Newsletter for the College of Biblical Studies
Volume 1, Number 6
November, 2003

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Lectureship Features Isaiah and Renewal

The theme for the coming 86th annual Bible Lectureship, February 22-25, is "Come to the Waters: Messages of Renewal from Isaiah." Both the book of Isaiah and the theme of renewal will receive special emphasis through theme lectures, classes, and special offerings. Some of the best Isaiah scholars among Churches of Christ will lead us deep into Isaiah's message. John Willis, Tim Willis, Rick Marrs, Paul Watson, Jennifer Green, Mark Hamilton, and others will mine the rich resources of this book for both personal edification and the building up of the church. Outstanding teachers like Leonard Allen, Randy Harris, Jack Reese, Don McLaughlin, John Mark Hicks, D'Esta Love, Andrew Hairston, and Peggy Stirman will draw us into the life of God to find resources for renewal. In all, over 150 presenters will work to make this lectureship a spiritual feast.

In addition to the great classes and theme lectures, this year's lectureship will again provide opportunities for enrichment through worship. In addition to the worship shared at the theme lectures, Hallal, Zoe Group, HIP, Tribe of Judah Chorus, and several student led singing groups will provide ample opportunities to praise God. Additionally, opportunities like morning prayers and the special late night offering, "Come to the Quiet," provide opportunities for contemplative worship and reflection. As in year's past, the ACU artistic community will provide music, theater, and visual arts to help us reflect artistically on the nature of our faith. Through the variety of worship offerings, this year lectureship offers nourishment for the soul.

This year also marks a new venue for exhibits and fellowship. The Teague Special Events Center will now host all of our exhibitors along with food kiosks and tables for light meals and all day fellowship. Late night visitors to Teague will find pie and coffee provided by Women for ACU with all proceeds going to student scholarships. Lectureship is a great way to renew aquaintances, to discuss the exciting things going on in our churches, and to find the presence of the Lord through our brothers and sisters.

This year's lectureship is also notable for the focus of this year's afternoon forum. Representatives of the International Churches of Christ will be present for three days of conversation with representatives of "mainline" churches to discuss the past, present, and future of our two movements.

Check our website for the details of the entire lectureship program and make your plans to be with us for Lectureship.

Unveiling Glory

Unveiling Glory by Frederick Aquino and Jeff Childers is the third book in the Heart of the Restoration series and is now available. Recently, Jeff Christian, minister at the Glenwood Church of Christ in Tyler, TX wrote,

I purchased a copy of Unveiling Glory as soon as it was released at the Lectures on Preaching a few weeks ago, and read it as soon as I arrived back in Tyler. This is the most important book ever written in Churches of Christ. Sincerely, Jeff M. Christian

Why did Jesus come to earth in the flesh and live among us? In what sense did he both embrace this world and reject it? How should our view of Christ form the way we live and act as Christians in our families, neighborhoods, nations, and churches? Unveiling Glory seeks to address these topics and others, boldly considering many of the problems facing Churches of Christ today and insisting that the key to their resolution lies in a deeper commitment to Jesus. The introduction establishes the premise for the book when it declares that "approaching Christ with transformation in mind has not always been a key element in our heritage. Yet we are convinced that whenever scripture is allowed to speak with its full voice, the notion of Christianity as transformation into the image of Christ becomes inescapable." The book seeks to deliver on this promise, leading the reader through the important events in Jesus' life and unveiling their significance for the Christian today.

Unveiling Glory will be an invaluable aid for churches and individuals as they seek to embody Christ and to bring his story to a needy world.

The first three books in the Heart of the Restoration Series are being made available to congregations at a special group discount, according to Thom Lemmons, director of ACU Press. "The books in this series were conceived and written in order to take an important place in the current discussions among Churches of Christ," Lemmons said, "and we want to do everything we can to help that discussion continue." Congregations across the country are using the books, Lemmons says, both for individual and group studies of the issues presented.

Churches wishing to make a group purchase of one or more of the books in the Heart of the Restoration Series may send a message to lemmonst@acu.edu. For purchases of twenty or more books in the series, buyers will receive a 10% discount from the retail price. Shipping charges and sales tax for Texas residents will be added to the order.

In The Crux of the Matter: Crisis, Tradition, and the Future of Churches of Christ, Jeff Childers, Doug Foster, and Jack Reese give voice to several crucial decisions now facing Churches of Christ, placing those decisions in a comprehensive historical, cultural, and biblical context. God's Holy Fire: The Nature and Function of Scripture (Ken Cukrowski, Mark Hamilton, and James Thompson) focuses on hermeneutics, or the way members of Churches of Christ read, understand, and interpret Scripture. Future volumes in the series, all written by members of ACU's College of Biblical Studies faculty, will deal with christology, the church, and worship.

King David's Kids

King David's Kids is a burgeoning ministry for developmentally delayed children, their siblings, and their parents. The clinical interns at the marriage and family therapy program are currently working with the siblings, with the primary goal of showing that they are valuable and special. The interns offer love, acceptance, and hope to these little individuals. Their two-hour, bi-weekly visits involve child-centered play therapy, utilizing Bible stories and other inventions to nurture their growth. This program has been rewarding for both the kids and therapists--as they all begin to appreciate the siblings' and their own unique place in the world. Following is a note from the president of the organization.

I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate your help with King David's Kids. We have been praying for someone to minister to the siblings' group for two years.

I had the opportunity to observe the group tonight, and I was tremendously blessed by and impressed with your students. Courtney Wilson, Lisa Merchant, Kathryn Ling, and Liz Lashower were prepared, full of energy, and sensitive to each member of the group. It was an honor to observe this group.

Thank you again for your help.

Sincerely,

Sherry Ham
President

Women Faculty Issues at Christian Universities

When young men and women attend a Christian college or university, they expect to gain much more than a solid education. New students anticipate that along with academics, they will be influenced by Godly faculty who teach their subjects through a Christian lens. These faculty become mentors, and through their modeling and teaching are Christ incarnate to their students.

The role and ministry of faculty cannot be understated. At ACU and other institutions, it is vital that we understand and incorporate strategies to aid them in their function. Jackie Halstead, an assistant professor in the Department of Marriage and Family Therapy, is presently conducting a research study that focuses on women faculty in Church of Christ colleges and universities. The purpose of the study is to determine ways to both attract quality women faculty and then support them in their occupation so they will be willing to stay.

Women faculty face unique challenges as they are few in number. For much of the history of faith-based institutions of higher learning, it was primarily men who occupied the roles of mentor and teacher. This coincided with the fact that the majority of the student population was male. As female enrollment increased, a greater need for female role models increased--both for the women and men students. The opportunity to experience their education through the lens of both genders is important for all students.

ACU and her sister institutions are challenged to be deliberate in increasing the ranks of women faculty. Two avenues are available for addressing these issues of attraction and retention. The first is to develop an understanding of the unique characteristics of women faculty in order to motivate our schools to seek after them. Two examples of the qualities that women faculty offer a university relate to their leadership style. Women typically have a collaborative style of leading. This style is characterized by deeper relationships with students and subordinates as well as an increased emphasis on voice. Most women in our society experience marginalization at one time or another, so they are familiar with being without a voice. They encourage others to express themselves and contribute to the conversation. This can be a valuable teaching tool as the subject matter is approached and addressed with the expertise of many perspectives rather than solely that of the instructor.

The second avenue for addressing issues of attraction and attention involves determining the needs specific to women faculty. This information enables the schools to create an environment that meets these needs. In a seminar with women faculty in the summer of 2003, many challenges were articulated. These challenges seem to be consistent with those of other faith-based institutions of higher learning. Women typically are frustrated with a lack of respect from colleagues and students, lower pay for similar positions, and isolation from their colleagues. They also expressed concern over the manner in which they are to integrate faith into their learning. The women often acknowledge that the institutions with which they work do not intend to cause them dissatisfaction. This, however, does not negate the frustration. When they reach a certain level of dissonance, they accept a position with another university or leave academia for the private sector.

The research study with women faculty in Church of Christ colleges and universities is underway to attend to the above-stated avenues. Focus groups of women faculty will be interviewed at six institutions. The following schools will be invited to participate--Abilene Christian University, David Lipscomb University, Harding University, Rochester College, Pepperdine University, and York College. These six were chosen in order to offer a wide range of theological orientation (conservative to progressive) and region of the country (North, South, West coast, Midwest). It is hoped that the study will offer some exposure to the problems these women face. If these issues can be addressed, perhaps the pool of applicants will increase and our students will be assured of both masculine and feminine mentors. The results of this study will be made available during the fall of 2004.

Mission Teams in Preparation

Students come to ACU with many ideas about how God can use them in his Kingdom. A significant part of the education process is to walk with students as they sort through possibilities and listen to the voice of God about their future. Missions preparation at ACU places an emphasis on teams. Teams provide the best context within which to work in missions. Working with others provides encouragement and the value of diverse gifts for ministry. Sometimes it is a challenge for students to reach a point of sharing a common vision for their lives.

It is blessing when a group of students come to study who already share a common vision. This past year several graduates of the University of Arkansas came to study and prepare for missions. Their vision is to begin a church planting movement in Olomouc, Czech Republic. We praise God for the missions focus that Scott Kearns and others have in the campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. Mitch Anderson and Graham Kervin are studying in the GST while Jenny Bittle is pursuing a masters in speech pathology. They are part of a nine member team. Soon others will be in Abilene to continue the process of preparation.

Czech Team: Christie Shockley, Graham Kervin, Joshua Beall, Sarah Dunseath, Mitch Anderson

Several ACU students have shared internship experiences in Thailand as undergraduates and post-graduates. Those experiences have created in them a passion for Thailand and cross-cultural ministry. As they continue their education in the GST their passion for missions and their common histroy are moving them toward considering working in long-term missions together. Jody Lee and Derran Reese are in the GST and Ann, Derran's wife, is teaching school. Ann is the daughter of mission parents, Art and Judy Lynch, who worked in Thailand. We pray for God to continue his work as these and others consider working together in Asia.

Thailand Team: Jody Lee, Ann Reese, Derran Reese

Many other students are preparing for missions. Our prayer is that in the process they will come to know each other and begin to dream together of what God can do through them. Establishing church planting movements on every continent requires God's help and open hearts to respond to his call. We thank God for these and other students who are willing to invest their lives for the Kingdom.

Degree Program: Ministry to Children and Families

The Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry's newest major, Ministry to Children and Families, is growing rapidly since its inception last year. The current semester, the number of majors has doubled to sixteen, with five seniors, two juniors, five sophomores, and four freshmen. The sixteen majors are women from Texas, Colorado, Louisiana, and Tennessee.

"The field of dreams"

In addition to the courses required of all majors in the department, the students majoring in Ministry to Children and Families study the church's educational program, faith development in children, and special topics related to children and families. Courses in the degree plan outside the department include options in childhood development, family relations, education of young children, and child psychology.

Kelly Sargent and Amy Bedichek

Children's ministry majors are motivated by different and important reasons. Kelly Sargent, junior from Dallas, TX, is moved by "a heart for working with young people." Amy Bedichek, senior from Lafayette, LA, recognized that "family is so important" in the context of children's spiritual formation.

Rachel McGuire, a senior from Amarillo, TX, said, "I have had over 40 foster siblings. I have seen the struggle to engage and encourage these children to view their life as a part of God's great story."

Jaimi Vickers, a junior from Denver, CO, said, "I am majoring in Children's Ministry because I have a passion for children." Jaimi stated well the great need for Ministry to Children and Families, saying, "I believe that beginning to build a foundation based on Christ early on is essential to children, as they grow older."

Rachel McGuire summed up what they all hope to gain from Ministry to Children and Families. They want to be "better equipped for this potential ministry" in churches.

Kelly Sargent described succinctly the potential for this ministry. She said, "There is so much spiritual formation that is just waiting to happen for this age. Doors are beginning to open in so many ways for this major."

Jaimi Vickers added, "My plan right now is to work in a church for a few years and see where God takes me in my ministry." Rachel McGuire dreams "to be involved in the spiritual development of children in foster care and children's homes." Amy Bedichek stressed how important it is to work with the parents, saying, "I want to provide a loving atmosphere where parents can have numerous opportunities to be active in spiritually forming their children."

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry to Children and Families is available through the College of Biblical Studies and the Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry at ACU.

ElderLink Forum Dallas: Anticipates Record Crowd

Registrations for ElderLink Forum Dallas have already surpassed the 300 mark and are still coming in. Such a crowd will be a record participation in this annual Dallas event for elders, former elders, potential elders, ministers, and spouses. The ElderLink Forum is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at the Cox Event Center on the campus of Dallas Christian Schools. Presenters include Dub Orr, David Wray, Mark Love, and Ken Cukrowski (all of Abilene) and Randy and Rhonda Lowry from California. The day will be full of inspiring learning, Bible study, networking, and inspiration, not to mention food and fellowship. The cost is $99 per person. For more information contact:

Melea Edwards
1213 West Rieck Road
Tyler, TX 75703
Phone: 903-561-4693
Fax: 903-509-4693
Email: meleaedwar@aol.com

Elderlink Portland

Over 220 participants gathered at Cascade College in Portland, Oregon for the third annual Elderlink Northwest, October 10-11. This year's resource persons included ACU's Jack Reese, Charles Siburt, and David Wray, along with D'Esta Love (Pepperdine University) and John Wolfgang (Gresham, OR). Topics included worship, leadership, spiritual formation and mentoring, spiritual vocation, and prayer for healing.

The steady growth of participants at Elderlink Northwest is one indication of how well this program has been received. Participant surveys indicate that elders and other church leaders are thirsty for resources that aid them in their leader roles. Participants are also pleased to see the parntership between ACU and Cascade College for the enrichment of the church in the Northwest. Dates will soon be announced for the fourth annual Elderlink Northwest.

Carmichael-Waling Lectureship

The 2003 Carmichael-Waling lectureship presented Ben Witherington, III, Professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary. Witherington led two sessions entitled, "Who is the 'I' in Romans 7" and "The Role of the Holy Spirit in a Christian's Everyday Life." He also spoke on "Having the Same Mind as Christ" in the graduate school chapel.

In his first lecture, Witherington offered his take on what he claimed to be the most discussed passage, Romans 7: 6-25, in the most discussed book, Romans, of the Bible. Based on understanding of Greco-Roman rhetoric, Witherington, considering Paul to be a master of rhetoric, developed the idea that Paul employed the common rhetorical forms of the day within this passage. Witherington believed that Paul's audience in Romans, the rhetorical center of the Roman Empire, coupled with the fact that Romans was originally meant to be presented orally, led Paul to utilize this rhetorical basis in the passage. The "I" of Romans 7, he concluded, is a personification of "Adam" first identified in Romans 5. Witherington argued that within this passage Paul presented a tension between the "old" and "new" life of a Christian.

Witherington concluded the day with a discussion of the Holy Spirit's practical function in a Christian's life. Witherington analyzed four different Pauline texts, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians13, Galatians 5, and Romans 8, to present an understanding of the Spirit's work in a Christian life. Witherington denied varying "measures" of the Holy Spirit claiming one either possessed the Spirit or they did not possess the Spirit. Witherington included a discussion on the communal nature of the Spirit. He emphasized the contrast between our "sinful inclination" and being "led by the Spirit" praising God that "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Both lectures were followed by Q & A.

The Carmichael-Waling lectureship continues to present current scholarship in New Testament studies. Past notable participants have been Luke Timothy Johnson, Bruce Metzger, and Gregory Sterling.