Covenant Magazine - [Fall 2009] by Covenant Theological Seminary

Covenant The magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary

Fall 2009

messengers of

Hope

FALL 2009

FROM THE PRESIDENT

messengers of hope

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, . . .” – Isaiah 61:1–2 These words of the prophet Isaiah were intended to foster hope in the people of Israel as they faced turmoil, disruption, and coming exile brought on by their own sin. Isaiah had earlier spoken of the judgment to come upon the people for their faithlessness; now he speaks also of the “suffering Servant of God” who would come to redeem his people and set things right again. Hundreds of years after Isaiah, a young Jewish rabbi began his ministry by speaking these same words in the synagogue at Nazareth, claiming that they were all fulfilled in him (see Luke 4:16–30). Though the people of Nazareth did not believe him—indeed, they attempted to stone him for his supposed effrontery—the young rabbi went on to fulfill many other biblical prophecies as well, ultimately bringing redemption and restoration to a people long separated from God. We live in a world just as troubled and full of turmoil as that in which Isaiah first uttered his prophecy. Economic woes, devastating wars, debates about hot-button issues that threaten to tear our culture apart—all of these press upon us with a force that drives many people to despair. A mistrust of authority, a lack of any clear sense of right and wrong, and a rejection of the idea of absolute truth are eating away the foundations of societies all around the world—and eating away the hearts of people made in God’s image and meant for better things than this. Many are asking, “Is there any hope?” Like Isaiah, we followers of Jesus Christ can answer that question with a resounding “Yes!” For we know that God’s promises stand secure, that his Word is true, and that he himself is faithful even when all else around us seems to be falling apart. We have the same message for today that Isaiah had for the people of ancient Israel: trust in the Lord, for he can and will redeem and transform not only troubled nations, but also the most troubled of human hearts. Ours is the privilege—and the responsibility—of being messengers of hope to those who desperately need it. For more than 50 years, Covenant Seminary has trained pastors and those who serve beside them to bring this Good News to the world. In this issue of Covenant, you’ll meet some of the men and women who are taking their calling as ambassadors of Christ seriously, and you’ll see some of the many ways in which God is working through them “to bring good news to the poor . . . bind up the brokenhearted . . . proclaim liberty to the captives, and . . . proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor.” I invite you to be a messenger of hope along with us through your prayers, your words of encouragement, and even your financial gifts if you are able—for all these are forms of faithful service to our Lord and all are essential for the advancement of his Kingdom against the powers of darkness. May the hope of Jesus Christ shine brightly in you so that many may be drawn to new life through him!

FEATURES

ompelled by C Compassion

A trip to Ethiopia impacts counseling students’ lives and approaches to counseling ministry.

Advancing the Kingdom in India

Covenant Seminary graduates work to share the hope of the gospel with orphans and future church leaders in India.

Fresh Perspective on A God’s View of Women

Prof. Jerram Barrs offers an insightful look at how the Scriptures portray God’s attitude toward women.

repared for P Kingdom Service

Each year, many of our graduates make the transition to local church service. Learn more about four of our students’ journeys through seminary and their plans for ministry.

race, Love, and G Feeding Sheep

In John 21, we see Jesus’ forgiveness toward Peter after Peter betrays him. Jesus then goes one step further and calls Peter to a life of discipleship.

ow Do We Care for H Future Church Leaders? Presbyteries and local churches are called to shepherd future pastors and church leaders. Learn more about how to encourage and support current and future seminary students.

connect with covenant

seminary news & Events

alumni news

DEPARTMENTS

B AC K COVER

student Profile

Tom & Christine Rubino

Bryan Chapell, President COVENANT | Fall 2009

Vol. 24, No. 2

Compelled by Compassion Covenant Seminary counseling students’ short-term mission trip has a long-term impact on how they approach their studies. >>

n June 2008, a group of counseling students from Covenant Theological Seminary traveled with Dr. Dan Zink, associate professor of practical theology, and Dr. Nelson Jennings, professor of world mission, to Africa to work with the Ethiopia HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment ministry of Mission to the World (MTW) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before we went, I was excited to see what we would learn from people who have been doing holistic work among communities that are struggling through the complex and painful issues surrounding the HIV/ AIDS crisis. What God showed us and did in our hearts during our trip exceeded my hopes and expectations. Sometimes when I’m in class learning about counseling and thinking about how it connects to the larger world, it helps me to remember one home visit I went on with MTW’s Dr. Jon White, an Ethiopian staff member, and fellow counseling student Leslie Peacock (MAC ’09). That particular afternoon,

we crossed several busy streets, walked along many unnamed alleys, and finally reached our destination. We had to crouch to enter a crooked metal scrap of a door to this family’s home. As our eyes adjusted to the dim room, I remember seeing the thin, sorrow-etched face of the woman who lived there. Her eyes looked exhausted. Her life for the last several years entailed caring for her husband, who was in the final stages of AIDS and whose brain was affected by the disease. We probably only spent about 20 minutes visiting with this family, and after Dr. White’s brief medical consultation, we asked if we could pray with the couple. The husband sat in a chair as we gathered around him and prayed. Light began to pour in to the tiny corrugated metal home through a skylight cut into the roof. The sun came down right on the husband as if he were being illuminated by the Lord of Light himself, and the man’s face became golden. I felt like I was catching a

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glimpse of the Spirit’s tangible presence as we prayed for healing and comfort. It was a unique, holy, and life-transforming thing that I will not soon forget—the kind of moment that induces mourning and hope at the same time. I remember that couple today and pray, “Lord have mercy.” Since 2003, the HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment ministry has reached more than 450 HIV-positive individuals and their families. These “beneficiaries,” as they are called, receive

economic, medical, emotional, and spiritual support through home visits, Bible studies, community support groups, medical evaluations, and nutritional support. Through my conversations with project staff and my observations of staff members’ daily work, it is evident that compassion motivates their commitment to the individuals and families in the program. Many staff members said that going on home visits is their favorite task. I understood why after participating in several of these visits. Being welcomed into the homes of the beneficiaries of the program was an incredible experience. Many of the HIV-positive individuals and their families are deeply stigmatized by their communities

individual counseling sessions, group support meetings, Bible studies, and home visits. Their situations are very difficult. Many live in constant pain from the effects of the disease. Many live in fear of others finding out about their HIV-positive status. Many have landlords who, if they were aware of their tenants’ disease, would force them out of their corrugated metal and dirtfloor homes by drastically raising the rent. HIV-positive individuals in Ethiopia have great fears for their futures. Where will they live? How will they care for their children? What will it be like to have to move again and to try to hide their sickness, only to be found out and again be displaced? What will happen if their health takes a turn for the worse? Who will be with them and care for them when they are dying? Who will care for their orphaned children? Most of those we met were mothers—many are widows— who are sick and caring for several children without any other support. In addition to telling us about their fears and struggles, many of the beneficiaries also shared stories of God’s faithfulness to them through the project—of how they can now go to a community center and be encouraged, pray with others, and tell their stories. These healing communities cry with one another and laugh together. It is simply beautiful. Before I went to Ethiopia, one of my basic prayers was that God would give me something to do that would help his Kingdom become more of a reality. I found that even in the smallest interactions and most basic of ways, this prayer was

and extended families. Yet, despite their deep struggles, they demonstrate love, hospitality, generosity, and great empathy for others who are suffering. A vital part of the project is the involvement of Expert Patient Trainers (EPTs)— beneficiaries who are patients with exceptional track records of adherence to the program. They can walk alongside those who receive positive diagnoses and are grappling with the drastic and terrifying implications of this news and say, “Look at me. You see that I am doing okay. Let’s walk through this together.” This brings dignity, empowerment, and hope for living where there has been much abuse and oppression. The beneficiaries shared their struggles with us through

answered as I listened to stories and prayed with and for many individuals. God was faithful even as I at times felt faithless and overwhelmed, weak and frustrated, and broken and wounded. In the face of the overwhelming circumstances we heard about, none of us felt equipped to be counselors. But, in a very true sense, that was a good thing. By learning about the situation and beginning to mourn with those we met, we saw God working and healing. In The AIDS Crisis: What We Can Do, Deborah Dortzbach and W. Meredith Long write that what is necessary is not expertise and solutions, but rather compassionate presence among those who are suffering; that perhaps the most important gift we can offer is comfort. Healing takes place when someone is able to tell his or her story, to

Where will they live? How will they care for their children?

COVENANT | Fall 2009

experience a holy physical embrace, to share fears, to be heard and loved and accepted, and to pray to a God who hears. Don’t we all need to be reminded of a God who hears? In his book For All God’s Worth, biblical scholar and author N. T. Wright exhorts the church passionately to respond to the AIDS crisis in real and tangible ways: We are called, simply, to hold on to Christ and his cross with one hand, with all our might; and to hold on to those we are given to love with the other hand, with all our might, with courage, humour, self-abandonment, creativity, flair, tears, silence, sympathy, gentleness, flexibility, Christlikeness. When we find their tears becoming our own, we may know that healing has begun to happen; when they find Christ in being held on to by us, whether we realize it or not, we are proving the truth of what Paul said: God made him to be sin for us, who knew not sin, so that in him we might embody the saving faithfulness of God.

In Addis Ababa, we saw the truth of these words lived out in the beneficiaries and the staff members. God is in the midst of circles of women and men eating popcorn and drinking coffee. He is present where men and women mourn together and when the prayers of the saints rise like the incense that burns in the traditional coffee ceremonies of Ethiopia. It is one thing to articulate a theology that says that the

church should be a community of sanctuary, healing, and hope for those who have been marginalized and are suffering; it is quite another to see it become a reality. In Ethiopia I had the privilege of seeing how this sanctuary is modeled among

Who will be with them when they’re dying? Who will care for their orphaned children? brothers and sisters living with HIV and AIDS. We have much to learn. To see God at work through individuals and through the faithful worldwide church was life-changing. In my opinion,

Learning in Ethiopia: Meet the Team

Team members (clockwise from back row, left): Rick Moll, Geoff Ingrum, Rachel O’Banion, Courtney Hollingsworth, Leslie Peacock, Angela Heirendt, Dr. Dan Zink (associate professor of practical theology), Anna Cushman, Kelley Leachman, Raechel Ingrum, Dr. Nelson Jennings (professor of world mission)

this is the best way to integrate theological training. Our theology should be lived out, stemming from an understanding of who God is and how he is present in the world and through our wrestling, suffering, doubt, and mourning. I am coming to believe that it is especially when we experience failure and grace and deep conversations with people that we see what it means to be in the presence of a

holy, righteous, compassionate, and healing God—that we see what it means to be his people. And we enter into suffering with the understanding that it is God’s compassionate presence and Christ’s completed work on our behalf that provides the foundation for all that we are called to do. For more information about Mission to the World’s work in Ethiopia, please visit mtwact.org.

Angela Heirendt Angela Heirendt (MAC ’10) works in the World Mission office at Covenant Seminary. Before attending seminary, she did ministry overseas in several countries. She hopes to pursue HIV/ AIDS ministry and counseling in international missions after graduation.

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Advancing the kingdom in

India COVENANT | Fall 2009

n a cold morning a young boy waits to purchase coal from wanderers coming in from the countryside. The road they travel is little more than a muddied path scarred with tire ruts. A poorly clothed and barefoot woman makes her way along the road. The ground is too cold to give way beneath her weight and retain footprints, yet it holds the droplets of blood that she leaves with every footstep. Upon her head rests a heavy

basket of coal. Her neck bends awkwardly forward from the years of supporting such weight. One arm steadies the basket while the other cups a six- or seven-year-old child. He too is barefoot, dressed in shorts and an old t-shirt. They both shiver from the bitter cold. Beyond their hollow, sleep-deprived gazes there is evidence that these two have suffered. And at the sight of them and the injustice of their hardships, the young boy begins to weep. That was the moment when Lian Tombing (MDiv ’01) committed his life to the ministry. “When I saw that woman and her child, I broke down in tears,” Lian says. “I cried out to God and said, ‘When I grow up, please make me able to help these kind of poor people!’ ” Throughout high school, Lian intended to pursue medicine in order to provide medical care for impoverished people. However, after seeing the usury of the moneylenders (60–70% interest rates), he began planning toward law school. While in college, Lian worked part time with the children’s ministry of the Presbyterian Church of India, Reformed [PCI(R)], then a single congregation in Manipur. When he graduated, the PCI(R) invited him to work with their children’s ministry full time. He turned them down, but they continued to invite him. Finally, after his third or fourth rejection, the church sent him a bold response. “They said, ‘If you want to ignore this invitation, that’s okay; do what you want. But by denying us, you are denying God’s call on your life.’ That really touched my heart,” Lian recounts. “I prayed and thought about it for two weeks and came to agree that this was God’s call on my life.” He began working full time with the church in 1995. “The Lord used me mightily. I preached the gospel and many accepted Christ,” Lian shares. As his opportunities for encouragement in sanctification increased, so did Lian’s awareness of his need for training. He left India for the United States to study at Covenant Seminary in 1997. This particular thread of gospel work in India actually weaves in and out of Covenant Seminary’s history for nearly 30 years. Lian’s father-in-law, Vung Tombing (MDiv ’76), also graduated from Covenant Seminary. Early in ministry, Vung was a staunch Baptist. But through interactions with missionary and teacher Rev. Bruce Fiol (MDiv ’72), Vung embraced Reformed doctrine. Covenant Seminary’s then president Robert Rayburn petitioned the board to admit Vung into the school. He was accepted, graduated with honors, returned to Manipur, and sought to instill the doctrines of

grace into the church he had left. But, as other servants of God have experienced, when the message of God’s grace sounds too free and too good, people fear believing a lie and are distrusting of the messenger. This happened to Vung, and he was excommunicated from the Baptist church. He went on to start the Presbyterian Church of India on April 20, 1984. Vung then began looking for national support in the school and church ministries he had helped to begin. He found this in Khen Tombing (MDiv ’86, ThM ’89), the cousin of his son-in-law Lian. Indentified by the elders as a future leader of the church, Khen too crossed the Pacific Ocean, studied at Covenant Seminary, and returned to Manipur to help lead the church. Despite great persecution, Khen has

What does a missionary do with nearly 300 orphans? At the orphanage, children learn about the love of a divine Father and his Son, our Savior.

actively participated in the planting of more than 36 churches in India and 12 churches in Myanmar. He began more than ten Christian primary schools for the poor in rural villages. Additionally, Khen serves as the chief coordinator of the PCI(R), overseeing the diverse ministries of the denomination. Shaping Influences in India

By the nineteenth century, Britain controlled nearly all of modern-day India. This presence resulted in the trade of goods, exchange of ideas, and even a push toward Christian missions. But as human institutions go, the lasting effects of that exchange are sadly seen not in the political stability or general health of the country, but in religious sectarianism, poverty, and the desperation that faces millions to this day. After the era of British rule ended, the broadly diverse and disparate

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nation collapsed into a religious and ethnic chaos that resulted in the country’s division into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. Sectarian violence continues there today. In late 2008, the western city of Mumbai (India’s financial capital) made the news when more than 170 people died in 10 terrorists attacks. This past spring, more than 1,500 farmers committed suicide after failed crops left them unable to repay usury loans. This nation knows suffering. The apostle Paul writes, “For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort” (2 Cor. 1:5–7 niv). When Lian and his wife, Clara, returned to Manipur in 2001, they hoped to participate in church planting and start an orphanage for 15–20 children with the $3,000 they had raised. They could not have been prepared for what they found. A civil war that killed thousands and left hundreds of thousands homeless also produced many orphans. Within weeks of returning home, they had identified 275 orphans in need of homes, families, and people to testify Christ to them. “I saw the destruction; friends were killed and many children became orphans. The thought hit me: ‘Maybe this opportunity is what the Lord was preparing me for 20 years ago—when I saw that woman and her son. Maybe now is the time.’ But my efforts to help a handful of children were like placing a drop of water in the ocean. It was a big struggle for me. I prayed for two weeks. I could not eat or sleep.” Lian returned to his mission board and requested permission to raise an additional $97,000 dollars to care and provide for the needs of the orphans—which God provided! “Clearly, God made everything possible!” Lian states. “Today, we care for 300 orphans—boys and girls.” What does a missionary do with 300 orphans? At the orphanage, children learn about the love of a divine Father and his Son, our Savior. Additionally, Lian and his wife, along with some helpers from the church, with and Clara Tombing above: Lian (MDiv ‘01) the of t fron in lian prepare the children daughters Abigail and Zou e, where they live with for opportunities for Covenant Children’s Hom . ghter Khumi is not pictured nearly 300 orphans. Dau employment. For many COVENANT | Fall 2009

of the boys, this means learning martial arts in order to get a job in the military. From there, they can begin to have a godly influence over the nation as a whole and perhaps play a role in preventing future conflicts. Within a generation, these 300 will be preachers, teachers, businessmen, lawyers, doctors, and military officers. Maybe some will follow in the footsteps of

Today, nearly five years later, Paul Billy has partnered with Mission to the World (MTW) in a church planting movement to begin 70 churches in the next two years. Lian and study at Covenant Seminary. Maybe someone will support them on that path so that they can return home and participate in turning the tide of a nation back to the heart of God! Trust Amid Tragedy

On December 26, 2004, a different kind of tide devastated southeastern above: Paul Billy (MDiv ‘93) and Shirley Arnold and family. India when a massive earthquake triggered one of the deadliest tsunamis in history. The region suffered immense damage; it killed more than 225,000 in 11 countries. Millions were displaced. Millions suffered, and if ever there were a reason to lose heart, this was it. The apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart…. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Cor. 4:1, 6–7 niv). Paul Billy Arnold (MDiv ’93)—another native of India— also studied at Covenant Seminary. In 2002, he returned home to plant churches in Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore). Faced with the aforementioned devastation, one PCA church— Cornerstone of Lakewood Ranch, in Bradenton, Florida—and an Internet-only radio station began raising funds to assist in the rebuilding efforts. They raised nearly $1 million. Whole villages were rebuilt—and great doors opened for Kingdom ministry. By the end of 2004, the Arnolds had already been involved in two church plants, and had plans for three more. Today, nearly five years later, Paul Billy has partnered with Mission to the World (MTW) in a church planting movement to begin 70 churches in the next two years. “An estimated 500,000 villages still do not have a Christian gospel presence in any shape or form,” Paul Billy says. “These churches will begin the work of reaching these people.” Paul

In this story:

Billy is spearheading the recruitment and training efforts for these churches’ future pastors. He says, “We have open events where untrained pastors can come and learn about the Presbyterian church, its doctrine, and resources available for their training. If we see potential in them, we invite them to become part of a network and begin their theological training.” In addition to the group in Bengaluru, Paul Billy works with formerly untrained pastors in the cities of Chennai and Bidar. “We currently work with about 30 to 40 future church planters in each location. In Chennai and Bidar, we will have exams in August for those being trained by the presbytery committee. In Bengaluru we have just started training, and it will be at least another nine months before the men are ready for presbytery examination,” Paul Billy shares. Paul Billy exemplifies Covenant Seminary’s commitment to equip future pastors and ministry leaders to in turn train others to share the gospel of grace. By utilizing free online master’s courses—like those offered through the Seminary’s Worldwide Classroom site (worldwide-classroom.com), Paul Billy is able to train future church planters with the same level of teaching that he received more than 10 years ago. Even so, one problem still stands in the way. Going from 2 to 70 churches in 7 years seems like a challenging goal, but this reflects just a sliver of the projected gospel growth throughout the entire country. Thanks in part to Paul Billy’s involvement in training church planters, and his work serving on the board of the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Dehra Dun, the PCI(R) believes it will see 2,000 new churches in the next five years! Impossible? Not for a God who demonstrates his all-surpassing power in jars of clay—like a church planter who is willing to respond in an hour of need. Pressed by political threats, religious conflicts, economic challenges, and natural disasters, India continues to struggle. But from Mumbai to Manipur and throughout the surrounding country, there rises a new hope that promises to restore and reconcile a disparate nation of more than 1 billion people and unify them under a new banner—that of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Manipur, India Bengaluru, India

India

1.14 billion Number of people living in India in 2007

Also in this issue:

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Read the story on pages 2–4.

Africa

JOEL HATHAWAY Joel Hathaway (MDiv ‘04), director of alumni and placement services, is involved in assisting students in their post-seminary ministry placement. He also enjoys hearing news and stories from and praying for Covenant Seminary alumni as they minister throughout the world.

83 million Number of people living in Ethiopia in 2008

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON GOD’S VIEW OF WOMEN What does God think about women, and how does he treat them? In his recent book Through His Eyes, Professor Jerram Barrs offers great insight to this question through examinations of stories of women in the Bible.

any women experience discrimination and poor treatment in their churches and in their homes. In conservative circles this is sometimes defended and justified by specious appeals to Scripture. I am thoroughly conservative in my approach to Scripture, but I passionately believe that Scripture teaches the equality and mutual dependence of women and men. Through His Eyes: God’s Perspective on Women in the Bible seeks to answer the questions: “What does God think about women, and how does he treat them?” It starts at the beginning of the Bible with the story of Eve and considers her at creation, at the fall, and as the bearer of the promise of redemption. Next, it looks at the lives of several very different women: Sarah, the mother of all God’s people—both Jew and Gentile; Tamar, a woman of faith who disguised herself as a prostitute to ensure that God’s calling of her was fulfilled; Rahab, the prostitute in Jericho who came to faith in the God of Israel and who, at great danger to herself, sheltered Israeli spies; Deborah, a chief justice, military leader, and prophetess; Ruth, an alien from Moab, the hated enemy of Israel, who

COVENANT | Spring/Summer 2009

joined herself to God’s people and became an ancestor of Israel’s greatest king, David; Hannah, a troubled woman whose prayer for a child was marvelously answered by God; Abigail, a wise and beautiful woman who had to act quickly to overcome the awful consequences of her husband’s foolish behavior; Tamar, a desolate woman who was raped by her own half-brother and whose life was ruined, but who will shine with honor in the Kingdom of God; Esther, a courageous Jewish girl who became a member of a despot’s harem. Then we look at the portrait in Proverbs 31 of a woman of strength; seen in her are some of the characteristics that God values in his people. We then move from women mentioned in the Old Testament to examine those of the New Testament, beginning with a rather in-depth study of the life of Mary (the mother of Jesus). This chapter seeks to address the question, “What should it mean for us that all generations are to call her blessed?” Following this is and examination of examples from the gospel records of how Jesus relates to women. The book goes on to look at the day of Pentecost and the fulfillment of the prophet’s words, “Your daughters

Further Resources

from Jerram

Barrs

On several Fridays during April and May of this year, Professor Barrs joined Covenant Seminary President Dr. Bryan Chapell in the Living Christ 360 studio to discuss a variety of topics. They were:

April 17 · Prayer April 24 · Evangelism May 1 · God’s perspective on women in the Bible May 8 · The life of Francis Schaeffer These interviews can be heard in the Living Christ 360 archive at LivingChrist360.com or through Covenant Seminary’s ResourcesForLifeOnline.com. Living Christ 360 is a broadcast ministry of Covenant Seminary and can be heard online daily at LivingChrist360.com. Devotional thoughts are also available to encourage you in your faith. The devotionals for April and May were adapted from the works of Professor Barrs and can also be found on the site.

will prophesy,” considering what this should mean today for all God’s people. One of the last chapters reflects on the image which God chooses to describe his church—the bride of Christ—and rejoices in the honor that God shows to all women with this title. This book is a happy exposition of the dignity and glory that the Lord showers on women. Its aim is to encourage women to delight in their creation and calling and to challenge men to honor women as the Lord does. In addition to encouraging women, my hope is that many men—especially pastors and teachers—will read this book and be challenged by it. My prayer is that younger women who are becoming disenchanted with the church and the Christian faith will be sufficiently encouraged to embrace their faith much more wholeheartedly.

A Note from Jerram:

JERRAM BARRS

This article is excerpted and adapted from Prof. Jerram

Jerram Barrs, professor of Christian studies and contemporary culture, is the founder and resident scholar of Covenant Seminary’s Francis A. Schaeffer Institute. Professor Barrs brings to his teaching a special sensitivity toward those outside the Christian faith. He has authored numerous books and is in high demand as a speaker in the U.S. and abroad.

Some people will be troubled that I do not devote a chapter in Through His Eyes to the so-called “restrictive passages” of 1 Corinthians 11 and 14 and 1 Timothy 2, which state who should be pastors and elders with teaching and ruling authority in the churches. I have taught on this subject in many settings, and if anyone wishes to know my views, they can hear them in the Spring 2000 Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures: Women’s Roles in the Church, a series of lectures on women in church and women in society available at Covenant Seminary’s ResourcesForLifeOnline.com.

Barrs’ book Through His Eyes: God’s Perspective on Women in the Bible (Crossway, 2009).

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Prepared for Kingdom Service Students who graduate from Covenant Seminary participate in a legacy of excellence that that traces back to the Seminary’s founders and early supporters who stood firmly for the authority of the Bible. For more than 50 years, the Seminary has maintained its tradition and commitment to training ministry leaders for the church. Several recent graduates shared with us their thoughts about how Covenant Seminary prepared them for various forms of ministry.

Scott Barber on Homiletics MDiv 2009 In order to pursue the call to ministry, Scott Barber left his 10-year career as a lawyer. Through training at Covenant Seminary, he came to value a new way of using his gifts for the glory of God. “One of the things we learn in seminary is how to read the Bible and better hear what the author is communicating,” says Scott. “The thing I love about preaching is taking what the original author is communicating to the original audience and then attempting to discern the best way to communicate that same message in our day in the culture in which we live. The thing I love about preaching is being involved in the process of God’s revealed truth flowing from the Scriptures into the lives of the men and women of today. “Another thing that I have learned at Covenant is how to disagree with people in a more productive way. At times, our preaching can focus so much on defending the truth that we can alienate people. At other times, our preaching can be so focused on how people will respond to what we say that we fail to speak the whole truth. At Covenant, I have seen played out on a daily basis a great model for defending the truth without alienating people. I have been learning how to sincerely care for people and reach out to them where they are without compromising the truths of the Scripture.” Post Graduation: Scott accepted a call to serve as solo pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Florence, Alabama.

Josh Lee on Exegesis MDiv 2009 Throughout his time at Covenant Seminary, Josh Lee loved working with the original languages of the Bible, and he has continued to work to maintain this skill following his December graduation. “My love for [the languages] came more from the challenge of understanding and the love of learning something new,” Josh says. “I can confidently say that knowing the languages has helped me better interact with commentaries, books, and sermons that communicate at that level. Knowing the languages has also helped me appreciate what strong English translations we have. In fact, I try to encourage my family and friends often by telling them (as someone who knows Greek and Hebrew) that they can be confident that the Bible they have in their hands is a very accurate representation of the Word of God and that there is no need to think that they will be forever ‘eating leftovers’ unless they learn the biblical languages.” Post Graduation: Josh is currently seeking a call to pastoral ministry.

COVENANT | Spring/Summer 2009

Entering the Field As the size of each graduating class at Covenant Seminary grows, we are thankful for the ministry opportunities that the Lord has provided for our most recent graduates. Here are some examples of how and where God is using the gifts of these men and women to share the message of his grace.

pastoral • • •

Todd Gwennap, assistant pastor in Arden, North Carolina Pablo Ayllon, youth minister in Godfrey, Illinois Michael Craddock, assistant pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio

church planting • • •

Joe Haack, church planting in Columbus, Ohio Trent Casto, church planting intern in Dallas, Texas Nathaniel Walker, church planting in Seattle, Washington

missions • •

Wes Parsons with Mission to the World (location to be determined) Mark Rietkerk with a congregation of the Nederlands Gereformeerde Kerk in Holland

college ministry • •

Derek McCollum, Reformed University Fellowship campus minister at the University of Texas at Austin; Austin, Texas Marc Hunsaker, with Central Presbyterian Church, in St. Louis, Missouri

counseling • •

Stephen Lockridge, with Barnes-Jewish Hospital counseling services, St. Louis, Missouri Aimee Silva, counseling resident at Live at Peace Ministries, St. Louis, Missouri

chaplaincy • •

Chris Bryan with the National Guard, Kansas City, Kansas Michael Fogas with the St. Luke’s Hospital chaplaincy program, Chesterfield, Missouri

For those still seeking a place to serve, we ask for your prayers for wisdom and guidance and for open doors that would provide great opportunities for the gospel to be preached and lives to be redeemed and transformed.

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Jason Schubert on Theology

Christine Rubino on Educational Ministry

MDiv 2009

MA in Counseling, MA in Educational Ministries 2009

“I am constantly amazed by who God is and what he has done,” says Josh Schubert. “I never want to cease being amazed as I study theology—amazed by our God and amazed by his grace. I want that to drive my life and my ministry and those I minister to. This has been embodied at Covenant, and I want to take it with me.” Josh considers it a humbling privilege to know more deeply our triune, covenant God as he has revealed himself in Scripture. “I have grown at Covenant by my eyes being opened by my professors to the fact that the study of theology at its core is not about grasping concepts and mastering ideas,” he shares. “Yes, the grasping of biblical concepts and complex ideas is important, but to reduce God to concepts and ideas is to miss the point. It’s about knowing our personal God and being captivated by his grace and glory—and then responding to who he is and what he has done with worship and faithfulness. “Theology shapes the way I view God, the world, people, and myself. I am amazed that God would pursue me in Christ, engraft me into his people, and involve me in his mission to redeem and restore all things. It humbles me and causes me to celebrate and rejoice, and repent and rejoice. I am edified by theology because the extent of the grace of God continues to expand the more and more I study.”

What Christine Rubino wants most in life is to help equip others to faithfully serve the church and use their gifts in ways that bear much fruit. “My desire is to encourage others to join me in being a lifelong learner. Recognizing our need to always be learners takes both humility and courage. Who wants to admit that we are lacking in any area? My hope is to be someone in the church who models what counselor and author Dan Allender calls “leading with a limp.” Like our forefather Jacob, we wrestle with God and the things we face in our lives. Part of growing in Christ is learning how to wrestle better—learning how to wrestle with anger, shame, guilt, and fear and learning how to cling to the cross and lament well with my Savior. It means learning how to love, forgive, repent, and mourn. Sometimes it just means learning how to hope again. Being a lifelong learner means so much more than just passing down facts and information! It’s a lifestyle of faith. This is what I want to teach others. I want to impart this vision to others who will in turn impart it to more people.

Post Graduation: While Christine’s husband, Tom, finishes his MDiv and MAC degrees, Christine is working in the Admissions office at Covenant Seminary.

Post Graduation: Jason is serving in a pastoral residency as assistant pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church in King George, Virginia.

Preparing the Way for Future Church Leaders Many of our current and future students are trying to make choices today as to whether they can afford seminary. Please call us at 1.800.264.8064 to see how you can help.

COVENANT | Spring/Summer 2009

Grace, Love

and Feeding Sheep Covenant Seminary New Testament professor Dr. David Chapman unpacks Jesus’ desire for his people to minister to others.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”

He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”

He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” –John 21:15–17 (niv)

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ave you ever failed another person to such a degree that you wonder if he or she will ever forgive you? In the final chapter of John’s Gospel we observe the apostle Peter, who had recently denied his suffering Lord in the courtyard of the high priest. Moreover, we witness Jesus reinstate this fallen disciple. Many apply this chapter only to those whom we label shepherds (i.e., ordained pastors). After all, Jesus repeatedly says, “Feed my sheep.” However, Peter here is not a mere pastor, he is an apostle. Thus, in one sense the original application is properly very narrow. Yet applying this chapter today requires us to focus on how Jesus responds to this fallen disciple. And in Jesus’ response we see a pattern: Jesus graciously calls those who love him to minister to others. Important Features in John 21

First, observe that chapter 21 follows the resurrection appearance to Thomas and the “purpose statement” of the Gospel articulated in John 20:30–31: “these are written so that

his Lord three times. This failure remains unresolved in John’s gospel until this final chapter. Here Jesus’ threefold call to “feed my sheep” reinstitutes Peter in his ministry, even as Jesus also prompts Peter to restate his love for his Lord. The question asked thrice of Peter is, “Do you love me?” Jesus employs two different verbs for “love” (agapao twice, then phileo). While possibly there exists some slightly different nuance between these verbs, most modern commentators rightly see little distinction. The verb phileo, which some conceive to be a lesser “neighborly” love, actually can signify in this Gospel the love the Father has for the Son and for the Christian; it also can express the Christian’s love of Jesus. Both verbs depict the love Jesus has for Lazarus; and both describe the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” John commonly varies his vocabulary in order not to weary his Greek readers. However, rather than emphasize any possible nuance between these verbs, simply observe: Jesus, before reinstituting Peter to his service, reminds Peter of his love for Christ. As he affirms his love for Jesus, Peter is instructed to do two things: “feed my sheep” and “follow me.” The directive to “follow me” restates Jesus’ essential call to discipleship found throughout the Gospel. Peter, after his Lord’s gracious threefold reinstitution, has yet again been called to respond as a disciple of Christ. Moreover, Peter’s discipleship requires him to fulfill his call to tend Christ’s sheep. It is important to note that the sheep belong to Jesus, not to Peter. Jesus repeatedly calls them “my” sheep. It is Jesus who is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep. And the sheep ultimately follow Jesus. Peter is called to serve the Great Shepherd by caring for his sheep. However, Peter fails again almost immediately after Jesus has graciously re-commissioned him. Peter begins to compare his lot in life to that of John, the “beloved disciple” (John 21:21–22). Jesus’ strong rebuke reminds Peter that he must focus on his own discipleship. In the midst of such repeated failure we witness again that Peter was not inherently worthy of his calling. Yet, Peter’s failure is met with grace from the risen Lord, who calls him to continued discipleship. Of course we, too, are not worthy, and yet our gracious Lord calls us to respond in love as his disciples and to minister without

He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” As a result, some scholars have questioned why chapter 21 is even here. After all, a fine conclusion to the Gospel occurs in 20:30–31; and consequently chapter 21 appears superfluous. However, the author is quite aware that in this chapter he presents a third resurrection appearance (21:14). Next, the meal in this chapter echoes Jesus’ previous feeding of the multitudes in chapter six. Not only is the food the same (bread and fish), but in both accounts, Jesus is the one who provides the feast. The one who is the Bread of Life has now—as risen Lord—again symbolically provided another messianic banquet. Another noteworthy section is the threefold questioning of Peter that certainly parallels his threefold denial of Christ. At first Peter claimed that he would follow Jesus even unto death. Then, at the hour of testing, he—as Jesus predicted—denied COVENANT | Fall 2009

jealousy resulting from comparing our allotted path in life with that of others. We should wrestle a bit more with the fact that John 21 occurs just after the great “purpose statement” of the Gospel (20:30–31). Though many have seen chapter 21 as an unnecessary appendix, this final chapter clearly culminates

in our lives; to do this, we all must confess, repent, pray for Christian growth, study God’s Word, avoid tempting situations, seek counsel (perhaps professional counseling), look for accountability partners, and possibly even engage in public confession in instances where we may have injured others. Yet, in the midst of our daily struggles to honor our Lord, we must always also remember that Christ calls sinners such as us to his service. Peter abandoned the Lord in his darkest hour. Jesus forgave Peter; surely he forgives us. Peter fails yet again just after his Lord’s gracious re-commission (see John 21:20–21). If Jesus still directs Peter to follow him after such an outburst, surely he also calls us to continue daily in discipleship. We minister out of love for Jesus. Before calling Peter to feed sheep, Jesus asks him, “Do you love me?” Having personally spent time with Bedouin shepherds in the Middle East, I can assure you that sheep are malodorous dumb animals. Shepherding demands a deep commitment. When Jesus compares Peter’s ministerial call to tending sheep, he is not promising an easy ministry. Do you want to serve in Christian ministry for the long term? Sometimes you will be overjoyed at working with people. At other times ministry will tax you to your wit’s end. How can we stay committed for the long haul? Serving out of love for Christ will sustain our commitment. We are called to care for Christ’s sheep. Whether we are in lay or vocational service, we must always remember that the people to whom we minister belong to Christ, and he is the one who directs our service. Christ is the Lord of the church. This conclusion to John’s Gospel indicates how grace embraces us in our hour of need, how such grace calls us to love Christ, and how that love for Christ propels us to reach out beyond ourselves to serve his people.

He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” themes found earlier in John (such as shepherding, following Jesus, Christ’s resurrection, the messianic banquet, and Peter’s denial of Christ). Most importantly, this chapter forwards another theme that occurs frequently in the Gospel: the call to love. In very general terms, the Gospel of John can be divided into Jesus’ public ministry (chapters 1–12) and his private ministry with his disciples (chapters 13–17). The first section especially concerns “believing” in Christ. The second section contains a reoccurring motif of “love.” For example, the Father loves the Son, and the Son pours out his love on his followers (John 15:9). Anyone who loves Jesus is loved by him and by the Father (see John 14:21, 23). Disciples are called to abide in Christ’s love (15:9–10). Those who love Jesus keeps Jesus’ commandments, especially through loving one another. When Peter is asked, “Do you love me?” he is being reminded of Jesus’ fundamental call to loving relationship and discipleship. This final chapter of John teaches us that the Christian life is not only about faith, but also concerns loving and following Jesus. Jesus’ Response and Our Lives

I believe that Jesus’ response to Peter in this passage establishes a pattern for Christ’s relationship to all his followers. All of us have been forgiven and are called to love Jesus; our love for Jesus propels us to serve others in his name. From this understanding flow several specific applications for our lives. We minister in response to the grace of Christ. Often I have counseled people who are wrestling with their own sinfulness and wondering if they are worthy to minister to others. In such brokenness at least two matters must be conveyed—often simultaneously. It is indeed vital that we grapple with the sin

Dr. David Chapman Dr. Chapman is associate professor of New Testament and archaeology at Covenant Seminary and also serves as director and curator of the W. Harold Mare Institute for Biblical and Archaeological Studies. He is the author of Ancient Jewish and Christian Perceptions of Crucifixion ( J. C. B. Mohr, 2008).

www.covenantseminary.edu

How do we care for future church leaders? COVENANT | Fall 2009

MDiv students who wish to pursue ordination must come under care of a presbytery. When pastors, churches, and presbyteries invest in this process, it proves very meaningful and beneficial to these future church leaders. The initial identification and subsequent training of future pastors is an issue that every denomination must address. In some traditions, simply expressing the desire to preach is enough to land someone in a pulpit. In other traditions, pastoral candidates have to be identified and selected by existing church leadership. Still others simply require interested people to complete the necessary training—usually at a seminary or divinity school. Within Reformed and Presbyterian circles, the issue is unique and complex. Individuals, churches, presbyteries, and training institutions each bear some part of the responsibility for seeing pastors trained for local church ministry. What role each of these participanting groups plays actually varies somewhat from church to church and presbytery to presbytery. Officially, the process works like this: Men who have acknowledged an internal call to vocational ministry submit themselves first to a home-church session of elders and then to a presbytery. These candidates come “under care” of the presbytery for the purposes of encouragement, accountability, and confirmation of the call to ministry. A candidate then reports to his home presbytery throughout his ministry training. Finally, when his seminary training is complete and he has received a “call” or invitation to pastor a local church, he submits himself to the presbytery of which that church is a part when he applies for ordination as a pastor. As the seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), Covenant Theological Seminary enjoys a special relationship with, and plays a significant role in, the formation of current students and future pastors. As easy as this progression may sound, the process actually involves a great deal of time, prayer, and commitment on the part of the Seminary, sending presbyteries, and the students’ home churches. Sometimes the results of the process have fallen short of original intentions. For that reason, many churches and presbyteries are prayerfully overhauling their candidacy process—even as the Seminary considers ways to strengthen

its efficacy in the training and mentoring process. Dr. Dennis Bennett (MDiv ’79) says, “Our presbytery is working closer than ever with the credentials committee to see this process through from start to finish.” Dennis is employed with Christian Education and Publications (CE&P)—a ministry of the PCA—and serves on the Christian Education (CE) committee of the Metro Atlanta Presbytery. Explaining the retooled process for his presbytery, Dennis says, The CE committee receives the applications, evaluates them, and then meets with candidates before they are brought to the presbytery. A letter from the candidates’ [home church] sessions must state their willingness to actually do the mentoring. Only the sending church is truly capable of evaluating someone for the ministry as they give him opportunities to put his gifts into practice. One member of the committee must then follow up with the candidate and his mentor during this time. A second member is assigned to the candidate once he formally enters into the internship. Additionally, we are now working on a change that would require a man to be licensed before starting his formal internship. Because preaching is required during that time—and technically a man must be licensed before preaching—the exam has been made more accessible, with more in-depth testing done at ordination. “We might even start a series of exams along the way,” Dennis adds, in reference to hopes for an examination process that is more in step with the progression of a call to ministry. An additional element that Dennis has suggested that the Metro Atlanta Presbytery implement is assigning a mentor to each intern. “But,” he says, “to do this we must have men who are trained to mentor, and few of us have had that experience.” Some presbyteries have already adopted the practice of partnering an intern with a teaching elder (TE) or a ruling elder (RE) in the presbytery—as Rev. David McIntosh (MDiv ’99) attests. David is the pastor of the recently planted Hartsville Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, South Carolina, which is located in the Palmetto Presbytery. Reflecting on his own candidacy, David says, “I personally had a wonderful experience being ‘under care’ [of a presbytery]. I came to Covenant Seminary under the care of Calvary Presbytery (in South Carolina) and was assigned to ruling elder Bill Stenhouse. Bill, who has since gone to be with the Lord, was a model of shepherding concern for me and my family. I got married my first Christmas break at the Seminary, and when we returned home we had a long message from Bill on our machine introducing himself to my wife and then praying for us. We left the message on the machine for a month. Bill, by the way, continued my ‘under care’ status long after I was ordained—until his dying day, in fact.” What role should a candidate’s home church play after initially identifying that he has sensed a call to vocational

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How to Support and Encourage a Seminary Student 1.

Assign a home-church point person. This should not be a relative of the student but rather another individual in the student’s home/sending church. Ideally, this person will act as a liason between the student and the church, finding out prayer requests and needs from the student to share with the church body, and relating care and prayer updates from the church to the student. Mission committees often practice something similar for missionaries. Select a presbytery contact. Preferably, this should be a ruling elder who is willing to ask about the student and his studies and also talk about his own personal experiences as a ruling elder. This kind of practical sharing helps to make the student’s theological education more concrete.

ministry? Some churches invite candidates back to preach at several points along the way, giving the student’s home congregation a first-hand look at his progress in preparation for ordination. Others recruit a family to follow up with and pray for ministerial candidates. When asked, many students indicated a desire for a phone call—just to know that someone at the church is faithfully praying for them—and to receive occasional correspondence reminding them that they are not forgotten. Covenant Seminary has developed free online resources for pastors and elders to use during a candidate’s pre-seminary period (visit Worldwide-Classroom.com to use these master’slevel courses). Additionally, the growing empahasis on Covenant Groups (small groups of students and faculty) as a key part of Covenant Seminary’s training model has resulted in a greater level of interdependency, vulnerability, and accountability among candidates. Finally, the Seminary has created the MENTOR (Ministry Enrichment Through Ongoing Relationships) program, which seeks to partner recent graduates with pastors who have at least eight years of ministry experience. This gives new pastors a forum in which to process their early ministry experiences. Immense benefits will result as churches and presbyteries take more active roles in the preparation of future pastors. These new pastors enter the ministry with an eye toward the pace and patience of ministry, the process of sanctification by grace, and the tender and firm application of the gospel to the COVENANT | Fall 2009

Invite the student back to preach. An invitation from a home church for a student to come preach during breaks is an excellent way to retain connectivity between a congregation and a student. Church members are encouraged to see how the student has grown, and the student is reaffirmed as he practices preaching in an encouraging environment.

Prioritize pastoral phone calls. Almost nothing can substitute for a call from the home-church pastor. Even if only occasional and sporadic, these time investments can be encouraging and enlightening to many students.

Don’t give up on a student. Some churches, pastors, presbyteries, and individuals think, “It’s too late for me to invest in that student.” From the student’s perspective, it’s never too late. If the care of a student has lapsed for some reason, renew contact immediately. This could be the difference between a student being encouraged to stay in seminary or drop out entirely.

lives of men, women, and children in a congregation. David McIntosh says, “Throughout this entire process, it is really a case of presbyteries needing to take seriously Paul’s exhortation to ‘Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood’ (Acts 20:28 niv). When we realize—as churchmen, pastors, and presbyters—that we are just servants here to fulfill the calling of our faithful benefactor, then we will do just what Jesus said in the just way he said to do it.” Speaking once more of his mentor, David says, “I know this was the case with Bill. To him, it was not a business but a ministry, and that was true not only of his shepherding of me, but also of his shepherding of his congregation as well. And because of that, I have known the sweetness of God’s fatherly care and the joy of not just being told that I must imitate it, but actually being shown how to do this as well.” This is the call before us: to meet people where they are and to illustrate through a life of sacrifice, service, and love the person and work of Christ. It is a call taken seriously by these men, their presbyteries, their churches, and the Seminary responsible to them and answerable to the Savior. JOEL HATHAWAY Joel Hathaway (MDiv ’04), director of alumni and placement services, assists students in their post-seminary ministry placement. As such, he regularly hears of the desire for mentorship and life-on-life ministry implementation.

connect with Covenant Seminary— No matter where you are! Worldwide Classroom: Customized Learning at Your Fingertips •

More than 20 complete courses are now available.

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Choose a customized study plan for more structured learning.

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Track your progress.

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Two brand-new courses from Dr. Jay Sklar are now available: Studies in Judges and Studies in Leviticus.

These free grace-based resources were designed to be shared with family and friends. We hope you’ll consider working through a course with a friend or your small group!

Worldwide-Classroom.com

doctor of ministry: learn with and from your peers in ministry •

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New cohort format encourages lifelong friendships with other ministry leaders. Specialized cohort topics designed to apply directly to your ministry context and passions. Projects focus on practical application to your own ministry context.

NEW Cohorts now Forming:

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Christian Worship

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Church Personality and Development

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City Mission and Ministry

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History of Reformed Spirituality

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Youth, Family, and Culture

For more information, please visit CovenantSeminary.edu/Learn/LifelongLearning/DMin

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SEMINARY news & events PROFESSORS’ SPEAKING SCHEDULES Jerram Barrs

Bryan Chapell

Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture; Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

President; Professor of Practical Theology

sept. 11–13 Evansville, WI. Oak

Grove Church Outreach Conference. Speaking about evangelism. sept. 25–27 Prairie Village, KS;

Hillcrest Covenant Church (ECC). Speaking about personal evangelism at evangelism conference. Preaching on Sunday. oct. 2–4 Laurel, MD; Christ

Reformed Presbyterian Church. Fall congregational retreat. TOPIC: “Engaging Contemporary Culture.” oct. 18 Clayton, MO; Central

Presbyterian Church (EPC). Preaching at Sunday evening Trio service on the Christian perspective on suffering.

sept. 25–26 St. Louis, MO; Covenant

Seminary. Board of Trustees meeting. oct. 6–8 Malaysia. Klang Valley

Bible Conference. TOPIC: “Expositions from Daniel” and Expository Preaching Seminar. nov. 5–7 Lecanto, FL; Seven Rivers

Presbyterian Church. Leadership Institute. Preaching on Sunday.

sept. 19 Chesterfield, MO;

Glorious Adoption.”

Bonhomme Presbyterian Church. Men’s breakfast. TOPIC: “God the Real Superpower.”

nov. 18 New Orleans, LA; New

oct. 2–4 Manchester, MO; St. Louis

Chinese Gospel Church. Missions conference. nov. 22 St. Louis, MO; Memorial

Orleans Baptist Seminary. Annual Evangelical Theological Society Meeting. PAPER: “ ‘To Reconcile to Himself All Things’: Reconciliation in Paul.”

Richard Winter

Presbyterian Church. Preaching.

Professor of Practical Theology; Director, Counseling Program

Daniel Kim

sept. 16–19 Nashville, TN;

Robert Peterson

Gaylord Opryland Hotel and Conference Center. American Association of Christian Counselors conference. Leading pre-conference workshop and seminar. TOPIC: “The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism.”

North America committee meeting.

Professor of Systematic Theology

oct. 9–11 College Park, MD;

oct. 16–18 Nashville, TN.

Sundays, aug. St. Charles,

University of Maryland. TOPIC: “Perfecting Ourselves to Death.” Leading workshops on eating disorders and depression. nov. 20–22 Zionsville, IN;

nov. 22 Huntsville, AL; Southwood

Presbyterian Church. Preaching.

Philip Douglass Professor of Practical Theology sept. 17 Atlanta, GA. Mission to

Assistant Professor of Old Testament; Associate Dean of Academic Administration aug. 9, 16 Maryland Heights,

MO; Trinity Christian Reformed Church. Preaching.

Presbyterian Church. Speaking about prayer at Spiritual Life Conference.

J. Nelson Jennings Professor of World Mission

MO; Covenant of Grace Church. Teaching adult Sunday school. TOPIC: “Pluralism, Inclusivism, and Exclusivism.”

nov. 14–15 Albuquerque, NM;

aug. 21–23 Webster Groves,

nov. 6–7 Princeton, NJ; Miller

Desert Springs Church. Prayer Emphasis Weekend. TOPIC: “Developing a Heart of Prayer.”

MO. Camp Cornerstone weekend retreat for Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church.

Chapel, Princeton Seminary. Princeton Regional Conference on Reformed Theology. TOPIC: “Children and Heirs: God’s

Zionsville Fellowship men’s retreat. TOPIC: “Agony and Ecstasy: Searching for Sexual Sanity in a Confusing Culture.”

Dr. Mike Honeycutt, senior minister of Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, who has served as an adjunct professor at the Seminary, was named associate professor of history and practical theology. Dr. Honeycutt joined us full time in July.

Dr. Nelson Jennings, professor of world mission, and the world mission staff facilitated opportunities for students to learn about China and the worldwide church in March. The week included two classes with Dr. Brent Fulton, president of ChinaSource.

Dr. Gregory Perry, formerly assistant professor of biblical studies, was named associate professor of New Testament. Dr. Perry also serves as the director of the City Ministry Initiative.

oct. 23–25 Eads, TN; Hickory Withe

Leading church-planting field trip.

Faculty News Dr. Mark Dalbey, assistant professor of practical theology, was named vice president of faculty development. He will also work closely with students in the newly formed Master of Arts in Worship and Music degree concentration.

Dr. Bryan Chapell has written Ephesians, a commentary in the Reformed Expository Commentary Series (P&R Publishing, August 2009). His next book, Christ-Centered Worship (Baker Publishing), is scheduled to be released in October.

Dr. Robert Peterson has written Our Secure Salvation: Preservation and Apostasy, scheduled for release in November. It is part of the Explorations in Biblical Theology series (P&R Publishing). He also edited The Nearness of God: His Presence with His People, by J. Lanier Burns, another recently released book in the series.

GET IN TOUCH! More information, longer news updates, and other alumni news are available on the Alumni Portal at www.covenantseminary.edu/connect/contact or through the Covenant Seminary Alumni Facebook group.

Alumni births Becky and Patrick Allen (MDiv ’07) welcome Rylie, born Jan. 11, 2009. Kate and Joe Bruni (MDiv ’02) welcome Sylvia Grace, born Feb. 14, 2009. Shannon (MATS ’07) and Joel Hathaway (MDiv ’04) welcome Mary Alice, born March 15, 2009. Laura and Sam Hettinger (MDiv ’02) welcome Hannah Noel, born May 14, 2008. Jone and Kristofer Holroyd (MDiv ’06) welcome Jessica Jael, born Feb. 13, 2009. Bee and Natee Tanchanpongs (MDiv ’99) welcome son Meno (Abhikhun), born Feb. 5, 2009.

ordainations & installations Aaron Bartmess (MDiv ’01) as pastor of Edgemont Presbyterian Church in Bristol, Tennessee, on Jan. 4, 2009.

news

Charlotte and Mike McLaughlin (MDiv ’02) saw the particularization of the church plant Crossroads Fellowship (PCA) in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Steve Prost (MDiv ’03) is serving as a PCA-ordained Army chaplain for the inmates and staff at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas.

Executive Editor David Wicker Managing Editor Stacey Fitzgerald

Mark Reed (MDiv ’03) transitioned from Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) campus minister at Trinity College in Connecticut to assistant pastor for small groups and discipleship at Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina.

Editor Jackie Fogas

Matt Roberts (MDiv ’05) was called by Shady Grove Presbyterian Church in Derwood, Maryland, to be assistant pastor for church planting in Germantown, Maryland.

Design and Production Libby Dowdall

Brian Shelton (MDiv ’97) serves as the associate vice president of academics and associate professor of theology at Toccoa Falls College in Georgia.

Assistant Copy Editor Rick Matt

Editorial Contributors Jerram Barrs David Chapman Joel Hathaway

Angela Heirendt Rick Matt

Photo Contributors Paul Billy Arnold Kelly Park Libby Dowdall Lian Tombing Courtney Hollingsworth

John David Carrico (MDiv ’03) at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscumbia, Alabama, on Dec. 14, 2008.

Matthew Temple (MDiv ’02) transitioned from the military into full-time chaplaincy at Federal Correctional Institution Beckley in Beaver, West Virginia. Matthew married wife Lisa on Feb. 4, 2007.

Brad Eades (MDiv ’04) to the position of hospice chaplain at Hospice of the Valley in Decatur, Alabama, on Dec. 14, 2008.

Emmanuel Viray (MDiv ’01) serves as a child care worker for at-risk youth with Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois.

Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road St. Louis, Missouri 63141

Michael Langer Jr. (MDiv ’07) to the office of church planter by the Iowa Presbytery.

Daniel Waterman (MDiv ’97) recently completed one year of Clinical Pastoral Education at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, before returning to his post as senior Protestant chaplain at Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah.

Phone: 314.434.4044 Fax: 314.434.4819 E-mail: covenantmagazine@covenantseminary.edu

Mark Rowden (MDiv ’87) as pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, in Mesa, Arizona. Pete Scribner II (MDiv ’06) as associate pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, in Flint, Michigan, on March 22, 2009.

transitions & Updates Tom Becker (MDiv ’99) teaches liberal arts and writing at Veritas Academy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He also serves as the school’s first chaplain. Leslie Crabtree (MAC ’04) works as a children’s therapist for Kids In the Middle in St. Louis, Missouri. Elizabeth and John Evans (MDiv ’89, ThM ’95) continue their ministry in Africa, now under the organization YES. The Evanses live and work in Nairobi, Kenya. Rebeca Gomes (MAC ’07) joined the Grace Clinic Christian Counseling group of Winter Park, Florida, as a registered mental health counselor intern. Susan Kornegay (MATS ’80) works in the financial services industry as the director of practice consulting at a small firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. Marcus Lynn (MDiv ’96) is celebrating his sixth year as the senior pastor of First Christian Church of Versailles in Kentucky.

Relevant Weekend Courses— FREE for Alumni! Francis A. Schaeffer Lectures October 9, 7–9 p.m. & October 10, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Volume 24, Number 2. ©2009

Join Andy Crouch for lectures and discussions related to his recent book Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling, which engages the cultivation and creation of culture. Andy is a senior editor at Christianity Today International.

Models in Urban Church Planting October 30, 7–9 p.m. & October 31, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. We are called to plant churches where the full giftedness and diversity of the members is brought to bear on the fabric of cities, the needs and blemishes of cities are addressed and served, and the culture and beauty of cities is engaged and redeemed. Register now at www.covenantseminary.edu/lom

Covenant is published by Covenant Theological Seminary, the 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.

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STUDENT PROFILE

Equipped by God—and Ready to Serve

oing through seminary can challenge even the most experienced of God’s servants. As Tom Rubino (MDiv, MAC ’10) and his wife, Christine (MAEM, MAC ’09), can testify, the Lord uses this time to test and shape those he calls, molding the raw materials of faith and a desire to serve into finely tuned instruments for ministry. Tom and Christine each had considerable life and ministry experience before coming to seminary—Tom as a pastoral intern with a church plant in Nashville, Tennessee, and Christine as a youth director at a large church in Birmingham, Alabama. Both were encouraged by their pastors and others to pursue further training to enhance their abilities to minister well. In the providence of God, they both came to Covenant Seminary, where they met during their first year. Though it took a while before they began dating, they eventually saw the light and were married. They both agree that, even aside from such a life-changing event, their time in seminary has had a profound effect—often in unexpected ways—on how they view themselves and their calls to ministry. “I’d have to say we’ve been shaped as much or more by what goes on outside the classroom as by the classes we’ve taken,” Tom notes. “The curriculum is great, but our relationships with professors and fellow students have had a pretty strong impact.” One of the most surprising experiences for Tom was being part of the Student Council, where he served a year as first-year student representative, a year as vice president, and two years as president. “That was a big shaper, both for my character and for my ministry style,” he observes. “A lot of pastoral ministry goes on there as you learn to work with people.” Another defining moment for Tom took place just as unexpectedly, in a Hebrew class during a devotional time that had nothing to do, so he thought, with the main subject matter of the course. He recalls, “The professor was reflecting on the Gospel passage where John the Baptist is asked if he is the Christ, and he responds that he is not. Then Dr. [Jay] Sklar had all of us stand up one by one and say, like John, ‘I am not the Christ.’ That was powerful. It helped me put myself and everything else in perspective.” For Christine, seminary has been a place to process more fully things she has learned not only in her classes, but also during her time as a youth director, where she once lost a student to cancer. “That was very hard for me,” she acknowledges. “It

Tom and Christine Rubino

was devastating, but it helped me understand that the Lord is not just about protecting me—he’s about sanctifying me.” She has found the Seminary to be a good place for dealing with difficult issues. “I love this place,” Christine says. “It’s a safe environment where you have the freedom to ask some hard questions and seek honest answers. I’ve learned the art of wrestling with the Lord.” She reflects a moment then adds, with infectious eagerness, “I feel so trained by what I’ve learned here. I feel like I’ve been feasting at a wonderful banquet and now I’m full. I’m equipped and ready. I want to go out into the church and serve!” Like Christine, Tom added the MA in counseling to his first degree (MDiv) because he saw how that extra training would help him better understand people and minister more effectively to hurting hearts. Though his passion is for pastoral ministry and discipleship, he admits to having a bit of “the missions bug” as well, and he’s open to the possibility of church planting at some point. Christine’s heart is for teaching and discipling women. As they near the end of their time in seminary, the Rubinos look forward to ministering wherever the Lord may call them—and doing it together as a team. “I need Christine by my side,” Tom says with emotion in his voice. “She’s strong where I’m weak and weak where I’m strong. Our gifts complement each other really well. I couldn’t do this without her—and I wouldn’t want to.” Rick matt Rick Matt (MATS ’05) serves as associate director of public relations for Covenant Seminary, where he writes and edits a variety of print and electronic materials to support the Seminary’s mission of training pastors and ministry leaders for Christ’s church.