COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vantage Glenn R. Bucher named academic dean Glenn R. Bucher has been named dean of the faculty/vice president of academic affairs at Columbia Theo- logical Seminary. President Douglas W. Oldenburg made the announce- ment after the seminary's Board of Directors approved the nomination at its spring meeting. Dr. Bucher served as Dean of the Faculty and Lincoln Professor of Religious Studies at The College of Wooster, a Presbyterian college in Wooster, Ohio. He assumed his duties at Columbia in August, succeeding Oscar J. Hussel, who retired after 11 years as dean of the faculty and vice president of academic affairs. Dr. Bucher received the B.A. degree from Elizabethtown College and for the past 21 years has served on its Board of Trustees. He earned the M.Div. degree from Union Seminary in New York and the Ph.D. from Boston University, with emphasis on sociology of religion and social ethics. For two years after graduate school, Dr. Bucher taught in the Graduate School of Religion of How- ard University in Washington, D.C. In 1970, he joined the faculty of The College of Wooster and was named a full professor of religious studies in 1982. The faculty elected him aca- demic dean, a four-year term, in 1985. President Oldenburg, comment- ing on the appointment of Dr. Bucher, said, "Glenn Bucher brings to us superb academic credentials, experi- ence as a dean, a gift for teaching, a pastoral approach to administration, and a deep love for the faith and the church. He is well equipped to lead Columbia Seminary into an exciting future." The Search Committee at Colum- bia was impressed with the serious- ness with which Dr. Bucher has approached the issues of the church- related college (Wooster) and the liberal arts enterprise. He has become a sought-after consultant on issues of curriculum, faculty development, and institutional organization. Author of numerous articles and papers, Dr. Bucher has been named a fellow of the Society for Values in Higher Education and received the Outstanding Faculty Recognition award from The College of Wooster. Dr. Bucher was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Wooster. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Association of American Colleges, Rotary Interna- tional, and the Society for Values in Higher Education. His community interests have been expressed in activities related to church, local government, athletics, and the public schools. Dr. Bucher and his wife Mary are the parents of two teen-age children. L Glenn R. Bucher Columbia begins year First year students Walt Tennyson and Deborah Conner, both from California, are greeted by Dean of Students Phil Gehman, Candler Dean Jim Waits, and Professor George St roup after opening convocation. ^ Columbia Seminary's 162nd opening convocation began with "Praise Ye, Praise Ye the Lord," as administration, faculty, emeriti faculty, students, and support staff processed into Columbia Presbyterian Church on September 13. Convocation was highlighted this year by the community's official welcome of Glenn Bucher, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. After greetings from Dean Jim L. Waits of Candler School of Theology and President James H. Costen of Interdenominational Theological Center, both of which are members, along with Columbia, of the Atlanta Theological Association, President Douglas Oldenburg introduced Dean Bucher, and the community stood in his honor. Dean Bucher's sermon, "On Enlarging the Place of the Tent," reminded the gathering that the way we listen, how we think, and who we are enables us to enlarge our view of ourselves and the way we envision the kingdom of God. His text was Isaiah 54: 1-10. After the sermon, awards were presented, scholarship recipients recognized, and faculty achievements noted. Four awards were given to students for work during the last academic year. Aaron Eickstaedt received the Paul T. Fuhrmann Book Prize in Church History for demon- strating the most outstanding work in church history. Karen Edwards was the recipient of two awards the Presbytery of St. Andrew Women of the Church Preaching Award for the best sermon preached during the academic year and the C. Virginia Harrison Memorial Fund Award presented to a conscientious, respon- sible rising senior. Tim Beal received the Samuel A. Cartledge Biblical Studies Award for preparing the best New Testament exegesis during the academic year. Columbia Scholars in the first year class are Kelly Allen, Rob Campbell, Kyle Fedler, Sally Foster, Scott Lawson, Neal Neuenschwander, Lori Pistor, and Linda Sherer. Honor Scholars are Marybeth Asher, Clover Beal, Tim Beal, Carol Boggs, Polly Deppen, Karen Edwards, Aaron Eickstaedt, Glenn Gilstrap, Jane Huffstetler, Raye Jones, Tod Linafelt, Beecher Mathes, Susan Newton, Margaret Northen, Lynette Solomon, Catherine Taylor, Betty Tourville, Rindy Trouteaud, and Lucy Turner. Rebecca Parker, director of admissions and financial aid, intro- duced the incoming students. Sixty- four percent of the first year students are male, 36 percent female, and they range in age from 21 to 52, with a median age of 29. More than half of Continued on page 2 From the President Douglas W. Oldenburg Editor's note Vhe following is Presi dent Oldenburg's statement before the General Assembly regarding theological education given June 12 Dr. ( Hdenburg is a member o) the General Assembly's Committee mi Theological Education. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the General Assembly and to represent your 10 theological semi- naries and the Presbyterian School of Christian Education. ( >n their behalf, I want to express our deep apprecia- tion for your reaffirmation of support for theological education. There is a new spirit oi coopera- tion among our theological institu- tions and a new sensitivity to the needs and concerns of our church. At the General Assembly level, we have organized ourselves in the Commit- tee on Theological Education to be more responsive to concerns we all share: concerns for evangelism and church growth, concerns for spiritual renewal and enrichment, > on< ei ns for the needs of new Mid ( hanging con- stituencies, and concei ns to pr< ivide theological education for those an of our church that do not have access to a seminary. Needless to say, for the past few years, the new Theological Education Fund has been the central focus of our concern because of its paramount importance to us. We arc genuinely grateful for your implicit reaffirma- tion of that method of funding our institutions. We are aware, of course, that some people have honest reser- vations about whether it is the best way to fund our theological schools, and we respect that. But since the new funding plan is so important to us and endorsed by all 1 1 institutions, we want to be sure you understand what it is and why we encourage you to support it. Before our reunion in 1 983, our theological institutions were funded m two different ways The seminaries of the former I'C US were supported through synod budgets, w hile the seminaries ol the former UPC were supported through the budget of the < leneral Assemblj I he Plan ol Reunion established ,i committee I" resolve those differences and to recommend a unified funding plan. I hat committee arefully examined the advantages and disadvantages ol ,i w hole variet) ol patterns/ including I >la< ing it in the per-capita assessment or funding it through the General Vssembl) mission budget Thev consulted With sister denominations to learn from their experiences Alter careful and prayerful i onsideration of all the options, the) iv, ommended, and the 1986 General Assembly adopted, what is now called, "The Theological Education Fund." Whatisit? Very simply, it is a plan whereby each congregation is asked on a voluntary basis to contrib- ute one percent of its local church operating budget (or current expense budget) to a common Theologk al Education Fund. Please note that this is one percent o\ the current expense budget only, not one percent of your total budget. The money given to that common Theological Education Fund will then be distributed to the 1 1 theological institutions on the basis of a pre-established formula which has now been worked out by the Commit- tee on Theological Education and This unified way of funding our theological institutions is another evidence of that new spirit of cooperation among us. endorsed by all 1 1 presidents of our schools. When this new funding plan was originally adopted, the General As- sembly agreed that the plan would continue for a period of five years, after which a review and evaluation will be conducted. We are now in our first year, and we believe it is abso- lutely imperative that the funding plan be allowed to continue for that five-year period and then receive a complete evaluation. In our judge- ment, it would be tragic to rescind the plan before we have even tried it. In order to implement the plan, we have mailed information to each congregation, and we are now in the I m.i, ess of recruiting and training resource persons in each presbytery to help us interpret the plan and encourage local churches to adopt it. Over 100 presbyteries are cooperating with us, and we are confident that others will soon join us. This unified way of funding our theological institutions is another evidence of that new spirit of coopera- 1 1 'ii among US. It will keep us out of our "i\ i >r) i> iwers" and will put us in direct relationship with and depend- ence upon the grass roots" of our church the lo< al congregation Please be assured that our con- cern is not just tor theological educa- tion, but for the whole mission of the church. Indeed, that is the ultimate purpose of all we do the training of leaders for the mission of the < hurch. Therefore, we are doing everything hi to urge congregations to make this one percent Theological Educa- tion Fund "new money/' over and above what thev give to benevolences, rather than to divert it from the mission side of their budget. From preliminary evidence, we are encour- aged that main churches are doing just that If your congregation has adopted the one percent Theological Educa- tion Fund, please convey to them our deep appreciation. We are grateful for your support. If your session has considered it but, for whatever reason, decided not to adopt it, perhaps you could encourage them to reconsider it for next year. Show them how relatively small that one percent of current expenses really is. And if they simply cannot put it in their budget, encourage them to con- sider one-half or one-quarter of one percent. If your session hasn't even talked about it, we hope you will be a committee of one to ask them to give it their prayerful and careful thought. We believe it's one very tangible way you can say, "Yes, I care about having good pastors and preachers and C hristian educators for my children and grandchildren! Yes, I care about the future direction of the Presbyterian Church, which will be determined largely by our future leaders! Yes, 1 care about nurturing the very best leadership possible to lead us intern new century of service to Jesus Christ as we Continue Our Journey!" We believe nothing is more im- portant than that! We believe you agree. And we are deeply grateful for your support. Columbia begins year Continued from page I the class is single; of those married, 65 percent have children. They come from 16 states; half of the class comes from outside the seven states and two synods which support Columbia. The incoming students were asked to pledge, as each class before them has done, to be diligent students and responsible members of the semi- nary community as they prepare for the service of God in the church and the world. A service for the renewal of baptism concluded the service as an opportunity tor the community to recommit and remember the meaning of baptism in everyday life. The faculty and faculty emeriti recessed to form two lines in front of the sanctu- ary to greet the incoming students. A luncheon was held at the Richards Center where faculty and interna- tional students were introduced. Sara Little Little is visiting professor Coi umbia Seminary welcomes Sara Little, recently retired Robert and Lucy Reynolds Crit/ Professor of Christian Education at Union Theological Semi- nan in Virginia, to campus for the fall term. Last spring, President Oldenburg asked Dr. Little to help plan and partici- pate in a consultation committee to study educational ministry curriculum and resources at Columbia. In addition, Dr. Little agreed to teach the Christian education course required of all M.Div and M.A.Y.M. students "After 38 years of teaching in theological schools," Dr. Little said, this kind of invitation appeals to me because I do have convictions about educational ministry." One of her convictions is that the church has a great demand for help in educational minis- trv. "The denomination has not re- sponded significantly to this demand for two reasons: it did not listen, and funding for many programs has been cut/' Dr. Little said. "It is encouraging that Columbia's administration is seeking to strengthen the Christian education program to help meet this demand." Another conviction held is that theological curriculum must include all subjects that constitute the core of a minister's responsibility. "Educational ministry is an interdependent part of all other curriculum and should not be seen as separated from other responsi- bilities," Dr. Little said. "However, not every theological institution needs to offer the same program to all students." Sara Little is a graduate of Queens College and received her Ph.D in religion from Yale University. She has enjoyed a long, shared teaching com- mitment between Presbyterian School of Christian Education and Union. During the last five years, she has directed the Lilly Endowment project awarded to study youth ministry and theological schools. Currently, she serves on a team of researchers study- ing Presbyterian theological schools and their educational mission. U.S. Senator Wyche Fowler, Commencement speaker, and President Oldenburg Seminary awards 83 degrees ElGHTY-THREl C( "LUMBIA SEMINARY graduates gathered May 14 at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta for Commencement exer- cises. The Honorable Wyche Fowler, U.S. Senator from Georgia and a member of Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, addressed the graduates with his message, "The Church in the Nation's Service." After the