The Bridge Fall 2014

Vol. 55, No. 2 - Fall 2014 CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

learning together published by Taylor College and Seminary CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

Taylor’s 75th!

Upcoming Anniversary Marks Beginning of Season of Celebration, pg. 3

Celebrating History Memories and Stories, pg. 3, 11, 14

Alumni Profile Cal Hohn (’87), Serving in Cameroon , pg. 16

Looking to the Future Dr. David Williams Reflects, pg. 18

A Note from the President There is a sense of anticipation at Taylor as we approach 2015.

January 2nd will mark 75 years since the first official day of classes at the Christian Training Institute, and we are looking forward to spending time together as a community – staff, faculty and students from each era of this institution, remembering and celebrating what God has done.

My admiration for Dr. E.P. Wahl is no secret. I'm sorry that I never met him, but I have enjoyed many conversations with those who knew him and worked with him. In many ways, he was ahead of his time, a leader with clear theological and educational priorities and a fierce determination.

There have been many periods of uncertainty and struggle over the past 75 years and many changes.

Among the blessings that come with an event like Taylor's 75th birthday is a chance to remember our story, to realize the ways God has used this school, and how He has led and provided throughout.

One of the things I sense that is happening at Taylor is the laying of the foundation for the future, for the next 75 years. By God's grace, and with your help and support, our finances are stable and we have been able to improve the campus, reinvest in our faculty and programs, and to begin looking to the future.

Often, the best guide to the future in the past: How has God led and provided in the past? What is the overall emphasis and direction that has emerged, and how does that inform our planning? Given the rich history of

CTI, NABC, NABDS/EBS, Taylor U-C, Taylor Seminary and the E P Wahl Centre, it's hard not to be excited.

At the recent meetings of the Board of Trustees, I laid out the emphases that I believe will guide us as we move into the future, and you can read more about that on page 18.

I have two other quick things to share with you: 1. I am planning to spend some time in Cameroon in early March to meet with our friends and colleagues at Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS).

My counterpart at Sioux Falls Seminary, Mr. Greg Henson, will be on this trip and we are hoping to find new ways to partner together; please pray for our group as we travel and meet together.

2. I am asked regularly about Taylor finances and in the interest of being transparent I would like you to know that we are enjoying continued strong support from churches and individual donors, and our endowments have performed strongly over the past two years. Along with careful budgeting, these have led to a third consecutive small surplus in 2013-14.

Thanks be to God! We are looking forward to seeing many of you in the days ahead, whether at a social event, a party, a lecture or class, or at Triennial. We'd also love to re-connect online as you share your stories and memories with fellow alumni in conjunction with our 75th.

David Williams, Ph.D. President, Taylor College and Seminary

What a year! Yes, 2014 has been very eventful and 2015 should be a lot of fun – but the year I am talking about is 1940. It was extraordinary in many ways, including for Taylor.

One of the best things about reviewing our past is recognizing the patterns of grace, the contours of God’s purposes through circumstance and provision, through challenge and opportunity. It is also so gratifying to recognize anew what an army of faithfulness is represented by our alumni. This school – CTI, NABC, NABDS/EBS, TAYLOR–has been built and sustained through the faithful vision and tireless determination of so many.

This commitment and faithfulness is one of Taylor’s greatest assets, and represents a profound challenge to a younger generation – people like me who have inherited this legacy. Having seen only the finished campus (and not the empty field that preceded it), and having seen the excellent courses and programs (but not the blank slate upon which divine imagination was scribed), we mustn’t feel entitled: the wheel awaits our shoulder.

It has been humbling and rejuvenating to dig deeply into the stories of Taylor’s first 75 years. May you find it inspiring as you continue to answer God’s call in life and ministry.

Tim Willson Communications and Marketing Director Editor, The Bridge P.S. For more on our 75th Anniversary, be sure to visit www.Taylor-Edu.ca/75.

Vol. 55, No. 2, Fall 2014 Published by Taylor College and Seminary to communicate with students, alumni, friends and supporters.

Editor: Tim Willson TheBridge@Taylor-Edu.ca Taylor College and Seminary 11525 - 23 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3 Cover: Tim Willson

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75 Years Young: Taylor Celebrates School founded in 1940 as the Christian Training Institute

by Tim Willson

F

rom the very beginning – from before the beginning, for that matter– the idea of a training centre in Edmonton seemed doubtful.

From the first recorded mention of the possibility in 1919, more than 20 years went by before the Christian Training Institute opened, and many challenges to the idea would follow.

West. Circumstances would not permit the actual realization as to the fulfillment of that dream. As years went by, many a secret prayer to which no listeners could give an ear was sent in petition to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts.

“In 1937 Canada again found this dreamer back upon its fields working with the young people. In September, the Lord gave a definite answer to go ahead. In the winter of 1938, a committee was appointed to find ways and means of working out this pre-conceived vision. In 1939, the early spring, buildings began to go up.

Upon reading Dr. Walter Goltz's excellent history of Taylor “For God and Truth”, one of the striking themes is how many times this educational enterprise has experienced challenges – financial and enrolment shortfalls that threatened its existence, and even “In January of 1940 the first students of challenges within NAB circles regarding the West joyfully came to our Institution, new initiatives. There were moments which was given the name of The Christian of satisfying success, such as the move Training Institute.” to a new campus and key partnership Taylor has never enjoyed media attention agreements with the U of A (leading to – not on January 2, 1940 or since; yet over undergraduate education) and with the course of 75 years it has had a Dr. E.P. Wahl, Founder Sioux Falls Seminary (leading to Taylor formative effect on thousands of young Seminary). However, Dr. Goltz details a lives.

Many organizations and churches— bumpy road, filled with uncertainty and challenge. indeed, whole mission fields—have been impacted The administrative team that faced the significant by the work begun in 1940 in south Edmonton. challenges of 2008 and 2009 found comfort in Reading through the Edmonton Journal from 1940 is knowing that they were not the first to have known surprising for both the piety and Christian ethos that God’s presence and promises in the midst of permeated its pages, and also the anti-German trouble. sentiment that was prompted by the war: it cannot A LONG-HELD DREAM BECOMES REALITY have been easy to be German Baptists in Edmonton Christian Training Institute held its in 1940. Prejudice was not uncommon; first official day of classes as the German immigrants from Russia, Poland snow began falling. It was the result and other parts of Eastern Europe who of a long-held dream on the part of had fled war and persecution in their a young pastor named Rev. Emil homeland now found themselves living Wahl. The early beginnings were uneasily on the Canadian prairie. recorded in the 1943 school In yearbooks produced in 1939-40 and catalogue. Rev. A.W. Teske, who was 1940-41, the Baptist Union hints at the teaching New Testament and English trouble faced by their German friends. as well as serving as pastor of Referring to the involvement of several Bethany Baptist Church in Camrose, Baptist Union pastors in “the Missionary was the editor of the catalogue and Training School” (CTI), the wrote this summary of our early Articles in Edmonton Bulletin (right) denominational report for the 1941 and Edmonton Journal (left) on June history: Annual Meeting of the Baptist Union of 24, 1939 mention the beginning of “In 1919 our beloved dean, Rev. E.P. Western Canada included a favorable construction of the CTI campus.

Wahl, visualized the need of a assessment of the launch of CTI: Christian Institution for our young people in the “Though there are difficulties incident to the war, Come and learn with us!

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4 Students stand on the front steps of Christian Training Institute, the original name and original home of Taylor. This campus was built in 1939 on what was then the southern edge of the City of Edmonton, at 10810 - 78 Avenue.

the German work is being carried forward with a satisfactory measure of success.”

began in the morning, coming after a warm December with little snow.

The annual report of 1940 also provides insight into the climate of the time:

The day’s advertisements directed shoppers to Woodwards for “T-Bone, Sirloin, Round Steaks, all one price” – for just 12-cents per pound. Men's three-piece tweed suits were a Wednesday bargain for $6.95, and ladies “better grade dress shoes” were $2.29 per pair. But there was no mention in the city's main newspaper that day nor in the days that followed of the events taking place on 78th Avenue. Quietly and effectively began a work that has influenced hundreds of churches across North America and around the world.

“At its last annual meeting, held early this summer, the First German Baptist Church of Edmonton found it necessary to change the name to the Central Baptist Church. Since, in light of existing conditions, our German friends of their own volition decided not to hold their Conference this year, an invitation has been extended to them to attend the Convention [of the Baptist Union]...”

Rev. E.P. Wahl served as half-time Dean (also President and teacher) while serving as the bivocational pastor of Central Baptist Church. In a church history published during its centennial year (2000), we catch a glimpse of the challenges facing the German-Canadian community in the year that CTI was launched: “Anti-German sentiment once again raged high.

People who had been born in Germany lost their jobs and many had to report regularly to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.”

Having just come through the Depression and now facing another war, the leaders of CTI were nonetheless optimistic, focused on their mission.

Scant notice was made of the new school in the newspapers, with just a brief notice when construction began in the summer of 1939; but the January 2, 1940 edition of the Edmonton Journal made no mention of the Christian Training Institute.

The first section was filled with news of the war in Europe, including a story about the arrival in Britain of 800 soldiers from the Edmonton Regiment. The City Section described New Year’s celebrations, and featured a story about a heavy snowstorm that

Taylor President David Williams has been part of the institution's story for over ten years, first as Academic Vice-President of the University College, then as President. He never met Dr. Wahl, but often expresses his deep admiration for his ministry.

“It's clear from his writings and from what I have learned from talking to his friends and colleagues that Dr. Wahl was deeply committed to some of the same things that are fundamentally important to me,” says David. “He was passionate about theological education, of course; he was also committed to ecumenical partnerships – a willingness to lock arms with other Christian traditions while being faithful to his own. I also admire his deep commitment to social justice.”

Reading the history of Taylor is an inspiring and challenging exercise. Through faithful obedience and force of will, generations of immigrant families – who arrived in Alberta with very little – built a community of faith, won and grew disciples, and launched an educational enterprise that has stood the test of time. Taylor is now Canada's most northern evangelical seminary, serving students from dozens of denominations and serving students Come and learn with us!

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from around the world, online and on campus. It raises questions about the challenge facing this generation: What is God calling us to next, and will we respond with the same dogged determination and joyful faithfulness?

A TIME TO CELEBRATE Taylor will commemorate the first 75 years of our ministry with an extended period of celebration in 2015. Some events are still in the planning stages, but you can check online and watch for invitations regarding special services, classes, social events and just plain fun.

Taylor will commemorate our 75th as part of the upcoming Triennial Conference in Sacramento.

Another project will be a devotional book featuring many of the students and faculty members from our history, available in mid- to late 2015.

Of course, no celebration can be imagined without

cake – and we invite you to join us for birthday cake on January 2nd. We will hope to see many friends and former students, staff and faculty join us for cake and refreshments from 1-3 PM. We also want to hear from you! So many friends of Taylor tell us of their fond memories and of the lessons learned through the work of CTI/NABC/ NABDS-EBS/Taylor. Please join us online to share your stories and to let us know where you are today.

Visit www.taylor-edu.ca/75.

It is worth ending with the words from Rev. Teske's introduction to the 1943 CTI catalogue: “We need your prayers for man cannot do the things that God alone would have us do according to His will. In unity there is strength, and, with the help of God, we are more determined than ever to have all our people become united in understanding the work that you are helping us do at the Institute.” TB

From the Pages of the Edmonton Journal, January 2, 1940 In the 1940's, the pages of the Edmonton Journal contained a number of items related to the Christian life, including a regular feature “Bible Message (from the Authorized Version).” On January 2, 1940, the text (printed in full) was from Ex. 3:13-15; 20:1-2, 7; Is. 42:8. One quaint notice advised that a pastor had taken a room at a hotel in Vancouver and would be staying there for several months.

The Journal published that snowy Tuesday detailed the city's New Year's Celebration.

City is Gay at New Year, Whistles Blow read the headline, with the sub-head reading “Most Exuberant Scene Since Boom Era of 1928, Opinion of Many”: “Thousands of citizens observed the year-end quietly and speculated on what 1940 will bring forth in a world flaming with new war. But among the thousands who did celebrate in traditional merriment, there was no lack of noise, gusto and hilarious high spirits.

“As pealing bells and shrilling whistles at midnight Sunday announced the death of the old year and the birth of the new, festivities that had been held in check by the Sabbath broke loose with unrestrained ardor—and continued at full blast for several hours.”

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themselves with inner strength against whatever trials and troubles the new year might send.”

Also interesting was the large article on Pg. 10 with the headline Churches in Edmonton Renew Summons to Christian Life: Special Services Held to Mark Dawn of New Year; Large Attendance. The article reported that “Edmonton congregations were called anew to Christian living in 1940, as city churches observed the close of 1939 and the start of the New Year in Sunday services, masses and communions on Sunday midnight and the early forenoon of New Year's day.” It continued: “In a New Year's message to his congregation in First Baptist church Sunday night, Rev. Daniel Young said: 'At the close of the Old Year and the dawn of the New Year, we should be certain that God is in His heaven and that he will guide us if we acknowledge Him in our lives.'

“He suggested, people should not look for God to guide them in some spectacular way, but 'through the very ordinary things of daily life.' Urging Christians in every part of daily life, the minister said: 'Religion has to do with the conduct of every part of life and not just with certain parts. “'Religion has something to say about the Holy day, but also something to do with the market places… To acknowledge God in all of our lives, costs greatly…'”

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Timeline of Related and Interesting Events, 1853 - 2014 1843 – Fleischmann Memorial Baptist Church begins in Philadelphia, the first church in what would eventually become the North American Baptist Conference.

1858 – German Department begins at Rochester Theological Seminary; would later become German Baptist Seminary.

In 1949, it changed its name to North American Baptist Seminary, now Sioux Falls Seminary (Taylor’s sister institution).

1865 – The General Conference of German Baptist Churches in North America was formed in 1865 in Wilmot, ON; it changed its name in 1944, eventually becoming North American Baptist Conference.

1922 – After graduating from seminary in Rochester, NY, Wahl returns to Alberta with his wife Pauline and daughter Inez to begin pastoral work at Fredericksheim Baptist Church, now First Baptist, Leduc.

1922 – CJCA begins broadcasting in Edmonton; first radio station in Alberta.

of Alberta.

1940-1957 – Rev. E.P. Wahl, President Rev. E.P. Wahl was also pastoring at Central Baptist Church during his early years as founder and president of CTI. 1940 – The City of Edmonton has a population of 91,723. (The city's population swelled briefly to 200,000 during a 1939 visit of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The parade route, Portage Avenue, was renamed Kingsway.)

1925 – An outdoor baptismal service is held at a creek ten miles south of the Wahl’s church. In a written report, he estimated that 1,000 people were

By the time Taylor turned 25 in 1965, Edmonton had grown to 371,265, and by our 50th in 1990: 605,538. Population in Spring 2014: 877,926. The City of Edmonton projects growth to 2.1-million people in 50 years when, by God's grace, Taylor will turn 125.

1883 – Canadian Pacific Railway reaches Calgary.

1885 – First Bible school opens in Canada (Mission Training School in Niagara Falls).

When CTI began, the population of Canada was 11,381,000. There were just nine provinces, as Newfoundland would not join Confederation until 1949.

1887 – Banff established as first National Park in Canada.

1888 – Hudson Taylor passes through Alberta on a Canadian Pacific train, en route to ABOVE: Christian Training Institute, now Taylor College and Seminary, Vancouver to begin return was first located at 10810 - 78 Avenue, Edmonton. The sign shown here In 1940, there were no voyage to China. During this trip skyscrapers in Edmonton – now hangs in a conference room in Benke Hall. he wrote to his wife, “You can and wouldn't be until 1966 have little idea how mightily the when the CN Tower became present, along with “100 automobiles and Spirit of God has been and is working.” the city's first skyscraper with 26 storeys. about 70 buggies”. The 15 baptisms that 1892 – Rabbit Hill Baptist Church founded as Heimthal German Baptist Church, the first NAB church in Alberta.

1892 – Emil Wahl born in Plum Creek, SD. 1897 – Edmonton experiences Klondike Gold Rush as prospectors head north.

1900 – Central Baptist Church is founded in Edmonton as the First German Baptist Church. (The church later relocated to the building now used by the Mustard Seed, and that is where Dr. Wahl was pastoring in 1940 when he founded CTI.) 1904 – Edmonton becomes a city.

1905 – Province of Alberta founded.

1905 – Canadian Northern Railway reaches Edmonton.

1905 - Hudson Taylor dies on the mission field in China; he is remembered as one of the most significant missionaries in church history. (Taylor College and Seminary was named after him in 2002.)

1915 – Hotel MacDonald opens; Fort Edmonton is dismantled.

1916 – Wahl arrives in Alberta for the first time, serves as summer pastor at a church in the southern community of Germantown, now called Hilda.

day pushed church membership to 270.

1927 – Wahl sees immigration as a significant missions enterprise and works with government and railway officials to help German immigrants. One group he helped settle in Minitonas, MB founded a church in 1928 that would produce three of the presidents who would succeed him at CTI/NABC (Dr. Sonnenberg, Dr. Goltz and Dr. Siewert).

1929 – The Famous Five (five women from Edmonton) won a historic legal fight in Great Britain to gain legal recognition of women as “persons”.

1937 – Rev. Wahl resigns from a pastorate at Second German Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon to accept a call to return to Alberta as director of Bible schools and supervisor of mission churches in the Northern Conference of western Canada. The next month, on June 17, 1937, Emil and Pauline Wahl's 13-year old son Ivan was killed in a traffic accident. The insurance settlement of $2,000 became the seed money for the Christian Training Institute.

1940 – January 2, Christian Training Institute holds its first regular classes in newly-built facilities near the University

1940 – Billy Graham became a freshman at Wheaton College in Illinois.

1940 – Cultural events of early 1940’s included Disney's release of Pinnocchio (1940), Dumbo and Fantasia (1941) and Bambi (1942). Other blockbusters: The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin (1940), The Maltese Falcon and Citizen Kane (1941), Casablanca (1942). One of the major books of 1940 was For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway. Music stars included Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Perry Como.

1941 – CTI begins a radio broadcast on CFRN on Sunday evenings; the Christian and Missionary Alliance helped by sharing their airtime. became a Sunday morning program (broadcast directly from the school). Prof Ed Link hosted the final show on the last Sunday of 1962.

1942 – Daily snowfall record set in Edmonton – 39.9 cm on November 15.

1942 – The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Lewis, is published for the first time.

1942 – William Cameron Townsend founds Wycliffe Bible Translators.

1944 – The General Conference of

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German Baptist Churches in North America changed its name to the North American Baptist Conference.

1946 – Rev. Ethel Ruff, pastor of a church in Wetaskiwin, appointed a full faculty member of CTI as part of a cooperating agreement with the BGC. 1947 – A massive oil discovery in Leduc would lead to a new era in the history of Edmonton and Alberta.

1949 – The NAB seminary in Rochester, NY relocated to Sioux Falls, SD, and changed its name to North American Baptist Seminary.

1950 – Rev. Wahl submits resignation, citing exhaustion. Board votes not to accept, gives 3-month sabbatical.

1955 – CTI's 15th Anniversary. A report

by Rev. E.P. Wahl to the NAB Conference indicates that 550 young people had received instruction at CTI as regular students and that another 266 had attended evening classes.

1957 – Rev. E.P. Wahl resigns as president of Christian Training Institute.

1958 – NAB Triennial Conference held at the brand-new Jubilee Auditorium, the biggest Triennial event ever with over 4,000 registered delegates. Rev. E.P. Wahl was Chairman of the local organizing committee. He also planted a new church in this year (Capilano, which became Hillview).

1958 – NAB Triennial approves new programs for CTI, including a B.Th. 1960 – First theological studies grad: Peter Schroeder. (Among his classmates, in other programs, were notable alumni Betty Mantay and Werner Waitkus.)

1960-1970 – Dr. Albert S. Felberg, President

PHOTO: The Taylor campus, still surrounded by fields, as seen looking north, around 1971.

Note the young spruce trees on the grounds and the absence of the Seminary building. approves graduate-level education at NABC. This Inter-campus MDiv program, which launched in 1975, involved two years of study at NABC in Edmonton followed by a third year at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls.

1974 – Dr. Bernard Schalm dies of brain tumour; former president Dr. J Walter Goltz called his death “the most farreaching event of the decade” for the school. Dr. Schalm, the Academic Dean, was the first faculty member to have a doctorate.

1978 –Commonwealth Games in Edm. 1980 – Fully Canadian MDiv program begins as North American Baptist Divinity School.

1981 – West Edmonton Mall opens.

1998-2008 – Dr. Marvin Dewey, President 2002 – Institution is granted the right to offer liberal arts degrees as a private “university college”.

2002 – North American Baptist College and Edmonton Baptist Seminary change their names to Taylor University College and Seminary following extensive consultation, though the change prompts a negative reaction from many.

2007 – Taylor announces the formation of a new training initiative for lay people and continuing education for ministry practitioners; the new initiative would be called the E P Wahl Centre.

2008 – Taylor announces the closure of the university college following several years of declining enrolment.

1962 – Rev. E.P. Wahl is presented with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by the school that he founded. The presentation was made during graduation exercises held at Central Baptist Church.

1983 – Dr. E.P. Wahl dies in Leduc, AB.

2008 – Dr. David Williams appointed the seventh President of the institution.

1984 – Edmonton Oilers win first Stanley Cup.

2010 – Conservatory of Music at Taylor begins as part of the E P Wahl Centre.

1964 – CTI Alumni purchase 27 acres of land in south Edmonton for a new campus – Purchase price: $35,000.

1986 – First E.P. Wahl Lectures held; Dr. Andrew MacRae was featured in the new annual lectureship.

1965 – 25th Anniversary celebrated.

Report notes that 1,370 students had attended over the years, 163 of them serving as NAB pastors/missionaries.

1987 – A major tornado hits the Edmonton area on July 31, killing 27.

2010 – The sale of 22 acres of the Taylor campus is concluded; net proceeds from the sale are added to a permanent endowment that provides a source of annual revenue to Taylor. These funds, along with continued strong donor support, have put Taylor on a secure financial footing.

1968 – Construction of new campus begins during an unseasonably warm winter; CTI moves and changes its name to North American Baptist College.

1970-1981 – Dr. Joseph Sonnenberg, President 1973 – NAB Conference General Council

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1981-1988 – Dr. Walter J. Goltz, President

1988-1997 – Dr. Paul Siewert, President 1990 – North American Baptist Divinity School changes its name to Edmonton Baptist Seminary.

2010 – Taylor Seminary introduces new 77-hour MDiv program.

1995 – New Seminary building completed.

2010 – White Cross Canada becomes part of the E P Wahl Centre at Taylor.

1997 – ATS Accreditation is granted for the Seminary.

2015 – Taylor turns 75, and we will celebrate together!

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Change: Part of the DNA of Taylor Members of the Taylor Community Reflect on our first 75 Years

by Dayna E. Mazzuca

O

ver the past 75 years, Taylor has gone through its share of changes. For some, it's part of the organizational package. Others see the future being carved out one change-management decision at a time. Still others have felt saddened by some of those changes—but all have a clear hope for what lies ahead for Taylor and its students.

Dr. Terry Fossen, Associate Regional Minister for the Alberta Baptist Association, says, “As I've reflected and talked with hundreds of alumni and faculty and board members about the changes (at Taylor), it seems change is in the DNA of the school. It's been so from the very beginning. It's always needed to keep evolving and changing.”

Some key changes are best reflected by the name changes: - Founded in 1940 as the Christian Training Institute (CTI) which included a high school and strong music and evangelism ministry,

goal of developing Christ-like leaders for tomorrow.

Fossen's association with Taylor goes back to 1972 when he arrived on campus as a 17-year-old student, “right out of high school.” He went on to complete his seminary training in Edmonton and South Dakota and then returned to Taylor as an adjunct professor in the 80's. At the time he also started pastoring at Central Baptist in Edmonton.

In 1992, Terry became a full-time professor; in 2008, he re-joined the staff—this time as Vice-President of External Relations, and has served as a member of the Board of Trustees off and on over the past thirty years. He now serves at Associate Regional Minister with the Alberta Baptist Association, which has its offices on the Taylor campus.

Whether it was under the auspices of CTI, NABC, Taylor U-C or Taylor Seminary, Fossen has always seen “great value in students' lives” as a result of the school's ministry.

TOUGH CHANGES

At the same time, changes are always hard. When the university college closed, for instance, one of the people s, former prof, nu m alu , en ss Fo affected was the Professor of Old Dr. Terry s External Relation of P Vd an e ste tru Testament, Tyler Williams. He had to - Started a divinity school move over to Edmonton's King's University College (NABDS) in 1980 that would to help the Religion and Theology Department become Edmonton Baptist Seminary in 1990 complete their 4-year programs. (Academic credit (until 2002), from Taylor was transferred to King's as part of the - Shifted in 2002 to an accredited and (partially deal.) When those students completed their provincially-funded) private university, combining program, his contract expired and he became a fulldegree-granting courses with spiritual formation time pastor at Greenfield Community Church. ones, and changing the name to Taylor University - Moved to a new campus and become North American Baptist College (NABC) in 1968,

College and Seminary, - Ended undergraduate programs in 2009 to focus on ministry preparation through advanced degrees through Taylor Seminary and continuing education through the still-evolving E P Wahl Centre.

Along with the name changes, there was a campus move, periods of growth and downsizing, revisioning, re-packaging and re-thinking—all with an eye to managing change and keeping an eye on the

Tyler started at King's on July 1, 2009, the day after his job with Taylor ended, and he started at Greenfield on July 1, 2013, the day after his contract with King's ended. Despite the abrupt changes, he says the timing was a blessing.

Yet, Tyler says the closing of NABC still saddens him.

“I still wonder if it was necessary, if that was the best solution and if it was premature to the issues and problems we were facing?”

Alumni Association President Eric Peters feels the

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same way, although he knows changes don't come easy.

“At one point Taylor went through a period when it was walking the cliff edge, when we didn't even know if it was going to make it out of that time.

We're not walking the edge of the cliff anymore today…but seminary students are attending more on a part-time basis than they were… and the alumni association is somewhat perplexed about its role,” he admits.

“There are still alumni who feel disenfranchised, as a result of the university college closing its doors,” says Peters. He wants to reach out to those people, in part because he is one of them. “The school I went to doesn't exist anymore,” says Peters who arrived at NABC in 1968.

Of course, most things—including our churches and our cities—have changed since 1940, but the loss that Peters expresses has been echoed by many alumni, and it is fair to remember that Taylor’s 75-year history has not been without challenge and loss.

THE NAME CHANGE

proving to be true.” Now, he says, “if the E P Wahl Centre concentrates on training lay people, which was (Wahl's) original passion, then it's going to overcome the resistance we experienced with the name change to Taylor. As that is brought into sharper focus, then they ('our critics') will see the school has not lost its focus or its ties to its beginnings.”

The name Taylor comes from Hudson Taylor, one of the major figures in Christian history. One of the key innovations in Taylor's ministry was his willingness to change and adapt to new circumstances: by dressing Chinese, changing his hair and lifestyle, serving across denominational lines, including women in his work, and even preaching in temples.

Given Taylor’s history of change, perhaps the name Taylor is fitting for that reason as well.

Meanwhile, as a school, Taylor has had to adapt. For instance, Fossen explains one of the reasons the university college became untenable for Taylor was that educational decisions must dovetail with the career plans of students, since dollars are fewer and time is tighter.

“Bible school used to be seen as a way to develop spiritually while studying for something else,” he says. “Today, when deciding to pursue postsecondary Christian education, students are more pragmatic. They ask, 'What's in it for me?'”

Peters says the most recent name change, from NABC to Taylor, also took some getting used to. He remembers receiving (by accident) an email outlining sociated with Muller has been as illy President Dr. David Williams says W .

Dr tory.

10 or 15 possible new name s of our 75 year his Taylor for 72 year closing the university college wasn't changes. Peters didn't like any of simply a matter of having (or finding) enough them, and contacted a communication money. s company to help advise the school.

“The cost was becoming so high, it became a Many schools change their names – indeed, this matter of good stewardship. We (the Board and was not even our first name change. But it is clear other decision makers) wondered if this was God that the name change in 2002 was met with leading us to a different use of our resources.” unhappiness, even antagonism, from some quarters. Over time, the issue has faded and people have come to embrace the new name, but current Board Chair Bob Teskey jokes that he still has bruises all over his body from the fallout of that decision.

While the Seminary has long been a large part of Taylor, the E P Wahl Centre is newer and is just starting to come into its own—in part because it opened just as the university college was shutting down in 2008/09.

Dr. Willy Muller, whose relationship with the school goes back to 1942 when he enrolled at CTI, recalls the name selection coming down to two possibilities: Taylor or E P Wahl.

Fossen thinks Taylor's current focus on providing seminary education aligns well with today's students' more career-related needs, and, together with the E.P. Wahl Centre, offers exemplary spiritual formation opportunities. The rising age of the average student (from 25 to 35) reflects the

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9

10

complexity of people's lives and the need to make any post-secondary education work with other liferelated issues.

“In a nutshell,” says Fossen, “I'd say the changes (at Taylor) have always been necessary to reflect the changing needs of churches and respond to the shifts in the needs for education. We sensed the university was not viable [in terms of finances or enrolment].” Terry remembers 2008-09 as ‘emotionally-laden days’ but says the focus on mission remained strong. “We knew we wanted to equip people to be effective ministers in a postChristian world.”

After making some hard decisions along the way (to sell some of the land, for instance) and finding ways to think outside the box (through the E P Wahl Centre and by partnering with other organizations such as Urban Sanctuary and Vanguard College), hopes run high for the future of Taylor and its students.

kingdom of God in practical, theologically-informed, personally-sustainable ways.

“I'm not a visionary,” Peters says, “but at the same time I can see that the undergirding for doing a lot is there. We're moving and we're moving in a good direction… I think the quality of the education that they're getting there right now is really second to none.”

One of the professors on the front lines of equipping students to share the gospel in an informed, comprehensive way is Taylor's Professor of Historical Theology, Dr. Randal Rauser.

Rauser was attending a megachurch in metro Vancouver when he decided to change to an NAB church in 1996. He later got a job teaching at Briercrest College in southern Saskatchewan when he heard about a position open at Taylor and looked into it. He was hired as an assistant professor in 2003 and was promoted to full professorship in 2014.

With a different perspective and shorter history with the school than Eric or Tyler, the changes at Taylor didn't rock Rauser's world in the same way, although they “have made life interesting,” he says.

“We have not been seeing the same number of young (Christian) leaders emerging, but we pray that this is precisely what we'll see through the E P As part of his course load, Dr. Rauser Wahl Centre. The seminary is teaches church history. “We learn who stable and reputable, and the we are by learning where we come Wahl Centre is positioned to from and when you study church serve younger people in a new history,” he says, “you learn about the teaches theology way,” says Fossen. Overall, he Dr. Randal Rauser gger. ways that the Holy Spirit has led us blo d an or th au feels confident the seminary and and is a prolific into truth (over time). You also learn E P Wahl Centre are well about all the dead-ends and questions people had positioned to meet students' needs today—and along the way.” tomorrow.

“At some points there have been degrees of “One thing I know from working within the region, uncertainty,” admits Rauser. “Certainly in higher the churches that are the healthiest, in whatever education and Christian higher education, way they want to define health, are those churches questions of how to proceed are not unusual. It where leaders are being developed. And we have happens even in the corporate world. It's a been blessed to have institutions like Taylor where reflection of the wider culture as well—change.” leaders are finding time to pull away for a time to be developed. Where goes good leadership, so goes a good church. Some things never change, and that's one of them. The goal is still to share the gospel.”

Eric Peters agrees. “Does the fundamental message of Christ change over the decades? No. Does how we present it? It had better,” says Peters, who likes the approach of the seminary and E P Wahl Centre of making sure people are equipped to serve in the

For the Taylor community, Rauser says the one thing change does is to “drag you back to become a community of prayer.”

For Randal, the question is always: How can we best develop Christ-minded leaders in the world?

“Answering that,” he says, “means that we have to CHANGE article, continued on page 11

11 2015: a time to celebrate

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

January 2, 2015, 1 PM - 3 PM

Other Events in 2015

Birthday cake! We invite all students, former students, faculty/staff and former faculty/staff, current and former trustees – and all of our friends – to join us for this kick-off event for our 75th.

The following events are being planned in conjunction with alumni and friends. Not all details are confirmed, so visit our website for more information: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/75.

January 20, 2015, 10:15 AM The first Taylor Seminary Chapel Service of the Winter Semester will be a commemoration of God’s faithfulness over 75 years. Please join us for special music, speakers and memories and a time of prayer – Everyone is welcome.

The above events will take place at Taylor Seminary: 11525 – 23 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6J 4T3

www.Taylor-Edu.ca/75 75th Anniversary event details, articles, photos, and more.

Join us and share your memories and comments!

May 30 Motorcycle Rally and BBQ for alumni and friends who like to ride! (Rainout Date: June 6)

June 27-July 11 Alumni Bus Tour to Triennial (see details on pg. 14)

July 1-4 Triennial Conference in Sacramento, with numerous ways to connect as a Taylor community.

Dates to be confirmed: - Tobogganing and skating party - Classic Games Events: Rook, Dutch Blitz, etc.)

- “Throw Back Thursday”-- a series of classes featuring former profs.

- Tree-planting Ceremony

CHANGE article, continued from page 10 adapt, change and be proactive.”

CHANGE: THE ONLY CONSTANT It seems to be one of the truisms of our times, that change is the only constant. As a former student ('88) and professor (1997-09), Pastor Tyler Williams knows that Taylor will need to continue adjusting its methods and means to serve the changing needs of students. “I know the seminary is actively trying to work through some things, and for those of us who support it, we need to be involved.”

One of the ways Tyler’s church is staying involved with Taylor is by hosting various events (such as the 2014 onWORD Conference) and seminars and lectures. As the lead pastor at Greenfield

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Community Church, he is also grateful that the church supports his continued teaching, such as the course he will teach at Taylor Seminary in January.

Tyler says numerous other churches are doing the same, getting involved and providing the feedback, encouragement and support that is needed.

It turns out that change is not only unavoidable, but it is necessary and good. And intentional change is best made in response to what is happening on the ground—in the churches and in the culture. TB Dayna Mazzuca is a writer and writing coach who lives in the BC Lower Mainland. She has been a contributor to The Bridge on numerous occasions over the years and says she enjoyed speaking with members of the Taylor community for this article.

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in pictures | Fall 2014 1.

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News and Notes In Sympathy Helen Siewert, wife of former president Dr. Paul Siewert, has passed away. The Siewerts, married for 59 years, have been living in Prior Lake, Minnesota in recent years following a lifetime of ministry that included pastoral work in Leduc and Vancouver, Minot, ND and Rochester, MN. Paul Siewert served as president of Taylor (NABC) from 1988-1997. The obituary for Helen included the following tribute: “Helen never ceased, even when racked by the cruelty of illness, to always retain her wonderful smile, gracious attitude and evidence of her faith in the providence of God.” Thabea “Tabby” Walters (Edmonton, AB) passed away on July 30, 2014 at the age of 87. Tabby worked in the Taylor library for a number of years and was quite involved in the Alumni Association. She also has a scholarship named after her.

Judy Atherton, who served in the Taylor library for a number of years, passed away in November 2014 after a battle with cancer. She left Taylor in May 2009, and in her farewell email to colleagues at that time Judy wrote, “I have had the pleasure of working with and getting to know some of the finest people. I have learned a lot from all of you and will carry what you have taught me throughout my work life and I have fond memories of being part of this team.”

Nathan Gitzel, who provided IT services to Taylor in recent years and became a close colleague without being an employee, passed away July 20, 2014.

Larry Krause (Calgary, AB) passed away July 15,

2014. His three children were Taylor alumni: Myron ('98), Jason ('89), and Sonja Guderjan ('92).

Claudia Mueller of Edmonton passed away suddenly in November at the age of 88. Along with her husband, Richard, Claudia was often at Taylor for luncheon meetings of the Jubilee’rs; she was also significantly involved in White Cross through Central Baptist Church. The family requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Taylor Seminary in Claudia's memory.

Rev. Klaus Hildebrandt (Bothwell, ON), passed away on March 25, 2014. He served as a member of the Taylor Board of Trustees from 1979-1985.

Two friends of Taylor, both from Wiesenthal Baptist Church, passed away this summer. Betty Blade died on June 2, and Darlene Dreger died on July 27.

“Darlene’s love, commitment and support of NAB White Cross was very evident.” (Note included with memorial donations to White Cross in her honor.)

Alumni News Rob Merrifield (’73) has left his position as a Member of Parliament to become a key trade representative for the Alberta government in Washington, D.C. In November 2014, Maclean’s Magazine ranked Merrifield as #32 on its list of the most important people in Canada. Rob was named one of Taylor’s Distinguished Alumni in 2003.

Joshua Clayton and his wife Ashley welcomed Andrew James Clayton on August 21, a little brother for 2-year old Katheryn Grace.

Two of our recent Taylor Seminary grads are newlyweds. Juliana (nee Bienert, ‘10) and Greg Christensen were married on August 9th.

Becky (nee Lengefeld, ‘09) and Eyira Kato were married in Japan on April 26, 2015. The couple continue to serve in ministry in Japan, though Becky’s term as a missionary to Japan has ended.

Congratulations to Chantelle (2007-09) and Jeff Behrends on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth May on August 22.

PREVIOUS PAGE: 1. Dr. Ralph Korner speaks at a Taylor Chapel service as he begins serving in his new role as Academic Dean and Director of the E P Wahl Centre. | 2. Carolyn Arends signs autographs during a break at the Church Administrative Professionals’ Symposium.

Carolyn sang and was a featured presenter at this Wahl Centre event. | 3. Long-time missionary to Cameroon, Betty Mantay, chats with White Cross Director Dr. Keir Hammer. Both of them took part in a White Cross evening, reporting on a trip to Cameroon in 2014. | 4. Rev. Jacky Lau (’02), missionary and international church planter, standing with Dr. Allan Effa after a Taylor Seminary chapel service. | 5. Sheryl Grunwald (’83, ‘95), who works with an organization called Kidzana, is seen speaking at a chapel service at Taylor Seminary. She described the world’s 2.5-billion children as the largest unreached people group in the world.| 6. Former students Chelsea Laser and Ellen Sabo during a break at the annual onWORD Conference, held at Greenfield Community Church in October 2014. | 7. Dr. Terry LeBlanc, opens the #JusticeYEG conference at Beulah Alliance Church with drumming and singing a hymn in Cree. | 8. Dr. Peter Enns was the featured speaker at the 2014 onWORD Conference. He spoke about how to read the Bible faithfully. | 9. Dr. Eric Ohlmann, pictured at a staff farewell. Eric served as Academic Dean (Interim) at Taylor Seminary on two occasions in recent years, and led Taylor’s recent ATS selfstudy as part of a successful re-accreditation process. He is also a former student from CTI. | 10. Danielle Strickland of Edmonton, speaking at #JusticeYEG; this annual event was held at Beulah Alliance Church in November 2014.

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14 NEWS & NOTES, continued from page 13 Congratulations to Joel and Megan Tolhurst on the birth of their son James in the spring.

Jesse (’04, ’09) and Diana (nee Lohse, ‘01) Fox have been blessed with a new son, Jonathan Andrew, born November 19 – a little brother for Sam.

Faculty and Staff News Taylor has hired a new Academic Dean, and added capacity in the Wahl Centre by hiring a new Director. Dr. Ralph Korner, an alumnus of the school and former Campus Pastor for Taylor University College, is filling this dual role, and will also hold the rank of Associate Professor of Biblical Studies (he will teach courses from time to time).

Ralph replaces Dr. Eric Ohlmann, who has been serving as Academic Dean on an interim basis in recent years. Eric, who grew up in this area and attended CTI, now lives in Chicago and is looking forward to spending more time at home.

Campus News New Entry Upgrades Taylor Seminary is more accessible after the installation of a new automated door opening system at the main entrance. A handrail has also been added along the sidewalk from the parking lot to the entrance. These upgrades will make the campus safer and easier to visit for many of our guests.

Alumni Updates We invite you to share your news with us -marriages, moves, babies, careers... we want to note these important events! Please stay in touch by email: alumni@Taylor-Edu.ca. Telephone: 780-431-5200

Join your fellow Taylor Alumni on a

14-Day Coach Tour to the

Triennial Conference in Sacramento Hosted by the Taylor College & Seminary Alumni Association

You are invited to join the Taylor Alumni Association for a wonderful 14-day coach tour from Edmonton to California. Travel through Idaho and Oregon to San Francisco, where you will enjoy a harbour cruise, then head to Sacramento.

After spending July 1-5 in Sacramento during the Triennial Conference, head towards home starting with a visit to the redwood forest and a drive through Avenue of the Giants. Next, it’s two days in Newport, OR with a hotel on the beach, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy th the natural wonders of Oregon. July 9th and 10 see you heading to the Bavarian community of Leavenworth, WA, then on through the beautiful Okanagan to Three Valley Gap in British Columbia, arriving home on July 11th.

NOTE: You do NOT have to be an alumni to join us, and you are welcome even if not attending the Triennial Conference.

Your ticket includes: • Admission to the planned attractions • All lodging • All breakfasts (except in Sacramento) • Some lunches/dinners & coffee breaks To secure your seat, a non-refundable deposit is required. You must contact the Alumni Association soon to indicate your interest and to get more information.

For more information and to secure your spot, please contact TAA President Eric Peters at (780) 619-0910 or email eric@investalberta.com.

15 Ministry Resilience Wahl Centre Fosters Long-term Health in Ministry

by Pastor Sam Nikkel

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n May 2014, a group of men and women sat around a campfire in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, enjoying the warmth and staring into the flickering flames. We were also enjoying a chance to be quiet, to be still with other colleagues in ministry, and to reflect on the health of our inner lives.

Without an agenda, the conversation ebbed and flowed: stories, laughter, encouragement, challenges – all shared in confidence with others on the same journey.

A PASSION BORN OF EXPERIENCE As the coordinator of the Healthy Pastors Initiative of the E P Wahl Centre at Taylor, I was privileged to be on hand for this gathering at THRiVE 2014 and to share my passion for pastoral health. In addition to my part-time role at the Wahl Centre, I also serve in pastoral ministry at McKernan Baptist Church, and I know all too well the cumulative toll that the stress of ministry can take. Having been in ministry for 37 years, I have experienced the agony and ecstasy of life in ministry.

other leaders who also were experiencing what John Ortberg calls “the parasites that seek to feed on the church leader’s spirit.”

Over several years I have studied the toxic impact on the inner life that comes with vocational Christian ministry, identifying the resources (people and books) that address the issue. Together with some colleagues, we have launched the Healthy Pastors Initiative and have created some forums designed for Christian leaders, where they can slow down, decompress and attend to the condition of their inner lives. The annual THRiVE Conference is one of our signature events. It addresses five themes that pastors need to pay attention to, in order to thrive rather than survive.

We will let you listen in on that conversation around the campfire, repeating what some of the leaders shared in their evaluations: “feeling of being re energized-hope!”

“very refreshing, energizing”

“these days have equipped me with practical information and tools to become healthier in ministry family and personal life”

My personal journey in ministry includes a season of darkness and burnout at midlife. Walking through this

“it's OK to struggle, be deep dark valley resulted in vulnerable, and experience understanding and accepting the sovereignty of God” myself, my limits, my losses, Having been in ministry for 37 my shattered dreams, as well

“very valuable time” years, I have experienced the as understanding my We invite you and your agony and ecstasy of life in strengths and calling in a fresh spouse to consider joining us ministry. - Pastor Sam Nikkel way. This season of for THRiVE 2015, May 19-22 restoration that followed led at Camp Caroline. Come and to a new perspective of the value of being loved by explore with us the factors that contribute to God unconditionally, and finding the freedom and experiencing the joy and satisfaction of living and joy to live and serve out of my authentic and broken leading out of a healthy, vibrant inner life! TB self. It is amazing to encounter Christ in my broken Pastor Sam Nikkel provides passionate leadership to the Healthy places and deeply experience his kindness and Pastors Initiative of the E P Wahl Centre at Taylor. He also serves gentleness. Discovering this new season of freedom as a member of the pastoral team at McKernan Baptist Church and deep joy led me to desire to walk alongside in Edmonton, AB.

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Alumni Profile - Cal Hohn Student: NABC, ‘87 (Bachelor of Arts in Religion) Current Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon “Independence is a value found nowhere in Scripture. In the Bible, the priority is placed on inter-dependance”

O

ver the years, many alumni of Taylor (including CTI, NABC/DS, EBS) have served in cross-cultural ministry around the world. One of the places where a high number of alumni have served is Cameroon, including Myrtle Hein (the first of our students to serve there), by Trudy Schatz, Betty Mantay, Ardice Ziolkowski, Dr. Dieter Lemke, Dr. Willy Muller, Elmer and Ellen Breitkreuz, Elsie Lewandowski and numerous others. We have had a number of students from Cameroon come to Taylor to study as well, and faculty from Taylor have taught courses at Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary.

One of well-known figures in the Cameroon Baptist Convention is Cal Hohn ('87), the NAB Field Director.

Cal first served in Cameroon from 1989-1991, following graduation from NABC. He returned to North America to attend Western Seminary in 1993, then headed back to west Africa in 1997 for a 1-year internship with the Fulani people. In February 1999, he moved to Cameroon and stayed until July '07. He was appointed as NAB Field Director at that time, but began a one year home assignment before assuming his duties as FD in 2008.

Cal lives in Bamenda with his wife Susanne and their two girls, Ysabelle and Elianna. Susie home-schools

the girls and manages the finances and curriculum for Sonshine Christian Academy, and also serves at their local church.

As Field Director, Cal is an important liaison to the North American Baptist Conference Cameroon.

However, his boss is the General Secretary of the Cameroon Baptist Convention – and that is important. Decades ago, the NAB dissolved their organization in Cameroon and folded their work under the umbrella of national leaders.

The work has thrived under this arrangement: Cameroon Baptist Convention consists of 1,000 churches (in a country of 21-million people), operates two seminaries with a combined student population of 450 (Cal sits on the board of both seminaries), and operates 85 primary schools and 15 secondary schools (the biggest has 900 residential students). The Chosen Children initiative, which cares for AIDS orphans by placing them with caregivers in their communities, is serving 2,000 children – an essential ministry of compassion.

There are many ministry initiatives of CBC, but the most prominent is CBC Health Services. This nonprofit health organization has grown to become a world leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and a

PHOTO: Sitting at an outdoor restaurant in Douala, Field Director Cal Hohn (’87) discusses White Cross and the ministry opportunity in Cameroon with two guests from Taylor.

Dr. Keir Hammer, director of White Cross Canada, and Bridge editor Tim Willson spent ten days with Cal in Cameroon, along with JJ Williams, director of White Cross, US, visiting numerous hospitals and health centers and meeting their White Cross counterparts in the west African country.

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supported. The question often comes with the implication that it has been long enough, that the Cameroonian field should stand on its own.

Cal’s reply is very simple. “I tell people that independence is a value found nowhere in Scripture.

In the Bible, the priority is placed on interdependance, partnership, serving together.”

ABOVE: Cal Hohn (’87) laughs as he helps receive a shipment of White Cross supplies from Canada at Central Pharmacy in Mutengene (May 2014). The White Cross ministries of churches in North America has been a vital source of medical supplies in Cameroon for decades, and remain more important than ever as the CBC Health Services continues to see rapid growth in demand for medical care.

major provider of medical care “to all who need it as an expression of Christian love and as a means of witness in order that they might be brought to God through Jesus Christ.”

Cal says he is often asked by North Americans about how long the Cameroonian mission field should be

That is a value that Cal and Susie live out in in their work in west Africa. In addition to serving as Field Director for the NAB, CBC and CMF, he is also taking on the role of Director of Cooperating Missions, involving NAB, BGC/Converge, World Team and CMF. One important role is supervising ex-pats who volunteer in Cameroon.

“We are averaging 300 volunteers per year coming to CBC,” he says. That involves a lot of planning and paperwork – all in the name of partnership and serving together.

Another question that Cal is asked often is, “What about Ebola?” Thankfully, Cameroon has remained Ebola-free, and Cal reminds people that malaria and HIV/AIDS are far bigger threats than Ebola.

Cal hosted a team from Taylor as part of the 2014 White Cross visit, and the effectiveness and joy in his work was a blessing to behold. TB

Ralph Korner Returns Accepts Role as Academic Dean and Director of E P Wahl Centre On November 4, 2014, Dr. Ralph Korner spoke at the Taylor Seminary Chapel Service; it was his second day on the job as Academic Dean and Director of the E P Wahl Centre.

He spoke about his own journey, which included an earlier stint at Taylor as Campus Pastor at Taylor University College from 2000-2001 and 2002-2006; he also served as adjunct instructor for Taylor University College in NT from 2002-2007. He is also an alumnus of Taylor ('82, BAR). Ralph also has 11 years of pastoral experience at two NAB churches in Edmonton.

Ralph expressed his passion for the task of theological education, of equipping students holistically to be not only 'Christ-minded' but Christ-like and to be stewards of God's grace in the world.

“I envision a well-rounded seminary education as being one that is, among other things, theologically refined, philosophically attuned, academically grounded, socio-historically informed, pedagogically flexible, ecclesiastically focused, culturally relevant, politically astute, multiculturally sensitive, gender inclusive, morally attentive, transformationally authentic, spiritually deepening, emotionally affirming, collegially relational, holistically integrated, personally rewarding, and financially affordable.

"I am so privileged to be here, and I'm looking forward to digging into this role.” TB

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18 The Next 75: Looking to the Future Four Themes from our Past to Guide Us Forward

by David Williams, PhD

A

s Taylor celebrates our 75th anniversary, we are compelled to look back, marveling on the abundance of grace that has marked our journey. No one at CTI on that first snowy day of class on January 2, 1940 could have imagined anything like the impact on the kingdom across the world that would grow out of this effort.

As Taylor celebrates our 75th anniversary, we are also compelled to look forward: What is God calling us to do, and what steps need to be taken in obedience? A history marked by God's faithfulness is also a reassuring reminder: We are not in this alone.

During the meetings of the Board of Trustees in March 2014, I called attention to a distinction made

by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky in their book, Leadership on the Line (HUP, 2002), to help frame the nature of the challenges we face here at Taylor as we move into the future. The distinction Heifetz and Linsky make is one between technical challenges and adaptive challenges.

Technical challenges call on the “expert” in order to address them. That is, the knowledge to make the “right fix” is out there in the community and, once addressed, you see incremental growth/progress.

Adaptive challenges are more difficult because it assumes that “the right answer” may not exist, that we may be required to change the way we do things, the way we think about things, the very framework within which we attempt to address the challenges we face.

WHERE WE HAVE BEEN Since 2010, one of my concerns about our long-term health and stability dealt with the way we delivered graduate educational programs as a freestanding institution. That assessment was based largely on the assumption that the challenges that faced seminary education were technical challenges. That is, given a certain set of assumptions (notably enrolment and staffing), incremental change would not overtake the increasing cost of services for providing seminary education. It was about much more than finances, but our best projections of revenues and expenses always left a gap of between $130K and $200K per year—not overwhelming, but also not sustainable over the long term. As

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president, wanting to build a more stable and secure future for the institution, this became a focus of thought and discussion. The best solution seemed to be a partnership with another institution(s).

However, across the institution we have pursued a number of adaptive changes over these years, not merely technical ones. That is, we have worked hard to think “outside the box,” to think differently, to change our frame of reference in addressing our challenges.

The most significant change has been the development of the E P Wahl Centre but there have been others, such as the restructuring of staff and administration and the significant increase in revenue streams.

The most recent change made in the structure of our faculty, adding part-time professors to our core faculty, has been significant. Together, these changes have bridged the gap and given us confidence regarding our long-term sustainability.

That is not to say that we should stop looking for partnerships with other educational institutions. I believe that partnerships will be more and more important as we move forward. It is to say that the driver is no longer long-term sustainability but rather the advancement of our mission and vision in stronger and more credible ways.

WHERE WE ARE GOING This is good news! It allows us to look to the future without partnership questions entering every discussion. We have made some hard changes, but God has shown Himself to be faithful in His provision to us over and over again. We must be confident that He will do so in the future as we follow His lead.

It is time for us to look to the future with full assurance that God has provided us with all the financial and human resources we need to do what He has called us to do.

Our mission statement, reformulated in 2002, “to develop Christ-minded leaders who make a difference in the world” is a fine articulation of what we are about. It has deep resonance with what we have done, what we are doing, and what we want to continue to do here at Taylor.

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with a particular viewpoint. On the whole, however, students appreciate the opportunity to be challenged, to think for themselves, and to have a variety of views presented and defended by the faculty. This is an important heritage.

THIRD: Another resource is our historic commitment to ministry in a cross-cultural perspective.

Historically this has been called “intercultural ministry” or “missions” and it has signaled a deep commitment to take the gospel beyond the confines of our own place, society, and culture in obedience to Christ's Great Commission. The world has now come to North America and opportunities for crosscultural ministry are as simple as walking next door.

ABOVE: Dr. David Williams shares a laugh during a faculty and staff gathering at Taylor in November 2014.

What gets less attention is our vision statement, which is: Taylor will be the learning centre of choice for Christian service.

I think it is time to give attention through hard work and prayerful discernment to what it would mean for that to be a reality.

FRAMING THE QUESTION WITH OUR HISTORY I believe that our vision best grows out of the deep resources of who we already are. Our future is connected to, and grows out of, our historical identity. As we discuss our focus for the next few years, it is important to take stock of who we are.

FIRST: I think one of the chief markers of who we are as an institution is that our educational programs make a deep impact on the lives of our students.

What I hear most often when I talk to our alumni is the personal transformation and deep impact Taylor has made on their lives. That impact set the trajectory of their lives of faithful service to the Kingdom of God wherever they have gone. A Taylor education transforms the lives of our students.

SECOND: A second resource is our broadly ecumenical stance within the evangelical tradition.

Although we are from an evangelical Baptist theological tradition, we are a hospitable context for those who share neither our evangelical nor our Baptist commitments. This generosity of spirit was particularly strong in our founder Rev. E.P. Wahl and continues to permeate our classes today.

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As this reality takes firmer hold in our lives we become ever more aware of how our own understanding of scripture, of theology, of the gospel itself is intricately interwoven with our culture and its values, commitments, and prejudices. Our cross-cultural perspectives and experience provide deep resources as we move into the future God has for us.

FOURTH: The final resource that can provide direction for the future is our heritage as the tradition of Walter Rauschenbusch and his commitment to a gospel of justice. This heritage has deeply impacted our NAB missions (notably in places like Cameroon). Dr. Wahl had a deep commitment to the justice vision of Rauschenbusch, and that impacted the formation of Taylor.

This heritage is particularly important as churches become more aware of the implications of the gospel on social issues and on the cultures in which we are called to live out that gospel. It is not an overstatement to say that among young people, engaging matters of justice is one of the central tests for the church: Does the gospel we proclaim address the material as well as spiritual needs of people?

CONCLUSION These four historical resources are deep resources on which we can draw as we move forward. I also believe they connect strongly with what God desires in the world and what God's Spirit is bringing about as He moves and guides Christ-followers today.

We are in a new day at Taylor and I find that very exciting. What faces us now is the opportunity and mandate to dream, discern, and design together what our future will look like. TB Dr. David Williams has been the President of Taylor since 2008.

Originally from Texas, he shows a surprisingly – almost Canadian – tolerance for cold weather and snowstorms.

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20 more of our history in photos | a legacy of music

Music has always been important at the school. From the beginning, students played in the CTI Orchestra or sang in groups with names like the Choralettes and the Melodians and the Melodaires, the King’s Couriers and Gottes Fackeltraeger (Torchbearer). While still student in 1951, future Taylor (NABC) President Paul Siewert sang with the Gospel Heralds (above). That same year, Ardath Schmierer was part of the Glory Gospel Trio (above, right). Ardath’s son, Taylor Professor Dr. Allan Effa, says 1951 was the year his parents met. Ardath was standing on the front steps of CTI when his future father, Herman Effa, approached with suitcases in hand as a new student. Ardath offered to help carry the bags, and a friendship grew, and they later married. Many of these singing groups also participated in the long-running radio program of the school, during which Rev. E.P. Wahl shared a message.

Come and learn with us!

1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca

Come and learn with us!

1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca

more of our history in photos | campus changes

ABOVE: The 20th Anniversary Edition of the CTI Promoter included this photo of the laying of the cornerstone at CTI, taken in June 1939 (see article, pg.3). In an accompanying article, Rev. E.P. Wahl wrote: “From the city of Edmonton, lots situated pretty much on the south border of the city were purchased for the price of $150 and less a lot. Today, those same lots would sell for $4,000 a piece.”

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ABOVE: The 25th Anniversary Edition of the CTI Promoter also celebrated the school’s history, and included the photo below with the caption, “27 acres of land purchased by the Alumni Association in 1964 for relocation of the School.” That land, costing $35,000, was quite far south of the nearest residential development. The purchase led to the construction of a new campus on 23rd Avenue and the school’s first name change, from Christian Training Institute to North American Baptist College. It would be known by that name for almost 40 years before becoming Taylor in 2002.

BELOW:This photo shows the campus of North American Baptist College in the early 1970s.

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more of our history in photos | publicizing the school

FROM THE ARCHIVES Above: Early Handbook, with hand-drawn CTI Logo.

Above Right: The CTI Promoter was an annual publication for many years. Below: NABC Calendar and Catalogue, both from the 1990’s. Below Right: Edmonton Baptist Seminary Catalogue from the 1990’s.

One of the earliest publications from CTI. 1942-43.

New Name for Alumni Newsletter, 1985: THE BRIDGE. Pg. 2) Redschlag, Editor (from Kurt

ABOVE: Catalogue cover art celebrates the move from CTI to the new campus in 1968 and the school’s new identity as NABC. RIGHT: The cover of the Spring/Summer edition of the Bridge in 2002 introduced the name TAYLOR. Come and learn with us!

1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca

Come and learn with us!

1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca

2015 E.P. Wahl Lectures Taylor is pleased to announce the 30th Annual E.P. Wahl Lectures, featuring Dr. Phil Kenneson, a professor of theology and philosophy at Milligan College and a leader at the Ekklesia Project (www.ekklesiaproject.org), where he leads an initiative dealing with congregational formation.

Seeing Christ’s Body as “our first family,” The Ekklesia Project aims to put discipleship and the Church as an alternative community of practices, worship, and integration at the center of contemporary debates on Christianity and society.

March 20, 2015 | Four lectures, featuring Dr. Phil Kenneson “Bearing Witness to the Patience of God” If the church is called to be an embodied sign of God's kingdom, the shape of that sign and that kingdom will bear, by God's grace, something of the marks of God's character. This session explores the biblical and theological witness to God's patience.

Practicing the Patience of God “Bearing the Fruit of Patience in a World Addicted to Speed” Although the church is called to embody, even if imperfectly, something of God's patience in the world, it never does so in a cultural vacuum. This session takes up patience as a fruit of God's Spirit and explores some of the cultural obstacles and opportunities to embodying such a virtue in contemporary cultures.

“Embodying the Patience of God: Slow Church Practices” If the contemporary church sought to embody a different relationship to time, a different rhythm, what might this look like? Some have called it “slow church.” This session sketches some of the historic practices of the church many congregations already engage in that might be used by God to cultivate such a common life.

“Embodying the Patience of God: More Slow Church Practices” Although there is no universal blueprint for embodying the patience of God, there are plenty of practices in the Christian tradition that might enliven our imaginations about what this might look like.

This session examines some additional practices that might nurture such an embodied witness.

the Church as Sign

Kingdom

DATE: Friday, March 20, 2015 LOCATION: Taylor Seminary, 11525 – 23 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3 COST: $69.99 – Save $20 when you register before February 28, 2015, just $49.99 REGISTER: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/Events The 2015 Wahl Lectures will be recorded and made available on our website following the event: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/AudioArchives ABOUT THE E.P. WAHL LECTURES In 1986, shortly after the death of founder Dr. E.P. Wahl, a new lectureship was established in his memory. Dr. Andrew MacRae was the first presenter, speaking on Evangelism: Its Theology and Practice and a succession of distinguished speakers have followed in the years since.

These lectures have become an important continuing education event for those in the practice of ministry, but also provide some of the most popular and widely accessed recordings in the Taylor Audio Archives, which are available online to visitors from around the world.

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1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca

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Missio Dei (2014), Se'ali (William Bumuh) Acrylic on canvas, multi-media

ABOUT THIS IMAGE Missio Dei is Latin for “the mission of God”. This piece was commissioned by Cal Hohn (’87), who wanted it to hang in his office. Cal has served in Cameroon since 1989 and as NAB Field Director in Cameroon since 2008; he began serving in west Africa shortly after finishing his Bachelor of Religion program at Taylor (NABC).

ABOUT THE ARTIST Se'ali (William Bumuh), is a multi-talented artist from Bamenda, Cameroon, including composing and producing his own music and films. He has a connection to Taylor, however, as he lived on campus for approximately one year as a child when his father, Rev. Alfred Bumuh (’89), who was a student at Taylor Seminary (then Edmonton Baptist Seminary), earned his MTS. (Rev. Bumuh is now retired and lives in Maryland.) Cal writes: “Se'ali does much of his painting outside his studio along the street - to inspire others and pique their interests. Over the course of the 5 months working on Missio Dei, he led two neighbourhood youth to Jesus, as they became so intrigued with what he was doing and began to hang around. In the end these two guys helped Se'ali deliver the piece to my office and they prayed over the painting and me - can you believe that?”

Taylor alumni are invited to submit photographs, paintings and other visual art projects for publication or display on campus. Learn more at www.Taylor-Edu.ca/creative

11525 - 23 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3