COLU M B I A THEOLOGICAL S E M I N A R Y Vantage WINTER 1999 Colloquium '99, April 19-21, offers speakers, new events Gail R. O'Day and Michael Kinnamon are speakers at Colloquium 1999 on April 19-21. Nora Tubbs Tisdale is the guest preacher. This annual event for alumni/ae and friends is a time for reflection and reunion and for examining the life of the church. Activities include special worship services, lectures, and formal and informal occasions for visiting with guest speakers, faculty members, and friends. The Alumni/ae Association Banquet and the Alumni/ae Reunion Luncheon occur during this time as well. The format for this year's gather- ing has some new and exciting changes. For example, in recent years, the Alumni/ae Association Banquet was held the first evening. This year, the banquet will take place on Tuesday at lunch. The opening event begins on Monday, April 19, at 5:30 with a wel- come and open house buffet dinner with faculty in the newly opened addition to the Harrington Center. Alumni/ae and guests may tour the addition and new facilities which the Harrington Center now provides. Worship, led by Tisdale, will follow dinner at 8:00. The first evening will conclude with popcorn and a movie, in the new Harrington Center Auditorium. The second day, April 20, begins with morning prayer at 9:00. This year, each speaker will give two presenta- tions in one morning, instead of split- ting the two lectures as in previous years. At 9:15, Gail O'Day will begin the first of her two presentations, with an overall theme of "New Testament Perspectives in Preaching." A break at 10:15 will be followed by O'Day's second presentation at 10:45. At 12 noon, the Alumni/ae Association will host its annual banquet. Distinguished Service Awards will be presented at this time, and other Alumni/ae Association business will be addressed. The afternoon session will begin at 2:00 with a panel discussion on "Preaching for the Renewal of the Church." The three guests will partici- pate with Charles Cousar '58, profes- sor of New Testament and acting dean of faculty, facilitating as moderator. A break at 3:30 will precede two classes taught by Columbia professors at 4:00. One class will feature a lec- tionary passage study led by professors of Old Testament, New Testament and homiletics. The second class will offer a dialogue between three professors on "Doctrine and Witness: How to Teach /Preach in a Story-Ridden Culture." At 5:00, an afternoon tea will be served in the newly renovated Florida Hall. Tours of the residence hall will be offered. An all-American cookout will be held on the Quadrangle at 6:00. Columbia staff and students will be presenting a lively mix of "golden oldie" songs from the 1940s and 50s, along with swing music. Worship, led by Tisdale at 8:00, will conclude the evening's activities. Gail R. O'Day Michael K. Kinnamon Nora Tubbs Tisdale Tom Dendy '57 (right) joined last year's bluegrass band during the barbeaue supper. The final day will begin with morning prayer at 9:00. Kinnamon's initial presentation, "The Ecumenical Vision of the Church and How We Have Distorted It," begins at 9:15. A break at 10:15 will be followed by Kinnamon's second presentation, "The Global Church in a New Millennium and the Challenges Before It." Colloquium '99 will conclude with the Reunion Classes Luncheon at 12 noon. This will be a time for the classes of 1929-45, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, and 1998 to gather. The morning lectures and the worship services will be held at Columbia Presbyterian Church. The other activities will take place on Columbia's campus, many of them in the new facilities of the Harrington Center. Costs for the three meals range from $6 to $10. Gail Radcliffe O'Day is the Almar H. Shatford Professor of Homiletics at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, where she has been on the faculty since 1987. Prior to that, O'Day taught at Eden Theological Seminary and Hamilton College. She holds degrees from Brown University, Harvard Divinity School, and Emory University. Her publications include Revelation in the Fourth Gospel: Narrative Mode and Theological Claim; The Word Disclosed: John's Ston/ and Narrative Preaching; Listening to the Word: Studies in Honor of Fred B. Craddock; and Epiphany: Interpreting the Lessons of the Church Year. Michael Kinnamon is professor of theology and ecumenical studies and director of the Center for Lay Education and Ecumenical Leadership at Lexington Theological Seminary. Prior to being named director, Kinnamon served as dean of the semi- nary for 10 years. He holds degrees from Brown University and the University of Chicago Divinity School. Kinnamon's publications include co- authoring Thankful Praise: A Resoun e for Christian Worship and Every Day We Will Bless You: A Book of Daily Prayer. In addition, he has edited The Ecumenical Movement: An Anthology of Key Texts and Voices. Prior to joining the faculty at Lexington Theological Seminary in 1988, he served two Disciples of Christ congregations in Chicago, was an executive secretary of the Commission on Faith and Order of the World Council of Churches, and taught theology at Christian Theological Seminary. In 1998, he changed his career direction in order to develop the new center at Lexington. Leonora (Nora) Tubbs Tisdale is associate professor of preaching and worship at Princeton Theological Seminary. She holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and Princeton Theological Seminary. She wrote Preaching as Local Theology and Folk Art, edited the upcoming three-volume Abingdon Women's Preaching Annual, Series 2, and contributed chapters to Women, Gender and Christian Community, as well as Best Advice for Preaching. Prior to joining the faculty of Princeton in 1993, Tisdale taught at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, served as pastor of Presbyterian churches in Virginia and director of youth ministry in South Carolina, and was a volunteer missionary in Seoul, Korea. She has also served as a PC(USA) representative to the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches. Her research and teaching interests include preaching and its congregational contexts, women and preaching, and worship and liturgy. For more information on Colloquium or to register, call 404/687-4566 or e-mail poeb@CTSnet.edu. D Katie Ricks '01 Planning for the twenty-first century James Hudnut-Beumler, Acting President, Dean of Faculty, and Professor of Religion and Culture It is often remarked that the church is always just one generation away from extinction. This truism reminds us that if we do not do our part to transmit the Christian faith, then the church for all intents and purposes could cease to exist. The body of Christ is a living organism sustained by the nurture of the Holy Spirit and the exercise of faithfulness to the call of God in the times the church is given. So what characterizes the times that we have been given? Here at the seminary, we have just completed a two-year long-range planning process. President Oldenburg challenged us to look at the year 2020 and articulate a vision of what the seminary needed to do to assure that Columbia Seminary did its part in sustaining and advanc- ing the work of the church. During our planning, we asked more than 400 informants from across Columbia's many constituencies what they thought the future would look like. Not surprisingly, they affirmed the relevance of the Gospel to the years ahead. Yet they also painted a chal- lenging collective landscape picture of the setting where the Good News had to be proclaimed. As we look at the next 20 years, we believe that the time is already past when the church's exis- tence can be taken for granted. Again and again we heard people within the church telling us that the church need- ed to meet the challenges of greater cultural diversity and secularity. We also have come to believe that the Gospel will need to be preached and lived in such ways as to catch the attention and hearts of those people who need its truth, but who are all too likely to be distracted by the informa- tion and entertainment overload of our era. Columbia's Mission Statement adopted in 1992 committed this insti- tution to be a center of theological learning of the Presbyterian Church for the church of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to engage learners' hearts and minds in extending the great tra- ditions to which we are heirs with hope and imagination to a world which, too often, does not know it has need of God. The long-range plan views of one generation of people about what they hope will happen to them and the people they care about. Not surprisingly then, our hopes and plans embrace the familiar categories of faculty, students, and, above all, our service to the church. Each section of the long-range report contains something old and something new. In the section about our hopes for the faculty of the future, we acknowledged that Columbia has for many years been well served by a dedicated faculty, whose members' own vocations fit the needs of a semi- nary geared towards preparing lead- ers for the church. Our faculty are more than experts in their respective fields. They are Christian ministers in their teaching. Something old, there- fore, which we plan to continue at Columbia, is to have a faculty whose Increasingly, Columbia will be offering its resources to assure that a vision of a just and loving God is nurtured and sustained in the twenty-first century, lest the people perish. adopted by our Board of Trustees at its fall meeting provides some concrete detail about how we aim to fill our institutional mission over the next two decades. A long-range plan is not unlike a living will; it expresses the members want to educate women and men for Christian leadership. We also seek to have a faculty that is broad and evangelical. The years ahead will require that the disciples of Jesus Christ relate to one another in com- James Hudnut-Beumler mon cause. Our faculty must therefore be ecumenical in spirit and ecumeni- cally diverse in fact. At the same time, we seek a faculty that carries forward the best traditions of the Reformed faith, not the least of which are the convictions that God is sovereign and Jesus Christ is Lord over all life. In this context, evangelical, as we use it at Columbia, is an orientation to the Gospel which acknowledges that it is good news to all people. Columbia's faculty is committed to the sharing of that good news. Just as there would not be a semi- nary without faculty, a seminary is its students. Our long-range plan affirms Continued on page 4 Columbia studies Samuel amu^l Worked Wonders for David Come see ivhat he did lor Catherine Gonzalez Last summer, Dean Hudnut-Beumler invited all members of the seminary community to read together a book of the Bible each term. In July and August, students, staff, and faculty enjoyed a "Galatians Vacation" and met periodically over lunch to share insights into Paul's letter. During the fall semester, the book chosen was First Samuel. The following article is an excerpt from Catherine Gonzalez's presentation at one of the lunch seminars on First Samuel. Ever since I was in seminary, the books of First and Second Samuel have been favorites. There I was intro- duced to the well-drawn characters, and especially the very human inter- action of characters. There are three passages that I have turned to many times, and always there have been surprises. Often the surprise is because I have found myself identifying with a differ- ent character in the narrative as my own situation has changed. Also, the typological significance of the pas- sages historically came through as I became more acquainted with the passage itself and its interpretation in the early church. 1. I Samuel 1:1-2:10. This includes the typology of the barren woman. I used this so much that finally I decid- ed I had to "retire" Hannah! Thirty- three years ago I was newly ordained, when women in ministry were highly suspect. I was asked to preach in churches or in conferences, and this passage was very useful. It includes the relationship of Hannah to her hus- band. He is loving and sympathetic but simply does not understand what she faces. It includes the relationship of Hannah to the second wife. The conflict and competition between women especially powerless women is a very important dynam- ic that this passage explores. The pas- sage includes the relationship between Hannah and the religious authority Eli who initially assumes she is drunk and does not take her seriously. In the midst of all of this, Hannah has considerable presence and forceful- ness. When I first used the passage, I identified readily with Hannah. But as the women's movement seemed to pit against each other women in careers and homemakers, I needed to be sure I was not Peninah! After many years, rereading this passage, I found myself possibly in the role of Eli a church authority who could fail to under- stand the suffering of others who were powerless. 2. The next narrative in the text is in 2:11-4:1, the childhood of Samuel, the child of Hannah. When I was a child, I identified with this child. Most children do at a stage in their lives when being a child is more important that being male or female. But years later, when I was in campus ministry and teaching, other features of the story stood out. Eli's sons were cor- rupt priests, and Eli had not stopped them. Eli assists the child Samuel to respond to God, and God gives a word to Samuel that is for Eli. It is a terrible word that predicts the destruc- tion of Eli's house the death of his corrupt sons. Eli has some inkling of what Samuel has heard, but he insists that Samuel tell him. Samuel repeats the dreadful word. Eli could have responded that God would say no such thing. But he did not. He con- firmed that Samuel had indeed heard God correctly. To me, this was an astonishing response. The greatest thing one generation of Christians can do for another is to confirm accurately when they have heard and understood God's word, even when as is often the case the word that is heard is a challenge to the old order. To confirm that a word is indeed from God when it goes against us, when it challenges what we think, when there is a new word for a new situation, is the most difficult and the most faithful response we can make. 3. I Samuel 16:1-14 tells of Samuel, now the successor to Eli, who is called upon to anoint David as king while Saul is still alive and the king. The lec- tionary puts this passage in the Lenten season, with the understanding that in the ministry of Jesus a new king has been anointed even while the old world continues as though nothing has changed. But the lectionary ends at verse 13, with the word that the Spirit came upon David. It does not include the next verse that says the evil spirit came upon Saul even as God's Spirit left him. The issue for me is that God's work in history changes. It is not stat- ic. To stay with the old, even though it had once been established by God, is not a safe thing to do when God moves from the old to the new. It is dangerous to stick with the old when God abandons it. In fact, it can be truly demonic. D Catherine Gunsalus Gonzalez Professor of Church History VANTAGE Guthrie Scholars Program looks at current issues affecting the church Betsy Doty, local storyteller, entertained children and adults in November Griffith Children's Library opens The Griffith Children's Library, a large multi-functional room on the second floor of Columbia's John Bulow Campbell Library, is an exciting educational resource for children and adults alike. With brightly colored purple and teal child-sized chairs, cheerful posters, and hundreds of books, it is an inviting place to learn and grow. The Griffith Children's Library is a part of the service provided by the John Bulow Campbell Library. It specifically addresses the needs of children, educators, and parents with- in the seminary community and the church. At a Griffith Foundation board meeting, Dean James Hudnut-Beumler suggested the idea to benefactors Lois and Dean Griffith. They responded with the funding for the room, saying, "We've always had a special love for children's literature and their spiritual life and Christian nurture." Although the library has always been inviting and accommodating to seminary students, Tim Browning, director of the library, remembers asking his colleagues with children, "Wouldn't it be nice if the library were more accommodating for chil- dren?" What began as an idea is now an active, growing children's resource center. As Ronald Cram, associate profes- sor of Christian education, explains, "No other seminary in the United States is doing anything approaching what we're trying to do." This chil- dren's library is the beginning of a long-range plan at making a difference in the lives of children. In its formative years, the Griffith Children's Library will be overseen by an informal group of advisors. The group's focus is storytelling, with a specific emphasis on Christian stories for children. The resources collected are pre- dominantly of a Christian nature, yet they are not limited to specifically reli- gious items. The collection promotes spiritual and moral growth for the target population. While consisting primarily of books, the collection is not limited to children's literature. Video cassettes, computer software, sound recordings, manipulatives, and other formats are included in the collection The aspect of the collection proba- bly of the most use for parents and educators is the information in the purple cabinets. Since the Griffith Children's Library's primary use is as a teaching and learning laboratory, there are many items of curriculum and adult-friendly material available also. As Browning explains, "We need to prepare ourselves to engage in present and future ministry, and this is the place to do it." The creation of a children's library within a seminary library is a theolog- ical response that seeks to serve these youngest children of God with resources of high quality, imagination, and love. It is a historic moment for Columbia, for within its graduate library, there is now a children's library that is simultaneously a teach- ing and research space, as well as an exciting new adventure for the chil- dren it serves. Christy Gurley '01 is serving as the first children's librarian for the Griffith Children's Library. She has numerous activities planned for this spring, including weekly Thursday afternoon storytelling and activities. Currently, the hours of operation are limited, but additional hours of operation are expected as the entire Columbia community begins using this ministry and gift to the communi- ty. Gurley is enthusiastic about intro- ducing the library and all its treasures. For a tour or more information, contact Columbia's library at 404/687-4610. Ruth Lovell '00 Applications are now being accepted for the spring Guthrie Scholars Program, May 2-7, 1999. Columbia Seminary established the Guthrie Scholars Program in honor of the scholarship, life, and work ol Shirley C. Guthrie, Columbia's pro! SOr Oi systematic theology trom 1957 to 1997 Twice a year, six persons are invited to participate in the Guthi ie Scholars program for a one-week period (one week each fall and spring semester) to engage in individual study and to be in conversation with colleagues and faculty members Participants are expected to select a program of study that will engage pressing issues of the church from a Reformed perspective. While participants will design an individual research program, they will also meet with the other participants to discuss their projects i reating a collegia! context in which to . larifj thinking about fch< ol > om ern Each afternoon a facult) member will be invited to meet with the group for discussion on tin Worship and spiritual reflection will be built into the design oi the program \ p i irojet i is due one month after the end oi the program summa- rizing student insights trom the week. The only cost to parti. i|>.ints is travel to the campus. Room and bi are pro\ ided i -M more Informatio ippli- i ation ( ,ill the i Mt'ice ol i ontiminu'. Education, 404 /687- 4562. Student elected to World Council of Churches Central Committee Ashley Seaman '01 When the EIGHTH assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) opened in December in Harare, Zimbabwe, Columbia Seminary was well represented. Ashley Seaman '01, was one of ten official dele- gates from the PC(USA); Julie Walkup '99 and Bobby Williamson '01 were participants in a "Seminarians Program," which provided the oppor- tunity to study the processes of the WCC; and President Douglas W. Oldenburg attended as moderator of the 210th General Assembly, PC(USA). By the close of the assembly, Seaman, along with Clifton Kirkpatrick, stated clerk of the PC(USA) General Assembly, was elected to serve on the Central Committee of the WCC for the next seven years. The Central Committee, which is composed of 130 of the 330 member churches, convenes annually in Switzerland to assist in guiding the WCC between assemblies, keeping the spirit and work of the assembly alive. Seaman, who has previously stud- ied at the WCC Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, arrived In Harare early to attend the Youth Event and the Decade Event of churches m solidarity with women. When the assembly opened on December 4, Seaman was named reporter ol the Public Issues Committee, which \ charged with writing public state- ments that the assembly would issue on topics such as human rights, child soldiers, and Jerusalem. She was responsible for assisting in convening the daily committee meetings and facilitating a small group within the committee. In addition, she read the committer statement on Jerusalem to the assembly for approv.il In beginning each day with wor- ship, which focused on different con fessions and continents, and in small group Bible study, "I witnessed the wholeness that ecumenism brings through the presence of diverse and powerful voices," says Seaman. Convening the assembly in Africa was an intention.il act ol the WCC to recognize and acknowledge the shift of the heart of Christianity from Europe to Africa. The hope is that the church, through initiating the focus on Africa, will encourage discussion of the world economy and politics to do the same. Katie Ricks '01 Conference on Ministry For Prospective Students February 26-28, 1999 For information or to register, call the Office of Admissions at 404/687-4517. WINTER 1999 Planning for the twenty-first century continued from page 2 the mixture of basic and advanced degree students and other learners that form Columbia's community of learners. At the same time, the ways that students are recruited and the ways in which they are financially supported to obtain their educations need to change to meet the challenges of the new century. A church that is not supported by a de facto cultural establishment needs the most gifted, faithful, and talented leaders it can find. We believe that the seminary's role in actively recruiting such leaders in partnership with the church will grow in the coming years. Accordingly, w e plan to put more seminary resources into identifying and recruiting persons gifted for ministry. Students at all lev- els will, in the years ahead, be able to pay for only a portion of the costs of the theological educations that they need in order to do their ministries most effectively. Therefore, over the next 20 years, the seminary will be developing a variety of new mecha- nisms for financing theological educa- tion toward the end that no servant of the church is kept from the education- al resources he or she needs because of cost. Providing for people the tools to do the work of the reign of God is the responsibility of the whole church, and Columbia Seminary intends to do its part. Directly related to students and faculty is the emerging character of the seminary. Already we call ourselves a center for theological education, and so we are. We are not just a factory tor preachers. Instead, we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to lay people, persons preparing for ordained ministry, and active ministers and church educators. The next 20 years will see Columbia expanding its role as an institution that helps inter- pret the Christian tradition to the church and the world. Therefore, we will maintain and expand Columbia's tradition of scholarship in service to the church. Professors will continue to write biblical commentaries and arti- cles and books on topics of contempo- rary theological interest. But increas- ingly, Columbia will be offering its library, teaching, and other educational resources through new technologies and on-campus events to assure that a vision of a just and loving God is nur- tured and sustained in the twenty-first century lest the people perish. The years ahead promise to be challenging ones. We invite the many friends and supporters of this semi- nary to join us to help make sure that they are faithful years as well. Winter reading recommendations from Columbia's faculty Last Orders by Graham Swift Toward a Christian Theology of Religious Pluralism by Jacques Dupuis, S.J. By the Renewing of Your Minds: The Pastoral Function of Christian Doctrine by Ellen Charry Paul and Empire: Religion and Power in Roman Imperial Society by Richard A. Horsley The Courage to Teach by Parker Palmer The Rise and Fall of English: Reconstructing English as a Discipline by Robert Scholes In Our Own Voices: Four Centuries of American Women's Religious Writing, edited by Rosemary Radford Ruether and Rosemary Skinner Keller The Wisdom of Memoir by Peter Gilmour You Have Stept Out of Your Place: A History of Women and Religion in America by Susan Hill Lindley In Over Our Heads: TJie Mental Demands of Modern Life by Robert Kegan Vie Bread of Time: Toward an Autobiography and Nezv Selected Poems by Philip Levine A Little Handbook on Having a Soul by David Hansen Galatians by J. Louis Martyn The Love of a Good Woman by Alice Munro Sweet Dreams in America: Making Ethics and Spirituality Work by Sharon D. Welch Sacred Games: A History of Christian Worship by Bernhard Lang Acheson: The Secretary of State Who Created the American World by James Chace Death of the Church by Mike Regele Families in the Nezv Testament World: Households and House Churches by Carolyn Osiek and David L. Balch Exclusion and Embrace by Miroslav Volf Apocalypse: A People's Commentary on the Book of Revelation by Pablo Richard The Darker Side of the Renaissance by Walter Mignolo The Godbearing Life: The Art of Soul Tending for Youth Ministry by Kenda Creasy Dean and Ron Foster Great Books: My Adventures with Homer, Rousseau, Woolf, and Other Indestructible Writers of the Western World by David Denby Vie Power to Speak: Feminism, Language, God by Rebecca Chopp Bearing the Witness of the Spirit: Lesslie Newbigin's Theology of Cultural Plurality by George Hunsberger Seeing Through the Media: A Religious Vierv of Communications and Cultural Analysis by Michael Warren Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms by Donald K. McKim The Color of Faith: Building Community in a Multiracial Society by Fumitaka Matsuoka Reading in the Dark by Seamus Deane John Knapp (MATS '94) and Catharine Kuchar direct the work of the Southern Institute. Institute raises ethical awareness Housed in the Richards Center on Columbia's campus is a non-profit organization, the Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics. The institute is raising awareness of the ethical dimension of business and professional life, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas, and stimu- lating community dialogue about issues and responsibilities. Through its presence at Columbia, the Southern Institute hopes to represent a bridge for the seminary to the business com- munity in this region. John Knapp, rounder and presi- dent, is a 1994 M.A.(T.S.) graduate of Columbia. "After 13 years as a crisis management and communications consultant to diverse business com- munities, I discovered that business leaders could easily discuss legal and business strategy, but they were reluc- tant to talk about how morality fit into the workplace," he says. As a result of communication with other colleagues and a realization that others had similar concerns, he founded the Southern Institute and began study at Columbia. Catharine Kuchar, a 1996 graduate of Candler School of Theology at Emory University, joined the institute after working as national advertising and promotions manager for Fujitec America, Inc. and completing her theology degree. Kuchar is program director of the Southern Institute, with primary responsibilities in workshop facilitation, program development, research, financial management, grant development, and event planning. The Institute is an ecumenical and interfaith organization whose boards of governors and directors are com- posed of individuals with connections to some of the largest and most promi- nent businesses and organizations in the state the Georgia Supreme Court, The Home Depot, Equifax, and Georgia-Pacific, among others. The Institute hosts quarterly breakfast forums and roundtable luncheons where business leaders con- gregate to share mission statements, values, and other resources which pertain to ethics in the workplace. The significant component of these gather- ings is the recognition of the ethical dimension of the workplace. In addition, the Southern Institute conducts an annual Survey of Georgia CEOs on Business Ethics. The Survey researches the practical application of ethical considerations in the work- place. Results are presented at a forum where leaders can discuss the results. Knapp says, "We also provide pro- gramming and resources to churches. The Faith and Work program is a four- week course for churches that explores the relationship between religious faith and business life." The course provides pastors and church members with practical ways to apply theologi- cal beliefs to their business lives. "Faith and Work uses participatory activities and simulations with which participants assess their own beliefs and experiences. This program pro- vides an opportunity to break down the tension often found between these two spheres of life," he explains. The Institute is equally committed to the education and preparation of future business leaders through pro- gramming for high school students. With support and partnership with the Georgia Humanities Council, the Georgia Business Forum, and others, programs are created with an empha- sis on leadership development, ethics, and businesses. "The Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics is responding to an increased desire by businesses, employees, and consumers to apply ethics to management, opera- tion, and production in the work- place," says Knapp. Their relationship with Columbia will provide faculty, students, alumni/ae, and other pastors with practical resources to assist parishioners to incorporate their religious and moral beliefs into the world of work. For more information on the Institute or its programs, contact it at 404/687-4552 or visit the website at www.southerninstitute.org. Katie Ricks '01 VANTAGE George Telford '58, director of advanced studies (I), and William McAtee, volunteer in mission for Cuba for the General Assembly, PC(USA), led last year's trip to Cuba. Here, they visit with a Cuban seminarian and professor. Telford will also lead this year's group. Doctor of Ministry expands international studies program Columbia's international studies program for its Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) students is expanding, pro- viding an opportunity to witness Christian faith from perspectives which are very different from the North American context. Participants now have the option of studying in Cuba, Jamaica, China, and, beginning in the summer of 2000, South Africa. In each of the countries visited, students are involved in theological study, which includes readings and doing theological reflections. Through this theological analysis and participa- tion in an intensive immersion experi- ence, students return home with a rudimentary knowledge of another culture and a basis from which to proceed with further exploration. According to James Hudnut- Beumler, dean of faculty and professor of religion and culture, "The purpose of this Alternative Context Program is to reiterate to Doctor of Ministry students the global phenomenon of Christianity and to explore the mis- sional perspective of church and the Christian movement experienced in another culture." The students are then charged to transfer that informa- tion to the people in the pews at their home churches. Columbia's program began a number of years ago as part of a class in Caribbean theology. The course included an immersion experience in Jamaica, which provides, in conjunc- tion with the major theological semi- nary of the Caribbean, a Third World context in an English-speaking country. The course now includes an immer- sion in Havana, Cuba. This year, from April 19-28, students will reside at the First Presbyterian Church in Havana and travel throughout the city and into other areas of Cuba, giving pastors the experience within the context of a socialist state. Seminar participants meet with leaders of the Presbyterian- Reformed Church, the Ecumenical Council of Churches, and with stu- dents and faculty at the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas. In addition, they will visit hospitals, schools, marketplaces, cultural events, governmental agencies, and historical sites. Each of these events allows par- ticipants to witness the environment in which the Christian church in Cuba is existing. In the past few years, the church has experienced tremendous revival, following a period in which the church suffered great restrictions. George Telford '58, director of advanced studies who will lead the alternative context experience, speaks of an elderly couple who went to church every Sunday by themselves for years, in order to ensure the con- tinued possession of the church build- ing during the hard times. "Their faith, evidenced through their persis- tent worship, has resulted in a flour- ishing church which is now filled on Sunday mornings," says Telford. The church in Cuba now has a new vision and a new sense of community. Through these lenses, Columbia stu- dents will observe Caribbean theology in practice in Cuba. When the Caribbean theology course is taught in Jamaica, partici- pants gather with D.Min. students at the United Theological College of the West Indies, which is involved in a joint Doctor of Ministry program with Columbia. This immersion experience also includes theological readings, as well as education about family struc- ture, local religions, educational sys- tems, tours of an inner-city mission, lectures and discussion with church and political leaders, and worship in local churches. According to Telford, "students witness economically impoverished people who are abun- dantly rich with faith, hope, and love in Jesus Christ Two years ago, the seminar} expanded the opportunity for interna- tional study by offering an immersion experience in China. Another group IS now being gathered to go \1.i\ 31 - June 14. Ai. wording to Carlos i .ml.. , Orlandi, instructor in world Christianity and a member of the dents' finding the possibility of relat- ing to the Chinese through the Bibh. al text. Basic Biblical knowledge is shared ai ross i ultural lines and can open doors tor discussions regarding inter- ition and experiences within faith Columbia's newest site for the alternative ^nlh Africa Specific attention in the course will focus on the Truth and Reconciliation Committee led by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The international Studies lor pas- tots in the I '>. tor ot Ministry program is an outgrowth of the seminary's suc- cessful experience of globalization at the Master of Divinity level. Resoun es have been set aside to help make the trips for D.Min. students affordable. Additional information is available from the Office of Advanced Studies at 404/687-4534. Ways to think about continuing education for ministry How DO YOU understand continuing education for the clergy? As a pres- bytery program, as leaving your work place to attend an event in a distanl place, as being taught by seminary professors? These are only a small part of a pastor's continuing education. Although continuing education often is conceptualized as the formal cours- es one takes, those courses are only a piece in the overall picture of continu- ing education. At the core of lifelong learning is curiosity about an idea, a person, or what is around the next corner. In addition to curiosity is need, the need for colleagues who share similar con- cerns and perspectives and the need for more information and insight to solve a problem or assist another or the church. These partners, curiosity and need, spark the drive to seek the resources necessary for intellectual, spiritual, personal, and professional growth. With this information in hand, pastors construct their continuing edu- cation plan. The plan might include a small study group, a reading program, i m.ntor, Bible study, a course in conflict management, independent study with a professor, formal courses at a seminary, a tape series for the car, an Internet connection, a trip to a monastery, or a cours. m .. hooL i i ilumbia Seminary's continuing education program is one part of i pastor's continuing education plan. The seminary offers a variety I >1 resources, including seminars on understanding the changing church, self-assessment, conflict resolution, information in theology, Bible, and In lory, practical resources to enhance skills in preaching, relationships, worship, and computers. Ultimately, though, formal continuing education is not the sole definition of continuing education. At its best, continuing education encompasses a wide variety of resources which a pastor gathers to support and instruct himself or herself in the significant and sacred task of ministry. Rebecca Parker Director, Continuing Education WINTER 1999 Continuing education seminars assist pastors in their work Continuing education music seminar scheduled March 8-9 A series OF workshops designed to address the tasks of ministry is sched- uled for spring and summer: Business Administration for the Parish Pastor. April 26-28. Cost: $125. In many ways, a church is like a busi- ness that requires administration and oversight. The workshop will address budgeting and financial planning, cap- ital fund campaigns, communication, conflict management and negotiation skills, involving and empowering lay people, and theological principles related to these tasks. A team from the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech will teach the course. Columbia has offered this class once before, and the feedback was excellent. Revisiting Your Call after Three to Five Years in Ministry. May 3-5. Cost S135. This workshop is designed to assist persons who are in their first three to five years of ministry and are Beth Johm Study with the Lay Institute this summer "Mark your calendar now to partici- pate in one of our summer courses a women's study of the Psalms or Summer Lay Scholars," advises Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life. "Psalms: Old Songs for a New Millennium" is the topic of the Presbyterian Women's Bible Study for the 1999-2000 study year. The course will focus on the content of each chapter in the study book, explore the biblical texts, make personal connections with the materials, and provide practical ideas for teaching the series. assessing their current ministry. The seminar will help pastors examine their particular gifts for ministry, revisit their calls, and examine the issues in their current ministry. Leadership will be provided by TAS 2 TE, Transition and Survival Skills Training Experience, a Presbyterian- based organization. Here I Am Lord, Now What? July 12-16. Cost: $250. This workshop is highly recommended for graduating seminarians as they contemplate and prepare for their first call. The course will help prepare the individual for the significant changes that will occur as he or she moves from seminary to the church and identify the issues that will arise in the first 18 months of ministry. Leadership for this event also will be provided by TAS 2 TE. For more information, call 404/687-4562. The course is particularly designed for those who will be teach- ing the series in Presbyterian Women's circles, but it is open to everyone. The course is offered three times this summer: weekday mornings: July 5-9, with Fane Downs, author of Psalms: Old Songs for a New Millenium and pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Midland, TX; or July 26-30, with Rebecca Parker, director of continuing education at Columbia; or Friday evening/Saturday morning, August 27-28, with Linda Morningstar, associate director of the Lay Institute. Tuition is $45 for the week-long courses; $30 for the weekend course, plus meals. Participants in Summer Lay Scholars will explore "The New Testament Today," August 2-6. The 1999 Summer Lay Scholars faculty will be Beth Johnson, professor of New Testament, and Rick Dietrich, director, Lay Institute of Faith and Life. "We will explore the historical, cultural, religious, and literary contexts in which the New Testament came to be written," Johnson says. "We'll also look at the varieties of early Judaism, and at stories the first Christians told about Jesus. "We'll take a look at the phenome- non of Pauline Christianity. And we will do some close readings of Mark and First Thessalonians." Cost of tuition, room, and board is $300. For details about these or other courses, call 404/687-4577. Or see the website at www.CTSnet.edu. Select "Outreach Programs," then choose "Lay Institute." D Today's church is involved in a con- versation around traditional and contemporary worship. This work- shop will reply to this conversation by suggesting and showing that the Reformed tradition has enormous resources for creative, meaningful worship. A keynote address will look at the important collaboration between pas- tor and musician and the significant resources each brings to the planning process. Workshops will address the using and singing of the psalms in worship; enlivening a volunteer choir and providing choral literature; exploring the creative relationship between the pastor and musician; and the role of children's worship. Hal Hopson, gifted musician and author of a number of service hymns in The Presbyterian Hymnal will give the keynote address and teach. This workshop is recommended for both pastors and musicians. Cost of the event is $100 per person and $65 more for each additional person from the same church. For more information, call 404/687-4562. The continuing education seminar, "Writing: Tricks of the Trade," was led by Cec Murphey '70 in October. More than 60 people atttended, among them (l-r) Dee Wade; Kathleen Bostrom, workshop leader; Murphey; and Davison Philips '43, president emeritus. Lay Institute offers certificate programs in Practical Christianity and Spiritual Formation "The Lay Institute's Certificate Programs are programs of self-direct- ed study designed specifically for lay people. They offer structured ways to work independently and with others, to become a better theologian in head and heart, and a more faithful follow- er of Christ in all of life," says Rick Dietrich, director of the institute. The Certificate Program is offered in two tracks, practical Christianity or spiritual formation. All students work with the director of the Lay Institute to choose from an array of courses and to plan practical work to fit their par- ticular interests and faith journey. The Certificate in Practical Christianity is designed to help stu- dents become practical theologians able to apply their knowledge of the faith to their particular situations in life. Tlie Certificate in Spiritual Formation is designed to give students a basic understanding of spirituality in the Christian tradition and to help them to discern their own spiritual vocations. The course of study for both tracks normally includes basic readings, foundational study, specific area courses, and practical work. "We're proud of this program," Dietrich says, "and of its students. They are people active in the life of the church and their world." Students may apply for admission to either program at any time. For more information, contact the Lay Institute, 404/687-4578. E-mail LayInsHtute@CTSnet.edu. VANTAGE One of Columbia's Doctor of Ministry students, Dan Andriacco, has recently changed jobs, from the Cincinnati Enquirer to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Before, he was "in" the print media. Now, he's "into" practically every kind of media imaginable. Particularly, he has redesigned the archdiocese's web page. He is also in the process of visiting 49 other religious websites to try to make sense of them. What are they trying to do? How do they go about doing it? How successful are they? Is web culture actually hostile to their message? Dan has visited the Lay Institute's web page. (Visit at www.CTSnet.edu. Click "Outreach Programs." Then click "Lay Institute.") He has made some interesting and helpful suggestions, such as maybe we're trying to do too much too fast. That's difficult to believe. The web moves with breath-taking speed. But we don't. And putting together a website or even part of one is painstaking work. There are decisions to make about how the pages will look, what information they will contain, how the information is to be "categorized" and presented. The Lay Institute wishes we could have an "open house." You would stop by and we would talk. You would make suggestions, both practi- cal and theological, and we would make changes. The worldwide web is not a value- neutral tool. It prefers the visual. It rewards speed. It is a culture, orga- nized and disorganized in particular ways. How does the Lay Institute find ways to live in this culture helpfully and faithfully? While there will be no "open house" in the conventional sense, the "house" is open, and we invite you to come by soon. Check on upcoming events, on-campus and off-campus. Read descriptions of courses. Find reg- istration forms you can mail (or e-mail) to us. Read the latest newsletter or listen to segments from the first two issues of the audio magazine, 701. Find out more about ongoing programs in the arts. See what "Theology and Literature" is reading next, what "Faith and Film" will be watching in coming months. Enjoy images from recent and upcoming exhibitions in the Harrington Center. And meet the staff. Send us e-mail. Let us know how we can make our web pages (and our programs!) more helpful to you. Rick Dietrich Director, Lay Institute OASIS Announcing a conference on Reformed spirituality February 28 - March 2, 2000 First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta Oasis 2000 will be a fertile place where faith is born, where new life grows, a place where the water of life flows freely. Oasis 2000 will be a gathering where... Cler gy and laity open themselves more fully to the Spirit Dreamers and educators learn mutual trust and share comple- mentary gifts Conservatives, liberals, and moderates find common ground All seeking persons have their deepest hungers and thirsts filled This event is sponsored by six Presbyterian seminaries Austin, Columbia, Johnson C. Smith, Louisville, Pittsburgh, San Francisco The Outreach Foundation, The Christian Faith and Life Program Area of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), Presbytery of Creator Atlanta, and First Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. Columbia's Spirituality Program offers Certificate in Spiritual Formation Columbia's Spirituality Program, celebrating four years of ministry to the church, has been the catalyst for change and transformation, according to clergy and lay leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and other denominations. The following statis- tics illustrate: 2,500 people have responded by requesting more information 425 people have taken the initial course toward the certificate, the Immersion Week 9 courses in the original design have been expanded to 15 courses per year 20 participants per course in the original design have grown to 32 participants per course 4 satellite locations now offer the Certificate in Spiritual Formation 3 Presbyterian seminaries join Columbia in partnership to offer the Certificate in Spiritual Formation 15 denominations are represented by participants who travel from all over the country to Columbia, with the largest number from both large and small PC(USA) congregations. 60 ministers are enrolled in the spirituality specialization of the Doctor of Ministry program Ben C. Johnson, Director Julie A. Johnson, Associate Director "This Immersion Week was a gift of grace in which my view of God was enlarged, my perception of God's work in my life was significantly altered, and my understanding of my place in ministry infused with hope." Ed Cirod, pastoi Camarilla, California "Thank you for a great week! In broad terms I can say that I was enfolded, expanded, ministered to, given many opportunities to minister to others, delighted, moved, enriched, nourished, refreshed and renewed." Jean McAllister, lay leader Bellvue, Washington For brochures or more information, contact the Spirituality Program: 404/687-4587; or email www.CTSnet.edu or www.sptyprog.com. Platform Speakers: Ben Johnson, professor of Christian spirituality, Columbia Seminary John M. Mulder, president of Louisville Seminary David Wallace, dean of Johnson C. Smith Seminary Andrew Purves, associate profes- sor of pastoral theology, Pittsburgh Seminary Eugenia Gamble, pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, Columbia Seminary Andrew Dreitcer, director, Certificate in Spiritual Direction, San Francisco Seminary Stacy Johnson, professor ol theology, Austin Seminary Kris Haig, associate for spiritual formation, Congregational Ministries Division, General Assembly, PC(USA) Robert Shelton, president "I Austin Seminary Douglas Oldenburg, president of Columbia Seminary Laity and clergy can choose from a v ariety of seminars. Topics include Praying in a Different Way, Spirituality and the Mission of the Church, Building Community through Small Groups, plus eight others. To receive a brochure, write to Oasis 2000, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031. Or call 404/687-4557. Online, visit the website at www.oasis2000.com for completi information. Visit Columbia's website at www.CTSnet.edu for more information on these programs. WINTER 1999 Doctor of Ministry specialization in New Church Development to begin in April Columbia Seminary's faculty endorsed a case statement for a disciplined theological approach to new church development in the spring of 1997. The seminary's commitment to a theology of Missio Dei emphasizes in part the mission of God as God gathers, calls, and sends forth in mission. As the area of New Church Development (NCD) has grown in recent years, academic as well as pastoral needs have emerged. One of these is the realization of the need for a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree specialization in new church development. "America is a mission field, and new church development is at the home front of church missions," explains H. Stanley Wood, director of the Center of New Church Development. As the church takes seriously the Gospel's call to mission, the importance of new church developments in this mission field becomes obvious. This D.Min. specialization pro- vides a specific degree program which offers a disciplined theological approach to the formation of new churches. It aims at equipping church leaders in the development mission of starting new congregations for the next century. This is not a program aimed at new ministers, but rather at experienced NCD pastors with at least five years in the ministry and church executives whose ministry portfolio includes NCD ministry guidance. This program targets NCD ministers who are already in a NCD but is not for church leaders focusing on redevelop- ment or traditional church pastors seeking a D. Min. degree. There are a number of stated goals for this specialization which offers a Reformed and ecumenical analysis of church growth in new faith communi- ties, or typically "unchurched" com- munities. The specialization seeks to integrate the latest NCD research find- ings while simultaneously looking for new possibilities for NCD mission expansion. Instruction in strategic mis- sion planning in a religiously pluralis- tic, post-modern, post-denominational ministry context is a critical compo- nent. Finally, this specialization is concerned with multicultural NCDs. The curriculum of the NCD specialization follows the pattern of the basic Doctor of Ministry program which includes a core seminar, 18 additional course hours, doctoral practicum, and a doctoral project. The core will focus on helping pastors form a model of ministry appropriate to new church development in the contemporary context of North America. Furthermore, two of the six electives are devoted to further work in the area of new church development. The first core seminar for the D.Min. specialization will be held at Columbia from April 5-16, 1999. The next two required courses will be held January 10-19, 2000 and in July 2000. For more information, contact the Office of Advanced Studies at 404/687-4534 or e-mail lehfeldtl@CTSnet.edu. Potential NCD pastors came from as far away as the West Coast and Scotland. Potential New Church Development Pastors Conference In October, Columbia hosted and co- sponsored the third annual Potential New Church Development Pastors Conference with the Evangelism and Church Development Program Area, which is in the national ministry divi- sion of the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly. The Columbia location of the Center of New Church Development led to its role as host for this annual conference. All three conferences have been held on the Columbia campus. The participants were not only potential pastors who were discerning a call in new church development (NCD), but also ministers who had recently accepted a NCD call. Some significant characteristics of those nominated to attend included proven evangelism skills and excite- ment about church growth, preaching skills, a cultural and language match for the area of NCD ministry, and the combination of faith and vision for a new church development. With the success of these confer- ences, expansion has been inevitable. The Center of New Church Development will begin hosting two co-sponsored conferences annually. The next conference at Columbia will be held the last week of October, 1999. In order to reach a different geograph- ical population, the additional confer- ence will be held at the southern California campus of San Francisco Theological Seminary, June 10-15, 1999. For more information, call 404/786-4585. Lilly Grant to help identify NCD pastors As Stan Wood, director for Columbia's Center of New Church Development, explains, "Many of us have an anecdotal understanding of the abilities, skills, and gifts of an organizing pastor who effectively begins a new church development. None of us has an empirical under- standing of the abilities found in those pastors, nor do we understand how these particular leadership qualities vary in ethnically distinctive ministry contexts." A milestone in this identification process of new church development (NCD) pastors is the recent award of a Lilly Endowment, Inc. grant to the Center of New Church Development. The purpose of the project is to identi- fy and analyze key factors found in effective new church development leaders in order to develop optimum evangelism and church development strategies in the next century. The research is focused on new churches that were under develop- ment and organized between 1980 and 1996 from a variety of mainline denominations. Ten denominations are participating in the project. They include: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Reformed Church in America, the American Baptist Church, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Disciples of Christ, the Lutheran Church, the Episcopal Church, the Christian Reformed Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA). The research will identify trans- ecclesiastical leadership profiles of pastoral and lay leadership, theology and evangelism, and effective models of new church development. It will also assess the effect of NCD member- ship growth on denomination-wide membership growth. By beginning with an assessment of effective new church developments, the researchers hope to have a clearer picture of the profile of an organizing pastor, which will provide direction for the twenty-first century. J ' !^l i r A P* i ;_MS The photographs of artist and photographer Clara Mont-Claire will be on display in the Harrington Center, February 15 - March 15. The photographs come from a recent visit to the Holy Land. Her photograph above is "Descending from the Temple Mount." Accompanying Mont-Claire's pictures will be photographs taken more titan 100 years ago by Annie Emery Flinn, who had then just graduated from Agnes Scott institute. (See photo on page 11.) Traveling by steam ship, sailing ship, carriage, horseback, and camel, Annie Emery documented her 1897 visit to the Middle East with photographs token with her new Kodak camera. She developed the film and made her own prints onboard ship during the return voyage. Upon her return to the United States, Annie Emery married Richard Orme Flinn, founding pastor of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in the then northern suburbs of Atlanta. Flinn remained pastor of North Avenue for 40 years. VANTAGE Doctor of Ministry calendar April 5-16 Introductory Core Seminar for New Church Development April 19-28 Cuba Sojourn See article on page 5. July 5-16 Summer Session I 1 What Does It Mean to Be Human? A Study in Genesis taught by Tom Walker 2. Mission in the Church in the Twenty-first Century taught Carlos Cardoza- Orlandi 3. Pastoral Care of Marriage and Family taught John Patton July 19-30 Summer Session II 1 Families and Family Values in Early Christianity taught by Beth Johnson 2. Worship: Past, Present, and Future taught by Catherine Gonzalez 3. The Teaching Ministry of the Local Congregation taught by Ron Cram September 13-15, October 11-13, November 8-10, December 6-8 Introductory Core Seminar for Doctor of Ministry Students October 4-8 Introductory Core Seminar for Cross-cultural Specialization October 18-29 Introductory Core Seminar for Gospel and Culture Specialization November 14-24 Introductory Core Seminar for Spirituality Specialization Spirituality calendar March 14-19 Reformed Spirituality Leader: Dr. Tom Schwanda April 11-16 SpmrrUALm VND LEADERSHIP Leader: Dr. Howard Rice May 9-14 Spirituality and Community Leader: Dr. Ben Johnson June 6-11 Desert Fathers and Mothers Leader: Dr. Robert Ratdifl July 11-16 New Testament Spirituality Leader: Dr. Brad Kent August 29 - September 3 Immersion Week (M.Div. option) Leaders: Columbia Faculty and Staff August 29 - September 3 Literature and Practice oi SPIR] mi Direction (M.DlV. OPTION) Leader: TBA September 19-24 CONTEMPi \nw Spirituality Leader: Dr. Bill Clemmona September 26 - October 1 New Testament Spirituality Leader: Dr. Stan Saunders October 24-29 Immersion Week Leaders: Columbia Facultj andStafl October 24-29 Discerninc Cod's Will Leader: Dr. Elizabeth i ieberl October 31 - November 5 History of Christian Spirituality Leader: Dr. Catherine Gonzalez November 14-24 Doctor of Ministry Introductory Core Seminar Leader: Columbia Faculty and Staff Continuing education calendar February 20 Women with Vision: A Spiritual Reconstruction of Women's Authority Leader: Bobbie Patterson. Cost: $50. March 8-9 Pastors and Musicians: Creating Vibrant Worship Grounded in the Reformed Tradition See article on page 6. April 11-16 Contemplative Retreat for Men Leader: David Guthrie Cost: $225. April 12-21 Cuba Orientation and Pilgrimage Cost: $930. See article on page 5. April 18-22 Contemplative Retreat for Women Cost: $225. April 23-24 Building Family Values for the Year 2000 Leader: Herb Anderson. Cost $50. April 26-28 Business and Administrative Skills for Church Professionals See article on page 6. May 2-7 Guthrie Scholars See article on page 3. May 3-5 Revisiting Your Call after Three Years in Ministry See article on page 6. July 12-16 Here I am, Lord, Now What? See article on page 6. New Church Development calendar April 5-16 Doctor of Ministry New Church Development Core Seminar See article on page 8. June 10-15 Potential New Church Development Pastors Conference in Los Angeles, CA October 23-29 Potential New Church Development Pastors Conference See article on page 8. Lay Institute calendar February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17 Faith and Film Study Group Leader: Fritz Bogar. Cost: $10 annual du<-. February 1, 8, 15, 22 Winter Evening Lay School Leaders: Erskine Clarke, Tina Pippin, Linda Morningstar, and Ben Kline. Cost: $35. February 2, 9, 16, 23 Morning Lay School Leader: Shirley Guthrie. Cost: $25. March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1, July 6, August 3 Ti ffi< JLOGY AND LlTl R \ i URE Study Group Leader: Rick Dietrich. Cost: $10 annual dues. March 2, 9, 16, 23 A Grown-up Look at Childhood Stories Leaders: Will Coleman, Ann Clay Adams, Ben Kline, Christine Yoder. At Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Duluth, GA. Cost: $35 advance registration or $4^ at the door. April 5, 12, 19, 26 Parables, Puzzles, and Paradoxes Leaders: Rick Dietrich and Linda Morningstar. At Westminster Presbyterian Church, Snellville, GA. Cost: $35 advance registration or $45 at the door. July 6-9 Presbyterian Women's Bible Study: "Psalms: Old Songs for a Ni \\ Millennium" See article on page 6. July 26-30 Presbyterian Women's Bible Study. See article on page 6. August 28-29 Presbyterian Women's Bible Study (WEEKEND course) See article on page 6. August 2-6 Summer Lay Scholars: "New Testament Times" See article on page 6. Every Wednesday Mid-day Reflections, Downtown Leaders: A variety. At Central Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA. Cost: $25 semi-annual dues. Every Thursday Mid-day Reflections, Buckhead Leaders: A variety. At Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA. Cost: $25 semi-annual dues. WINTER 1999 For the Record If you have recent news to contribute to this section, please mail it to the editor, or you may e-mail it to harperj@CTSnet.edu. Will Ormond '43, professor emeritus, has had his book. Preaching Eyes Listening Ears, published. The book contains sermons from the 1950s to the 1990's. He dedicated the book to Lucy Rose, the late associate professor of homiletics, who was instrumental in its publication. In January, Ormond preached at the fiftieth anniversary celebration of Covenant church. Tuscaloosa, AL, where he was found- ing pastor Linda Morningstar (MATS '98) associate director of the Lay Institute, presented a workshop on "Faith: From the Altar to the Workplace" for the North Georgia Christian Educators Fellowship She served as worship leader for a society of St. Andrew Harvest of Hope gleaning and hunger education retreat Cheryl Gosa '79 received her DMin from Princeton Theological Seminary ...Anna Carter Florence, instructor of preaching and worship, preached at the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and attended the Academy of Homiletics annual meeting in Toronto. She preached for Princeton Theological Seminary's Youth Ministry Forum at St. Simons Island. Bill Ferguson (Int. '92) is pastor of St. Anne's Baptist Church in England. He also acts as chaplain for the Royal Lytha and St. Anne's Golf Club and has been involved in ministry with some of the players on both the European and USA PGA Golf Tours James Hudnut-Beumler, executive vice president, dean of faculty, and acting president, spoke at the Louisville Institute's conference on "Financing American Religion." He also addressed an adult Sunday school class at the North Decatur church, gave a paper on "Materializing American Religious History" at the American Academy of Religion, and gave a lecture at Presbyterian College on "The Christian Church and Education in the Twenty-first Century." He has recently completed a book to be entitled, Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Ethics and Money. His book chapter on "Historical Myths about Financing American Religion" appears in a new volume on the subject from AltaMira Press. Kari Ward Kolmetz '96 and Steve Kolmetz '95 are associate pastor of discipleship and associate pastor of congregational life, respectively, at Covenant church, Colorado Springs, CO Rick Dietrich, director of the Lay Institute, taught at All Saint's Episcopal and at the Clairmont church. His new poems appeared in the GSU Review and AURA. He preached at Chapel-in-the-Pines, Birmingham, AL, and taught and preached at First church, Gainesville, GA Timothy Read '98 is teaching business ethics at the Mclntire School of Commerce of the University of Virginia. He was awarded a thret Presidential Fellowship at UVA to pursue a PhD in religious ethics Ronald Cram, associate professor of C hnstian education, taught adult classes on "Jubilee" at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Atlanta and "The Religious Lives of Children" at First church, Atlanta. His article, "Memory and Metaphor," was published in Religious Education. Vanessa Potter '93 led an evangelism workshop for Holston Presbyter) 's annual educational event, Grace Odyssey. She also preached for First church, Bristol, TN, and St. Matthew Methodist, Kingsport, TN, for its "Women in the Pulpit" annual event Walter Brueggemann, profes- sor of Old Testament, has spoken at Cherokee Presbytery's Committee on Stewardship meeting. He gave addresses to the bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, St. BIRTHS To Mike '90 and Amy Murdock, a daughter, Haley Kate, Oct. 24, 1998. To Tim '91 and Rene Foster, a son, Joshua Allen, Oct. 24, 1998. To Will '93 and Susan Jones, a daugh- ter, Lelia Rose, Aug. 8, 1998. To Dan Milford '93 and Nadia Rosales, twins, Alexis Diane and Joshua Daniel, Sept. 9, 1998. To Darice '94 and Don Dawson, a son, Dex Waggoner, Nov. 27, 1998. To Bob '94 and Deborah Googe, a daughter, Nicole Marie, Sept. 17, 1998. To Jennifer Lee '96 and Joe Dan Walker, a son, Stephen Daniel, Dec. 26, 1999. To Tim '98 and Lee '99 Read, a son, Leighton Phillips, Sept. 30, 1998. To Ron '99 and Diane Sabo, a son, Jonathan Paul, Nov. 29, 1998. To Dorie Griggs '01 and Stan Leary, a daughter, Michelle, Nov. 4, 1998. To Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, instructor in world Christianity, and Lizzie Oquendo, a son, Carlos Esteban Cardoza-Oquendo, Jan. 7, 1999. DEATHS Dwyn M. Mounger '31, Nov. 23, 1998. Thomas Hoover '40, Sept. 2, 1998. William T. Mulcay '43, Jan. 2, 1998. J. Clyde Plexico Jr. '46, Jan. 1, 1998. Frank H. Noll '49, Aug. 22, 1998. John Pridgen '50, April 1, 1998. Leonard C. Blanton '51, April 16, 1998. See article on page 11. Joe Bishop '61, June 3, 1998. Frank DuCille '75, May 5, 1998. Andrea Eddings Pfaff '76, Oct. 12, 1998. Marian A. Havnes (MATS '83) Oct. 25, 1998. ' Gerald R. Coker '87, Jan. 1999. Stephens Episcopal Church in Spokane, WA, Methodist College, and the Tupelo, MS, Ministerial Association. He also spoke at the Academy of Homiletics in Toronto and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Montclair, NJ. He preached at Woodhaven church, Irving, TX; Bethel Lutheran, Madison, WI; First United Methodist, Little Rock, AR; Myers Park church, Charlotte; Church of the Crossroads (UCC). Honolulu; and Trinity church, Atlanta. He presented a paper at the Center of Theological Inquiry and received a Festschrift from Fortress Press at the Society of Biblical Literature He has published Isaiah 1-39 and Isaiah 40-66 and has articles in Sojourners and Biblical Theology Bulletin. David Horton '98 is associate pastor at Mars Hill church, Acworth, GA Robert Armistead '63 promotes extension theological seminaries in Chili. He is honorably retired and living in Decatur Rebecca Parker, director of continuing education, led the Women's Christmas Communion at Druid Hills church Sharon Core '91 is pastor of the Arlington, VA, church Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, instructor in world Christianity, preached at Church of the New Covenant, Doraville, GA, and the Stockbridge, GA, church. He taught a Sunday school series on "Encountering Otherness" at Trinity church, Atlanta. Cardoza-Orlandi also lectured at Candler School of Theology on "Socio-Political Activity and Mission." Becca Young '97, director of alumni /ae and church relations, was ordained at the Arbor Dale church, Banner Elk, NC. She attended the Triennial Presbyterian Women's Gathering of the Synod of South Atlantic and held a Columbia faculty, alumni/ae, and friends reception at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion /Society of Biblical Literature. She participated in the Easley, SC, church's mission fair. John Larson '71 (D.Min '81) is pastor of First church, Columbus, MS Darrell Guder, professor of evangelism and church growth, gave a presentation at Church of the New Covenant, Doraville, GA, participated in Gathering III of the "Coalition," Dallas, TX, and responded to the mis- sion strategy paper presented by the Coalition for the PC(USA). He spoke at King's College, gave presentations at the Roswell, GA, church; Northminister church, Cincinnati; to presbytery and synod executives in Las Vegas, NV; and was a presenter and mentor at the "Shaping Christ- Shaping Our World" conference in Chicago. He preached for the Presbytery of East Virginia and the Saxe-Gotha church, Lexington, SC. He participated in the annual consultation of the Gospel and Our Culture Network, Chicago, and conducted a course in Geneva, Switzerland, in January. He spoke at Church Partners Conference, Young Life Southeast. Christopher Bobo '93 is pastor of the Culdee church, Pinehurst, NC Sue Boardman '90 (DMin '97) is the new editor of Monday Morning Stan Wood, director of the Center for New Church Development (NCD), met with Santa Barbara Presbytery and the Synod of Southern California, taught at the Placentia, CA, church Spiritual Life Conference, and preached at Placentia church, Los Angeles, CA. He was a keynote speaker and small group facilitator at the National Mission Conference for the Church of Scotland and a trainer at the Church of Scotland Evangelism Advisors Retreat. He attended Lilly grant meetings in Montreal and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Wood led a seminar and preached at Lake City church, Seattle. He also par- ticipated in the Western Colorado Presbytery NCD consultation and "Conversations" in Las Vegas, NV. Tim Riser '90 is chaplain at Missouri Valley College Marcia Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics, was keynote speaker for the annual A.M.E. Women in Ministry Conference in St. Louis. She lectured for the inauguration of the Anna Julia Cooper Lecture Series at Candler School of Theology, conducted a workshop for the Women of Color Caucus of the Presbytery of Detroit, and taught a Sunday school class on racism at Trinity church, Atlanta Lisa Benn Rossi '97 is pastor of First church, Howard Lake, MN Erskine Clarke '66, professor of American religious history, preached at Second church, Charleston, SC, and inaugu- rated their Thomas Smyth Lecture Series. He also preached at the Belton, SC, church. Clarke has edited Exilic Preaching: Testimony for Christian Exiles in an Increasingly Hostile Culture Paul Ogne '98 is pastor of the Oviedo, FL, church. Chuck Campbell, associate pro- fessor of homiletics, preached at All Souls Parish church, Port Chester, NY, and at First church, York, SC. He led a workshop on preaching for Atlanta- area Korean pastors and attended the annual meeting of the Academy of Homiletics in Toronto Thomas Are '59 is honorably retired Donald Barbour '88 is pastor of the Hebron Continued on page 11 Vantage Volume 90, No. 3, Winter 1999 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 25,000 The Office of Institutional Advancement 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 VANTAGE For the Record continued from page 10 church, Staunton, VA Gloria Bolden '97 is faculty member and chaplain at Barber-Scotia College Stanley Saunders, assistant professor of New Testament, taught in the Lay Academy at First church, Atlanta; at Riverside church, Jacksonville, FL, and led workshops for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and at a conference on AIDS at Mercer University Medical School. He gave an address on 'The Centrality of Christ in a Pluralistic World" at a conference of large church pastors at Peachtree church, Atlanta, and attended the annual AAR/SBL meeting in Orlando, where he was elected president of the Association for Case Teaching. Saunders led an officers retreat for First church, Gainesville, GA, and with Ben Johnson, professor of Christian spiri- tuality, led a week of teaching on con- gregational spirituality in San Antonio. He had an article published in the January issue of Sojourners Nancy Cooper '93 is chaplain at Riley Children's Hospital, Indianapolis, IN Daniel Donaldson '75 is pastor of First church, Greeneville, TN Will Coleman '85, associate professor of theology and hermeneutics, led a weekend retreat at the Kennedy Heights church, Cincinnati, OH, and Sunday school classes at the North Decatur, GA, church and Trinity church, Atlanta. He was interviewed by the Atlanta Journa/Constitution and by BBC Radio. His book review is printed in Counterpoise. Zeb Smith (ThM '00) is director ol Christian education at Southminster church, Marietta, GA, and chaplain at VistaCare Hospice, Smyrna Wade Huie '46, professor emeritus, serves as regional representative, promoting the Theological Education Fund for Synod of South Atlantic. He led a DMin supervised ministry course on cam- pus, the Alternative Context study seminar on Appalachia, preached at renewal services at Concord church, Statesville, NC; at Mt. Herman church, Ila, GA; and at Columbia church, Decatur; and spoke at the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and the Decatur Rotary Club Harrison Taylor '54 has retired again from his tenth interim pastorate Larry Baskin (DMin '98) is pastor of First church, Florence. AL Curtis Fussell (DMin '89) is pastor of the Hawfields church, Mebane, NC David Nash (DMin '81) is pastor of the Point Pleasant church, WV. ... Robert Temple '62 is honorably retired from the Fairfield church, Mechanicsville, VA John Hall '58 is honorably retired D. Cameron Murchison, professor of ministry, led a congregational retreat Photograph of the Holy Land taken more than 100 years ago by Annie I mery I linn The photography of Flinn will be on display in the Harrington I 'entei February 15 - March 15 along with photographs by Clara Mont-Claire See one oj Mont-Claire photographs on page 8. for Fourth church, Greenville, SC, and Greg Limongi '95 is hospice chaplain a workshop for new officers in the Columbus, GA, cluster of Flint River Presbytery- He preached at the Morrow, GA, church and the Friendship church, Athens, GA.... at Integrated I lealtih Services, Winter Park, Fl Danny Klein '91 is pastor of the Jamestown church, Williamsburg, VA. Q From the Bookstore No. of copies New titles by Columbia faculty members: Exilic Preaching: Testimony for Christian Exiles in an Increasingly Hostile Culture Compiled and edited by Erskine Clarke; Articles and sermons by Walter Brueggemann, Stanley Hauerwas, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Will Willimon Leonard C. Blanton, 1920-1998 Retail price Columbia price $13.00 $11.05 God in the Fray: A Tribute to Walter Brueggemann Edited by Tod Linafelt '91 and Timothy K. Beal '91 $33.00 $28.05 Total amount for books Shipping and handling: orders under $20.00, add $4.50; from $20.00 to $49.99, add $6.00; over $50.00, add $7.50. All books shipped via United Parcel Service. Georgia residents: add 7% sales tax on books and shipping Total Method of payment (please check one); check payable to CTS Bookstore (included with order) VISA MasterCard Novus (please print information below): Visa/ MasterCard /Novus# Name (as it appears on card) Exp. date Street address for UPS delivery: City State, Zip. Phone Prices subject to change as determined by publishers. Please send this completed order form to: CTS Bookstore, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, G A 30031. Blanton '51 Alumnus, pastor, and hymn-writer Leonard Cooper Blanton died in April. The semi- nary and church are indebted to him for the hymn tune Columbia. Concerning their years together .it Columbia, Robert W. Cousar '51 remembers Leonard Cooper Blanton was my roommate and good friend during our three years as students at Columbia. We were put together simply because our names were adjacent in the stu- dent roll. Though we could have made a change, neither of us did so. For me, Leonard was the perfect roommate, a serious student, an excel- lent pianist who loved classical music (we called him johann), and a deeply spiritual man. One of the major events in our life as roommates began when Leonard read of a contest in which a prize was to be offered for the best musical set- ting of a metrical version of Psalm 148. After prayer, Leonard decided to enter the contest. For the next few weeks, I was to learn what hard work musical composition is hours of experimentation at the keyboard with first one harmony then another. For Leonard, it was a labor of love. Finally finishing the hymn with exactly the melody, rhythm, and harmony he wanted, Leonard took me to the chapel, sat me down, and said, "I'm going to play a hymn. Tell me ii you've ever heard it before because I've experimented with so many ver- sions that I'm having difficulty assur- ing myself that this composition is truly mine " He played H and was gratified when I told him I had n< heard ii before. Leonard was pianist for chapel services at the seminary for all tin Ins student years, as well as accompa- nist for the choir and student quartel I Ie loved Columbia Seminary and all it stood for and accordingly named his hymn tune Columbia. I am not sure if Leonard won the hymn contest. I think he did, but without doubt the hymn won the hearts of Columbia Seminary. The first congregation to sing the hymn was the student body gathered for worship. The first choral group to perform the hymn was the Columbia Seminary Choir. Four years after its composition, it was included in the 1955 Hymnbook, a cooperative publication of five of the American churches of the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition. Though Leonard did not name the hymn tune after himself, whenever I sing it I think of it as Leonard's hymn. WINTER 1999 CFC 50th anniversary celebration Lnwm Plans are well underway for the Columbia Friendship Circle's fiftieth anniversary celebration, which takes place at this year's "Come See Columbia Day" on April 15. Reservations are already coming in, and the planning team is building lung power so they can blow up plen- ty of balloons to welcome guests to campus. Excitement is building in anticipation of reaching the goal of "Fifty for the Fiftieth" ($50,000 for the 50th year). The annual "Come See Columbia Day" is an opportunity for Presbyterian Women groups from far and wide to visit the campus, meet this year's scholarship recipients, see old friends and make new ones. The day was originally called the "Columbia Friendship Circle Pilgrimage," as women made the long pilgrimage from their homes and churches to the cam- pus. Today, the pilgrimage may not take quite as much time, but it is still a testimony to the commitment of hun- dreds of Columbia's supporters who attend faithfully year after year. This year's celebration promises many anniversary festivities. The traditional morning gathering at Columbia Presbyterian Church will be enhanced by a parade of banners representing women from each of the presbyteries in attendance. Worship will be led President Douglas Oldenburg, moderator of the 210th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). After the worship service, the current scholarship recipients will be introduced. The previous years' recipi- ents have also been invited. Their stories will be a testimony to the extra support and affirmation that Columbia Friendship Circle (CFC) scholarships gave them during their seminary days. We will also welcome back the past presidents of the CFC. This gath- ering will be an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to them and the remark- able service that they have shown through their leadership in the CFC. The events of the day will revolve around the anniversary celebration luncheon. Special guests have been invit- ed to make presentations. Following the luncheon, participants will have the opportunity to attend a class taught a Columbia faculty member. Behind the scenes of this spectacu- lar celebration is a team of devoted women who have been working for a year in planning and preparation. Nan Jones is chair of the planning commit- tee, which includes Emily Wood, Peggy Miller, Annie Laurie Kelly, Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 404/378-8821 www.CTSnet.edu CONTENTS Colloquium '99 scheduled April 19-21 1 Planning for the next century 2 Professor leads seminary study of Samuel 2 Griffith Children's Library 3 Guthrie Scholars Program 3 Student elected to Central Committee, WCC 3 Winter reading recommendations 4 Institute for Business /Professional Ethics 4 D.Min. expands international studies program 5 Continuing Education 5, 6 Lay Institute 6, 7 Spirituality Program and Oasis 2000 7 New Church Development 8 Program events calendars 9 For the Record 10 From the Bookstore 11 Blanton '51 remembered 11 CFC's 50th anniversary celebration 12 Columbia's Friendship Circle's Executive Council and presbytery representatives at then October '98 gathering, looking forward to returning for the April festivities century-long relationship between Columbia Theological Seminary and Columbia Friendship Circle. For more information, call 404/687-4566. Peggy Rowland, and Lucille Adams. On behalf of Betty Simmons, president of the CFC, the committee invites all Presbyterian Women to join them for this day of festivities and fun in support and celebration of the half- Schedule of Events for Come See Columbia Day, April 15 9:00-9:45 a.m. Registration, coffee, and conversation in Fellowship Hall of Columbia Presbyterian Church 10:00 a.m. Convocation at Columbia Presbyterian Church. Worship led by President Douglas W. Oldenburg, moderator of the 210th General Assembly 11:00 a.m. Introduction of scholarship recipients 12:30 p.m. Anniversary Celebration Luncheon 1:30 p.m. Seminary classes Periodicals Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY