COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vantage WINTER 1995-96 Board of Trustees names new chairperson A i mi Oi i OBER meeting of Columbia Seminary's Board of Trustees, Joanna Adams was named chairperson, an office she will assume on January 1, 1996. She is the first woman to chair Columbia's board. She succeeds John A. Conant of Atlanta, who served as chairperson from 1989-1995. Pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Dr. Adams is a 1979 Columbia graduate. She is a past-president of the seminary's Alumni /ae Association and co-chair of Columbia's capital campaign in Greater Atlanta Presbytery. She has received the Emory University Alumni Association Medal of Honor, the Woman of Achievement Award from the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, and an honorary doctorate from Davidson College. Dr. Adams was a member of the Special Commit- tee on Reconciliation for the PC(USA) and co-chaired the Bicentennial Campaign for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. David Quattlebaum of Greenville, South Carolina, was named vice chair, and Emily Wood of Maitland, Florida, continues as secretary. In other business, six new mem- bers were welcomed to the board. They are Richard M. Cromie, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Ft. Lauder- dale, Florida; H. Thomas Lane, president of the Lane Financial Group in Gainesville, Florida; James S. Lowrey, pastor of Idlewild Presbyte- rian Church, Memphis, Tennessee; William S. Morris, chair and chief executive officer of Morris Communi- cations Corporation, Augusta, Georgia; Betty Nichols, elder of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi; and Jefferson V. Smith, partner in the law firm of Carter, Smith, Merriam, Rogers, and Traxler in Greer, South Carolina. Members leaving the board were Thomas Brown of Lake City, Florida; Howard Ector of Marietta, Georgia; Howard Edington of Orlando, Florida; Edward Hopper of Lexing- ton, Kentucky; Will Jones of Memphis, Tennessee; Gay Love of Atlanta, Georgia; Arthur Ross of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Betty Simmons of Jackson, Mississippi. Board chairpersons John Conant, 1989-1995, and Joanna Adams, 1996- Make plans for Colloquium f 96 Thomas G. Long will lecture three times during Colloquium on the theme "Preaching the Final Words: Sin, Death. ami the Life to Come. " Mary Donovan Turner, guest preacher, will also lead a continuing education workshop on "Preaching Toward Easter in the Post-Easter Church. " Thomas G. Long, Francis Landey Patton Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological Seminary, is keynote speaker for Colloquium '96, January 8-11. Mary Donovan Turner, assistant professor of preaching at Pacific School of Religion, is guest preacher and will also conduct a continuing education seminar. This four-day event for church leaders will include lectures, continu- ing education seminars, worship, and alumni/ ae reunions. Dr. Long will lecture three times on his theme of "Preaching the Final Words: Sin, Death, and the Life to Come." The first two lectures will be given at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on January 8; the third lecture will be given at 9:00 a.m. on January 9. Before joining the Princeton faculty, Dr. Long was professor of preaching and worship at Columbia Seminary. He has also taught at Erskine Theological Seminary and was pastor of McElroy Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Dr. Long has written and edited numerous books, chapters, and articles on homiletics and worship. He is a member and past president of the Academy of Homiletics. Dr. Mary Donovan Turner will preach January 8, 9, and 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Columbia Presbyterian Church. On January 9 at 2:00 p.m., she will lead a continuing education seminar, "Preaching Toward Easter in the Post-Easter Church." Dr. Turner was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and earned the Ph.D. from Emory University in Old Testament Studies. Continued on page 3 Thoughts on stewardship Douglas W. Oldenburg, President In RECBNl MONTHS/ I have given a number of talks on stewardship. Of course, stewardship embraces the whole of life, but for the most part, I have been asked to speak on tin stewardship of our money. Research shows that in 1933, the depth of the Great Depression, Protestants were giving 3.3% of their income to the church. Sixty years later when Americans were over 200".. richer (after taxes and inflation), Protestants were giving only 2.S",. , .1 their income. It is tempting to blame this decline in giving on feelings ol alienation from denominational leadership, but research shows otherwise. I see the decline as our failure to communicate the gospel of God's love in Jesus Christ, to impress upon people that we are stewards of what God has given us, to inspire people with the exciting mission of the church, and to help people experience the joy of giving. I read the decline in giving largely as the church's capitulation to the values of our secular culture and our failure to be counter-cultural. How do we reverse these trends 7 First, pastors must feel free to talk about money. The Bible is filled with references to material possessions, and financial issues are the source "I gre.it anxiety and conflict in many people's lives, yet some pastors avoid the subject. The pastoral dimensions of money issues are enormous, and we are failing in our role as pastors if we do not address them. A layman once said to me in response to my meek apology for asking for another large gift, "Doug, never feel awkward asking for money. That's part of your job as my pastor to encourage me to return to the Lord's work what he has given to me. My greatest joy comes from giving and knowing I am making a difference. You need to help me experience that joy." Second, pastors and lay leaders need to give greater focus to steward- ship in the life of our local congrega- tions if we expect it to be a greater priority m people's lives. Third, we need to be more tar- geted and specific about what we ask people to give. The challenge of the tithe needs to be renewed in our congregations. Fourth, pastors and lay leaders need to promote planned giving, the "stewardship of accumulated posses- sions." The largest transfer of wealth from one generation to another will occur in the next two decades in the United States some $13 trillion! Unless pastors and lay leaders chal- lenge people to leave a portion of their estate to the church, we will miss a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our mission and witness. The Presby- terian Foundation is a great resource to help local congregations with this important aspect of stewardship. Finally, seminaries must give greater focus in training pastors to both the theology and practice of stewardship in an affluent society. Columbia includes a component on stewardship in the "Practice of Ministry" course and many references are made to it in theology and Biblical courses, but more needs to be done, both in our regular curriculum and in continuing education. God has given the Presbyterian community of Christians vast re- sources of wealth, far more than most. "To whom much is given, much will be required." (Note: Some of the research data used above comes from a presentation made by John and Sylvia Ronsvalle, empty tomb, inc Their book, Behind the Stained G/ Windows: Money Dynamics in the Church, will be published in 1996.) Jiang Lian, Jiade Wu, Nanjing Professor Wang Wei-fan, and Huibing He Columbia strengthens ties to Church in China Columbia is now in its fifth year of a cooperative relationship with Chinese Christians, building upon the ties established with the China Christian Council and Nanjing Union Theologi- cal Seminary. This continuing rela- tionship is made possible by a second grant from the Luce Foundation and the cooperation of such organizations as the Amity Foundation. The second Luce Foundation grant provides for events suggested by the Chinese as appropriate ways to reestablish the Sino- American rela- tionship of Christians interrupted in 1949. The grant also makes possible exchanges bringing Chines students and scholars to the U.S. and sending Columbia students and faculty to the People's Republic of China. During the 1995-96 academic year, Columbia is hosting two visiting Nanjing scholars. Professor Wang Wei-fan was on campus in August and September as a short-term resident scholar, writing a history of Chinese Christian thought. Chen Zemin, vice principal and dean of faculty, will be coming to Columbia in January for a year's sabbatical to work on a systematic theology for the Chinese Church. In addition, two professors from Nanjing are at Columbia this year while they study English as a second language. Ya-Qian Peng is a church history professor and Mei-Chun Liu teaches New Testament. Three students from China have also joined the Columbia student body as part of this program: Jiang Lian (MATS "95) in the Master of Divinity program, Jiade Wu, who received the Master of Theology degree in May, and Huibing He in the Doctor of Ministry program. In May 1996, Columbia faculty members Jasper Keith (STD 79), professor of pastoral care and counsel- ing, and Will Coleman '85, associate professor of theology and hermeneu- tics, will teach courses related to their fields at Nanjing Seminary. Next summer, Columbia will send two students, Hannah Brawley '97 and Stacey Rector '96, to teach English as a second language at a regional Chinese seminary. These students, chosen from a large group of appli- cants, are spending part of this academic year learning how to teach English as a second language. This summer they will give the gift of language instruction and receive a first-hand experience of the Chinese Church. In October 1994, Columbia hosted a historic reunion for Presbyterian missionaries to China. More than 160 former missionaries, their families, Chinese church leaders, and experts in Sino- American relations came to Columbia for the reunion, which had been suggested by Bishop K. H. Ting, president of the China Christian Council. Chrystal Cook '98 Linda Davis and Timothy Fulop Appointments made in dean's office, library Two appointments have recently been made at Columbia. Timothy Fulop has been named director of research and evaluation and assistant to the dean of faculty, a position he began in September. Linda Davis has been named technical services librarian. She began her work in October. Dr. Fulop is focusing his efforts on academic program excellence and faculty development. He will also lecture in church history. Dr. Fulop received the Ph.D. from Princeton University and the Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. He has lectured in the Summer School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University and was a visiting lecturer at Harvard Divinity School. He has also served as a lecturer at Princeton University and the Extension School at Harvard. Dr. Fulop is an adjunct faculty member of Associated Canadian Theological Schools, Central Baptist Theological Seminary, and Gordon College. He has published and taught classes in areas including church history, the Protestant Reformation, and missions. He grew up in Japan during his parents' service as Ameri- can Baptist missionaries. Ms. Davis received the master's in library and information science degree from the University of South Carolina. While there, she interned with the South Carolina State Archives Conser- vation Lab. She attended Candler School of Theology and has worked in the Pitts Theology and Woodruff libraries, both at Emory University. Ms. Davis is a member of the Ameri- can Library Association. Her work at Columbia will focus on cataloging new acquisitions and providing computer records for the older library material. Other aspects of her work include preservation/ conservation efforts and reference duties. She will also help implement the library's new integrated, auto- mated computer system. VANTAGE Maake Masango (MATS '8V. ThD '94) Alum uses his training in South Africa Since beginning his studies at Colum- bia 16 years ago, Maake J. S. Masango (M.A.T.S. '81, Th.D. '94) has adapted much of what he heard in classrooms to the needs of his native South Africa. Over that time the nation has moved from enforcing complete racial segregation to permitting multi-racial elections. Whatever problems the church faced during Masango's early years of ministry have also changed. He now must help parishioners catch up with the fast pace of reform affecting church life. "I was assigned by the church to try to help it integrate prior to the changes," said Masango, who serves the Transvaal West Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. "One of the things the churches in the white suburbs struggled with was blacks and Indians moving in. Often, the churches in those suburbs were not trying to reach new people within that community." In consulting with congrega- tions in addition to working as a pastoral counselor Masango applied advanced study in group dynamics and conflict resolution, skills gained at Columbia and in his experience as an ordained minister. He also used his work in bringing groups together as the first black instructor for some students at Pretoria University, a school for the Afrikaaner population. To prepare for the elections last year, Masango was asked to lead workshops for church-affiliated election monitors. He had one month to conduct what he called "objectivity training" for the group monitors, who held a wide range of political opinions and visions for the future. Masango said he taught them to acknowledge the importance of all opinions to the whole. "I trained them that you cannot hold anger against the other, because you will damage your story and what you hope South Africa can be." Masango has used conflict resolu- tion techniques in churches, both black and white, in order to help congregations integrate races and beliefs in the midst of the country's wider struggle to do the same. Masango gained many of his skills during several years of clinical work done with the Georgia Assoc iation for Pastoral Care, according to his Th.D. program director, Professor of Pasto- ral Theology John Parton. I le ^o holds degrees from the Federal Theological Seminary of South Africa and the Presbyterian School of Chris tian Education in Richmond, Virginia. By making adjustments to South Africa culture, Masango was able to make use of counseling techniques geared primarily to Western society He said that, according to Western techniques, which do not account for the importance of community in African society, a South African might easily be misdiagnosed as overly dependent. "As I studied at Columbia, I had to reframe issues to the African concept of pastoral care," he said. "In the African concept, when you diagnose someone as sick, you must go to the family. The community guides and helps you in managing illness. In African culture, you move out of the nest, but you belong to the nest. When the nest is broken, you have to come and mend it." John Turnbull 95 Editor's note: Dr. Masango has recently been elected moderator of the Presby- terian Church of Southern Africa. Colloquium '96 continued from page \ k J Professor Ben C. Johnson She is a frequent contributor to Biblical Preaching Journal and Word and Witne and author of The Storyteller's Compan- ion to tfie Bible: Pre-exilic Prophets and a series of articles, "Living by the Word," in Christian Century, Advent - Christmas, 1995. In addition to the seminar led by Dr. Turner, five workshops are scheduled on January 10 and 1 1 "Parish Pastoral Counseling: A Short Course on Short-Term Pastoral Care" by Brian Childs is offered January 10, 9:00-4:30; "What Happens When Women Read the Old Testament" will be taught by Kathleen O'Connor, January 10, 9:00-12:00; and "Being Christian in a World of Fear: God-Talk as a Sign for Our Times" will be led by Will Coleman '85, January 10, 1:30- 4:30. Both "Calmly Plotting the Resurrection," taught by Donna Schaper, and "Reflections on Minis- try Mastering the Storms: Catalysts to a Healthy Ministry," led by Mark Bryan '87, are scheduled for January 11,9:00-4:30. Alumni /ae activities will be held January 8-9. Joe S. Harvard '66, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Durham, North Carolina, will be the alumni /ae luncheon speaker on January 8. The alumni /ae reunion classes luncheon will be held on January 9 for the classes of 1921-41, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, and 1995. Women in ministry and women in preparation for ministry will have an opportunity for fellowship and dinner on January 9. For more information, or to register for any of the Colloquium's events, call 404/378-8821. Columbia adds to offerings in spirituality K Ri si', >\si id spiritual hunger in the church, Columbia Seminar} I developed ,i certificate program In spiritual formation. In a recent interview, Ben C. Johnson, professor of Christian spirituality, shared his vision for the program. Q: You have served as professor of evangelism and church growth for 15 years, and now yon are professor of Christian spirituality. Why the emph.isis on spirituality al 1 1 ii'. I M ne iii your life and ministry? Johnson: After many years Ol ministering all over the nation, I have discovered that the greatest need is lor a renewed sense ot Cod's presence In people's lives. Pilling the spiritual void in the church is critical now due to the pain, frustration, and disillu sionment of so many pastors and members. A fresh emphasis on the spiritual dimension of church life and mission will bring forth the vitality needed to face the challenges ahead. Q: How will your new role further this emphasis? Johnson: There are f OU1 areas that I will be working on: teaching the spiritual formation for ministry electives in the Master of Divinity curriculum; assisting I >r. ( ieorge Telford with the I > x tor of Ministry focus in Spirituality; devoting much of my time to the certificate program in spiritual formation; and continuing retreats, workshops, and off-campus speaking engagements on spirituality. Q: Tell us about the new certifi- cate program. Johnson: The certificate in spiritual formation offers a structured course in the disciplines of Christian spirituality, emphasizing both study and practice, and concludes with a spiritual pilgrimage to Israel. This is a three-year program of 32 units. Within those 32 units are four components: an immersion week, six elective courses, a practicum, and the pilgrimage. Q: What does the immersion week consist of? Johnson: The immersion week, conducted in a retreat atmosphere. includes le< lures on the formati\ e aspects ol Jewish New restamenl mon.i-.in and Reformed Spirituality, combined \\ ith Intensh e reflet tion on i lod s unfolding presence Vftei the immersion week, each student begins the -! les "i i\ ele< tive< ourses Q: 1 low ,ue the ele. d\e uhiim's designed, ,m<.\ wh.it topi, are taught? lohnson: i oui ses .ue one week [ntensh es In v\ hi< h students li\ e and stu.u togethei i hese ele< ti\ es .ue stnu tuied around cognlth e content ling and le. line i . omiiuin.il le.n ning (dist usai< in ihai Ing reflet Hon) personal insights and applii a tion n'd Hiiii ation In the pi." ii"' <' ministi \ We have developed I-' ele. lues A sampling i >1 i ourse titles ln< ludes: "The Practice ot Prayei I hrough the i eiituries," "Classii b "i Spii Itual I V\ ohon," " [he History ol ( Inr.ti.in Spirituality I he I Iterative "' Spiritual I >ire( tion I he I >o< trine ot the i ioi\ Spii ii and Sani tifit ation and "Spirituality and l ompa di >n Q: How is the pi." 