COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vantage SPRING 1993 Columbia's 'Village 7 is 'shared life' When Greg and Rachel Breter left their home in West Palm Beach, Florida, to enter Columbia's Greek School in June 1990, they did so in the wake of a "horrendous" moving experience. The victims of missed deadlines, bent promises, and bureaucratic red tape with their moving company, they arrived at Columbia, without belong- ings, exasperated. In the midst of the chaos, though, the tide changed noticeably, Rachel says, when a new neighbor, a senior, climbed the stairs to their apartment and invited the exhausted couple and their two young daughters for dinner. Later they drove Rachel around the Decatur area, helping her learn her way around town. On the heels of such frustrations, that hospitality was a welcome em- brace, Rachel says. It is characteristic of the often warm, often wonderful, and occasionally challenging experi- ence of living in the seminary's apartment community, commonly known as "the Village." "Living in the Village is commu- nity," says Rachel, president of Columbia's Spouses of Seminarians, "with all the aspects that make up 'community"' That means, she notes, everything from sharing prayer requests and recipes to refereeing tights on the playground. It means leaning on each other in times of crisis and living with each other's noise in times of quiet. It means picnics and carpools, study groups and prayer groups, and sometimes blurred lines of privacy. Village population has increased in recent years, particularly as more second-career students enter seminary and bring their families. The 38-unit complex is full, and most apartments house families with one to three children. Because each household has at least one member preparing for Christian ministry at Columbia, families have a ready-made common denominator. "Choosing to live in the Village," Rachel says, "creates a type of support that you wouldn't get off campus." That is a fact Andie Goodrich knows well. She and her husband Craig, a second year student, rented a home off campus during his first year. It took six months for their three children to find friends in the neigh- borhood. The frustrations of commut- Hedge and Marilyn Hedgpeth, both first year students from Raleigh, North Carolina, enjoy an early spring afternoon with son Stuart and neighbors' children at the new Village playground. ing and the sometimes difficult-to- bridge chasm between them and the seminary community caused them to re-evaluate. In September they moved into a newly renovated four-bedroom Village apartment. Within hours of moving, their children were circling the neighbor- hood with a group of children from the Village, riding bikes, doing cartwheels, and laughing. And the grounds, they noted, added a "heav- enly" dimension for an eight-year-old boy, particularly with a creek, meadow, nearby woods, and play- Continued on page 5 Teaching preaching at Columbia Professor Lucy Rose and Bobby Fisher '94 critique his sermon on videotape. Though the North American church has weathered significant changes in recent decades, one important truth remains constant: worship is central to the community of faith, and preaching remains central to worship. As Columbia homiletics profes- sors Lucy Rose and Chuck Campbell equip students to enter the pivotal role of preaching, they acknowledge that the desired effect is, simply, to produce "good" preachers. "Good" preaching, both say, may be the general desire of the universal church, but its definition varies from congregation to congregation and from hearer to hearer. "I think in general people want preaching that is faithful to scripture, that addresses contemporary life, that is engaging, that is Christian, " Dr. Campbell says. "What that means can be fleshed out in many different ways. There is a tremendous diversity in what churches want in preaching." On the other hand, both profes- sors admit hearing common concerns from laypeople about preaching in the church today including poor de- livery, lack of projection, lack of unity, clarity, or organization, "too much of the preacher," or "not enough of the preacher." "Another concern I've heard is that some preachers don't know how to be themselves in the pulpit," Dr. Rose says. "They might be able to pray well or might be able to teach Sunday school wonderfully, but somehow in the pulpit they get locked into a persona that is deadly." The advent of video technology has helped homileticians deal with such issues, Dr. Campbell says. Both professors use videotape to help Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry students recognize their strengths and weaknesses in the pulpit and to identify forms and Continued on page 3 Rcamimngti^ Douglas VA^Oldenbui^resident F Our physical plant: "You have outstanding buildings which are well maintained with little deferred maintenance II Their concerns about Columbia: Every 10 Yi Mts, Columbia Seminar) (and virtually every other institution of higher education in our countrx I must be reaccredited. Our accrediting agencies are the Association o! Theological Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The process involves a long and intensive period of self-study and the preparation of a rather massive report which critically examines every aspect of our lite The process concludes with a team of persons from other seminaries and universities making .1 three-day visit to our campus, during which they talk with faculty, students, staff, administrators, alumni/ae, and board members. For the past 18 months, we (faculty, administrators, students, staff, alums, board members) have been involved in that process. The visiting team recently came to our campus and concluded then visit with an oral report. The oral report will be expanded into a more detailed written report, to which we must respond. In their oral report, the team gave us the following summary of then findings regarding the strengths of Columbia and their concerns. I. Columbia's strengths: A. Our human resources 1. Our faculty: They were deepl} impressed with the gifts and dedica- tion of our faculty. 2. Our staff: "They are loyal, con- cerned, hard-working, and will go the se< end mile 3 Our board: "The) ..re obvi- ously committed to the seminary .