The Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary
COVENANT Vol. 20, No. 3
Fall 2005
TRANSFORMING
GLORY
Knowing Jesus Through His Prayers
Parenting in a World of Competing “Voices”
2005 Graduate Shares Wisdom for Life and Ministry
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the PCA General Assembly
Volume 20, No. 3 Fall 2005 FROM THE PRESIDENT
2 In Ephesians 6 the apostle Paul describes a battle that all Christians face. He writes, “For our
Transforming Glory DR. DAN DORIANI
struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12). What does a realization that we are at odds with spiritual forces mean for our lives today, for
6 Knowing Jesus Through His Prayers PROF. JERRAM BARRS
Covenant Seminary, for the worldwide Church? Such a realization can tempt us to fear, anger, or despair unless we realize critical truths about our lives as Christians. One truth we celebrate is that we did not even have enough wisdom to see the battle without God intervening in our lives. As Dr. Dan Doriani teaches in his article
Transforming Glory, God has revealed His glory to us and set us free to worship Him. Did you know that, as you worship, you join the battle against all that sets itself up
15 Hey, This Isn’t Easy! Parenting in a World of Competing “Voices” WALT MUELLER – YOUTH IN MINISTRY INSTITUTE –
against knowledge of Him (2 Cor. 10:5)? Additionally, prayer is chief among our weapons to which Paul refers later in Ephesians 6. As illogical as it may seem, we know this is true and we see this in Jesus Himself. Prof. Jerram Barrs brings this truth so clearly to our attention in his article on knowing Jesus through His prayers. May our prayer lives be reawakened as we read John 17 again, and learn from Prof. Barrs’ teaching. In order to avoid anger, fear, or despair, we must also always know that the battle belongs to the Lord. In His wisdom He has allowed those who are weak, who need to be
18 Transforming Truth, Transforming Purpose 2005 Graduate Shares Wisdom Gained for Life and Ministry
set free, who can do nothing on our own, to work for the greater good of His Kingdom. As I reported to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America this past summer (see page 20), preparing pastors and ministry leaders for the next generation is a vital role that we must play in that battle. Training Christian leaders is a joy, but it is also work for advancing the Kingdom. As those who have been set free to worship God, I ask you to consider your role in serving the next generation. You are probably well aware of the joys, trials, and battles
20 “Does this Ministry Make any Difference?” Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 33rd PCA General Assembly
of your own life today. I ask you to “lift up your eyes,” in a Biblical manner, and see the others battling alongside you. Please pray for Covenant Seminary and consider how you can join with others in supporting ministry training for the next generation today.
24 Center for Ministry Leadership
Bryan Chapell About the Cover:
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
The painting on the cover was created by Suzy Schultz, member of ChristChurch Presbyterian in Atlanta, Ga.
Engaging and Supporting Church Leaders
Right: Diane Preston with Mark Reed (M.Div.’03, R.U.F. Campus Minister for Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.) and Christopher Petersen (M.Div.’04, current Th.M.).
Together at the Assembly
Covenant Seminary professors and staff were glad for the opportunity to reunite with alumni serving as pastors with the Presbyterian Church in America during the 2005 General Assembly in Chattanooga, Tenn. On Wednesday evening, June 15, a Covenant Seminary gathering was held to give alumni an opportunity to see each other and also to receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Bryan Chapell’s new book, Praying Backwards (2005 Baker). Above: Howard (M.Div.’02) and Melissa Davis and family. Howard serves as Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Shreveport, La. Below: Dr. Nelson Jennings, Associate Professor of World Mission, visits with Curt McDaniel (M.Div.’84, Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Butler, Pa.).
Above: Worshiping with the larger church. Left: Alumni reunited (from left to right): Randy Arms (M.Div.’04, Assistant Pastor of Grace Reformed Church, Omaha, Neb.), Tucker York (M.Div.’03, Assistant Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, Pa.), Brad Rogers (M.Div.’04, R.U.F. Campus Minister for the University of Kentucky), and Ross Dixon (M.Div.’03, R.U.F. Campus Minister for the University of Missouri-Columbia).
Intercessor
10
Alumni News
12
Events
14
Campus News
27
Student Profile
30
DAN DORIANI Senior Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Mo., and Adjunct Professor of New Testament
TRANSFORMING
GLORY
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
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Transforming Glory
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” The disciples asked him, “Why then do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist.
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
– MATTHEW 17:1-13
T
he masters of cinema have learned
and follow me” (16:13-24). Jesus sweetens these challenging
at least one technique from the
words in three ways. First, if we are willing to sacrifice our lives in this way,
dramas of Scripture: the juxtaposition of
contrasting scenes can be a powerful thing.
we will actually save our lives. We will gain our souls
In one movie, a mafia don presents his
(16:25-26). Second, Jesus will return one day. He will
child in the church for baptism. In the
remember every sacrifice and reward us in full for everything
cathedral, he takes Christian vows and
we endure for Him (16:27). Third, Jesus gives us a cinematic
renounces sin, the world, and the devil.
juxtaposition. He says he must suffer shame and death, but
But as he speaks, the camera cuts away to his henchmen.
then He shows His glory. He places two stories side by side
At that moment, their guns spray sheets of lead, slaying the
and lets us draw the connection.
don’s defenseless rivals. In another movie, a glowering king
Jesus in His Glory
orders his troops to a futile assault on an enemy position.
Just six days after Jesus predicted His death, He took
Afterward, he settles into a rich meal as his servants march
His closest disciples, Peter, James, and John, to the top of an
to their doom. He bites into a juicy red tomato; arrows bite
isolated mountain in northern Galilee. Important things
into their flesh. It is powerful in the theatre and it is power-
tend to happen on mountains in the Bible; on mountains,
ful in Matthew as he juxtaposes revelations of the suffering
people often meet the Lord. In the strictest sense, this was to
and the glory of Jesus.
become a mountaintop experience the disciples would never
In Matthew 16, which leads up to the Scripture passage
forget (cf. 2 Pet. 1:16-18).
above, Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of
Luke tells us that Jesus went up the mountain to pray.
the Living God. Jesus agrees, and as the Christ, He says,
He prayed into the night, for Luke says the disciples were
He will go to Jerusalem, where He will be slain and rise
struggling with sleep when Jesus was transfigured (Luke
again in three days. Furthermore, just as Jesus was willing to
9:28-32). As Jesus prayed, His face began to shine like
suffer, His servants must be willing, too. Therefore, He adds,
the sun. His clothes became dazzling white (Matt. 17:2).
“If anyone would come after me, he must take up his cross
Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared in glory, discussing the
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Training Servants of the Triune God
“departure which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem”
For now, we primarily reflect His glory in our character.
(Luke 9:31 ESV).
Jesus in Conversation
All through His life, Jesus’ divine nature was hidden
On the mountain, Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah,
under His bodily form. But in the transfiguration, we see
who represent three things:
Jesus as He really is. His outward appearance changed so that
• Moses and Elijah respectively represent the law and
His divine majesty and glory shone through. An event like
the prophets. Both the law and the prophets predict
this happens only one other time in the Bible. In Exodus, we
the coming of the Messiah.
read that Moses spent 40 days alone with the Lord on Mount
• Both Moses and Elijah labored to deliver God’s people,
Sinai, writing down the covenant and the law of God.
and, in doing so, foreshadowed the work of Jesus.
When he returned, his face was radiant, shining with the
• Both had an unusual departure or exodus from this world.
reflected glory of God, in whose presence he had long stood.
Moses died alone with God on a mountain and Elijah was
It frightened the people, so Moses “put a
taken into heaven on a chariot of fire.
veil over his face” (Ex. 34:28-35).
The Gospel of Luke says that Moses,
When Moses saw God, it changed
Elijah, and Jesus talked about the depar-
him. Today, when we behold Jesus, it
ture (literally, the “exodus”) that Jesus
changes us. Paul says that when we
would soon accomplish in Jerusalem
behold “the glory of the Lord” we
(Luke 9:31). As this occurs, Peter is
“are transformed into the same image”
awestruck, reverent, enthusiastic, and
(2 Cor. 3:18). As we hear God’s truth,
confused. He says, “Lord, it is good for us
we see His mind, and we are transformed
to be here. If you wish...” [your decision,
by the renewal of our minds. In fact,
Lord] “I will put up three shelters – one
the same Greek word is used for “transformed” in Romans 12:2 and “transfigured” in Matthew 17:2. Similarly, John says that when Christ returns “we will be like him, for we will see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). Just as time spent in God’s presence changed Moses, so time in the presence of Jesus changes us. We worship the Lord Jesus because He is worthy of power, honor, glory, and bless-
As we hear God’s truth, we see His mind, and we are transformed by the renewal of our minds.
for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” (Matt. 17:4). The suggestion is once, possibly twice, flawed. To offer to build a structure implies that there is an expectation that they will be staying a while. But Jesus has just said that He is going to Jerusalem. It may also imply that Jesus, Moses, and Elijah are peers, each deserving his own shelter, revealing another flaw in Peter’s thinking.
ing (Rev. 5:2, 9-14), but we also worship
Peter failed to understand the
the Lord because worship transforms us.
significance of this moment on the
Someone once studied the progress of young athletes.
mountain, but let us not be hard on Peter. Some things are
They discovered that if the athletes took an occasional
hard to grasp. Christian leaders, from Peter to the present,
day off from practice and simply watched a great athlete
have not always fully grasped their own message. But the
performing in their sport, they improved about as much from
Father gently corrects Peter, just as He corrects us.
a couple hours of watching as from a couple hours of prac-
Jesus Worshiped
tice. More importantly, a disciple is transformed by watching
Next, two things happen at once: a cloud envelops the group
Jesus and worshiping Him. As we see Jesus’ compassion, we
and the Father speaks. The Father sends a cloud of light to
become compassionate. As we see His boldness, we become
surround Jesus, Moses, Elijah, and (apparently) the disciples.
bold. As we see Him tell the truth and show grace, we tell
It is no ordinary cloud; it is God’s glory cloud. This cloud
the truth and show grace. After the Lord returns, we will
appears many times in the Old Testament as the sign of
share in the physical glory that God gave Adam and Eve in
God’s presence. Here once again the cloud brings the disci-
the beginning, when their bodies and minds had no flaws.
ples into the awesome presence of God and they are afraid
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Fall 2005
4
(Luke 9:34, Mark 9:6). The Father covers them with light
call the “happy” fear of the Lord (Job 28:28, Ps. 111:10; Isa.
and speaks, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him
11:2-3; cf. Gen. 20:11, Ex. 20:20, 2 Chron. 26:5). This fear
I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matt. 17:5). We have
reminds us that the Lord is witness to all that we do, so that
heard the first part of this before, at Jesus’ baptism, where
every task we perform bears eternal significance.
