COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage SPRING 1987 President Oldenburg takes the reins "Columbia is riding the wave. I believe I have come at a time when Columbia is stronger than ever before in its long and distinguished history," ' asserts Columbia's new president, Dr. Douglas Oldenburg. Citing his initial impressions of the seminary, he emphasizes the strong sense of community he has experienced and the enthusiastic support Columbia enjoys among its many constituencies. He says, "Its alumni/ae, supporting synods, the Atlanta community, and even those clergy who have graduated from other seminaries have a strong sense that Columbia has become one of the finest seminaries in the country." He gives the seminary's faculty high praise, saying, "Columbia has a strong faculty strong in academic credentials and ability, strong in their love for teaching, strong in their commitment to the church, and strong in their concern for our students. I believe that we now have one of the strongest faculties of any theological seminary." Since accepting the position of president. Dr. Oldenburg has taken several months to explore his new job. He says, "The past few months have been a time of intensive learning learning from visiting other seminaries and colleges and listening to their presidents talk about their adminstrative structure and management style." President Oldenburg has visited Louisville and Union seminaries, the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and Presbyterian College. He has also talked with J. Randolph Taylor, president of San Francisco Seminary, and with Columbia alumnus Neely McCarter, president of Pacific School of Religion. In addition to these visits, Dr. Oldenburg has read several books and is soaking up information about Columbia and its history and traditions. He states, "As in every new venture, I am keenly aware of how much I don't know and how much I need to know. This will be a year of listening and learning." Dr. Oldenburg is particulary interested in building relationships in this first year of his presidency. He wants to spend time getting to know Columbia's board members, the staffs of its three supporting synods and presbyteries, and the pastors of local churches. He would also like to visit with lay women and men who have a special interest in theological education and Columbia in particular. "Needless to say, I want to begin building solid relationships with all those who are part of the Columbia family, from the Dr. Doug/as W. Oldenburg Douglas and Claudia Oldenburg, left, greet students Laurie Wallace, Tom Walker, and Sandra Edwards at a reception during Forum week. custodial staff" to the faculty. Relationships are important to me. It is quite obvious that Davison Philips did that well, and I want very much to follow in his footsteps." During his first few years as president, Dr. Oldenburg hopes to concentrate on strenthening the financial base of the seminary. In his experience as chairman of the Board of Trustees at St. Andrews Presbyterian College and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Union Seminary in Richmond, he has learned that a balanced budget and a healthy endowment are critical to the strength of any educational institution. He says, "I have discovered what happens to an institution when it is underfinanced and have seen the tremendous burden this places on virtually everything." "Instead of beginning my tenure with proposals for new programs, I want to solidify what we have and then move on to new ventures and visions," President Oldenburg states. He would like to concentrate on raising funds for the Harrington Continuing Education Center, something he considers "critically needed. It is obvious that to build it for maximum utility will cost more than was originally estimated. Columbia has an exciting continuing education program as part of its mission, and we need to provide adequate space for it to continue growing." Another area of concentration will be the Lay Institute of Faith and Life. He says, "It is one of the most exciting new ventures that Columbia has undertaken in several years, and I am thrilled at the potential it has for helping lay people relate their faith to all dimensions of their lives. It is critical that we get the right person to be its first director." "Finally," Dr. Oldenburg says, "I want to concentrate on completing the Toward 2000 Campaign. We are well on the way to achieving its goal of six million dollars, and I want to do whatever I can to facilitate that effort." Looking at the theological world in which the seminary operates, Dr. Oldenburg sees a great deal of pluralism. He says, "We need to adopt a posture of critical openness to the many voices clammering for our attention. They all need to be tested Continued on page 2 From the President Douglas W. Oldenburg THE FIRST FEW MONTHS as president of Columbia Seminary have been an energizing and gratifying experience Transitions are always a bit unsettling and exhausting the first few months, but ours has also been exciting. Becoming acquainted with new friends and colleagues, feeling the pulsebeat of the seminary's daily life, sensing the critical importance of the enterprise, visiting other seminaries and colleges and learning from their experiences all of it has been stimulating and rewarding. And I have enjoyed it! My wife, Claudia, joins me in thanking all who have so warmly welcomed us into the Columbia community and made us feel "at home " Although much of my time has been spent away from the campus preparing for my new vocation, I have also spent considerable time meeting with four active search committees. I am pleased to announce that the Search Committee for a Professor of New Testament has completed its work, and I will recommend at the Board of Directors meeting in April a person who is a distinguished scholar, a master teacher, and is deeply committed to the church. All of us on the search committee are excited about this appointment, and we are confident her presence among us will bring additional honor and effectiveness to the work of the seminary. The Search Committee for a Director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life has interviewed several candidates, but no decision has been made. Since the institute is a new venture with tremendous potential for Columbia, it is critically important that we find the right person for that position. At my request, the Search Committee for a new Dean of Students is reconsidering the role and responsibilities of that office, and we hope to make a decision regarding that position in the spring. The Search Committee for a new Professor of Church and Society has narrowed the list of candidates, and they have recently started interviewing. I have been impressed with the care with which each search committee goes about its task. It is also gratifying to know the large numbers of persons who have applied for each of these positions. It indicates to me that many people see Columbia Seminary as an exciting place to be. They're right! With warm personal wishes, Erskine Love Erskine Love, director, dies J ERSKINE Love, friend and benefactor of Columbia Seminary, died February 21 at his home in Atlanta. He was 58. Mr. Love was a former chairman of Columbia's Board of Directors and was a member of the board when he died. He was an ex-ofncio member of the Search Committee which nominated Dr. Davison Philips as president in 1975 and a member of the most recent Presidential Search Committee, which nominated Dr. Douglas Oldenburg. Mr. Love also chaired the Business Management Committee of the board Erskine Love was founder and president of Printpack, a manufacturer of flexible packaging. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Business Atlanta in 1985. Mr. Love, who was born in Gastonia, NC, received a mechanical engineering degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1949 and remained a loyal alumnus. He received the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award in 1963 and the Alumni Distinguished Service Award, the school's highest alumni honor, in 1986, when he delivered the commencement address. A trustee and past president of the Georgia Tech Foundation, he chaired Techs centennial campaign, which has raised more than Si 30 million. Mr. Love held directorships on the boards of the Citizens and Southern Georgia Corporation, the John H. Harland Company, and National Data Corporation. He was a trustee of the Westminster Schools, Agnes Scott College, and the Atlanta Arts Alliance. Also active in civic affairs, Erskine Love served as director, president, and campaign chairman of the 1981 United Way fund-raising campaign, as president of the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and as president of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Raised in a family of Presby- terians, Mr. Love, whose father was the only one of four brothers who was not an ordained minister, was an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church for over 30 years. He served in virtually every capacity in the church, from clerk of the session and chairman of the Board of Trustees to leading several successful building drives. Erskine Love is survived by his wife, Gay McLawhorn Love, five sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by Columbia Seminary. President Oldenburg Continued from page 1 against the witness of Scripture in its witness to Jesus." Dr. Oldenburg also detects a new hunger to relate the faith to the work place and to the great issues which confront the human community. He affirms, "I want our churches to be places where people can dig more deeply into the issues confronting us and relate God's word to those issues in a more substantial way.'' The church must face issues from economic justice to increasing militarism; from substance abuse to environmental abuse; from medical ethics to business ethics. Dr. Oldenburg also sees a renewed quest for authentic spirituality in the church. He says, "People believe that our social action needs to be balanced with an inner piety that is genuine and authentic for Christians today. Just as we need to develop our capacity and commitment to love those in need, so we also need to cultivate our inner life of the spirit." With a strong vision for the church and an equally strong commitment to the education of her leaders, Dr. Douglas Oldenburg has taken hold of the leadership of Columbia Seminary. He affirms, "There is an excitement about this place and what we are doing and planning to do. My predecessors here have done a great job. Columbia is built on solid theological foundations. I am singularly fortunate to be the heir of their outstanding leadership." Admissions weekend "Electrifying!" That's how one conferee described Columbia's largest ever Conference on Ministry. The annual conference introduces Columbia to people who are involved in other careers and are considering the ministry. This year's conference was held during the last weekend of February and attracted 61 prospective students from 10 states. Phil Gehman, Director of Admissions and Vocations, is excited by the size of the conference. He says, "This conference showed a significant increase compared to last year. Our applicant pool is now twice as large as it was at the beginning of the fall. This means we will have a qualified and equipped entering class." About half of the students in the present first-year class are second career students. The popularity of this year's conference seems to indicate that next year's entering class may have even more students who enter seminary later in lift Those who attended the conference had the opportunity to explore Columbia and find answers to questions about Columbia and the ministry. They attended classes, interacted with students and professors, and learned about the practical aspects of financial aid and curriculum. President Oldenburg met with the group and shared his own faith pilgrimage and his enthusiasm for the pastoral ministry. Cousar awarded Dr Charles B Cousar. Professor of New Testament at Columbia, has received a full grant from the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. This grant is the third and largest Professor Cousar has been awarded by the association. Dr. Cousar will use the Theological Scholarship and Research Award during his upcoming sabbatical at Westminster College, Cambridge University, where he will work on Pauline theology. He will study the relationship between Christ's crucifixion and resurrection in the letters of Paul and their relationship to the church. A graduate of Columbia, Professor Cousar has taught New Testament at the seminary since I960 and served as dean of academic affairs from 1971 until 1978. Dr. Cousar received the B.A. from Davidson College and took his PhD in New Testament at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He has done special study at the University of Tubingen, West Germany, and at Cambridge University. Among his publications, Professor Cousar has written a commentary on Galatians for the Interpretation series, printed by John Knox Press in 1982. He has served as a member of several church committees. His professional memberships include the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas and the Society of Biblical Literature. VANTAGE Still cooking after all these years The seminary refectory was overflowing with alumni, alumnae, and seminarians as Jim Dickenson, Vice President for Development/ Seminary Relations, waded through a long list of introductions: the head table, the faculty emeriti, the present faculty, the senior class. And then, the final introduction was made, and it brought the whole crowd of more than 300 people to its feet, clapping and cheering for the senior member of Columbia's community. He walked in through the back door and stood waving and smiling his trademark smile for the several minutes of applause, and then returned to his work of 50 years at Columbia. He returned not to a faculty office, but to the kitchen. And as he left, student Woody Brown remarked, "Claude is the best minister Columbia has turned out." Claude Clopton began working in the seminary cafeteria in 1937, while he was still in high school. No one knows how old Claude is, except possibly his wife. When asked about his age, Claude simply replies, "Well, I'm two years older than my sister in California and two years younger than my sister that lives here (in Atlanta)." Claude must be around 65, but he could easily pass for 45. If you successfully trap Claude into giving you a straight answer, be prepared not to believe it. Unless you know Claude well, it is difficult to discern whether he is telling the truth or spinning fiction. His present employer, Bill Humble, of Shamrock Services, seems to know Claude fairly well and claims that you can catch Claude teasing you by watching his mouth. Bill says, "Claude smiles a in military service, Claude has seen many changes at Columbia. When he began working at Columbia, Claude cooked with coal-burning stoves. It was not until 1947 that the school acquired gas stoves. The refectory was in the basement of Campbell Hall until the Richards Center was built in 1960. The administrative officers consisted of the president and Miss C. Virginia Harrison, whose offices were located on the first floor of Campbell Hall. The classrooms were also on the first floor, and the library and chapel were on the second floor. The third floor was dormitory space. In the refectory, meals were served family style. The same six students sat at each table for every meal, which began only after the blessing was recited. The students all male, back then dressed for dinner in shirt and tie. Mrs. J. Holmes Smith, the dietician who followed Mrs. Phinizy, "didn't allow sloppy clothes," according to Claude. He added that the students today wear anything and everything to meals. Claude has seen the construction of the library, the Richards Center, Florida Hall dormitory, and the Village, where students with children live. He remembers when students had to live in quonset huts after World War II and before the completion of Florida Hall. There are two loves in Claude's life: Louise Johnson Clopton and Holsey Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in northwest Atlanta. The former he has loved for 45 years, the latter for 38. Claude has been a tenor in the Holsey Temple choir for 35 years and "Love is the most important thing in a marriage, but cooking is important, too." dimple smile when he's playing with you." Claude's mother used to wash clothes for Dr. Richard Thomas Gillespie, who was president when the seminary was moved to Decatur in 1927. In 1940, Claude dropped out of school to work full-time for the seminary under Mrs. Edna M. Phinizy, who was "matron in charge of refectory," according to the catolog. His career was short-lived. "Uncle Sam called me in 1942," Claude said. He served in the Navy as an officer cook on a transport in the South Pacific. Claude visited "all the islands down there," including Hawaii, Australia, the Fiji Islands and the Philippines. Claude was discharged on March 11, 1946, in Charleston, SC, and made his way back to Decatur. Dr. J. McDowell Richards, then president of Columbia, gave Claude his job back. "Dr. Richards was the best man anybody could work -under," Claude said. Having worked at the seminary over a 50-year" span, less his four years a church steward for 20 years. Appropriately enough, he also serves on the church's Kitchen Committee, "but," he says, "I'm going to get off (the committee)." His first love, Louise, married Claude in December of 1942. Between the two of them, the Cloptons have four children, three of them daughters: Alice Bond, Mary Ann Jackson, and Barbara Even. Barbara is the only child who lives outside of Atlanta. Alice is married to Atlanta area politician Julian Bond. Claude says, "We don't act like a political family. We don't talk about it; we just work when it's time to work." The Cloptons also have a son, Claude Jr. The four children have produced nine grandchildren for Claude and Louise. Home life for Claude consists of sleeping and watching television. He also helps out around the house, "but I don't like to get in Louise's way," he explains. And, of course, Claude does most of the cooking at home. He does the "hard stuff, like cooking greens and Claude Clopton frying chicken," he says, adding, "Louise thinks cooking greens is hard." For a moment, Claude waxes philosophical, nearly reaching the plane of seriousness. "Louise is real happy. Love is the most important thing in a marriage," Claude states, "but cooking is important, too." Although the rumor is that Claude will retire in the next two weeks that has been the rumor for '87 graduation Columbia Seminary will hold it 1987 Commencement exercises at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 31, at 4 p.m. The seminary expects to grant degrees to over 100 students. This will be the largest group of graduates in the seminary's history. The majority of students will receive the first professional degree: Doctor of Ministry in Sequence, the Master of Divinity, the M.A. in Youth Ministry, or the MA. in Theological Studies. The remainder of the graduates will receive the Master of Theology or the Doctor of Ministry in Ministry degrees. Speakers for this year's exercises are both devoted servants of Columbia Seminary. Dr. J. Davison Philips, President Emeritus, will preach the Baccalaureate sermon at Decatur Presbyterian Church on May 3 1 at 11 a.m. Dr. Philips served as pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church for 2 1 years before becoming Columbia's president in 1976. He was recently honored upon his retirement at the end of 1986. Dr. C. Benton Kline, President Emeritus and Adjunct Professor of Theology, will deliver the Commencement address at Druid Hills Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. Dr, Kline taught for many years at Agnes Scott College before coming to Columbia where he has served as Professor of Theology, Dean of the Faculty, and President. the last two years alumni and alumnae stand a good chance of seeing one of the seminary's oldest and best-loved institutions. Claude plans to cook until he dies. "I'm just 37 and not ready to retire," Claude deadpans. "When I get old enough, I might retire." And he smiles his dimple smile. D Writer Butch Miranda '85 is associate minister for education at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church in Charleston, SC. Saturday, May 30, is filled with activities in preparation for graduation. At 2:30 p.m. the faculty will hold a reception in the Richards Center honoring the graduates and their guests. Next, the Columbia Choir and Dancers will present "Song of Thanksgiving" in the seminary chapel at 4:30. Saturday's highlight will be a dinner for graduates, their families and friends, and the faculty at 6 p.m. in the Richards Center. Vantage Vol. 79, No. 1, Spring 1987 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary The Department of Development/ Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Associate Director of Seminary Relations Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 SPRING 1987 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Douglas W. Hix, Director of Advanced Studies, or Sara C. Juengst, Associate Director of Advanced Studies Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA 3003 1 / 404-378-882 1 . May 3-8 A Week with the Trappists and Dominicans A contemplative week for reformation, relaxation, and spiritual discipline. Cost $100. May 11-13 Faith Discovery Weekend See article on this page for more information. June 15-26 At Montreat, NC. Credit courses* Offered jointly by Columbia and Union seminaries. 1. Contemporary Christology and the Life of the Church Taught by George W. Stroup, Columbia professor. 2. Family and Marriage Taught by William V. Arnold, Union professor. July 6-10 On the seminary campus. 1. How to Teach Good News Women, the Women's Study Book for 1987-88. Taught by Eunice Blanchard Peothig, the author, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Western New York. Cost $25. 2. The Letter of James and the Practice of Christianity Taught by Luke T. Johnson, Associate Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins, Indiana University. Cost $50. 3. Youth Ministry in the Eighties and Beyond Taught by Edward Trimmer, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 4. Personal Issues in the Parish Taught by Robert Ramey, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 5. Worship throughout the Church Year Taught by Lucy Rose, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 6. MUSIC IN THE CHURCH Taught by Barry Davies, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 7. Seventh Annual School of Evangelism Directed by Ben Johnson, Columbia professor. Cost $50. July 6-17 On the seminary campus. Credit courses* 1. Preaching and Teaching the Miracle Stories Taught by F. Harry Daniel, Pastor, Decatur Presbyterian Church. 2. Ministry with Older Adults in the Church Taught by Albert E. Dimmock, founding director of the Center on Aging at Presbyterian School of Christian Education. July 13-17 On the seminary campus. 1. Teaching the Bible to Adults Taught by John C Purdy, Director of Education Resources for the Program Agency, PC(USA). Cost $50. 2. Ministry to Singles The New Gentiles Taught by Richard L. Morgan, Pastor, Fairview Presbyterian Church, Lenoir, NC. Cost $50. 3. How TO TEACH Good News Women, THE WOMEN'S Study BOOK FOR 1987-88. Taught by Sara C. Juengst, Associate Director of Advanced Studies at Columbia. Cost $25. 4. Preparing to Preach in Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Taught by Wade Huie, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 5. Theological and Ethical Issues in the Church Taught by C. Benton Kline, Columbia professor. Cost $50. 6. Using Video in the Local Church Taught by Jeffry Kellam, Director of Video Education, Presbyterian School of Christian Education. Cost $50. 7. Pastoral Spirituality Taught by Ben Johnson, Columbia professor. Cost $50. July 20-31 On the seminary campus. Credit courses* 1. Systems of Family Pastoral Counseling Taught by Brian Childs, Co- lumbia professor. 2. Principles of Vital Church Leadership Taught by Robert Ramey, Columbia professor. August 26-September 7 In the Steps of the Huguenots For more information, see article on this page. September 8-9 Church Officer Training Seminar Leaders: Joan Gray and Joyce Tucker. Cost $25. September 25-26 Korean Church Conference Leader: In Ha Lee, Princeton Seminary. Two-week credit courses: prerequisite M.Div. or equivalent degree You may take ONE of the credit offerings in each two-week period and thus earn three semester hours credit in each two- week period. Cost per course $351. Faith Discovery Weekend set Columbia Seminary will hold this year's Faith Discovery Weekend leadership training event on its campus May 11-13. The training event, led by Dr. Ben Johnson, Professor of Evangelism at Columbia, will begin at 2 p.m. on May 1 1 and conclude by 12:30 p.m. on May 13- This training period prepares clergy to lead a Faith Discovery Weekend, the goal of which is to renew a congregation's faith life and focus its energies on outreach. The weekend also seeks to create within a congregation a renewal of fellowship, to provide a positive model of faith sharing, and to offer the congregation's Evangelism Committee guidance in organizing itself for outreach. The seminary provides tuition, room, and board for this training weekend at no cost to the participants. Participants are responsible only for their travel expenses. For more information or to register, contact Dr. Ben Johnson, Columbia Seminary, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031; 404/378- 8821. Make plans for Huguenot trip Columbia Seminary is providing a unique opportunity for Presbyterians (and others!) to learn about a very special part of our Reformed history: our Huguenot heritage. A travel study tour will be conducted by Associate Director of Advanced Studies Sara Covin Juengst from August 27 through September 7, 1987, to sites in Switzerland and France. The goal of the trip is to learn as much as possible about Huguenot history and the present day Reformed church in France. Visits will be paid to the Reformation Monument and the Old City in Geneva, to the Protestant monastic community of Taize, to the Reformed Seminary at Montpelier, to a Huguenot museum at Mas Soubeyron as well as to other sites of interest in the two countries. These will include Roman rums, historical and scenic castles, the Palace of the Popes, and historic churches. The piece de resistance will be an opportunity to celebrate communion in an outdoor service with 20,000 Huguenot descendents. The cost of the trip is $1,939. For further information, contact Sara C. Juengst at Columbia Seminary. President Emeritus Davison Philips gets a hug from his granddaughter, Anna Philips, after a retirement dinner m his honor at the Rttz-Carlton Buckhead m January. Columbia's Instructor in Music Barry Davies, left, and Shirley Guthrie, Professor of Systematic Theology, with Alan Sell, right. Mr. Sell, who visited the seminary in February, is co-secretary of the Geneva-based World Alliance of Reformed Churches. VANTAGE Forum 1987 Paolo Ricca, Professor of Church History at the Waldensian Vacuity of Theology in Rome, was the Alumni I ae Lecturer. Dr. Ricca spoke on the Waldensian movement. The Alumni/ae Association Council met February 2. Council members pictured are (front row, l-r): Anna Case Winters '18, President Oldenburg, Hugh Hamilton '80, Harrison Taylor '54, Clyce Hurst '62. Second row, Jamu Thompson '58, Roy Watkins '58, Alice Johnson '11, Steve Vance '81, Tyler Downing '84, Grady Perryman '82. Third row: Billy Wade '80, Theophi/us King '15. Jim Lowry '66 Tino Ballesteros '68, Bill Barron '61. Fourth row: Joan Gray 76, David Bailn '82, Doug Blair '68, Hugh Eichelberger '62, G. Daniel McCall '60, lit McGregor Simmons '19, Cathy Mason '82, Bob Pettit '62. Other council membm are Joanna Adams '18, Ralph Aker '15, Lane Alderman '80, Herb Barks '59, Clayton Bell '58, Burwell Bennett '14, Charles Cook '59, Winona Jones DuCille '16, Ernie Gilmore '53, Tom Hagood '82, G.W.Johnson '11, Bill Johnston '66, Bill Lancaster '13, John Mabray '82, Bill Markley '62, Ralph McCaskill '59, Jim McNaull '12. Ernest Mellor '54, James Peacock '63, Turn Rear* '64, John Sharp '11, David Snellgrove '13, George Telford '58, Dana Waters '58, Larry Wood '64, Fred Woodward '49. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr., left, was the Forum Preacher. He is pastor of Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church. With him are Charles Heyward '88, a liturgtst during one of the work sip services, and his wife Carolyn. President Oldenburg gets some advice from Alva Gregg '32. who returned to the campus for his 55th reunion. Tom Long, who taught at Columbia from 1918 until 1983. was the Smyth Lecturer. Dr. Long teaches preaching and worship at Princeton Seminary. SPRING 1987 For the Record Jul uUtifaiiii ajLiumnU-Al If you have recent news you would like to contribute to this section, please send it to the editor. G. Dana Waters '58 has been called from the First Church in Selma, AL, to South Highland Church in Birmingham Robert Ramey, Professor of Ministry at Columbia, gave the third annual Jane Robbins Ramey Memorial Lectures at Selwyn Avenue Church in Charlotte in March Paul Mixon '61 has been called as stated supply to the Shalimar, FL, church Barry Davies '82, Instructor in Music at Columbia, lectured on music in worship at the United Theological College of the West Indies in January He continues to hold handbell and choir workshops and was at the Pleasant Hill Church near Athens, GA, in February introducing the congregation to the use of handbells in worship. G. Thompson Brown, Associate Professor of World Christianity at Columbia, has led mission conferences in Thomasville, GA, Columbia, SC, Decatur, AL, and Erwin, TN. For the General Assembly Mission Board he is writing on the 1 50th anniversary of the beginning of the world mission enterprise of the Presbyterian Church Charles Ligon Evans 78 was installed on March 1 as pastor of the Society Hill and Patrick Presbyterian churches in South Carolina Wade Huie '46, Professor of Homiletics at Columbia, has preached on international mission and shared his recent experiences on sabbatical in Asia at Myers Park Presbyterian in Charlotte, First Presbyterian in Orangeburg, SC, South Highland in Birmingham, and at First Presbyterian in Rockmart, GA. He was the keynote speaker at mission conferences at Decatur Presbyterian and at Augusta and Macon area churches for Augusta-Macon Presbytery. In February Sara C. Juengst '83, Associate Director of Advanced Studies at Columbia, spoke at the Greater Augusta World Mission Conference luncheon and gave the keynote speech and led a workshop at Atlanta Presbytery Educator's retreat on "Developing a Ministry of Volunteers. " In March she gave keynote speeches to the Women of Southwest Georgia Presbytery and the Women of Harmony Presbytery. Ms. Juengst led a workshop on the new PC(USA) curriculum in Highlands, NC, and gave a speech on "The New Curriculum," at the First Church in Dalton, GA., in April Richard T. Gillespie IV '80 has resigned from the Florence Moore Memorial Church in Wellford, SC, to pursue graduate study C.K.. Little '60 is pastor of the First Church in Alexander City, AL. David Turner '75 has been called to the Okeechobee, FL, Church David Moessner, Associate Professor of New Testament at Columbia, was ordained on February 15 in the seminary chapel. The Rev. Dr. James I. McCord, chairman of the Center of Theological Inquiry in Princeton and former president of Princeton Seminary, gave the ordination sermon on "The Finality of Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:8). Dr. Moessner had an article, " The Christ Must Suffer': New Light on the Jesus- Peter, Stephen, Paul Parrallels in Luke/ Acts," published in Novum Testamentum, Vol. 28/3 (1986). H.s name and curriculum vitae appear in the first edition of Who's Who in Biblical Studies and Archaeology (1986-87) Sidney Leak '83 is pastor of the Ensley Highland Church in Birmingham. Jasper N. Keith (STD 79), Acting Dean of Students and Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Columbia, presented four lectures on "Caring Effectively for Persons" for the Lay Academy at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Stone Mountain. He led a retreat for ministers of the North Alabama Presbytery on "Good Grief Work". ...Dechard Guess '82 is pastor of First Church in Oakland, FL Robert Inman '85 is stated supply of the Gulf Breeze, FL, church Christine Wenderoth, Associate Librarian at Columbia, taught a five-week course on faith development at John Knox Church in Marietta and was an invited respondent to James Fowler at Georgia State University in February Grover Sewell '49, who is honorably retired, is stated supply at St. Johns Church in Orlando, FL. David Gunn, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, presented papers on Ruth to the Faith Seminar at Candler School of Theology, on David to the Atlanta Bible Studies Forum at Columbia, on Boaz, with Danna Nolan Fewell, Instructor in Old Testament at Columbia, to the Southeast Regional Meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta. Dr. Gunn was Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Calgary, Canada, in March. He presented papers on the Book of Ruth BIRTHS To Carl (D.Min. 83) and Donna Crawford, a son, Stephen Stixrud, Nov. 11, 1986. To Carol '86 and Joey '87 Byrd, a daughter, Sarah Jayne, Feb. 18, 1987. To Randy '87 and Suzanne Clegg, a daughter, Kathleen Mane, Jan. 31, 1987. To Jon '88 and Debbie Faroane, a daughter, Elena Sherea, Dec. 7, 1986. DEATHS MA. DuRant '25, Jan. 8, 1987. Marcus Prince, Jr. '29, Aug. 24, 1986. William C. Sistar '29 (Th.M. '42), Jan. 10, 1987. Wallace M. Alston '31, Jan. 14, 1987. Frank Soules (Th.M. '68), Sept. 28, 1986. Cathy Carlson, left, has been named assistant librarian for circulation, replacing Rachael Glass, center, who retired in December after six years as the library's circulation assistant. Don Bailey, right, also retired in December, having worked as a field representative in the Development Office for eight years. at the University of Calgary; on Moses and Miriam at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, and on literary criticism in Biblical studies at St. Andrews College, Saskatoon Steve Rhodes '82 has been called as associate pastor of the Forest Lake Church in Columbia, SC. Donald Hendrix '65 is pastor of the Eatonton, GA, Church. He and Cheryl Caldwell were married in Macon recently Ben Johnson, Professor of Evangelism at Columbia, led a ministers' retreat tor Pee Dee Presbytery and a retreat for Conyers, GA, Presbyterian Church in January. In February he led an evangelism workshop for Grace Presbytery in Arlington, TX, and spoke at the meeting of Concord Presbytery in Morganton, NC. In March he led a Faith Discovery Weekend training event for Mecklenburg Presbytery and an evangelism workshop for Chicago Presbytery. He preached and led a workshop for the Conference on Christian Renewal and Outreach for the Synod of the Trinity in Pittsburgh in April Lee Carroll '68, Director of Supervised Ministry at Columbia, led a planning retreat for the session of First Church, Lynn Haven, FL, in February and partipated in the biennial meeting of the Association for Theological Field Education in January in Louisville C. Benton Kline, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Columbia, led a retreat for the General Assembly Council on "The Theology of Compensation" in January. Dr. Kline delivered two addresses to the Southeastern Meeting of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education and taught an adult class at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta on "Issues of Today and the Church" in March Thomas D. Warters '67 is pastor of Second Church in Newport News Charles Taylor 77 has been installed as pastor of the Effingham, SC, Church Benjamin Bass '59 has been installed as pastor of the Kentyre and First, McColl, SC, Churches. Walter Brueggemann, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, gave the Sprunt Lectures at Union Seminary in Richmond in February and was featured speaker at the Anniversary Symposium on Scripture at Union Seminary in New York in April. Dr. Brueggemann is spending his sabbatic leave at Cambridge University Joanna Adams 79, is pastor of the North Decatur Church Vic Varkonyi 76 has been called to head the pastoral staff" of First Presbyterian in Moline, IL Ludwig Dewitz, Professor Emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia, taught a class on the prophets at Trinity Presbyterian in Atlanta and did a five-day series at Trinity Church in Meridian, MS, in March Philo L. McKinnon '56 retired June 30 and lives in Carrollton, GA Thomas B. Warren '57 was honorably retired by Shenandoah Presbytery September 30. For the past 14 years he had served as chaplain of Sunnyside Presbyterian Home, Harrisonburg, VA. He continues to live in the Harrisonburg area. Janice Blissit '86 was elected president of the Union Point (GA) Area Ministerial Association and vice presdient of the Greene County Hospital Chaplains Association Jane Guthrie Rhodes 74 was honorably retired in July at a meeting of Orange Presbytery John Carothers 75 has been called as assocaite pastor of Ladue Chapel in St. Louis Edwin Langham '54 is organizing pastor of the Ooltewah, TN, Church Daniel McMillan '84 is pastor of First Church in Lenoir City and Chota Church in Knoxville, TN Keith Hill '50 married Linda Wise in November at the First Church in WiUiston, FL, where he has been pastor since 1979 James H. Bumgardner 70 has been called as associate pastor to the First Church in Lumberton, NC. John Patton, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology at Columbia, was principal speaker at the fifteenth Northern European Seminar for Pastoral Counselors, Ministers, Doctors, and Therapists at the Continued on page 7 VANTAGE Development I Seminary Relations By James F. Dickenson Vice President, Development Seminar] Relations Dr. James I. McCord, left, preached the sermon during Professor David Moessner's ordination in the seminary chapel. Last year Dr. McCord received the Temple ton Prize for Progress in Religion for persons who have pioneered new ways of understanding God. He is former president of the World Reformed Alliance and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. Dr. Moessner, right, is Associate Professor of New Testament at Columbia and was a student at Princeton Seminary when Dr. McCord was president there. For the Record Continued from page 6 Evangelical Academy, Bad Segeberg, West Germany, and at a conference on therapy pastoral care for Norwegian chaplains at Fredrikstad, Norway, in January. Dr. Patton was consultant for the Pastoral Psychotherapy Institute at Park Ridge, IL J. Davison Philips '43, President Emeritus of Columbia, received the Mr. DeKaib Award from the DeKaib County Unit of the American Heart Association. The award was given on the basis of service to the community Cheves Ligon '48 retired October 14 as pastor of the Trinity Church in Myrtle Beach, SC. In January Shirley Guthrie, Professor of Systematic Theology at Columbia, participated in the Dialogue between Roman Catholic and Reformed Churches in Geneva, delivered the mid-winter lectures for Cumberland Presbyterian Church in McKenzie, TN, and taught the young adults at Highlands ARP Church in Stone Mountain and Sunday school at Decatur Presbyterian. He taught at a lay school in Charlotte for Mecklenburg Presbytery in February and preached and taught for the First Presbyterian churches in Monticello, AR, and Bowling Green, KY, in March. In April Professor Guthrie preached and lectured on the theology of the family for the conference of the Mid-Atlantic Region, Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Theophilus C. King '75 is stated supply of the St. Luke's Church in Jackson, MS Brian Childs, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at Columbia, wrote The Southeast Region of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education: A Twenty Year History and the Twenty Years in the Making, published by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education in Decatur. He delivered a a lecture, 'A Theological Anthropology of Care and Its Usefulness for Care through Separation and Divorce,*' at the third annual lectureship at Carraway Methodist Medical Center in Birmingham in February. He gave a presentation, "The Twenty Years of the Southeast Region of ACPE" at the twentieth annual conference of the Southeast Region, ACPE, in Columbia, SC, in March J. Douglas Blair '68 has been called to the Henderson, KY, Church Cecil Thompson '31 is completing an interim at Bay Minette, AL. He continues as pastor in residence at the Government Street Church in Mobile George Stroup, Professor of Theology at Columbia, and Will Ormond, Professor of Biblical Exposition at Columbia, taught in a lay school for Charleston Presbytery at Harbor View Church in February. Mary Bettis Love 75 is interim pastor of the St. Johns Church in Jacksonville J. Frank Alexander '44 retired from the South Highland Church in Birmingham on December 31 Robert L. Carroll '81 has been called as associate pastor of Decatur Presbyterian Church Hyung Kyu Park 77 is pastor of the Korean Presbyterian Church in Decatur Scott McNair Poole (D.Min. '84) retired from the Altama Church in Brunswick, GA Norman Hibbard '82 was featured in an article in the Tuscaloosa News in February. Mr. Hibbard has completed an interim term as pastor of the Utkeagvik Church in Barrow, AK Patrick Willson 71 is pastor of the Shades Valley Church in Birmingham, AL John LeHeup (D.Min. '86) has been called as associate pastor of the Central Church in Anderson, SC C. Edward Davis '42, honorably retired, has completed his interim at Fairview Church in Lawrenceville, GA Harry Peterson '58 was one of four individuals recognized by the DeKaib Community Relations Commission at its awards banquet on March 2 1 . Mr. Petersen is executive director and founding director of Villa International Atlanta. D Let the world know! FOR THE past three years we have worked hard to improve the institutional relations arena for Columbia Seminary. We have improved our primary news outlet. Vantage, we have sent out more press releases, we have utilized the services of a public relations firm, and we have made excellent progress in our various publications. Those are the highlights of a busy program here at the seminary. There are a variety of views regarding public relations. A couple of years ago, I read an article which basically said there are three reasons to use public relations and two reasons for not doing so. The positive reasons were to get people to do something, to get people not to do something, and to get people to let us do something. The two negative reasons were to make people love us and to create an image. Well, we are not interested in creating an image at Columbia Seminary. What we are interested in is to tell the true story of what is taking place at this institution. The facts must be truthful and complete. We want people to do something. We want the church to send us its best students, we want the church's loyalty, support, and interest. We also want you to let us do something. We want to do the best job possible of preparing leaders for the church, giving them sound theology, extensive training, and a genuine love for the pastoral concerns of people. We also want to provide good continuing education programs for both clergy and lay people who are already on the job. We serve together and each other as the seminary, the church, clergy, and lay people all work for the enhancement of our Father's kingdom. This leads to another area which needs attention, public relations in the church, We are not talking about each church having a p.r. person or the like Nor are we talking about listing the weekly series of church meetings in the local newspaper. We are not even talking about the electronic media being used by a multitude i>t evangelists. What we are saying is that a church is, or should be, doing significant work for Jesus Christ. This should be communicated to the congregation and to the community Regardless of the size oi a church, and whether we realize it of not, in every community churches have reputations. Atlanta has many notabli churches which do certain things very well, Cities, towns, and rural areas are filled with active congregations which do work faithful to the gospel of OUl Lord. However, the information does not always filter into the community as it should. Ministers should be encouraged to give thought (and a little time) to the subject of good p.r. as it applies to local congregations. Begin by taking a look at your newsletter with the possiblity of having it redesigned. Some newsletters invite reading; others invite the trash basket. Think through what you release to the media. Ask them what kinds of news they will use. You may be surprised. A word of caution. Do not be concerned with creating an image for your church or yourself. Have as your objective letting people know what you're thinking and doing. After all, it is the Lord's business. We are to "go ye into the world'" and "make Him known.'' One of the ways to do this is to demonstrate what his followers are thinking and doing How about giving it some thought.-' D Students enjoyed Columbia 's January snow. SPRING 1987 Dr. Oldenburg receives MLK Award The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Committee recently presented their annual Martin Luther King Award to Dr Douglas W. Oldenburg, Columbia's new president. President Oldenburg received the award at a Martin Luther King Memorial service at Charlotte's Mayfield Memorial Baptist Church on January 19. One thousand people were in attendance. The award is presented each year to one resident of Mecklenburg County who is actively involved in civil rights and who upholds the ideals of peace and justice. Specifically, the award honors those who promote non-violent means of pursuing equal rights, who work to build a community of love and acceptance, and who believe in and support individuals as they pursue their dreams of excellence. The inscription to President Oldenburg reads, "Charlotte- Mecklenburg honors Douglas W. Oldenburg for his dedication and sacrifice in pioneering and persevering in the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for all. "D The inauguration of Douglas W. Oldenburg as the seventh president of Columbia Theological Seminary October 11, 1987 7:30 p.m. Claudia and Douglas Oldenburg COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS President Oldenburg begins 1 From the President 2 Tribute to Erskine Love 2 Admissions conference success 2 Professor Cousar receives grant 2 Still cooking after all these years 3 Graduation '87 3 Continuing education 4 Forum 1987 5 For the Record 6 Let the world know! 7 Dr. Oldenburg receives award 8