Newsletter of the College of Biblical Studies
February 2008
Critical, global, and missional thinking--seminal principles in the ACU 21st Century Vision--are embedded throughout this issue of eConnections. These concepts are vital in ACU’s positing itself for this century, and toward that end, the university has established a Vision Leadership Team. This team consists of ACU administrators, faculty, and staff. Jack Reese, CBS dean, was reassigned for the spring semester to provide vital leadership for this vision team Therefore, David Wray and Jeff Childers are serving this semester as interim deans in the College of Biblical Studies.
Message from David Wray
One cannot read this issue of eConnections without being overwhelmed with thankfulness for all the ways in which God is at work on the ACU campus and in the College of Biblical Studies. I am thankful for the faculty research and writing evident throughout the entire college. I am thankful for the international teaching planned for this summer where the lives of many students will be transformed. I am thankful that the department of Marriage and Family Therapy is housed in this college, and for the fruition of Paul Faulkner’s dream long ago. I am thankful for the prayerful ways in which Brady Bryce is placing his “heartprints” in planning the 91st Lectureship scheduled for this September, an event that is a must for your fall calendar. I am thankful for the expansive ministries of Charles Siburt in the area of Church Relationships and Doctor of Ministry. Give special attention to the long anticipated Nationwide Health Insurance for Christian leaders that is now available. The Halbert Institute of Missions continues to provide important preparation for mission teams, and I am thankful for students preparing to go throughout the world with the Gospel for our 21st Century culture. Your prayers of support for the College of Biblical Studies make all of us at ACU thankful for your faithful partnership with us in educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world.
Message from Jeff Childers
Reading this issue of eConnections is similar to my brief experience serving as interim Dean for the College of Biblical Studies—I am astonished at the amount and variety of ministry the Lord is doing through the people at CBS and through our partners in churches worldwide. Every day I am reminded that nearly every part of the globe is making itself felt right here. In turn, the activities of CBS are touching the world well beyond the immediate horizons of little Abilene, Texas. Training mission teams, receiving international students, sending CBS faculty and students to parts abroad, engaging in academic scholarship on the global stage, equipping church leaders across North America, placing well-trained graduates in productive ministries—the scope of these activities can be staggering. Even a simple electronic tool like the DBMM Facebook Group reminds me how far-reaching and rapidly expansive is the global network of relationships that we enjoy. The many opportunities challenge us to put our trust in the Lord, who will do far beyond what we can do ourselves. As David has said, we are indeed grateful for your partnership in prayer and service.
Bible, Missions & Ministry
On February 4-5 of this year, The Center for Youth and Family Ministry provided 52 churches with an opportunity to interview ACU students for summer internships. Robert Oglesby has been organizing this annual event for 10 years. Students, the majority being ministry majors who must complete an official internship as part of their degree requirements, are able to interview for positions in youth ministry, children’s ministry, preaching, and hospital chaplaincy at M. D. Anderson in Houston. The Center has placed around 55 students in various ministries that will span approximately 10 weeks during the summer. This work of Robert and The Center has been extremely beneficial in connecting students and churches in the past, and we anticipate it continuing to expand over the coming years.
At the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Homiletics last December, Stephen Johnson was named the editor of the Academy's web site and Abilene Christian University its institutional host. The site was previously hosted by Waterloo Lutheran Seminary and Wilfred Laurier University in Ontario, Canada. The Academy of Homiletics is the academic guild for those who teach preaching and the website serves an important role in the work of the Academy. Currently, the website is undergoing a major reconstruction and redesign to better serve the Academy in its work and to represent this important work to a broader audience. The new site, under Stephen's direction, will be launched at the end of March. We are confident that Stephen’s talents and leadership will be great assets to this important work.
Edward Robinson’s To Lift Up My Race: The Essential Writings of Samuel Robert Cassius is now available. This new work is a companion to his 2007 book To Save My Race From Abuse: The Life of Samuel Robert Cassius. We are extremely appreciative of Edward’s diligence in producing these exceptional volumes about Samuel Robert Cassius’ impact and influence on the life of the church.
Wendell Willis was on faculty leave in the fall semester to continue research on religious meals in pagan religions of the ancient world. This research is related to their relationship to understanding the Lord's Supper in I Corinthians. As part of that research he was invited to read a paper at the First International Conference on St. Paul in Corinth, held in Corinth, Greece. While there he was able to study the Corinth excavations.
This spring semester Jeanene Reese is on faculty leave so that she can work on a project entitled Co-Workers in the Lord: Examining a Biblical Theology of Partnership Between Men and Women in Ministry and its Practical Application. The data for this research project began in 2000 and was completed in 2007 through a ministry class in the undergraduate Department of Bible, Missions, and Ministry at ACU. A series of articles will outline what has been learned through the project and a book on partnership between men and women is underway.
We also invite you to visit the DBMM Facebook Group at http://acu.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2426594723.
Graduate School of Theology
As the GST faculty worked on a revisioning of the theological curriculum over the past two years, one of the core values continually held up was that we want our Abilene students to have opportunities for cross-cultural learning experiences. All of the courses taught in Accra and Zagreb (mostly done in May and summer) are now listed in the regular ACU semester bulletin and are open to any ACU student. Last summer three GST students (Candace Nicolds, Kavian McMillon, and Jamey Walters) travelled to Accra for two intensive courses taught by James Thompson and Tim Sensing. Their experiences were life changing.
This May and July Douglas Foster will be teaching graduate level Restoration History, first in Zagreb, and later in Accra. Already eight Abilene students are planning to be part of the class in one of the two locations. One of the goals for the future is to raise funds to assist students who wish to study cross-culturally. The extra costs of such international experiences can be substantial. If you are interested in one of the classes, or in helping defray costs for a student who is going, please contact Douglas Foster, Graduate School of Theology, (325) 674-3730.
Spotlight on International Students
While ACU and the GST are certainly expanding their efforts in taking professors and classes across the world, we are continuing to be blessed by the arrival of several foreign students at the Abilene campus. The life experiences and the diversity of cultures and backgrounds these students bring to the classroom is a benefit to us all, especially as we seek to train global, critical and missional thinkers. Three students from Africa (Zechariah Biar from Sudan, Albert Ofori from Ghana and J. Garpue Lieway from Liberia), were asked to share, in their own words, a small piece of the journey that has brought them to ACU, and where they see their training in the Graduate School of Theology leading them. Their stories are found here.
Faculty Renewal Leaves
Each year the ACU provides Faculty Renewal Leaves (FRL) based upon applications received and reviewed by peers. The purpose of leaves is to provide a faculty member with a significant period of time to devote to enrichment, reflection, writing, and retooling that ultimately leads to higher quality teaching and other forms of scholarship. Two GST faculty members received faculty renewal leaves in 2006-2007. In the fall Fred Aquino explored the topic, "Knowledge of God in the Fathers: Unearthing Epistemic Insights for Contemporary Theology." This spring Mark Hamilton's research is focused on the topic, "Justice as Practice: New Perspectives on Ancient Israel's Pursuit of Equity Through Ritual."
Marriage & Family Therapy
First, this intent was at its genesis. Paul Faulkner recently described the manner in which God brought the department into existence for the purpose of equipping the church. Faulkner was in ministry and was burdened with the absence of quality help for families. Divorce and dysfunction were prevalent in the church community, yet those trained as ministers did not have the skills to help. They could provide a listening ear and some counsel, but he saw the need for training specific to these needs. Thus he acquired an education for himself and initiated the program at ACU.
The second reason has to do with the department faculty. All the full-time faculty have a biblical degree or experience in ministry and have hearts for the service in the kingdom of God. Along with a Ph.D. in Psychology, Waymon Hinson has a Masters of Theology and served as a youth minister for ten years. Jaime Goff has a B.A. in Bible. She speaks to Christian groups on marriage enrichment. Jackie Halstead and her husband were in the ministry for ten years before she went back for a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. She speaks to Christian groups on various topics of spiritual formation.
Finally, the most important explanation is the MFT students. These students come to the program because of its reputation as a faith-based program. There are only a handful of Marriage and Therapy programs throughout the nation that are faith-based. ACU’s program is considered by many to be one of the top programs in the nation, so students come with a strong academic record as well as a strong faith. They graduate and go on to be incarnational companions to those with whom they work—as clinicians in secular and para-church organizations and as professional ministers with churches. A high number of our alumni are employed on a part-time or full-time basis with a church with an additional number working in consultation or contract with churches.
ACU produces many ministers in all disciplines. The Department of MFT could be housed in several colleges, but it is at home in and proud to be a part of the College of Biblical Studies.
Ministry Events
During the week September 21-24, ACU welcomes an array of people who are living the life of faith in real world situations; top-notch class leaders, and nationally renowned featured guests. The list of featured guests, theme speakers, and class leaders will be released in May with the publication of the redesigned brochure.
Brady Bryce, the new Director of Ministry Events, will continue the tradition of Lectureship as a time of fellowship and stimulating conversation. ACU is “the hill” where Christians can experience a spiritual “Summit” of ideas. More than one hundred years ago, when Lectureship began the focus was on college students. The event enhanced their learning experience. This year ACU students have participated in shaping the program through selecting speakers, topics, and creating a student track. Lectureship’s new name, “Summit,” intends to communicate a more conversational and less lecture driven approach. Summit provides space for conversation that brings together students, faculty, Christian leaders, and Christianity. The conversation connects church and university, Christianity and culture.
Make your hotel reservations and prepare your schedule to summit the hill. Those wishing to exhibit at the event may contact the Dean’s Office for more information (325-674-3700). Check our website for updates on program information and registration at www.acu.edu/events/lectureship.
Church Relations
The 2008 Ministers Salary Survey will be launched soon. If you have participated in previous years, then you will probably receive an email containing the link to the survey. If you have not previously participated but wish to do so, then just contact the Church Relations Office at 325-674-3732 or email Charles Siburt at Charles.Siburt@acu.edu. The results of this year’s survey will be posted by the end of this semester.
Four Doctor of Ministry Candidates Set To Graduate
Four candidates are scheduled to complete the Doctor of Ministry degree program and graduate in the spring commencement in May. All four have completed their courses, their ministry project/thesis, and will soon complete their oral defense as they move toward graduation.
The four candidates are Mark Edge (Minister of the Shiloh Road Church of Christ in Tyler, TX), John Grant (Associate Minister for the College Hills Church of Christ in Lebanon, TN), Steve Martin (Minister for the Union Hill Church of Christ in Nixa, MO), and Chris Smith (Minister for the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, TN).
At least seven new students are scheduled to begin the D.Min. program in June.
Nationwide Health Insurance for Christian Leaders Now Available
This is the first benefit made available through the CLBA (Christian Leaders Benefit Alliance), an aggregation of leaders who have allied themselves in order to participate in a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and discount-rate electricity for their ministry facilities, as well as others that may be needed in the future. Members of the CLBA Leadership Team are Charles Siburt (Vice President for Church Relations at ACU), Ron Holifield (President of Good Stewards), Jon Mullican (Executive Minister at the Highland Oaks Church of Christ in Dallas, TX), and Roland Orr (Retired Businessman, Elder at the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, TX).
The Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance coverage is provided through Churchwide Healthcare, a plan that has been in existence for about 35 years. Dental coverage is also available. Enrollment is now in progress. To assist in the management of membership services, we have retained the services of Ron Holifield’s Good Stewards, and we have retained the services of Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. to manage the relationship between the CLBA and Churchwide Healthcare, a service offered to members of the Stone-Campbell heritage by the Disciples of Christ.
In order to learn more about the coverage, the rates, and the enrollment process, go to www.clbabenefits.org or contact Gallagher Benefit Services at 713-358-5208.
Three ElderLink Events Set for California, Atlanta, and Rochester
California ElderLink
The very first California ElderLink was held at the Rancho Cordova Church of Christ on February 1-2. Speakers included Rick Marrs (Pepperdine), Emily Lemley (Pepperdine), Jeff Childers (ACU), Glenn Pemberton (ACU), and Rubel Shelly (Rochester College). The event was co-sponsored by ACU and Pepperdine University.
Atlanta ElderLink
The Atlanta ElderLink Forum will be held at the North Atlanta Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA on March 29. Speakers will include Earl Lavender (Lipscomb), John York (Lipscomb), John Siburt (Richardson, TX), Elaine Denman (Manchester, TN), Carson Reed (Atlanta, GA), Virgil Fry (Houston, TX), and Paul Watson (Durham, NC). For details and registration, go to http://www.acu.edu/ministry/elderlink/conferences/atlanta .html.
Rochester ElderLink
The Rochester ElderLink Forum will be on April 19 at Rochester College in Rochester, MI. Speakers will include Rick Marrs (Pepperdine), Rich Little (Naperville, IL), Holly Allen (Siloam Springs, AR), and Tom Robinson (Manhattan, NY). The website for this event will be available soon.
Remember that ElderLink events are for all elders, former elders, future elders, ministers, deacons, ministry leaders, and spouses. They are excellent opportunities to sponsor younger adults who show strong potential to be effective leaders in the future. They also serve as marvelous occasions for team development, mentoring, and networking.
H.I.M. (Halbert Institute for Missions)
This year’s Broom Colloquium for Missions and Global Christianity will be February 28th and 29th. We are extremely pleased to feature noted author and lecturer Leonard Sweet. Sweet is currently the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School (Madison, NJ) and has authored more than one hundred articles, 600 published sermons and thirty books. You may learn more about him through his website at www.leonardsweet.com.
His most recent book, The Gospel According to Starbucks (2007), will be his topic for the Colloquium as he helps us explore what it means to be church in an age where the experiential, participation, images, and connection (E.P.I.C.) are primary marks of the broader culture. Please join us for this exciting opportunity to learn and reflect together.
Preliminary Missionary Assessment Center (PreMAC) 2008
On a cold Friday and Saturday in January twenty-five men and women gathered to participate in Halbert Institute for Missions’ PreMAC, Preliminary Missionary Assessment Center. This event is Halbert’s initial assessment and training for missioniaries and missions teams. This PreMAC included three teams going to Australia, Chile, and Chicago. In addition, this w
as the first time we included WorldWide Witness apprentices who will be going to the mission field for one to two years. This experience includes written assessments, team experiences, worship, role playing, as well as other activities and reflection. HIM personnel and missions faculty provided the assessment and feedback to the trainees. PreMAC always provides a good beginning because it gives the future missionary and those who will be training him/her a snapshot of their life from several perspectives. With this kind of insight and self-awareness the door opens for the Lord to work as trainers and future missionaries and teams journey together.
Missionary Leadership Workshop
Wymore is a seasoned coach trainer who has served as a member of the North American leadership team with Dawn Ministries and is currently North America Simple Church Coach for the Foursquare Church. For more information on Mission Focus, see www.acu.edu/missions/focus.
Lima Team Prepares
In order to reach the masses of Lima, the team is anticipating targeting the area of town which hosts three universities but borders a lower class area. By reaching out to the future educated class, they hope to establish stable works that will be able to affect society at large and lead into the future.
[Left to right: Wes, Stacy, and Jakob Yoakum; Justin, Allison, and Cailyn Thompson; Mark Clancy; Sophia, Lee, Stephanie, and Maddox Fletcher; Parker, John Mark, Kellan, and Tara Davidson.]