God called Jesus His one and only Son and declared His
“Do Not Be Afraid”
love and pleasure in Him. But this new context makes a
I have three daughters and I taught each of them how to
difference. At the baptism, Jesus prepared to launch His
drive a stick shift. Although the cars they learned to drive
ministry. Now He prepares to close it – with the cross.
were not hot rods and my daughters are not racers, as they
The Father tells the Son He is pleased with Him as
learned the process of shifting gears while they were driving,
He faces the terrible task that will win our redemption.
each induced old cars with 70 horsepower to lay serious
So, the Father says, “Listen to him” – listen as He speaks
rubber. I could not duplicate the rubber burning if I tried.
of the cross and the resurrection. The
I explained to them that burning rubber
word that was spoken to the disciples and
was not included in textbook driving and
still reaches our ears tells us that Jesus
if they pealed out in the presence of the
endured death and the curse in the place
police, they could be arrested for racing.
of every man and woman who faces
One child, on her maiden voyage to
death, everyone who faces God’s just
school in the stick, was the first in line
wrath toward sin. He bore it for you, for
at a major intersection. Already she was
us. Then He arose to life, life He offers
tense with the pressure of keeping the car
us, as we trust in Him. Therefore the
from stalling. Then a policeman pulled
cross is not His shame but His glory.
behind her. She faced additional pressure
We should listen to Jesus, whatever He says, in all He says. We listen because He is the beloved Son. And when we join Him by faith, we too are the beloved children of God. On Their Faces, in Fear The awesome power of the vision and the voice terrified the disciples and “they fell facedown to the ground” (Matt. 17:6).
Sometimes we should stand there and do nothing but worship.
to be conservative for the policeman. “I was so afraid,” she said. My daughter passed the test, but experienced that healthy fear of the police. Such fear in regard to authority can properly lead us to be more aware of the consequences of our actions, but if it is misunderstood or misused, it can paralyze us. Scripture says that perfect love drives
They saw Jesus as He is, in His glory.
out fear. A loving police officer will
We cannot compare this to meeting any
encourage a young driver who struggles
man or woman. No president or prime
a bit. Our loving Lord does not chide,
minister in his power, no king in his pomp can compare
does not condemn, when we slip. As He called Jesus His
to the glory of Christ. There is only one fitting response –
beloved, so He calls us His beloved sons and daughters.
to fall on our faces in awe and worship.
God’s perfect love casts out the fear that paralyzes. It allows
The Bible distinguishes two kinds of fear: terrified fear
us to see the glory of Jesus and to do the two things this
and respectful fear. People feel terror when they meet
passage bids us do.
God after denying His existence, His love, and His justice.
First, we are bid to listen to Jesus. Second, we are called
Suddenly they discover that there is a God and that they
to worship Him. I admit that this passage never says,
have chosen to mock and oppose Him.
“Worship Jesus.” But see how the passage ends: “But Jesus
But even believers feel awe or fear when they meet their
came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’
Lord. It is respectful fear. As Proverbs says, “The fear of the
When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus”
Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10, 1:7). Indeed,
(Matt. 17:7-8).
passage after passage of Scripture recommends what we may
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continued on page 17
5
Training Servants of the Triune God
JERRAM BARRS Professor of Christianity and Contemporary Culture and Francis Schaeffer Institute Resident Scholar
Knowing
JESUS Through His Prayers When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. – JOHN 17:1-6 ESV
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Knowing Jesus Through His Prayers
I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. – JOHN 17:7-8 ESV great High Priest who is praying for us, asking that the
I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one,
Father’s name may be glorified in our lives.
just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
The Deepest Dependence
Jesus’ prayer is an important, even essential part of His preparation for His going to the cross. Our Lord does not
– JOHN 17:21-22 ESV
simply assume that His death will be effectual for His Father’s purposes. Instead Jesus sees the necessity of praying
I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
that the Father will accept His work and be honored by His self-sacrifice. In addition, Jesus prays to His Father about the impact of His teaching. Earlier in the evening (recorded
– JOHN 17:26 ESV
for us in the Gospel of John chapters 12-16) Jesus has been
I
teaching the disciples about His coming death and the
n John 17 we read what has become known as
redemption which will secure them an eternal home and
Jesus’ High Priestly prayer – a prayer that comes at
the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But this prayer
win for them the promised Holy Spirit. Again, we see that
of our Lord also marks a beginning. It marks the
Jesus does not assume that His teaching will take root in
beginning of the most significant work ever accom-
His disciples’ hearts. Rather, Jesus prays that His Father will
plished in the history of this world, Jesus’ work on
make His teaching effective and enable the disciples to grow
the cross and in the resurrection; for the cross and
in understanding. He prays that the Father will sanctify the disciples with the truth and keep them in that truth.
the resurrection together are the turning point
Who is this One who does not assume that His work and
in the history of humanity. As Jesus sets His heart and mind on His coming arrest, trial, and execution as a criminal, we
teaching will be effective, but rather acknowledges the need
can look at His prayer as a model for ourselves, as a source of
of the Father to ensure that His work will accomplish His
instruction for our daily lives, and as a wonderful comfort in
purposes? The One who prays this prayer is none other than
our need. Jesus’ shows by the example of His prayer that we
the Son of God Himself, the eternal second person of the
are to live in dependence on His Father; He teaches us that,
Trinity; the One who is righteous every moment of His life;
like Him, we are to desire that His Father’s name receive
the One who always does what His Father desires and always
glory. Above all, He encourages us to know that we have a
teaches exactly what is pleasing to His Father. Jesus is the
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Training Servants of the Triune God
One who tells us that He never spoke His own words but
the ministry of L’Abri. They put it like this: “We draw a
only the words that the Father had given Him to say. He is
distinction between men and women, even Christian men
not someone who is weak and sinful like you and me, some-
and women, who are building the Kingdom of God and men
one whose work is half-heartedly accomplished, or is carried
and women who are praying that God will build His king-
out with mixed and confused motivations. He is not some-
dom and that He might be pleased to use their efforts as He
one whose teaching varies in its faithfulness, accuracy, and
does.” During my time serving with the Schaeffers I learned
value. Rather Jesus is the One whose work and teaching is
that this is not some minor point, but rather it is absolutely
always good, always faithful, and always true. Yet, He prays
fundamental to any work in the Kingdom of God. As Jesus prays this prayer, asking the Father to accept
that the Father will make His teaching fruitful in the hearts
His work, be glorified by it, and make it effective in people’s
of His listeners.
lives, Jesus is showing us that we too are to pray that God
In this prayer, Jesus shows us in the clearest way possible
will build His Kingdom and be pleased to use our efforts.
that our work in God’s Kingdom will be ineffective without our prayers asking for the Father to
It is not enough for us to be obedient to
accomplish His purposes. Jesus shows us
God, it is not enough for us to work hard,
that our attempts to teach the Word will
it is not enough for us to apply ourselves
fail unless we pray that the Father sends
to teaching the Word of God accurately –
the Spirit to cause the Word to have a
in addition we are to cry out to God in
powerful impact in people’s hearts.
prayer showing our absolute dependence
Whether we are teaching our children,
on Him to carry out His Kingdom work. Why is this? Why did Jesus pray that
preaching in our churches, mentoring students, leading worship, serving the poor,
the heavenly Father would make His
or offering hospitality, Jesus’ life teaches
work of dying and teaching effective?
us that it is simply not enough to be “busy for the Lord.” Instead we must beg the Lord to do His work in people’s hearts so that our labors will not be in vain. This is why in the Acts of the Apostles we read that the apostles devoted themselves to the ministry of the word and prayer. Ours is to be ministry of the
...Jesus’ life teaches us that it is simply not enough to be “busy for the Lord.”
Why should we pray for the work in which we are involved? Such prayer, of course, simply indicates a sense of humble dependence on the Father. This prayer shows a recognition that, apart from God, our work is impossible. If Christ had this mentality as the true and perfect man, how much more should we – whose
word and prayer, the ministry of serving
humanity is so trapped in weakness, sin,
and prayer, the ministry of music and
and failure – have such an awareness?
prayer, the ministry of hospitality and
It is not that we are to labor any less diligently, or skimp on preparation for teaching, or create a
prayer, the ministry of giving and prayer. Whatever gift and calling God has given to any one of us, it must be accompa-
worship service with little care, or practice our music only
nied by prayer. All of our devotion and all of our activity will
rarely, or be haphazard in our plans. Rather, we are to recog-
accomplish nothing unless we turn to the Lord in prayer and
nize that we are humbly dependent upon the Father for our
unless the Lord blesses our efforts and establishes the labors
labors to accomplish anything at all. Our calling is to live
of our hands.
day by day in humble dependence on the Lord.
When I served with L’Abri Fellowship, the founder of
“Father, Glorify Your Name”
L’Abri, Francis Schaeffer, would often say, “The ministry
Secondly, we must note that Jesus prays that the Father will
we are trying to do here is not just difficult, it is impossible”
be glorified. In many ways the prayer of John 17 is similar to
(c.f. Matt. 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30). Francis
the Lord’s Prayer. It is like an expansion of the Lord’s Prayer
and Edith Schaeffer understood that only God saves and
applied by Jesus to His own life. At the heart of the prayer is
they wrote this conviction into the documents that govern
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
the same longing that begins the Lord’s Prayer: that the
8
Father’s name be hallowed. Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is full
Our Great High Priest
of praise to the Father and it contains many expressions that
Finally, we also see in this prayer that Jesus is our great High
communicate a deep sense of honor, devotion, and worship.
Priest. The prayer found in John 17 has been known as Jesus’
This prayer shows Jesus to be filled with humility before His
High Priestly Prayer since the early centuries of the Church.
Father and with a deep longing for the Father to be glorified
On that night before He died, Jesus stood before God the
in all things. Such a humble disposition and such a longing
Father and prayed for us, for He is indeed our High Priest.
that the Father be glorified should be at the heart of all
First He prayed for His disciples, and then He prayed for us,
our prayers.
for all of us who would believe through their testimony. He did not pray for us only on that one night; He also prays for
I was in England recently serving as a guest teacher. As I was becoming acquainted with the young pastor who picked
us every day of our lives. Hebrews 7 teaches us that Jesus is
me up at the airport, I asked him two particular questions:
always living to intercede for us. Will Jesus ever condemn us to the Father if we have
how he became a Christian and how he met his wife. He replied that, during the time he was a
trusted in Him? Will He ever complain
university student, he was invited to a
about us to the Father, even though we
meeting of the Christian student
continue to struggle with our character
Intervarsity group. He was not at all
flaws, personal weaknesses, and areas of
interested in Christianity, but his friend
disobeying again and again? Will He lose
persuaded him nevertheless. The teacher
heart when He looks at us and sees our
started that meeting with a question,
failings, inadequacies, and terrible sins?
asking, “Why are you here? What are you
Will He wash His hands of us, forget
doing at this university? What is your purpose?” Various people gave answers and then there was a bit of silence. Then a young woman stood up and said, “We’re here at this university to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The pastor said to me, “I was absolutely amazed by this statement. I’d never heard anything like this in my life!” (He also noticed that the young woman was very attractive!) This was, of course, the beginning of His turning to the Lord, and also the
This prayer shows Jesus to be filled with humility before His Father and with a deep longing for the Father to be glorified in all things...
about us, and ask His Father to blot our names out of the Book of Life? No. Of course He will not. Jesus always stands at the Father’s right hand praying for you and me. We may be sure that when Jesus prays for us the Father always hears His prayers and answers them; He hears them gladly. And Jesus’ prayers are always effective because He is the righteous Son of God. As we reflect on Jesus’ life and words recorded for us in John 17, may the Lord write His will and way deeply on our
beginning of his relationship with the young woman who became his wife. Her statement is found
hearts. May we cry out to our Lord and ask Him to help us
in the Westminster Shorter Catechism and it is our calling
be people who know that all our labors are in vain unless we
in everything we do. We must pray, “Father glorify your
look to our Heavenly Father to do the work that is impossi-
name in us and through us in all that we do.”
ble for us. May we long each day of our lives for the Father’s name to receive glory. And finally, may we take comfort in
When Jesus prayed this prayer, we know that the Father answered, “Yes.” It was the most resounding “YES!” in the
knowing that, as sons and daughters of God, we have a great
history of the world. When we pray this prayer about our-
High Priest who always lives to intercede for us. Amen. ■
selves and about our work, as we go out into the world – the Father is delighted to answer “Yes.” This prayer, “Father, glorify your name,” is the one prayer that always gets answered, “Yes.”
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Training Servants of the Triune God
INTERCESSOR the
As Covenant Seminary exists to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people, we recognize the importance of prayer to guide and continue the mission. While much of our training takes place in one geographic area as students relocate for study, the mission continues in the lifetime of ministry that the Lord grants as people move on from Covenant Seminary. Therefore A Prayer for the Graduates prayer for the seminary and its THE FOLLOWING PRAYER WAS OFFERED BY DR. ROBERT VASHOLZ, PROFESSOR OF OLD TESTAMENT, ON THE OCCASION mission reflects this local, national, OF THE 2005 COVENANT SEMINARY COMMENCEMENT. and global scope. Oh Lord, as you have said, “Come before We are grateful for your prayers me with joyful singing and enter my courts for Covenant Seminary. We hope with praise,” so we have done. We ask this that this prayer calendar, which can be prayed through during the evening, by our prayers, even as we have fall months, will help focus your begun every seminary class in prayer, for thoughts and prayers for the a keen awareness of the reality of your seminary, its students, and alumni. presence. Let the living, fresh water that As the color key indicates, the dark squares share campus flows from your sanctuary, the temple that concerns, the medium squares is not made with human hands, overwhelm national concerns, and the white our minds and hearts by that flood of squares international concerns. grace, so that we, like the prophet of old, may say, “The Lord is my strength. He has made my feet like the feet of a deer and has made me to walk in high places.” Quicken us once more, your sons and daughters, on this special night, so that we might most humbly, reverently, and quietly walk as giants in the land. We pray this in the name of the one who came to rescue us from the power of this present evil world, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
FALL 2005 Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Week 1
...He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners... (Isa. 61:1). Praise God for His gifts of grace in Jesus Christ.
Praise God for the new students who have begun classes this fall. Pray that they would recognize the Lord’s unchanging faithfulness in the midst of the challenges of transition, including acclimation to St. Louis, seminary studies, and family and financial adjustments.
Pray for the new Reformed University Fellowship campus ministries beginning this fall. Pray that the Lord would use these ministries to reach college students during a formative period of their lives. Pray for new campus ministers, including Tom Franklin (M.Div.’05) at Birmingham Southern College and Andrew Flatgard (M.Div.’04) at the University of Memphis.
Pray for Covenant Seminary professors Drs. Sean Lucas and Robert Peterson, who are preaching regularly for local churches which are searching for a pastor. Give thanks for their sacrificial service, and pray for the Lord to help and guide these men in their many responsibilities.
Pray for Mark (M.Div.’99) and Lori Berry and their children as they prepare to return to Lima, Peru, after a recent home assignment in the U.S. Pray for the Lord to build up the leadership team of New City Lima by His grace and enable them to reach the city with the Gospel.
Pray for those from across the country who will gather for Covenant Seminary’s Connect conference (October 11-12, 2005). Pray that this would be a time of rest, equipping, and encouragement for pastors and ministry leaders.
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). Praise God for His faithfulness in promise keeping.
Pray for recent graduates and their families who are in the midst of transition into new ministries. Pray that the Lord would equip them to present His Gospel in the midst of new and often trying adjustments.
Pray for Covenant Seminary graduates and current students who are seeking to facilitate theological training in countries around the world. Pray especially for Natee Tanchanpongs (M.Div.’00/ Thailand), Peter Reynolds (Th.M.’05/New Zealand), Margaret Reynolds (M.A.C.’06/New Zealand), and Daniel Santos (Th.M.’00/Brazil).
Pray for the Francis Schaeffer Lecture Series on October 22-23, 2005, entitled Two Worlds Under One Roof: Bridging the Generation Gap. Pray that the Lord would unify His body across generations, preparing them to serve one another regardless of life stage.
Pray for Lian (M.Div.’01) and Clara (G.C.’01) Tombing as they serve in Manipur, India. Praise God that Lian has recently been able to teach on racial reconciliation in Christ. Pray that this message of reconciliation would go forth, bearing much fruit in a land torn by fighting between rebel groups.
Pray for PCA churches currently in the process of searching for a pastor. Pray also for Covenant Seminary students, alumni, and others who are candidating. Pray for the Lord’s perfect provision as churches and individuals make significant decisions. Pray for the Kingdom to progress through these important transitions.
“Rise and go. Your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:19). Praise God for His healing mercies. Thank Him for Luke Bobo’s (Francis Schaeffer Institute Director) healthy recovery from recent surgery.
Pray for peace in the country of Iraq. Pray for God’s Word to dwell in people’s hearts. Pray for the chaplains serving the military there, especially Fredrick McFarland (M.Div.’74) and Clay Thomas (M.Div.’91). (See Alumni News to learn more about these chaplains).
Pray for counseling students in practicum this fall to be encouraged and stretched by their experiences. Pray that this training would be a rich contribution to their future ministries.
Pray for seminary faculty as another year brings additional responsibilities and required faithfulness. Thank God for their service, and pray for the Gospel to fuel their hearts and homes for continued work for His Kingdom. Pray specifically for Dr. Robert Peterson as he works on a book on predestination and free will.
Pray for Cornerstone Church in Lakewood Ranch, Fla., (pastored by Dave Sturkey, M.Div.’92) and Bangalore Presbyterian Church in Bangalore, India, (pastored by Paul Billy Arnold, M.Div.’93) as they work together to aid tsunami victims through “Homes of Hope,” a homerebuilding ministry. Pray that their efforts would be a healing balm for the homeless and grief-stricken.
Pray for Covenant Seminary graduates preparing to serve in the U.K. and Europe including Chris (M.A.’95) and Josephine Hatch (London, England), Lee (M.Div.’03) and Jennifer Leadbetter (Romania), and Jeff (M.Div.’04) and Veronique Kim (France). Pray for their families as they are in transition, and for the Lord to prepare a path for future ministry.
“Return home and tell how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39). As you praise God today, remember the many blessings He has poured upon your life. Thank Him for His provision for Covenant Seminary.
Pray for your local church. Ask that God move powerfully through the congregation, encouraging and strengthening His people through the teaching of His Word.
Pray for the Youth in Ministry Institute’s fall seminar featuring Walt Mueller (Nov. 11-12, 2005). Pray that many youth leaders and parents of teenagers would take this opportunity to be blessed by the resources of the seminary. Ask that God would equip attendees to be more effective servants of Christ in their churches and communities.
Pray for the students who come from other nations to attend Covenant Seminary. As the International Women’s Fellowship meets on Wednesdays, give thanks to the Lord for their diverse nationalities and common purpose. Pray for the Lord’s comfort for these families, as they are so far away from home and family.
Pray for the many seminary couples engaged or recently married. Pray that their marriages would grow in a way that demonstrates the grace of God to their families and those whom they serve.
Pray for the efforts of the seminary’s Center for Ministry Leadership as it provides continuing education and support for pastors and other leaders in the midst of their ministries. Pray that the resources of the seminary would extend beyond the campus to bless and train many.
✁
Monday
Week 2
Praise
International
Week 3
Sat/Sun
National
Week 4
Campus
M.Div. Master of Divinity; M.A. Master of Arts; M.A.C. Master of Arts in Counseling; G.C. Graduate Certificate; Th.M. Master of Theology; D.Min. Doctor of Ministry
www.covenantseminary.edu
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Training Servants of the Triune God
news
ALUMNI If you have information for Alumni News, please mail it to Covenant Magazine or e-mail Alumni News: alumni @covenantseminary.edu Five graduates from the class of 2005 were honored for their outstanding work in certain fields. Peter Bekins (M.Div.) was awarded the Exegetical Prize; Donna Hawk-Reinhard (M.Div.) was awarded the Theology Prize; Walt Nilsson (M.Div.) was awarded the Robert G. Rayburn Homiletics Prize; Anna Chung (M.A.E.M.) was awarded the Max Belz Christian Education Prize; and Matt Novenson (M.Div.) was awarded the grant for Graduate Theological Studies. Fredrick McFarland (M.Div.’74) was deployed to Iraq as a Chaplain Major with the U.S. Air Force. He served there through the summer and will continue deployment into the fall. Fredrick’s home base is currently Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. He lives in Dayton, Ohio, with his wife Celeste. Fredrick was honored as Alumnus of the Year by Covenant College in October of 2004. James (Clay) Thomas (M.Div.’91) was mobilized to active duty as an Army Reserve Chaplain on April 18, 2005. He is serving as a chaplain for the 321st Civil Affairs Unit for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan for one year. Clay has served as pastor of Galveston Bible Church in Galveston, Tex., since 1994. Clay gives thanks for the support of Galveston Bible Church, which has made it possible for him to serve U.S. Army soldiers during this season. Clay and his wife Karla have two children: Krista, who is a veterinary student at Texas A&M University, and Benjamin, who attends Galveston College and
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
plans to remain at home while his father is away.
Dave Thomas (M.Div.’03) was ordained on Sunday, May 22, 2005, by the Presbytery of Northern Illinois to serve as Church Planting Pastor for a new Presbyterian Church in America congregation in Champaign, Ill.
Mike Higgins (M.Div.’96) was promoted to Full Colonel by the U.S. Army on Friday, June 3, 2005. Mike is Pastor of Redemption Fellowship in Fayetteville, Ga., and serves as a Reserve Chaplain for the Army.
Todd Teller (M.Div.’96) recently became Assistant Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tenn. Todd and his wife Wheat are expecting their fourth child in November.
This past January Carter Sanger (M.Div.’96) accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor for Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Katy, Tex. Carter formerly served as Assistant Pastor for Heritage Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Okla. Carter and his wife Ronda have four children.
Dave Vosseller (M.Div.’98) was installed as Associate Pastor of Ministry Development for Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Roselle, Ill., on June 19, 2005. DeWayne Rush (M. Div.’97) participated in the installation service and gave Dave his charge. Dave previously served as the Assistant and Youth Pastor at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Midland, Ga.
Doug Van Der Pol (M.Div.’96) recently began serving as Pastor of Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Church, in Ledyard, Iowa. He previously served as Associate Pastor for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Torrance, Calif.
Blane Conklin (M.Div.’99) completed a Ph.D. in ancient semitic languages from the University of Chicago in Spring 2005. He works as an information analyst at the University of Texas at Austin. Blane and his wife Wendy have two daughters, Raegan (7) and Jordan (4).
Rusty St. John (M.Div.’99) has been called to serve as Pastor of Oakwood Presbyterian Church in State College, Pa. John Fender (M.Div.’02) became the Organizing Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pooler, Ga., this past February.
Julie Rash Ulven (M.A.T.S.’03) was married to Matthew Ulven on April 16, 2005. They live in Waterloo, Iowa.
Mark Anthony (M.Div.’03) and Vernelle Swain (M.A.C.’01, M.A.T.S.’03) appeared on the cover of the East Memphis Appeal newspaper on April 21, 2005, and were featured in the newspaper’s “Faith” section. Mark is quoted as saying that his Presbyterian Church in America congregation (Grace Community Church) offers hope of “bringing together...the races in the city of Memphis.”
Adam Tisdale (M.Div.’03) was ordained by James River Presbytery on April 30, 2005, and serves as Assistant Pastor for Calvary Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Va. Jack Howell (M.Div.’98), Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Va., participated in the service as part of the commission of the presbytery.
12
Brian Habig (M.Div.’95) and his family have moved to Greenville, S.C., where Brian serves as Church Planting Pastor for a new PCA church in downtown Greenville. Brian and his wife Dana celebrated the birth of daughter Betsy on January 26, 2005. Betsy has two big brothers, Henry and John. Jeff Russom (M.Div.’04) was married to Shawne Blaylock on April 9, 2005. Jeff is the Children’s Pastor for First Baptist Church of Arnold, Mo., where he has served for more than ten years.
With the Saints Brian Downs, son of Lon Downs (M.Div.’83), was killed in Iraq on May 30, 2005, where he was serving as a U.S. Air Force Major. Brian was one of four individuals killed (three U.S. Air Force members and one Iraqi) when the plane they were flying crashed in the Iraqi desert 80 miles northeast of Baghdad. He was Lon’s youngest son and is survived by his wife and three young children. Brian was a Ruling Elder for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. Lon is retired from pastoral ministry and lives in Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Filling the Quiver Christopher Beckwith was born to Wes (M.Div.’93) and Beth Alford on April 19, 2005. Christopher joined older brother Gibson (19 mos.). Wes serves as pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Sweetwater, Tenn. Kevin (M.Div.’95) and Wendy Twit celebrated the adoption of Amelia Mei Evans on May 10, 2005. Amelia was born in China
on March 15, 2004. She joins brothers Cooper (5) and Isaac (3). Kevin serves as the R.U.F. Campus Minister for Belmont University. View the Twit’s adoption movie at www.belmont.ruf.org. Cliff (M.A.C.’97) and Kristi (M.A.C.’96) Carden welcomed son Creed Emerson into their family on March 19, 2005. Creed joins big brothers Seth and Eli. Cliff is the youth pastor at Horizon Church in Greenville, S.C., which is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America that was planted in 1998. Madeline Ruth was born to Mark (M.A.G.T.S.’98) and Daphne McColl on May 16, 2005. Madeline joins brother Jonathan. The McColls live in Lexington, Ky. Rusty (M.Div.’05) and Jennifer (Darrell) (M.A.T.S.’01) Milton celebrated the birth of Phinehas Reid on April 1, 2005. Noah James was born to Andy (M.Div.’03) and Kacey (M.A.C.’01) Moehn on June 7, 2005. Andy was installed as Pastor of Stonebridge Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Perrysburg, Ohio, on March 12, 2005. Contact Andy at pastor.andy@sbcglobal.net. Tao (M.Div.’02) and Idee Mou (former student) welcomed daughter Rebekah En-Pei, their first child, into the world on Oct. 29, 2004. Tao serves as Chinese Minister for Houston Chinese Church in Houston, Texas.
EVENTS Gatherings, Conferences Fall 2005 Francis A. Schaeffer Lecture Series
Two Worlds Under One Roof DATE: October 21 and 22, 2005 PLENARY SPEAKER: Bill Romanowski, author of Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God
PLEASE JOIN US These events are open to the public and are offered free or for a minimal charge. To learn more about any of these events, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu or call 1.800.903.4044.
in Popular Culture
INSTRUCTOR: Denis Haack, Co-Founder and Director of Ransom Fellowship DATES: January 9 to 13, 2006
Evangelism Practicum INSTRUCTOR: Mark Roessler, Pastor of Catalina Foothills Church, Tucson, Ariz. DATES: January 17 to 20, 2006
This fall the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute is teaming up with the Youth in Ministry Institute to talk about bridging the generation gap between teenagers and adults. This conference is geared toward anyone working with youth including youth leaders, pastors and parents. Save the Date!
Peacemaking in Practice Fall and Winter 2005-6
INSTRUCTOR: Judy Dabler, Executive Director
Lifetime of Ministry Courses
of the Center for Biblical Counseling and
Register online for any of these two- to five-day ministry enrichment courses.
Education, and Paul Vazquez, Director of Conciliation Services for the Center for Biblical Counseling and Education, St. Louis, Mo. DATES: January 6 and 7, 2006
As Lifetime of Ministry courses, these classes
Church-Based Community Ministry
can be audited for a minimal fee.* Find out
INSTRUCTOR: Amy Sherman, Author of Restorers
more at www.covenantseminary.edu.
of Hope, Reaching the Poor in Your Community
Youth Ministry Across Culture
DATES: January 13 and 14, 2006
With Church-Based Ministries that Work
Spring 2006 Francis A. Schaeffer Lecture Series
Seek the Peace of the City: Ministry in an Urban Context DATE: February 24 and 25, 2006
Special Lectures SPEAKER: Walt Mueller, Founder and President of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
INSTRUCTOR: Danny Kwon, Youth Director for Yuong Sang Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pa. DATES: September 16 and 17, 2005
Planning Meaningful Worship Services INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Jeffrey Heyl, Minister of Music, Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church, St. Louis, Mo. DATES: September 16 and 17, 2005
DATES: November 11 and 12, 2005
Urban Church Planting in North America
TIMES AND LOCATION: Friday, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.
INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Philip Douglass and
at Covenant Seminary; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to
Rev. Fred Harrell, Pastor of City Church
4:00 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church
Walt Mueller will serve as a guest lecturer on the campus of Covenant Seminary and at Central Presbyterian Church this fall, through the sponsorship of the Youth in Ministry Institute and several local churches. Walt will address a number of topics relevant to understanding today’s youth culture.
of San Francisco, Calif. DATES: September 30 and October 1, 2005
Bioethics Seminar INSTRUCTOR: Dr. David Cook, Director of the Whitfield Institute and Chaplain of Green College, Oxford University DATES: September 9 and 10, 2005
Latin America INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Neil Hegeman, Academic Dean, Miami International Seminary DATES: October 7 and 8, 2005
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Film and Theology
Fall 2005
14
*non-transcript audit
HEY, This Isn’t Easy! Parenting in a World of Competing “Voices" by Walt Mueller I started hearing voices in 1989. That was when I began listening full-time to the rapidly changing youth culture. I wasn’t listening to be entertained. I was listening because I wanted to know what our kids were hearing, how they were responding and how all this was impacting their beliefs and behaviors. I’m still listening to the voices and it should come as no surprise that they are getting louder. As I listen to the voices of today’s youth culture, I’m reminded of the heartfelt question of one
See page 14 to find out when Walt Mueller will be speaking at Covenant Seminary and Central Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Mo.
concerned father I met a few years ago. He had attended one of our seminars on youth culture. Frustrated by trying to raise his son in a confusing
• While 83 percent of parents say it’s vital to teach
youth culture, he asked me, “How can I expect my son to be
kids self-control, only 34 percent say they’ve
able to hear the still small voice of God when all those other
been successful.
voices are screaming in his ears, ‘Come and follow, come and
• While 82 percent think it’s necessary to teach their
follow, come and follow?’” The man’s words have stuck with me. And in the time that’s passed, I’ve found myself often
kids to do their best in school, only 50 percent feel
asking the same question as I’ve interacted with scores of
they’ve succeeded. • When it comes to teaching good money habits,
concerned parents, and as I’ve gained my own experience in the parenting school of “hard knocks” – a school that sits
70 percent say they are essential while only 28
smack dab in the middle of a very real world.
percent feel they’ve taught their kids those lessons. • 91 percent say honesty is non-negotiable, yet only
A recent study from Public Agenda reveals more about
28 percent feel they’ve taught their kids honesty.
the struggles, concerns and frustrations so many of us feel
Granted, there might be many variables contributing to
as we try to instill godly values in kids who grow up in a world where doing what’s right in your own eyes is increas-
these gaps between our parental desires and perceived reality.
ingly viewed as a virtue. Overall, the study found that
But judging from what I’ve seen happening in our culture,
parents of children ages 5 to 17 don’t think they’re doing
one factor is certain – the “other voices” keep getting louder.
a very good job. Consider this small sampling of parents’
And if we as parents allow the increased volume to get to us,
perceived failures:
it will lead us to feelings of frustration and failure that can be
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Training Servants of the Triune God
Hey, This Isn’t Easy!
paralyzing. In the worst case, we might throw up our hands
Second, kids don’t grow up overnight. Adolescence is a
in despairing surrender. With that in mind, there are three
unique period of life. During that time, kids experience more
lessons I’ve learned – and am still learning – that I remind
earth-shaking change in every area of their lives – intellectu-
myself of every time I fall into the temptation of allowing
al, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual – than they ever
healthy parental self-examination (“Lord, am I doing this
have or ever will experience again. Those changes take place
right?”) to quickly deteriorate into unhealthy and paralyzing
over the course of several years. At the same time, they are
parental self-flagellation (“Can I do anything right?”).
looking for answers to the basic questions about life that will shape who they are, what they think and how they live as
First, I’m not perfect and my kids aren’t perfect either. One of my most vivid boyhood baseball memories occurred
adults. Adolescent development is a long and confusing
on Father’s Day 1964. That was the day my hero,
process, not an instantaneous magical moment of metamor-
Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning, pitched a perfect
phosis. Still, we parent as if once we say it, they should get
game – allowing no runs, hits, walks or errors. That day
it, they should agree with it and they should live it. Perhaps
wouldn’t be so special if perfect games were commonplace.
a more realistic approach would be to understand the princi-
But they’re rare. There are times when years pass before
ple that “sound travels slowly” – sometimes what you say to
another major league pitcher throws a perfect game. Only a
them when they are 15, they might not hear until they are
handful of pitchers have had the experience of pitching nine
25 years old! We should keep the parenting volume up, even
perfect innings. There are hundreds of others who have
though it might not seem like they hear us. Consistency is
never accomplished the feat, but that doesn’t make them bad
necessary. It takes time. We must be patient.
pitchers. And for those pitchers who have tasted “perfec-
Parenting is hard work and involves many struggles. But through constant, active dependence on the God who never changes, we can live through and enjoy the teen years. With God’s help, we can and must keep plugging away!
tion,” not one of them ever threw nine innings of nothing but strikes. The fact of the matter is, Jim Bunning wasn’t a perfect pitcher, he just happened to have a pretty good day. Why is it that so many of us parents feel like failures when we or our children make a mistake? My guess is that we are disappointed because we expect ourselves and our children to be perfect, which is a very unrealistic expectation. Have you ever thought about the fact that there has only ever been one perfect parent, and even his first “perfect” children decided to rebel? And since that moment when sin entered the world, all parents and children – us included –
And third, feeling inadequate might not be such a bad
have entered the world marred and polluted by sin. We aren’t, can’t and never in this life will be perfect! But since
thing after all! I know from my own personal experience that
the beginning of time, God has used imperfect people to
I sometimes (more accurately “usually”) fail to live in total
carry out His plan, and He will use them as they raise their
dependence on God. I try to parent with my own effort and
children in spite of their imperfections! Granted, we should
willpower and then find myself tired, burned out and defeat-
strive to bring glory to God in all we do and say. But, when
ed. What I (and all parents) need to do is exercise total
(not if) we make mistakes, then we should rely on the grace
dependence on God. This requires that I realize I can’t do it
of God to take us through the process of repentance, forgive-
on my own. I must acknowledge that I am painfully inade-
ness and change. And when (not if) our kids fail, then we do
quate. Instead, I need to approach my role as parent with the
well to follow the rule Christian psychologist Dr. John
same resolve the apostle Paul had about his ministry: “We
White followed in his relationship with his son who had
proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all
“gone terribly wrong.” White says it this way: “As Christ is
wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
to me, so must I be to my children.”
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so
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Fall 2005
16
Transforming Glory
powerfully works in me” (Col.1:28-29). Parenting is hard
continued from page 5 In a crisis, people sometimes say, “Don’t just stand there,
work and involves many struggles. But through constant, active dependence on the God who never changes, we can
do something!” On this day, the reverse held. When Peter
live through and enjoy the teen years. With God’s help, we
wanted to do something, he strayed. When he stood there
can and must keep plugging away! It’s been a joy to see that
and did nothing but gaze at Jesus, he was far wiser. Some-
while I’ve been working to parent my kids, God has been
times we should stand there and do nothing but worship. The transfiguration reveals the true nature of Jesus.
parenting me. Hopefully, I’m growing up too. I’ve enjoyed being a dad. Has it been easy? No way!
He is teacher, healer, and friend. He also is the Lord, the
While I’ve loved the overall task, I haven’t enjoyed every
God of the universe, and we should worship Him. Indeed,
single day of it. There have been some pretty hard ones. I’m
nothing we do is more important than worship. While that
sure there are many challenges I’ve yet to face. But some-
may not sound right to American Protestants, Christians
how, someway – even in a culture that often throws stuff at
from other lands and traditions see this better than we do.
our kids that is less than Godly – God is using you and me.
I confess that it is hard for me to see. On my mother’s side, the English and Scottish
Yes, they’re hearing voices. But let’s keep praying that the teens we live with will hear and answer his invitation –
Presbyterian side, there are a lot of activists. Everyone wants
especially as issued through us to “come and follow me.” ■
to do something for God. On my father’s side, the Russian and Jewish atheistic side, everyone is an artist or a thinker. Yet if we search the Scripture, we see that worship is the first calling of the believer. Consider the exodus of Israel from Egypt. Why did the Lord say He saved His people? Moses told Pharaoh, “The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to say to you: Let my people go, so that they may worship me.” When God gave His people the law, the first commandment said, “You shall not bow down to [other gods] or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God” (Exod. 20:5). It also included a promise: “Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on [you]” (Exod. 23:25). Jesus said He came to lead His people into true worship. He said, Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth.” – JOHN 4:23-24 As Christians, we have been set free to worship God. We have been set free to worship him without fear, and in that act of worship we are changed so that we can rightly serve God. What other response could we hope to offer for such a revelation of God’s glory as we see in Jesus Christ? ■
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Training Servants of the Triune God
Transforming
TRUTH, 2005 Graduate Shares Wisdom Gained for Life and Ministry The graduates, faculty, family, and friends of the Covenant Seminary class of 2005 celebrated Baccalaureate in a new way this past May. Along with music, prayer, and Scripture reading, four students had the opportunity to share testimonies of the Lord’s work in their lives through Covenant Seminary. My seminary experience helped me see that God is real
The following is a testimony from M.Div. graduate Susan Bach who shared on that evening. Susan is currently preparing to move to San Francisco to serve as an intern with City Church (PCA), where she will lead women through teaching and discipleship, facilitate community groups, and serve in mercy ministries.
in a way that I had not known before. The Lord does not allow His children to merely know about Him. You cannot be at Covenant Seminary, studying Scripture in so much detail, studying with one another, worshiping together, and living day in and day out in this community without your life being penetrated and changed. At some point you have
I came to Covenant Seminary for one reason – I wanted to learn, for myself and for the sake of others.
to face the reality that God is personal and wants to lovingly interrupt all parts of your life. Gospel truth is knowledge that sinks deep down into your life and changes not just your mind, but the orientation of your heart. A person cannot know Gospel truth any other way. As I reckoned with God’s “realness” during my seminary studies, I began to face the reality of myself as broken, yet with incredible value, as limited, yet with specific gifts. I began to truly see how I was
My four years at Covenant Seminary have been formative years. I came to Covenant Seminary when I was
in need of God’s grace and help in a deep and healing way –
22 years old. I was a recent college graduate and barely knew
and I found that Jesus Christ was offering this grace in
anything about Reformed theology, seminary, or theological
Himself. For the past four years I have been in a community
issues. I came for one reason – I wanted to learn, for myself
that championed this truth and made space for people like
and for the sake of others. I did not know much about the
me to process and wrestle with God. The second thing I quickly learned during seminary was
journey upon which I was embarking, but looking back I can see that God has used this time in my life beyond what I
that God was much bigger than I thought. Everything that
could have predicted. Specifically, I was confronted in a new
exists is His: all of history, this present moment, and the
way with Biblical truth helping me to know God and His
future. Everything is moving toward a goal of making all
way of working in our world.
things new for the glory of Christ. Everything that exists is
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Fall 2005
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Transforming Truth, Transforming Purpose
about Him. This vision, this story we are in the midst of,
Above all, I am thankful to God that He brought me to
lifts us out of ourselves to see this world and one another in
this place in probably the most formative years of my adult
new light. It makes the ordinary things in life not boring,
life. I know that He has shaped in me a sensitivity to the
but significant; the diverse not threatening, but beautiful.
Gospel of grace. If our lives and ministries are not reflecting
To see Christ not just as my Lord, but as our Lord, and the
God’s grace, then we do not reflect the Gospel of Scripture.
Lord of the world, has given me new purpose as I try to make
Through this experience of God’s grace permeating all,
sense out of how I fit into it all. There is a larger purpose to
Christ has become more real, more transcendent, and
the world and my life than my happiness. If God made the
ultimately more beautiful to me. May God’s grace always
world and me, then it makes sense for me to listen to what
be what motivates us in our lives and ministries, and may
He says about living in this world and to give myself to His
we hold unswervingly to this hope – for He who promised
ways – for His glory and my good.
is faithful. ■
Gospel truth is knowledge that sinks deep down into your life and changes not just your mind, but the orientation of your heart.
Transforming
PURPOSE www.covenantseminary.edu
19
Training Servants of the Triune God
“Does this Ministry Make Any
DIFFERENCE?” Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 33rd General Assembly On June 15, 2005, Dr. Bryan Chapell reported on Covenant Seminary to the 33rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). The following article is taken from Dr. Chapell’s report and adapted for Covenant magazine.
If there was a need for me to report “just the facts” about Covenant Seminary, then my report would be easy. I could simply share that, since a year ago, today Covenant Seminary has more students, more faculty, more campus, a balanced budget, and full placement. But such facts, though they reflect great blessing indeed, still do not answer an essential question: “Does any of this make a difference?” To answer that question I will ask you to consider a series
exodus resulted in a new assignment in Senegal, West
of images in your mind’s eye:
Africa, where she now oversees eight new Bible translation projects. That is a great Gospel victory.
Remember what it looked like to see a young man
Finally, in Southern India, a graduate of Covenant
standing before an armored tank in Tiananmen Square. Within weeks of the Chinese government’s crackdown
Seminary ministers next to a village where 1000 homes
on that student-led protest, a request came to Covenant
were destroyed by the recent tsunami. Through the work of
Seminary from student leaders at Beijing University.
Covenant Seminary professors, a Florida church pastored by
They asked for the writings of Francis Schaeffer, and a
a Covenant Seminary graduate, and an innovative Florida
few years later one of the leaders of that student revolt was
radio station, almost one million dollars were raised to
a student at Covenant Seminary.
rebuild those homes. This is Gospel glory. Does the ministry of Covenant Seminary make any dif-
Next, consider images of bombs falling on Baghdad. After
ference? We sometimes wonder, but on occasion the Lord
the bombs fell, American troops, accompanied by chaplains of great valor and faithfulness – including chaplains trained
graciously lets us see through the cosmic cracks in His provi-
at Covenant Seminary – flooded into Iraq. Now a former
dence so that we may know the answer. The message that we
member of Saddam Hussein’s palace guard, who became a
discern from such providences and His Word is clear: “Stand
Christian in Jordan, is a student at Covenant Seminary.
firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to
Last fall, after violence caused a mass exodus of all
the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58).
Western missionaries from Ivory Coast, a Covenant Seminary alumnae was forced to leave that country with
A Mission to Our Children
newly translated Bibles undistributed. That was a great
What is Covenant Seminary’s labor that is not in vain? It is
human tragedy. Yet, in the Lord’s providence, her forced
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
participation in a great mission. So often we consider mis-
20
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 33rd General Assembly ers and to outperform others for attention in the world.
sion only to be about taking the Gospel across geography.
By no means do I say this to suggest that this is a genera-
But the mission of a seminary is also about taking the Gospel across generations. By supporting Covenant Seminary, you
tion of lesser quality students. Yet we must recognize these
ensure that our children will have church leaders who will
difficult realities if we are to train our students well for
be faithful to the Scriptures and true to the Gospel. In
Gospel ministry. How is Covenant Seminary responding to
essence, the mission of this seminary is our mission to our own children.
these secular influences upon this generation of seminarians? 1. We are providing seminary training with more Bible,
In order to be faithful to this mission, we must do what
more Confession, more Community and more Grace.
all missionaries do: understand the context of the people we 2. Additionally, we are providing long-term, post-
serve so that we can proclaim the Gospel effectively to and
seminary training. So that we will have a means to
through them.
facilitate continuing excellence in ministry, we have Understanding this Generation
started the Center for Ministry Leadership (see page
Understanding the nature of this generation of seminary
24 to learn about the center). The goal of this center
students will help you see how powerful and meaningful
is to serve the church, our graduates, and other
are the blessings that the Lord is pouring upon us in the
church leaders by providing continuing education
present context.
in church ministry.
So often we consider mission only to be about taking the Gospel across geography. But the mission of a seminary is also about taking the Gospel across generations. Dr. Bryan Chapell reporting to the committee of commissioners overseeing the work of Covenant Seminary at the 2005 PCA General Assembly.
How are our students – your future church leaders – respond-
Every generation is influenced by its culture, but this gen-
ing to these efforts to prepare and maintain their ministries?
eration of seminarians is more influenced by popular culture
The short answer is: tremendously! You must understand
than preceding generations. They are also often from homes
that this generation of students comes to seminary after hav-
with absent or distracted fathers. In addition, this generation
ing made a stand for their faith against powerful currents of
has lived its entire life under the shadow of Roe vs. Wade,
secularism and unbelief in their universities or businesses.
and cannot escape the influences of the cultural assumption
These students may not have deep background in Bible or
that any life that is imperfect is discardable. The brokenness
doctrine, but they have a great zeal for the Savior that they
of homes and the culture that produces such students also
have already proven with courage and conviction. This is a
produces a generation that is steadily declining in its knowl-
wonderful generation of students for us to serve and train.
edge of the Bible and doctrine. At the same time, these stu-
Willing to witness. Because they are so familiar with sec-
dents have learned from experience that they have to earn
ular culture, members of this generation are unafraid of it.
their place in the world by meeting the expectations of oth-
www.covenantseminary.edu
Zealous for the Gospel
21
Training Servants of the Triune God
“Does this Ministry Make any Difference?”
of its history. Rather, as technological advances quickly
Unintimidated by traditional barriers. Never have we had a generation of students more willing to communicate
spread access to the wealth of the West along with its
the Gospel. They recognize no barriers of ethnicity, race,
philosophies of moral relativism, most of the world
class, or nationality. They are anxious to show mercy to the
honors no religion more zealously than the pursuit of
underprivileged, and to make Christ known through the
Western affluence.
ministry of both word and deed.
...most of the world honors no religion more zealously than the pursuit of Western affluence.
Anxious to honor the faith of our fathers. Yes, given their family backgrounds, students of this generation are suspicious of authority and institutions, but when they experience genuine care from teachers expressing fatherly care for them, then these students delight to honor the faith of our fathers. This generation desires to honor historic orthodoxy. Understanding This Church
• Reactive fundamentalism
To fulfill our mission to our children, Covenant Seminary
In this new world reality of crumbling false religions,
must not only understand the generation of students we
there is a great spiritual opportunity for an unprece-
serve, we also must understand the demonstration in which
dented advancement of the Christian faith. But we
many will lead. We have the immense blessing of preparing
are not the only ones to note this potential.
students for a church that has no question that the Bible is
Throughout the world, there are rapidly growing
God’s Word and, thus, it is entirely true or inerrant. We also
militant fundamentalist reactions to the dissolution
have the privilege of serving a church that honors the
of historic religions. Because of 9/11 and our military
Westminster Confession with integrity. Preparing students to
involvement in Iraq, we are well aware of how a small
lead a church with commitment to Scriptural authority and
percentage of Muslims can set the political agenda
a Reformed worldview will be a source of unending joy and
for the rest of the world in its fundamentalist frenzy.
unfaltering courage in the face of today’s secular challenges.
Most of us are less aware – unless we have been on the
Yet, because we are so united in our commitments to
mission field – that similar fundamentalist militancy is
Scripture and the Westminster Confession, we may not be
increasingly evident in Hinduism, tribal religions, and
as aware of how our church, similar to our students, has been
even some branches of Roman Catholicism, where
influenced by our culture. We must face these influences
Evangelical inroads have become threatening.
honestly and wisely if we are to fulfill our mission of passing
• Nonresponsive Presbyterianism
a faithful church to our children.
We may be tempted to believe that this great divide
The culture that now influences our church is split along
between materialistic nominalism and reactive funda-
a great divide. That fundamental divide is not between red
mentalism has little to do with the PCA, but that
states and blue states, between Republican and Democrat,
would be a mistake.
or between liberal and conservative. Rather, the great divide of our culture extends beyond national and even religious
Right now the world is experiencing the most rapid
boundaries. The divide more influential than any political
expansion of Christianity in its history; there are over 100
difference is the split between materialistic nominalism and
million Chinese Christians, over 40 million Indonesian Christians, and over 16,000 new African believers every day.
reactive fundamentalism.
These are only examples of new penetrations of the Gospel; • Materialistic nominalism
but also in places where the Gospel seems to have been
The vast majority of the world’s population – whether
withering there are now signs of life. Largely as a result of
in historically Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or tribal
the debate over the legitimacy of homosexuality, there is a
regions – is only nominally committed to the religion
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
22
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 33rd General Assembly
reawakening of Biblical concern in mainline denominations.
giving churches. If you are not now supporting semi-
Soon there is likely to be a great realignment of conserva-
nary education, then I urge you to do so at some level,
tives in the mainline as they search for allies who are also
even if it is only a few dollars a year; I urge you to
Biblically committed.
make sure that you have not absolved yourself of the
The question for the PCA is whether we will perceive
responsibility of ensuring that there are faithful, Bible-
and respond to our position as a leader denomination with
believing pastors for the next generation. A previous
Biblical principles well in place, or whether we will retreat
generation did this for us; we must take up the baton
within the boundaries of our own familiar church culture.
of preparing faithful leaders for the next generation.
As other world religions fight for continuing viability,
• Isolationism – the loss of vision that the earth is the
we must face what will tempt us in the PCA to inaction
Lord’s and everything in it. The evidence of this loss
and may hinder us from responding to the great Gospel
among us occurs whenever we no longer sense that we
opportunities before us. The temptations that face us are:
are part of a great Gospel movement that will result in
• Secular materialism – the loss of spiritual values in the
the knowledge of the Lord covering the earth as the
pursuit of material success and personal satisfaction.
waters cover the sea. This movement of the Lord is
The evidence of such attitudes among us is our own
advancing with unprecedented power and speed. As a
lack of support for Gospel mission beyond our own
denomination, we have leadership responsibilities for
church walls. In the PCA we hear a consistent theme:
providing a theological conscience and Biblical direc-
we are a rich denomination with impoverished agen-
tion that we not only must exercise, but also pass on to
cies seeking to fulfill Christ’s mission. We cannot deny
our children so that they can be the Gospel leaders it
that secular materialism is limiting our effectiveness as
seems certain God is calling them to be.
a denomination in fulfilling the Great Commission. Our Mission to the Next Generation
Our children cannot wait years for the support of this church with the challenges of this culture upon them. When we support a seminary, we are maintaining the ministry of the Gospel to our own children.
The reason that we must perceive the responsibilities of the PCA in this movement is that God’s Kingdom will not be advanced by noting our spiritual privileges through glimpses of God’s providence. A great spiritual movement does not result from blessings seen through isolated cracks in the world order, but from the cumulative force of hundreds (or thousands) of churches well led so that the Gospel is multiplied life upon life for one generation after another. What will such a movement require? It will require the PCA sensing our responsibility now. Our children cannot wait years for the support of this church with the challenges of this culture upon them.
• Pluralism – the loss of faith distinctions as all religion
When we support a seminary, we are maintaining the
is presumed to be only a product of the conventions
ministry of the Gospel to our own children. A seminary
and traditions of evolving societies. The evidence of
is the church’s mission to its own children. May the Lord
such thought among us is in our willingness to let our
enable us all to see and to respond to this mission – for
children fend for themselves. If we allow ourselves to
the sake of our children and for the glory of His name in
believe that the training of church leaders for our chil-
all the earth, generations without end. ■
dren is somebody else’s responsibility, then we have This message is available in its unabridged form in both audio and print formats on www.covenantseminary.edu.
abandoned our mission to our own children. We simply cannot cede the responsibility to a few key donors or
www.covenantseminary.edu
23
Training Servants of the Triune God
Covenant Seminary’s
CENTER FOR MINISTRY LEADERSHIP Engaging and Supporting Church Leaders BY REBECCA RINE AND EILEEN O’GORMAN
Common sense says that the role of a seminary in preparing pastors for ministry involves much more than handing a graduate a diploma and sending him off saying, “We wish you well.” But how can a seminary carry on the training of pastors after they have completed their hours of studying exegesis, systematics, homiletics, and all of the intensive preparation that goes into a seminary curriculum? What does it take to train for and also sustain pastoral excellence? Covenant Seminary is not the only institution asking this question. One of the major foundations funding pastoral renewal initiatives in the U.S. today, Lilly Endowment Inc., has also been captured by the necessity of supporting pastors in their work. In recent years Lilly Endowment has been asking: How do we improve the skills and sustain the excellence of pastors currently serving congregations? What are basic questions regarding the current state of the practice of ministry that we need to answer to improve the quality of ministry? In November of 2003, the common initiatives of Pastors participating in the new Pastors Summit program meet three times a year for a two-year period. This past July, the summit meeting was attended by pastors and their spouses. The time included teaching, reflection, group discussion, fun, and shared meals.
Covenant Seminary and the Lilly Endowment came together to form a dynamic partnership that gave birth to Covenant Seminary’s Center for Ministry Leadership. The Center for Ministry Leadership, under the direction of Dr. Bob Burns, formerly a pastor for Perimeter Church (PCA) in Atlanta,
Each program is designed to address the top questions
Ga., is an arm of Covenant Seminary funded by the Lilly
pastors face every day:
Endowment. The center seeks to change lives and transform
• Am I fulfilling my calling?
churches through its engagement with leaders in ministry.
• What equipping do I need?
Today the center is accomplishing its goals through
• Am I in healthy, supportive relationships?
four primary initiatives: the Pastors Summit, Intersect, the
As the center addresses each of these questions with
Connect conference and the Pastor in Residence program.
pastors through the four programs, the entire process pro-
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
24
Covenant Seminary’s Center for Ministry Leadership
vides input for the Covenant Seminary curriculum as future pastors come to the seminary to be equipped for ministry. Pastors Summit
The Pastors Summit is an unprecedented, joint effort between Covenant Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando, Fla.), and Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia, Pa.). This institutional cooperation is a result of the camaraderie of three leaders at these schools: Dr. Donald Guthrie, Dr. Frank James, and Rev. Stafford Carson. Through the Pastors Summit each seminary hosts a cohort John Thomas, Pastor of the Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, Ga., was one of Covenant Seminary’s first pastors in residence this past summer. John and his wife Shari (pictured to the far right) helped facilitate discussions at the July Pastors Summit.
of ten pastors that meet six times over the course of two years. The cohorts meet separately each spring and fall, and meet together each summer. Spouses have been invited to the first summer meeting and will be invited to other meet-
nesses exist as organizations and as relational organisms.
ings as the pastors and their spouses determine.
Both must attend to management, financial, and structural
Cohorts consist of pastors who share certain traits –
issues, yet both must also attend to the relational climate
Reformed faith, expertise in ministry, and similar leadership
and to interpersonal concerns.
positions – but who also differ in important ways. For exam-
Intersect is a forum created by the Center for Ministry
ple, the pastors represent a variety of ethnic backgrounds,
Leadership in which church and business leaders discuss how
geographic settings, and church contexts.
to sustain growth and change in their respective contexts.
During the first cohort meetings in January and February
At Intersect, pastors and elders explore the dynamics of
of 2005, the pastors gathered for three days of teaching, dis-
growth and change leadership, the common ground between
cussion, and reflection. One pastor’s comments on emotional
church and business structures, and a leadership model built
health in ministry highlight the importance of those meet-
on God’s common grace.
ings. He said “In years of ministry, I’ve heard people talk
The specialist facilitator for Intersect is Dr. Tim
about the emotional drain of ministry. I used to think, ‘It’s
Habbershon, who holds the President’s Term Chair in Family
no big deal; I’ll just go running.’ But now I know it is not
Enterprises at Babson College. Formerly, Dr. Habbershon
that easy. Maybe for the first time in ministry I am realizing
served as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in
that I feel pain in ministry and I know I need to deal with
America and planted Heritage Presbyterian Church in
that pain.” Another summarized his thoughts saying, “The
Warrenton, Va. With this unique set of skills, interests, and
common theme of the Pastors Summit time for me was the
experiences, Dr. Habbershon is well-qualified to facilitate a
need for accountability and community. I don’t have anyone
forum on leading sustainable growth and change at the inter-
that I open up to about [the challenges of ministry]. It’s like
section of faith, family, and firm. The first of these meetings
driving around a mountain with no guardrails. It’s by the
took place on April 7-9, 2005. Ten pastors were accompa-
grace of God that I haven’t driven off.”
nied by ten elders from their respective churches, each of
To learn more about the Pastors Summit program, logon
whom participates in a family business.
to www.pastorssummit.org.
Topics under discussion at Intersect included the responsi-
Intersect
ble appropriation of entrepreneurial thinking by the church
Religious life and business life are often regarded as separate
and investigation of the Biblical roots of growth and change
spheres. However, church and family business leaders face
strategies. One of Dr. Habbershon’s intended outcomes for
similar leadership challenges. Both churches and family busi-
Intersect is that “both the pastor and the business leader
www.covenantseminary.edu
25
Training Servants of the Triune God
Covenant Seminary’s Center for Ministry Leadership
would have a human capital philosophy
pastors and ministry leaders throughout the
that accentuates the dignity
year, the issues being addressed and discussed inform the focus of topics for the Connect
of persons.”
conference. This year’s Connect conference
Pastor in Residence
will address vital topics including endurance
The Pastor in Residence program is a coop-
in ministry, leading for change, church disci-
erative arrangement between Covenant
pline, evangelism, and worship. Log on to
Seminary and experienced pastors who
www.covenantseminary.edu to learn more.
are able to take some time away from their regular ministries to benefit from and contribute to campus life. Pastors stay for as little as two weeks or as long as a semester. Four pastors have participated in this program thus far, including Rev. Ferdinand Gbewonyo. Rev. Gbewonyo is the former Moderator of the Global Evangelical Church, one of the fastest growing denominations in Ghana in recent years. He attended several classes during his stay in St. Louis and contributed to the campus community by speaking in chapel, leading Covenant group meetings, visiting local 1
churches, and conversing with students and faculty. Ferdinand’s account of his experience is best summarized in his own words: “I would say, without hesitation, that I am highly impressed by the organizational ability exhibited in arranging this program. The attitude of the seminary community as a whole to visitors is worthy of emulation. Concerning the program itself, I am simply overwhelmed by the love, respect, and care which I enjoyed during the class periods.
Ongoing Research and Collaboration About Dr. Robert Burns, Center for Ministry
Finally, the Center for Ministry Leadership is not only bearing fruit in the present, but
Leadership Director
also planting seeds for the future. Researchers
Bob Burns has been a pastor for over 30 years. His experience in ministry ranges from church planting to family ministry, from worship and the arts to youth and singles ministry. His extensive service to the church is augmented by years of study; Bob holds both a D.Min. from Westminster Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from the University of Georgia. One of Bob’s most important contributions to the Center is his educational philosophy. He recognizes
from the center gather insights from program
the limitations of traditional educational settings for adult learners and he strives to create programs that challenge all elements of a person – the head, the heart, and the hands.
I was treated with much courtesy. Despite
participants concerning their preparation for ministry, the demands of ministry, and the best means of sustaining excellence in ministry. The center anticipates the future release of publications on the realities of pastoral ministry and their implications for theological education. Staff from the Center also attend a peer-group gathering in Indianapolis, Ind., each August in order to share findings with other recipients of Sustaining Pastoral Excellence grants from Lilly Endowment. The cross-pollination of ideas that occurs at these meetings facilitates interdenominational dialogue about what constitutes pastoral excellence and how to sustain it. After only one year in existence, the Center for Ministry Leadership is playing an integral role in serving pastors, their families, and tomorrow’s seminary students. It is with gratitude that Covenant Seminary acknowl-
the brevity of my visit, I would say the benefits I have
edges the role of Lilly Endowment in seeing the significance
derived from the classes are tremendous. I have learned
of serving entire congregations through funding such an
a lot to better sharpen my skills and further equip and
initiative. May the Lord receive the honor as He has blessed
enrich my ministry.”
the seminary greatly with resources, staff, participants, and faculty who are working together to serve the Church today
The Connect Conference
and for the next generation. ■
The Center for Ministry Leadership also has an integral role in organizing Covenant Seminary Connect conference
1
(see page 13) each fall. As the center is involved with
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
26
Covenant groups are spiritual formation groups of 8-12 students that meet once a week under the direction of a faculty or administrative team member.
news
CAMPUS For a campus calendar, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu. Where Is the Class of 2005? The following statistics show the occupations of the December 2004 and May 2005 Master of Divinity graduates who have been placed as of July 1, 2005.
Head Pastor
13%
Associate Pastor
22%
Youth Pastor
13%
Church Planting
11%
Campus Ministry
3%
Other Ministry
22%
Graduate School
16%
Anthony Bradley Joins Seminary Faculty Anthony Bradley joins the seminary faculty this fall teaching in the areas of systematic theology and apologetics. Most recently, Anthony has served as a Research Fellow for the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty in Grand Rapids, Mich. Anthony is a 1998 graduate of Covenant Seminary (Master of Divinity) and is completing a Ph.D. in Historical and Theological Studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. His dissertation intersects black theology with Thomas Sowell. Anthony’s additional research interests are the Scottish Reformation, the emergent church, welfare, education, and modern international forms of social injustice, slavery, and oppression. Anthony brings a wide range of ministry experience to his teaching, including leadership in youth ministry and Christian high school education and administration.
Sean Lucas Becomes Regular Faculty Member Sean Lucas transitioned from serving as Visiting Professor of Church History and Candidate
www.covenantseminary.edu
Relations Coordinator to Assistant Professor of Church History and Associate Dean for Academics this past July. Prior to joining the seminary staff in July 2004, Sean served as Assistant Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Ky. Sean holds a Ph.D. in Historical and Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary. His book Robert Lewis Dabney: A Southern Presbyterian Life was released by P&R Publishing earlier this year.
Faculty Itinerary Jerram Barrs, Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture, in Valparaiso, Ind., September 23-25, teaching for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church; in Issaquah, Wash., September 30-October 2, teaching for Covenant Presbyterian Church; in St. Louis, Mo., October 14, lecturing at Borders Bookstore in Creve Coeur on Echos of Eden in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; in San Antonio, Tex., November 11-13, teaching for Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
Dabler Co-Authors Book on Conflict Resolution for Women Visiting Instructor in Practical Theology Judy Dabler (M.A.C.’96, M.A.T.S.’00) has co-authored a book on conflict resolution for women titled Peacemaking Women (Baker Publishing Group 2005). Judy wrote the book with attorney Tara Klena Barthe. Together they offer Biblical wisdom to help women address conflict and live in peaceful relationships. Judy is Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Counseling and Education, a ministry of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Mo.
Anthony Bradley, Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology, in Scottville, Mich., September 11, preaching for Mason County Reformed Church; in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-17, lecturing for Religious Leaders Conference of the Acton Institute; in Paradise, Tex., Oct. 13-15, lecturing for Toward a Free and Virtuous Society Conference of the Acton Institute, in Philadelphia, Pa., November 17, presenting a paper for the Evangelical Theological Society. Bob Burns, Director of the Center for Ministry Leadership, in St. Louis, Mo., September 27-29, directing Pastors Summit cohort meeting; in Philadelphia, Pa., October 4-6, directing Pastors Summit cohort meeting; in Bethesda, Md., October 23, preaching for the ordination of David O’Connell at Fourth Presbyterian Church; in Orlando, Fla., November 1-3, directing Pastors Summit cohort meeting.
D.Min. Student Appointed to Direct L.A. Rescue Mission Doctor of Ministry student Andy Bales has been appointed to be President of Union Rescue Mission (URM), a private, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to serving homeless men, women, and children in Los Angeles. URM is the largest rescue mission of its kind in the United States and the oldest rescue mission in Los Angeles.
Zack Eswine, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, in St. Louis, Mo., on September 25, preaching for Covenant Presbyterian Church
27
(evening service); in San Jose, Calif., October 7 to 9, preaching for New Life Mission Church of Northern California Bible Conference; in Lexington, Ken., October 21 to 23, teaching for Tates Creek Presbyterian Church Retreat; in St. Louis, Mo., on November 27, preaching for Covenant Presbyterian Church (morning services). Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, in Collinsville, Ill., Sundays during the months of September and October preaching for Hope Presbyterian Church; in Philadelphia, Pa., November 17, presenting a paper for the Evangelical Theological Society. Nelson Jennings, Associate Professor of World Mission, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Mindanao, Philippines, August 24-September 12; in Jos, Nigeria and Kumasi, Ghana, during the month of October. Richard Winter, Professor of Practical Theology, in Montgomery, Ala., September 25, teaching on “Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment” for Faith Presbyterian Church; in Washington D.C., October 14-15, teaching on perfectionism for Grace D.C.; in Charlottesville, Va., October 17, teaching on perfectionism for RUF at the University of Virginia; in Los Angeles, Calif., November 9-11, giving chapel messages on perfectionism at Azusa Pacific University; in Minneapolis, Minn., November 18, teaching on perfectionism for the MacLaurin Institute and the University of Minnesota.
Training Servants of the Triune God
Planned giving allows flexibility and tax advantages while at the same time providing for the current and future needs of the seminary.
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THE MISSION
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Gifts of Securities, Real Estate, or Personal Property Gifts of appreciated securities or real and personal property represent significant tax advantages for the donor as well as providing valuable support for Covenant Seminary. Such gifts are generally charitable contributions valued at the fair market value of the donated asset and also avoid capital gains taxes.
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Bequests
Each gift to Covenant Theological Seminary is an investment in the future of Gospel ministry training. We strive to partner with you, as a donor, to support your desire to see the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders trained for Christ’s Church. The following are a variety
Gifts of Life Insurance
of ways to support Covenant Seminary’s mission.
Gifts made through a will or living trust may be for specific sums or for a specific percentage of the estate. The estate will receive a charitable deduction for the value of the property passing to Covenant Seminary.
Ownership of a life insurance policy can be transferred to the seminary yielding tax benefits to the donor. Any subsequent premiums paid by the donor on the gifted policy may also qualify as a charitable donation.
Charitable Remainder Trusts Charitable remainder trusts provide current income for the donor, or surviving beneficiaries, and allow for the seminary to benefit from the remainder interest at a specified time in the future, usually the donor’s or surviving beneficiary’s death. The tax benefits for the donor depend on the payout provisions over the life of the trust.
Charitable Lead Trusts A charitable lead trust provides current income for Covenant Seminary for a number of years, and then the principal is returned to the designated beneficiary after a predetermined length of time. The tax benefits for the donor depend on the payout provisions over the life of the trust.
Marvin Fornwalt, Director of Planned Giving, will be glad to discuss with you any of the planned giving options listed or consult with your attorney or estate planner. To learn more, call 1.800.903.4044.
Briefly Stated
Covenant magazine is published by Covenant Theological Seminary, the National Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. The purpose of Covenant Seminary is to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people.
THE LIGHT
Volume 20, Number 3. ©2005 Executive Editor David Wicker
of a Redeemed City
Managing Editor and Writer Eileen O’Gorman Copy Editors Rick Matt Betty Porter Circulation Paul Rawlins Photography Jenny Fox Joel Hathaway Lacour-Niesen Visuals, Inc. Steve Lawton Robert Middendorf Design and Production 501creative, inc. Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road St. Louis, Missouri 63141 Tel: 314.434.4044 Fax: 314.434.4819 E-mail: covenantmagazine@covenantseminary.edu Visit Covenant Seminary on the Internet at www.covenantseminary.edu Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. PR0508-002
Make the most of every opportunity to give expression to your citizenship in God’s multiracial city. Learn to discern the opportunities God gives you in the present to do so, including the opportunity to be ministered to by others in the body of Christ who are not like you. For all those who are united to Christ by His Spirit and by faith have communion in each other’s gifts and graces. We need one another in the body of Christ and we need to display Christ’s glory to the world as we are united. – Dr. David Jones, Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics
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STUDENT PROFI LE
GREEK GRAMMAR – and More! Michael Hart Embraces the Soul of Seminary Training Maybe striking up a friendship with some-
Michael Hart’s (M.Div.’07) first visit to a Covenant Seminary class did not, in his
one such as Dr. Bayer, who has a different
mind, hold much promise for immediate
cultural background than Michael, reveals
application. He was visiting a friend at the
this student’s desire to overcome cultural
Seminary who happened to be in the middle
boundaries through his life and ministry.
of a semester of Greek grammar. Needless to
Already having served in a cross-cultural
say, Michael was not planning on learning
setting in Brazil, Michael says he loves learn-
much Greek, but he wanted to visit the
ing new languages and being in new settings.
class nevertheless.
He is familiar with the joys and frustrations that come in such circumstances. Mostly,
A couple of surprising things happened on that initial visit. First, Michael was surprised to find that the
though, Michael is taken with the privilege of sharing the Gospel.
professor was not only intent on teaching an ancient language’s
“Having grown up mainly in Kentucky, living in Brazil opened
grammar, but he also pointedly reminded the students of why
my eyes up to those who have no acquaintance with or familiarity
learning this New Testament language was so important for their
with the Gospel,” Michael says. “I was struck with the privilege of
ministry preparation. Secondly, Michael was shocked to find that
ministering in such a setting.”
he already had met the professor, not at Covenant Seminary, but
Michael says that he lived life for many of his early years trying to be good enough for God without realizing that Christ’s grace is
in a different country on another continent. Before coming to Covenant Seminary, Michael served with
sufficient. It was coming to know the truth of the Gospel in college
Campus Outreach in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. One day he was sent
that got him involved in campus ministry, then foreign missions,
with a friend to pick up a guest teacher, Dr. Hans Bayer, who turned
and now seminary studies. Maybe it seems that Michael should
out to be the same person who was teaching the Greek class
have moved on to a new message by now and left the basic truths
Michael visited two years later.
he learned in college behind. To the contrary, Michael is realizing
Today, the pastor/scholar balance that Michael first saw in Dr. Bayer’s Greek instruction is the same thing that Michael feels
all the more that Christ is sufficient – this is his hope as he grows in faith and ministry training.
is so necessary to gain in preparing for pastoral ministry. “Dr. Bayer
“I am really thankful that at Covenant Seminary we learn,
and the other professors at Covenant Seminary not only care about
foremost, that we walk by God’s grace today, in order to teach
students’ intellectual preparation, they also care about our hearts,”
God’s grace tomorrow,” Michael says. Michael also feels that he is the recipient of God’s grace shown
Michael says. Michael is glad for the fact that his momentary meeting with
through others who support the mission of Covenant Seminary.
Dr. Bayer in Brazil now has become a real friendship between these
“I am so privileged that people who do not even know me give so
two men. Michael has taken the initiative to meet with Dr. Bayer
freely to support training me for ministry,” Michael says. “We are
nearly every week during the past two school years and be mentored
truly being ‘rooted in grace for a lifetime of ministry’ – that is what
by someone who cares about sending out Gospel ministers who
is happening here.” n
know themselves, know God, and know other people. COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2005
www.covenantseminary.edu
Training Servants of the Triune God