service, Peachtree hosted a reception for graduates/ their families and friends, and the faculty. The 4:00 exercise followed the 11:00 a.m. baccalaureate service held at First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. Dr. William T. Bryant, vice chairman of Columbia's Board of Directors and senior minister of First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee, preached the baccalaureate sermon, "Our Context for Mission." During this 157th commence- ment, President Douglas Oldenburg presented each graduate with a diploma, assisted by Philip Gehman, vice president for student life. Each graduate was congratulated by John Conant, chairman of Columbia's Board of Directors, and hooded by Oscar Hussel, vice president for academic affairs. One minister, Louis Lothman, received the Doctor of Sacred Theol- ogy degree, and 34 received the Doctor of Ministry degree as their second professional degree. Jeff White received the Doctor of Ministry degree as his first professional degree. Forty-two students received the Master of Divinity degree, including 1 1 who received the degree with distinction: Brent Bissette, Jean Davidson, Richard Deibert, Jerome Ferrari, Ann Graham, Carolyn Robin- son, Maetta Snyder, Augusta Vander- bilt, Thomas Walker, Laurie Wallace, and Alan Wright. The seminary also awarded three Master of Theology degrees and two Master of Arts in Youth Ministry degrees. Six graduates were recognized for academic excellence and received special awards or prizes. Alan Wright received the Wilds Book Prize for graduating with the highest distinction in academic work over the entire seminary program. Laurie Wallace received the Florrie Wilkes Sanders Prize in Theology for a paper showing sound theological scholarship and relevance to the needs of contemporary Christians. Thomas Walker received the Ludwig Richard Max Dewitz Old Testament Studies Award and a copy of the Hebrew Old Testament tor the best Old Testament exegesis paper pre- pared during the academic year. Brent Bissette and Jean Davidson shared the James T. and Celeste M. Boyd Memorial Book Fund Award, given to persons who intend to build their collections of theological bo< as a resource for their minstry. Three graduate fellowships were granted to students who plan to pursue degrees beyond the master's level. Laurie Wallace received a Columbia Friendship Circle Gradu- ate Fellowship, and a Columbia Graduate Fellowship was granted to Richard Deibert. Thomas Walker was awarded the Harvard A. Ander- son Fellowship, given to the gradu- ate determined by the faculty to have the greatest potential for future academic achievement. 1989 placements Doctor of Ministry (in Sequence) fefferies White, Associate Ministerofl vangelismand Membei I levelopmenl (continuing) Peai htree Presbyterian* hurch Atlanta, Georgia Master of Divinity [effrej Mien. Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Pittston Pennsj Ivania Kristofer Allison, Youth Director, Memorial Presbyterian* hurch Si Aueustine Florida Brent Bissette, Co-Pastor, < alypso Presbyterian < hurch I alypso North Carolina ( harles Boyette, Pastor,( anton Presbyterian Church ( anton, North Carolina, and Bethel Presbyterian ( hun h Waj r\es\ ille, North c arolina Custen Brainerd, Associate Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Nashville l ennessee William Connolly, Pastor, Midwa) Presbyterian Church, New Zion, South Carolina [ean I lavidson Richard Deibert Peter Den lea Susan Denne Sue Dobbs Robert I arly, Associate Pastor,Second Presbyterian Church, Knoxville I ennessee ferome Ferrari, Associate Pastor, Signal Mountain Presbyterian ( hur< h. Signal Mountain, Tennessee Judith Gabel, Associate Pastor, Broadmoor Presb) terian Church, Baton Rouge Louisiana Robin Cant/ Ann Graham, Associate Pastor, Communit) Presbyterian Church, Atlantii Beach, Florida Jacqueline Griffeth Charles Hasty, Chaplain, I >,i\ idson College, Davidson, North Carolina Kenneth Holt Myung BaeKim, Associate Pastor, Korean Community Presbyterian ( hun h, Columbia, South Carolina Jeffrey Lewis, Youth Minister, Doraville A. R. Presb) terian* Inn, h, Doraville, Georgia Arvie Maynard lames Nelson, Associate Pastor, Palma Sola Presbyterian ( hun h, Bradenton, Florida Schley Pease, PaStOl First Presbyterian Church ( in ensboro, < ieorgia Karen Petersohn, clinical pastoral education, Georgia Baptist Hospital, Atlanta, < Ieorgia Edwin Pettus, Pastor, M< Bee Presb) terian Church, McBee, South I arolina Carolyn Robinson, Assoc iafc PastOl I irst Presbyterian Church, Monroe, Louisiana William Rogers, Pastor, St. Paul's Presby terian Church, Hemingway, South Carolina Alisun Ruff James Scaife, Pastor, First Presbytei i. iii ' hurch, I louston, Minnrsi il.i .mm I I u-.i Presbyterian Church, Rushford, Minnesota Allard Smith, Pastor, Central Presbyterian ( hurch, Princeton, Kentucky Bradley Smith, Associate Pastor, Spring Valley Presbyterian ( hun h. ( olumbia, South Carolina Elizabeth Smith, Associate Pastor, Orange Park Presbyterian I hurch. Orange Park, Florida Steven Snipes, Associate Pastor, North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, North Wilkesboro, North Carolina Maetta Snyder, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Monti- ello, Aik.n Ian Stake, Campus Minister, E< kerd College, St. Petersburg, Rorida Augusta Vanderbilt, Associate Pastor, I lidenwood Presbyterian Church, Newport News, Virgin 1,1 Bradley Walker, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Lake Village, Arkansas Thomas Walker, ( Graduate Study, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey Laurie Wallace, Graduate Study, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia Timothy Womack, Associate Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Palm Co > Florida Alan Wright, Pastor, Mt. Bethel Presbyterian Church, Durham, North Carolina Master of Arts in Youth Ministry Barbara Benton Ian Graham Continued on page 4 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Sara Covin Juengst, Director of Continuing Education, or Robert S. Smith, Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031/404-378-8821. November 19Betwi I egrating Your Faith rNroYoi r Work I hi \ seminar to help us understand our everyday workplace as an arena f , ministr) aslait) and to develop strategies foi confronting the ethical and relational difficulties we find there Leader BobSmith Cost $ fanuar) ' 5Jani vry Seminars for Ministers. See article on this page foi more information fanuan 2, 9, 16, 30 I wSch< oi oi Bibi i \nd Theology Seeartu leon tins ee for more infoi mation January 22-25 Coi i mbia Fori m. See article on this page for more informa- tion, January 30, February 6, 13, 20, 2 7 Morning 1 iySchooi oi n-u Bible. Studies or the Resurre( tion w hal the I oui ( lospel Accounts Say to Us Todaj i eader I WillOrmond Cost:$1 i i ebruary 10-11 Tin Conti mporari ( hristian ujdHomei essness. Theological reflection and hands-on night shelter experience broaden participants' insights into this continuing crisis. I eaders: Shirley Guthrie, BobSmith, and i eadership ream from Southwest Cluster ol Greater Atlanta Presby- tery. Cost $25. February L7-18 Faith \nd\ \i i es in Our Business, Professional, kndPi bi k Life. An extended seminar for professional and business persons to explore issues whi( h help shape our motivations, attitudes, values, and approaches to our professional and business lives. Leader: Bob Smith. Columbia, Princeton, and Union sponsor Evangelism Symposium Presipi nts from imki i Presb) terian seminaries joined forces ( Vtober 23- 26 in an unprecedented effort to focus attention on a primary task of the church in the twentieth < entury evangelism. Seminary presidents Douglas Oldenburg of Columbia I lartley Hall of Union Seminary in Virginia, and Thomas Gillespie ol Princeton Seminary sponsored the 'Theological Symposium on Evan- gelism" at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina They described their symposium .is "an occasion tor serious theological reflection on the task of evangelism/' and their aim was to in\ olve parish pastors who, they contend, are the key leaders to this work in the denomination. The symposium was funded by The Outreach Foundation, a Presby- terian foundation with a priman interest of strengthening church growth by encouraging programs of evangelism in the U.S. and abroad The three seminaries united their resources by providing faculty lecturers. These speakers included Walter Brueggemann, Beverly Gaventa, and Shirley Guthrie from Columbia; Diogenes Allen, Thorn 1 ong, and Da\ id Willis-Watkins from Princeton; and Paul Achtemeu i Charles Brown, and Richard Osmer from Union. Four major themes were addressed during the tour-dav event: the histori- cal/cultural sotting tor evangelism, the biblical foundations tor evangelism, a theological framework tor evangelism, and the church's ministry of evangel- ism. Eac h mam lecture was followed by a time for reflection, ^nd the sympo- sium ended with small group discus- sions M~\d conclusions from the three presidents. The joint nature of the symposium was significant David [enkins, execu- tive director of The Outreach Founda- tion, believes this symposium to be "the high water mark tor this generation " Composites oi the class of 1989 are available from the ( >ffi< e ol Seminary Relations, Columbia Seminarv, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031 ' C omposites have been mailed to all 1989 graduates. Seminars for Ministers "Tin Pri u hi i \rtist Preparing for I enl and Easter" is the title of a two- da) course to be taught by the Rev. Nancy Sehested in the fanuary Semi- nars for Ministers at Columbia January 3-5,1990. Ms Sehested is an outstand- ing preacher w ho received national nit ion w hen she accepted a call to Prescott Memorial Baptist Church in Memphis, Tennessee, which caused the church to be dismissed by the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Her ministry was featured in ^n article in Sojourners last \ear. In this workshop she will give consideration to a diver- sity of resources in shaping and pre- paring the sermon, including biblical storytelling, poetry, music, and other artistic expressions The care and nurture of the preacher's own spiritual journey will also be discussed. In addition, a Bible study, "Lead- ership tor the Restored Israel: A Reading of Luke-Acts from the Standpoint of Pastoral-Prophetic Ministry, with Special Attention to Luke 9," will be offered by Dr. Luke Johnson of Indiana University. Dr. Johnson is one of the nation's most exciting New Testament teachers. Other courses include "An Introduction to the New Presbyterian Hymnal" to be taught by Dr. Melva Costen, "Theologj and Economics" by President Douglas Oldenburg, and a provocative and innovative course on "Children and Worship" offered by Dr. Sonja Stewart. On fanuary 3 at 730, the seminary will host a Hymn Festival" to cele- brate the new Presbyterian hymnal. The public is invited to join the semi- nar participants for this event. The public is also m\ ited to hear the mod- erator of the PC(USA), the Rev. Joan SalmonCampbell, preach at 12 noon on January 4. She will preside over the Moderator's Luncheon at 12:30 for January Seminar participants. Seminary offers Winter Lay School C< M l \iiua Seminary's Lav Institute is offering its winter Lay School of Bible and Theology for four Tuesday evenings in January. The dates are January 2, 9, lb, and 30, 1990. Each participant may choose one class from the following: Old Testament Bible Study Dr. Walter Brueggemann New Testament Bible Study Dr. J. Davison Philips I low Our Historv Shapes Our Faith Dr. C.Benton Kline Spiritual Growth for Maturing Christians Dr. Robert Rame) The registration fee for each course is $25. To register, please mail your name, address, choice of class, and $25 to Lay School, Columbia Seminarv, Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031, or call 404/378-8821. Forum 1990 January 22-25 SMYTH LECTURER Archie Smith, Jr., Foster Professor of Pastoral Psychol- ogy and Counseling, Pacific School of Religion /Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. A I UMNI/AE LECTURER Jack L. Stotts, President, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Austin, Texas. FORUM PREACHERS Craig D. Mason, Actor and Interim Pastorof Bethlehem United Church of Christ Church, Brooklyn, New York, and ( lary Demarest, Associate Director, Evangelism ^ud Church Development Ministry Unit, Presbyterian Church (USA), Louisville, Kentucky. 1W graduates Continued from pa Doctor of Sacred Theology Louis Lothman, Jacksonville, Florida Doctor of Ministry (in Ministry) Joe Abbott, Birmingham, Alabama Stephen Birch, Clearwater, Florida Neil Breland, North Augusta, South Carolina Carl Chrisner, Chattanooga, Tennessee Dent Davis, Knoxville, Tennessee William Donaldson, Knoxville, Tennessee Curtis Fussell, Sanford, North Carolina John Haberer, Satellite Beach, Florida David Hale, Rogersville, Tennessee Joseph Handman, Lithonia, Georgia Richard Hobson, Sanford, North Carolina Amos Hood, Gulfport, Mississippi Martin Huggins, College Park, Georgia Ramon Hunt, Pinehurst, North Carolina John Kelley, Etowah, North Carolina Philip Makari, Cumming, Georgia Steve Mays, Whitmire, South Carolina Thomas Mueller, Albany, Georgia Nelle Mulligan, Greenville, South Carolina Thomas Norwood, Davidson, North Carolina Wendell Phillips, Lake Charles, Louisiana Daniel Philpot, Roswell, Georgia Michael Rainey, Buffalo, New York Eugene Robinson, Augusta, Georgia Samuel Rutland, Covington, Georgia Frank Sells, Knoxville, Tennessee Angus Shaw, Johnson City, Tennessee Jerry Shirley, San Diego, California Oludotun Sholeye, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria Thomas Smiley, Hinesville, Georgia Charles Steele,' Charlotte, North Carolina Jane Searjeant Watt, Minneapolis, Minnesota Rabbi Chaim Wender, Silver Spring, Maryland Continued on page 7 Oscar J. Hussel, left, and G. Thompson Brown Academic dean and professor retire Oscar J. Hussel Oscar J. Hussel has served as the dean of faculty/vice president for academic affairs at Columbia from 1978 until 1989, a time when the seminary has been experiencing a tremendous surge of growth and achieving national stature. During his tenure, the enroll- ment has doubled, the faculty in- creased by a third, and the annual op- erating budget quadrupled. He has been instrumental in bringing to Columbia outstanding new faculty members and in developing innova- tive programs of theological educa- tion. Oscar Hussel has been a critical component in bringing "new life on a traditional campus," which was the title of a recent feature article about Columbia in a prominent religious journal. As dean, Oscar Hussel has com- bined a deep knowledge of and respect tor the history and traditions of Columbia. He has exhibited a creative openness to new and innovative ways to nurture men and women as effec- tive leaders in Christ's church. No one could have been more helpful in the smooth transition from one president to another than Oscar Hussel. In many ways, Oscar has exempli- fied a "servant-leader." He has always seen his tasks in terms of service to the students and faculty of the seminary, to the church, and to the world. Soft- spoken and unassuming, he has held his convictions with a healthy dose of humility and lived in the tension between tenacity and compromise, which all community living requires. He has been willing to take the lead, but he has also been content to follow the leadership of others. He has been a good listener, modeling a pastoral approach to administration. Even though his da) was packed with a thousand demands, he has had time for everyone who needed his counsel. On many occa- sions, students have gone into his office deeply discouraged and emerged with new hope and opti- mism; faculty members have often confronted him with a list of griev- ances and frustrations and have come away with the assurance that he had heard their concerns and would seek to resolve them. He has the ability to communicate a sense of caring, but he has also been able to make tough decisions when they were needed. He could say "no" to a request, and do so in a gracious manner. Although he has never seemed rushed, he has been amazingly productive. A report requested one day would often be finished the next. A good administrator can keep several balls in the air at one time, and Os< ar has never dropped one of them. No matter how hectic and harried his day, he has never seemed ruffled. His wit is contagious and has often brought a smile to our faces. His administrative assistant and registrar, Elsie Urie, says of him: "Dr. Hussel is a combination of a number of rare qualities dry humor, wisdom, pastoral concern and understanding He is a good organizer and a lovei i 1 fine music. He has been an outstand- ing 'boss!'" Oscar has often illumined our minds and brightened our days with his skill as an etymologist. He loves to trace the history and usage of words On many public occasions, he would take some familiar word and unpa> I its hidden treasures to show us its surprising relevance to the subject at hand. He is now beginning to enjoy a well-deserved and long-overdue sabbatical to pursue his first love Christian education. After catching up with the literature in the field, he plans to write a book and make his own contribution to the discipline. De- pending on the seminary's needs next fall, Oscar will return to teaching a pari time 01 full-time professor or officially retire from the fa ulrj \t the spring meeting ol the Hoard of Directors, I expressed ji the large number ol applicants who were eligible for scholarship consideration In response, members ol the board gave $21,250 in honoi and appro ia Hon of Oscar I lussel toawara addi- tional scholarships tor this a< ademic year The l lussel Scholarship re< ipi entsare Robe ampbell, Sallj I ostei Scott Lawson, and Susan Newton No one can fully measure the contribution w hu h ( >SCai I lussel lias made to Columbia Seminary and the Christian church. The entue seminan community and thousands ol students who have studied at Columbia are grateful to< lod foi the prh ilegeoi having known him and worked with him I le has made a different e in oui lues, and together, Wi I hanks, Oscar!" President Douglas Oldenburg wrote this tribute Editor's Note / h Hussel \address isP.O Bo> 181 Manque. M \5984 G. Thompson Brown ( Ieorgi Thompson Brown, distin- guished churchman and associate professor of world I hnstianitv at ( olumbia has "officially retired although he has been persuaded to continue to teach .\n oi i a lional i ourse at the seminary. Born in China oi missionary parents, Dr. Brown served as a profes- sor and president ol I lo Nam Semi- nary in Korea and as the director ot the Division of International Mission for the Presbyterian Chun h,U.S Dr. Brown joined the C olumbia fa< ulty in 1981 w inlo ( ontinuing to serve the Division of International Mission as a special consultant on China. I le spent the summer oi '85 in shanghai stud) mg Mandarin Chinese/ a language he had learned as a child. As China began slowly to open its doors to the West, he played an important role m reestablishing contacts between Christians in Chm.i and the Protestant churches of North America. His personal friendships with main of the < hristian leaders in China has allowed him to explore at greater depth theama/mg vitality of the church in that land Dr. Brown has led several travel seminars to China through Columbia's Office of Continu ing Education. One such seminar was in Beijing last May during the student demonstrations The Columbia group left China shortly before the massacre at Tiananmen Si [uare I lis book, Christianity in the People's Republu oj China, has been widely studied and appreciated and is now in its second edition. I le is also the author of Presbyterians in World Mission. In addition to his work for the church, Dr. Brown and his wife Mardia are the parents of five remark- able children. Mary Brown Bullock directs the Asia Program for the Wilson International Center tor Scholars in Washington, DC. Previ- ously, she served as dire toi >t the ( ommittee on Scholarly I xchange with the People's Republic of( tuna tor theNatuMi.il Academy ol k " iem es ( leorge Brown diro tsthe< llobal Awareness Program at Agnes Scott < ollege i (e had been directoi ofad- ministration foi I riendship I ours international headquarters in Atlanta. Bill Brov n an e< onomist, isdira toi ol m h and planning for the State oi S irginia s Departmenl ol International i rade ( harlotte Brown i [ill it a manage] with IBM in( >rlando She has served asa i olunteei in mission In Bangladesh foi the Presbyterian ( hun ii i S \iui Bruce Brow n is an attorne) v\ ith a law firm in Atlanta ha\ ins pre\ iouslj lerked foi I S i luet [usri( e w arren Burgei In Wash ington I 'nun;,; In tune. is .i profeSSOl at ( olumbia I h Brown has taught i ourseson world I hristianirj on missionsand e< umenii i le ha been an important i oil e on the* olumbia i ampus foi the Internationa] mission ol the* hun h. I le has reminded the I olumbia i ommunit) ol the i ontinu ing call to the Presbyterian < hur< h II S \> to i" i I in mission w ith i hur< hes in other lands, pointing al the same time i" the i hanging situation foi mission with the rapid grov> th and i italih "i i hurchesin the "i hud World i 'i and Mrs. Bi..w n have been spe< i.ii friends to the interna tional students al I olumbia, often well oming them into theii home, helping manj with diffi< nil periods ol i ulture sho( k," and expressing the warmth and hospitality ol < hristian loveand fellowship. As Columbia's program In Intel national theoli igi< al .'.In, ation has developed, he hi broughl his yeai iofe> pei ien< e to the service Ol the seminary. In this ami Othei Ways, 1'ommy Brown has been an Integral pari ol the< olumbia i om- munit) serving thechun h through the seminal y with humor, tnte g i it) and acai Ins gra< li >us spirit. / u i rskine I 'larke Profi \o\ o) American Religious History at I olumbia, wrote this tribute. Admissions weekends COLI miii \ Si mi\ \k, . i iRDl \\ i i \i\\ It who u ish toexplorea call to the ition "i ministry to attend oneol two ( onfen n< es on Ministry, Nov em bei i" 12, 1989,01 February 23-25, 1990 i he ' i el em Is pn \\ ii le an i '| '| lOrtunity to talk with students, fat ultj and staff, to sit in on a class, to worship with the seminary commu- nity, and to ask about curriculum, student housing, and finaiU lal aid. ( ollege students i >i i lersons i onsideringa career change Into th< ministry should register new foi a i 1 1. 1 nee to explore ( olumbia Seminary. I i >r infi m "iii.it ion on a weekend for prospei tive students, contact Rebecca Parker, Director of Admissions, Columbia Seminary, Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031 UH 378-8821. For the Record If you have recent news you would like to contribute to this section, please send it to the editor. McCoy Franklin '64, member ol Thomson (Th.M. 77) has mm ed to Columbia's Board of I Krectors, has Lanark, which lies between Edinburgh been called as pastoi ol I irst( hurch, and Glasgow, after 10 years at Hous- [upelo, MS. Brian Childs, Associate ton Kirk, Houston, Scotland Heand Professor of Practical rheolog) and Marlene are keen to reneu ( olumbia Counseling at Columbia, hasbeen contai tsand saj theyhavea large named book re\ iev\ editor ol Journalo) house with lots of room for Pastoral Psychology Hetaughtthe visitors ...Robert Marvin '55 received adull vacation Bible School al I irst a certificate as honorary citizen ol c hurch,Selma, ,\I . m Augusl and Barreirinhas, Marantao forserviceto attended the Society for Pastoral th( community in Sep! '88 HeUvesin Theologj meeting in I >enver lord Pelotas, Brazil ...Shirley Guthrie, King '80 is ass,, toi ol I irst Professor ot Systematic ttieologv at c hurch, I lunts\ ill.- Columbia, gave two lectures at the AL Christopher Noto '85 has been ( onferen< e on Bible and Theolog) al called as associate pastor ol the Montreat in July, [n September he Rivermont Church in lectured and preached at the Lynn c hattanooga. Charles Swann '68 is I lavenC hurch in I ynn I laven, I L,and stated supply of First ( hurch I anton, at the Pickens Church in Pickens, SC GA WadeHuie '4b. Professor of Sara Little, Visiting Professor at I [omiletics at Columbia, preached ma c olumbia, taught at San Francisco number ot churches o\ er the summer. Seminary lor si> weeks in the Doctor including the Fifth A\ enue ( hurch in of Mmistrv summer session She New York C it\ completed a report on a major five- Several alums and students were year Lilly-funded project to Union married recently. They are. Paul Seminar) in Richmond on youth Kirbas '88 and lenniter Parker on June ministry and theological 3, David Jones (M U M '88) and schools Lee Bowling '78 is co- Carrie Jo Richards on Mav 14; Susan pastor at the Adel, GA, Denne'89and David Stovei on May Church Daniel Nail '80 is associate 2d. Taylor Philips '85 ^nd Barbara pastor of the Zionvillc, IN, Bozeman on June 3; Gerri Montfort C hurch Elaine McRobbie (D.Min. (D.Min. '87) and Larry Bates '86 on 79) is director ot pastoral services at Aug 12; Mark Bryan '87 and Robin Central State Hospital, Anchorage, C lignilliat on lime 17; Susan Bryan '85 . and lerrv Beet/ on Aug. 26; Jim DinTIJ c Nelson '89 and Jams lllmg on July 22, BIK I HS Tod Linaf elt '91 and Rebecca Nelson, ro Warner Durnell 78 and Sandra, a Mike Murdock '90 and Amy Perkins, daughter, Erica Nicole, Mav 2, 1989. Glenn Gilstrap '91 and Kathv To Marilyn Washburn '81 and Bill, a Sizemore, Colleen Bolkom '91 and son j ohn David, Aug 28, 1989 Matt Allison '91, Barbara Benton , , )n Il1 s2 cin j Cathryn C ameron, a (M.A.Y.M. '89) and Bradley IK nt, all son Wi n iam Loyd, May 25. 1989 on Aug. 26; Laurie Wallace '89 and To Matthew (D.Min. '84) and Ann John Barbour '88 on Aug. 1^; Merritt Qn ^eton, a daughter, Elizabeth Nickinson '84 and Robert Schatz on Armstrong, April 17, 1988 June 3; Karen Walkup '88 and Dick T() Martha C hnkscales '85 and Jerrv Newsome '90, Aug 5; Tim Foster '91 Artopoeus, a son, Samuel Alan, Sept and Rene Ware on Aug. 12. 28 1989 Walter Brueggemann, Professor To j s - and Apnl Hammet, a daugh- of Old Testament at Columbia, taught ter R acnae i Elizabeth, Aug. 10, 1989 at Auburn Seminary, Princeton To Doug ' 8 7 anc j Grace C amei I >n Seminary, Loyola University, and at (M.A.T.S. '90) I lood, a son, Nathaniel the Music and Worship Conference at Cameron, April 13, 1989, Montreat during the summer I lis To Stephen '87 and Cathy \ickle,a articles appeared in Reformed I Hurgy son Christopher Everett Morell, Aug. and Music, Journal foi Preachers, Educa ig | (IS >, Hon tor Citizenship and l Hst ipleship; his To Bob ,' g9 ind sheUa EiirlV/ a sori/ book reviews appeared in Theology Robert Samuel, April lb, 1989. Today and Catholic Biblu al Quarterly. To Bob - 90 and Beth Recs0 a son< Dr. Brueggemann receh ed the Award gamuel Delanv, Mav 26, 1989. of Merit for Theological Reflection ro Nathan '90 and Sherri Wheelei a from the Associated Church Press tor son p atnc i N Nathan, Julv 23, 1989. his article, "A World Available tor To Bob - gi and Nora Veazev, a son Peace Images of Hope from Jeremiah p oster Kennedy, August 1 5, 1 989 and Isaiah," which appeared in the To Dana g 2 and Bill I lughes, a son, January issue of Sojourners. Me William Harland III, Sept 3, 1989. attended the Executive Committee To Lucy Rose Assistant Professor ot meeting of the Society of Biblical Preaching and Worship at Columbia, Literature in Decatur in and Gerrv Cook (M.A.Y.M. '90), a September F.W. Widmer '44 is daughter, Lucy Mcihvame, Mav 28, teaching as adjunct professor at the | UV) Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, in Birmingham. Dan Hamby '77 has begun DEATHS graduate work in litrugical studies at Robert Boyd '38 (Th.M. '39), March 25, the University of Notre Dame John 198 1 ' i in \fiul 22, two powerhouses o) Presbyterian theology met on the gridiron. The flag football teams of Columbia and Union Seminary m Richmond met at Davidson College foi an aftei noon oj tun, fellowship, and flag football Following the game, the Columbia and Union entourages enjoyed a Union-sponsored cookout, whereplans were made for next year's %ame and cookout Don't miss it' I inal score: Columbia 58, Union 22 ( 'olumbia players wereifront row, l-> ): Clay Faulk, John McLean. Jim Weldon, Kris Allison, Jeff Lewis, Chuck Hasty; (second row) Ian Stake, Brad Walker. Mike Murdock, Shawn Barkley, Todd Jenkins; (third row) Tully Hunter, Dare Gibbs, Jon Wallace, Bob Early, EdPettus KY Sidney Harmon (D.Min. '87) has been called as stated supply ot the Woodstock, GA, Church Homer Kimmons '76 is pastor of the Rock- mart, GA, Church M.O. Stalcup '61 has been named executive director of the Lakewood, CO, Retirement Foundation. Philip Gehman '68, Vice Presi- dent for student Life, Professor Brian Childs, and Robert Ramey, Professor of Ministry at Columbia, served on the design and leadership team for the initial event of the Synod of South Atlantic's New Ministers Support Program at the meeting at St. Sim< ns Island in September. Dr. Ramey studied the church m tour socialist countries during a trip to southeastern 1 mope and studied at the Center for Parish Development in Chicago. He preached at the Bethany, GA, Church and the Griffin, GA, Church Allen Fairfax, '84 has entered the Ph.D. program in ethics and society at Boston College Susan Darnell Fairfax '84 is doing graduate study in ethics and theology at Harvard Divinity School Melana Scruggs '87 has entered the Ph.D. program in sociology at the University of Florida William Anderson '71 has become chaplain at the V.A. Medical Center in Asheville, NC. Robert Carroll '81 is a private couselor in Atlanta Kirk Nesbit '51 was honorably retired from the Manchester, Warm Springs, and First Church, Manchester, GA, Churches on Feb. 25 Glenn Bucher, Vice Presi- dent for Academic Affairs at Colum- bia, attended the Lilly Foundation Conference on Faculty Reserach and Development in Indianapolis, at the invitation of the foundation James Newsome '55, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, is part-time interim pastor of St. Luke's Presb\ L nan Church in Atlanta. He has com- pleted the manuscript of a textbook, Persians and Greeks, Roman'- and /errs. lli-tm/. I iteratui, and Theology of the Intertestamental Period During the summer, Dr. Newsome preached and taught adult classes in a number of churches, including First Church, Shreveport; First Church, Auburn; and Trinity Church, Atlanta Larry Crocker '62 has become pastor of the Petersen Church in Columbia, SC. Mark Wilburn '73 is rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Episco- pal chaplain to Kilgore College, Kilgore, TX Jasper Keith (S.T.D. 79), Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Columbia, is interim pastor of First Church, LaGrange, GA. He supervised a unit of basic clinical pastoral education at St. Joseph 's Hospital in Atlanta during the sum- mer and gave four lectures at a pas- toral care symposium sponsored by Baptist Hospital in Pensacola in September Yale Gunn '54 is pastor of the Amity and Timber Ridge, Greenville, TN, Churches Calvin Chesnutt '51 is associate executive presbyter for Sheppards and Lapsley Presbyter)' in Montgomery. John Patton, Professor of Practical Theology at Columbia, gave three lectures to the North Carolina Chap- lains Association in Raleigh in May Christine Wenderoth, Associ- ate Librarian at Columbia, was elected to the Board of the American Theologi- continuedon p Vantage Vol. 81, No. 2, Fall 1989 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 25,000 The Department 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, G A 30031-0520 For the Record Continued from pa cal I ibrary Association. She attended her first board meeting at the fune ATLA annual conference in Colum- bus, OH. Sidney Leak '83 received the Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Seminary in June George McDonald '78 is pastor of First Church, Springfield, TN Sara juengst '83, Director of Continuing Education at Columbia, was a Bible study loader at the Mon- treat Evangelism Conference in July, spoke on the Church in China at First Church, Birmingham, and served on the Planning Committee for National Conference on Church Childcare, in August She led a training workshop for adult class facilitators at the I V,u htree Church, Atlanta, a retreat tor Presbyterian women of Flint River Presbytery and chaired the task force on campus ministry tor ( ireater Atlanta Presbyter\ Warner Durnell '78, Karen Edwards '90, and John Sharp '71 participated in the closing worship service of the bicentennial General Assembly C. Benton Kline, Visiting Instructor and President Emeritus of Columbia, attended a meeting of the Task Force on Ordination and taught the "Theology of Stewardship" in the synod school of the Synod of Living Waters. He led a congregational retreat for Harundale Church, Glen Burnie, MD, and was a member of the Special Fact Finding committee to visit Southeastern Baptist Seminary for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Dr. Kline had an article, "Some Thoughts on Preaching on Work," in the Pentecost '89 issue of Journal for Preachers J. Harley Chapman '65 recently published a book, Jung's Three Theories of Religious Experiem e. William Hatcher '53 is executive presbyter of Coastal Caro- lina Presbytery Douglas Hughes '83 is chaplain of 2nd Mar Air Wing FM/FLANT, Cherry Point, NC (Navy) Tyson Hope '63 has been called as interim pastor for First Church, Logan, WV. Mike Castronis '88 is ,iss,n. late pastor of the Delray Beach, FL, Church Ben Johnson, Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth at Columbia, has led evangelism work- shops for Pittsburgh Presbytery and for Presbytery of Northern Waters. He spoke at conferences on evangelism at Union Seminary in Richmond and tor the Synod of the Sun at Austin Semi- nary. Dr. Johnson was preacher tor the bicentennial celebration of First Church, Kannapolis, NC. 1 [e contin- ues as interim minister for the North Avenue Church in Atlanta Jeanne Stevenson Moessner, Adjunct Professor Practical Theology, has had her book, Theological Dimensions oj Maturation m n Missionary Milieu, published by Peter Lang Publishers. ...Jim Burton '87 has been called as pastor to the Watsons Run, Meadeville, and Harmonsburg, PA, Churches. He is coordinator for West Crawford County Cooperative Parish and was summer director at Camp Lambec, Lake Erie Presbytery Joyce Rimes '73 is organizing minister of Central Florida Presb\ ter\ new church de\ elopment. Martha Harp '88 is parish associate at First Church, Lincoln, NE Lee Carroll '68, Director ol Supervised Ministry at Columbia, led a session retreat for the Northwoods Chun h. Doraville, GA I le is involved with At- lanta's Capitol Area Ministry, Inc and the Centra I Church in long-range planning processes Mr. Carroll worked with field educators from PC(USA) theological schools m writing "Guidelines tor Theolgoical Field Education m PC (USA) Theological Schools. "....Laura Rains '88 is interim n iate pastoi .it First Church, LaGrange, GA Charles Evans '78 h been appointed to a three-year term by Food for the I lungrv International 1 le is based in [apan and also will be serving in India, Thailand, and Bangla- desh. In addition, he is serving .is ,\n as- sociate missionary for the PC(USA). Frederick O. Bonkovsky, Professor of Christian Ethics at Columbia attended the 15th Ministerial Confei ence of the World Food Council in Cairo and represented U.S. and other Christian perspectives to the Secretaries of State, Agriculture, and various national delegations I le spoke on U.S. Churches and World Food Policy at the meeting of the International Non- governmental Organizations in Rom. and attended the policy sessions ol the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization in Italy. Dr. Bonkovsky addressed the Religion and Social Sciences Seminar at the Universes <>! Heidelberg, Germany Randal Kirby '82 is co-pastor ol I irst Church, Empo- ria, V A, and of Aberdour Church, Jarratt, VA. David Moessner, Associate Professor of New Testament at Colum- bia, was elected by the 201st General Assembly to the Presbyteries' Coop- erative Committee on Examinations for Candidates, class of 1993 Re- becca Parker, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid at Columbia, taught a workshop at the Mo Ranch Women's Conference and was moderator oi the General Assembly Procedures Com- mittee. She has taught a series at both the Lawrenceville, GA, Church and at First Church, Atlanta. Ms. Parker was keynote speaker for the Presbyterian Women of the Northminster Church, Macon, GA David Gunn, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, led a workshop at Perkins School of Theol- ogy for the Women's Week program, "Women of Faith in Story," and, with co-author Danna Nolan Fewell, tool part in a dramatized reading of their own retelling of Ruth. He spoke on biblical narrative to a session ot the International Association of Philoso- phy and Literature at Emory Univer- sity and attended the Advisory Council oi Interpretation at Union Seminary in Richmond. 1989 graduates Continued from page 4 David Whiteley, Richmond, Virginia Master of Theology Jerome Boone, Cleveland, Tennessee Harry Cain, Stone Mountain, Georgia Adolfo Ruiz, Heredia, Costa Rica Development I Seminary Relations By James F. Dickenson Vice President, Developmen t/Seminary Relations Minus a crystal ball Wi ii wi n\ years before theend o\ this centu ry a nd t he beginning of an oilier. Columbia Seminar} hasmuch o\-\ its agenda for the future, but unfoi tunately there is no cr\ stal ball to use in assessing what the needs will be For much ot this , entUl \ the seminar) worked hard to survive but then m the 70's, things took a turn upward. The momentum began to grow to such an extent thai toda) we are working hard just to keep up We need more ol ever) thing to do Mi'' kind ot work, and perform the u peso! tasks which would be helpful to thechun ii and to the seminai j Wehavea "Toward 2000" study which helps pomt the wa) and i on tams information and proje< tions foi the next mam years However, when w e attempt to look at spe< ifics and ask pointed questions, the effort bei i imej somewhat more coniplu ated Take the curru uhnn. foi example We are about to undertake a thorough curriculum review and study Some of the questions facing us are: What do we teach? Why should we tea* h it? Howcanitbeeffectivel) taught? The seminary cannot possibly teach evei \ thing needed for toda) | astorate Only so much can be< rammed into a three-year span ol study, and the lid is already tight. Faculty. I low man) more fat ult) members does the seminar) need to handle the current and future de- mands- I low (\^ we pa) .i h\ ing for additional facult) ' I low do we arrive at pnontu Students. How many students should we prepare for and how much space will they need ? Out he one hand, the student pool is decreasing; "n theothei we are beginning to read reports ol a - oming shortage in < lei ov ei Hi' next 10 years Physical ITant. 1 low many build- ia ill be needed ? it ma) be Tutu nil to believe but the I [anir ton i entei (the firsl new building in the pasl ! yeai ;) isalread) running to i apai it) i here is ample e\ idero e we \\ ill need anothei building oi two t>> handle programs w e alreadj ha\ e on tin- dr.iw nig board. What .il I i M 1 1 .nt buildings? The ie need reno^ ation and upkeep toensure thai the) will be usable well into 10 10 New Programs. What new pro irm a ill i"- needed foi the nexl 10 I 10 years ' What kinds ol sen ices will the lOCal * lunches nerd Imm the ninai ies? I [istoi \ demonstrates thai new needs surface often, pai ti< u larly in a so< iet) a i \ olatile and ( hanging as ours is Equipment Along with new people and programs i ome equip menl needs w hi h are a growing expen >< foi all seminaries We na lust recently installed a major com- pute] n< twork, but this isonlj the beginning, I ne wishes ioi ,i i rystal ball to woi i "iii .ill ol the abo\ e, bul in the absem eol su< h, we must rely < tober29. / rank Willey and Fmn Ruthven Two positions filled Columbia Theological Seminary has announced two appointments: Frank T. Willey as regional director < >t development and Frances J. Ruthven as associate dean of students. Both administrators have begun their work at the seminary Mr. Willey's work will include extensive travel to maintain contact with churches, presbyteries, ministers, and friends of the seminary. He will also coordinate the alumni/ae pro- gram and Columbia Friendship Circle program for the seminary and be actively involved in the semi- nary's upcoming campaign. Mr. Willey has most recently been director of pastoral services for Community General Hospital and associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, Illinois. He has been admissions counselor and acting director of admissions for Austin Pres- byterian Theological Seminary, from which he earned the Master of Divin- ity degree with highest honors. Mr. Willey also holds the Master of Arts m Religion degree from the University of Dubuque Seminary Ms. Ruthven will have part-time responsibility in the areas of pastoral care, where she will give special atten- tion to international students and the families of seminarians; community life, in which she designs and imple- ments programs which include all members of the seminary community; and three student organizations, for which she serves as staff liaison. Ms. Ruthven has been assistant director oi admissions .u Agnes Scott College, consultant to the Campus Life Division at Emory University, and assistant dean of students/coordina- tor of admissions at Harvard Divinity School. An ordained minister in the United Church of Chirst, she served as pastor of a UCC congregation in Columbus, Georgia Ms Ruthven earned the Master of Divinity degree from Harvard and is currently a student in the Master of Theology degree program at Columbia. Computers open card catalog "One of the most exciting capabilities of the new Columbia Seminary computer system is the ability to put the library's card catalog In as many places on campus as there are com- puter terminals," Jim Over beck, library director, said. "Imagine being able to locate a book from an office or other locations rather than just the single card catalog in the library reading room." In March, the library component of the campus network computer system was installed. The library first used the new computer system for trac king its book orders But in [uly it began loading in information on the seminary's books in the Library of Congress system. In August, the library had the new disk system running and available to students and faculty members. The system now available in the library can locate a book by author, title, subject, or other search keys. Before long, the system will be able to locate a book by a key word in its title. "Because of the way the system is setup, we're able to get information in, stored, and retrieved, all at the least possible expense," said Dr. Overbeck. "The system lets us maximize the distribution of information on books in the library." Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS New academic dean named 1 162nd year begins 1 From the President 2 Visiting Professor 2 Commencement 1989 3 Placements 3 Continuing Education Calendar I Evangelism Symposium 4 Tributes to dean and professor 5 Admissions conferences 5 For the Record 6 Minus a crystal ball 7 New appointments 8 Computers access card catalog 8 Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY