapter PEO Annual Convention, offering the meditation and serving as song leader. She is a member of host Chapter V. Israel Galindo, Associate Dean of Lifelong Learning, published “Ten Leadership Quotes from Edwin Friedman,” in Perspectives on Congregational Leadership blog. During January, he gave guest lectures in the Integrations course. For S3: Sabbath, Study, and Service, Center for Lifelong Learning he spoke in February on “How Professionals Learn and Experts Work (or “What is the difference between a hack and a professional?”),” “Peer Learning for the Journey (or Where do we go from here?),” and “Educational Approaches for Lifelong Learning.” He published “Deaning from the Right Side of the Brain,” in the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning Theological and Religion’s blog for Theological School Deans. In the Perspectives on Congregational Leadership blog Israel published “Don’t do these 10 things when dealing with reactivity,” “Six responses of well–differentiated leaders,” “The Fascinating Power of Homeostasis,” and “Fixing the Right Thing.” In March, Israel spoke at Groveton Baptist Church, Alexandria, VA on “Expanding Your Teaching Repertoire,”and Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Petersburg, VA on “Expanding Your Teaching Repertoire,” “Teaching to the Spiritual Brain,” and “Dialogical Learning Lab.” He published “20 Ways for Deans to Say No,” in the Blog for Theological School Deans, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, and “Visible Learning and the Science of How We Learn,” John Hattie and Gregory Yates. New York: Routledge, 2014, reviewed in The Journal of Teaching Theology & Religion. He will participate in the Advisory Committee Meeting, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning. Israel will speak on “Introduction to Spiritual Direction,” for the McAfee School of Theology, and participate in the Consultation with Healthy Congregations, Inc., Columbus, OH. He published “You Gotta Have a Plan (Why you need a five-year scope and sequence)” in the Blog for Theological School Deans, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. He had an illustration published in Sketch Club Magazine, Spring 2014. In March, Israel published “Five Essential Functions of Effective Leaders,” in Perspectives on Congregational Leadership blog. He reviewed the book Education for the Internet Age by Rubert Wegerif (Dialogic) in the Journal of Teaching Theology & Religion. Vol 17. No. 2, April 2014. Israel presented a Lenten art exhibit at the Harrington Center “Poetry, Art, and the Spirituality of Imagination”. In April, he published “Leading from WHAT center?” in the blog for Theological School Deans, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion and “Why are all systems so similar?” in Perspectives on Congregational Leadership blog. He published “9 Ways to Dean Like a Pirate,” in the Blog for Theological School Deans, Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion. Israel wrote “Do You Make These 7 Leadership Mistakes When Dealing With Crises?” in Perspectives on Congregational Leadership. In May, he published “The Dean and Program Assessment: A Portable Enrollment Infographic” in the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning blog for Theological School Deans. Israel also attended the Faculty Consultation with Church School of Divinity of the Pacific, Berkeley, CA. Joan Gray ’76, Interim Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students, has published a new book titled The Sailboat Church (WJK). On March 30, she preached at Presbyterian Women Sunday at Second Presbyterian Church, Chattanooga, TN. On April 4–6, Joan led a session retreat and preached at Central Presbyterian Church, Chambersburg, PA. On May 2–4, she preached and spoke on spiritual leadership at the meeting of Palo Duro Presbytery and preached at First Presbyterian Church, Lubbock, Texas. 32
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William Harkins, Senior Lecturer of Pastoral Theology and Care, led the Officer’s Retreat for Newnan Presbyterian Church (along with CTS alums Harry Barrow and DC Adams). He led a workshop for the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama at St. Luke’s, Mountain Brook, on “Staying Healthy in Ministry,” sponsored by the Church Pension Fund. Bill was keynote speaker at the Vine Pastoral Counseling Center in Huntsville, Alabama on “Pastoral Resilience and Imagination”. He attended the CPG/CREDO 2014 Faculty Convocation in Memphis, Tennessee, where he co–led a workshop on psychological health among clergy. Bill led a workshop on Psychological Resilience in Ministry at the 2014 Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes in Atlanta. He led a Diocesan Workshop on “Safeguarding God’s People,” sexual boundary training at the Cathedral of St. Philip. Bill attended the Georgia Association for Marriage and Family Therapists conference at St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. He served as Faculty for CREDO for Recently Ordained Clergy, Camp Beckwith Alabama in May. Bill served as consultant/advisor to the Diocese of Atlanta “The Road Episcopal Service Corps Fellows” at Emmaus House. He led the Vestry Retreat for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Newnan. Steve Hayner, President, preached for the ordination of Yeonkwon Jeong at the Korean Community Presbyterian Church on March 9. On March 16, he preached at First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg, SC, taught adult Sunday School, and gave a Reformed Theology Seminar in the evening. On March 18, Steve led the Vesper Service at the Lenbrook Retirement Community. On March 20, he spoke at the presidents’ lunch for the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. On April 3–5, Steve spoke at a pastors and leaders conference for International Justice Mission and led the closing communion service for their Global Prayer Gathering. Paul Huh, Assistant Professor of Worship and Director of Korean American Ministries, published The Mystery Worshipper 미국교회 이렇게 예배한다 by DongYun Press, Seoul, Korea, November 2013. This Korean book illustrates Sunday worship services of 30 different Atlanta and U.S. congregations that I visited for the past 5 years. The chapters are 1. Mainline Protestant Churches; 2. Independent Evangelical Churches; 3. Orthodox and Roman Catholic; 4. Afro–American Churches; 5. Multi–Cultural/Multi–Ethnic Churches. There are 3 academic papers included as appendix for theoretical and historical framework for crossing worship boundaries defined by each tradition and communities: 1. Recovery of Beauty: A Theology of Korean–American Worship and Preaching, 2. Martin Bucer and Strassburg Liturgy, 3. Liturgy and Coenobite Community in Taizé. Additionally, on March 2 Paul preached at Binnerri English Ministry and provided a choir workshop at Binnerri Church. On March 9, he performed a Bach Cello Suite for Offertory at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Duluth. In April, the Korean American Ministries (KAM) published a new journal issue, No. 6 “Twelve Influential Early Korean Preachers.” The whole issue is available in English and can be downloaded at http://webkam.org/journal. On April 13, Paul preached at Athens Korean Presbyterian, Athens, GA. On April 30–May 3, he attended the Presbyteries’ Committee on Exams, San Antonio, TX. On May 4 and 11, Paul preached at Athens Korean Presbyterian Church, Athens, GA. On May 18, he preached and led a worship workshop at Denver Korean Presbyterian Church, Denver, CO. On May 19–June 12, Paul travels to Korea in partnership with Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, Seoul; Honam University and Theological Seminary, Kwangju; Hannam University, Daejun, Korea to preach and lead workshops. On June 14–21, he will attend General Assembly, Detroit, MI, presenting a Recommendation from National Racial Ethnic Ministry Task Force as the chair. On June 23, Paul will give “Atlanta Worship Communities,” a lecture presentation to visiting pastors/Th.D. students from Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary, Korea. On July 10–12, he will attend the North American Academy of Liturgy, Minneapolis, MN, Committee meeting. In the Fall Semester 2014, Paul will be on sabbatical at Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, Collegeville, MN; VANTAGE Spring 2014
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a Benedictine Community for ecumenical and cultural research and known as an incubation place for liturgical renewal. He will be engaging in the writing project of a book, “Lament to Praise: Introduction to Korean Worship” (Order of Saint Luke Publication). The Collegeville Institution granted him a prestigious “Kilian McDonnell Fellowship in Faith and Culture” as the Resident Scholar. Elizabeth Johnson, J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament, did a webinar for the Presbyterian Outlook on February 11, “Preaching the Lectionary Texts in Lent.” Feasting on the Gospels, vol. 3 Mark will be released in June. On April 22, Feasting on the Gospels: Matthew vols. 1 and 2 will be awarded the Reference Book of the Year award from the Academy of Parish Clergy. Kimberly Long, Associate Professor of Worship, led a worship event for New Harmony Presbytery (SC) on March 1. She will serve as an ecumenical observer for the PCUSA at the Anglican Communion Consultation on Marriage on June 3–6, in Kansas City, MO. Kim will serve as faculty for the Yale Congregations Project on June 22–25, in New Haven, CT. She also announced the fourth of six volumes of the Feasting on the Word Worship Companion was published (Year A, Vol. 2, Trinity to Reign of Christ). Michael Morgan, Seminary Musician, played the organ for the opening worship for the Southeastern conference to celebrate the new Presbyterian hymnal, “Glory to God,” on February 21–22 at Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. He also spent a February weekend in Plains, GA, as the guest of President and Mrs. Jimmy Carter, where he assisted in President Carter’s Sunday school class, displayed a collection of Reformation English Bibles, and led evening worship at Maranatha Baptist Church. Michael lectured at the North American Symposium on John Knox: The Heritage & Future of American Presbyterianism on March 7–8 at Montreat to celebrate John Knox’s 500th birthday. Deborah Flemister Mullen, Dean of Faculty & Executive Vice President, Associate Professor of American Christianity and Black Church Studies and about 80 other pastors and ordained clergy were inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers, Board of Sponsors and Collegium of Scholars of Morehouse College, in Atlanta on April 3, 2014. This annual event recognizes pastors and other clergy who have demonstrated a commitment to the principles and practices of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mohandas “Mahatma” Gandhi. Selection is based on recommendation of current members of the college. Cam Murchison, Jr, Professor Emeritus of Ministry, Dean of Faculty & Executive VP, will be preached at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church on the theme of Earth Care, Black Mountain, NC on May 25. On Sundays in July, he will teach a class entitled “Worrying about what we eat, drink and wear” at First Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC. Rodger Nishioka, Benton Family Associate Professor of Christian Education, provided the lead article for @thispoint: an examination of the relationship between imagination and theology in five acts. One of the responses was provided by Kim Clayton, Director of Contextual Education. The entire issue is available at http://www.atthispoint.net/. He led a church officers’ retreat and preached at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque, NM. Rodger delivered the Rogers Lectures and preached at First Presbyterian Church, Bennettsville, SC. He led a men’s retreat and preached at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake, VA. Rodger lectured and preached at Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church in Gaithersburg, MD. He led an annual retreat for Celtic Cross Student Gathering for Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. He preached and lectured for Stembler Sunday at First Presbyterian 34
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Church, Atlanta, GA. Rodger was the keynote speaker for a Presbytery of Middle Tennessee Leadership event and taught at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Nashville. He preached at the ordination service for the Rev. Nick Setzer (MDiv ’11, MAPT ’12) at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA. Rodger led a youth event on practical theology for youth leaders in the South Alabama Presbytery in Mobile. He spoke at the Fellowship Breakfast for Decatur Presbyterian Church. Rodger delivered the Harbison Lectures and preached at the First Presbyterian Church in Pensacola, FL. He was the keynote speaker at a leadership event for the Greater Toronto Presbyteries of the Presbyterian Church in Canada and preached at Armour Heights Presbyterian Church in Toronto. Rodger delivered the keynote at the Northwest Festival of Preaching in Seattle. He was keynote speaker for a leadership event at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA. Rodger published a book review on “The Faith and Friendships of Teenage Boys” by Robert Dykstra, et. al. in the January issue of Interpretation Journal on Bible and Theology. Dominique Robinson, Staff Associate, Contextual Education, preached in January at the Youth & Young Adult Experience at Little Rock AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC. In February, she preached at Rock Grove AME Zion Church in Rock Hill, SC; Spring Hill AME Zion Church, Solid Rock AME Zion Church, and at the Pre–Lenten Revival at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta, GA. Dominique also lectured on “Effectively Reaching the iGeneration” at the AME Zion’s Board of Bishop’s Preaching Institute in Salisbury, NC, and instructed and preached at the YES Youth & Young Adult Weekend at Shorter AME Church in Denver, CO. In March, Dominique was a Lenten Observance Preacher at St. Paul AME Church in Jacksonville, FL, and the Pan Methodist Observance Chapel Preacher at Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA. She was a panelist for the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Chapel Assistants’ program entitled, “Why I Hate/Love the Church: the Relevance and Role of the Black Church in an Increasingly Cross–Cultural and Cosmopolitan World?” She also served as Bible Study Instructor and Luncheon Speaker for the AME Zion’s Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society Leadership Training Institute & Retreat in Black Mountain, NC. Dominique preached for the Message in the Middle at Dillard University, New Orleans, LA on April 9. Her article “Preach This, Tweet That” will be published in the May issue of Presbyterians Today. On May 15 she will instruct the School of the Prophets for the New Jersey Annual Conference at St. Stephen AME Zion Church in Asbury Park, NJ. On May 18, she preached for the Annual Women’s Day at Greater Smith Chapel AME Church in Atlanta, GA. On May 25th she preached the closing of the Break into Your Summer Youth Conference at Ray of Hope Christian Center, Decatur, GA. On June 14, Dominique will conduct a youth workshop on “Social Media Swag” at the Conyers–Winder District Church School Convention and will be a presenter at the Black Men Rock celebration in Decatur, GA. On June 22, Dominique will be one of three young preachers for the Atlanta District Home Missions 5th Sunday fellowship. July 10–11, Dominique will preach and teach at the Southwestern Delta Leadership Institute. And later in July, she will present with Dr. Jeffery Tribble at the AME Zion Christian Education Quadrennial Convention – “Zion University” – on spiritual formation in Greensboro, NC. Stan Saunders, Associate Professor of New Testament, began a five–week series in March on “Creation, Temple, and the Body of Christ” at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. He preached and delivered the Davidson Lectures at Oakridge Presbyterian Church in Oakridge, Tennessee. Stan will be on sabbatical during the Spring and Summer 2014 to work on a book, “A Dwelling Place for God,” which explores the place of creation in Biblical models of redemption.
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Michael Thompson, Director of Communications, published two articles with the online journal Q Ideas (www.qideas.org). “Atlanta Snow and the Need for a Bigger Table” was released in February. “Of Many Minds On Mental Illness” was released in April. In May, he launched a new personal blog called Candles at Dark (candlesatdark.wordpress.com). Jeffery L.Tribble, Sr., Associate Professor of Ministry, received the Frederick Douglass Award from the International Ministers and Lay Association of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Spartanburg, SC on February 28. Haruko Nawata Ward, Associate Professor of Church History, was a senior scholar respondent to the panel of younger scholars on “Building Solidarity by Sharing Pains and Struggles” at the Annual Conference of the Pacific Asian North American Asian Women in Theology and Ministry (PANAAWTM) (Conference theme: “Politics of Solidarity among Women of Color Scholars and Ministers”) at Garrett– Evangelical Theological Seminary on March 22, 2014. She was nominated and accepted to serve on the board of advisors for the PANAAWTM. On May 28, she read a paper, “In Search of Women Martyrs’ Voices in the Early Modern Jesuit Mission in Japan,” for a Conference, “Can the Native Christian Speak? Discerning the Voices of Indigenous Christians in Missionary and Colonial Archives,” Emory University. Ralph C. Watkins, Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, will speak at the Church Anniversary Worship Service for Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Woodstock, GA on June 8. On June 15, he will speak for at Men’s Day Worship Service for St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Atlanta. On July 13–16, Ralph will attend the Revival and Sunday Morning Worship Service at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Diego, CA. On August 8–9, he will be a workshop leader for the Atlanta District African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church speaking on “Leading and Developing a 21st Century Church” in Atlanta. On August 11–14, Ralph will be a workshop leader for the PCUSA Church Growth and Evangelism Conference in St. Petersburg, FL. Christine Yoder, Professor of Old Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis, was named as one of six 2014–15 Henry Luce III Fellows in Theology by the Association of Theological Schools and the Henry Luce Foundation, Inc. Her project title is “Contours of Desire in Israelite Wisdom Literature.” She attended the opening program for the Fellows at the Henry Luce Foundation in New York City, NY on April 14–15. Christine gave the Lenten Lectures at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, McLean, VA on March 9–11. In May, Christine spoke for the Women’s Retreat for Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta (May 2–4) and participated in a study program called “Images of Israel” hosted at McAfee School of Theology. In June, Christine will lead a week-long study of Israelite wisdom literature at Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC (June 2–6), and will present on the concepts of peace and well–being in the Old Testament at Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta (June 15). She has recently been appointed to serve on the standing editorial board for Oxford Bibliographies Online, Biblical Studies. Christine continues to serve on the editorial board for the Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception, published by De Gruyter (Berlin/New York). Volume 8 in the series was published this spring.
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lifel o ng learning
August 4–6 (weekday course) August 15–16 (weekend course) Reconciling Paul 2014–15 Horizons / Presbyterian Women Bible Study Leader Training This course is designed for those who will lead the 2014–2015 Horizons Bible Study; others interested in a contemporary study of 2 Corinthians are also welcome to attend. Course participants will dig deeply into the material, and receive tips for leading the study throughout the coming year. Leaders: Dr. Elizabeth Hinson–Hasty, author of this year’s study and a scholar in the field of theological ethics, will lead the weekday course and Sharol Haynor will lead the weekend course
August 7–9 NEW COURSE Educating In Faith Continuing a commitment to fostering excellence in Christian Education and faith formation, The Center for Lifelong Learning offers this new course where participants will explore selected theories and models concerning individual faith development and the ways persons are educated in faith formation. A primary focus will be on understanding faith development in the congregational context and its implications for educational ministry in the local church. Leader: Israel Galindo
August 21–24 Evelyn Underhill: Foremother of Contemporary Spirituality Certificate in Spiritual Formation Through her writing, retreats and spiritual direction Evelyn Underhill (1875–1941) pioneered a revitalization of interest in mysticism and the spiritual life as lived by ordinary people. For Underhill the mystics were those “who knew for certain the love of God” and the spiritual life was described as “that life in which all that we do comes from the center where we are anchored in God.” In this class we will explore Underhill’s life and her writings on mysticism, worship, the spiritual life, the church, prayer and spiritual direction. Leader: Dana Greene
September 16 Key Practices for Intergenerational Ministry (A GenOn Ministries course) The Center for Lifelong Learning will host this one–day GenOn Ministries seminar focusing on intergenerational ministry. Educators, clergy and other leaders interested in intergenerational ministries are encouraged to attend. Leader: GenOn trainer and Columbia Theological Seminary graduate Paula Hoffman
September 18–21 Exodus: Freedom and Formation Certificate in Spiritual Formation The story of the Exodus was foundational for ancient Israel. Time and again, in many different contexts, they reminded themselves that they were once slaves in Egypt, that God saw their brutal oppression, and that God came down to set them free so that they might worship and find new life. Come and explore this important narrative again and consider its significance for Jewish and Christian communities and for your own faith. Leader: Christine Roy Yoder
September 22–26 Guthrie Scholars 2014 Learning Cohort The Guthrie Scholars Program is a learning opportunity offered in the fall on an application basis. Scholars are invited to campus to pursue their topic choice focusing on a pressing issue of the church from a Reformed perspective. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and enrollment is limited. Additional information including the program brochure and application may be found on the seminary website,
http://www.ctsnet.edu/guthrie–scholars. September 28–October 1 Introduction to Spiritual Direction Certificate in Spiritual Formation This is an introductory exploration of spiritual guidance, including its history, theological foundations, various models and practice. We will look at the differences between spiritual direction, pastoral counseling, and psychotherapy, and also seek to understand why people seek spiritual guidance. We will offer some guidelines for ethical and effective practice as a spiritual companion, and discuss how one might find a spiritual director. Leaders: Deedra Rich, Debra Weir and Jim Dant. Location: Montreat Conference Center
October 2–5 Immersion Experience: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life Certificate in Spiritual Formation Discover the key ideas and foundational practices for the grand adventure of life in the Spirit! During this Thursday–Sunday Spirituality Immersion Experience, you will explore the origins of the Christian spiritual tradition, while learning the formative elements of Biblical, monastic, and Reformed spirituality. Our schedule includes time for personal reflection through guided meditative journaling — an exercise for exploring your own unique journey with the living God. Leaders: CTS Faculty
October 6–31 NEW ONLINE COURSE Money and Your Ministry Using the current book by Margaret Marcuson by the same title, this course will focus on helping participants interpret and reframe their understanding about money in the congregation, and, approach the issue of money in the church from a less anxious frame of reference. Oriented from a systems theory perspective, Marcuson’s text addresses the matter of money and ministry rarely touched upon: coming to terms with one’s relationship with money and how that impacts ministry leadership for stewardship. Leaders: Israel Galindo and Margaret Marcuson
October 10, 2014–October 11, 2015 Spiritual Direction Supervision Training Program One Year Training Program Together in the Mystery is an organization that offers a year–long training program in partnership with the Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary. This training program is for experienced spiritual directors who want to be trained as a spiritual director supervisor as well VANTAGE Spring 2014
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as for those discerning a call to supervise other directors and those in spiritual direction training programs. Weekend I: October 10–12, 2014 (early registration discount ends on August 15, 2014) Weekend II: October 9–11, 2015 (early registration discount ends on August 14, 2015)
October 21–23 Growing Into Tomorrow . . . Today, and Post Retirement Seminar (PCUSA Board of Pensions Pre–Retirement Planning Seminar) This free two-day seminar is for members of the PCUSA Board of Pensions and guests planning to retire within the next fifteen years. The seminar will be led by a Board of Pensions Education Specialist and Retirement Planning Consultants.
October 23–26 Food & Garden Spirituality in the New Testament Certificate in Spiritual Formation Garden. Vineyard. Mustard seed. Tree of life. Soil. Root. Branch. In this session we will explore together agricultural imagery that is at the heart of biblical stories and teachings. Our traditions invite us to return regularly to the garden, to experience anew how human beings can only thrive when we are integrated into the whole of creation. Leader: Gail O’Day Location: Montreat Conference Center
November 3–5 NEW COURSE Small Churches: Adventures in Vitality Do you have fewer than 150 in your worship service? This event is for you! Three former Alban Consultants present material specially designed for small congregations. A series of four learning modules address key aspects of small church vitality, including a closing session designed to help participants integrate their learning. Discounts for teams are available. Leaders: Sarai Rice, John Wimberly, and Dan Hotchkiss
November 10–14 The Still Small Voice is the Sound of Sheer Silence: Contemplative Prayer for Beginners Certificate in Spiritual Formation For centuries, Christian saints, scholars and mystics have recognized that silence is the key to spiritual growth — and that meditation and contemplation are the keys to silent prayer. But beginning (or deepening) a practice of meaningful, regular silent prayer can be challenging indeed. This experiential retreat, perfect for beginners (but suitable for everyone), explores the elements of contemplative prayer in a gentle, structured, and supportive way. Leader: Carl McColman
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The Center for Lifelong Learning has partnered with Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) as part of our ongoing commitment to offer incomparable leadership development experiences for clergy and ministry leaders. With Bowen Family Systems Theory as a framework participants will explore the emotional process behind their leadership functions and relationships in ministry and family contexts. The majority of time is spent in peer–learning small groups with other ministry leaders and a faculty coach. Special consideration and exploration will be given to the theological implications of the concepts during collaborative discovery. This extended learning opportunity will meet for two sessions per year, fall and spring. The initial session will be November 17–19, 2014, and the second March 9–11, 2015. Registration deadline: August 17.
NEW EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY Leadership in Ministry Workshop in Atlanta Session I November 17–19 Session II March 9–11, 2015 Participants will learn how the concepts of family emotional process can be applied to their own ministry contexts, and explore the theological implications of these concepts. This program is comprised of two three–day sessions (fall and spring). Each session follows the themes of Dr. Edwin Friedman’s book, Generation to Generation, with one day devoted to each of the minister’s three interlocking families: the minister’s own personal family (nuclear and extended), congregation member families and the congregation as a family. Leaders: Dr. Robert Dibble, Dr. Israel Galindo, and Dr. James Lamkin
c a n d l e l igh t s
Photo credit: Pamela Cooper-White, Stephansdom, Vienna
What is needed is not so much charismatic leaders as ordinary people rising to meet the extraordinary challenges of their time. — Clarence Lusane, Scholar–Journalist Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded. — Unknown Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral. — Mohandas Gandhi, Civil Rights Leader Risk takers often understand that true fearlessness is not the elimination of fear but the transcendence of fear, the movement through it and not against it. — Phoebe Eng, Lecturer
I discovered a version of the sinner’s prayer that increased my faith far more than the one that I had said years earlier...In this version, there were no formulas, no set phrases that promised us safe passage across the abyss. There was only our tattered trust that the Spirit who had given us life would not leave us in the wilderness without offering us life again. — Barbara Brown Taylor, Theologian Contemplation does not lead to inactivity. It is in itself the highest actuality of our being. In its compassion it leads to the deepest concern and the fullest activity, according to our particular vocations, for the well–being of the entire human family and its global environment. One cannot steadily see the created reality in the face of the loving and compassionate [God] and not be transformed and transforming. — Basil Pennington, Trappist Monk One of the side effects of losing intimacy with God is that at some point we stop doing ministry out of imagination and we begin doing it out of memory. — Bill Johnson, Pastor For the American Indian, the ability of all creatures to share in the process of ongoing creation makes all things sacred. — Paula Gunn Allen, Poet–Novelist The world isn’t waiting for you to see it; rather, it is waiting to be built by you and others. — Walter Mosley, Novelist It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless. — L. R. Knost, Children’s Author
Ain’t no such thing as I can hate anybody and hope to see God’s face. — Fannie Lou Hamer, Civil Rights Leader When you’ve got so much religion that you can’t mingle with people, that you’re afraid of certain people, you’ve got too much religion. — Clarence L. Franklin, Preacher–Civil Rights Activist Hope in the face of difficulty, hope in the face of uncertainty, the audacity of hope: In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation, a belief in things not seen, a belief that there are better days ahead. — Barack Obama, President of the United States of America Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to “jump at de sun.” We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground. — Zora Neale Hurston, Writer Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you get neither. — C.S. Lewis, Scholar–Author Instead of being just a church that welcomes and receives by keeping the doors open, let us try also to be a church that finds new roads, that is able to step outside itself and go to those who do not attend Mass, to those who have quit or are indifferent. — Pope Francis Grace is the ability to redefine the boundaries of possibility. — Manning Marable, Scholar
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P.O. Box 520
Decatur, GA 30031 404–378–8821 www.ctsnet.edu
Contents Lifelong Learning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 37 Vantage Point: President’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Statement of the Faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hyper–Focus: Michael Morgan with President Carter. . . . . . . . . . 8 Reasonable Service (News). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Advancing Instructional Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EcoExplorations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prayer of Confession. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exploring Cherokee Language. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New KAM Journal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Spiritual Pioneers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Pioneering Faith Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church in the Shark Tank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pursuing a Different Call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Planting with Entrepeneurial Skill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Columbia Connections Blog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Curriculum Changes for Columbia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Tauta Panta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colloquium 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alumni/ae News and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Faculty/Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Candlelights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Look inside for our new section “Candlelights”! Each issue, we will highlight inspirational quotes and artwork reflective of our theme. Our next issue will be about “Creative Power”. Feel free to submit your own ideas to thompsonm@ctsnet.edu.
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