NCU Magazine Spring 2016 Issue by North Central University

NCUMagazine Spring 2016

Official Magazine of North Central University

PREPARING FOR A NEW FUTURE A Conversation with President Gordon Anderson

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT As you read this issue of NCU Magazine, you may not be surprised to learn that one of the frequent questions I get asked these days is, “What is North Central going to do when you’re gone?” I have a good answer: North Central will continue to focus on its mission as a Christ-centered, Biblebased, Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence! A change in leadership does not mean a change in mission. Just as I will be continuing my time here with a commitment to that mission, I trust that God will empower and equip the next president of this wonderful place with the will and ability to do the same. My personal transition does bring a pause to reflect, and the articles in this edition of the magazine remind me of many of the things I’m grateful for at this institution: faculty modeling lifelong learning through scholarship (page 10), programs achieving new milestones (page 11), alumni and students like Tera Weyer, continuing North Central’s tradition of missions in new and creative ways (page 20), or families heeding God’s call to care for orphans as they’ve grown their families through adoption (page 24). One other noteworthy transition at North Central is the departure of Cheryl Book (page 8), who served as our vice president of business and finance for nearly 33 years. Cheryl was a talented leader and contributed immensely to the success of our university these past three decades. She served us well. Our spring graduating class is full of world-changers, ready to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. Join me in praying for their continued success as ambassadors for Christ’s Kingdom in a world that needs to see their Light. Thank you for your continued partnership in prayer and support of North Central University. Sincerely,

Gordon Anderson, Ph. D. President

NCUMagazine Spring 2016 North Central University 910 Elliot Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55404 612.343.4400 Administration President Gordon Anderson, Ph.D. Vice President, Business & Finance Joy Brathwaite, M.B.A. Vice President, University Relations Andrew Denton, Ph.D. Vice President, Spiritual Life Doug Graham, M.Din. Vice President, Student Development Mike Nosser, M.S. Vice President, Academic Affairs Don Tucker, Ed.D. Executive Director, Advancement Paul Freitag, Ph.D. Chief Enrollment Officer Daniel “Dee” McDonald, M.B.A. Editorial Nancy Zugschwert, Editor Sara Schwalbe, Lead Designer Julian Flores ‘14, Lead Photographer All photos by Julian Flores unless noted Contributors Andrew Fischer ‘14 Shayna Fowler Erica Hanson ‘13 Janelle Higdon Judy Jones Aimee (Perrin ‘94) Robertson Emily Robertson Victoria (Pyron ‘14) Tankersley Contact Office of Communications communications@northcentral.edu 612.343.5001 University Relations universityrelations@northcentral.edu 612.343.4743 Alumni alumni@northcentral.edu 612.343.4143 Admissions admissions@northcentral.edu 800.289.6222 NCU Magazine is produced by University Relations offices of Communication and Marketing and mailed free of charge to alumni, donors, and friends of North Central University. NCU Mission North Central University is a Christ-centered, Bible-based, Pentecostal school with a commitment to academic excellence that prepares students to fulfill biblical models of leadership and ministry throughout the world. Ephesians 4:11-12 Copyright © 2016 North Central University All Rights Reserved

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IN THIS ISSUE Spring 2016

Campus News President Anderson to Retire Cheryl Book: Vice President and Role Model New Leaders and Faculty Faculty Highlights

Social Work Program Accreditation

Athletics

Rams set record for UMAC Academic All-Conference Elissa Pheneger Serves on NCAA Committee

Features PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE: A Conversation with President Gordon Anderson

Shon Lundberg

Men’s and Women’s Basketball NCCAA Tournament Highlights

BACKYARD AND BEYOND: North Central Missions in Minneapolis and Around the World CONNECTED HEARTS AND LIVES: NCU Alumni Share Stories of Adoption

26 Alumni News Alumni Snapshot

North Central Then and Now Additions Updates

ON THE COVER: President Gordon Anderson Photo by Andrew Fischer ’14; Edited by Julian Flores ’14

Se Young Kipp

In Memory

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NCU President Gordon Anderson to Retire in June 2017 On Jan. 20, Gordon L. Anderson, Ph.D., announced his retirement plans before an audience of students, faculty, and staff gathered for daily chapel. His retirement will be effective June 1, 2017. Anderson is the sixth president in the history of the school, having served effectively and faithfully since June 1995. “President Anderson has been quietly initiating conversations with the executive committee of the Regents, prayerfully anticipating transition at North Central University,” said Ron Bontrager ’78, pastor of Lakeview Church in Indianapolis, Ind., and chair of the NCU Board of Regents. “He formally announced his plans to the board on December 12, 2015, and publicly shared the news with faculty, staff, and students [on January 20]. He has announced this transition now in order to give the board plenty of notice, assure an effective transition of leadership, and to maintain institutional momentum.” Bontrager added, “The entire family of North Central University shares a deep love and high respect for Gordon and Dianne Anderson and their investment of time, love and self-sacrifice through the years. The legacy they leave will be lasting, and has fruitful harvest in Christ’s kingdom worldwide. We will miss them when that transition occurs, but know we are building on a solid foundation as we pursue an exciting future for North Central University.”

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President’s Announcement Lights Up Facebook News Feed When news of President Anderson’s retirement was shared on social media, the comments rolled in from alumni and others who have been influenced by his leadership. Here are some of the shout-outs seen on Facebook: Randy Christensen ’84 “If he is not one of your favorites, you probably don’t know the man. I am thankful for the investment he has made in my life and in the lives of many others.”

Trey Meadows ’04 “A generation of young adults have been greatly impacted by the humble, servant leadership of Dr. Anderson. A champion of faith in an age of unbelief, a true scholar in an age of arm-chair experts and a man of character in a time of faltering moral leadership. Both as a student and young professional in my field, his life has impacted mine and thus many more people in the future.”

Rachel Joy (Klas ‘06) Yorkowitz “Dr. Anderson shaped me in ways that I am still discovering. So grateful to have lived and learned under his leadership!”

Amanda (Covert ‘06) Nelson “I feel so honored to have attended NCU with him as our president! Friday sermons were the anticipated chapel for me every week. I am equally sad to hear more students won’t get that experience, but I am confident that Dr. Anderson must feel God’s hand moving him and Dianne to new waters. So we send blessings their way and they move forward with God’s perfect timing!!”

Matt Brown ‘05 “What an incredible, humble, faithful, godly leader. He will be greatly missed, and his impact and legacy lives far beyond what we can ever know. Sending much love and many thanks, Dr. Anderson. We love you!”

Dan Sandeen “Dr. A, you have left a legacy of being humble in leadership and open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thank you!”

Board Chair Outlines Search Process At the announcement of President Gordon Anderson’s retirement, Board of Regents Chair Ron Bontrager informed the community that the board will direct an extensive nationwide search for presidential appointment. The executive committee has secured the services of CarterBaldwin Executive Search of Atlanta, Ga., a renowned executive search firm with a proven record in Christian higher education searches and a specific history in the Assemblies of God fellowship.

The process is anticipated to take approximately one year, with hopes that a new president can be named in early 2017. The search includes the establishment of a transition committee that has appointed search committee members, except for two faculty representatives, elected by the faculty. Details and periodic search process updates are available at northcentral.edu/presidentsearch.

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Showing a Heart for the Hungry

For the second year in a row, students, faculty, and staff partnered with Hope for Dinner and changed their lunch habits to provide meals for the hungry. By eating rice and beans for lunch during a week in November—instead of a regular cafeteria meal—enough funds were raised to provide 24,980 meals, an increase of 3,000 meals over last year. Money for the meals also came through direct donations. Hope for Dinner is a nonprofit organization that works with churches, schools and other groups to raise awareness and help alleviate hunger. Meals reach those who need them through local and international partner agencies such as Feed My Starving Children.

Worship Arts Program Makes “Top 20” Lists The track, “Love of God,” from the “Hearts on Fire” worship album produced by the College of Fine Arts, was named #14 on Worship Leader’s Top 20 Worship Songs of 2015 (worshipleader.com). North Central was in good company with major artists and writers such as Chris Tomlin, Hillsong, Vertical Worship, Matt Maher, Christy Nockels, Passion, and Matt Redman. “Hearts on Fire” was released in March 2015, recorded live during a series of NCU Chapel worship experiences. The recording features original songs by faculty and students from the College of Fine Arts, and was produced under the guidance of Larry Bach, M.A., dean of the College of Fine Arts, and Jeff Deyo, worship arts specialist and assistant professor. Opportunities for students to participate in professional– quality recordings are a hallmark of North Central’s Worship Arts program. In January, NCU was included in Share Faith Magazine’s Top 20 Best Universities & Schools for Worship Ministry. This list was created based on the institutions with the best reputation for worship arts offerings, both in facilities and faculty, regardless of size. Award-winning album “Hearts on Fire” was recorded live at NCU.

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For more information, visit: worshipleader.com/music/top-20-worship-songs-of-2015 sharefaith.com/blog/2016/01/top-10-universities-school-worship-ministry

#NCUChapel Just because something happens daily doesn’t mean it’s mundane—at least not in the case of daily chapel at North Central. The NCU community enjoys worship and a regular diet of speakers who challenge and inspire. Here’s a look at a few of the messages from this year’s high-impact chapel speakers.

“Don’t worry about seeking opportunities. Seek God and opportunities will seek you.”

Mark Batterson

Mark Batterson – New York Times best-selling author; Lead Pastor, National Community Church in Washington, D.C.

“If we receive what He has for us and His empowerment, we have the capacity to be amazing leaders in real time.”

Nate Ruch

Nate Ruch ‘95 – Lead Pastor, Emmanuel Christian Center, Spring Lake Park, Minn.

“Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is WITH US. Do not let your heart be troubled.”

Reggie Dabbs

Reggie Dabbs ‘87 – International Youth Evangelist

“If we educate only our minds, we will memorize Jesus. If we educate our hearts as well as our minds, we will live like Jesus.”

Heath Adamson

Heath Adamson ’11 – National Youth Director of the Assemblies of God

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Cheryl Book

Vice President and Role Model

Cheryl Book sets example through three decades of service Cheryl Book first came to North Central at the suggestion of an acquaintance. She began in an administrative support role and ultimately served as vice president of business and finance. Book concluded her career at NCU on March 4 after nearly 33 years of service. Book will be remembered for her success in her role and her positive example, especially to women in the workplace. Registrar Mary Murphy said, “Cheryl has been an amazing role model and leaves behind a legacy of integrity, grace, strength, and dedication. I could count on Cheryl for an honest appraisal and trustworthy guidance. She exemplified servant-leadership—an example I endeavor to follow.”

FITTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

One of Book’s great accomplishments was her ability to make her work life and home life fit together. She has a family-first philosophy and eagerly encouraged other moms in the workplace. “As a full-time working mom, I have always struggled with the balance that life demands,” said Aimee (Perrin ’94) Robertson, administrator in University Relations and director of Alumni Relations. “A few years ago, I reached out to Cheryl Book for advice when I was considering a 8 | NCU Magazine

promotion. She listened, gave great advice, and shared her stories of seeking balance as a working mother. It was a huge blessing that she would take the time out of her busy day to meet me.”

CONFIDENCE AND COMPETENCE

Others took notice of how Book did her work with both confidence and competence. Diane Shirk, administrative assistant for the VP of academic affairs, reflected, “Cheryl encouraged me to value the work that I did at NCU, and to not limit my thinking about what is possible.” Putting people first, Book left an impression on those with whom she interacted. “Cheryl has always been an amazing example at North Central,” said Rachel (Eiden ’07) Wendorf, director of student accounts. “She achieved what many women didn’t think was possible, and did so by leading through her relationships and influence. She was an encouragement even to people who didn’t know her.” Cheryl’s husband, Wesley Book, previously served the university for 13 years in Advancement and Alumni Relations. To honor their years of service and contributions to NCU, the Board of Regents has named the conference room in the College Life Center the Cheryl and Wesley Book Conference Room.

Spotlight on New Leaders NCU welcomes new cabinet members Joy Brathwaite, MSA Vice President of Business and Finance

Joy Brathwaite

Joy Brathwaite comes from Malone University (Ohio), where she oversaw financial and business affairs. She has also held roles at Regent University and the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Originally from Barbados, Brathwaite holds a B.Sc. in Economics & Management from University of the West Indies, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, and will complete her Executive MBA from Kent State University (Ohio) in May.

Daniel ”Dee” McDonald, MBA Chief Enrollment Officer

Daniel “Dee” McDonald

Daniel “Dee” McDonald oversees Admissions, Financial Aid, Marketing, and Multicultural Recruitment. Originally from Indiana, McDonald has served for more than nine years in Admissions at Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois). He is passionate about Christian higher education and has a demonstrated track record of setting and meeting goals to achieve results. Both his undergraduate and graduate work were done at Olivet. McDonald also works as a professional basketball official for the Premier Basketball League.

Second Semester New Faculty

Michael Bundy Instructional Specialist, Math, Science & Technology

Michael Bundy is an instructor specialist for the new computer science program at North Central University. After graduating with a computer science degree from the University of Washington, Bundy spent 15 years in the corporate sector developing a line of business applications. His specialty is working on internal systems and system integrations to help make companies be the best they can be. Prior to coming to NCU, Bundy was a software development consultant at RBA, Inc., a technology consultancy based in Wayzata, Minn., and also served as RBA’s corporate services systems development lead.

Nick Robertson, D.Min. Missionary in Residence, Intercultural Studies Nick Robertson is director of the Antioch Initiative, a partnership between Assemblies of God World Missions and North Central University, focused on the unreached of the world. Robertson is serving with Antioch at North Central after nearly 20 years in India planting churches and training ministry leaders. He holds both a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary at Evangel University.

New faculty this spring (L to R): Nick Robertson, Stacy Sikorski, Michael Bundy

Stacy (Grogan ‘98) Sikorski, MSW PSEO Coordinator A 1998 graduate of North Central with a Bachelor’s in Urban Ministries, Stacy Sikorski also holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois. Sikorski has worked in higher education settings, Christian academics and a variety of social services agencies in Illinois, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. Spring 2016 | 9

Faculty Highlights Notable activities of NCU faculty

Amy Anderson, Ph.D., professor of Greek and New Testament, recently

published articles, “Family 1 in Mark: Preliminary Results” in Early Readers, Scholars and Editors of the New Testament and “Codex 2193 and Family 1 in Mark” in Studies on the Text of the New Testament and Early Christianity: Essays in Honor. Anderson also taught an intensive course in Exegesis and Hermeneutics to staff and student leaders of Students For Christ-Europe during the summer of 2015 near Cologne, Germany.

Amy Anderson

Pauline Ballentine, M.A., chair, Carlstrom ASL-Interpreting Department

became a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI) last fall. CDIs are nationally certified by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID – rid.org). According to RID, CDIs are deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of interpreting, deafness, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. They have specialized training and/or experience in the use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication, and possess native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language.

Bob Brenneman, Ph.D., published a second edition of his book, As Strong as the Mountains: A Kurdish Cultural Journey. (2nd Ed., Long Grove, IL; Waveboard Press, Inc., 2016 and 2007). Brenneman is a recognized expert on ISIS and the refugee crisis and speaks regularly at area churches and events.

Pauline Ballentine

Bob Brenneman

LaToya Burrell, J.D., associate professor of business and lead professor

for Business Administration, is one of 20 emerging leaders in higher education chosen to be part of the Women’s Leadership Development Institute (WLDI). The WLDI is co-sponsored by the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) and Azusa Pacific University. It is targeted towards women leaders across CCCU campuses with various life and work experiences.

LaToya Burrell

Shawn Sauve, MBA, MATS, associate professor of business, presented a paper at the Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching’s “Honors Symposium on Social Responsibility” in December. The title of his paper is “Self-Interest, Economics and Theology,” which will publish in the Canyon Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (CJIS), to be released in June.

Bill Tibbetts, MBA, director of the School of Business and assistant professor, along with Greg Leeper, M.A., director of institutional effectiveness and research and assistant professor, co–authored “Connecting Your Classroom to the World: A Dynamic Model for Business and Leadership Education Using Short-Term Missions,” that was accepted for May 2016 publication in the Christian Business Academy Review.

Shawn Sauve

Bill Tibbetts 10 | NCU Magazine

Greg Leeper

Helping seniors in her work at Augustana Care allows Allison Roeder ‘15 to develop unique friendships.

Social Work Program Receives Accreditation The December 2015 news of accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) for North Central University’s Social Work degree ushers in new opportunities for students, faculty, and graduates associated with the program. For Allison Roeder ’15 the CSWE accreditation means she can move forward confidently with career and education plans, giving her greater options for her choice of schools for graduate education. Angela Volpe ’01, NCU’s social work program director, affirmed the significance of the CSWE accreditation. “In Minnesota, you must have a license to practice any kind of social work, and that license is only available to students from an accredited program,” Volpe explained. “Because we were in accreditation candidacy for the past five years, our students were able to take the exam, but had to get a temporary license and renew annually.” The CSWE stamp of approval impacts graduates, as well as current and future students. In pursuing accreditation, NCU had to demonstrate that the social work program met rigorous criteria established by the CSWE. Volpe said that one of the requirements is a 400-hour internship. The school works

closely with students to make internship placements that will be meaningful and lay the groundwork for their career experience. For Roeder, an internship at Augustana Care Minneapolis Campus opened the door to a full-time position—offered one month before her graduation. ADJUSTING EXPECTATIONS Entering the field full-time, Roeder had high aspirations. “I wanted to save people and be like family to older adults who don’t have family;” she recalled, “to care for vulnerable people in a vulnerable time.” But Roeder has realized that as a social worker her role is not to save people, “but to show God’s love and be God’s love through what I do.” “I’m learning to give it more up to God,” she said. “I look at the way I react in situations and ask, ‘Am I responding like Christ would? Am I loving?’ And then just look for the best in people. That’s what social workers are called to do; that’s what Christians are called to do.” With North Central’s CSWE accreditation, Roeder, other social work alumni, and future graduates can move forward to do what they are called to do. Spring 2016 | 11

New Websites Raise the Bar for NCU Digital Presence

Top: northcentral.edu website Bottom: Skyline website

On Feb. 29, North Central leaped into a new era of style, practicality and relevance with the launch of two websites. The university’s main website, northcentral.edu, was completely overhauled with a new look, new navigation, and new content to powerfully reach prospective students and families. A second website was created as an internal platform for students, faculty, and staff to house important information for students, faculty, and staff previously located on northcentral.edu. The site, called “Skyline,” is accessible only to those with a valid North Central email account and password. The northcentral.edu site was built in partnership with mStoner, a nationally known web design firm that has worked extensively in the higher education market. The Skyline platform came to life with the assistance of Jettison Agency, a web design firm owned by NCU alumnus Luke Frederick ’15. The planning process spanned nearly a year and involved a North Central team made up of representatives from Communications, Information Technology, Marketing, University Relations, and local consultants Erik Gruber and Kelsey Lundberg.

Allied Executives, a Minnesota professional organization for CEOs and business owners, invited North Central to provide volunteer registration hosts for their annual Business & Economic Outlook Conference on Feb. 23. Students from the School of Business answered the call and provided professional level service to conference attendees. At the event, students also had opportunities to attend workshops and network directly with business leaders. NCU also hosted a booth at the conference, staffed by School of Business faculty and staff, and representatives from University Relations. 12 | NCU Magazine

Aimee Robertson

Students Represent NCU at Business Conference

@emilyyhansen

• N E W Y O R K • Some intense selfie-stick action is taking place all over this beautiful city.

@a_groves7

Dress rehearsal.

@suevera

#NCUtoNYC #nowords #ncuchorale16

#NCUtoNYC The North Central University Chorale hit the Big Apple for spring break. They sang a solo set in Carnegie Hall and participated in worship services in Brooklyn and at St. Paul’s Chapel located near the 9/11 Ground Zero site. Students tell the story here through Instagram posts.

@kristinwileman Spending four hours in Central Park just wasn’t long enough, but singing in Carnegie Hall tonight will make up for it.

@owatermelongun 2 mins

till we sing at Carnegie Hall!! Got my ninja socks on for good fortune. Let’s go baby!!

@tayhski Singing with Chorale at Carnegie Hall and being directed by, the one and only, Larry Bach! So amazing and such an unforgettable experience! Spring 2016 | 13

Record Number of Rams Named to UMAC Academic All-Conference List The 2015 fall semester was historical for North Central University’s athletic department, as a record number of athletes were named to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Academic All-Conference Awards. The list released on January 27 featured 266 studentathletes from 14 member schools in eight leaguesponsored sports. To be considered for academic all-conference honors, student-athletes must earn a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in their semester(s) of competition. Of the 86 students participants in seven NCU fall sports, 29— more than one-third of fall athletes—earned a 3.5 GPA or better. Over one in three was named to the academic all-conference team. In addition, 11 of the qualifying athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA. The Academic All-Conference althletes respresented Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Golf, and Women’s Volleyball. For more athletic updates visit

ncurams.com

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NCU’s Pheneger Chosen for NCAA National Committee

For four consecutive years, the North Central University men’s and women’s basketball teams have secured berths in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II National Championship Tournament. On Feb. 27, both Rams teams earned automatic bids into the tournament by winning their respective NCCAA Region titles. The Division II women’s national championship was hosted by Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Mo. North Central placed fifth out of eight teams in the championship, beating both Ozark Christian and Pensacola Christian. The Division II men’s championship tournament was held in Ankeny, Iowa at Faith Baptist Bible College. The Rams opened the tournament with a thrilling 117-108 overtime win over Arlington Baptist and finished the championship weekend placing fourth out of the 10 teams. In addition to tournament games, all teams participated in service projects. The women served at the House of Hope and Salvation Army and the men partnered with Kingdom Cares, providing socks, shoes, and a meal for underprivileged children in the Des Moines area, in addition to giving a free basketball clinic.

Shon Lundberg

NCU Hoops Continue NCCAA Tournament Trip Tradition

NCU Rams basketball teams finished their season with their fourth consecutive NCCAA tournament appearance.

Amy High

Elissa Pheneger

Junior Elissa Pheneger, volleyball captain and elementary education major, was selected by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to serve a two-year term as one of 24 members on the Division III National Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). All 450 Division III institutions have a SAAC consisting of student-athletes to provide insight on the student-athlete experience and offer input on rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes. Pheneger is NCU’s SAAC president and will now also represent the 5,200 athletes in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and 190,000 athletes in the NCAA Division III.

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PREPARING FOR A NEW FUTURE A Conversation with President Gordon Anderson

CAPTION 16 | NCU Magazine

On Jan. 20, President Gordon Anderson, Ph.D., announced his plans to retire next June. While a search for his successor moves forward, Anderson is in the unique position of heading into the sunset of his career in higher education and the sunrise of the next stage of his life. NCU Magazine caught up with the busy president to find out his thoughts and plans as he navigates through this season of change for himself and North Central. As you approach the conclusion of your time at the helm of the institution, how do you prepare for that journey and for the next leader? “A key to it is to be forward-looking—to get the personal dynamics but also the corporate dynamics in perspective. A presidency is not about this president, it’s about the president. “There is a tendency, among older people, to think that the future is precarious, and the young cannot be trusted, and once those of us who are experienced have left the scene, then things will be dismal. I think that that is totally wrong! “First of all, it is a very wrong-headed way to look at how God works in the church and how He works in organizations. So I am looking forward—for North Central. “A lot of what we’re doing right now is with a focus on one, five, or ten years from now, and doing what I can in the time remaining to have a strong, effective, and productive finish—instead of coasting to the finish line and leaving things undone for the successor.” What do you see as top priorities right now? “First of all is the mission of the university. Every organization has a reason for being. What’s important? What do we value? Why are we here? We are not here simply to teach students some stuff and pay bills and build buildings, but we are here to fulfill a mission. North Central’s mission is to prepare young people to fulfill biblical models of leadership, and so we work in that framework. “We have to have a mission, a set of values, things we believe in. These values have to be re– envisioned. They need to be clarified—not every afternoon, not every year, but maybe once a decade—so we’re engaging ourselves in the current world in which we live. Not the one we used to live in, not the one we wish we lived in, but the real world. “The top priority is mission, but mission doesn’t stand alone. You have to have ways to accomplish the mission. So maybe the wine and wineskin metaphor works: the mission is the wine, but the wineskin is the structure. How do you really get it done? Simply having vision without a plan and without structure doesn’t work. You have to have both, so we’re looking at mission, but we’re also looking at the planned structure to accomplish that mission.” As a leader, how do you respond to difficult situations and decisions? “Samuel Johnson said, ‘The prospects of hanging wonderfully concentrate the mind.’ Now, applying this to myself, I am expendable. I serve a cause much bigger than me. This is not about me, it is about the greater good, whatever that may cost me. I might like it to be different, but what do I want for my life? Total comfort, total ease, no challenge, no danger, no risk? Is that fulfilling? Or in the proper sense, anything to be proud of ? No. So, it may sound a little brutal, but I am expendable. So I think that’s what leaders need to do: live it, model it, and also call people to sacrifice for the greater good and for the values for which we exist.” How does North Central today compare with North Central historically? “The original vision and mission of North Central University—going back to 1930 [when] the school started in the basement of a church—was to meet the needs of two different groups of people…clergy, people who felt called into full-time ministry…and for other people who do not feel such a call but want a deeper level of Bible study. It was always a both/and. “Historically people have seen North Central as being primarily committed to education for the clergy. At the high end, 70 percent or so of students were preparing for full-time ministry, but Spring 2016 | 17

we have always had students who were preparing for the marketplace, too. “The Assemblies of God has certain criteria for the ordination of clergy and those criteria do not include college education. It’s just a part of the Pentecostal environment where we put such emphasis on the power of the Spirit. Now, I am Pentecostal and I understand and appreciate the value and the work of the Spirit, but the Holy Spirit is not a labor saving device! There is the competency side where people need to be very competent in understanding the Bible, preaching the Bible, teaching the Bible, and understanding church missions and leadership. So we need to have a both/and [that is] actually more true to the original roots of the Assemblies of God going back to 1914, and going back to the original roots of North Central in 1930.” You’ve said that God is doing a new thing here. What must we do to join Him in that work? “The idea of God being a Creator God—I like to use the word generative—He generates things or He initiates new things. It’s not for novelty’s sake, but in the world things are always changing. We are getting ready to transition into springtime here in Minnesota and there are regenerative powers that will bring crops to harvest this fall. God is generative, and we, as God’s people, need to be generative people. “So, we do new things. The world changes. New kinds of programs. New ways of doing things. New ways of interfacing with a world that is changing. That’s the way God works, so there seems to be no room for pessimism in that bigger context. In fact, someone said the opposite of a believer is not a follower; the opposite of a believer is a pessimist who can’t believe that there are new solutions.” What does North Central do to prepare students for the challenges they’ll face in the world? “The programing of the school, ultimately, is about education for students to prepare them to live well and live effectively in the future. What does that future look like? Well, here’s where everybody needs a crystal ball— and they seem to be in short supply—to know exactly what the future is going to look like! “We are a Christian school, and so we exist for Christian values, which include ministerial values, and ministry values—that is the role of the church in the world. That tightens the focus considerably. It’s not just about making money or getting a good job or developing a good career. That all has to be governed by the sense of what it means to be the people of God in the world. “So then, how does a Christian school prepare truly Christian people to function in a world that is changing dramatically? That’s the integration of faith and learning, the integration of our spirituality with our employment. We are facing these challenges and we’re doing a lot to 18 | NCU Magazine

help students find out and figure out how to live as a Christian in today’s world.” What are your thoughts as you reflect on your 20 years as president of North Central? “In the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey suggested to live with the end in view. Someday when they write my funeral speech, I want to live in such a way that when the speech is read they don’t have to smirk. In essence [Covey] asks, ‘How do you want to be remembered?’ “The contrast between spirituality and everything else is the most important consideration any human being gives. I endeavor to be a person of the Spirit, led by the Spirit, guided by the Spirit—to be a spiritual person. That has to do with the image of God, the image of Christ…and the way God operates. The morals, the ethics, the methods— the ways of God are very different than the ways of the world. If I could have it be said and be true, that Gordon was a human being who was led by the Spirit, that would be first and foremost. “Practical application of that would be a day-to-day commitment to do what is right. Not looking at the consequences, not looking at political expediency, or financial expediency, but to believe God honors and blesses what is right. I would rather be ‘blessable’ than have to beg for blessings. By doing what is right as best you can, God will honor it. I try to find what is right and do it. That’s the practical application of the idea of spirituality.”

Jeff Hatha

here previously. That would be right at the heart of what we do. “Also that we would be organizationally strong but not so much that we don’t need faith. That’s the tension: if we’re so strong we don’t need any faith, we’re missing a huge part of spirituality; if we’re so weak that we need faith to part the Red Sea every morning, that’s a bit precarious. So I want a kind of an organizational strength—not one that avoids crisis all of the time—but that being guided by the Spirit builds something strong enough that it can endure in the day of testing. Paul used those very words, ‘Be careful how you build. Because the day of testing will reveal weakness.’ So to build well and to build strength, but not so much that we don’t need to be people of faith.”

What is your hope and vision for the future of North Central? “My hope for the future of North Central is that its fundamental mission of being a Christian, Spirit-filled, Bible-based school will get stronger…it will get better. Living as Christians in the world—that our students will do a better job of that than all of the people who attended

What are you looking forward to most about retirement? “I’ve been asked that and I have an answer for it that is maybe somewhat humorous, but is actually very serious. My wife Dianne and I have said when we retire we want to see if we can be really good Christians when we’re not being paid to do so. “There’s a lot of truth in that, because some of the context around my life is I am under obligation. I have duties of office. Now I hope that it is not the duty of office but the love of God that motivates my life. “I have no plans and no desire for public ministry after North Central. We will retire, become involved in a local church, and live out our spirituality and our Christianity on a very intensely, local, personal level. And we are looking forward to that. So that’s what we plan to do: to be really good Christians when nobody knows about it.”

PARTNERS forPROGRESS NORTH CENTRAL UNIVERSITY

Save the date and plan to join us for an evening celebrating and honoring the legacy of President Gordon and Mrs. Dianne Anderson

Thursday, October 27, 2016 6:30–9 p.m. The Depot Hotel, 225 S. 3rd Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55401 For more details visit northcentral.edu/partners

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BACKYARD AND BEYOND North Central Missions in Minneapolis and Around the World By Victoria Pyron Tankersley ‘14

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North Central senior Tera Weyer was called to missions early in high school when a speaker at a conference prophetically called her out of a crowd of 2,000. She began searching for a college that would foster this “call from God” and her growing passion for missions. Weyer ultimately chose North Central due to the strength of the Intercultural Studies department. One thing Weyer may not have known when she chose NCU was the depth of North Central’s roots in missions—going back to the formative years of the university. Hiding deep within the T.J. Jones Library archives is a thickly bound scrapbook entitled, The Call of Christ to China and Japan: The Night Cometh When No Man Can Work compiled in 1938—just eight years after North Central Bible Institute began. Treasures in the scrapbook include pictures of Chinese missionaries, native Christians, local tailor shops, orphans, and scenes from missionary life. On one page there’s a silver piece of silk painted with Chinese symbols and an embroidered f lower across the bottom, presented to the North Central Bible Institute China Band by “Native Workers” from the Yunnan Province in Southwest China. The contents of this scrapbook paint a portrait of powerful missions connections around the world. In an article that traces the development of missions at North Central from 1936 to 2006, Dan Notley writes that the Assemblies of God formed as a denomination partly because of the need for a denomination that would “promote foreign missions and respond to the need for a Bible training school.” In other words, biblical training and missions were inextricably intertwined. In both the faculty and the student body, one could sense “a renewed burden and commitment to evangelizing the whole world”—including those deemed most unreachable. REACHING THE UNREACHABLE After Professor David K. Irwin preached at North Central in 1983, the school’s mission began to encompass what was believed to be the most unreachable religious group in the world—Muslims. As the founder of the Jumaa Prayer Fellowship and Center for Ministry to Muslims, Irwin sparked an awareness of God’s love for Muslims, who had previously been overlooked due to their presumed unreachability. When Irwin passed away in a car accident in 1984, North Central founded the David K. Irwin Chair for Islamic Studies in order to both honor and continue the power of his convictions. Notably, the late Delmar Kingsriter ’45 became the next director of the Jumaa Prayer Fellowship. Spring 2016 | 21

Robert Brenneman, Ph.D., professor of intercultural studies and languages, is another missionary who caught early wind of God’s call to serve in the most unreached, untouched corners of the globe. God called Brenneman to missions in 1971, and he landed as a missionary to the Kurds in 1982, when, he recalls, “Islam was not in the news like it is now.” Only rarely did anyone know anything about Islam, and because of that, Brenneman had to learn independently many “hard lessons about crosscultural adaptation and communication, how to share Christ with Muslims, spiritual warfare, and ministering in hopeless situations.” In the last two years, Brenneman has been back to Kurdistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Ethiopia. He speaks regularly on issues surrounding ISIS and refugees, and in May he will be taking a group of students overseas to work with Syrian and Iraqi refugees. MISSIONS IN OUR BACKYARD Dedication to spreading the Gospel of Christ— specifically to the most unreached—has not faltered. Since the early 1990s, God has been positioning North Central even more strategically in relation to the unreached. In the past two decades, the inf lux of refugee and immigrant populations from unreached countries all over the world has made Minneapolis home to over 700,000 internationals, 200 languages, and the largest Hmong, Somali, and Oromo populations in the United States. Along with this, YWAM Minneapolis notes that locally there are 150,000 Muslims and over 100 mosques.

Images on this page include scrapbooks from the library archives that serve as reminders of NCU’s legacy of missions 22 | NCU Magazine

Tera Weyer

Although Weyer did not choose North Central specifically because of the diversity of the city, she believes that living in the city while earning her degree has “provided a place to put into practice all [I] was learning in class.” She said, “Befriending Somalis at the Somali mall, learning the Hmong language from vendors at Hmong village in St. Paul, and teaching Latino children English skills were some of the ways the urban and culturally diverse community surrounding NCU had a direct impact on my life.” Along with honing her intercultural skills in the city, Weyer studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt. She now calls the opportunity to study abroad “one of the greatest aspects of North Central.” STRATEGICALLY PLACED Many North Central students have taken advantage of the opportunities this creates. David Modder ’97 and Tim Decker ’99 in 2005 were integral in forming the United Somali [Christian] Fellowship in Minneapolis. North Central has launched local partnerships with several organizations that minister to the international population in the city. North Central’s location in the city that has become one of the most diverse in the nation supports Notley’s conclusion that “it seems undeniably clear that today North Central University is divinely, sovereignly, and strategically placed to reach the world with the Good News.”

PREPARATION THROUGH INTERNATIONAL FIELDWORK Although Minneapolis is diverse and full of unreached peoples, North Central’s passion for missions does not stop there. International fieldwork opportunities have been available for students in locations such as Argentina, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Israel, Lebanon, Macedonia, Peru, Russia, Turkey, and Uganda. Opportunities abound for study abroad semesters in Bangkok, Thailand; Xi’an, China; and Cairo, Egypt. In Egypt, students work with Dick Brogden ’92. After earning his Ph.D. in International Studies from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Brodgen co-founded Live|Dead (livedead.org), a missions organization dedicated to planting churches and developing missionaries through the use of multigenerational, multinational missionary teams. Today, Live|Dead focuses on the 4,000+ unreached people groups in the areas they serve. In these areas, multinational, multigenerational teams work together to plant churches and make disciples among the most unreached people groups in the world. CONTINUING TO ANSWER THE CALL The continued call to mission work still inspires North Central students. Gary Denbow, D. Min., dean of the College of Missions, notes that many recent graduates and soon-to-be graduates are moving quickly into the field in locations such as India, Northern Asia, Oman, and Egypt. Today, as Weyer pursues God’s call on her life she hopes to “move across the world” to study Arabic before becoming an international service worker in the Middle East and eventually joining a Live|Dead training team. She’ll be following in the footsteps of countless North Central students and alumni with a call to missions who declare, in the words of John Falconer, “I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land f looded with light.” Victoria Pyron Tankersley ’14 (Literature and Creative Writing) is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in English Literature from University of St. Thomas (Minn.). Tankersley was recently awarded first place in the Essays on Diversity category at the 2016 Sigma Tau Delta International (english.org) Convention.

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Blue Roots Photography

David and Anna Guntlisbergen with Finnley, Solomon, and Zion

CONNECTED HEARTS AND LIVES

NCU Alumni Share How God Shaped their Families Through Adoption

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friend reached out to them about a teenage mother looking for a family to adopt her unborn daughter. Three days after meeting with the mother, the Scheffs were notified that they were going to be parents! Seven weeks later, Cora was born and delivered into their arms. Stephanie says, “I have never felt such deep gratitude; we were given a miracle!”

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As Christians, we are all adopted. Iain Campbell writes: Among the blessings God bestows on us in Christ is the blessing of adoption. We have been brought into God’s family and made God’s children. From God we have received “the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father’” (Rom. 8:15). (ligonier.org) Families who have experienced adoption have perhaps an even more personal glimpse into the power and gift that God gives us through our adoption in Christ. Here are several stories from alumni about the blessings they’ve experienced through adoption.

Justus, Nia, and Lola Hurckman Peter and Stephanie Scheff with Cora GIVEN A MIRACLE After years of heartache trying to have a baby, Peter and Stephanie (Martell ’99) Scheff chose adoption. The Scheffs were waiting to be chosen by a birth mother when a 24 | NCU Magazine

FOSTERING A SPECIAL LOVE In January 2015, Paul ’96 and Candace (May ’02) Hurckman went through an 18-month process to become licensed foster care providers. One week after completing the process, the Hurckmans brought week-old Nia home with the intent of offering a stable and loving home until she could be reunited with her birth family. When Nia

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ACROSS THE WORLD AND INTO THEIR HEARTS David ’11 and Anna (Smith ’10) Guntlisbergen knew adoption would be a part of their lives, but they had no idea how big of a part it would play in their family. After a year and a half of marriage, the couple felt God pressing them to start the process of adoption—in Uganda. In summer 2013 they brought home their first son. They brought home a second son in fall 2014, and a third son this past December, after spending a combined time of nearly six months in Uganda to complete all three adoptions. Their sons have taught the Guntlisbergens to step out in faith and say “yes” in the hardest, darkest places, where God can most reveal His incredible love and power. Anna says, “We have three boys, three and under, and are living the best kind of crazy.”

Steve and Kim Wajda with Amariah and Mia Jade

THE POWER OF SIBLING LOVE Steve ’89 and Kim (Lensert ’84) Wajda began working with orphans in China almost 20 years ago. When she was 4, their daughter Amariah began to beg for a sister. As directors of an orphanage, Steve says, “Kim and I struggled with wanting more biological children and also the dilemma of choosing ONE child but rejecting the rest.” Amariah continued to beg and plead and one day, at age 6 she said to Kim, “Mom do you feel called to adopt? Because I sure do!” A few months later at the orphanage, Amariah tearfully begged her parents again to adopt. After that painful conversation, Steve whispered a brief prayer to God, which was the beginning of the Wajdas’ adoption story of Mia Jade.

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was later eligible for adoption, Paul says, “We grieved the loss of her birth family,” but the Hurckmans and their children fell in love with her and were thrilled about the opportunity to adopt her. Nia celebrated her first birthday this past January and adoption became official in March.

Tahnya and Charles Porter with Alana, Joshua, and Riley A BOY NAMED JOSHUA When Charles ’96 and Tahnya (Blue ’97) Porter got married, Tahnya had a dream that they would have three children, and one would be a son named Joshua. Heading into the mission field, the dream was forgotten as the couple struggled with fertility. The Porters went through in vitro fertilization while serving in Sudan, East Africa, but the pregnancy ended with a miscarriage on August 13, 2003. The trauma of their miscarriage led to them leaving Sudan and going to Nairobi, Kenya to receive counseling. About a month into their time in Kenya, they visited a home for street children and met three little babies. One boy in particular grabbed their hearts. Born prematurely, he had been abandoned in the hospital and taken to the home to die. His name was Joshua. His chances of living were slim, yet three months later when Charles and Tahnya visited, he was a healthy eight pounds. His big eyes and enormous toothless smile drew them in. The Porters soon found out that Joshua was born on August 13—the very day Tahnya had miscarried. They agreed to foster Joshua; seven months later they adopted him. Six years and two biological children later, the Porters were in for a different kind of surprise when Joshua was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, a severe form of muscle degeneration. Joshua, now 12 years old, uses a wheelchair and is progressively getting weaker. The Porters say they have learned the heart of God on a much deeper level through adoption. They don’t see their kids differently—adopted, biological, African, Caucasian, disabled, or healthy. Adoption was as natural as the biological process. Spring 2016 | 25

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The Sikorski Family

Adam Sikorski

Alumni Snapshot Introducing “Alumni Snapshot”, a quick glance at the life of an NCU alumnus/a. Name: Adam Sikorski ’03 Major: Urban Ministries Current job: NCU Assistant Professor, Youth Studies; ordained minister with the Assemblies of God Hometown: South Bend, Ind. Current residence: Woodbury, Minn. Spouse/family: Wife: Stacy (Grogan ’98) Sikorski; Daughter: Reghan (11); Son: Keghan (7)

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Adam Sikorski ’03 applied to NCU as a student in 1992. For reasons he didn’t understand then, but now sees with crystal clarity, he wrote on his application essay that his life aspirations included graduating from NCU, going on to get his doctorate and eventually teaching at NCU. His first diversion from that “prophecy” happened when he didn’t end up attending NCU at that time, but worked in youth ministry for seven years instead. The road did lead back to North Central, however, and Sikorski earned his degree in Urban Ministries. Describing his career path as a “zig zag,” Sikorski has held jobs with Teen Challenge, worked in ministry at churches in Illinois, pursued and attained two master’s degrees (and is currently completing his doctoral work), and eventually became director of the youth ministry program at University of Valley Forge. While at Valley Forge, he heard about a faculty position at NCU and God opened the door for Sikorski to return to his alma mater. Even though Sikorski came to North Central as a 25-year-old freshman, he immersed himself in campus life. He served as an RA in Carlson and has memories of “wacky stories” he thinks are best kept to himself and the friends who were part of them. With gratitude, Sikorski recalls that it was because of President Gordon Anderson that he chose NCU. “Dr. Anderson has been and always will be one of those leaders that I will love and admire,” he ref lected. “His heart for people and desire for revival are infectious.”

North Central Then and Now

Campus Women’s Association (CWA) 1990

Se Young Kipp