Maranatha Advantage 2015

Advantage

DEVELOPING LEADERS "TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY"

CORE VALUES

PRESERVING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

GIVING BACK

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p. 12 Winter 2015

FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Friend, Christlike leadership is crucial to daily living. Each one of us influences the behavior and actions of others, whether in the home, church, school, or marketplace. Every vocation, ministry, and setting calls for Christlike leaders who are spiritually, emotionally, and mentally prepared to guide followers toward a goal.

At Maranatha, leadership is a key component of the training we provide our students. In fact, leadership is one of Maranatha’s core values, and it is a point of emphasis in our mission “To develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”

Scripture provides the greatest resource for leadership development within our student body. Chapel speakers devote time to the topic, and dorm leaders direct students to the Bible for leadership principles. Our faculty, staff, and administration demonstrate biblical leadership gleaned from years of personal experience and training. They exemplify godliness and humility, while sacrificially serving our students, both on the undergraduate and graduate levels.

In this edition of the Advantage magazine, we welcome special guest writers Dr. Fred Moritz (Professor, Maranatha Baptist Seminary), Dr. Matthew Davis (Executive Vice President), and Mrs. Carole Gordon (pastor’s wife, past employee, and alumnus), as they share important aspects of leadership in both the local church and the world. We trust their insights will give you tools to lead in differing realms of life.

CONTENTS 4 Preserving Religious Liberty 8 Learning from the Master Teacher 10 MBU News 12 Giving Back 14 #mbustats 16 The Heritage Project 18 Following God's Leading 20 Core Values 23 Sabercats Summary

The faculty (p. 8), student (p. 12), and alumni highlights (p.18), new to our last edition have returned as well as the Sabercats Summary (p. 23) that shares the accomplishments of our 2014-15 winter and spring sports teams.

24 Master of Organizational Leadership

As you disciple those whom God has providentially placed in your care, we trust that you too are endeavoring to develop the next generation of leaders who demonstrate a servant’s heart, the love of Christ, and the hope of the Gospel.

26 Make Me a Blessing

Dr. Marriott

28 Biblical Leadership 31 Alumni Focus

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Dr. Jim Harrison COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Peter Wright WRITERS Karen Hansel Grace Peters GRAPHIC ARTISTS Kristina Hendrickson Corinne Kutz PHOTOGRAPHERS Tim Mielke, Nathaniel Brewer Jonathan Williquette, Bridger Buchi

The Maranatha Advantage (Volume 16) Please send correspondence and address changes to: The Maranatha Advantage 745 West Main Street Watertown, WI 53094 ©2015 Maranatha Baptist University.

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FACULTY/STAFF HIGHLIGHTS

In 2011, Tony Fell, Coordinator for Facilities Management, trained and received the Certified Building Operator, Level I. This certification has been maintained every year since. In August, Mr. Fell trained for and received certification for Level II from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Council.

Maranatha Online hired Dr. Jude Leary in the spring of 2015 to teach classes for its newly-released Criminal Justice program.

In August Dr. Leary graduated with her PhD in Higher Education Administration with a cognate in Educational Outcomes of Correctional Populations. Her dissertation title was “Funding Faithful Felons: A Phenomenological Analysis of the Higher Education Transitions of Ex-Offender Scholarship Recipients.”

A Thankful Goodbye On April 27, Maranatha thanked three retiring faculty and staff members during Faculty and Staff Recognition Chapel. Dr. Curtis Malmanger taught mathematics for the Department of Applied Science since 1988 and assistant coached MBU’s football and softball teams. Two of his students currently teach mathematics courses at Maranatha. Mrs. Minerva Mechenich served on staff since 1990, working in the Chat and Nibble Inn for a year before spending the next 24 years working in the Cedarholm Library. She helped move the library from Burckart Hall to its present location. As Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor, Mr. Doug Hewison kept MBU’s vehicles in working order for 28 years and was also the driver for sports teams and musical group travelling tours. He estimates that he drove MBU’s current bus over 175,000 miles in 35 different states.

These faculty and staff members helped to shape MBU by investing in the lives of students over the last three decades, and for that we thank them.

New Faculty: Tami Gunselman joined MBU’s faculty this fall as Assistant Professor for the School of Nursing. Ms. Gunselman has most recently taught nursing and English in China, specifically at the Shanghai Institute of Health Sciences (20092015). She has a BSN from Washington University and master’s degrees in both CrossCultural Communications and Education.

The College of Bible and Church Ministries welcomed Dr. Steve Love as Associate Professor this summer.

Having grown up as a missionary child in Brazil and having pastored for over 25 years, Dr. Love brings cross-cultural and domestic ministry experience to the classroom. An MBU undergraduate alum, Dr. Love holds bachelor’s degrees in Bible and Secondary Education. He has also completed a Master of Ministry degree and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

Lewis Rosove assumed the role of Associate Professor for the String Pedagogy program in the Department of Music. Mr. Rosove formerly played in the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as Assistant Principal Violist and taught part-time at MBU as an adjunct. He performed a solo faculty recital at Maranatha on October 5, 2015.

Steve Board joined MBU as an Assistant Professor within the School of Business in January 2012. He is heavily involved as the MBU representative at the Rotary, and participates in many Chamber of Commerce activities. With the relationships he has built in the local business community, Steve was recently elected to be a member of the Board of Directors for the Watertown Chamber of Commerce.

In May, Christina Miller, Director of the Academic Success Center, was conferred the Master of Science degree in Special Education (Learning Disabilities) from the University of North Dakota. As part of the requirements for graduation, she created a series of teacher in-service workshops entitled, “Mining the Treasure Within: Actuating the Potential of SLD Students in the Private School Classroom.” Mrs. Miller then presented these workshops for two days in October at the Wisconsin Association for Christian Schools Teacher Educator Conference. Close to 200 teachers from the conference attended Mrs. Miller’s workshops.

William Licht received an EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University in May 2015 as a graduate with high distinction. Dr. Licht’s dissertation was entitled Understanding College Students with a Learning Disability. The study described the essence of what it means to be a college student who was identified with a learning disability after beginning a collegiate learning experience. The data revealed that participants struggled in many areas. Academically, the participants toiled in reading, writing, and mathematical courses; faced troubling transitional obstacles as freshman; and labored in large lecture courses. Emotionally, the participants were overwhelmed by frustration and discouragement about college in general and had high anxiety about interaction with faculty members. Institutionally, universities should create practices that encourage mentoring relationships, testing accommodations, lighter student academic loads, and interactive learning. Dr. Licht is in his 23rd year at Maranatha, currently serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs. He continues to teach one undergraduate upper-level history course each semester, which, he shares, “is the best part of any week at MBU.” MBU.EDU

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Preserving Religious Liberty Dr. Matt Davis, MBU Executive Vice President & Corporate Counsel

“Baptists have always been in the vanguard of the fight to establish and preserve freedom of religion for all.”

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Physical, legal, and cultural attacks on religious liberty dominate the headlines. Accounts of violence and treachery serve to keep in our consciousness the truth that freedom never comes without sacrifice—and it will not be preserved by our passive admiration. Our Savior purchased our spiritual freedom with his blood on the cross of Calvary. With God’s help and through many sacrifices, the Founding Fathers carved out a nation with a freedom to worship God that is unique in the world. Unless Christians understand the biblical basis for universal religious freedom, we stand in danger of surrendering the essential foundations of faith in society.

False Promises from a False Source Today, many Americans, including those in prominent positions of power and authority, believe that “Freedom is the unoriginated birth right of man and it belongs to him by force of his humanity.”1 President Obama, quoted here from a speech given in 2009, was himself quoting

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Immanuel Kant, who taught that reason alone is the source of morality.2 Consider the impact of his words. He is saying that our freedoms are not endowed upon us by our Creator as inalienable rights. Instead, they are universal entitlements.

No need for sacrifice. No need for struggle or conflict. Indeed, no need for defense.

Many believe that freedom will simply and inevitably emerge as a society evolves—totally apart from God or the work of His people. This subtle change in the fundamental definition of freedom and its source leads quite logically to the secular recasting of America’s historic foundation as articulated by President Obama himself: One of the great strengths of the United States is [that]—although as I mentioned, we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values. 3

The secularization of fundamental human rights changes their basic nature. For example, our first freedom—the freedom of worship described in the Bill of Rights as the right to “free exercise of religion”—has frequently been redefined and rearticulated as the “freedom to believe what you want.” Notice the difference? Believe what you want. But if your beliefs manifest themselves into practices we disapprove, you will be silenced, punished, and ultimately exterminated.

Most recently, in its Obergefell v. Hodges opinion mandating the legalization of homosexual marriages, the majority of the Supreme Court gutted the protections of religious liberty in its feeble attempt at reassurance: The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.

As Justice Roberts pointed out in his dissenting opinion, “The majority graciously suggests that religious believers may continue to ‘advocate’ and ‘teach’ their views of marriage. The First Amendment guarantees, however, the freedom to ‘exercise’ religion. Ominously, that is not a word the majority uses.”

This political doctrine of separating private beliefs from public activities is called “Fundamentalist

Secularism," and it is a major emerging threat to religious liberty as it expands in global popularity.

Post-Modernism Threats to religious liberty are amplified by the dominant post-modern mindset reflected in every realm of society from education to news media, to entertainment, and even to some religious groups that completely reject any concept of absolute moral truth. The post-modern thinker believes that each culture constructs its own reality and each is as valid as another. It is therefore impossible for a post-modernist to insist that another community change, even when its regime is violating the basic civil rights of its citizens.

This philosophy is seen quite clearly in the opinion of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the BIA’s decision to refuse asylum to Chinese Christian Xiaodong Li: “While we may abhor China’s practice of restricting its citizens from gathering in a private home to read the gospel and sing hymns, and abusing offenders, like Li, who commit such acts, that is a moral judgment not a legal one.” Xiaodong Li v. Alberto Gonzalez, 420 F.3d 500 (5th Cir. 2005) vacated after significant political pressure and negative publicity forced the BIA to reconsider.

A tragic example of this principle in action is found in the fact that, having freed Iraq of its dictatorial tyrant, when it came time to establish a new constitution for a free and democratic society, the Bush administration failed to secure a guaranteed

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protection for universal religious liberty. The new Iraqi constitution thus establishes Islam as the official religion of the state and includes no meaningful protection for the universal religious liberty of its citizens, and sectarian violence continues to ravage the nation to this day, with Christians and other minority faiths persecuted and driven out.

The Constitution of Iraq states, “First: Islam is the official religion of the State and is a foundation source of legislation: A. No law may be enacted that contradicts the established provisions of Islam.

B. No law may be enacted that contradicts the principles of democracy.

C. No law may be enacted that contradicts the rights and basic freedoms stipulated in this Constitution.

Second: This Constitution guarantees the Islamic identity of the majority of the Iraqi people and guarantees the full religious rights to freedom of religious belief and practice of all individuals such as Christians, Yazidis, and Mandean Sabeans.”

This is the environment within which Christians contend for the faith today. We must reassert the universal and biblical nature of religious liberty. We must insist that all cultures, our own as well as others, respect the rights of all faith groups and protect their right to practice their faith as they choose, including their right to engage in religious speech with which others in that culture may vehemently disagree.

Universal Religious Liberty Defined What is meant by “universal religious liberty?” Universal religious liberty is the proposition that every human has a universal right to freely worship (or not worship) God according to the dictates of his own conscience without coercion or punishment by government or other citizens.

The United Nations provides a fairly helpful articulation of universal religious liberty as a basic human right: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” 4 Early Baptist Leaders Baptists have always been in the vanguard of the fight to establish and preserve freedom of religion for all.

Early Baptist leaders certainly understood that the Scriptures taught of a right of freedom to worship—even for those who chose to worship contrary to their Baptist

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convictions. “Liberty of Conscience” first appeared as a term in the Confession of Faith of 1612 by John Smyth, a principal leader in the Baptist church of Holland: “That the magistrate is not by virtue of his office to meddle with religion, or matters of conscience, to force or compel men to this or that form of religion, or doctrine: but to leave Christian religion free, to every man’s conscience, and to handle only civil transgressions (Romans 13), injuries and wrongs of man against man, in murder, adultery, theft, etc., for Christ only is king and lawgiver of the church and conscience (James 4:12).”

Roger Williams, the Baptist leader who established the Colony of Rhode Island, famous for harboring and protecting religious dissidents of all faiths, said in 1644: “It is the will and command of God that, since the coming of His Son the Lord Jesus, a permission of the most paganish, Jewish, Turkish, or anti-Christian consciences and worships be granted to all men in all nations and countries, and they are only to be fought against with that sword which is only, in soul matters, able to conquer, to wit, the sword of God’s Spirit, the Word of God. “God requires not a uniformity of religion to be enacted and enforced in any civil state; which enforced uniformity, sooner or later, is the greatest occasion of civil war, ravishing of conscience, persecution of Christ Jesus in his servants, and of the hypocrisy and destruction of millions of souls.” 5 In 1773, Isaac Backus, an early American Baptist preacher, offered a similar opinion: “God alone is Lord of the conscience, and hath left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men, which are, in any thing contrary to his word; or not contained in it; so that to believe such doctrines, or to obey such commands, out of conscience, is to betray true liberty of conscience; and the requiring of an implicit faith, and an absolute blind obedience, is to destroy liberty of conscience and reason also.” 6 Liberty of Conscience has historically served as a primary basis for Baptists arguing for universal religious freedom. Consider the argument of Colonial Baptist preacher John Leland in 1791: Every man must give an account of himself to God, and therefore every man ought to be at liberty to serve God in that way that he can best reconcile it to his conscience. If government can answer for individuals at the Day of Judgment, let men be controlled by it in religious matters; otherwise let men be free. 7 Our Baptist forefathers fought and died defending our right to know and serve God today. My prayer is that you will commit yourself to love, cherish, and defend this freedom so it may be preserved undiminished for the generation that follows.

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President Barrack Obama speaking at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, Germany (June 19, 2013) https://www. whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/19/remarks-president-obama-brandenburg-gate-berlin-germany.

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Immanuel Kant, The Metaphysics of Ethics (1796) “Freedom is the alone unoriginated birthright of man, and belongs to him by force of his humanity; and is independence on the will and co-action of every other in so far as this consists with every other person’s freedom.”

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President Barrack Obama speaking in a joint press conference with President Gul of Turkey (April 6, 2009) https:// www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/joint-press-availability-with-president-obama-and-president-gul-turkey.

4

United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, Article 18 http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/.

5

Roger Williams, The Bloudy Tenent of Persecution. (1644)

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Isaac Backus, An Appeal to the Public for Religious Liberty, Against the Oppressions of the Present Day. (1773) John Leland, The Rights of Conscience Inalienable, And, Therefore, Religious Opinions Not Cognizable by Law; Or,The High-Flying Churchman, Stripped of His Legal Robe, Appears a Yaho. (1791) 7

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FACULTY HIGHLIGHT

Learning from the Master Teacher Jeffrey Miller Chair, Department of Humanities

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The human heart is so much more receptive to being shown, to being moved by a story. Too often we tell, tell, tell, instead of showing. There is undoubtedly a place for telling, but there is a whole world for showing and narrative that we could more powerfully use if we were willing to do it.

That is where the dramatic arts—the all-inclusive storyteller—enters the picture. Drama too often is judged as a “what;” that is, the content it brings to the stage. If the content of a production is not overtly religious, then that particular use of drama is deemed inherently less valuable by some. While we need to assure that the “what” is appropriate, it is much more important to focus on the “how and why” of the dramatic arts. Drama is drama. That is, it’s a thing—it’s a tool. But how and why it is used determines its value.

That said, then, how is it to be used biblically? To answer such a question, we go through Scripture and look for principles—principles of stewardship, of hard work, of discipline, of focus, of sacrifice, of collaboration, of unity, of submission to authority—and

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we incorporate those principles into the practice arena. Then the student, actor, or even the teacher involved puts himself or herself under those biblical standards and displays that kind of work ethic—that focusing-on-others ethic, that “serving others” mentality—and, through that process, produces drama in a biblical way.

Such a process requires more than our simply stating that we are using drama for the glory of God. Rather, we are obligated to engage specific biblical principles and apply them to the work. If the whole of our offering of drama to the Lord is reduced to speaking the phrase, “We do this to God’s glory,” such a work becomes little more than a platitude we’ve tacked onto some activity we want to do.

To a degree, the director who works with nonreligious drama (secular literature or non-religious scripts) is no different in his ability to glorify God than the man who takes a brush and paints his house. There is nothing intrinsically spiritual about doing so, but by his efforts the painter is being a steward—he is producing work and hopefully doing it in a way that shows that he values the talents and abilities God has given him. He’s using his energies in a worthwhile pastime.

Because of the value of the dramatic art, it can be employed in a number of profitable ways. The biggest reason that I have used drama—coming from the director’s standpoint—is to train other people in the stage arts and to grow their spiritual character to be more like that of Jesus Christ. In the bigger picture, I want my actors to be able to take

the spiritual lessons we teach them in the dramatic arena and apply them in every area of life.

I have had the privilege of working with actors who used drama as a means of self-disciplining as they worked through the process of preparing a role. I have also had the privilege of using it in ministry and upon the church stage. Some actors use drama as my wife does: she travels in a solo performance around the country and presents the life story of Amy Carmichael. I have also enjoyed using drama in settings with young people, where they are actually preparing a sacred message, a competition piece, or a piece of appropriate literature. Such preparation on their part allows them the experience of being exercised by it to grow in their faith.

As I noted earlier, we can get our message across in a very media-saturated society by preparing, instead of propositional offerings, more indirect and narrative offerings, which are very effective, a fact that the world knows well. In one’s weekly ministries of sharing the gospel, teaching a Sunday school class, preaching a sermon, or holding a Bible study, drama can be used biblically to show the message and truths of God’s Word. Look for those narratives that complement the truth that you’re trying to get across and incorporate them into your message.

Jesus showed His audience truths through stories and parables, a method we would do well to imitate.

When we place Scripture in front of our audience and cause them to have to reason, to think and wrestle for themselves, they end up appropriating the truth personally, leaving a lasting impression upon them for life.

Jeffrey Miller, a ’91 MBU graduate, is the Chair for the Department of Humanities and has both directed and acted in collegiate plays at Maranatha, including Shakespeare, comedies, sacred works, and mysteries. He has taught speech and drama classes on the high school and undergraduate levels for 20 years. Jeff and his wife, Christina, have three children.

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MBU NEWS Maranatha welcomed Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch to speak in a campus assembly on Veteran’s Day. Recently elected as the chairperson of republican lieutenant governors, Kleefisch expressed sincere gratitude for the invitation to speak at MBU. After thanking those in attendance who defend our freedoms and delivering a warm greeting from Governor Scott Walker to the student body, Kleefisch recounted her journey from journalist to politician, from career woman to stay-at-home mother of two, and cancer patient to cancer survivor. Referring to Romans 5:3, she reminded the students that “hope does not disappoint” and “If you have that hope, students and friends, there is no doubt that here in Wisconsin, across this great country and our world, you will not disappoint.”

Maranatha Baptist Seminary introduced its new Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading, designed for pastors, missionaries, and other church leaders who seek professional and personal growth. The DMin melds together a pastor’s initial classroom training and ministry experience with 32 credits of formal training in preaching, evangelism, small group communication, leadership, and management. Learn more about this unique preaching and leading degree online.

Maranatha welcomed over 140 alumni from across the United States to campus during its annual Alumni Weekend on August 28-29. The Alumni Association hosted a special dinner on Friday evening, introducing the 2015-16 National Project (see page 16 for more details) and enjoying special music from the 2015 Heritage Singers summer team. The Alumni of the Year awards were presented at the dinner to Pastor Mike and June Backhaus (Sidney, MT) and Pastor Keith and Diane Warren (Strasburg, VA). On Saturday, sports alumni reminisced the “glory days” of playing for their alma mater in weekend games against MBU’s current men’s and women’s soccer, football, and women’s volleyball teams.

Maranatha once again earned top spot at the annual ROTC Ranger Challenge competition in October 2015. The rigorous contest, held at Ft. McCoy, Wisc., pits teams against a series of soldier tasks, ranging from the Army Physical Fitness Test to a one-rope bridge over a river. The competition is split into several events, and the evaluation of each event contributes to the overall score. MBU commanded the field in most events, including the 10K ruck march, one-rope bridge, maintenance challenge, obstacle course, medical evaluation, and the Army Physical Fitness Test. This is the fourth consecutive victory for Charlie Company and its sixth win since 2009.

The featured speaker for September’s Business Breakfast was alumnus Tim Floyd (’81).

Tim is a 22-year veteran with Microsoft, where he has served in multiple leadership roles in technical sales, products sales, and consulting services businesses. As current Director of the Microsoft Technology Center in Minneapolis, he and his team focuses on creating imaginative solutions to business problems through the innovative application of technology.

His presentation was entitled “Update on Cloud Computing: Software and Systems.”

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Our most recent visit by the Higher Learning Commission resulted in the reaffirmation of our regional accreditation.

We are thrilled with the comments and confirmations we received. Following is a commendation from the panel: “The Reaffirmation Panel commends Maranatha Baptist University for its faithfulness to the mission, vision and values that have defined the college since the founding.

The continuing effort to translate its spiritual mission and vision into programming that aligns with the identified needs of its students and their constituencies is evident.”

Maranatha retold the story of courage and passion for Christ N AUCA OPERATIO displayed by Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian in the 2015 Fall Festival, “Operation Auca.” Undergraduate students Kylee Zempel and Samuel Fuller narrated the program, scripted and directed by Mrs. Angela Morris.

MBU’s Madrigal Choir, Chamber Singers, and Chorale presented musical selections as a combined choir of voices, joined by the Maranatha Symphony Orchestra and with special selections from the 2015 Heritage Singers team.

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On May 15, 152 men and women gathered at the Watertown Country Club for Maranatha’s 16th Annual Golf Classic.

Maranatha faculty, staff, and students joined MBU board members and alumni and community and local business friends to support MBU’s Watertown Endowment Fund.

Participants enjoyed the food stations along the course— especially the pork sandwiches and applesauce. Mark your calendar for next year’s Golf Classic on May 13.

MBU’s Class of 2015 completed their scholastic requirements by walking the aisles of the gymnasium on May 8. Over 170 students graduated, including students who had completed degrees from the university, seminary, and Maranatha Online. Undergraduate students Emma Anderson and Jonathan Taylor Pill received the Founders’ Awards, and College of Bible and Church Ministries graduate Riley Woodfin received the university’s President’s Award.

Vice President for Business Affairs, Mark Stevens, was awarded with an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by the university. Six ROTC cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army in a special Commissioning Ceremony following Commencement.

MBU has been designated a 2016 Military Friendly® School by Victory Media, the leader in successfully connecting the military and civilian worlds. The Military Friendly® Schools designation is awarded to the top colleges, universities, community colleges and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success both in the classroom and after graduation. Institutions competed for the elite Military Friendly® School title by completing a survey of over 100 questions covering ten categories.

Maranatha Online and Distance Learning is the impetus behind the award, as it provides opportunities for enlisted men and women to complete degrees from wherever they are stationed around the world.

NEW STAFF Stephanie Cloutier Custodian Kerri Dilling Administrative Assistant, Admissions Office Laura Farmer Administrative Assistant, Office of Student Activities Chloe Glassmann Admissions Specialist, Online and Distance Learning Joshua Horneck Web Designer/Media Specialist, Communications Office Tina Horneck Administrative Assistant, Executive Office Christopher Koehn Data Specialist, Student Life Office Marty Love Technical Services Assistant, Cedarholm Library Mark McMillen Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Joyce Oetken Administrative Assistant, School of Nursing Taylor Pill Sports Information Director Katie Potter Administrative Assistant, Department of Music Rose Riley Level 1 Technician, IT Department Joel Seng Manager, Campus Stores James Van Riper Assistant Custodial Supervisor

On October 26-30, Arch Ministries (Mentor, OH) partnered with MBU to host the 2015 Missions Conference, “Exploring Together: Church Planting in North America.” This year’s key topic was church planting in North America, and Maranatha invited special speakers Pastor Tim Potter (Mentor, OH), Pastor Kent Hobi (Mentor, OH), Pastor Larry Hobbes (Chardon, OH), and Pastor Matt Walker (Cary, NC) to present topics to the student body.

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STUDENT HIGHLIGHT

GIVING BACK Marwa Omot The stories of life in Africa she had heard from her parents became reality as she stepped onto Ethiopian soil and walked through their hospitals, including the one where she was born.

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For the second time in Sudan’s history, civil war broke out between the north and south following a presidential decision to dissolve South Sudan’s autonomy in 1983. It was purely a religious war, and the president instigated insertion of Islamic Shari’a law punishments into the country’s law enforcement code. Heavily in the minority, all non-Muslims groups living in South Sudan faced the 70 percent Muslim population of the country.

The fighting between north and south, Muslim and non-Muslim, continued for over 20 years.

The numbers vary, but an estimated one to four million Sudanese ran from the terror of war in their backyards in search of peaceful ground.

The bordering countries of Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo provided new homes for the Sudanese refugees. Among those who fled were Ochala and Oguta Akwai.

Both Ethiopia and Kenya became short-term homes for the Akwais and their growing family.

A daughter, Marwa, was born in Gambella, Ethiopia in 1993, just two months before the family moved to a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya.

As refugees, Marwa and her family were granted special visas to live in the United States. They made that move in 1996 and the family began to acclimate themselves into their new culture and lifestyle, finally settling in Austin, Minnesota.

I knew I needed a change,” she explained. “I had a friend who was going to be a freshman at Maranatha in the fall; so I talked to her about the school, and following the weeks of camp I visited Maranatha. Everything felt right when I was there, so I started the process of transferring.

The attraction was the Christian atmosphere.”

Maranatha gave Marwa the opportunity to revisit Ethiopia, the country of her birth, through a Global Encounters mission trip during the summer of 2014. She extended her stay past the time the rest of the team was there so that she could visit with family members still living in the country. The stories of life in Africa she had heard from her parents became reality as she stepped onto Ethiopian soil, came alongside the lives of nationals, and walked through their hospitals, including the one where she was born.

“Walking through those hospitals and clinics will stay with me for the rest of my life,” shared Marwa. “The great smell of hand sanitizer and rubbing alcohol that I associate with hospitals was not present in the hospitals in Ethiopia. There were many differences: the amount of education the doctors had, the size of the hospitals, the availability of medicine, and the lack of medical devices and technology. While I was there, a person died because they didn’t have a competent enough surgeon at the hospital and they had to wait for a surgeon from the capitol.

Fast forward almost two decades, during which time Marwa listened to the stories her parents shared about their experiences as refugees, the culture of their home country, and the conditions of life on a continent across the sea.

“When you are in Kindergarten, one of the most popular questions that people ask you is, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’” said Marwa. “As a child I never hesitated with this question. ‘Doctor! I want to be a doctor.’ I wanted to help people.”

Pursuing the medical field was only natural for Marwa. An academic scholarship led her to a small private school in northern Wisconsin, where she spent her freshman year. But in the secular environment, she was spiritually distant from God. “I was always one to follow the rules and be reserved,” she explained, “but my freshman year I felt like I needed to break out of that shell. I had no spiritual life.”

In His graciousness, God allowed her to work at a Christian camp for two weeks during the summer after her freshman year. “The theme of both weeks was faithfulness. God was really pulling on my heart those two weeks because

“Every day in hospitals patients are dying. As a doctor I will be caring for patients, and they may have some questions about the afterlife. Some common questions would be, ‘Do you believe in heaven?’ ‘Do you believe in miracles?’ I can give patients comfort on a medical and spiritual level.”

Marwa plans to graduate with her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2016 and pursue medical school after her graduation.

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13

71%

90% of seniors “satisfied” to “very satisfied” with overall experience compared to 73% all private 4-year colleges

81%

of Bible and Seminary graduates currently serve in fulltime ministry

of graduates remain in fulltime ministry after 10 years or more compared to national statistics of approximately 40% after ten years of service [Barna, Focus on the Family, Fuller Seminary]

93% 1st time PRAXIS pass rate compared to 87% WI average

Top 13%

Top 18% Senior Academic Proficiency | ETS Proficiency Profile total scores

Top 3% nationwide

Top 5

nationwide 5-year average Business Major Field Test

in Wisconsin nursing schools

MUSIC MAJOR FIELD TEST

SENIORS

Top 10%

Top 10% nationwide on critical thinking, reading, writing, humanities, social science, and natural science | ETS Proficiency Profile sub-scores

nationwide 2014 CPA 1st time pass rate

# M B US TAT S

98%

NCLEX first-time pass rate 3-year rolling average

Students Speak 93%

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS

“excellent” or “very good” rating on overall MBU experience

84%

of all graduates

NCLEX 100% ultimate pass rate 2008-2015

regularly serving in local church ministry

82%

42% applied science/humanities majors entered graduate school law, theology, English, science, nursing, business, education, physician assistant studies, doctor of physical therapy, microbiology, and food safety

#1 WI PRAXIS Elementary Education, English Education, Social Studies Education

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95% Seniors “excellent” or “very good” rating on overall MBU experience

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2015

85% of seniors would attend MBU again compared to 69% all private 4-year colleges

applied science graduates are working in the field or are in continuing education

95% of all graduates

affirm 87% of"Mygraduates degree provided a strong foundation in my major field of study"

faithful to a local church

MBU BY THE NUMBERS 10 10 institutional objectives (communication skills, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, scientific reasoning, historical and cultural understanding, biblical knowledge, biblical worldview, biblical application, Baptist heritage, and servant leadership

1 Bible certificate program 8 associate’s programs 31 bachelor’s programs 35 minors 8 master’s programs 1 doctoral program 200+ online courses 16 online and distance programs

men’s and women’s sports | NCAA DIII & NCCAA DII

More than $4 million awarded through grants, scholarships, and other benefits to students during the 2014-15 academic year

TOP 5 PERSONAL GROWTH AREAS rated by MBU graduates Writing clearly and effectively

CHARLIE COMPANY ROTC

1st place Ranger Challenge

Thinking critically and analytically

2009 | 2010 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015

46 states + 20 countries represented

Missions and study abroad in over

12 countries 6 traveling music groups (Madrigal, Chambers, Band, Percussion Ensemble, Heritage Singers, Chorale)

Top 10% nationwide

effective teaching practices

Acquiring jobor work-related knowledge and skills Working effectively with others Developing or clarifying a personal code of values and ethics

supportive campus environment

95% MBU.EDU

15

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2015

THE

HERITAGE PROJECT “The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage” (Psalm 16:6).

O

Old Main reflects the respect we have for our heritage and the value we place on God’s provision. Combined with Century House, Old Main is the first facility Dr. Cedarholm would have visited on campus. Since 1968, it has served the Maranatha family very well. Every student who has attended Maranatha has taken at least one class in the building; and many recitals, performances, and meetings have occurred within its walls.

God answered our prayers to complete the first four phases of the Heritage Project/Old Main renovation during the summer of 2015. Generous gifts toward this grand building have greatly supported and encouraged us as we continue our mission "To develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world 'To the Praise of His Glory.'"

The following two phases of the Heritage Project need to be completed for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown. Please use the enclosed envelope to partner with us financially as we strive to beautify our campus in preparation for this special event.

PHASE 5 | The "Solarium Renovation" involves the space adjacent to Old Main Cafe on the west side of the building. Our plan is to remove the glass sunroom and replace it with a new gable-roofed structure in keeping with the character of the 1890s historic building. Also included is an Alumni Plaza that will be located on the west side of the building facing into the center of campus. The plaza includes brick pavers recognizing individual alumni, families, and churches. This project’s estimated cost is $150,000. [Lord willing, this project will be completed in the summer of 2016].

PHASE 6 | The "Practice Room Refresh" involves the completion/upgrading of our practice rooms. In 1968, the rooms located on the second floor on the west side of Old Main were used for student housing. Over the years, the rooms have been transformed into practice rooms for our fine arts students and offices for some faculty members.

These rooms are in need of renovation, including walls, ceilings, lighting, floor covering, and HVAC. This project’s estimated cost is $60,000. [Lord willing, this project will be completed in the summer of 2016.]

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ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT

FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADING Jon & Micki Rehfeldt, missionaries to Uruguay

J

Jesus is indeed the way, the truth, and the life. His words have been translated into over five hundred languages since He first spoke them two millennia ago. Jesus paid the death penalty required for sin, and His death and resurrection are necessary for salvation. Jesus is the only way to eternal life and a relationship with God. What better way to share the message of Jesus than in the “heart language”—the native tongue—of people?

Missions requires a sacrifice of self and often of one’s own culture and language. It requires that a missionary become vulnerable in another culture, speaking another language, for the sake of the gospel.

Uruguay is statistically the most biblically unreached country in South America. This fact first attracted Jon Rehfeldt (’06, ’08, ’11) to the country while he was completing his Master of Divinity degree at Maranatha.

Desiring to be involved in a “grass-roots” ministry to unreached people groups, he researched the different countries in South America. “I found that Uruguay is very atheistic and that they have a high suicide rate,” said Jon.

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MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2015

Five years after he surrendered to God to be a missionary, Jon decided to follow God’s leading in his life: reaching the people of Uruguay with the gospel.

He worked part-time at Maranatha teaching first-year Greek and substitute teaching for several Bible classes while traveling to churches on the weekends to raise financial support. He also began taking Spanish classes and getting involved in a Spanish Sunday School class at his local church.

ministry that was similar to deputation. We learned to be flexible and enjoy new experiences on deputation, and we currently are applying that learning to Uruguay.”

God prepared Jon and Micki in a number of ways for the ministry in which they have been serving since September 2014. Jon’s experience teaching on the undergraduate level at Maranatha prepared him to take over the Instituto Bíblico Bautista del Uruguay, a Bible Institute in the city of Colonia. “Previously, the institute used instructional videos,” Jon explained. “We have started the process of replacing the videos with both face-to-face and online courses in the institute to strengthen local church leadership. Our first online class, Biblical Greek, has already started with nine students.”

While Jon was preparing to go to Uruguay, God was working in the heart of another student about ministry in a Spanish-speaking country. Michelle (“Micki”) Kibler, a Marketing Management major and daughter of two of Maranatha’s staff members, spent a summer in Jon also noted that Peru completing the HOW CAN OUR LOVE FOR GOD Micki’s marketing language immersion degree gave her “many trip requirement for her BE SHOWN IN ANY GREATER WAY tools for organization, Spanish minor. Upon and she learned how THAN THAT WE ALSO GIVE—GIVE returning to school to effectively present in the fall, she gave OURSELVES, OUR PASSIONS AND ideas. Already she has testimony in chapel that designed some very God had used the trip DESIRES, AND OUR LIVES—FOR nice literature for our to reveal His desire for outreach activities!”

THE SAKE OF HIS GLORY? her to be involved in missions to a SpanishBoth Jon and Micki are speaking country. forming relationships Although she had for the purpose of sharing the greatest news of God’s originally planned to go into the business world, Micki love.

“Not many churches in Uruguay go door-to-door, surrendered to go to the mission field. but we do and have seen the Lord bless that effort,” Jon said. “We are also involved in regular visitation and With a little help from their local church pastor, Jon recently met a family that lives across the street from and Micki got to know each other better, got engaged, us. As we were inviting people to the Easter services, and were married in June 2013. Together they finished they invited us in; and we talked for nearly an hour. They deputation and preparations to move to Uruguay. “From were very interested in the gospel and said their doors the beginning of our marriage, we knew Watertown are open to us whenever we may want to come back and would not be our home,” Jon shared. “We never really talk more. We will be visiting them regularly in hopes of got settled in, and that made the transition to Uruguay winning them to Christ.” easier. When we arrived, we met lots of new people and visited churches in Montevideo, the capital—a

MBU.EDU

CORE VALUES: PLAY BY THEM. LIVE BY THEM.

J

Jeff Pill started playing soccer when he was in the third grade and played through the semi-pro level after college. He accepted his first coaching assignment at the age of 15, assisting his high school coach with club teams and camps, and he’s been coaching ever since.

Pill participated in U.S. Soccer’s Olympic Development Program and developed the coaching education program in the state of NH, eventually working his way up to his present position of lead instructor and scout for the national teams. Since 2007, he’s held the titles of Director of Soccer and Instructor at Maranatha Baptist University, coaching the men’s soccer team to a National Championship in 2014.

Together with his team, Pill established the Leadership Pyramid—a tangible representation of the team’s core values. The pyramid, he shares, “serves as an evaluative tool that helps us assess how we are doing in our attempt to be the best Christian athlete possible.” In the following conversation with Advantage magazine, Pill and his players define the Leadership Pyramid and discuss the rationale behind it.

FROM THE COACH Why did you use a pyramid shape? The pyramid implies that we are all moving toward a goal—something at the “top” to aspire to. A list applies equal footing to every item, but a pyramid has an ultimate capstone to strive for, and it symbolizes that it is an uphill journey—difficult to obtain.

Who chose the verses and the core values? The pyramid resulted from discussions by the entire team during pre-season a few years ago. We, as coaches, initiated the process by asking, “What does Scripture tell us about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christian athletes? What should we strive for as believers? What should we believe in and commit ourselves to?” Though many shaped the process, namely Chris Jochum, Dave Anderson, Taylor Pill, and Drew Delozier, the entire team contributed from the beginning.

How do you introduce the pyramid to new players? Every year we review the pyramid in pre-season. Returning players explain it block-by-block to the new recruits and remind all the players what it means to play at MBU. Most importantly, when defining the blocks, we identify specific, observable, and measurable behaviors that indicate compliance with each block.

How do you use the pyramid to evaluate players? When a player demonstrates behaviors that are in conflict with the pyramid, we refer back to it, stating that the behaviors need to change to be in accordance

with our core beliefs. When a player’s behavior serves as a great example for us, we make a big deal about it. In fact, all of our end-of-season team awards are built around the pyramid.

How does your coaching staff model the pyramid? We are all flawed human beings, just like the players on the team.

But we try to model it on a consistent basis before the players. We all feel that burden. If we don’t try, the whole process becomes a mockery, and no one will try to attain to its goals.

Do you encourage other coaches to create a piece like this? Absolutely! Every team should have their core beliefs clearly articulated and defined. It serves as an anchor and helps guide a team through the many difficult times. By no means are we perfect at MBU, but the document clearly

helps us evaluate how we are doing and provides a great reference tool for us.

How does the pyramid support MBU’s mission statement of “developing leaders for ministry”? It is a practical, hands-on, real living-out of that mission. It brings it beyond “theory” and puts it into action—like many others are doing here on campus.

How is the pyramid applied beyond the soccer field? It’s funny you should ask. Often, when I pull an athlete aside and have a heart-to-heart chat, I end up saying to them, “This is going to make you a better husband and Dad . . . so embrace it!” These biblical principles speak directly to life itself, not just athletics. This is how we approach our work and live a Christ-honoring life. Besides, soccer is life!

FROM THE PLAYERS TAYLOR PILL (2011-14) The MBU men's soccer team emphasizes the process of learning and growing as being more important than the outcomes of winning games, scoring goals, and so on. I remind myself of this when I am faced with challenging tasks: the process of growing within a challenging environment is worth much more than succeeding without being stretched.

CHARLIE LEEDS (2012-15) You’re not expected to be perfect either in soccer or in your spiritual life; however, you are expected—through a godly process—to keep getting better at both. God has called us to be faithful, and He’s promised that He will complete the work that He has begun in our lives at the day of Christ.

These truths go along with soccer. No one is ever good enough to stop working. Even Messi has to keep practicing in order to get better.

TIM SOLAREK (2007-10) I am the varsity head coach at Wautoma High School, Wautoma, WI. Coach Pill showed me that he not only cared about my understanding of the game of soccer, but also my personal life. As a coach in a public school, I cannot freely talk about Christ. But after building relationships with the guys, they see how I live my life patterned after Christ's. They ask me questions . . . and there is the open door! This year, my program will come up with our own pyramid based off of the "Leadership Pyramid."

CHRISTLIKENESS is the self-sacrificing drive that is proven when an individual relinquishes personal glory, comfort, or safety to give a community better standing, which, in turn, brings to the believer far greater glory than he could have ever achieved apart from God. All in all, Christlikeness is not pious passivity or

crazy

competitiveness,

but

the

ability to endure temporary discomfort, recognizing the amazing results that such a discipline yields.

- DANIEL ANDERSON (2012-15)

DAVE ANDERSON (2010-12) Each day provides an opportunity to live deliberately and to relish the process of achieving goals in various arenas of life. As Christians, when we are not deliberate— that is, when we are not living on purpose—we are most likely living in the flesh and thus failing to engage in the process of sanctification. The great thing is, each core belief goes beyond athletics to help shape what it looks like to be a follower of Christ.

I still have the pyramid in my office and reference it frequently in times of introspection.

JOSH KNOEDLER (2011-12, 2014-15) Included in the hierarchy are principles such as Christlikeness, character, humility, patience, and excellence. Just as our team strives to display these character traits on the field as we play, I am challenged to display these traits off the field as I continue my life as a Christian.

ANDREW SOLAREK (2005-08) As the JV men’s soccer coach and assistant varsity coach at the local high school here in Franklin, IN, I have implemented a lot of what I learned from Coach Pill. We are a processoriented team, and I share Christ and show Christlikeness as often as I can.

Just last night I had the opportunity to share the entire gospel with one of my players!

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Foundation

Patience Initiative Excellence

Ecclesiastes 9:10

PROCESS ORIENTATION

1 Corinthians 4:2

Evaluation is based on controllables: execution of the four “pillars of the game” and Christlikeness.

Philippians 2:1-3

Stay faithful in good process knowing outcome takes time.

Seek what is right and what is best, not who is right and who is best.

See every situation as an opportunity to improve, not a threat to fail.

Proverbs 18:15

PATIENCE

Colossians 3:23

A passion for the team and for improvement.

ENTHUSIASM

Philippians 3:13-14

Proverbs 10:9

Matthew 25:14-27

HUMILITY

Focus on the present controllables, not the uncontrollable, past or future.

Value what you believe when observed or alone, when it’s difficult or easy.

Choose to be bold and choose to improve the situation.

RESILIENCE

CHARACTER

INITIATIVE

COMMIT TO COMPETE!

Work hard and play smart in an effort to do the controllable things to the best of your ability.

EXCELLENCE

Humility Character Respect

• Opponents (Play hard, not cheap) • Referees (Ask, don’t argue) • Teammates (Make each other more effective) • Coaches (Abide by and support coaching decisions)

Mark 12:30-31

Improvement Enthusiasm Resilience

Demonstrate Christ’s love toward:

RESPECT

Philippians 2:5

Fulfill our purpose as believers by demonstrating:

CHRISTLIKENESS

SOC CER core beliefs

IMPROVEMENT

Qualities of the Heart

Qualities of Mind

Qualities of Action

Our Ultimate Goal

MARANATHA

SABERCATS SUMMARY During spring break in March 2015, the men’s baseball team traveled to the Dominican Republic to present baseball workshops for junior high boys (9-12-year-olds).

The team created six different stations for the national boys, including a gospel station that was staffed by members of a partnering local church. Approximately 55 boys attended workshops each day, and nearly 400 boys and their families attended the final awards program, where another gospel presentation was given.

The MBU women’s basketball team defeated Grace Bible College 60-55 at the NCCAA Regional Tournament in Michigan, granting them the title of Regional Champions once again. The win allowed the women’s team to travel to Joplin, Missouri, to compete at the NCCAA DII National Tournament. The team had one win and two losses at the national tournament, placing them seventh in the nation.

After victories over Dallas, Ozark, Toccoa, Kentucky, and Arlington, the #1-ranked women’s volleyball team faced the well-balanced #2 Pilots of Providence University College for the NCCAA National Championship. Following two hard-fought sets, the Sabercats pulled away in the third, posting a 25-12 win to mark a fitting end to a title run. The Sabercats three captains—NCCAA Player of the Year Alison Renz (also tournament MVP), NCCAA DII Volleyball Game Plan 4 Life Award recipient Stacy Reinke, and Samantha Swiatek—were named to the All-Tournament team.

The men’s cross country team, boasting a maximum seven-runner squad, faced the best runners in the NCCAA DII in the NCCAA National Cross Country Championships hosted by Houghton College. After setting multiple PRs, the Sabercats repeated the results from 2014, taking home the national title for the second year running. With their respective top-5 finishes, Caleb Wagner (1st overall) and Joshua Kruit (5th overall) were named as NCCAA DII Cross Country All-Americans for the 2015 campaign. In a special NCCAA event, Caleb Wagner was announced as the 2015 Division II Wheeler Cross Country Award Recipient. Coach Ruth Steinbart was awarded NCCAA Coach of the Year.

In a highly-anticipated women’s soccer championship matchup against the #2-seeded Bruins from BJU, the #1-ranked Sabercats entered the game having only allowed one goal in seven competitive NCCAA games on the year. The streak was broken in an untimely manner, as the Bruins snuck one goal past the Sabercats, re-gaining the banner that they had won two seasons ago, and the Sabercats finished in second place for the second consecutive year. Three players were named to the All-Tournament team: NCCAA DII Player of the Year Audrey Risma as well as Anna Dahl, and Alison Hernandez.

In May, MBU was awarded the NCCAA Presidential Award for Excellence at the NCCAA National Convention. Presented to Athletic Director Rob Thompson, this award is given to the NCCAA institution with the highest accumulation of points based on the outcomes of the NCCAA national tournaments.

B. Snarly made his first athletic debut in the Watertown community at the annual Run from the Cops race (sponsored by the Watertown Police Department) on October 3.

Snarly completed the “Mascot Run,” which totaled 4 blocks, placing second overall.

On a brisk day in Houghton, NY, the seven-runner women’s cross-country squad faced the best runners in the NCCAA DII in the NCCAA National Cross Country Championships. Claiming multiple PRs, the Sabercats almost repeated the results from last year: the women’s team took third place (second in 2014). Top finishers included Katherine Vander Pluym, 3rd overall, and Kimberly Richerson, 14th overall, with five of the seven runners setting PRs. Katherine Vander Pluym was named as NCCAA DII Cross Country AllAmerican for the 2015 campaign.

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NEW ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE

Master of Organizational Leadership Training Leaders from a Biblical Worldview

W

What makes a leader a leader?

Top business information sources would suggest traits such as intelligence, toughness, determination, and vision—the qualities traditionally associated with leadership. Psychologists would list attributes of self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skill.

Ask Program Director and Instructor Jeff Drost of Maranatha’s newest online graduate program— the Master of Organizational Leadership—and he would contend that Scripture reveals the ultimate example of a leader in our Lord Jesus Christ.

“The desire to serve others is fueled by a Christlike compassionate love that can be traced back to the Genesis account of creation,” shares Drost. “It is from this perspective of a biblical worldview that we’ve laid the foundation for all of the courses within the Master of Organizational Leadership.”

Defined as a multidisciplinary degree in leadership studies, MBU’s Master of Organizational Leadership provides graduate-level preparation for leaders of organizations in a variety of fields— including business, education, and ministry. The MOL specifically addresses the mission of Maranatha Baptist University “to develop leaders for ministry in the local church and the world ‘To the Praise of His Glory.’”

LEARNING TO LEAD The faculty contributes to the program a unique depth and breadth, gained through career and professional experiences, formal training and education, teaching experiences, and ministry involvement.

For example, Drost spent 13 years in the financial services industry as a multi-branch bank manager for a regional bank and as a corporate office and compliance officer, and secondary-market mortgage administrator for a mid-sized community bank. He also spent 11 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve as a Lead Petty Officer, serving aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during Gulf War I.

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MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2015

MOL Instructor Tracey Foster served in a variety of leadership positions in his 24 years in the military, which culminated in a tour of duty with the Joints Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. During that tour, he led a team that provided financial support and analysis for the Staff’s Chairman and Vice Chairman.

All twelve of the faculty members who teach in the program have served others in a variety of ministry and non-profit organzations—as pastors, youth leaders, board members, deacons, ministry leaders, and Sunday school teachers. Each attests to the lifechanging impact of leaders in their own lives.

“Several great leaders from the Bible have influenced my thinking about leadership,” shares Foster, “most notably Joseph, David, and Nehemiah from the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament. Most influential have been my pastors and other church leaders, who have demonstrated servant leadership in action.” Drost recounts stories of “pastors, who, by their examples, have encouraged me to study God’s Word and to serve others.”

THE TIME IS NOW According to the Journal of Leadership Studies, the field of organizational leadership has emerged as one of the fastest growing fields in higher education.

Launching the MOL positions Maranatha Baptist University competitively within the Christian college market.

“The maturity of the online programs and technology at Maranatha makes an online degree more appropriate than ever before,” states Foster. “Within the last two years, Maranatha rolled out a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning as well as a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading. Adding another master’s program is a natural next step. And a Master in Organizational Leadership is an obvious extension of

our undergraduate Organizational Leadership minor, which continues to grow in popularity.”

Drost encourages students to take advantage of the online format, stating that it provides a level of interaction with professors and other students that may exceed the resident classroom experience. “A return to school can be intimidating after being in the workplace or full-time ministry,” he says, “but the MOL program is specifically designed to accommodate adult learners.”

BIBLICAL. FLEXIBLE. ENGAGING. Requirements for admission include a bachelor's degree­—in business or otherwise.Experience working or ministering in an organization and an interest in becoming a more effective leader may prove beneficial.

“Growth begins,” Drost says, “with a divine call by God to become an authentic servant leader, which manifests itself in a firm desire to serve others in order to meet their highest priority needs.”

Beyond the affordability and flexibility of the program, the online environment provides a forum to exchange ideas with other professionals and form connections with people from around the world.

Students appreciate the opportunity to develop “ironsharpening-iron” relationships with their peers.

“God is looking for leaders who are willing to serve with humility, set the example, and nurture their followers,” shares Drost. “Paul asked others to follow him as he followed Christ. To help accomplish this, leaders must take the time to learn about people and organizations and how they function from a biblical worldview.”

The MOL degree presents an excellent choice for those seeking a degree that will strengthen their God-given leadership abilities. Visit mbu.edu to learn more about the program and to apply for fall 2016 classes.

MAKE IT MBU

Look for new bachelor and associate degrees to be released spring 2016.

[dual enrollment for high school juniors and seniors] Bible Certificate AS in Business Management AS in Christian Ministry

MARANATHA ONLINE: FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO GRADUATE SCHOOL

AS in Digital Media AS in Health Science AAS in Various Concentrations

BS in Interdisciplinary Studies BS in Bible MEd in Teaching and Leading Master of Organizational Leadership Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading Seminary

Make Me a S Blessing Mrs. Carole Gordon

MARANATHA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY WINTER 2015

Scripture clearly states that believers are to be light and salt. Those two elements are used to describe two active ingredients in our testimony to the world, but I believe they can also be used when passing the torch to the next generation. We are to be light to show the next generation the way and salt to enhance the beauty of the Christian life.

If we desire to see the next generation rise from our ranks, then we must commit ourselves to the biblical process and pattern of discipleship or mentoring.

there is little respect or reverence for the aged. Due One of God’s designs for discipleship is found in the to our culture, the younger women do not always have “older woman/younger woman” model of Titus 2:3-5. an attentive ear to instruction from those of the older In this passage, Paul admonishes the aged women that generation. I believe that, in many cases, it may be the they have behavior “as becometh holiness; not false responsibility of the older women to extend themselves accusers, not given to much wine (this could encompass in love to the younger women. all addictions), teachers of good things, so that they may teach.” Without the older A blended women's class woman being under the of all ages is always direction of the Lord in a good way to bring “WE ARE TO BE LIGHT TO SHOW her own spirit, soul, and together the excitement body (spiritual/mind, will, THE NEXT GENERATION THE WAY of youth with the emotions/physical being), experience of age. Wise she will be unable to AND SALT TO ENHANCE THE is the younger woman teach the young women who learns how to listen, BEAUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.” to be sober, love their learn, and apply from husbands, love their - CAROLE GORDON those who have travelled children (spirit, soul, and down the road before her. body), with an end result being that the Word of The older woman must God is not blasphemed. That is the ultimate goal! make a difficult sacrifice to set herself aside and ask The term “older women” can not only refer to those of elder age, but those of spiritual maturity, regardless of age. We desperately need a pattern or guide before us. Effective biblical mentoring that uses the Word of God (Psalm 36:9) will cause those who are initially the objects to see a pattern and become mentors to others (2 Timothy 2:2). It is important to keep in mind that each of us is an “older woman” to someone.

Oftentimes, both older women and younger women in today’s churches make excuses that break down this mentoring challenge. Sometimes we older women do not mentor the younger because we, ourselves, are not right with God. We may be too selfish and absorbed in our own cubical of life to see that the Lord would desire to use us in the lives of others. The excuses of busyness—which the enemy always seems to "arrange”—and “this is not a convenient time” cause us to back away from extending ourselves to another.

A self-centered restraint that says, "I'm not good enough,”“I have nothing to share,” or “My family is dysfunctional at times—who would listen to me?" is a heavy weight that will sink our mentoring ship before we leave shore. All of these excuses focus on our limited self-life without the long-range view of eternity and our responsibility to the next generation.

We also live in a very “youth-centered” society. It is ever before us that “youth have the answers” and

the Lord to use her in the life of another person. This decision requires a daily focus on others, not self.

Although I have a weekly Bible study, and I do counsel ladies, probably our greatest mentoring “sessions” are when we are having Ladies' Breakfast once a week, cleaning out the refrigerators in the church kitchen, or planning our next ladies meeting or church-related activity. Start small: share a smile (it's a cute little saying, but this can be a great open door of opportunity).

Get to know names and use a person's name as you look them in the eye when talking. Give of your time by writing a note, sharing a thought, dropping off cookies, sending a quick text of encouragement, opening your home to hospitality, taking a lady out for lunch, finding a babysitter for her children, or stopping by to pray with her when the children are napping. Ask the Lord to give you His thoughts and ideas on how you can be a blessing to a certain lady.

In the end, if the older woman is an example of those statements in Titus 2:3-5 and the younger woman applies 1 Timothy 4:12 (“Be an example of the believers…”), the outcome is a willing learner on the part of the younger woman and a willing mentor on the part of the older woman. The result is spiritual maturity in both of their lives. If we all followed these teachings on a regular basis, then we could rest in joy instead of turmoil, peace in place of tension; and we could more fully experience the outworking of God's presence in our verbal conversation, our lifestyle, and our social media.

Mrs. Carole Gordon worked at Maranatha for 36 years, during which time she served in the Business Office, printing department, office of Dr. Cedarholm, and Student Life Office.

She also taught women’s ministry classes. Her husband, Michael Gordon, has pastored First Baptist Church of Hartford, WI, where Mrs. Gordon lives out the ministry of mentoring women, since 1974. The Gordons have four daughters and ten grandchildren.

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Biblical Leadership Dr. Fred Moritz, Maranatha Baptist Seminary

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Most Bible-believing Christians understand the vital importance of preaching. The New Testament contains multiple references to preachers, preaching, and the critical importance of Paul’s imperative—“preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Prayer and the ministry of the Word has been a prominent part of pastoral ministry since the apostles led the Jerusalem church (Acts 6:1-4).

It is critical to understand, however, that the New Testament also places a high priority on leadership in local church ministry. In fact, the election of the first deacons in the Jerusalem church resulted in a proper administrative procedure for meeting the needs of the congregation (Acts 6:2, 3). The apostles articulated their own God-given responsibilities (v 2) and proposed an administrative flow of duties— “men . . . whom we may appoint over this business” (v 3), and the church followed their leadership— “the saying pleased the whole multitude” (v 5). The result was that a need was met, harmony was preserved, and the church prospered (v 7). What an excellent example of local church leadership!

Leadership remains critical in local church ministry today. A simple proof of this fact is found in Peter’s words: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2, 3). The apostle describes a church as a “flock,” and he instructs the pastors to “tend,” or “shepherd” the flock. Sheep need a shepherd—a leader to protect, feed, and care for them. Peter instructs the pastors to be “overseers.” The church is a working force, and it needs God-appointed leaders to oversee that work. Pastors are not to be “lords” over the church but, rather, godly examples for their church.

I fear we sometimes miss the emphasis of Scripture on godly leadership. Leadership and administration are essential component parts of pastoral ministry in the local church. One of the three words for pastor is “bishop” (e.g., 1 Timothy 3:1, 2). This word describes the oversight of a church (1 Peter 5:2). The bishop (episkopos) is “one who has the responsibility of safeguarding or seeing to

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it that someth[ing] is done in the correct way, guardian” (emphasis BDAG, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed.).

personalities and temperaments, but of outstanding leadership abilities. Delving into Barnabas’ life gives Christians not only an example of leadership to follow, but also a biblical theology of leadership.

Barnabas was a leader in his conduct. He sold This word describing the pastoral office not only a valuable piece of land in Cyprus and gave the speaks of pastoral oversight and leadership, but proceeds to help the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36). it also emphasizes compassion with which the He took the new convert Saul to the fearful church bishop leads. The word bishop or overseer also and affirmed him as a new believer (Acts 9:27). The communicates the concept of tender, pastoral word used in that verse carries several ideas, one of care for the people of God in the local church. which is “assist” (New International Dictionary of New Jesus used the word to refer to “visiting” those Testament Theology). When Barnabas saw the new in prison (Matthew 25:36, 43). James uses the church in Antioch and realized the potential there, he word to describe God’s visitation of the Gentiles in went to Tarsus, found salvation (Acts 15:14).

Saul, and brought him Peter uses the word “COMBINING BOTH THE PRECEPTS to serve there with him to describe God’s (Acts 11:25, 26). When visitation of sinners AND THE EXAMPLES OF SCRIPTURE John Mark failed in unto salvation (1 ALLOWS A PASTOR TO GROW IN HIS the ministry, Barnabas Peter 2:12). There attempted to recover is an Old Testament OWN LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, FURTHER him (Acts 15:37-40). background to the IMPROVING HIS ABILITY TO DISCIPLE HIS Paul later acknowledged concept (Exodus that Barnabas had been PEOPLE AND SHEPHERD HIS FLOCK.” 4:31), and James successful with John uses the word to - DR. FRED MORITZ Mark (Colossians 4:10; 2 describe compassion Timothy 4:11). for the fatherless and widows (James 1:27).

Barnabas was a leader in his character. Acts 11:24 Scripture gives us the examples of godly men who were great leaders. In the Old Testament, Joseph, Moses, David, and Nehemiah stand out as great leaders. In the New Testament, Barnabas and Paul are among those who stand out as men of differing

is a positive summary of his life: “For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” He was a good, godly man. He was a Spirit-filled man of faith, and God used him to win people to Christ.

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Barnabas was an encouragement to local churches. He was a leader and mentor of people. He worked with some believers who failed the Lord and helped them recover themselves. His effective leadership came from godly character.

Those men who take the biblical principles of leadership from God’s Word and incorporate them into their own lives are capable of directing and guiding people in the same way Barnabas led. I am grateful for the influence of great leaders in my own life and ministry. I met Monroe Parker when he was president of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. He conveyed strong convictions, a kind spirit, a sense of direction, and a profound respect for the people he led. I later worked for him at Baptist World Mission and was honored to follow him in the leadership of that great ministry. Stability and growth characterized his ministries.

Richard Clearwaters, pastor of Fourth Baptist Church and founder of Central Baptist Theological Seminary (Minneapolis, MN), possessed a brilliant mind, a singular sense of direction, patience in leading his local church, and a unique ability to set strategy. During my seminary days, I pastored a young church in Rochester, Minnesota. We were involved in a legal struggle to secure our property and local church autonomy. Clearwaters helped our church in those days, and his tactical advice was largely responsible for our success in that endeavor.

B. Myron Cedarholm was Maranatha’s founder. He had a unique ability to cast a vision and motivate followers.

He led the Conservative Baptist Association of America from 1947-1965, during which time it grew from 100 churches to 1800 churches. Maranatha experienced explosive growth in its early years under his leadership. He was a gifted promoter and motivator, and God used his leadership to motivate hundreds of young people into ministry for Christ in the United States and around the world.

Men have differing personalities and abilities, but all preachers must learn and develop leadership skills.

Clearwaters observed that more young pastors fail in leadership and administration than ever fail in preaching.

It behooves us to learn from and model biblical teaching and examples of leadership.

Scripture sometimes teaches us by precept. We are confronted with truth about our God, and then we are responsible to acknowledge and obey that truth. We thus learn to love our God more and walk with Him. At other times, Scripture teaches us by the example of others. Combining both the precepts and the examples of Scripture allows a pastor to grow in his own leadership abilities, further improving his ability to disciple his people and shepherd his flock.

Dr. Fred Moritz has taught for Maranatha Baptist Seminary every fall semester since 2009. Prior to this, Dr. Moritz was the Executive Director of Baptist World Mission in Decatur, AL. He holds a bachelor’s from Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, an MDiv from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and a DMin from BJU. He will teach the class “Theology of Leadership” for Maranatha’s new Doctor of Ministry in Preaching and Leading in January 2016.

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TIME IS A GREAT TIM TO COME TO

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ALUMNI FOCUS Future Sabercats Anderson, Maya and Brad (’91): a daughter, Maeryn Elyse, born March 25 Arvieux, Rose (Fisher, ’05) and Benjamin: a son, Kenneth Martin Lawrence, born April 30 Bearup, Auna (Terpenning, ’08) and Nathan (’09): a son, Daniel Chase, born June 10 Bergstresser, Mary (Strahm, ’06) and Chris: a son, Hunter Jamison, born March 26 Bradstreet, Melissa (Marvin, ’12) and Mark (’07): a son, Symon Lee, born September 11 Chodan, Anne and Daniel (’13): a daughter, Audrey Rose, born September 21 Currie, Megan (Pulliam, ’09) and Andrew (’09): a son, Mason Hardy, born March 27 Davidson, Tina (Yelland, ’10) and Jordan (’10): a daughter, Jane Christina, born February 11

Davis, Dori (Thompson, ’06) and Andy: a daughter, Aurora Sophia, born January 29 George, Jennifer (Fredericks, ’11) and Matthew (’10, ’14): a son, Travis William, born May 27 Greer, Karen (Bramblet) and Sean (’07): a daughter, Helen Rose, born February 11 Herbert, Sarah (Pill, ’13) and Chip (’10): a daughter, Susannah Rose, born July 29 Hewison: Jillian (Busse, ’09) and Benjamin: a son, Gabriel Douglas, born August 5 Johns, Heidi (Hendrickson, ’03) and Tim (’04): a son, Isaac Emmett, born July 16 Kaminski, Kellie and Daniel (’08): a daughter, Kya Mae, born May 20 Komis, Lacey (Bland, ’11) and Joshua (’12): a son, Titus Joshua, born August 28 McKinney, Angie and Jason (’09): a son, Bennett Daniel, born August 23

Miller, Hannah (Kutz, ’07) and Tim (’06): a daughter, Danielle Lee, born February 18

Stanford, Kelli (Philleo, ’04) and John: a son, Harrison Wayne, born July 18

Mortimer, Laura (George, ’04) and Zachary (’04): a daughter, Morghan Alivia, born May 19

Steinbart, Linette (York, ’12) and Nathanael (’12): a son, Joseph David, born June 16

Murnane, Stefanie (Husker, ’06) and Seth: a son, Travis Ryan, born February 13

Swift, Hayley (McGrail, ’07) and Andrew (’08): a daughter, Sydney McKenna, born March 26

Nadraus, Hannah and Michael (’02): a daughter, Magdalene Grace, born February 27 Neal, Karis and Brian (’12): a daughter, Emily Hope, born May 25 Peters, Grace (Williquette, ’14) and Billy (’15): a daughter, Brooklynn Grace, born June 15 Rehfeldt, Micki (Kibler, ’14) and Jonathan (’06): a son, Owen David, born October 27 Saxon, Jennifer (Brockmann) and Lance (’10): a daughter, Anandra Jacie, born April 25 Sidwell, Jennifer (Zoller, ’10) and Scott: a daughter, Acacia Crystal, born June 29

RING THE BELLS MBU ALUMNI NATIONAL PROJECT 2015 – 2016 RING IN A NEW MBU TRADITION Learn more about this project at mbu.edu/alumni/#project

Terpenning, Casaundra (Cooper, ’14) and Del (’15): a son, Cooper Micah, born July 30 Vawter, Amie (Laudenslager, ’05) and Andrew (’07): a son, Archer Lee, born January 26 Wright, Katiann (Olsen, ’11) and Jason (’09): a daughter, Nicole Serene, born August 15 Yelland, Amanda (Scheps, ’11) and Jonathan (’10): a daughter, Alice Lee, born August 9 Top Left: Aurora Davis Top Right: Chris and Mary Bergstresser family Middle: Cooper Terpenning Middle Left: Brooklynn Peters Middle Right: Emily Neal Bottom: Tim and Heidi Johns family

Pam (Hinton, ’83) Horneck recently finished her second year as principal of NorthStar Academy, an online international Christian school. Many of the school’s customers are missionaries, some in remote areas of the world. Pam taught at the school for six years before becoming principal, and her husband, Noel, is in charge of the school’s IT department.

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