-\nd .ire generous in their support." B. Our financial resources: ''Columbia has obviously worked hard to establish a secure foundation ol financial resources/' Theycom- mended our development staff. C. Our students: "They are of high quality. Even when they were critical of the seminary, they ex- pressed their love tor it and are proud to be here." D. Our globalization program: "Columbia is obviously a leader in this area." E. Our proposed new curriculum: "It is visionary, imaginative and timely, with a focus on the future." A. A lack of systematic and continuous planning and evaluation They acknowledged that much planning and evaluation is done in v irtually all areas of our life, but there is a need to make it more systematic and coordinated B. A need for more diversity and inclusiveness: Again, they cited progress in this area but discovered evidence of latent sexism, racism, and homophobia on the campus. They encouraged us to be increasingly sensitive to minority and women's concerns. C. A tendency at Columbia to rely on informal ways of solving problems rather than through established policies. D. Our off-campus initiatives: 1. Florida program: While affirm- ing Columbia's attempt to meet a need, they expressed concern about its financial feasibility, the quality of instruction, the lack of library re- sources, and its long-range future. 2. Doctor of Ministry degree program: They expressed concern about the residency requirement, the admissions policy, the lack of ade- quate training for supervisors, and insufficient faculty ownership. E. The library: They expressed concern over the need for more space, more staff, the housing of our audio- visual resources, and the need for a larger percentage of our budget designated for the library. F. Student concerns: They recom- mended an additional statement of student rights and responsibilities. Most of the concerns expressed by the visiting team were already high- lighted in our own self-study. It is my intention to refer the recommenda- tions of the self-study and the visiting team to various appropriate faculty committees, as needed. Although the entire process has involved many long hours of work by many people, it has been quite help- ful. We are confident that we will be reaccredited and become a better seminary because of the intensive way we and others have examined our seminary. We are grateful to all those who participated in the process and especially to Dr. C. Benton Kline for his invaluable assistance as our consultant. Cecil Thompson 1906-1993 Cecil Thompson, who taught evangel- ism and mission at Columbia Theo- logical Seminary for 21 years, died January 18 in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was 86. Dr. Thompson, who earned the B.D. degree from Columbia Seminary in 1931, roomed with Peter Marshall at Columbia. He earned the S.T.M. degree from Biblical Seminary in New York in 1936 and received the D.D. degree from Davidson College in 1947. He was associate pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Marietta, Georgia, and pastor of three churches, including First Presbyterian Church, Valdosta, Georgia, before joining the faculty at Columbia, where he taught from 1946 until 1967. After leaving Columbia, Dr. Thompson was pastor of churches in McComb and Jackson, Mississippi, until he was honorably retired in 1 974. He served on a number of de- nominational committees. According to J. Davison Philips, president emeritus of Columbia, Dr. Thompson was "a minister who specialized in starting new churches. In addition to his work at Columbia, he had a long series of effectn e pastorates. He believed in getting on with the mission of the church and was evangelical in the best sense .-I the word." In 1989, Columbia Seminary established the Thompson Scholars program, named in honor of Dr. Thompson. The program is designed to provide new and informed leaders for evangelism in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Dr. Thompson's survivors include his wife, Margaret Bryant Thompson, and two children, Margaret T. Miller and Robert G. Thompson. His step- son is William Bryant, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, and a member of Columbia's Board of Directors, d Vee Huie 1931-1993 On February 22, 1993, a large congre- gation filled Columbia Presbyterian Church to give thanks to God for the life of Vee Huie and to celebrate the promise of resurrection. Among those who gathered were many former Columbia students who remembered with gratitude her hospitality and friendship. An honors graduate and student body president of Wesleyan College in Macon, Vee Huie epitomized service throughout her life. She was a missionary in Ghana and South Korea. She served on the Atlanta Presbytery Council as a Commis- sioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and on numerous boards, most noticeably as an organizing member of PATH (Presbyterian Answer to Hunger) and of Our House, a day-care shelter for homeless children. She served three stints as a public school PTA president and was an elder, church choir member, and Sunday school teacher. As the spouse of Columbia Seminary Professor Wade Huie for 34 years, she hosted nearly every student and spouse to open house, and in later years concentrated on providing hospitality to international students and professors. The Columbia Seminary commu- nity was for Vee Huie an extended family. To offer its various members hospitality and friendship was for her not a burden but a joy. She did not regard such hospitality as an un- wanted intrusion into the life of her immediate family, but rather she welcomed her "larger family" as a context for home-making. Her inter- national experiences made her par- ticularly sensitive to the needs of the homeless and hungry, and she gave much of her energies to the joy of feeding the hungry and caring for families without shelter. Throughout her long struggle with cancer, she was a witness to the promises of the Gospel and the grace of a faithful life. Her survivors include her hus- band Wade; four sons, one of whom, Scott, is a student at Columbia; four grandsons; and her first granddaugh- ter, her namesake, born a few hours before Vee Huie's death. Memorial gifts may be made to the Wade and Vee Huie International Scholarship Fund at Columbia. D VANTAGE Teaching preaching continued from page I Pat and Doug Hix have seen participation in advanced degrees more than double Doug Hix, director of advanced studies, retires after 13 years Since 1980, Douglas Hix has directed Columbia's advanced studies pro- grams, overseeing the Master of The- ology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Sacred Theology degree programs. Upon his retirement on June 30, Dr. Hix will have seen participation in the three programs more than double, from 155 students to 333. His wife Pat, who has assisted him throughout his tenure at Columbia, will retire as well. The Hixes then plan to move to Laurinburg, North Carolina, where they have purchased a house. A 1953 graduate of Columbia, Doug Hix served as a pastor, profes- sor, and college administrator before returning to Columbia to direct ad- vanced studies. His pastorates in- clude the Dallas Presbyterian Church in LaGrange, Georgia, and the Lau- rinburg Presbyterian Church. Dr. Hix taught philosophy and Christian thought at King and St. Andrews colleges. He was dean of students at King and chair of the humanities program at St. Andrews. From 1980 until 1985, in addition to directing Columbia's advanced studies pro- gram, he directed clergy and lay continuing education. In January, during the Alumni/ae Association luncheon meeting, the following tribute was read: Whereas, Douglas W. Hix has Whereas, he has demonstrated a vision for programmatic expansion which has taken him from Atlanta to Philadelphia, and from New York to Jamaica, relentlessly teaching the [Doctor of Ministry! core course some 51 times so that now he can do it in his sleep, Whereas, when faced with a number of critical issues from curricu- lum to administration and imprecise dissertations, he has always shown great clarity in analyzing the situation, surveying alternatives, and offering directives a clarity revealed not only in analysis, but in preaching, in pene- trating notes on dissertations, and in pointed personal discussions as well, Whereas, his capacity to under- stand and appreciate men and women from all kinds of cultures, back- grounds, values, and experiences brings an essential gift of personal intimacy to the international dimen- sion of the seminary's life and mis- sion, Whereas, in approaching old age, he has read at least 500 books on gerontology and has become the seminary's resident expert on all issues of growing older and remaining productive, Whereas, his wife Pat has been not only a wonderful companion, superb hostess, able and competent critic, indefatigable worker in all pulpit habits that are right fbi them. "What's involved is helping students explore a broad range ol st) le and deliver) options and then helping them find their passion Di Rose says Exploring those options w Ith a wide range oi students lends an element of "detective work to the mix and requites a strong pastoral sensith it) in the teaching ol homili- etics Ifsver) haul to separate preaching from the person dome, it Dr. e ampbeii says " A huge part oi our time is labor mtensix e and \ er) personal," he adds "Our job is to help seminarians discern their gilts and their callings as preachers." With more second careei students now entering pulpits in increasingly diverse congregations, both professors say the task of teen king preaching has changed "When my father was m seminar) a good fifty-five years ago/' Dr Rose says, "most students were just out oi college, male, almost .ill unmarried, and basically from the same so. io economic background. It was gener- ally understood and accepted, 1 lere's the way you prea* h "What we have now are people who are older, who already have certain ways of presenting themselves and are less malleable We get men and women, African-Americans, Koreans. There's no way to teach one style and produce good preachers "We also face the challenges of pluralism within the discipline of homiletics itself," Dr. Campbell say! "There are many ways of approaching a sermon, of understanding what a sermon is, its forms, its ways "l interpreting scripture, its theologil al positions, and so on. Pick up a dozen books on homiletics, and they're all saying different things now Before that, there was one standard textbook and evei\body used it ." Other disciplines of ministry are integrally related to what happens in the pulpit. As Dr Rose observes, been blessed by God with an incred- ible capacity for thinking, understand- things t^"^* ' * lce ing, and reasoning and has been given cream socials, but also has been a a prodigious appetite for books, and has an informed opinion about almost everything, Whereas, despite skepticism and rebuffs, he has shown the capacity and courage to devise alternate ways of learning, educating, and creating leadership and a determination, rooted in his sense of calling, which has resulted in 314 Doctor of Ministry and 64 Master of Theology graduates, making Columbia's one of the best advanced studies programs in the nation, SPRING 1993 Homiletics Professor Clunk Campbell evaluating 'giv.ii pilpiieeo, ' '' Campbell s.ivs It it B populailt) you re Looking for, it it's the Ea< I that you re y now ii around the count] j We've ?',"' those U it lias something to ( \o with quality Ol sermons, I think il those too. I thmk they're out there prea< King trom week to weeV in lo< .il churches "The difference, I thmk, is that the sermon is not i ultur.ilb in the same position as it used i" be it was "nee regarded asoneoi the highest forms ol entertainment and discom e Today it competes with a thousand other tonus be. ause ol the time we're living m. the men and women who ,ire pie,,, lung outstanding sermons trom week to week in mainline pulpits .ire not going to be national figures. " both professors note > variet) "i leaders in the field ol homiletics, in- cluding Fred Craddoi I fames I orbes, David Buttrick, and loin Long They acknowledge, though, thai with the retiremenl ol fames ( ox and the jmpi ruling retirement ol ( r.uldo. I- .1 "new generation oJ leaders is coming m ," ,1 generation e\pci led to m< hide an increasing number ol women Preaching is the point at which all disciplines converge. priceless associate in handling the millions of administrative details of this enormous program, Now, therefore, be it resolved that expressions of deep gratitude be extended to Doug and Pat Hix from students, faculty colleagues, seminars staff, and numerous graduates with thanksgiving to God for the gifts they have been given, with loving appre- ciation for their commitment to Columbia Theological Seminary, and with prayers for both of them in their new life. U preaching is the point at which all disciplines converge, uniting theology with hturgv, pastoral care, the ability to think critically and biblically, and a knowledge of the issues ol the da) "Countless abilities get focused In thai one task," she says And the) 1 1 >me together in the pastor's most publi. role Still, she adds, strong training in other disciplines is crucial to produ< ing effective preachers. "What I love at C olumbia and what 1 can assume here is a strong Biblii al departmi which pushes students to preach and value the texts ol scripture," Dr. Rose savs "That is essential " While contemporary critics often lament that the church does not I the "great pulpiteers" it once had, Campbell and Rose dispute theil claim, noting that opinions are as varied as contemporary audiences. "1 think it depends on who's Dr. Rose herself is indicative ol the growing role of women an. I is among homileticians receiving ereatei attention. As set ond vice president of th e \, adem) ol I lomiletii . an organization . umpired ot te.i. hers and formei teachers ol preai hingas well as graduate students; she will assume the president . inl >< ember 1994 I [elping students to embrace the challenges oi prea< hing brings many rewards, they say. "I will listen to a hundred and sixty sermons this term. ' Dr. < ampbell savs. "A surpris- ing number of these are sermons where I'm fed by the C.ospel. And it's a blessing " Dr. Rose agrees, "bor me," she adds, "my job is part ol m) larger work for the Kingdom ol < !od To 1 1 .ntribute in some way to the church's \ Ision oi ihalom is important to me." Nana Graham 93 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Sara Covin Juengst, Director of Continuing Education, or Richard S Dietrich, Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life May 10-12 Seasons of Ministry: The Last Ti Yi vrs A conference to help m.msters gain new perspe. rive and energy .... the last years of ministry Zughstorv-shar.ng,go.,l .setting,and life-planning. Leaders Membersof Columbia's faculty ( ost: $50 lulv 7-9 SCHO. l OF E^ *NGEL1SM Led by Ben [ohnson, professor of evangelism and church growth, along with Walter Brueggemann, Marianne Rhebergen, Robert Bardin, and Isaiah Jones Jr. Cost: $50. July 12-16: fStcDlSCIP, ,AKnlNCRE D IENTOPTHEV,^ Ott pastor of Pleasant 1 1,11s Community Presbyterian Church, Pittsburgh, and author of several books on church revitalization. Cost: $90. 2 The Psatjus: Patterns foi Pi onal and Professional Growth by WiUiam A. Dantzler, corporate director of clinical pastoral education, Baptist Medical Centers of Birmingham, Alabama. Cost: $90. n . a j.. 3 Presbyterian Women Bible Stut* Prayersfor ifiurwui Journey by Elizabeth Caldwell and Earle I Qlgert, co-authors of the study book and professors at McCormick Theological Seminary. Cost: $45. Afternoon classes. _, . , c , 4 Preaching Thai Communicates by John McClure, associate professor of preaching and worship at Louisville Seminary. Cost: $90. 5. Building-Gw um Chmrmn-Edui m ion by Judy Gattis Smith, Christian educator and author. Cost: $90 lulv 12-23 Credit courses.* . 1 Missk.uxa and fhe Caribbean Cm ruRAl Rl ALTH by Lewin Williams, profes- sor oi theology, United Theological College of the West Indies. 2. Short-Term Couns. i ING Taught by Brian Ch.lds, professor of pastoral theology and counseling. July 19-22 and August 2-5 Doctor oi Ministry Project Design Workshop Taught by Oscar Hussel, professor emeritus. July 19-23: Morning classes: c _ /: 1. Ethics of Pastoral-Prophetic Ministry by Mama Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics. Cost: $90. 2. Presbyterian Women Bible Study: Prayers for a Fatthfui Journey by Rebecca b. Parker, director of admissions and financial aid. Cost: $45. 3 The Significance of Faith Developmeni for Concregationai Life by Christine Wenderoth, assistant professor of practical theology and associate librarian. Cost: $90. , , ~ 4. Preaching for Advent: The Old Testament Lectionary Texts by James U. Newsome, professor of Old Testament. Cost: $90. Afternoon cm _ ., . , , 5. Barth, hii Bim i, and Today's N.wsia,,k by Shirley Guthrie, professor of systematic theology. Cost: $90. 6. Preaching for Advent, Christm vs und Epiphany: The New Testament Lection- ary Texts by Charles Cousar, professor of New Testament. Cost: $90. 7. Religious Education Theory and Practice by Ronald H. Cram. See article on this page for more information. July 26-August 6 Credit Courses.* 1. Leadership Skills for Effective Ministry by Robert Ramey, professor of 2. TsaIIh' in the Canon and Church by Trisha Willey, Ph.D. candidate, Emory University September 16-18 Writing for Publication This intensive workshop will offer experienced and aspiring writers the chance to explore the "nuts and bolts" of getting published. Leader: Roland Tapp. Cost: $75. Two-week credit courses: Prerequisite-M.Div. or equivalent degree You may take one of the credit offerings in each two-week period and thus earn three semester hours credit in each two- week period. Cost per course is $681 Educator certification course offered Columbia Seminary will offer a 20-hour course from July 19-23 for persons preparing to become Certified Chris- tian Educators in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Current trends in Christian education theory will be examined, with attention to practice in the local congregation The course will be taught by Dr. Ronald H. Cram, associate professor of Christian education at Columbia. Professor Cram is an editorial consult- ant for Ex Auditu and has served as review editor for Religious Education. He is currently working on a book for teachers in the local church that explores the relation of doxology, con- version, and the Trinity The course will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 1 :30 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $120. For more information, contact the Office of Continuing Education. D Lay courses taught in practical Christianity or spiritual formation Beginning this fall, Columbia's Lay Institute will offer two new programs of study Prescribed classes and elec- tives will lead to certificates in practi- cal Christianity or spiritual formation. Both programs of study will include a basic readings course, foundational study in Old Testament, New Testament, theology and the history of doctrine, worship and sac- raments, and Christian nurture, and advanced study in the area of concen- tration. The spiritual formation program will provide learning opportunities in areas like introduction to the spiritual disciplines, forms of prayer, the spirituality of the Psalms, Pauline spirituality, a history of Christian spirituality and Reformed spirituality, as well as courses to help students prepare for practical work in such areas as spiritual companionship, retreat leadership, teaching, and personal growth. The practical Christianity pro- gram will offer courses and practical work intended to help students translate their faith so it speaks to the difficulties they face in the "real world" of work place, community, and culture. Students can finish the work for either certificate in three years. For more information on foundational study, advanced work, or the two courses of study, contact Columbians Lay Institute. U Commencement is May 23, 1993 Columbia's commencement exercises will be held Sunday, May 23, at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta at 4 p.m., with Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu speaking. Columbia Professor Catherine Gonzalez will preach the baccalaure- ate sermon at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, at 11 a.m. on May 23. For more information on the weekend's events, contact the semi- nary at 404/378-8821. D Lay Scholars Week planned The L \> Institute of Faith and Life will host its Summer Lay Scholars Week August 8-14. Interested lay people will have the opportunity to study with Columbia faculty members and use the seminary's facilities. This summer's course focuses on Christology, the study of the life and work of Jesus Christ and Christ's significance for faith. Students will make use of scripture, the creeds of the church, ancient writings, and modern film to examine their own views of Christ and deepen their understandings of Christology. Dr. Iwan Russell-Jones, associate professor of theology, media, and the church, and Dr. Richard Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute, will lead the study. Other faculty participating include Dr. Shirley Guthrie, Dr. Christine Wenderoth, and Dr. Will Coleman. Comprehensive fee for the week is $300, which includes tuition, room, and board. Classes only are $150. Limited scholarship aid is available. For more information about the week, including a list of films and readings, contact the Lay Institute at 404/378-8821. Course set on pastoral care of mentally ill and their families Columbia Seminary will sponsor the first in a series of educational confer- ences focusing on pastoral care of mentally ill persons and their families on October 7 and 8, 1993. These events will challenge the faith com- munity to seek ways to be open to persons with a mental illness, recog- nizing that mentally ill people want to belong to a community of acceptance and caring but often feel excluded from congregational life. This first conference is designed to alert clergy and Christian educators to practical ways of opening the doors of the faith community and to provide the kind of pastoral care needed by mentally ill persons and their families. Cost is $30, and scholarships are available. For more information, call the Office of Continuing Education at 404/378-8821. VANTAGE Sherron George (DMm. '86) and Harry Bryan 79 received the Distinguished Sema S fr Col bias Alumnilae Association during Forum Mka */" mdwt&x f"" C../mHi. Dr. Gir x v relumed to ^n,:,/. ),< she tod lw ffi Sto is ,. i pro/issor a! fta theological seminary m [M*m * * S3 ,,,, ;i - (to .-..m,,.!.,... and designed neu *( hrxtian education Dr truanwas a missionary to Japan, served pastorates m Alabama, West I irgmm. andZl Carolina, and since retirement, to h, tern,, pastor m 13 cony^Uon*. The Village continued from page 1 ground equipment. Almost immediately the Goodriehes realized the benefits of scrapping their original plan to rent a home for three years and embraced the "tighter" living conditions of apartment life. "We changed our expectations, and I'm glad we did," Craig says. "This is so much better." "Shared life" may be most evident among the children as girls and boys from toddlers to teenagers find friends with whom to share secrets or sand-buckets. But the adults also make efforts to span the study gap and deepen relationships. On the Fourth of July, for example, residents host a commu- nity-wide cook-out, inviting faculty, staff, and non-Village residents. Afterwards, the community, which includes newly arrived Greek School students, travels to the Square in Decatur for a fireworks display. In October 1991 and 1992, when the Atlanta Braves clinched profes- sional baseball's National League penant, Villagers ran extension cords from a nearby apartment to a large- screen TV near the meadow and neighbors enjoyed the World Series over grilled burgers and potato chips. From family to family there is widespread swapping of child care, and depending on the household, regular entertaining of guests. Many residents say they seek to build out- of-class relationships by inviting others to their homes for dinner, a movie, or coffee and dessert. While as in any community, tensions may occasionally climb, its residents unite in times of crisis, with telephone calls or "quick checks" from across the parking lot. It's an appro- priate balance for the Goodriehes, Andie says. "This community is a sup- portive without being suffocating." The seminary has recently taken SPRING 1993 steps to improve Village life, refur- bishing six four-bedroom units last summer and completing in February a major renovation to a second play- ground "on the hill." A six-person committee of parents solicited opinions from Winnona Park Elementary School's PTA and Columbia's Spouses of Seminarians, investigating safe and cost-effective playground equipment. A metal swingset was replaced with a safer wooden one, with a wider selection of imaginative activities. Six layered terraces also encompass toddler swings with strap seats, a slide, playhouse, crawling tunnel, sandbox, and an elevated platform with stretch- ing bars and steering wheel. At one year student, smiles. Theirthi children BgeS nine sown, and tin. are among those enjoying the equip meni "Before/' Hedgesays, people would come up o< casionalTj and plaj a little bit in the sandbox, but certainly not w ith all the cheering and screams and tun everybody is ha\ ing now More people seem to mean happiness and tun." I he adventure embodied in the playground has been present in more imaginative outlets all along, though as Marilyn observes "i wrote in mj i hristmas cards that oui kidshave been leading the life we lived a children. The) come home from school and have several hours of unstructured pla\ time Ifs IUO see the spontaneity here rhe freedom and family-ness among the children sometimes leads to a "yours, mine and ours" mix and match household, especially at mealtimes or during weekend spend- the-night parties The Hedgpeths agree thai a primary benefit ol living in the Village is ethnic diversity Two Korean families share then- block, for example, and they have enjoyed sharing customs and culture from hostinj Thanksgiving meal to hearing theii neighbors' singing at morning and evening tamil\ worship. Jung Shin, a senior from Korea and more recently Seattle, agrees that ethnu diversity has been a positive aspeu ol Village life. Koreans often associate almost exclusively with other Koreans, he notes, I 1 " 1 living in the Village has exposed his lainib to other cultures including those ol the schoolmates of his 17-year-old daugh- ter and 16-year-old son "We have a broader experience here ol living all together," he says, "and that's good Jung and his wife Christie say they felt immediately at home in the Village when they moved in Septem ber 1990 and another Villager helped them get settled. "I could feel immedi- // We have a broader experience of living together." end are family and toddler picnic tables and at the other is a bench for adults. Mulch was added to absorb water, while the terraces help control drainage. Associate Dean of Students Ernestine Cole, who supervised much of the progress on the new playscape, says it's an effort by the seminary to help students have a sense of "home." "As more and more families with preschool-age children come to Columbia, we want to provide something conveniently located, safe, and attractive," she says. "This says that we value family life and children. They are a very important part of our community." The new playground has added a festive quality to the neighborhood, parents say, and is drawing children and adults to interact at new levels. Scanning the scene where roughly 15 children and a handful of adults congregate on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Hedge Hedgpeth, who. along with his wife Marilyn, is a first ately that 'This is my seminary, these are mv friends " "Many people have showed US kindness and that has really encour- aged us," Christie says Though all four members of then home are students and their "commu- nity time" is limited, the shins have hosted several families for a meal, and plan soon to host each of the three families with whom thev share an apartment block. I ike other residents, the Shins have experienced both joy and tension in Village life, but with smiles they acknowledge the unity and encour- agement of living in community with other students and their families. "Though we don't talk about it," Jung says, "we can feel the warmth Christians love each other and respect each other." Others agree this .deal is an important element of Village life, as students and their families work, struggle, laugh, and live together as part of the Columbia family. U Nancy Graham '93 Dr. Newsome is author of Greeks, Romans, and Jews [\vi i iMPORi \m i v roils are operative in ( olumbia Professoi fames D. New some's signiiu ant book i Romans and Jews Currents of Culture and Belie} in the New Testament World 1 1 rinirj Press international 1992). First, it is deai that Old restament studies are gravitating to the latei pei lod ol post exili< [udaism l harai teristically, both the a< ademy and the chun h have focused eithei on the great themes ol the eail\ pen.nl (Exodus covenant) oi upori the prophetii period Attention now being Int reasingl) given to the latei pi riod is based upon (a) recognition that this latei period Isenormouslj generative ol literature and theolo [b) ,i beginning in oven oming the ,,ni, Jewish bias ol ( hristian bi holai ship, and (< I ,\ readiness to see the New restament and earl) < hristianity asemergenta In a i omplw ated and live world ol I lellenistii [udaism, ., IMI ,i in this book Professor Newsome mobilizes his immense learning and careful statement Ina majoi intellectual, interpretive achievement I h Newsome hasbei n ,, reasinglj o< i upied with the later p ( nod and now brings togethei a long period ol resean h and refle< tion In a majoi comprehensive itatemenl No doubt there are othei readers besidi this one who can nevei remembei the , omplicated internal politics of the i lasmonean period oi recall whi< h , i anonii al pieces ol literature are placed where |im Newsom< now p r0 i ides an oven lew whii h functions asaGestall that puts the pieces into a i able and recallable, coherent whole Ihe book is divided int.- two parts, I lellenisti and Roman In eai h pari profe ;oi " f< h Borne sket< hesthe history ol the period and surveys the literature Butas his subtitle suggests, he is primarily concerned with the interacrionl i cultural forces and statements ol belief Good historian that he Is, Profe ioi Newsome eschews generalization, we W knowing that what matters i >" the detail; and there is a lot "I that here! We have very few books that si i well trace the post-Alexandrian period with a primar) fo< ua upon emergent faith. Dr. Newsome has placed "sail m hisdebt, as this book willbea valuable resource for pastors, Stu- dents, ,ui.l tea< hen In this tightly packed, well argued book, Professor Newsome offers a work in which the community ol Columbia Seminary can great, celebrative pride. [ Waft {emarm, Professor of i >/ W mn fg4) South Atlantic Dr . Gehman has been teacher workshop tor the Roswell, f^^ed her Ph.D. at University appointed to the planning team for Georgia, church was a consultant ; , ^^ ^^ and is pastor the preparation for ministry consulta- the Christian Education Committee o m, ' t hmins er church, Pearl River, t.on. The consultation is an out- for Morningside church. Atlanta, and ^^^ B7 J, pastor of growth of the PC(USA>'s Study to served as a Christian Education Kenilworth church, Portland, OR Enrich Inquirers and Candidates Certification Examination reader for Kenilwor n cmn, . He attended a meeting of the the PC(USA) Christine Wenderoth, Pad Smith ^^SSJ^y placement directors of the PC(USA) associate librarian and assistant as asso cl ^Xri Wand College Seminaries in Louisville Deborah professor of practical theology, andrehg on a t K 5 Conner ^ fa g fi at ^ tended the American Theological of ^Hest ^t ^ ^^^ church Atlanta ..... K en Holt Library Association board meeting WU1 ^ ol t he , g9 has been called as associate pastor and a joint ATLA-Association of sSSS3^ttag of the of First church, Bradenton FL Beryl Theological Schools meeting on Sou ^ regional! g ^ Rosen|> , fi2 has b honorably revising accreditation standards. She **^ 8 ^ ^^ ^^ p byt B ill took part in a panel discussion of article, 1 rioai 1 a ^ Russell '63 has been elected modera- consortia library relationships at the Postmode rnO ffi^*^* of the Presbvte ry of Ciddings- Southeastern Theological Library ^"KSSJ^ Lovejoy. / - ASS S33 Braun '4e is serving as ^-^^^iT ^ - p^da^eS supply minister of the Maheno g^t^SE^^ E Litems international Otepopo Parish in the ^sbytenan NC B, hc ^ ^ Melbourne , Austraha , ast Church of New Zealand Julie Cline ******* 3 Church Growth in veaf. . Robert Ramey, professor of (MATS '85) is in graduate school in ^Sffi^^^S^ mTnistrv, is temporarv supply at social psychology at the University of Africa and is working out ot Sglethorpe church, Atlanta. He has Georgia Frederick Talbot (DMin Jed retreats for Northminster church, '87) is bishop of the African Methodist B1RTH S Atlanta; clergy and spouses for Synod Episcopal Church with responsibility of gouth Atlantic; an d officers of for areas of Arkansas and To Blake '84 and Mary Jane Haw- Columbia church, Decatur. Dr. Oklahoma Sue Boardman-McKis- t home, twins, Thomas Harrison and Ramev preached at Cuba church, sack '90 and Bill McKissack '87 (ThM Mary B i a keney, Nov. 12, 1992. Blakelv, GA, and is serving as a '91) are co-organizing pastors of a new 1 Q vd SL , and Barbara Pettus, a consultant for the Emory church, church development for National daughter, Megan Lee, Nov. 3, 1992. Al i anta and First church, Cartersville, Capital Presbvterv in Prince William To Todcl > 9 q an j Jennie Jenkins, a son, GA ,^ artha Sexton '90 has been County, VA Mike Maxfield '92 is 0wcn fodd,Nov 19,1992. ca lled as organizing pastor of a new pastor of the Calvary church, Elber- To Glenn >q \ an( j Kathy Gilstrap, a church development in Blythewood, ton,GA Russell Strange '58 is SO n, Christopher Glenn, Nov. 12, 1992. sc Wayne Ho f fman '62 is a 30-year stated supply of Glen 1 lawn church To Aaron > 92 an d Judith '92 Fulp- Army reserve c h ap lain and has been Decatur Brian Childs, professorof Eic k sta edt, a daughter. Rebec, a promoted to the rank of brigadier pastoral theology and counseling, had Carlson< Feb. 13, 1993. general He is assistant chief of his chapter, "Community Service To Kim Qlson '93 and Richard Baker, hap i ains f or mobilization in the U.S. Setting," republished in C Unit al a d aug hter, Maya Austin Baker-Olson, Arm Reserve an d parish associate of Handbook oj Pastoral Counseling, Vol I Mar 2 , l9 9 3< First church, Sausalito, CA Bob He was named a religion editor of To To jj 93 and Melanie Speed, a son, ^.^^ /g8 received the QMin from Bioethics Forum, attended a meeting oj , anH . s , iall/ p e b. 5, 1993. Fuller Theological Seminarv-Lee the Institute of Medicine and Humani- Tq john (MA TS '94) and Kelly Knapp, Carroll ' bS> assista nt professor and ties as a fellow of the National En- a M , n Charles John, Jan. 10, 1993. director of supervised ministry, is dowment for the Humanities and the Jq Rlck > 95 and Davvn Billingslea, a servin a w j t h leaders from Greater annual meeting of Society for Health daughter, Morgan Richelle, Nov 9, At i anta Presbytery, Urban Training and Human Values. He published an W2 Organization of Atlanta, Johnson C. article in Journal of Pastoral C are and a s ^ th Seminary and Columbia to book review in journal oj Medical nFATHS train a presbytery team of persons to Humanities. Christian Marriage ami utA n:> ^^ congregations as they go Family: Caring for Our Generates by Thompson > 31 , jan . 1 8, 1992. See through transitions and seek to Dr. Childs and John Pattern, professor "g" J addre 6 ss issues of urban minist ry. He of pastoral theology, has been printed irtcfc on pjg^ ^ ] ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^ meeting of the in German by Vadenhoeck ana ^ ^^ ^ ]q m3 g^ ^^ on Association for Theological Field Ruprecht. 2 Educators and has completed leading Judy Moore (MA YM MB Vh wife ^ ^.^ professor a six . mont h planning process of director of youth ministries tor Edin christian education with the Colum- SSKSSeSSSr- buV^cciL bia church, Decatu, I l> Robert Adams retired January 29 after 46 years of working in Columbia's refectory He began in 1947, when he was lb-years- old and the refectory was in the basement of Camp bell Hall. Charles Evans '78 has been appointed to a three-year term in Uganda by Food for the Hungry International. He is also serving as an overseas mission associate of the PC(USA) Lynn Stall (DMin '87) is associate pastor of University church, Chapel Hill, NC Clyde Wiley '80 is pastor of First church, Deland, FL Ernestine Cole, associate dean of students, served as a facilitator for the Interdenominational Theological Center colloquium, preached at Westhills and Clairmont churches, Atlanta, and taught the adult Bible study class for Trinity church, Deca- tur. She attended the winter meeting of the Committee on Social Witness Policy in Louisville, served on the reaffirmation visitation team for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and was one of several women clergy communion celebrants at the Presbyterian Women's gathering for Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Elizabeth '90 and Richard Deibert '89 are co-pastors of the Immanuel church, Montgomery. The congregation was awarded one of 10 Sam and Helen Walton Fund Continued on page 7 Vantage Volume 85, No.l, Spring 1993 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 pa grants for new church development. The grants are given nationwide to outstanding new churches of the PC(USA). Ms. Deibert's sermon, "Lost and Found," received an honorable mention in the Small Church Preaching Awards for 1992. Ben Johnson, professor of evan- gelism and church growth, led spiritual renewal weekends for the Lafayette church, Tallahassee, FL; First churches, Rochester, MN, and Germantown, PA; Grace church, Corpus Christi, TX; and Mechan- icsville church, Richmond, VA. He has preached for Community church, Pinehurst, NC; First churches, Dalton, GA, and Natchez, MS; and Covenant church, West Lafayette, IN. Dr. Johnson was speaker for Peak- Center's School of Practical Christian- ity, Hershey, PA, and the Lay Acad- emy for First church, Atlanta, and was a panel leader for the Faithful Witness Conference at Louisville Seminary. He led a theological update at Mo- Ranch, a clergy-spouse retreat for North Alabama Presbytery and spoke at a meeting of the University Hospi- tal Chaplains in Augusta, GA John Rogers '82 is pastor of First church, Hogansville, GA Sam Christopher '53 was honorably retired from Rehoboth church, Decatur, last May. David Gunn, professor of Old Testament, led a five-day seminar for Presbyterian pastors at Hastings College, NE, on "Reclaiming Biblical Stories for Today." He spoke at Texas Christian University and at a regional meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Charleston S( 1 lis book, Narrative in the Hebrew BiWi authored with Professor Danna Nolan Fewell, is publislu-d by Oxford Universih Press. Also appearing is his chapter on narrative criticism in To Us Own Meaning. An Introduction to Biblical Criticisms and Then Applications Sara C. Juengst '83, director of continuing education, spoke at Northwest church. Atlanta, on her book, Breaking Bread) at Colum- bia church, Decatur, on "Biblical Hospitahtv"; at the Mission Festival for Government Street church, Mobil. and to the National Association of Food handlers at Peachtree United Methodist Church on Breaking Bread. Ms. Juengst led a seminar at the annual meeting of the Society for the Advancement of Continuing Educa- tion in Ministry, a retreat tor campus ministers of the Synod of South Atlantic, and taught a series of adult classes at North Decatur church. She edited Messengers of God s love: A Manual for Involving Children in Mission tor the Stewardship and Communications Unit and preached at Washington and Lincolnton, GA, churches. David Moessner, associate professor of New Testament, was on a panel discussion of Luke's Use of the Old Testament for the Society of Biblical Literature's annual meeting in San Francisco in November. He was guest speaker on Fortress Press's new Luke-Acts multi-volume project at the Southwest regional meeting of Continued on page 8 Development I Seminary Relations By Frank T. Willey Director of Development/Seminary Relations From the Bookstore No. of copies New titles by Columbia faculty members: Old Testament Theology: Approaches to Retail Columbia price price $16.95 $14.41 $29.95 $25.46 Structure, Theme, ami Text by Walter Brueggemann (a varied collection of essays which explore the Old Testament witness to the reality of God, edited by Patrick Miller) Greeks, Romans, jews by James Newsome (See review on page 3.) 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 UPS.) Total Method of payment (please check one): check payable to CTS Bookstore (included with order) VISA MasterCard (please print information below): Visa/MasterCard# . Name (as it appears on card) Street address for UPS shipment: Address SeLe send this completed order form to:~CTsio^ore, PCX Box 520, Decatur, G A 30031. Gloria lennm^ and Ru hard I W./s hare joined the < (( e of I development and Seminary Relations. To our contributors State, -Zip. O >1 1 MBIA IS an exciting place these days The seminary has one of the top faculties in American theological education Our rOO students hail Irom 27 states and 14 countries. The call for our graduates in the church and church-related ministries is high. In the past two and a half years, more than 100 students have been enrolled in the seminary's new Center f< >] Theological Studies in Florida Clei and lay people are flocking to C olum- bia from across the nation for non- decree seminars in evangelism and spiritual growth. In addition, more than 5,000 laymen and laywomen have participated in events sponsored by the Lay Institute of Faith, m. I Life in the past five years. These and other developments have made H clear that the church's demand tor the seminary's services continues to increase dram.it ii all) A! the some time, financial > I "it. ibutions are not keeping pace with the growth Here are three ways we are address- ing this concern. Promoting Columbia's capital needs In October 1 WD, Columbia initiate.! oneol the largest capital fund drives m the history ol theologi- cal education The goal is $31 ,450,000 Approximately two-thirds of that amount is being added to the endow- ment to provide scholarships to students, professorships, funds foi building and plant maintenance, and general operating support. I he remaining amount will be used to build a major addition to the seminary's library and renovate student housing. Today, gifts and commitments to the campaign have reached $24,510,000. Developing a more comprehensive advancement program To accomplish this, the seminary has hired two new staff people: Gloria Jennings and Richard A. I > dd MS I- nnmgs has been nam. id associate dire toi ol the annual fund and alumni /ae relations She received the Mastei >'i i livinlt) degree from . olumbia In L990and the Mastei ol \.i . m rheological Studies degree In 1988, with distmi don She hasserved as pastor ol the< lifford Memorial Presbyterian * hun h in 1 irovetown l leorgia, and hasserved on a numbei ,,i committees and tasl forces I oi 10 years prior to entering seminar) she owned and operated an an studio In Augusta, where she was a graph* design artist doing advertising agei'i. \ work to l olumbia, Ms Jennings will be responsible foi the Seminary's annual fund and alumni/ ae relations programs Dr. Dodds is returning to < olum bia on a part-time basis as c< linator ol planned giving. Hedirected ( olumbia's developmenl offii e from 1978 to 1983, when he was named vice president ol the fexas Presbyterian Foundation In 1990, hebecamea consultant in planned givingfoi the Presbyterian* hurch (USA) Founda- tion Also in 1990, Dr. Dodds began |M , i e < onsulting In funds devel- opment. A 1954 honors graduate Ol Co- lumbia, Dr. Dodds recei ved theTh.M. i from* olumbia in iw>i and the D.Min. degree from Austin Presb rian rheological Seminary. Me has i rvedaspastoi of churches in North I arolina, ' !eorgia,and Arkansas We are delighted to welcome these fine people to our staff . Acknowledging contributors New "gift societies" promise to provide an appropriate means by whi. 1. 1 i .lumbia can recognize and express appreciation to those gradu- ates and friends who give the semi nary financial support. The societies named after persons who have made historic contributions in the life and witness of Columbia Seminary. Unless contributors request ano- Continued on page 8 SPRING 1993 For the Record i ontinued from page 7 To our contributors continued from page 7 r the SBL in Dallas. Dr. Moessner is one of three general editors for contri- butions of an international group of scholars. He was guest lecturer for Baylor University's Department of Religion, speaking on "Reading Luke-Acts: 'Bios of Balance' or 'Bias of History'?". ...Glen Nagel '63 is pastor of Kirk of the Hills, Fairfield Bay, AR Carl Schlich '69 (DMin '84) is executive of Peace River Presbytery George McDonald '78 has been called as pastor of Central church, Princeton, KY Leighton Culler '88 is interim of the Salem, VA, church Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, lectured for the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsyl- vania and at Elmhurst College. He preached and lectured at Sardis church, Charlotte; the Ecumenical Educators Event in Cincinnati; First C ommunity Church, Columbus, OH; and at Government Street church, Mobile. His book, Old Testament Theology: Essays in Strut ture t Theme, and Text, has been published by Fortress Press. Three of his books, The Land. Tirst and Second Samuel, and Genesis, are being translated into Korean. nymitv, they will be registered automatically each year as members of the seminary's historic gift societies: The Thomas and Ann Holbrook Goulding Society ($10-99), The William Plumer Jacobs Society ($100-249), The Agnes Law Society ($250-444), The Woodrow Wilson Society ($500-999), The William Marcellus McPheeters Society ($1,000-4,999), The Peter Marshall Society ($5000-14,999), The Presi- dents' Society ($15,000+) Two additional societies have been established for special types of gifts: The J. McDowell Richards Society recognizes those who have established charitable trusts or gift annuities or have documented bequests with the seminary's devel- opment office. The Columbia Founders has a permanent member- ship, recognizing those who have given extraordinary financial support to the seminary in many cases over the course of a lifetime. Watch for the inauguration of these gift societies in the next Vantage. All inquiries about the seminary's financial needs may be directed to the Office of Development and Seminarv Relations. We are grateful for your partnership with us in mission. Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Columbia's 'Village' 1 Teaching preaching 1 Examining the seminary 2 Cecil Thompson, 1906-1993 2 Vee Huie, 1931-1993 2 Douglas Hix retires 3 Continuing education calendar 4 Commencement '93 4 Professor Newsome's new book 5 For the Record 6 From the Bookstore 7 To our contributors 7 Care for tomorrow's church If you want to further the church's mission with a contribution to Colum- bia Theological Seminary, please consider these different ways you can give: 1 Enclosed is my gift $ to the annual fund. to the capital campaign as a tribute in honor or in memory of Please send me more information about: how to give a gift and receive interest income for life. the tax advantages in making a gift of appreciated propertv (e.g., stock or real estate). how to establish an endowed scholarship fund ($5,000 or more) to support seminary students in perpetuity. how to include Columbia in my will. Name (please print) Address City State Zip Cut and mail to the Office of Development, Columbia Seminarv, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031, or call 404/378-8821. Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY