The Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary
COVENANT
Vol 19, No. 2
Praying with Power
Summer 2004
Seven Years, Five Students
Democracy, Justice, and God’s Patience in Christ
Twentysomething or Twentysomeone?
Volume 19, No. 2 Summer 2004
From the President
2 After almost three years of walking with Jesus, watching His life, and hearing His words, the apostles came to Jesus and said, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). One would think that they would already know. But this exchange shows us that we
Emerging From A Shadow of Doubt Praying with Faith in God’s Sovereignty DR. BRYAN CHAPELL
should not be surprised or embarrassed that even those with a great deal of spiritual experience need to ask, “Lord, how are
6
we supposed to pray?” Jesus is so patient. He does not condemn or rebuke the apostles for their repeated questions or elementary understanding. Most of us have to ask this question over and
Praying with Power
over. Life’s complexities, difficulties, and surprises make what seems so simple a matter
DR. W. WILSON BENTON, JR.
as prayer far more complex and important than we tend to think when are experiencing smooth sailing.
16
Jesus did teach the apostles how to pray – and He teaches us as well. When we consider the time that Jesus devoted to teaching the disciples how to pray and the place of prayer in His own life, we cannot miss the vital need for this sometimes difficult yet blessed part of out lives. Through this issue of Covenant magazine, take a moment to consider how you are growing as one who prays to your heavenly Father. May these
Seven Years, Five Students... A Family Scholarship Story
articles encourage you toward renewal in your prayer life. May they point you to Jesus,
20
who has opened the way for us to come before the throne of grace. Since the founding of Covenant Seminary, our Intercessor prayer calendar has been sent out in one form or another to ask for support in prayer. Years ago it was put together by the first President of Covenant Seminary, Dr. Robert Rayburn –
Democracy, Justice, and God’s Patience in Christ
mimeographed in his office, and sent out on its own. Today the Intercessor calendar
DR. JAMES SKILLEN
sits in the midst of the pages of Covenant magazine reminding us of our continued dependence upon our Lord and need for the prayers of the saints. Your prayers for
24
Covenant Seminary and its alumni are treasured. Please continue to pray with us, for this ministry, and for Christ’s kingdom to come here and around the world.
Twentysomething or Twentysomeone? How a Mentoring Community Helps Young Adults in a Decade of Transition
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
Intercessor
10
Alumni News
12
Events
14
Campus News
28
Student Profile
30
Presto Change-O!
The transformation Covenant Seminary’s campus sees on Campus Day goes a long way toward maintaining grounds and facilities. No one is too young to join in. No prior experience necessary. Student, faculty, staff, and others pitch in together to save weeks’ worth of man-hours and care for the property.
BY DR. BRYAN CHAPELL President and Professor of Practical Theology
An old story tells of two widows who lived in a cottage beneath a mountain. Soaking rains had loosened the soil on the mountain’s slope, and a huge boulder threatened to roll onto their small home. The two remembered that Jesus had taught that if they had faith as a mustard seed, they could move mountains (Matt. 17:20). All that the two wanted was for a stone not to move. They believed that it was within God’s power to accomplish this, so they mustered up their faith and began to pray for the boulder to stay put. It rolled down the mountain and crushed the cottage. Said the one widow to the other, “I knew that our little prayer wouldn’t work; the boulder is too big.” This article is adapted from a chapter in Bryan Chapell’s upcoming book on prayer to be published by Baker Book House Company and is used with permission. The book is scheduled to be released in Fall 2005.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
2
Emerging From A Shadow of Doubt
We, of course, do not expect a prayer offered in doubt to accomplish God’s purposes or engage His power. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:23-4; cf. Matt. 21:21; 1 Tim. 2:8)
B
ut how are we supposed to pray without
prayer. In many minds and in some ministries what it
doubting? Is it wrong to allow any
means to pray believing is explained by the examples of
thought that what we want might not
persons who prayed that something would happen, expressed
occur? If so, how do we keep negative
unwavering confidence that it would happen and, then,
thoughts from invading our brains?
what they wanted happened. Believing prayer is so often
Isn’t being told not to doubt a little
taught this way that it may be difficult to consider any
like being told not to think about
alternative, but the consequences of making an infinitely
pink elephants? Once you have been
wise God subject to our finite wisdom and human wants
told not to think about something, it is practically impossible
requires adjusted explanations.
not to think about it.
Mountain-Moving Prayers
How can we even have no doubt that what we are asking
The adjustment needed is not in our common understanding
for is right? Only God understands the intricacies of creation
of belief in God’s ability to answer prayer. Proper faith
and eternity. Since we have neither sufficient knowledge
is believing without doubting that God “is able to do
nor wisdom to determine all the consequences of what we
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according
want to occur, it would seem to be very arrogant – and even
to his power that is at work within us” (Eph. 3:20).
dangerous – to demand that God do precisely what we want.
Believing that God can move mountains is not the problem.
In fact, isn’t praying without any doubt in our will a little
The basic problem with all definitions of believing prayer
like trying to tell God what to do? And, if millions of
that make God the servant of our will is that the object of
Christians all over the world are controlling God’s will
belief is misplaced.
with their limited understanding and mixed motives, then
Proper belief is not confidence that something we want
what keeps the world from shattering into a zillion shards
will happen, nor is it exceeding confidence that we know
of personal priorities? If God’s will is really under the control
what is best. We are to believe in God. He, not our desire,
of our will, then wouldn’t that make us God?
is the object of our faith. We pray believing that God is all-powerful, all-wise, and
Believing Prayer
How do we believe in prayer without abandoning what we
infinitely loving – and that we are not. We offer to God our
believe about ourselves and our God? The question hinges
desires for matters large and small, but always our greatest
on how we use the terms belief and doubt as they relate to
desire is that His will would be done because we believe that
www.covenantseminary.edu
3
Training Servants of the Triune God
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that
is the absolute best thing that could occur.
the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me
Escape-Hatch Prayers
for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14: 13).
There are those who will say that you are not praying with
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask
sufficient faith if you follow your petitions with, “Yet, Lord,
whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (John 15:7).
not my will, but your will be done.” Others may claim you
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed
are hedging your bets, or leaving yourself an escape hatch,
you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father
in case your requests are not met. But do not let anyone
will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16).
make you feel guilty or ashamed for praying as Jesus did in
“You do not have, because you do not ask God. When
the Garden of Gethsemane.
you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong
When Jesus prayed for deliverance in the Garden, He
motives, that you may spend what you get on your
was so focused and intense that sweat fell from Him in drops
pleasures” (James 3:2b-3).
of blood (Luke 22:44). He also prayed with full confidence
“Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have
that His Sovereign Father was able to send twelve legions
confidence before God and receive from
of angels to rescue Him (Matt. 26:53).
him anything we ask, because we obey
No one should accuse Jesus of praying
his commands and do what pleases him”
with insufficient faith or fervor. Still,
(1 Jn. 3:21-2).
He said, “Yet, Lord, not my will but your
These verses are not a blank check
will be done.” Seeking the will of His
for our whims and wants. They are
Father above His own was the mark of
something better. They are the assurance
Jesus’ faithfulness, not the failure of it.
of God that when we are seeking Him
We should not let anyone judge what
first, He will answer all of our requests
is in our heart when we pray as Jesus did. You can pray in great faith, “Lord, this is what I desire in my human wisdom, but you know the end from the beginning. Hear my prayer and do what you know is right. I entrust this to you because I believe in you.” This is a far greater expression of faith than daring to stand before the throne of heaven, sidling up
How do we believe in prayer without abandoning what we believe about ourselves and our God?
so that they bring Him the greatest glory. And, because He is most glorified when His wisdom, goodness, and greatness are most on display, these promises assure us that He will conform our prayers to purposes better for us than we can ask or even imagine. Is it hard for us to believe such a promise? Yes. But belief in this assurance of God’s nature and of
to God and saying, “Lord, I’ve got all the
His intention to do such immeasurable
answers; let’s do this my way.”
good for His people is the foundation of faithful prayer that Aladdin’s-Lamp Prayers
heaven delights to answer.
Certainly there are passages where Jesus exhorts us, Believing Sovereignty
“Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received
What are we to believe about God in order to experience
it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). In order to understand
His responses to our prayer requests? First we are to believe
such a statement, we should first remember what we should
He is able to be God. We could spend many words debating
be asking for – the will and glory of God.
precisely what it means for God to be sovereign, but what it
Always there is a context for the verses that assure us
boils down to is this: God’s in charge and you’re not.
that God will answer whatever we request in prayer. The
Failure to believe in God’s sovereign power to accomplish
promise for answered prayer comes with the presumption,
what He promises submarines our incentive to pray. Why
and often the command, that our prayer will be offered in
would we pray to someone who cannot respond? Why would
Jesus’ name for His purposes and to please Him.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
4
on a path to great service.
we ask God to take care of our greatest needs if He has
The answer for the mighty work did not come as the
neither the power, will nor wisdom to do so? The simple assurance of Jesus that everyone who asks receives
young man expected, but in His sovereign plan the Lord
(Luke 11:9-19), encourages us to make requests of a
provided for this pastor to serve more people than he would
God who can provide the care He has promised.
ever have touched in the remote church where his ministry began. God answered his prayer beyond what he asked or
A God Who Abundantly Answers
imagined. And, another man trained in the ministry of
Belief in a sovereign God who promises to reward those who
the first man, has even returned to that original community
diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6) provides powerful incentive
and ministers very effectively there.
for prayer. The confidence that He has the power, love, and wisdom to accomplish whatever is necessary to promote His
A God Who Always Answers
glory and our good also enables us to face the disappoint-
God always answers the prayer of faith. Such faith looks past
ments of our immediate desires without doubting His eternal
the limitations of our earthly vision for God’s answers. We
plan. We expect a God who is truly sovereign to answer
freely confess our disappointments when the promotion does
prayers of faith in ways beyond our wis-
not come, when we fail the test, when a
dom. How else could He “do exceedingly
child rebels, when injustice occurs, when
above all that we would ask or think?”
relationships erode, when storms destroy,
A young man I know began to preach
and evil has its day. But faith acknowl-
in a small country church soon after he
edges that the disappointment is only in
professed his faith in Jesus. The fledgling
what we can see, not in what a sovereign
minister did not know much about the
God is accomplishing beyond our sight.
Bible, or people, or preaching. He just
Faith in a sovereign God whose
knew that God wanted others to know
wisdom and power are infinite rejoices
about Jesus. And so, the young man prayed that God would do “a mighty work” in that church. He prayed and prayed. But the church did not prosper. Mistakes that well-intentioned but untrained minister made in relationships and in his teaching began to fracture the already fragile church. Eventually the
We expect a God who is truly sovereign to answer prayers of faith in ways beyond our wisdom.
that God is not bound by the limited wisdom and mixed motives of our prayers. Who would want to be in a universe controlled by creatures as finite and fallible as we? We pray with the assurance and the comfort that a sovereign God always answers our prayers – but He has the right to reign over them and incorpo-
young minister left and, soon after, the
rate our petitions into His perfect plan.
church closed its doors.
He can answer yes, or no, or not yet –
The young man’s grief over people in that community
or immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.
living and dying without the witness of a church deepened
Jesus is sovereign and He will use prayer in His name to
his desire for effective ministry. So, freed of the daily
extend His rule through this world and the next. Praying
obligations of the small church, he sought further training
without doubting in God’s sovereign good will can be tough.
in seminary. Sensing the importance of his preparation for
Yet, those who pray in Jesus’ name yield their concerns to
souls such as he had left behind, the young man trained as
His design because they know the care of the One in whose
diligently as any student I have ever had. And, now as a
name they offer their prayers. The reason that we willingly
minister who is knowledgeable and trained so as not to lead
and with joy entrust our lives and our eternities to our Lord
God’s people astray, he is one of the finest preachers I know.
Jesus is because He has so clearly demonstrated His love in
In the little church God did the “mighty work” for which
giving His life for His sheep. Eternal love fills His heart and
my young friend prayed. The Lord placed a talented servant
will direct our paths. ■
www.covenantseminary.edu
5
Training Servants of the Triune God
DR. W. WILSON BENTON, JR. Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology and Pastor of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church in St. Louis
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.” – Romans 8:26-27
This article is reprinted from the December/January 1996-7 edition of Covenant magazine.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
6
Praying with Power
A father passing by his little son’s room noticed his boy down on his knees beside his bed. He paused to listen and heard the child saying over and over again, “Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo.” The father’s heart leaped for joy. Was it possible that God was calling his son into missionary service? When the little boy finished and stood up he said, “Son, I heard you praying. Do you think God wants you to be a missionary?” “Oh, no sir,” he said, “I was just praying to God about the geography test we took today and asking Him to let Tokyo be the capital of France.” Been there – done that, haven’t you? We don’t know what to pray for.
The PROBLEM of Prayer Inability
Indifference
Our first problem in prayer is our inability, or to use Paul’s
Sometimes prayer is a problem because of our indifference.
own word “our weakness.” Weakness itself is not necessarily
A fifth-grade teacher walked into her classroom and wrote on
a sin. Sin is a barrier to prayer, but that’s not the problem
the board A-P-A-T-H-Y. A little boy in the back looked at it,
that Paul has in mind in this text.
turned to his buddy and said, “What does ‘apathy’ mean?” His friend shrugged his shoulders and said, “Who cares?” That’s
The weakness he describes is the frailty that is ours just because we are fallible human beings. He’s not concentrating
often our attitude about prayer, isn’t it? It’s really not going to
on our iniquity but on our inability. Our inability to function
change anything. It’s not going to make any difference, is it? Does prayer ever change God’s mind? The answer is
as we want to function; our inability to perform as we want
“No, of course not.” In fact no reasonable person would
to perform; our inability to pray even as we want to pray.
want prayer to change God’s mind. If God’s will is perfect
Ignorance
in the first place, and He changes His mind, then it becomes
Prayer is also a problem because of our ignorance: “We don’t
imperfect and the whole world will fall apart.
know what we ought to pray for.” We don’t know whether
Does prayer change things? The answer is “Yes, of course
to pray that suffering be removed from the life of a loved one,
it does.” God has ordained the means as well as the ends,
or whether to pray that the loved one will be strengthened
and prayer is God’s ordained means to the accomplishment of
in the midst of the suffering. Because we don’t know what
certain ends. That is what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the
will be, we are not often in a position to make very specific
Mount: “Ask and it shall be given to you; seek and you will
requests of God, and when we do we often regret it.
www.covenantseminary.edu
7
Training Servants of the Triune God
find; knock and the door of mercy will be opened unto you.
when he knew he was talking with God there came
For everyone who asks receives” – means to an end – “and
from the depths of this heart such petitions for me as
everyone who seeks, finds” – means to an end – “and to him
I had never heard before. I rose from my knees to know
who knocks, the door will be opened” – means to an end.
what real prayer was. The Holy Spirit instructs us to pray with reverence and
The POWER of Prayer
with regularity. How often is our prayer a last resort, rather
Although Paul addresses these problems, he doesn’t linger
than a first response? What a disservice we do ourselves
on them. Rather, he moves to focus our attention on the
when we do not allow the regular blessings of God to flow
wonderful power that is ours for prayer. That power takes
into our lives through the regular spiritual exercise of prayer.
many forms.
Inspiration
Instruction
Sometimes power in prayer takes the form
Power in prayer may take the form of
of the Spirit’s inspiration. It’s one thing to
the Spirit’s instruction. If one of our basic
be taught what to do and another thing
problems is ignorance, then one of our
actually to do it. The Holy Spirit not only
fundamental needs is instruction. We
instructs us in prayer, He inspires us to
need to be taught, we need to be instruct-
pray. He stimulates us; He motivates us;
ed, and we need to be led and directed
He actually involves us in that spiritual
by the Holy Spirit. He teaches us to pray with reverence. He reminds us of the fact that we are approaching the great and sovereign Lord of the universe and we dare not come into His presence flippantly, carelessly, thoughtlessly, insensitively or insincerely. Dr. Wilbur Chapman, a great evangelist, was conducting a series of services in England when he was told that a man known simply as “Praying Hyde” was going to ask for God’s blessing on those services. Dr. Chapman recalls the power
What a disservice we do ourselves when we do not allow the regular blessing of God to flow into our lives through the regular spiritual exercise of prayer.
of prayer in the following episode:
exercise. Rest assured that if you ever pray, and I mean really pray, then you pray only because of the inspiration of God’s Spirit graciously moving you to do so. Insight
Sometimes power in prayer takes the form of the Spirit’s insight. He makes us aware of all the resources that are ours for prayer. He teaches us how to pray according to God’s will. Where do we find God’s will? In God’s Word. He teaches us how to pray according to the principles and promises that we find in the Word of God. Many times growing
The audience was exceedingly small,
up I saw my father on his knees with his Bible open upon
but almost immediately the tide began to turn, the
his bed so that he could pray the Word of God to God.
hall became packed, and in my first invitation 50 men
Involvement
accepted Christ as their Savior. As we were leaving I said,
Sometimes power for prayer takes the form of the Spirit’s
“Mr. Hyde, I want you to pray for me.” He came to my
involvement. Three times in this passage we are told of
room, turned the key in the door, dropped on his knees
His involvement: “He helps us,” “He intercedes for us,” and
and waited five minutes without a single syllable coming
“He intercedes for the saints” with groans that cannot be
from his lips. I could hear my own heart thumping and
expressed in words. What is that groan? Our English transla-
his beating; I felt hot tears running down my face. I knew
tions are technically incorrect. The word doesn’t mean that
I was with God. Then with upturned face, while the
the groans can’t be expressed in words. The word actually
tears were streaming down, he said, “O God,” then for
means they are “wordless.” They are inarticulate for us
five minutes more, at least, he was still again. And then
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
8
The PRACTICE of Prayer
human beings. Do you know what that means for you and me? It means that the greatest prayer you may ever pray is the groan you feel within your heart that you cannot express
Having talked about the problems of prayer and the power
in words. It means that the greatest prayer you may ever offer
of prayer, Paul finally turns our attention to the practice of
before God will be the tears that course down your cheeks
prayer. The fact that we have a responsibility to pray is seen
because your feelings simply cannot be articulated verbally.
in the verb that Paul uses. It is the world “helps.” The Spirit helps us pray. The Greek word is really a combination of
Just because you cannot put your feelings, thoughts and groans into words doesn’t mean that the Holy Spirit cannot
three words which mean: “along with,” “in the place of,”
articulate them. He can, and He does. He takes our moans
and “to take hold of.” The verb describes the person who
and our groans and our tears and our sighs
comes alongside of another to help him
and He interprets them and turns them
bear his own load. But if all that is a bit too obtuse to
into prayers to God.
you, just remember that God commands Intercession
us to pray whether we understand all
Paul saves the best for last. He says
that is involved or not. We may have
sometimes powerful prayer takes the
problems when we pray. We may have
form of the Spirit’s own intercession.
questions about the effectiveness of
An intercessor is one who pleads the
prayer, but that doesn’t change the fact
cause of another. Jesus, we are told, constantly makes intercession for us. We have a wonderful illustration of that in His relationship with Peter. When Peter was bragging about what he was going to do and what he was not going to do, the Lord looked him squarely in the eye and said, “Satan desires to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith fail not.” Peter wasn’t praying for himself. He didn’t feel he was going to fail the Lord Jesus. It never occurred to him that he needed
that we are supposed to pray. God’s
The greatest prayer you may ever pray is the groan you feel within your heart that you cannot express in words.
Word says, “Pray without ceasing.” God’s command is always a form of blessing; and when we disobey the command, we deny ourselves the blessing. It’s not easy. Nothing in the Christian life is easy, so why should prayer be easy? If you’ve tried you know it is not. Our contemporary American culture has conditioned us to look for and expect the quick fix. We want instant results. We want immediate victories. God has called us to struggle in the spiritual exer-
prayer. How wonderful that the Lord was
cise of prayer, and the very fact that we
praying for Peter even when Peter wasn’t
persevere is itself a victory. Even when you don’t feel like it –
praying for himself, because Peter didn’t fail. Oh he fell, but
pray. Even when you don’t understand all that’s involved –
he didn’t fail because – and only because – the Lord Jesus
pray. Even when you don’t see the consequences you expect
prayed for him. You and I won’t fail because – and only
– pray. It’s God’s command to pray.
because – the Holy Spirit Himself is praying for us even
The Spirit prays, and we learn to pray with Him until
when we don’t have sense enough to pray for ourselves.
our prayers become a part of that great symphony of the
Does this mean then that we have no part to play in
prayers of all the saints according to God’s will. So what
prayer? Does it mean that we have no responsibility to pray?
does this passage tell us? If you know that God’s Spirit is
On the contrary.
praying with you and for you, and if you are praying with Him for God’s will in your life, then you can rest secure for time and eternity. ■
www.covenantseminary.edu
9
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 continue on from Covenant Seminary. Therefore prayer for the seminary and its mission comes with a local, national, and global scope. We are grateful for your prayers for Covenant Seminary. We hope that this prayer calendar that can be prayed through during the summer months will help focus your thoughts and prayers for the seminary, its students and alumni. As the color key indicates, the dark squares share campus concerns, the medium squares national concerns, and the white squares international concerns.
But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built! Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O LORD my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you this day, that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you have said, “My name shall be there,” that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. And listen to the plea of your servant and of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place. And listen in heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. A prayer of Solomon for the dedication of the temple. – 1 KINGS 8:28-30 ESV
SUMMER2004 Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Week 1
✁
Monday
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Rev. 21:2).
Pray for students working multiple jobs to support their families while in seminary. Pray that financial provision from summer employment would be sufficient for the upcoming school year.
Pray for the church planting efforts that Covenant Seminary graduates are leading across the country including Mark Anthony Swain (Memphis, Tenn.), Mike McLaughlin (Albuquerque, N.M.), Glenn Hoburg (Washington, D.C.), and E.C. Bell (Longmont, Colo.).
Give thanks for the fruit of Dr. Bryan Chapell’s Spring sabbatical including an update of Christ-Centered Preaching and a book on prayer both to be published by Baker Book House. Pray that these books would help readers rest in the finished work of Christ in their ministries and daily lives.
In this U.S. presidential election year, pray for the Lord’s justice and mercy to go forth through the choosing of government officials.
Pray for the June 8 Interreligious Dialogue in Iran where Drs. Hans Bayer and Nelson Jennings will present papers, along with colleagues from Reformed Theological Seminary and Covenant College. Their counterparts will be Iranian Muslim clerics and scholars. Pray for traveling mercies, good health, and constructive discussions.
Week 2
Praise
International
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Praise God that He promises to be our refuge in the face of many fears.
Pray for the peace and welfare of the people of Haiti. Pray that God would continue to use Christian churches and schools to reach Haitian families, and that more leaders would be trained to serve these people.
“...that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they may also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (Jn. 17:21). Pray that the Lord would use Covenant Seminary to raise up leaders committed to the unity of the worldwide Church.
“...the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Pray that the Lord would use Covenant Seminary to raise up leaders committed and able to communicate the truth of God’s Word and point people to Jesus in all of life.
Pray for the high school students from around the country that will take part in the Yimi summer conference (see page 14). Pray that the Gospel would be proclaimed clearly, and that God would use this time to turn hearts to Himself and raise a generation of faithful followers.
Pray for first-year students beginning class this summer. Pray for their acclimation to a new city and campus community. Ask that God would bless their coming years of study for service in His kingdom.
Week 3
Sat/Sun
National
“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy” (Hab. 3:2).
Pray for the Covenant Seminary student/faculty team traveling to Southeast Asia from July 31 to August 30. Pray that this opportunity to experience and reflect on life and ministry in a cross-cultural setting would give students a greater vision for God’s world mission.
Pray for wisdom for Dr. Robert Peterson as he writes a book on predestination and free will. Pray also for Dr. Peterson and Dr. Michael Williams as they teach on Calvinism and Arminianism at Ridge Haven Family Camp from July 26 to 30.
Pray for students to come to a deeper understanding of and reliance upon the work of the Holy Spirit through the Schaeffer Institute’s Study Program: Spiritual Formation and the Holy Spirit (July 12-16). Pray that this unique opportunity to learn in community would be a model for students’ future ministries.
Pray for Dr. Bob Burns who has recently joined the seminary administration to lead a pastoral excellence initiative. Pray that this initiative would equip the seminary to support ministry leaders both while they are in seminary and after they graduate.
Pray for Covenant Seminary professors Drs. David Calhoun and Hans Bayer who will visit missionaries in Hungary, Italy, France, and the Netherlands during the month of June. Pray for the Lord to provide wisdom and strength for these men to serve as encouragers and advisors to His servants.
Week 4
Campus
“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn 3:2). Praise God that He does not leave His children as they are, but continues to purify and shape them into Christ’s likeness.
Pray for the June meeting of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America. Pray that the Gospel of Christ would be advanced to His glory through this meeting.
Pray for the Access distance education students coming to campus from across the U.S. and around the world for summer residency (July 26-30). Pray for a profitable time of study with Dr. Philip Douglass (Spiritual and Ministry Formation) and Dr. Zack Eswine (Communicating the Gospel).
Pray for the Gospel to go forth through church planting efforts in the former U.S.S.R. Pray especially for the ministry of David Galletta (D.Min.’03) who serves in Moscow aiding church planters and pastors in Russia. Pray for increased competency in the Russian language for David and his wife.
Pray for the May ’04 graduates who are relocating and beginning to serve in new ministry positions. Pray that the servant leadership training that was given to them at Covenant Seminary would be realized in many churches and other ministries as they communicate the Gospel of grace in word and deed.
Pray for students serving in various internship roles during the summer months. Pray that these opportunities would help confirm their calling and direction for future ministry.
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
11
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 Larry Doughan (M.Div.’89, D.Min.’04) will begin a new ministry position this summer with Colfax Center Presbyterian Church where he will serve with Larry Hoop (D.Min.’04) (Senior Pastor). These men completed a joint dissertation for Covenant Seminary’s D.Min. program titled “Effective Ministry in Rural Iowa.” Larry Doughan has served as Senior Pastor of Bethany Evangelical and Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ledyard, Iowa, for the past 11 years and will serve Colfax Center Presbyterian Church as Assistant Pastor with a focus on Family Ministries. Stephen Leonard (M.Div.’74) and Glenda Anderson were engaged to be married this past March. Wedding plans include a small family service. Steve is a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army and serves as the Executive Director of the International Association of Evangelical Chaplains. Steve’s late wife Bronwyn Rayburn Leonard was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Rayburn. Dr. Rayburn was Covenant Seminary’s founding president. Glenda is President of the Paul Anderson Youth Home in Vidalia, Ga., which she cofounded with her late husband Paul Anderson. Steve has four grown children and Glenda has one daughter. Both have grandchildren including sets of three-year-old twins on each side! Joseph Greer (Th.M.’91) was honorably retired in the North Florida Presbytery this Spring. Most recently, Joseph served as Associate Pastor of Christ Community Church in Gaines-
COVENANT MAGAZINE
will continue with chemotherapy until April 2005. Your prayers for Emma are appreciated.
ville, Fla. He now serves as Stated Clerk for the North Florida Presbytery and continues to live in Gainesville.
John Haralson (M.Div.’99) began serving as pastor of Grace Seattle in Seattle, Wash., this past January. John previously served as Associate Pastor of the City Church of San Francisco, Calif. Baby John Kenneth III, was born to John and Linn (M.A.C.’96) on February 26, 2004. John joins his two older siblings.
Kevin Vanden Brink (M.Div.’96) was ordained on Feb. 22, 2004, as Associate Pastor for Greenlake Presbyterian Church in Seattle, Wash., where Michael Kelly (M.Div.’91) is Senior Pastor. Bill Yarbrough (M.Div.’99) preached for the ordination service. Randy Middeke (M.Div.’93) and Patrick Carr (M.A.’00) attended. Kevin and his wife Stephene (M.A.C.’95) have two sons: Samuel (6) and Benjamin (2). Prior to taking his new position at Greenlake Presbyterian, Kevin was Vice President for Admissions and Enrollment for Covenant Seminary.
Jae-Joong Hwang (M.Div.’00, Th.M.’02) and his wife, Gilsa, (M.A.T.S.’00) recently relocated to Jacksonville, Fla., where Jae now serves as Senior Pastor for Korean Bethel Presbyterian Church. The church celebrated Jae’s inauguration worship service on April 25, 2004.
Glenn Hoburg (M.Div.’97), is now serving as the Organizing Pastor for Grace Presbyterian in downtown Washington, D.C., which began worshiping together in early 2004. Grace D.C. is a church plant of McLean Presbyterian in McLean, Va. An article about the new church was published by the Washington Times on Jan. 10, 2004. Glenn and his wife, Meg (M.A.’97), have two daughters: Madeline (6) and Isabelle (4).
Ewan Kennedy (M.Div., M.A.C.’00) began serving as Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Elgin, Ill., in September 2003. Ted Powers (D.Min.’00) preached for the installation service on September 14, 2003. Ewan and his wife, Heather, have three children: Calvin (7), Cooper (2) and Canon (1). Mark Anthony Swain (M.Div.’03) was ordained in the Presbyterian Church of America on Feb. 3, 2004. Mark is a Church Planting Pastor for Grace Community Church in Memphis, Tenn. The church plant was officially launched on March 21, 2004. To learn more about Grace Community log on to www.gracememphis.org.
In September of 2003 Shayne Wheeler (M.Div.’97) and a core group launched a new church in Decatur, Ga., called All Souls Fellowship (PCA). Shayne is the Organizing Pastor of All Souls which is a daughter church of Intown Community Church. Shayne’s six-year-old daughter, Emma, was diagnosed with leukemia in February of 2003 and
Summer 2004
12
With the Saints Fred Cheung (D.Min.’79) passed away on February 28, 2004. Fred was the founding pastor of St. Louis Chinese Gospel Church. He most recently served as Voluntary Senior Pastor of the Chinese Bible Missions Church in Alhambra, Calif. Fred started the North American Chinese Churches’ Faith Promise Offering for missions and founded Worldwide Christian Churches Ministries to help spread the Gospel in third-world countries. Prior to his death, he was facilitating church planting on the old Silk Road in China. Robert “Bobby” Gardner’s (M.Div.’80) wife, Sherrill, passed away on March 13, 2004, due to complications from a brain tumor. Her funeral was held on March 16 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Bobby is a Chaplain, with the rank of Colonel, in the Air Force, stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla.
Filling the Quiver Marcus (M.Div.’96) and Jennifer Lynn welcomed baby boy Aidan Josiah into their family on December 24, 2003. Aidan joins his older siblings Reagan and Micah. Marcus is the Senior Pastor of First Christian Church of Versailles, Ky. Katrina (Buch) (M.A.C.’97) and Jonathan Hostetter celebrated the birth of their son Micah Bentz on January 25, 2004. Katrina is a licensed professional counselor and will continue to counsel a few sessions a week in her private counseling office. Jonathan is a nurse practitioner in a family medical practice near Lancaster, Pa.
Jesus called His followers “salt of the earth.” How can the Church today live out this call in its preaching, community, and deeds? Come be renewed in Biblical vision through a Covenant Seminary conference designed to encourage, equip, and connect pastors and ministry leaders. KEYNOTE AND BREAKOUT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
A CONFERENCE for PASTORS & MINISTRY LEADERS OCTOBER 19-20, 2004 AT COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Alistair Begg Pastor of Parkside Church, Cleveland, Ohio Bryan Chapell President, Covenant Theological Seminary Tim Keller Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York Jerram Barrs Prof. of Practical Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary CONFERENCE COSTS $50 includes 2 dinners (hotel not included) $175 includes shared room, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch $250 includes private room, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch Scholarships are available. Log on to www.covenantseminary.edu for more information.
EVENTS Gatherings, Conferences Yimi Summer Conference ’04 DATE: June 22 to 26, 2004
The Covenant Family Conference
This summer The Covenant Seminary Youth in Ministry Institute (Yimi) will bring together high school students from across the nation to help them gain a growing Biblical view of God, themselves, others, and the entire world. The conference will take place on the campus of Covenant Seminary and will include intense thinking, serious questions, fun, small group interaction, and ministry trips to learn through experience. A special Youth Leader track (staff or volunteer) will also be offered.
Building Families God’s Way CO-SPONSORED BY: Covenant Theological Seminary and Ridge Haven Conference and Retreat Center DATE: July 26 - 30, 2004 SPEAKERS: Dr. Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology and Dr. Michael Williams
Plan your family vacation in the North Carolina mountains, surrounded by the beauty of God’s creation and immersed in delightful Bible teaching by Covenant Seminary professors. This conference provides an opportunity for covenant families, both parents and children, to explore God’s gracious covenant and what it means for daily living as a family today.
Francis Schaeffer Institute Summer Study
Spiritual Formation and the Holy Spirit INSTRUCTOR: John Armstrong, Director of Reformation and Revival Ministries DATE: July 12 to 16, 2004
This summer take a week of study with the Francis Schaeffer Institute to consider how the Holy Spirit works to conform Christians to Christ’s image through various means including spiritual reading, prayer, soul friendships, fasting, worship, and the sacraments. In doing so, consider the means of the Spirit’s work throughout the history of the Christian Church and see how these means are available in your life today.
Fall 2004 Francis Schaeffer Lectures
And the Beat Goes On: How to Listen to Music SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Denis Haack, Director of Ransom Fellowship; John Hodges, Associate Professor of Culture and the Arts at Crichton College; Jeffrey Heyl, Covenant Seminary Visiting Instructor, Practical Theology; Luke Bobo, Director of Covenant Seminary’s Francis Schaeffer Institute DATE: October 22-23, 2004
Please join us.
As humans it seems that we are driven to rhythm and tune as a normal part of life. Our creativity comes forth in ways as apparently simple as the beat of a drum or pluck of a string and as complex as voices and instruments joined together in harmony.
These events are open to the public and are offered free or for a minimal charge. To learn more about any of these events, please log on to www.covenantseminary.edu or call 1.800.903.4044.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
How can we as 20th-century people grow in our understanding and appreciation of music as a good gift from God? This lecture series will show us how to listen to, appreciate, and engage with various types of music including classical, folk, and hip hop. The discussion will include music shared inside and outside of the Church.
14
Lifetime of Ministry Lecture Series
Register online for any of these two- to five-day ministry enrichment courses. As part of the Lifetime of Ministry program, these classes can be audited for a minimal fee.*
Team Ministry in an Urban Environment INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Philip Douglass, Dr. Nelson Jennings, and others DATE:
October 15 and 16, 2004
Upcoming Doctor of Ministry Courses Log on to the Covenant Seminary website find out about the Doctor of Ministry program, or call 1.800.264.8064.
Summer 2004
New Testament Word and World INSTRUCTOR: Dr. David Chapman
China INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Samuel Dz-Sing Ling, President of China Horizon DATE:
October 8 and 9, 2004
Women’s Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Judy Dabler,
DATE:
May 24 to 28, 2004
Cross-Cultural Ministry of the Church INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Nelson Jennings DATE:
May 24 to 28, 2004
Executive Director of the Center
Issues in Contemporary Preaching
for Biblical Counseling and Education,
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Zack Eswine
St. Louis, Mo., and Tasha Chapman,
DATE:
experienced leader of women’s ministries DATE:
January 6 and 7, 2005
Covenantal Nurture of the Family INSTRUCTOR: Donna Dobbs, Director of Christian Education for First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Miss. DATE:
January 7 and 8, 2005
Isaiah INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ray Ortlund, Jr., Senior Pastor
June 1 to 4, 2004
Pursuing Excellence or Perfection INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Richard Winter DATE:
June 1 to 4, 2004
Issues in Ministry: Church Discipline INSTRUCTORS: Drs. Bob Burns and David Jones DATE:
January 26 to 30, 2004
of Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tenn., and author of a forthcoming commentary on Isaiah to be published by Crossway Books DATE:
January 2005 EXACT DATES TBA
January 18 to 21, 2005
Worship in Today’s Church
Theology of Ministry INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Wilson Benton
INSTRUCTOR: Scotty Smith, Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, Nashville, Tenn. DATE:
January 10-14, 2005
Church-Based Immigrant/Refugee Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Nelson Jennings and others DATE:
January 14 and 15, 2005
Islam
Christian Worship INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mark Dalbey
Spirit-Empowered Ministry INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Robert Smart, Pastor of Christ Church, Normal, Ill.
Preaching from the New Testament INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Zack Eswine
INSTRUCTOR: Carl Ellis, President of Project Joseph,
Marriage and Family Counseling
and co-author of The Changing Face of Islam in America
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Dan Zink
DATE:
January 3 to 7, 2005
*non-transcript audit
www.covenantseminary.edu
15
Training Servants of the Triune God
SEVEN YEARS, Five Students… How a Family Scholarship Turned a Crisis Moment into a Legacy of Blessing
When David Brown (M.A.T.S.’98) was in his third year of seminary, he ran into a problem. It actually was not David’s problem directly, but his life was affected nonetheless. David’s roommate, who had come to Covenant Seminary from Western Europe, was running out of money. The possibility of David’s roommate finishing seminary looked bleak without some intervention. The seminary’s Financial Aid department was involved, but resources were limited and on its own, Covenant Seminary had no way to completely overcome this roadblock. David’s European roommate had come to Covenant Seminary just one year before. He was a young Christian, but had a strong sense of call to pastoral ministry. He was financing his studies through savings. Before seminary, David lived and worked in Europe and shared his roommate’s desire to see Christian leaders trained for that part of the world. It seemed unthinkable that his roommate might not be able to finish seminary and return to be a pastor. Coinciding with this crisis was a conversation David had with his mother. “My mother was increasingly aware of the
Jeff and Veronique Kim
mission of Covenant Seminary and she desired to support
roommate immediately, but it would live on to touch many
the seminary’s work. One day she asked me if I could think
people’s lives. David’s grandparents, Harold and Marie
of any specific needs at the seminary.” David did not have
Humphreys, had lived life as humble givers and the family
to think; he knew that the need was apparent.
was enthusiastic about a fund named to honor them.
From these seemingly unrelated incidents, a solution
“My extended family was really excited to honor my
arose that not only enabled David’s roommate’s ministry
grandparents in this way,” David said. “My grandparents were
training, but serves other Europeans who follow in
a wonderful example to the rest of the family as they gave to
his footsteps.
church organizations and had a special heart for foreign mis-
The idea of an endowed scholarship fund was born
sions. So we felt it was most appropriate to set up the scholar-
among David’s family. The fund could help David’s
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
ship fund in their names. They inspire the rest of us.”
16
Seven Years, Five Students...
The Legacy
David’s roommate was able to finish seminary. He graduated
Today’s Endowed Scholarships
with a Master of Divinity and today is a pastor in his homeland. The list of European students touched by the Humphreys Scholarship Fund grows. One of the most recent recipients, Veronique Kim, is studying at Covenant Seminary in order to prepare to return to France with her husband, Jeff. While studying at Covenant Seminary the Kims minister among French-speaking Congolese refugees in their local St. Louis church. Ralph (M.A.T.S.’04) and Alied (M.A.C.’00) Van Der Aa
Covenant Seminary student tuition needs are still met through endowed scholarships.
of the Netherlands received the Humphreys Scholarship and are now serving in the Dutch province of Limburg. Ralph has recently completed his degree through Access distance
If you are interested in learning more about how your family, church, or organization can work together to create an endowed scholarship fund, please call 1.800.903.4044 or e-mail covenant@covenantseminary.edu.
education. Ralph translates books into the Dutch language and has worked on books written by Dan Allender, Jerry Bridges, Jerry White, Jerram Barrs, Dick Keyes, James W. Sire, Rick Warren, and others. He is also involved in their local church leading worship, preaching, and facilitating a Bible study. Alied is a counselor/psychologist and is the only Christian psychologist in their area with a private practice.
If you are interested in contributing to Covenant Seminary’s general Student Scholarship Fund, please use the enclosed envelope. Thank you. Nicolas and Alison Farelly
Joel and Jessica Rinn
Nicolas Farrelly (Th.M.’02) received the Humphreys Scholarship and now serves in his homeland of France with his wife, Alison. They are working alongside Mission to the
Looking Back
World missionaries in Paris. Nick preaches in a small house
“It’s obvious that God is already using this scholarship fund
church and leads Bible studies. He is preparing for ordination
more than any of us could have imagined,” David says.
in the International Presbyterian Church.
“Aunts, uncles, and cousins have all joined together in a
Scholarship recipient Joel Rinn (M.Div.’03) serves in
common purpose of supporting this fund. We get to see that
Italy with his wife, Jessica, where he focuses on church
the students who benefit from this training are actually out
planting and translation work. He teaches theology classes,
there serving in their native countries and we are able to
leads Bible studies, and shares preaching duties in local
honor our grandparents.” ■
churches near Bologna. www.covenantseminary.edu
17
Training Servants of the Triune God
NEW@ www.cov Over 200 messages are available now, and more
Tap into the Covenant Seminary archives of over 200 text and audio messages from Covenant Seminary faculty and publications. This new online resource can be searched by topic, author, or Scripture. All resources are downloadable and ready for personal use or with a small group, Bible study, or other teaching time.
ADDITIONAL SEARCHES
enantseminary.edu files are added regularly! Log on to find out more.
SEARCH RESULTS: PARENTING
SEARCH RESULTS: POSTMODERNITY
SEARCH RESULTS: FORGIVENESS
DEMOCRACY, JUSTICE, and God’s Patience For many Christians in the United States and elsewhere, government is equated with frustration as we see values expressed at the local, state, and national levels that are not our own. We lament laws and policies that do not uphold or encourage a Christian worldview and plague our nation.
IN CHRIST Yet we share a political life with those who are not Christians. In a democratic system, we know that the Christian view may not be the majority view. How are we to function in such a system? In short, we are to seek just policies and recognize that we live in a time where we see God’s patience in Christ all around us.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
20
Democracy, Justice, and God’s Patience in Christ
Part of what it means to live in a society where govern-
BY DR. JAMES SKILLEN President, Center for Public Justice, Washington, D.C. Dr. James Skillen served as a keynote speaker for the Fall 2003 Francis Schaeffer Lectures titled, Jesus and Caesar, Christians and Political Process Renewal. The following article is adapted from Politics and Public Policy: A Christian Response, a collection of essays.
ment does not force all citizens to conform to the same faith, is to experience God’s patient grace in Christ. God does not compel all people to believe in Him. The very meaning of faith is that a person believes from the heart, with intentional commitment, without compulsion. Of course, if most people in a society do not give themselves in faith to the true God, that society might be very dark and discouraging indeed. Yet, the Christians’ response
By its very nature, every political system represents some
to this condition should be to live righteous lives, bearing
kind of imposition that excludes other kinds of political sys-
testimony to God before their neighbors. We ought to live
tems. The question we have to answer, then, is why a limited
thus as we raise our children, as we work and worship, and yes, as we do politics. Politically, we should work to ensure that our civic neighbors suffer no civic disadvantage simply because they are not Christians. By all of these acts, we will help demonstrate to our neighbors that they
form of government, which
...the Christians’ response...[in society]... should be to live righteous lives, bearing testimony to God before their neighbors.
protects a diversity of nongovernment institutions and a diversity of faiths, is more just than other systems. We must show why a political constitution should impose religious pluralism in a place of religious monopoly, why it should prohibit totalitarianism rather than prohibit
also live in this world
an open society. In this
only because of God’s
respect, Christians should
grace in Christ.
have a strong political
Nevertheless, a politi-
agenda that they are
cal society that upholds
working to implement.
religious freedom and a
Christians are not rela-
limited government does
tivists or mere majoritari-
impose a particular kind
ans who say that anything
of political order. Such a
goes, that no rules should
system makes it impossi-
apply. Such an approach
ble, for example, for
is not principled pluralism
those who want an estab-
but rather unprincipled
lished church to achieve
confusion.
that desire. It frustrates the aims of those who would like to
Recognizing that governments do impose and enforce law
establish a totalitarian government. In other words, those
also means that Christians can simultaneously respect the
who believe that an open, pluralistic society is just should
responsibilities of the majority while never accepting that
work politically to uphold this kind of imposition because
the majority makes right. Respect for majority rule in an
they believe that it does justice to all.
open democratic society means respect for elections and
www.covenantseminary.edu
21
Training Servants of the Triune God
Francis A. Schaeffer Institute
debates that allow citizens to try to convince one another
recognized by His disciples as the Messiah, many people
of the best road to take and the best laws to make. New
expected that the rule of God would finally eliminate all
elections and new legislation can always lead to change.
enemies and do away with oppressive governments. Yet, at
To uphold the majority’s governing authority within a
His first coming Jesus did not enact the final judgment.
constitutional system is one way of making it possible for
He gave up His life to suffer God’s judgment for us. He went
citizens to try to convince one another of what they believe
to the grave bearing the sins of the world. Jesus Christ came
a government should do.
to redeem the world, which means, among other things, to make it possible for humans to fulfill their God-given
The very purpose of a representative political system is to call citizens to the responsibility of articulating and voting
responsibilities – the responsibilities given them as God’s
for what they believe is best – to make their best cases for
stewards and governors of this world. In other words, the point of Christ’s death, resurrection,
justice. Therefore, the aim for Christians should never be simply to win the majority or to stand on the side of every
and ascension is to call humanity to repentance so that He
majority regardless of what the majority believes. Rather,
might lead a people to the praise of God with all that they
our aim as citizens ought to be to argue and work for what
are and have. When Jesus ascended into heaven, God
is just to all citizens. Sometimes, the majority will do what
released the Holy Spirit to come to convict the world of sin
is right and just; at other times, it will not. Justice for all,
and to draw repentant sinners to faith in Christ. This is the
not majoritarianism, is our first principle.
God who is governing the world now, and in doing so the supreme Christ upholds God’s creation ordinances.
God sticks to His purposes for creation, showing His fidelity to the creatures to whom He gave dominion over the earth. He does not dispense with them or do away with their humanness; rather, He comes in Jesus Christ to identify fully with them and to redeem creation.
The fact that parents often do not love their children properly does not represent God’s intention for parenting and does not carry Christ’s approval. But the responsibility and the opportunity that parents have to love their children – and to fail to love their children – is sustained by God’s grace in Christ. God sticks to His purposes for creation, showing His fidelity to the creatures to whom He gave dominion over the earth. He does not dispense with them or do away with their humanness; rather, He comes in Jesus Christ to identify fully with them and to redeem creation. To put it another way, we can say that God has not allowed human sinfulness to destroy all parental love or
The Rule and Redeeming Work of Christ
to obliterate the parents’ obligation to love their children.
What sense does it make to say that Christ rules supreme
The possibility of parenting with love remains, by God’s
if, in fact, governments are perpetuating injustice and even
grace. Many parents who do not know or love God never-
getting away with murder? This question can be answered
theless give their children bread rather than stones to eat.
only by taking seriously what God has thus far revealed in
And many parents who once did not show proper love to
Jesus Christ.
their children become loving parents when they turn to God in repentance through Jesus Christ: God’s grace remains
Human sinfulness has continued ever since Adam and
steadfast, even in a fallen world.
Eve first disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Most of
Despite the fact that Christ has not yet returned in final
Israel’s kings were unfaithful in the performance of their duties. The question of how God puts up with unjust govern-
judgment, He continues to rule by restraining sin, by uphold-
ments did not arise with the advent of democracy. Read the
ing the creation, and by calling sinners to repentance. This
Biblical prophets. When Jesus was born and was finally
fact holds for politics as well as for family life, for governing
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
22
Democracy, Justice, and God’s Patience in Christ
as well as for parenting. We should not expect government to be sinless or for all governments to acknowledge Christ’s
What is the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute?
supremacy any more than we should expect any parent to
Maybe you have been connected with
be sinless or all parents to acknowledge Christ’s supremacy.
Covenant Seminary’s Francis A. Schaeffer
Christ is ruling now through the power of the Holy Spirit
Institute since its founding in 1989.
to fulfill God’s purposes and to allow all human generations
Or maybe you are wondering, “Just what
to exercise their responsibilities. Because all humans are
is the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute?”
sinners, Christ’s governance also means giving time and
The Francis A. Schaeffer Institute (FSI)
making space for all to come to repentance. Earthly govern-
is a training ministry of Covenant Seminary.
ment is part of the way Christ rules, by making it possible
Its purpose is to:
for governments to do their duty – to protect the innocent,
train God’s servants to demonstrate
to enhance the common good, to establish justice. Any
compassionately and defend reasonably
government that achieves even a minimum of these purposes
the claims of Christ upon the whole of life.
reflects the gracious goodness of Christ’s rule and in that sense is showing obedience to Christ even if those who govern do not acknowledge Christ’s supremacy. Likewise, to the extent that any government fails to uphold justice and protect the innocent, it manifests human sinfulness and thus deserves God’s judgment. Our tendency as sinful humans is to blame God when we suffer injustice and to give credit to human goodness and ingenuity when we enjoy well-being and good government. We praise humanity for democracy and blame God for the Luke Bobo (right), FSI Director, with students outside of the Schaeffer Institute.
Holocaust. But we should do just the opposite. Good government is due to God’s grace in Christ, and the Holocaust was
The institute is named after the late
due to human depravity. The fact that not all Jews were
Francis Schaeffer who, through writings
destroyed by the Holocaust and that millions more people
and lectures, proclaimed to an international
were not destroyed by the communists, fascists, and national-
audience the relevance of the Christian
ists is due to God’s grace. The fact that much injustice exists
worldview for all aspects of modern society.
under democracy around the world is due to human depravi-
The Francis A. Schaeffer Institute is
ty. By God’s grace, a government that is not accountable to
dedicated to Dr. and Mrs. Schaeffer’s vision
an electorate might be as able to uphold justice as a demo-
of teaching Christians to bring every area
cratically elected government. At the same time, both
of their lives under the liberating Lordship
majorities and minorities can exercise unjust governance.
of Christ and to share this Gospel message
Our responsibility as Christians – wherever we live and
with others.
under whatever form of government we find ourselves –
Through its classes, Friday night
is to seek justice for all and to live at peace with all of our
discussions, summer study program, and
neighbors insofar as it depends on us. Our political way of
special lectures, the Schaeffer Institute is
life, as every other dimension of our existence, should be to
another way in which Covenant Seminary is
acknowledge Christ’s supremacy and to live in accord with
equipping the Lord’s Church for His service.
His own grace and patience until His return. ■ Article adapted from Politics and Public Policy, A Christian Response by Timothy J. Demy and Gary P. Stewart. ©2000. Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
www.covenantseminary.edu
23
Training Servants of the Triune God
Twentysomething Twentysomeone? or
How a Mentoring Community Helps Young Adults in a Decade of Transition
“Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But, while joined by many bonds, which one precedes and brings forth the other is not easy to discern. In the first place, no one can look upon himself without immediately turning his thoughts to the contemplation of God…the knowledge of ourselves not only arouses us to seek God, but also, as it were, leads us by the hand to find Him.”
John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion
1
What is wisdom? What would we do to become wise people?
friends beginning a thousand-page book of theology
Theologian John Calvin said that true and sound wisdom
addressed to the King of France?
consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and the knowl-
As we befriend, pastor, disciple, mentor, and nurture peo-
edge of self. Calvin wrote this at the beginning of his now
ple in their twenties, we “Calvinistically” must seek to help
famous Institutes of Christian Religion. After making a notable
them know God and know themselves. The good news is
and profound mention of knowledge of self, Calvin goes on
that doing this really is not as hard as it might seem.
in his Institutes to write hundreds of pages on finding God.
The Question of the Twenties
Considering Calvin’s pursuits in theology (theology
Think of all the things that typically happen for many young
literally means words of God) it is natural that this would
adults in the Western world in this amazing decade of our
be his priority for the Institutes. But, while Calvin profoundly
twenties (which I loosely define as ages18-32): graduation
recognized this link between knowledge of God and
from high school and college, moving out for the first time,
knowledge of self, could he have written hundreds of pages
meeting so many new people and making friends, meeting
about his own life, his own passions, his own personality,
someone, getting engaged and married, having children,
his own story?
having your own place, buying a house and a car and a dog,
Considering that Calvin began his great work at the age
getting hired and maybe fired… It’s a whirlwind.
of 27, I wonder if he truly knew himself. What questions
Life swirls around in this decade of transition. But the
would you have asked Calvin to find out what he knew of
questions Twentysomethings are most asked are often not
himself? And what would it have been like to be the pastor 1
of this precocious young man when he set off to write the Institutes? Can you imagine one of your twentysomething
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
24
John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, Book One, ed. John T. McNeill, trans. Ford Lewis Battles (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1960), 35.
Twentysomething or Twentysomeone?
the ones that matter most. Twentysomethings are asked
BY DOUG SERVEN (M.Div.’00)
questions like: What is your major? What will you do when
Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister at the University of Oklahoma
you graduate? What is your 401(k) plan? These are performance questions, focused on doing.
Of course, this is scary and isn’t
But we should encourage young adults to ask another,
easy, as it means we have to
deeper question, focused on being. The most important
continually ask questions about
question of the twenties is “Who am I?” As a person is
our life, our love, our work.”
2
encouraged to process experiences, thoughts, actions,
I like that line: “We have to
passions, worldview, and character through the “Who am I?”
continually ask questions about our life, our love, our work.”
question, he or she is better able to make sense of just what
Each step along the way may not be perfect, but each
God is doing.
3
step can fit into the larger matrix of figuring oneself out,
When young adults begin
seeing what one’s calling might
to ask “Who am I?,” they
be, the thing God wants us to
begin to move from being
pursue for our lives. For that is
a twenty-something to a
what we want to do – to figure
twenty-someone. They move
out and live according to our
from being a number in a
calling. But if we do not ask
demographic pool, to an
and begin to answer the “Who
individual with unique gifts,
am I?” question, we find our-
experiences, and callings.
selves being and doing some-
Authors Richard Leider
thing we had not intended (this
and David Shapiro write in
is often called a midlife crisis).
their book Repacking Your
When you have twen-
Bags, “Life is not meant to
tysomeones in your life, or in
be linear. The path from
your church, you would most
birth to death is not a
help them by encouraging them
straight-line journey; it’s a
to ask this “Who am I?” ques-
zig-zag… The linear point of
tion. It is okay to ask the facts –
view says first get an educa-
what classes did you take this
tion, then work hard, then
semester? What are your plans
retire so you can finally begin living. But by that
for the summer? What job are photo by Paul Savage (M.A.T.S.’02)
you looking at? What is his
time, many people have forgotten how to live, or else
name? The answers to these questions will bring needed
they’re so exhausted by getting to where they’ve gotten
information, and perhaps some blushes.
that there’s no life left. The alternative is to live all your
But we need to go deeper; we need to get closer to the
life as fully as possible. To challenge the existing script.
heart with other questions. What did you learn about your-
To wander as opposed to sticking to the straight and narrow.
self this semester? What opportunity are you pursuing next and why? How does your relationship with this person lead
The question of your forties and fifties is “What is my calling?” and of your sixties and seventies is “What am I going to leave behind?” 3 Richard Leider and David Shapiro, Repacking Your Bags, Berrett-Koehler Publishers: San Francisco, 1995, 1996, pages 76-77. 2
www.covenantseminary.edu
you toward Christlikeness? What was the hardest thing about your semester or year? What is the Lord teaching you about yourself and about Him?
25
Training Servants of the Triune God
Twentysomething or Twentysomeone?
What TwentySomeones Need: Mentors
tor, Stu Kerns, asked me to breakfast right away. I was
Many twentysomeones are either away from their home-
astounded. And grateful. Stu and I would go to the Hinky
town at college or have moved away from their familial
Dinky grocery store now and then and talk about our lives,
network for some other reason. As they ask the “Who am I?�
and he would always pass on a few nuggets to me from the
question, they unfortunately often have to ask it alone.
Bible. I had never spent time like that with a pastor before.
A community of mentors enhances the whole question,
Likewise, when my wife, Julie, and I arrived at seminary
and helps propel a person to greater understanding of him
the next year, we wondered if we were failing as parents.
or herself. We get greater clarity when we ask the question
We had two toddlers and desperately needed help. The
with peers, as well as with people of different gender,
community we found there made a huge difference in giving
generations, and viewpoints.
us guidance and perspective. We spent time with friends
A campus ministry like Reformed University Fellowship
from Colorado, a seminary professor and his wife, and
instructs students with the Bible, pastors them, and helps
We need to help these twentysomeones discover their spiritual gifts and passions in life. We should provide them opportunities to serve, to try their new ideas, to train them while they are hungry for more...
another student couple who were farther along in their
Twen
develop such a community. Cities with universities must
parenting than we were. They assured us that we were not
have churches to further connect those students inter-gener-
going crazy or destroying our children. Their reassurance
ationally and with the body of Christ. Inviting students over
and encouragement were just what we needed.
to your house loosens the tension and shows a person that
People in the decade of their twenties need practical help
the church congregation cares for him or her in a time that
as well. They need someone to help them make a budget,
can be terribly confusing and difficult.
steer away from debt, consider wise choices, make sense of
The same is true when a person graduates from college
relationships, bail them out of trouble, show them how to
and/or gets a first job. This change often brings with it a new
read the Bible and pray, and help them form a Biblical
place, a new church, a new community. Friends and mentors
worldview as they interact with culture. People need a
are needed. This is a time when we can again invite people
community of faith to mentor them into a fuller understand-
into our lives to befriend them, ask questions, and provide a
ing of the Gospel and its application for every day of life.
nurturing environment for them.
What Twentysomeones Need: A Community of Mentors
I can remember when I was 26 years old and lived in Lincoln, Neb. I started attending Covenant Presbyterian
In his book, Fabric of Faithfulness, Steven Garber discusses
Church (now Zion Church [PCA]), and was planning on
the elements that go into helping a person make it for the
attending Covenant Seminary the following year. The pas-
long haul. One of the most dramatic features of an ongoing
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
26
Twentysomething or Twentysomeone?
vital faith is an authentic community. People in their
twentysomeones also need to learn patience, submission
twenties are figuring out how the world works as adults.
to authority, and how to follow the stated course. Not
They have been thrust into a new setting and are out from
everything is up for grabs, nor do we need to invent new
under their protective netting of home and family. They
ways for all we see. We have an ancient faith, and yet we
are trying again to make sense of things.
sing a new song. Working with twentysomeones can be frustrating.
As they look around, what do they see? If they are Christians, they need to see other older
The rest of the church community would do well to allow
Christians living out a life that lines up with the Gospel –
them some freedom in areas as they attempt to work things
that means we, as the Church who has gone ahead of them,
out and create, all under the guidance and supervision of
need to be repenting together, worshiping together, giving
the elders. This would allow twentysomethings the chance
our time and money together, serving together. Too often
to know their service is appreciated and valued, and perhaps
people see a faith divorced from reality. They see people
grease the wheels for more understanding about the areas
tysomeone that are not going to be changed.
read the Bible and hear a sermon about the love of money
This interaction happens in the context of church,
being the root of all kinds of evil, but then they see the
through the corporate worship of our congregations.
congregation happily drive off in luxury vehicles. This
It also happens through conversations at Hinky Dinky.
damages us, and them.
Through a twentysomeone observing a thirty-, forty-,
We need to struggle with sin together. We need to battle the destructiveness of our selfish ambition. We need
fiftysomeone’s (you get the picture) life and vice versa.
to partner in redeeming the culture, and in preaching and
Through a meal where the kids are not behaving.
teaching the Gospel. This authentic community is vital to
Through watching movies and doing laundry together. As we invest in our twentysomeones, they just might
teach twentysomeones the values of the Kingdom of God.
help us continue to ask and answer the “Who am I?”
We need to help these twentysomeones discover their spiritual gifts and passions in life. We should provide them
question as well. And as Calvin said, that would certainly
opportunities to serve, to try their new ideas, to train them
point us back to God and increase our faith in Him. ■
while they are hungry for more, to challenge them with new
Doug Serven is the Reformed University Fellowship Campus Minister at the University of Oklahoma and co-author (with Craig Dunham) of TwentySomeone, Finding Yourself in a Decade of Transition (Water Brook Press, 2003). TwentySomeone is available through Covenant Seminary’s online store: www.covenantseminary.edu.
thoughts and ideas. The decade of the twenties is an exciting time in life. Too often it is squashed by the staid and proper church that says, “We don’t do things that way.” Of course,
www.covenantseminary.edu
27
Training Servants of the Triune God
news
CAMPUS For a campus calendar, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu. Jennings and Bayer Join Dialogue in Iran Dr. Nelson Jennings, Associate Professor of World Mission and Dr. Hans Bayer, Associate Professor of New Testament will travel to Tehran, Iran, this June to take part in an interreligious dialogue conference sponsored by the Institute for Interreligious Dialogue (IFIRD). Others presenting papers at the June 8 meeting are Dr. Daphne Haddad of Covenant College and Dr. Sam Larsen of Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson, Miss.). Iranian Muslim counterparts representing IFIRD will also give papers on the conference theme, “Motivations and Obstacles to Interreligious Dialogue Within Our Respective Religious Traditions.” Preliminary plans are being made for follow-up conferences, including one in the United States.
Jones Serves as Panelist on Sanctity of Marriage Dr. David Jones served as a panelist at a forum on the sanctity of marriage held by a Washington University Jewish student group on April 1, 2004. Dr. Jones serves as Professor of Theology and Ethics for Covenant Seminary and has served as an advisor to the PCA and others on many ethical issues including divorce and marriage.
Ghanaian Church Leader Spends Sabbatical at Seminary The Very Reverend (Commander)* Ferdinand Gbewonyo, retired moderator of the Global Evangelical Church (GEC) of Ghana, West Africa, is spending a four-month sabbatical
COVENANT MAGAZINE
at Covenant Seminary. Rev. Gbewonyo served the Ghanaian church as Moderator for eight years, during which time the GEC saw remarkable growth. The seminary is glad to welcome him and benefit from his presence.
Faculty Itinerary Jerram Barrs, Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture, in Kiev, Ukraine, May 24-June 4, teaching on apologetics; in Budapest, Hungary, speaking at the European Leadership Forum; in Cambridge, England, June 21-26, lecturing for the Cambridge School for Theological Studies; in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 12-23, lecturing for Regent College on “Jesus, The Great Evangelist.”
*Rev. Gbewonyo earned the title Commander during his Ghanaian military service and it is retained in his church title.
Rayburn and Kooistra Speak for Graduation Dr. Robert S. Rayburn (M.Div.’75), Senior Pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church in Tacoma, Wash., will give the sermon for Covenant Seminary’s baccalaureate service on May 16, 2004. Dr. Rayburn’s son-in-law, Joshua Moon, will be among the Master of Divinity graduates. Dr. Rayburn is the son of Covenant Seminary’s first President Dr. Robert G. Rayburn. Dr. Paul Kooistra, Coordinator of the PCA Mission to the World and former President of Covenant Seminary, will serve as the speaker for graduation on May 17, 2004.
David Calhoun, Professor of Church History, in San Juan Island, Wash., May 28-June 11, teaching at Islands Community Church; in Hungary, Italy, France, and the Netherlands, June 15-30, visiting PMI missionaries. David Chapman, Assistant Professor of New Testament and Biblical Archaeology, along with Harold Mare, Professor Emeritus of New Testament, in Jordan, June 19 - Aug 17, for the Abila Archaeological Excavation.
Access Student/Christian Arts Leader Publishes Book
Zack Eswine, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, in St. Louis, Mo., May 9 and 16, June 13 and 20, preaching for the Chinese Gospel Church; in St. Louis, Mo., July 25, preaching for Crossroads Presbyterian Church; in Westcliffe, Colo., June 27-July 6, speaking for Horn Creek Youth Conference.
Access distance education student Charlie Peacock has written a new book called New Way to Be Human: A Provocative Look at What It Means to Follow Jesus (Shaw Books/Waterbrook). The book’s focus is to offer readers a fresh invitation to the privilege, relationship, and calling a life of following Jesus is meant to be. Charlie is a singer/songwriter and three-time winner of the Gospel Music Association’s Producer of the Year award. Access is Covenant Seminary’s distance education program which enables
Summer 2004
distance learners to take one class or earn an entire Master of Arts in Theological Studies.
28
J. Nelson Jennings, Associate Professor of World Mission, in Iran, June 1-11, for Interreligious Dialogue Conference; in Chicago, Ill., June 17-20, for the American Society of Missiology Conference; in Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Philippines, India), July 31-Aug. 20, with Covenant Seminary mission trip. James C. Pakala, Library Director, in Pittsburgh, Pa., June 14-16, for PCA General Assembly and Joint Commission on Chaplains; in Kansas City, Mo., June 17-19, for the American Theological Library Association Conference. Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, in St. Charles, Mo., June 4-6, speaking for Grace Presbyterian Church Men’s Retreat; in St. Charles, Mo., June 6, 13, 20, and 27, preaching for Grace Presbyterian Church; in Brevard, N.C., July 26-30, speaking for the Covenant Seminary Family Camp at Ridge Haven. Jay Sklar, Assistant Professor of New Testament, in Ireland and Scotland, June 21 to July 2, co-leading Our Emerald Isle Heritage Tour. Michael Williams, Professor of Systematic Theology, in Brevard, N.C., July 26-30, speaking for the Covenant Seminary Family Camp at Ridge Haven.
Briefly Stated
Covenant 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. Volume 19, Number 2. ©2004 Executive Editor David Wicker
FAITH When the Bible speaks of faith, it does so in the context of sufficient evidence having been given that I should conclude it to be reasonable to believe that evidence. By faith we acknowledge a truth and reality to be true or real and then act accordingly.
Managing Editor and Writer Eileen O’Gorman Copy Editors Beth Almquist Huntley Cooney Betty Porter Circulation Paul Rawlins Photography Ed Eubanks John Ranheim Paul Savage 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: covenant@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. PR0402-002
If anything, people are much too ready to believe almost anything that fits into their desires…we can create an imaginary world that fits into our desires. But such a world is never solid enough to carry the weight of our hopes and expectations. – Udo Middelmann (M.Div.’67), President of the Francis Schaeffer Foundation and Swiss L’Abri Worker Quotation taken from: Udo Middelmann, The Market Driven Church, The Worldly Influence of Modern Culture on the Church in America, (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2004), p. 75.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID Covenant Theological Seminary
Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63141 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Student Profile
GOSPEL Messengers Tony’s first glimpse of Covenant
When Tony Myles (M.Div.’07) was 15 years old, a couple of evangelists
Seminary gave him the assurance
knocked on his door. They were
he needed to make many sacrifices
ministering in his neighborhood and
and enroll as a Master of Divinity
told him about a basketball program
student. For Tanya and Tony
that he enthusiastically joined. The
seminary still means sacrifice. Tony
only problem is that they were not
works full time at a local adolescent
Christian evangelists. They were part
psychiatric treatment center and
of the Mormon church. At that time,
goes to class full time. But seminary
Tony had no background that would
studies also bring them blessing.
help him differentiate between
Tony’s enthusiasm about his growing
Mormonism and Christianity.
Tony and Tanya Myles with children, Hannah (2) and Jonathan (1).
realization that Jesus is Lord over all creation practically leaks out of
Fortunately, not too long after
him as he talks about this Scriptural
that, Tony’s friend invited him to
truth. “Christ redeems all of life, that is so encouraging!” Tony says.
church. By then Tony was beginning to wonder about
Tanya’s hunger to be prepared for ministry parallels Tony’s.
Mormon teaching. When he heard the Gospel, Tony says he was “overwhelmed by what Christ had done.” It didn’t
She too has signed up for classes each semester and is earning a
take long before he was involved in everything at his new church.
Master of Arts in Theological Studies through Covenant Seminary’s
Today Tony helps with another basketball program. After church
spouse tuition full scholarship. As Tanya completes her first year
on Sundays at New City Fellowship in St. Louis, Tony spends a por-
of seminary she says that the big-picture lessons she is learning can
tion of the afternoon shooting hoops with teen boys who, like him,
be summed up from the teaching of two professors. “Dr. Douglass
need the love of people in their community. Tony and the other
has helped me know more deeply that I am a child of God saved
basketball ministry leaders are eager to point these teens to Christ
by grace,” Tanya says. “And Prof. Barrs has taught me so much
and invite them into a church body that ministers God’s grace.
about loving other people.”
Tony’s journey to Covenant Seminary began about nine years
Please pray for the Myles family as they balance family,
ago when he started seriously considering pursuing pastoral ministry.
work, and seminary in coming years. Pray that God would give
From that time until now Tony has graduated from college; married
them grace for endurance and prepare a place ahead of them
his teenage sweetheart, Tanya (M.A.T.S.’07); become the father
to serve and be Gospel messengers to the community where
of two children; and received word about Covenant Seminary
they are led. ■
from friends and a respected Missionary Baptist pastor in his hometown of St. Louis.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Summer 2004
www.covenantseminary.edu
Training Servants of the Triune God