'i' "i" i-'M 111 "' imnt met? Johnson: Students will apply what they have learned in a super- \ is.'. I proje< t, su< h as designing and , ondui ring > retreat de\ eloping and implementing a small grou] i i >i pio\ iding .i b< hool >>i prayer. Q: wh.ii Is the pilgrima Johnson: The program i ulmi- nates in .i spiritu.il pilgrimage I" Israel [his two-weel- i .hi, .. subsi di/ed to reduce student cost to .m affordable amount will he spenl visit n .p. hoi) plat es i<>i reflet tion, meditation, and prayer, The journey to Jerusalem will he based on In dents' studies ol spirituality. Q: wh.ii i .iii-..". are available in the eerhh. ate program for i ( > () '> 96, and who i .in register? Johnson: The Upcoming I "iirse offerings include tin- immersion week, i ebruary ll L6j ' 1 listorj "i ( lnr.ii.in spirituality," February 25 - March 1, taught by I >i < athenne ' ion/.al. and, il"' second ele< rive, "Spiritualitj in the Desert RNIN< ; LaySchoi H See article on this page February 10, 17, 24 and March 2, 9, 16 Til. S.-ikii. m I [VESOl CHILDREN Leader: Ron Cram. Cost: $160. February 11-16 IMMERSION WbEK FOR CeRTIFH mi IN SPIRTTI \1 FORMATION See article on page 3. Leader: Ben Johnson. Cost: $400. February 15-16 Ri i IGION AND BDU( ATION in mi Cm ruRI OF DlSBBl in- Guest speaker: Stephen L. Carter, author of The Culture ofDisbelieJ I low American Law and Politi s trivialize Religious Devotion. Event co-sponsored with Agnes Scott College. No charge. February 23-24 Lav School in Jacksonville, Florida Sec article on this page. February 26-March 1 HISTORY Ol CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY Leader: Catherine Gonzalez. Elective in the Certificate in Spiritual Formation Program. See article on page 3. Cost: $300. March 14-15 Ri i IGION AND mi Arts: Arts in WORSHIP See article on this page. March 15-16 LaySchcxm in Tampa, FLORIDA See article on this page. March 26, April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7 Aunc. and Chkimian Education Leader: Ron Cram. Cost: $160. April 8-16 Wh kin Jamaica Leader: George Telford. Cost: $850. April 12 Cri mivi Worship Design Leader: Ann Weems. Cost: $55. April 14-19 Con 1 1 Mil \ 1 1\ i Retreai FOR Men Leader: Rick Dietrich. Cost: $195. April 15-16 Musicians and Pasioks: A Worsi in Ti \m Co-sponsored with Presby- terian Association of Musicians. Cost: $75. April 21-24 Coniimim aiiu RETR1 \i FOR WOMEN Leader: Martha Jane Petersen. Cost: $215. April 26-27 Video and Violence: Whai Does ihe Church Have ioSa>,? Cost: $45. May 9-10 Navigating Cm \m.i m ii if Church See article below. Cost: $165. Seminar looks at early ministry K \ i ii i time of ordained ministry, a pastor can expect a number of transi- i ions as he or she moves from one stage of ministry to the next. In this seminar, attention will be focused on the issues that arise in the early years. The two-day seminar, February 8- 9, is designed to equip new clergy with leadership skills and knowledge which are essential for survival and transformation. This workshop will help participants learn to understand and deal with the multiple expecta- tions that exist in the various tasks of ministry. Cost is $85. For information or to register, contact the Office of Continu- ing Education, 404/687-4562. 'Religion and the Arts 7 offered in March Peopli in the pew are hungry to encounter God and to experience God's transforming power; they turn to worship for this experience. The arts trigger the imagination, stir emotions, and are essential partners for creating meaningful worship. How to use the arts in worship effectively, specifically through the biblical text, is the subject of this workshop, scheduled March 14-15. Participants will have an opportu- nity to explore the theology upon which arts in worship is based, the variety of art forms that can enrich worship, and specific ways to incorpo- rate those art forms into the life and worship of the congregation. T.E.A.M. (Theological Expression in Arts Ministry) will provide the leadership for this event. T.E.A.M. has led workshops on the arts and ministry for congregations, presbyteries, and synods. In 1996 T.E.A.M. will design and lead worship for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program's summer conferences in Estes Park, Colorado, and Montreat, North Carolina. Cost is $65. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education, 404/ 687-4562. Lay Institute Course focuses on congregational plans winter, change s P rin S courses Congregations pass through a variety of changes, both chosen and not chosen. Change can arise from demographics, shifting leadership, and growing or declining member- ship. As the pastor navigates these changes, basic guidelines and charac- teristics must be understood. This workshop, scheduled May 9- 10, will help to assess change in a congregation: its sources; its dynam- ics, especially conflict; and the clergy's role in the process. Gil Rendle is leader for this event. He is a fellow of the Alban Institute and has had years of experience in the parish as well as working with many congregations in transition. D Tin Lay Institutl of Faith and Life offers a number of winter and spring courses in addition to the Winter Lay Schools. This year there are plans for courses in Church Politics, Reading Print Media Theologically, and Islam. More information about these courses may be obtained from the Institute, 404/687-4577. D Lay Schools planned in February Tins winter's Evening Lay School, sponsored by the Lay Institute of Faith and Life, will offer courses in New Testament, Christian ethics, and psychological and theological issues. The courses will be held 7:30-9:30 on Monday evenings in February (Febru- ary 5, 12, 19, 26) on the Columbia campus. Teachers include Dr. Charles B. Cousar '58, professor of New Testament; Dr. Marcia Y. Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics; and Dr. John H. Patton, professor of pastoral theology. Dr. Cousar will teach an introduc- tion to the Gospel of John. Dr. Riggs' class will examine a number of current ethical issues using the case study method. Dr. Patton's course is titled "Human Forgiveness: Psycho- logical and Theological Issues." Dr. Ludwig Dewitz will teach this year's Morning Lay School course. Morning Lay School will be held Thursday mornings in February (February 8, 15, 22, 29). Classes meet from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. in the Harrington Center on campus. Dr. Dewitz, professor emeritus of Old Testament, will look at key episodes in the bitter struggle between church and synagogue from biblical to recent times. To register, contact the Lay Institute at 404/687-4577. D Weekend lay schools scheduled in Georgia, Florida Lay people from various Southeastern areas will gather in Lay Institute weekends this winter. In conjunction with churches and presbyteries, the Lay Institute will offer courses in Augusta, Georgia, and in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida. These schools offer classes Friday evening and Saturday morning and afternoon. Teaching in Augusta January 19- 20 will be Professors Charles Cousar and George Stroup. Teaching in Jacksonville February 23-24 will be Drs. Ron Crossley and Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner. Professors Stan Saunders and Carlos Cardoza y Orlandi will be in the Tampa Bay area March 15-16. In addition, the Lay Institute continues to co-sponsor Commis- sioned Lay Preacher Training Courses with Flint River and Sheppards and Lapsley presbyteries. More information about these weekends and other off-campus courses are available from the Lay Institute. VANTAGE Columbia Seminary installs new telephone system Di ring mi si mmi i ( olumbia In- stalled a now telephone system w Ith such capabilities as dire* I dialing and \ oice mail. The main sv> it< hboard operator's number continues to be 404/378-8821, and an automated attendant may be rea bed al anj time bj dialing 404/687-4501. Offices and individuals maj now be reached directly by dialing -104/ <.s7-4\w with xxx representing the appropriate extension. In addition to direct access to individuals during office hours, voice messages may now be left 24 hours a d.n Below are extensions ol frequently called numbers. Academic Affairs, 521 Admissions, 517 Advanced Degrees, 534 Alumni/ ae Office 564 Asian Ministries, 552 \so i.i' ion para la 1'duc.u ion reologica Hispana I ' >495 Bookstore 150 BusinessOffice 580 I ontinuing I dm ation >6 ' Development /Seminary Relations, 525 i inant laJ Ud, 582 i ood Sei vice 51 Internationa] * office 19 I ,,\ Institute, 577 i, i., ,.,N >49 Media 584 Pastoral ( are, 528 Physical Plant/Maintenance I B-8539 President s< Office, 515 Student 1 lie, 523 Supervised Ministry, 519 Bobbi White '96 met Pope John Paul II during a visit to the Vatican. Student learns from the church in Kenya and Switzerland Editor's note: Bobbi White, a senior from Black Mountain, North Carolina, has had what she calls "two wonder- ful international experiences which gave me new eyes to see and a new vision of God's activity in the world." She did a summer internship with a pastor in the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Kenya and studied at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland. The following is her account of those experiences. During the summer of '94, 1 lived in Ngoe, Kenya, with a Presbyterian pastor, the Rev. Mercy Maina. She has nine churches, with memberships ranging from 300 to a new church of 30. She lives in a fertile, mountainous area. There is no electricity or phone service, and water comes from the roof or streams. The Kenyans wel- comed me into their homes to share our faith and have tea. The people of Ngoe wanted to learn about American Christians and churches, how we share our faith and how we live differently from non- Christians. The Kenyan Christians greet each other with "Praise the Lord"; this helps them remember that being a Christian causes them to act differently in their relationships. I preached, attended presbytery meetings, went to weddings, helped with a funeral, and visited in many homes. When Rev. Mercy and I visited a home, the neighbors would join us. They brought their hymn- books, and we sang, read scripture, and shared our faith. Many times the worship was led by an elder. Elders often preached, because Rev. Mercy could be in only one church at a time. While I was in Kenya, my mother died, and the Kenyans ministered to me. Their strong faith in the resurrec- tion was a powerful witness. They saw me off at the airport at midnight, though it meant a cold two-hour ride back to Ngoe and a walk home in the dark. It was the way the Christians in Ngoe supported each other. They said I would not need the airplane because I would be upheld in their prayers. In 1994-95, I also had the opportu- nity to study in Switzerland for five months with 60 Christians from 35 countries. We were priests, pastors, students, and lay leaders. We were Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern and Oriental Orthodox. We learned from each other as we ate, studied, and worshiped together. We celebrated our unity as baptized servants of Christ but grieved that our disunity did not allow joint Communion. We learned to look forward to the heavenly banquet when we will feast together. We learned to appreciate more fully each other's traditions. We visited Swiss parishes, had lectures from leading theologians, and spent a week in Rome visiting with officials in the Vatican, which included a private audience with the Pope. We experienced our unity in Christ through listening to each other and praying together. A Chinese woman had suffered through the Cultural Revolution, then found Christianity afterward when she stayed with a Christian family. Because of their joy and lack of bitterness, she too wanted to follow Christ. We realized we are all chil- dren of God and that relationship to God defines our identity. I am thankful for these opportuni- ties to learn and to see how the church is growing throughout the world, how we need to work together so that this pluralistic world can see our coopera- tion and hear the saving message of the gospel. D Winter reading recommendations by Columbia's faculty The Historical Figure of Jesus by B.P. Sanders God: A Biography by Jack Miles Spirituality in an Age of Change Rediscovering the Spirit oj the Reformers by Alistei McGrath American Congregations (vol. 2)ed.by fames Wind and fames I ewis Can Poetry Mattel ' I ssays on Poetry and American Cultureb) I tana i iioia Pwpci Confident ei I aith, I >oubt and t ei tainty in ( hi istian ' tfsi ipleship by I easlie Newbigin / oangeficalism: Comparative Studies oj Popular Protestantism m North \mertca, me British Isles and Beyond 1700 I990e6 by Mark Noll, et al. God and Mammon in Americaby Robert Wuthnow The Death and Resurrection oj the Beloved Son by for I evenson The City m Which I Love You Poems by Li-Young I ee Dreaming in Cuban by Cristina < lar< ia The Inferno of Dante ANewVerseTranslationby Robert Pinsky In the Shadow oj the I pidemic Being HIV Negative in the Time of AIDS by Walt Odets _. The Southern Front: History and Politics in thei ultural Warby Eugene D. Genovese . , Believing in the future: Toward a Missiobgy oj Western Culture by David Bosch The Concubine's Children by DeniseChong / aith and Knowledge Mainline Protestantism and Amei it an I hghei ' dw atton by Douglas Sloan Dialogues of the Word by Walter Ree< I Before the Shooting Begins: Searching for Demoi m y mi America ( ulture War by lames Davison Hunter Quiet Strength. I he I aith, the I lope, and the Heart of a Woman Who Changed a Nation by Rosa Parks with Gregory). Reed Freeing Theology The Essentials o) Theology in Feminist Perspei tive ed. by Catherine M. l.aCunga / aithful < '.ompanioning by Chris Schlauch The I lines of Biblical Interpretation by Daniel Patte Pastoral Care and Liberation Theology by Stephen Pattison No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanoi Roosevelt by I tons Kearns < loodwin A Singing Something Womanisi Reflection on Anna Julia < oopei by Karen Baker- ThfplalZand the I ifeoj 1 aith by Walter Brueggemamv ed by ***&MM*t TheBlack Women Health Book Speaking for Ourselves ed. by I velyn White Shoes That Fit Our leet Sources for a ( o-tnu Hoc Black Theology by Dw.ght N. Sekc7fpZns ofRainer Maria Rilke The Book of Fresh Beginnings trans, by David JohnCMn I tege Hs of the Old Testament by David L. Puckett Easter in ( hrdinarv by Nicholas Lash SaZtL on SandMountam: SnakeH Uingaml Htdmpt Southern Appaheh, by Dennis Covington Write the Virion. The Church Renewed by Wilbert Shenk The Promised Land: The Great Black Migration and How It Changed America by Nicholas Lemann n Armored Hearts: Selected and New Poems by David Bottoms U WINTER 1995-96 For the Record Smyth Lectures held in March If you have recent news you would like to contribute to this section, please send it to the editor. Erskine Clarke '66, professor of American religious history, completed for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada A History of the Seminary Presidency in Protestant Theological Seminaries in the U.S. His article, 'The Globalization of Theological Educa- tion in North America," was pub- lished in the journal of the Reformed Church in Hungary. I le has led a retreat for Cherokee Presbytery on "The South: A Context for Ministry." Dr. Clarke is editor of journal for Preachers and teaches the third grade Sunday school class at Central church, Atlanta Sherron George (DMin '86) is a missionary in residence for the PC(USA) in Louisville, helping to coordinate the "Year with Latin Americans," which begins at the '96 General Assembly Robert Ramey, professor emeritus, has preached and taught spiritual growth workshops at Grace Covenant church, Virginia Beach, VA, and Trinity church, Meridian, MS. He conducted a leader- ship training event at Central Baptist church, Newnan, GA and has preached at the Conyers, GA, church. Dr. Ramey taught a D Mm course in Greensboro, NC, and has written The Pastor's Start-Up Manual Maetta Snyder '89 is pastor of the West- minster United church in Emporia, KS William Phipps '68 is pastor of Highland church, Largo, FL Douglas Stearns '72 is interim pastor of Glendale church, Dallas, TX, and part-time chaplain at Grace Presbyte- rian Village in Dallas. Will Coleman '85, associate professor of theology and hermeneutics, has preached at First church, Tuscaloosa, AL, led a work- shop and preached at a retreat for Hillside church, Decatur, and led a seminar at Trinity church, Atlanta. He was a panel participant and panel moderator on issues of marginality, pluralism, and diversity at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion in Philadelphia. Dr. Coleman was interviewed in the summer '95 In Trust magazine and has done a video commentary on Colossians for the United Methodists. His book reviews have appeared in journal for the ITC and Theology Today Michael Carey '86 (ThM '94) is pastor of Trinity church, Satellite Beach, FL David Bowennan '92 is chaplain with the 164th Corps Support Battalion, Ft. Bragg, NC Beth Duttera '95 is associate pastor at First church, Asheville, NC Timothy Fulop, director of research and evaluation and assistant to the dean of faculty, had an article, "Campus Confessions: The Internet Revival" in the July 19-26 issue of Christian Century. His article, "The Third Mark of the Church? Church Discipline in the Reformed and Anabaptist Reformations/' was printed in the June '95 issue o\ Journal oj Religious History (Australia). Beverly Ostrowski '95 is associate pastor of Winter Park church, Wilmington, NC Will Ormond '43, professor emeritus, preached twice lor i., 1 1 servi( es day at First church, Eden, NC, where Joel Long '78 is pastor David Delph '88 is pastor of First church, Thomaston, GA Chuck Hasty '89 and Jeanne Lemon were married Sept. 23 in Madison, GA Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, adjunct .issistant professor of pastoral theol- ogy, led worship along with James Earl Massey and Charles Colson in the dedication oi the new chapel at Samford University in October Linda Sabo, formerly in Columbia's campaign office, has been named registrar MyungB. Kim '89 is chaplain on the USSShiloh Jeff Beebe '94 is associate pastor of the Bowling Green, KY, church Bob Madsen '90 is associate pastor of First church, Franklin, TN John Patton, professor of pastoral theology, gave two lectures to the Midwest Region of the American Associations of Pastoral Counselors on "Relational Human- ness in a World of Managed Care" and two lectures to the South Central region of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education on "Pastoral Care and Supervision in the Year 2000." His out-of-print book, From Ministry to Theology, has been reprinted by Journal of Pastoral Care Publications. Kathleen O'Connor, professor of Old Testament, has been appointed a consultor to the Executive Board of the Catholic Biblical Association for a two-year term Jeff Hutcheson '91 is pastor of First church, Crestview, FL Wade Huie '46, professor emeritus, led a D.Min. supervised ministry course at United Theological College of the West Indies and has taught at Columbia church, Decatur; Oglethorpe church, Atlanta; and the Jefferson, GA, church. He has preached at Second church, Spartanburg, SC, and Eastminster church, Stone Mountain, GA. Dr. Huie attended the annual meeting of Tin Smyth Lectures, established at Columbia in 1911, will be held March 5-7, 1996. Carroll Saussy, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Wesley Theological Seminary, will deliver three one-hour lectures which explore the complex problem of anger from theological, psychological, and practical perspec- tives. Her lecture titles are "Anger, A Complex Emotion," "A Theology of Anger," and "Anger and the Practice of Ministry." Dr. Saussy's lectures will also include a model for helping BIRTHS To Michael Carey '86 and Lynn Brockwell-Carey, a daughter, Deborah Blue, May 7, 1995. To John (MATS '95) and Kelly Knapp, a daughter, Mary Margaret, June 23, 1995. DEATHS Vance Barron '42, Sept. 1, 1995. Oliver Hamby '48, July 6, 1995 William McBath '58, June 1, 1995. Robert Crumpler '66 Aug. 24, 1995. individuals and congregations deal with anger. Dr. Saussy is author of The Gift of Anger: A Call to Faithful Action and God Images and Self Esteem: Empowering Women in a Patriarchal Society. At Wesley she has taught such courses as Counseling Skills for Pastoral Minis- try; Faith and Self-Esteem; Sexuality and Interpersonal Relationships; Family Systems; Death, Dying, and Bereavement; and Anger and Pastoral Ministry. For more information on the lecture series, contact the Office of Academic Affairs at 404/687-4575. the Academy of Homiletics in Atlanta Michael Fitze '91 (DMin '95) is organizing pastor of a new church development in Easley, SC Rita Cochrane '94 (ThM '95) is pastor of First church (PCUSA) in West Point, MS Ann Clay Adams, director of admissions, led a Presbyte- rian Women's gathering at Mt. Vernon church, Atlanta, on "The Special Dimensions of Women's Spirituality" and was keynote speaker for a retreat for the Presbyterian Center at the University of Tennessee. She has preached at First church, Americus, GA, and led a workshop on servant leadership at the South Carolina Statewide Student Confer- ence in Myrtle Beach, SC Frank Allen (DMin '82) is designated pastor of First church, Kissimmee, FL Jeff Sockwell '92 is pastor of West New Bern, NC, church. C. Benton Kline, president emeritus and visiting professor, taught two workshops on the theol- ogy of stewardship for Northeast Georgia Presbytery's annual educa- tion event and spoke on that subject at Friendship church, Athens. He led two workshops on the church and conflict for the Morningside church, Atlanta, and has preached at Madison Avenue church, New York, and Southminster church, Marietta, GA. Dr. Kline presided at the installation of Catherine Taylor '92 as pastor of Church of the New Covenant, Doraville, GA Brad Walker '89 is pastor of First church, Canadian, TX Sam Rutland (DMin '89) is pastor of Indian River church, Ft. Pierce, FL Walter Dinkins '88 is command chaplain on the USS Holland. He organized and directed the largest U.S. Navy humanitarian community relations project in the Philippines since the '92 U.S. base closure for Nayon Ngkabajaan Children's Orphanage in Pasay City Julius Scott '59 is professor at Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, IL Phillip Williams '80 is pastor of Cameronian church, Rockingham, NC Dick Braun '46 is part-time parish associate for older adult ministry and pastoral care at First church, Midland, TX. Ernestine Cole, associate dean of students, has preached at Westhills church, Atlanta, and was keynote speaker at Tropical Florida Presbytery's women's fall gathering in Miami. She attended the Presbyterian Health Network Leadership Committee's fall meeting in San Diego and a meeting of a Presbyterian Task Force on Health and Wellness Issues Confronting PC(USA) Clergy and Spouses in Louisville, KY. She has participated in installation worship services in Decatur and Atlanta Shirley Guthrie, professor of system- atic theology, taught at leadership schools for the presbyteries of Mem- phis and New Covenant and had preached at the Blackshear, GA, church and Village church, Prairie Village, KS. He led a study group with ministers of Columbia, SC, and has preached and taught at First church, Durham, NC. Dr. Guthrie has given addresses on interpreting scripture for New Castle and Greater Atlanta presbyteries and a theological update at Mo Ranch, TX Tyler Downing '84 is pastor of Eastminster church, Stone Mountain, GA. James Wooten '84 is pastor of Westminster church, Decatur, IL Lucy Rose, associate professor of preaching and worship, met with Continued on page 7 Vantage Volume 87, No. 3, Winter 1995-96 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 25,000 The Office of Development/ Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Director of Publications and Publicity Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 VANTAGE For the Record continued from page 6 women clergy of New Hope Presbytery and led two workshops for that presbytery's fall leadership event Brian Childs, professor of pastoral theology and counseling, has presented papers at the Society for Health and Human Values in San Diego, at Northeast Georgia Presbytery on "HIV/ AIDS Educa- tion," and at the conference "Death in America: Medical, Ethical, and Religious Perspectives." He partici- pated in the ordination of Eleana Patterson Manuel '95 as pastor of Silver Creek church, Lindale, GA. He wrote an article for Healthcare Ethics Committee Forum, and his book, Short- Term Pastoral Counseling: A Guide, has been published in Korean. Young Sun Yu (ThM '95) was the translator Tommy Sikes '90 is pastor of Grace Chapel church in Madison, MS Ashley Beaty '98 and Rob Bickerstaff were married Sept. 2 in Dothan, AL Norman Harris '94 is pastor of New Trinity church, Camden, AL Tom Rogers '57 is stated supply of Beersheba church, Summerville, GA James Hudnut- Beumler, executive vice president and dean of faculty, gave the Tollefson Lectures in Reformed Theology at Buena Vista University, speaking on the topic, "A Church Worthy of Our God and Times: Reflections of the Reformed Tradition Today." He has preached at Peachtree Christian Church and gave a paper on Robei I Wuthnow's God ami Mammon in America at the American Academy of Religion David Moessner, profes- sor of New Testament, presided at the Luke-Acts Seminar of the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Philadelphia Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, led clergy conferences in Dublin (Anglican) and Belfast (Pres- byterian), attended the Luce Theologi- cal Fellowship Seminar in Princeton, Nj, and has published articles m Theology Today and Catholic Biblical Quarterly. His book, Psalms and tin- Life of Faith, has been printed Rebecca Parker, director of continu- ing education, was keynote speaker at a Presbyterian Women's gathering at Peachtree church, Atlanta. Conference on Ministry February 23 - 25, 1996 For more information or to register, call the Office of Admissions at 404/378-8821. From the Bookstore No. of copies New titles with Columbia faculty contributors: Retail Columbia price price The Psalms and the Life of Faith by $ 1 7.95 $15.26 Walter Brueggemann, edited by Patrick Miller _New Day New Church: Evangelism for Mainline Denominations by Ben C. Johnson $ 9.95 $ 8.46 The Pastor's Start-Up Manual: Beginning $1 1.95 $10.16 a Neiv Pastorate by Robert H. Ramey, Jr. Total amount for books Georgia residents: add five percent sales tax Shipping and handling (orders under $20.00, add $4.00; from $20.00 to $49.99, add $5.50; over $50.00, add $7.00. All books shipped via United Parcel Service.) Total Method of payment (please check one): check payable to CTS Bookstore (included with order) VISA MasterCard Novus (please print information below): Visa / MasterCard / Novus# Mrs. Walton visits Columbia HELEN RobSOnWm rON, who with her husband Sam h.unded W..I M.ni Mop Inc., visited Columbia on Octobei Iand4. She gave an address Faith [ourney A Focus on Philanthropy," to members of Columbia's tnajoi gifl wdetiesai the Founders Dinnei and spoke at anothei gathering to students, faculty, staff, and board members. Mrs. Walton shared her philosophy of stewardship b\ relei ring to a plaque- on Iut desk which states, "It is not what you gathei DUl what you scatter that reveals the kind ol life you have lived She nvc rete examples of philanthropy with wit and humor and pok. of the signiflcan the Presbyterian Church to her family. She referred to her little grandson, Jim, who was helping his mothei baJ I bread to give away Jims mother asked it he would like to take some bread to his grandmother, to which he res] led, "Is she pooi too?" Mrs. Walton said "Although I am not poor m terms ol dollars, I would indeed be pooi U I didnt have family members like Jim to loveme." Columbia was honored to have Mrs. Walton OH i ampus I lei philanthrophy is evident through such programs as tte Presbyterian Founds tion and new church development i n the PC(USA). D Columbia students receive Omaha Presbyterian Seminary Foundation scholarships _Exp. date. Name (as it appears on card) Street address for UPS shipment: Address City State Zip_ Please send this completed order form to: CTS Bookstore, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, G A 30031. , i-ivi Columbia sn di NTshave received S< holarships from the Omaha Presby- terian Seminary Foundation, which awarded 14 new grants this year. All four of the Omaha Foundation's named scholarships, for $3,000 each, were awarded to Colum- bia students. Those students are Joe Clifford, John Cole, Doug Ferguson, and Jan Tolbert. Clifford, a second year student, was a banker in Nashville before entering seminary. He is a member I 1 First Presbyterian Church of Franklin, Tennessee. Cole was an attorney. He is a first year student from Ormond Beach, Florida, and a member of First Presby- terian Church of Daytona Beach. Ferguson, an architect, is from ( iilando, Florida, where he is a membei Ol I ITS! Presbyterian Church. I le p. .. senior Tolbert, a first year student, taught high school sci< ii. I She Ifl from Newman, ( ..- and a mem- De] ,,i i ,,.( Presbyterian Church ih. -re. Don Barber, a second year srudenl from Charlotte and a member ,,i 1 1, ...i Presbyterian Church there, received a grant for $2,000. The former Presbyterian Theo- logical Seminary at Omaha was transformed into the Omaha Presby- terian Seminary Foundation and has as its mission to participate, through funding, in the leadership formation programs of the Presbyterian Church (USA). D WINTER 1995-96 Alum puts Columbia meeting on PresbyNet I\ Jul >, Pal i Lang '93, pastor of Peace Presbyterian Church in Winterville, North Carolina, decided it was time to have a "meeting" for Columbia people on PresbyNet, an electronic place for meetings and messaging for Presbyterians. He called the meeting CTS ALUMNI STUDENTS FRIENDS. Lang initiated the meeting for several reasons. As pastor of a small church with no other Presbyterian ministers nearby, he wanted to stay in touch with his peers from Colum- bia. He had noticed that several other schools and judicatories had meet- ings. After speaking with Columbia's Alumni /ae Office, he realized a need to connect the wider Columbia community. Lang was curious to know how many Colum- bia people are on the Net and where they are scattered. He discovered that they are spread all over the country. With more than 50 people participating, the meeting also includes members of Columbia's faculty /administration. The meeting is a place for Columbia people to stay in touch with one another and seminary events. Participants hear from students and faculty about the ongoing library construction. Some post material and calendars about continuing education and other events. A number of friends have been reunited via CTS ALUMNI STUDENTS FRIENDS. Lang has seen people reconnect, sometimes after decades of time and hundreds of miles of distance. "With PresbyNet, someone in Alaska is as close as someone a mile away." To log on to the Columbia meeting, you must have a computer, a modem with communications software, and be a member of PresbyNet. For Presbyterians, there is no fee to join, although there is a small fee for PresbyNet software. To join, or for more information, call PresbyNet at 800/872-3283. As library construction continues, Hurriance Opal downed 25 large trees on the campus. Vantage Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Board names new chairperson 1 Colloquium '96 1 Thoughts on stewardship 2 Two appointments 2 Columbia strengthens ties to Church in China 2 Alum in South Africa 3 Spirituality program 3 Continuing Education, Lay Institute calendar 4 Continuing Education, Lay Institute offerings 4 Student sees church in Kenya, Switzerland 5 New telephone system 5 Winter reading recommendations 5 For the Record 6 Smyth Lectures 6 Helen R. Walton visits Columbia 7 From the Bookstore 7 Students receive Omaha Scholarships 7 Alum puts Columbia on PresbyNet 8 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY