COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Vantage WINTER 2003 Colloquim '03 honors Cousar, Brueggemann "Si iakinc, Earth and Heaven: Bible, Church, and the Changing Global Order" will be the theme of Colloquium 2003, to be held April 21- 23 on Columbia's campus. The event will pay tribute to retiring professors Charles B. Cousar '58 and Walter Brueggemann, building on their work in ways that speak to the tumultuous times in which the church is carrying out its mission. Like the careers of both Cousar and Brueggemann, Colloquium will be dedicated to pro- viding pastors, church leaders, and church members with creative biblical and theological resources for shaping the life of their faith communities. Cousar, the Samuel A. Cartledge Professor of New Testament, has served Columbia for 43 years. He has been widely recognized for his work on the letters of Paul and Pauline theology. Brueggemann, the William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, has taught at Columbia since 1986. Brueggemann's innovative work on the theological interpretation of the Old Testament has brought national and international acclaim. Six leading biblical scholars will give Colloquium's theme presentations, each one interpreting and building on the work of Cousar and Brueggemann. The panel will consist of: Leander E. Keck, professor emeritus of New Testament at Yale Divinity School; Beverly R. Gaventa, the Manson Professor of New Testament Literature and Exegesis at Princeton Theological Seminary; Patrick D. Miller, the Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology at Princeton Seminary; J. Louis Martyn, professor emeritus of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary in New York; Louis Stulman, professor of religious studies at University of Findlay; and Carol A. Newsom, professor of Old Testament at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Colloquium begins on Monday, Continued on page 9 Highlights of the schedule Monday, April 21 1:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22 8:30 a.m. 8:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 12:30 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Welcome and introductions "Job and the Demands of Tragic Faith," Carol Newsom "World Without End, Amen?" Louis Martyn Panel response and general discussion Gathering and picnic on Oldenburg Quadrangle Worship: "'Until'... Endlessly Enacted, Now Urgent," Walter Brueggemann and Charles Cousar Coffee and ice cream on Oldenburg Quadrangle Morning prayer "What If Paul Was Right?" Leander Keck "Whom Do You Trust?: The First Commandment as Political Axiom," Patrick Miller Panel response and general discussion Alumni /ae luncheon and class reunions Workshop session I Workshop session II Open house at the Presidents' Home Free evening for dinner and fellowship Wednesday, April 23 8:30 a.m. Morning prayer 8:45 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:45 am "Is There Life After Wreckage?: Conflicting Paths to Hope in Jeremiah," Louis Stulman "Turning the World Upside Down: A Reflection on the Acts of the Apostles," Beverly Gaventa Panel response and general discussion "Shaking Earth and Heaven Reconsidered," responses by Charles Cousar and Walter Brueggemann Charles B. Cousar '58 (left) and Walter Brueggemann Beverly R. Gaventa Carol A. Neivsom Leander E. Keck J. Louis Martyn Louis Stulman Patrick D. Miller Baptism calls students into the global community Laura S. Mendenhall, President Often I am asked, "What are you doing at the seminary to prepare folks for the post-modern age?" In cities and small towns, among pastors and leaders of congregations, with both churched and unchurched, we know that many things have changed; thai we cannot presume to know what the church will look like in the days to come. What is Columbia Theological Seminary doing to prepare pastors and leaders to guide the church in the days ahead 7 We are remembering our baptism. In baptism we are called by God to be the church of Jesus Christ, to be a sign of what God intends for all humanity. It is a high calling to be the church. Columbia Seminary takes that calling seriously. Therefore, we study scrip- ture and theology> we work at how to be the church, we evaluate and grade how we are doing, and we come back and study again. Yet even when we are doing the best we can, we are aware that our vision is limited. We cannot see into the future. Even our understanding of the present is deter- mined by our own experiences. At Columbia Theological Seminary we take this nearsightedness so seriously that we send faculty and students away, off campus, to look through someone else's lens at what it means to be Christ's church. In January of each year, our second year Master of Divinity students take a course that gives them the opportu- Rebekah Shaffei '03 visits with one of her //(s/s during a Doctor of Ministry travel seminar to China and Hong Kong to study the church there Shaffer attended the seminar, led by professors Charles Raynal and Ron Cram, with eight D.Mm students and a seminary trustee. Colunihht s advanced studies program regit lath/ offers travel/study seminars to ( tuna. South Africa, and the Caribbean. For information on two upcoming semi- nars, see the article on page 5 and the calendar on page 8. nii\ to study in a context that is unfa- miliar to them. We see this as part of our faith statement, acknowledging i iod's omnipotence and our limited \ ision oi ( lod. This January students and faculty went to Appalachia, Atlanta, Central Europe, Jamaica, and Mexico. We also encourage students to become involved in the East Lake Community, a nearby neighborhood that is racially and economically mixed. We welcome international stu- dents and pastors into our advanced degree programs. We have interna- tional professors on our faculty. We offer a Middle East Seminar each spring, supervised ministry placements in Caribbean and African churches, and exchange programs and intern- ships in England, Germany, Jamaica, Kenya, South Africa, Korea, Scotland, Switzerland, and China. We have a joint Doctor of Ministry program and continuing education events with the United Theological College of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, and of congregations while they are in seminary. We have cross-registration with the Interdenominational Theological Center, Candler School of Theology, and other area schools. In countless ways we proclaim that it is possible to be Christ's church in a variety of contexts. At Columbia Theological Seminary our prayer is that students will remember that alternative con- texts always have something to teach us about God's kingdom, something which we cannot know on our own. Through baptism God gives us broth- ers and sisters in Christ with whom we can share insights and see more clearly a vision of God's reign. The insights others give our students and faculty in these alternative contexts will, for years to come, inform their reading of Scripture, advise their Through baptism God gives us brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we can share insights and see more clearly a vision of God's reign. soon with the Evangelical Theological Seminary in Matanzas, Cuba. We support the Campbell Scholars, a group of international theologians who work with our faculty, alums, and students to think more clearly about the character and work of mis- sion in the new century. We foster students' working in various kinds understanding of who God is and who they are as children of God, and direct their leadership in Christ's ministry. Our prayer is that whatever the future holds, our students will be prepared to lead Christ's church, open to the work of the Holy Spirit in different ways, able to see new ways of being the church. Hayner named to Peachtree chair of evangelism, church growth In December, Columbia's Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Stephen A. Hayner as the Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth. In keeping with the vision of the Peachtree Chair, which was endowed by Peachtree Presbyterian Church in 1981, Hayner 's teaching and research will focus on the theology and practice of mission as it relates to the proclamation of the Gospel and the nurture of faith communities. Hayner brings extensive experience with evangelism, both through his ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and through his work with several internationally recognized faith-based organizations. For 13 years Hayner was president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship /USA, whose purpose is to spread the Gospel among U.S. college students. He is also a trustee for the Navigators and World Vision International, two ministries focused on national and international evangelism. Hayner, who will begin his teaching duties in the fall, comes to Columbia from his position as associ- ate pastor for High Point Church and Fountain of Life Ministry Center, two multi-ethnic congregations in Madison, Wisconsin. In the early days of his ministry, he also served as associate pastor for university ministries at University Presbyterian Church in Seattle. Along with his ministerial and administrative background, Hayner also brings experience in theological education. He holds a Ph.D. in Old Testament from St. Andrews University, Scotland, and graduate degrees from Harvard Divinity School and Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary. He has Steve Hayner served as vice president for student affairs at Seattle Pacific University and as adjunct professor of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary, Gordon-Conwell, Regent College, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Speaking of his appointment, President Laura Mendenhall says, "Stephen Hayner will be able to offer our students the insights of many years' experience. His commitment to the theology and practice of evange- lism within a culturally diverse and ecumenical framework is strongly paired with his commitment to nurturing spiritual development for pastoral leadership. We are grateful that Steve Hayner will be our new Peachtree Associate Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth." The Admissions Office has a new toll free number: 1877 548-2817 The Atlanta-area number has not changed: 404 687-4517. VANTAGE Learning in alternative contexts Every January since 1985, second year Master of Divinity students have left the Columbia campus to learn about the church's life and ministry in an "alternative context." Some have headed to the inner city of Atlanta with its growing homeless population; others have traveled to the small towns and hollows of Appalachia; still others have gone abroad to Kingston, Jamaica; to Central Europe; and to the Yucatan. They go asking: "How has the history of this place helped to shape the church here? How does the social and cultural context of this place influence the church's ministry and mission?" They return asking these same questions about the life and mission of the mainline churches in the U.S. The groups travel not as tourists but as the invited guests of the church in the areas they visit. With the church leaders and scholars who host them, each group explores certain sectors of the society: family life and structures, education, the arts, economics, politics, and the medical sector. Students attend lectures on each of these topics, and visits provide firsthand experience with them. In Jamaica, for example, a profes- sor of sociology lectures on the family structures in Jamaican society. He reviews the history of Jamaica as a slave society and as a colony of Great Britain in terms of the development of family life. How, for example, has the institution of marriage been shaped by this history? How do the family structures of Jamaica influence educa- tional institutions and vice versa? Students also visit homes to discuss the issues that families face there. After hearing the pastors discuss these aspects of their society, students ask questions about the church and its ministry. They ask how family struc- tures shape pastoral care and the life of congregations. They ask about the specific challenges facing the church in that context and how the church will address them. Such explorations help Columbia students and faculty ask similar questions about our own context. All of the different groups explore questions similar to those raised in Jamaica. In the Yucatan, they discover a Presbyterian Church that is growing very rapidly among the poor. What can we learn from these brothers and sisters who are flocking to little churches with their poorly paid and over-extended pastors? Or what can be learned from the Hungarian church, which experienced generations of persecution and yet has continued in the faith even through the dark years of the twentieth centu- ry when wars and a deeply hostile government threatened its existence? Is U.S. society becoming hostile to Christian life and faith and, if so, is there something to learn from the his- tory of the church in Central Europe? ' Those who go into the inner city WINTER 2003 of Atlanta and to Appalachia discover that there is an unknown world in our own backyard. Students report that they have experienced parts oi Atlanta they did not know existed. Those returning from Appalachia tell not only of this ' I hud World" in the heart of America, but of the inspira- tion they received there. All who leave the Columbia campus for the fanuary term come back with a new sense of connection to Christians all over the world. The) have heard the Apostles' Creed and the Lord's Prayer in Hungarian and Czech; in Spanish and in the lilting English of Jamaica and the soft accents of Appalachia and the inner city. And while they know that the church has particular challenges and responsibili- ties in each context, they return with a new appreciation for the ties that bind us into one holy, catholic, and apostolic church of Jesus Christ. T. Erskine Clarke '66 Professor of American Religious History and Director of the International Programs Laurel Nelson '03 with Samia Khouryal the Sabeel Centei in Jerusalem. Khoury board member of Sabeel and a leadei in the i\ilest,ni,m Christian community. While a student at Columbia, Jerry Uti '02 found ample opportunity to study and serve internationally, visiting 10 countries on three continents through seminary programs. From a course at the World Council of Churches in Geneva to a three- week travel seminar in the Middle East and a summer pastoral internship in Kenya, Utt experienced the church in a diversity of setting?. Now a pastor in Buckhorn, Kentucky, Utt finds that his experience of the global church helps him better understand the needs of the community he serves. Reflecting on his Alternative Context course in Jamaica, Utt notes the tension between the economic benefits of that country's mining industry and the destruction of land that it entails. He comments, "I had no idea the alternative context experience would apply so readily to my U.S. ministry, but many of these issues are the same ones we face in Appalachia where I am a pastor." International study, local ministry "Tin connk iion bi rwBi N international experience an J effa five local ministry may not be immediatel) apparent but it is critical/' says Laurel Nelson, .1 senior at Columbia, Nelson parti* ipal ed in Columbia's Alternative Context course in Northern Ireland in lanuary 2001, when- she found strong parallels between small lush communities and rural American towns. Noting the rapid pace ol societ) 's transformation from agrarian to high-te< h in both the U.S. and Ireland, Nelson asks, "1 low can the Gospel be lived in new w in places seemingly forgotten by the changing culture 7 " While in Ireland, Nelson met with Mark Gray '96, pastor of ConvO) and Carnone Presbyterian churches. "Mark helped us see the ways communiii. are changing in Ireland and the OppOl tunities the church has to respond I he same kind of change is happening all over the U.S. M\ experience in Ireland has encouraged me to be a pastor u ho helps communities., the) Struggle with those changes." In large part due to her expei mmi. e in Northern Ireland, Nelson is seeking her first call in B small, rural church in the U.S. Nelson first became interested in international education while growing up in a household thai often hosted international students While in school at Beloit College in Wisconsin, Nel <"> was an exchange student herself, studying and working in Turkey. Following college she served >s a Young Adult Volunteer with the Presbyterian Church (USA), working with Sabeel, a Palestinian < In iti. in center based in Jerusalem. Upon her return to the U.S., she continued to work for the denomination as a e sion interpreter, visiting churchc in theU.S to describe her work in the Middle East It was on one of these trips that Nelson first became acquainted with Columbia Seminary. While attending an international mission conferee e at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, she was invited to join a conversation with several Columbia students and professors. "1 wa Impressed with the breadth ol the i ,,M\ ei lation and the Interesl the group had in the International i hun h ii.\ recognized thai the seminar) Is pari ol b broad global ( hristian communitj Witi. the majoritj ol ( hristian now h\ in)' in > ounb les south "i the equator, Nelson believes thai - ultival ing International awareness among itudenta Is one "i the ke) aspei ts oi theological edm ation ["here are majoi global shifts thai we, as pastors, need t,, be aware of/' Bays Nelson "We especially need i" understand globalization ami how the polltii a and economic pra< ti< es ol the I S effe< I smaller - ountries around the world Moreover pa itoi in urban em I ronments, and ln< reasingl) In rural chun hes, need a global awarene in ordei i" understand the people Imml grating into their neighborhood Nelson hopes thai l olumbia, while maintaining Its global fo us, will begm foi using more sharp!} or the international dynamii s ol its own communitj "Atlanta has become an international i it) with Pre ibyterians from all ovei the world i hope < olumbia will do ni.nr to help Btu- dents Bee the international influence in theii loi al i ommunities and righl here or , ampu " | felson, who has man) friends among ' olumbia's interna tion.ii .iihI.i.i-, hopes to see even ,,,,,,. emphasis placed on bringing internation.il students and .< holars to < olumbia and highlighting the., role in the community Noting partii ularl) the global flavor brought to the i lassroom by two of Columbia's international pro- fessors, ( arlosl ardoza I frlandi and , nunanuel Lartey, Nelson says, "The inary is doing innovative things, both sending student abroad and bringing international perspectives into the . lassroom By broadening my global e.lu. ation and relating it to local ministry in the U.S., Columbia has helped me understand my calling in new ways." Robert Williamson, Jr. '01 Teaching 'apocalyptic 7 today In recent years, our understanding of the New Testament has been trans- formed by the recognition of the apocalyptic convictions that shaped it. The word "apocalyptic" means "revealed" or "revelatory," and refi I to revelations received from heavenly beings. Until recently, scholars did not fully appreciate the prei alence of apocalyptic thought in the New testament and relegated it to the "doctrine of the last things," tacked on to the end of biblical theology the way the Revelation to John concludes the canon. Now we see apocalyptic as much more central to the New Testament, particularly but not exclusively to the letters of Paul "Apocalyptic" has all too often been used interchangeably with the word "eschatology," although tin- two are by no means synonyms. Eschatology refers to people's various convictions about the end times, the end of human history, the day of the fulfillment of God's redemption. Many Jews and Christians of the first century wrote apocalypses, books containing revelations from heavenly beings, and those apocalypses fre- quently contained eschatology, visions of God's plan to rescue the covenant people and bring justice and healing to a fallen and broken world. Christian writers like Paul are profoundly influenced by these apocalyptic texts, but with a significant difference. Paul does not only look for some future coming of the Lord, but claims that the new age of God's redemption he calls it "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15) has already begun in the death and resurrection of Jesus. This new creation is not yet complete, as the church and the world continue to struggle against the power of sin and under the burden of death, but it has surely begun. Paul anticipates the return of the risen Lord in his own near future. "We are," he says to the Corinthians, "those upon whom the end of the ag.s has come'' (1 Cor. 10:11), and he assures them that "the appointed time has grown short" (7:29). The revelation that has changed Paul's life, though, has comparatively little to do with turning the pages on the heavenly calendar or watching the rushing hands on the cosmic clock. The apoca- lypse that defines Paul's gospel is the re\ elation of the cross of Jesus Christ (2 Cor 12:1-10). This new creation is the invasion of God's righteousness that sweeps away the old world now held captive I,* m and death. It is marked not by power but by weakness, not by human w isdom but by divine foolishness a new world that finds life in the midst of death and glory in the midst of suffering. It is disoriented and dis- orienting because it turns upside down the most treasured of human values and replaces them with the cross of Christ. This apocalyptic gospel shapes the present life of the church rather than merely anticipating its future life. As Columbia's New Testament faculty prepares to bid farewell to Charlie Cousar at his retirement, we are reflecting together on the ways he continues to teach us to listen to the apocalyptic nuances of the gospel in a world hungry for good news. Our 2003 Colloquium, planned in Charlie's and Walter Brueggemann's honor, is "Shaking Earth and Heaven: Bible, Church, and the Changing Global Order" (see the article on page 1 ). In worship led by both professors, conversations led by our distinguished guests, and workshops offered by Columbia faculty, we will reflect on the power of the Word of God to disorient and reorient us to God's redemptive way with the world. Come join us for an uncom- monly rich experience. Beth Johnson, ). Davison Philips Professor of New Testament Language, Literature, and Exegesis Book reviews by Columbia's New Testament faculty Columbia's New Testament faculty: Oiarlie Cousar '58, Beth Johnson, Stan Saunders Charles Cousar Wlw Is Jesus 7 History in the Perfect Tense by Leander Keck In a series entitled "Studies on Personalities in the New Testament," Keck is the logical choice to write the book on Jesus, since he has devoted most of his career to the study of christology. This excellent piece not only comes to grips with the "Jesus Seminar," but goes much beyond to consider Jesus' current identity as well, to deal with Jesus' Jewishness, his teaching, his death, and his significance for the moral life. God Crucified: Monotheism and Christology in the New Testament by Richard Bauckham In this brief and lucid book, Bauckham faces the question of how Jewish Christians of the first century could be strict monotheists and at the same time affirm that Jesus is Lord. His conclusion is that rather than being an add-on to God, Jesus from the beginning was included in the identity of God. The book contains the rudiments of a much longer study on the whole matter of monotheism and christology. The Promise of the Father: Jesus and God in the New Testament by Marianne Meye Thompson In a solid study of the ways in which the image of God as Father is used in the New Testament, Thompson contends that it is not limited to or aimed at men only, but serves as a symbol for the entire community as one who promotes mercy, justice, and humility. A helpful contribution of the book is the tracing of the discussion regarding "Abba" and why it does not mean "daddy." Beth Johnson Preaching Mark in Two Voices by Brian K. Blount and Gary W. Charles Two Presbyterian ministers reflect on the power of Mark's Gospel to address distinctly different Christian communities. Each chapter of this book presents a text from Mark and sermons the two authors have preached on it. By demonstrating how their interpretations of Mark are shaped by their contexts, Blount and Charles invite other readers and preachers to be aware of the ways the Gospel takes shape in their own Christian communities. The Story of Romans: A Narrative Defense of God's Righteousness by A. Katherine Grieb This perceptive reading of Paul's letter to the Romans argues that the letter has a narrative character, a "series of stories nested within the one great story of what God has done for Israel and the Gentiles in Jesus Christ" (p. ix). This is a fresh and helpful view of Romans, grounded in solid scholar- ship and deliberately accessible to the non-specialist. In a time of widespread neglect of Paul's letters, Grieb's book offers church people an opportunity to listen and read with understanding. The Death of Jesus in Early Christianity by John T. Carroll and Joel B. Green, with Robert E. Van Voorst, Joel Marcus, and Donald Senior, C.P. Carroll and Green's multi-author volume on the several meanings of Jesus' death in the New Testament and early Christianity could make for particularly fruitful Lenten reading. The diversity of perspectives and texts is a useful balance to our tempta- tion to speak of the death of Jesus only in terms with which we are most familiar and comfortable. Stan Saunders Cultural Geography: A Critical Introduction by Donald Mitchell Cultural geography is a new field of research that has roots in the disciplines of geography and cultural criticism. Most of us experience the world primarily through humanly constructed spaces and through the cultural lenses that teach us how to perceive and navigate the spaces and relationships that make up our lives. Mitchell's book takes a tour through the cultural landscapes of race, gender, politics, nationalism, and the media. Stimulating reading, especially for those interested in mission, interpreta- tion, and culture. Imperial Cults and the Apocalypse of John: Reading Revelation in the Ruins by Steven J. Friesen Recent studies of the Apocalypse have sought to locate the Seer within the context of first-century Roman imperial reality. Friesen's work explores the archaeological and literary data on the function and pervasive force of the cults that focused on worship of the emperor and his family. The nuanced images that result allow Friesen to develop a detailed picture of the way Revelation nurtured communities of resistance in high imperial times. Matthezv and the Margins: A Sociopolitical and Religious Reading by Warren Carter Matthew's Gospel has usually been read against the background of the emerging church's conflicts with Judaism in the first century. Carter's book argues that Matthew is more clearly a response to imperial ideology and the repressive economic, political, and social realities of life in the Roman Empire. This is a well-written, provoca- tive, fresh, and largely compelling commentary on the first Gospel. VANTAGE Students participate in class discussion during a Doctor of Ministry course, "Reading Biblical Narratives," taught by Kathleen O'Connor, professor of Old Testament. The course was one of six DMin. courses offered during the January term. Doctor of Ministry program offers diversity, variety Seasoned pastors and church profes- sionals finding their ministries in need of "new life" enroll in Columbia's Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program for many reasons. With a D.Min. student body characterized by denom- inational diversity, Columbia offers a variety of approaches to the degree and a flexible course of study. Students are also attracted by the faculty's personal commitment to the program and the seminary's mission of teaching for the church. Each January brings Doctor of Ministry students to campus for inten- sive and challenging study. In this year's January courses, some 100 stu- dents participated in elective courses designed to deepen insight and broad- en skills for church ministry. Offerings included "Reading Biblical Narrative," "A Faith on Fire!: Christian Theology and Missiology from a Non-Western Perspective," "Ministry to Business People: Bridging Theological Ethics and Economic Realities," "The Historical Jesus," and "Bridging Gospel and Culture." In addition, 15 students traveled to New York City for "The Church as a Community of Moral Discourse." Led by Marcia Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics, the course met at the Church Center for the United Nations. Beyond the courses taught during January term, Columbia offers semi- nars in each of its four D.Min. tracks throughout the year. The D.Min pro- gram in Church and Ministry explores the nature of the local congregation and the church's mission in the post- modem world. The introductory semi- nar meets four separate weeks during the fall, preparing participants to take a range of D.Min. elective courses during the winter and summer terms. Students examine and reflect upon their ministerial identity, prepare a personal assessment of their ministry, and envision new goals in ministry. The next Church and Ministry intro- ductory seminar begins in September. Through Columbia's Doctoi ol Ministry in C hristian Spirituality students Irani to guide congregations in their spiritual development i he first Christian Spirituality intxodui ry seminar met last November, led bj Catherine Gonzalez professoi emerite of church history Margil I mst in stiu, tor "t theolog) Bill I [arkins assistant profesSO! ol pastoral theology and care, m^\ Barbara Brow n l.i\ loi adjunct distinguished professoi ol Christian spirituality, rhe next intro- ductory seminar, taught by Gonzalez and Taylor, will meet November 10-21. The introductory seminal fa] pel and Culture meets on < olumbia campus Juno 16-27. Students and faculty involved with this program Strive to identify ways in which a now and more taithtul church might be created and how the people ol God might faithfully embody the gospel in today's North Amen, an culture. This year's seminar is led by Cam Murchison, dean ol Eat lllty and George Stroup, professor ol theolog} The Doctor of Ministry program in New Church 1 tevelopmenl is unique to Columbia and telle. I Columbia's commitment to the church as it seeks to establish new congrega- tions and minister in new areas. With an ecumenically and ethnically diverse group of pastors, the program pro- V ides strategies for organizing new churches while focusing on tin- spiritual gifts of those called to this ministry. Stan Wood, director of the Center for New Church Development, leads the next introductory seminal April 22-May 2. For those who find it dillu nil to leave home to further their education, Columbia continues to expand its satellite program tor advan. ed .Indies. Last fall Columbia offered c\n intro- ductory doctoral seminar in Jackson, Mississippi. Plans foi additional Bit! are underway. An introductory semi- nar will be held at hirst I'resK tei Lan Church of Summerville, South ( arolma, in September. For those in the Orlando area an introductory seminar is being planned fol spring 2004 at Altamont ngs Presb) terian Chun h I In- Oltice ot Advanced Studies also sponsors international travel seminars foi students and facultj In addition to the U.N. seminai. two othei opportunities are open to i olumbia Fa< ultj and students 1 1 ( fttherine and [uStO * .on/ale/, with i. ,,it\ from the i vangelii al Seminai] ol Matanzas, will offei a travel semi- n,u m ( aba \hn 12 24 I tve D.Miri students from * olumbia will Join five Cuban pastois to share experiences, visit plan's oi ministry, and explore the various cultural politic al and his toricaJ dimensions ol I uban sen b In |ut\ John Swintor and Stan Wood will lead ' travel Beminai to Scotland, exarnining the i ulturaJ Impad ol post modernism aiul its impli. ations toi mission and ministry [he seminar is limited to L5 participants and meets |ul\ I ' 'I Charles Raynal, directoi oi .nhanced studies. saw < olumhia's i >, toi ol Ministry degree la shared learning at its best Advanced decree students, active In sen Ice to the church, bring to the I >.Min program hands on experience In today's chal lenging mlnistr) em ironmen! [he opportunitj to [oln with colleagues In the pursuil oi exi ellence In ministerial leadership draws students from all parts ol the I S and around the world Applii ationa to the program are l.ing .i. i epted loi more information ,, hst (.1 up. mi. iinr, i cm'..",, oi AU application, call KM 687-5434, send an email i<> advani . .1 tudies CTSnet.edu, oi villi www ( rSnel edu Kim l.c Vert 03 Re-connecting the church with children's ministry A NEW CONFERENCE for ministry with children, co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Children's Homes and Related Ministries, Thornwell Home and School for Children, and Columbia's continuing education program, will be held March 28-29 at the seminary. Walter Brueggemann, professor of Old Testament, and John Westerhoff, theologian in residence at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Atlanta, will lead the event. Brueggemann and Westerhoff, who have each written on the church's task of conveying the faith to children, will speak about the important task of ministry with the youngest generation. Workshops addressing issues facing children, pri- marily at-risk children, will also be held during the conference. "We're looking for ways to help WINTER 2003 churches minister to at-risk children inside and outside their walls," said the Rev. Larry Owens, conference spokesman and Thomwell's resource development officer for Georgia. "The church's story is that children matter, and we need to live out that story. Central to the Gospel is the message that Christ comes to free even the least of these." Owens said the conference will focus on the theological implications of the issues facing at-risk children and faithful ways to address those issues. It will help churches shape their own ministries to children who are in unstable homes and to strength- en the importance of faith among all children and families. "Churches don't know how to deal with children who are in foster care," Owens said. "People don't know what to do with children who are bombard- ed with messages in our culture " Ron Cram, associate profess... i >l Christian education at Columbia and a i onference workshop leader, said it is important for churches to establish strong spiritual foundations with children. "A child's spiritual formation i foundational for a lifetime of parti, i pahon in the service of the church," he said. "To ignore the importance of the child's growth and life in the Christian faith is to place the future of the church itself in peril/' Cost is $75. For more information, contact Columbia's Office of Continuing Education at 404/687-4562 or write ConEd@CTSnet.edu. Andy Acton '05 Barbara Broum Taylor, adjunct distin \tedprofia80i of spirituality, teaches joint courses for the Continuing Edui ation and Certificate in Spirituality programs. She will lead "Every Day Sin raments," February 16-21, and "Embodied I loline September 21-26. For more information or to register, call 404/687-4587 or write sptyprog CTSnet.edu. > Lay leaders prepared for NCDs Columbia's pilgrims to the TavzA ( ommuniiy int luded Barbara Bishop oj fa ksomnlle ,;,, /,, / iorida,Rose 1 ee Smith oj Philadelphia, and Mii hael Vinson of Conway, Arkansas Vhenexi trip to Taiz6 is scheduled for April 6-12. Spirituality Program visits the Taize Community 1 1 H-. u \ni \ii< .1 \Rt Columbia's Spirituality Program is twice being w rlcomed by the brothers ol the Taiz Communi(\ m I ranee. Begun by Brother Roger and a few Christian tnends in 1945, the Taize Community is made up of more than 100 brothers, both Catholic and Protestant, from more than 2^ nations. The brothers do not accept gifts or donations for themselves but instead give whatever they receive to the ] >< k >1 They engage in a mmistt\ of hospitali- ty, welcoming Christians and church leaders from all over the world into their community. They have welcomed Pope John Paul II, three Archbishops of Canterbury, Orthodox metropolitans, 14 Lutheran bishops ol Sweden, and countless pastors from all over the world. The community exists as a concrete sign of reconciliation among Christians divided by denomination and tradition. This past fall, a group from Columbia's Spirituality Program was among those who visited Taize. Pastors and leaders, including Columbia alumni/ae and pilgrims working toward the Certificate in Spiritual Formation, undertook a study of reconciliation. We worshipped three times a day in the Church of Reconciliation with the Tai/c brothers and 2,000 young adults from 5 C countries. Together, we joined in a "Pentecost-like" Bible study, each finding ways to translate our thoughts into the others' lan- guages We shared simple meals and ( .immunity chores and began to see the li\ ing C hrist in those who had once seemed strangers ^c\ aliens. The Bodj of( hrist was knit together with respect and love across racial, national, and ethnic lines. In the midst ol impending war, we prayed and held rich and often tense conversations with German, Belgian, and Korean Christians who live on once blood- soaked ground. They shared stories of the terrors of war, and we discussed together how God is calling today's I hnstians to respond and lead. The Spirituality Program will lead a second group to Tai/e, April r-12. 1 his group will be inter-generational and will include current seminarians, Columbia alumni/ae, and pilgrims from the Certificate in Spiritual I . ii mation. Our final Sunday at Taize will be Palm Sunday, a powerful beginning to the holiest of weeks. ]ulie Johnson (DMin. '98), Director, Spirituality Program T hi C BNTEF FOR New Church Development (NCD) at Columbia is sponsoring a Lay Leader Training Program for Portuguese and Spanish i king new church leaders for Greater Atlanta, Cherokee, and Northeast Georgia presbyteries. The Center for NCD, along with San Francisco Theological Seminary's Southern California branch, is also sponsoring a similar course for Spanish and English speaking lay leaders for four presby- teries in southern California. The pro- grams are funded through a partner- ship with the Evangelism and Church I )e\ elopment Program Area of the National Ministries Division of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Presbyterian Outreach Foundation. The Lay Leader Training Program focuses on preparing Commissioned Lay Pastors for the missionary task of leadership in Hispanic and Portuguese new church developments. A Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) is an ordained Presbyterian elder who, with presbytery authorization, serves in a pastoral role in a congregation. First recognized by the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1985, CLPs are eligi- ble to lead worship, preach, administer sacraments, provide pastoral care, perform weddings, and have a voice in presbytery meetings. With a rapidly growing Hispanic population in the U.S. and the large Brazilian- American population in metro- Atlanta, there is an increasing need for new church developments to serve those communities. Columbia's Center for New Church Development pro- vides these training programs to pre- pare lay people, many of whom will become CLPs and ordained elders, for leadership in their newly organizing congregations. Offered over a period of 10 months, each training program consists of 10 courses involving both classroom time and fieldwork in the lay person's ministry context. Students take week- end courses in Old and New Testament, Reformed theology, Presbyterian polity, sacraments, missiology, and new church development. The program offers courses on Columbia's campus and in southern California. Columbia currently has four programs in progress, one in Portuguese, two in Spanish, and one in English. The Portuguese session began in July of last year with gradua- tion to be held in June, while the Spanish sessions began last fall and this winter. The English session began last fall with graduation this spring. Q Andy Acton '05 Participants in the Portuguese portion of the Center for New Church Development s lay Inula Training Program, pictured on campus during one of their fall courses, will graduate in June. Columbia also offers the program in Spanish and English for lay leader- from Atlanta. Cherokee, and Northeast Georgia presbyteries. Potential NCD pastor conferences build ministry A RICH DIVERSITY of participants recent- ly attended two conferences for poten- tial new church development pastors, co-sponsored by the Center for New Church Development (NCD) at Columbia and the National Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The conferences aim to identi- fy and prepare potential pastors for newly organizing churches. Thirty participants attended the seventh annual conference at Columbia last October, and 31 attended the first potential NCD pastor's conference on the West Coast, held in Los Angeles last May. The conferences reflected the growing racial diversity of the PC(USA), with Hispanic, Korean, Ghanaian, Pakistani, Lebanese, and Armenian participants, among others. During the conference at Columbia, participants learned about new church development issues and gained hands- on experience through multiple case studies. Three Columbia professors also addressed participants. Walter Brueggemann spoke on "Truth-Telling and Hope-Telling"; Rodger Nishioka spoke on "NCD and Generational Theory"; and Stan Wood spoke on "Faith Sharing with the Unchurched How to Introduce Someone to Christ." In 2003 the Center for New Church Development will again be hosting conferences in Los Angeles, March 10-16, and at Columbia, October 18-24. For more information, contact the Center for New Church Development at 404/687-4585, write NCD@CTSnet.edu, or see www.CTSnet.edu. Andy Acton '05 VANTAGE S 3 Project to begin this year The S 1 project, a joint endeavor of Columbia's continuing education and spirituality programs focused on sus- taining pastoral excellence, is accept- ing applications for the first orientation retreat, to be held August 11-15 on campus. The project invites applica- tions from pastors of all churches and denominations, both Columbia alum- ni/ae and those who have never attended a program of the seminary. "Pastors will be able to participate in a project that will not only help them in their own ministries, but will give them an opportunity to share ideas with others practicing ministry, as well," says Dent Davis (D.Min.'89), Columbia's director of continuing education and S 1 project director. S 5 , which is named for the three components identified as being key to effective ministry Sabbath, study, and service is being funded by a $1.3 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. The S' project will bring together six to eight groups of pastors each year over the next five years. Groups, known as learning cohorts, will consist of four to eight pastors. By the end of the project more than 200 pastors .ire expected to h participated in S . Da\ is sa} S the cohort^ will develop their own learn- ing projects through a written proposal process that will be reviewed by Columbia's Grant Advisory Committee. Upon approval, cohorts will receive approximately $1,000 per person per year to fund their project's work. "The project develops support groups, fosters skills and ideas for ministry, and offers opportunity for the development of creative approach- es for learning," Davis says. "We're excited about being involved in the project and we're looking forward to working with pastors." Columbia's role in the project will be to provide resources, coaching, structure, and other support, including the imple- mentation, documentation, and evalu- ation of individual cohort projects and S' as a whole. For more information, contact Columbia's Office of Continuing Education at 404/687-4562, ConEd@CTSnet.edu, or \ isit www.CTSnet.edu Andu A< ton '05 Continuing Education brings technology services to pastors Columbia's Office of Continuing Education will host a workshop February 25-26 on Logos Bible Software. The workshop will be the first of several technology-related programs to be offered at Columbia this year for pastors, teachers, and students. "Technology offers a resource for pastors that can strengthen many aspects of their ministry. Our goal is to try and make those resources available to more pastors through training and educational programs," says Dent Davis, director of continuing education. Logos is a software system that integrates the study of scripture in original languages with numerous dictionaries, lexicons, commentaries, and secondary sources. The Logos Bible Software workshop will provide At a seminar on the ethh s o) promise-keeping in the work plat e. students respond to Columbia professor Mart Douglasand Ebb Oakley of i State University The seminar on campus m Octobei was co sponsored by the lay Institute oj Faith <"/,/ / \te and the Southern Institute tor Business ami Professional I thu s. training in the use and applications of the software for preaching, teaching, and Bible study. Software such as Logos can be of tremendous help to pastors in the congregation. As Davis explains, "A pastor can look up a Greek text, compare it to a dozen English transla- tions, and then link it to commentaries, lexicons, and other resources. All of that information can then be used to prepare for sermons, Bible studies and personal study." The cost of the workshop is $189. For more information, visit the Logos website at www.logos.com, call 404/687-4562, or write ConEd@CTSnet.edu. Andy Acton '05 Seminars focus on ethics Strov , ,\ 1 1 1 NDAN< i ai two free evening ethics seminars offered by Columbia this fall has prompted the seminary to continue offering thi free forums lor conversation I he first seminar, co-hosted by the Lay Institute of Faith and Life and the Southern Institute for Business and Professional Ethics, focused on ethical issues in the workplace I he second seminar explored me issue ol "jus! war theory" and its role in determining faithful action in the face of impending war. The seminars drew parti< ipantS from the seminary community and the Decatur area, people looking fol an opportunity to wrestle with the difficult questions of everyday life. "The big turnout for our seminar on ethical issues in the workplace suggests that people want to learn how to think ethically about tods challenging issues," says Linda Morningstar (MAIS '98), associate director of the lav Institute. The first s.-minar discussed tin challenges of promise-keeping in the workplace. "Understanding various forms of promises can ^e coherent e to how we think about making .nil keeping promises in flu- business setting," says Mark Douglas, assistanl professoi ol I hristian ethi( s I he seminai Ln< Luded a i ase stud) devel oped l>\ I N> Oaklev. asso. late profe sor oi legaJ Btudies In I ieorgia State Universitj a ( ollege ol Business, rhe stud) raised questions about the impoi t.ii" eoi pn >ml id and the v alues we affirm when we de ide we need to break a promise In I tecember, the I a) Institute hoi ted a ie ond leminai <"\ "jusl wai theory " i he seminai pro Ided p. mi. i pants with .i histoi) <>i jusl wai theory and .i dis< ussion <>i tl'" i onditions mi ,i so-called jus! wax both In its dr. laration and in Its i ondut t. ( )i parti. 1 1 1. 1 r interest was the question ol ''legitimate authorirj " who has the rirfii i.i de< lare waj and how does ", h.nn ol oinm.ind" work, both in the condui t "i wai and w Ith regard to responsibility for ending war? i he Laj Institute pi.nr. i< offer ,u leasl one mon free evening Beminaj in the spring eithei In the area <>i business ethus or m faithful responses to currenl events. i ,,i more Information, i all 404/687-4577, fax 404/687-4591, fm.nl i aylnstituteW rSm I edu, or visit Columbia's website ai www.CTSnet.edu. [ I Lilly grant study gives NCD insights Results of a Lilly-funded study of new church development (NCD) in mainstream Protestant denominations were released in 2002, with additional findings expected later this year. The study uses surveys and focus groups to determine the key characteristics of new church pastors able to develop new missional congregations. "The results showed that effective church developers are those willing to take risks and tenaciously pursue missional goals," says Stan Wood, Columbia's director of the Center for WINTER 2003 New Church Development. "'Church planters' tend to be innovative leaders who clearly communicate their vision, delegate tasks, and recruit good assistants The project investigated effective new church developments organized between 1980 and 2000 in several mainline denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (USA). For the initial identification of new church pastors for in-depth study, those NCD pastors who gave effective leadership in attracting and assimilating formerly unchurched people into active chin, h membership were targeted. Based on this focus group, which included a number of racuM-thnu new church development the tudy produced a profile of leadership traits common to effective new church pastors. The results showed that the most common traits of an effn tive NCD pastor are the ability to be a catalytic innovator, to communicate a vision to their congregations, and to be vibrant and disciplined in their own devotion- al life. The study also indicated thai in the later Btages of a church's develop- ment effe< tive leaders are those with the ability to change leadership styles, to delegate respon libility and to understand the i hanging dynami< i of their congregation! ai kheyincrease in si/' 1 The Stud) I omes at an opportune moment, a mainline denominatio periencme n ONE: The Face Is Familiar REMEMBERING UNNAMED Womfn in mi S< ki mures Leader: Louise, Mary, or Sue Ellen Westfall. Cost: $50. August 4-8 Presbyterian Women's Broi e Study, Session Two: The Face Is Familiar - Ri mi miu king Unnamed Womi n in THE Scriptures Leader: Rebecca Parker. Cost: $50. August 4-8 Summer Lay Sc hoi ARS: Faith and Bi aimy: Art, Architecture, Music, and POBTR\ in ihi Life of FAITH Leaders: TBA. Cost: $350 (includes room and board; $200, tuition onl\ I August 8-9 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S BlBLi mi i , Wi i kind One: The Face Is Familiar Remembering Unnamed Women in rra scriptures Leader: Linda Morningstar. Meets Friday evening/Saturday. Cost: $35. August 22-23 Presbyterian Women's Bible Study, Weekend Two: The Fac i Is Familiar Ri mi mm kinc Unnami d WOMEN in ihi Si kimures Leader: Linda Morningstar. Meets Friday evening/Saturday. Cost: $35. Advanced Studies and New Church Development calendars April 22-May 2 Ni w Church DbvelOPMI m Introductory Seminar Leader: Stan Wood. May 12-24 Tin WITNESS of the Church in Cuba Today Alternative Context Travel Seminar to Matanzas Seminary. I eaders: Catherine and Justo Gonzalez. June 16-27 Summer Session #1 1. Gospei and CULTURE Introductory Seminar Leaders: Cam Murchison and George Stroup. 2. God's Chosen Peopli Ltvtng as Aliens and Exiles Leader: William Pender. 3. Celtic CHRisnANm Leader: Laura Sugg. 4. Religious Edu< ktion and the Morai I ivesoi Children Leader: Ron Cram. 5. Li mm Ksiiir. I i \k\iv, \ND MINISTRY i\ mi TWENTY-FIRSl CENTURY Leader Dent Davis. 6. Project Design WORKSHOP Leader: David Forney Qune 16-20). June 30-July 11 Summer Session #2 1. Proiiii i- \s PRI \uiers Leader: Richard Blake. 2. Ethics for Em mii S F< >RGI\ in ess and Repentance in the Church and in Society Leaders: Donald W. and Peggy L. Shriver. 3. The Role, Risks, and Rewards ol RHETORIC in Confessional Pre.v i iiv Leader: Steve Ramp. 4. Prophetic MYSTICISM Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor 5. Frontiers in Mission StraTEQ (NCD second required course) Leader: Stan Wood. 6. Project Design Workshop Leader: David Forney (July 7-11). July 12-21 Transforming Mission: Di\ i d>i'ing a Practh VI THBOLOGYOl Mission for a Postmodern Age: Travel Seminar Study new church develop- ments in Scotland. Leaders: John Swinton and Stan Wood. July 21-August 1 A Change of Heart: The Phenomenon OP Conversion Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. Original church for the Taize Community, France. See the article on page 6 for the Spirituality Program's connection. Continuing Education calendar February 16-19 Everyday 'Sacraments' Participants will explore incamational theology as a guide to encountering God in everyday objects and actions. Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. Cost: $195. February 25-26 Logos Research Systems Software Training See article on page 7. Leaders: Morris and Cindy Proctor. Cost: $189. March 16-20 Contemplative Retreat for Women Annual retreat at the Benedictine Spirituality and Conference Center at the Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, AL. Leader: Roberta Martin. Cost: $225 (retreat, room, and board). March 18-19 Celtic Christianity A seminar exploring the beliefs, practices, and history of Celtic Christianity, and its applications for ministry in the twenty- first century congregation. Leader: Laura Sugg. Cost: $130. March 20 GRACEFU1 LIVING Faith, Money, AND Stewardship A seminar exploring the understanding and practice of stewardship in today's world. Leader: Laura Dunham. Cost: $75. March 28-29 The Church and Children at Work: What Can We Do? See article on page 5. April 27-May 2 Contemplative Retreat for Men Annual retreat at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. Leader: David Guthrie. Cost: $240 (retreat, room, and board). May 12-16 Guthrie Scholars Columbia Class of 1991. September 21-24 Embodied Spirituality Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. October 7-9 Technology, Learning, and Ministry October 14-26 Columbia Travels: The Cities of the New Testament (Turkey and Greece) A travel /learning experience designed for individuals who want to visit historic sites of significance for the church and learn about different cultures with a congenial group. Leaders: Charlie Cousar, Dent Davis, Neely Young. Cost: $3,925, double occupancy. November 4-6 Administration, Management, and Ministry November 10-14 Guthrie Scholars November 11-12 Older Adult Ministry Leader: Miriam Dunson. VANTAGE Spirituality calendar Certificate in Spiritual Formation calendar January 30-Feb 3 IMMERSION WEEKEND Introductory Course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Participants will engage in personal reflection, commu- nity sharing, and enjoy lectures from one of the foremost scholars in Christian spirituality. Leaders: John Kloepfer and Liz Forney. Cost: $300 February 16-21 Everyday "Sacraments" This course will focus on learning to discern God's everyday graces and see "sacramental possibilities" in ever) thing. Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. Cost: $300. March 9-14 Introduction to Spiritual Guidance This course will oft i beginning look, at the discipline of Christian companioning or being a soul friend. Participants will learn how spiritual direction differs from pastoral counseling and psychotherapy. Leader: Joan Gray. Cost: $300. March 30- April 4 The Enneagram in Personal Growth and Relationship Explore the depths of personalities that affect our relationships. Ministers, psy- chologists, pastoral caregivers, and others are invited. Leader: Linda Robinson Cost: $300. Almont, MI. April 6-12 Reconciliation: Justice and Peace through Worship and Conversation Participants will live, study, and worship with the Taize Community in Taize, France. Readings, conversations, and prayers will follow Taize's emphasis on the struggle and authenticity of Christian reconciliation. Preference given to pastors, educators, seminarians, and elders under 30 years of age. Leader: Julie Johnson. Cost: TBA. May 11-16 Immersion Week Introductory course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Participants will engage in personal reflection, community sharing, and enjoy lectures from Columbia's faculty. Leaders: Columbia faculty and Julie Johnson. Cost: $400. June 19-22 Celtic Spirituality This course will explore the origins of Celtic Christianity, the writings of the early saints, and folk customs and their applica- tion for contemporary believers. Leader: Laura Sugg. Cost: $225. Calvin Camp and Conference Center, Hampton, GA. July 13-18 Healing and Wholeness in the Christian Life From miracles in the Bible to a balanced life in Christ, this course will explore many aspects of the dynamic relationship between faith and wellness. Leader: Tom McCutchen. Cost: $300. September 21-26 Embodied Holiness Participants will explore some of the ways that contemporary Christians are bringing spirituality down to earth. Leader: Barbara Brown Taylor. Cost: $300. October 12-17 Immersion Week Introductory course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Participants will engage in personal reflection, community sharing, and enjoy lectures from Columbia's faculty. Leaders: Columbia faculty and Julie Johnson. Cost: $400. October 30-November 2 Seeking Light While Sitting in the Dark: Faith and Film Discover how film as a medium connects the great themes of the Bible and theology to the stories unfolding on the screen. Leader: Ed McNulty. Cost: $225. Held at Montreat Camp and Conference Center, NC. November 6-9 Immersion Weekend Introductory course for the Certificate in Spiritual Formation. Participants will engage in personal reflection, community sharing, and enjoy lectures. Leader: Julie Johnson. Cost: $300. Held in Santa Barbara, CA. November 10-14 Prayer in Many Forms Participants will explore verbal, mental, Ignatian, and contemplative prayer and may also include use of body prayer, music, and art in the practice of prayer. Leader: Greta Reed. Cost: $300. Held at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. The Columbia I riendship i m \e f< I O will hold />< annual Come See i olumbia Day on April 3 on the seminary's campus Rodgei NisWofcfl associate professo] ofi hristian education mil lead worship, and students supported by < ' ( scholarships will speak to the ^roujc After the luncheon that fbllOWS, lour- o) the CttmpUS and Visits to da will be offered Hs i/r.ir's ( /< officer* pictured with President Laura Mendenhall are (I tor) Mary I pans oj Stone Mountain I \eorgia, president; Joyi e I Iibbens o) Meridian, Mississippi, vice president; and Rita i ang >/ Greenville, South I arolina, secretary "/./ historian. For more information " to uikc reservations, call the seminary at 404/687-4566. ^ Colloquium '03 continued from page l For more information on these and additional events, call 404/378-8821 or visit www.CTSnet.edu. April 21, with two theme presentations, Newsom's "Job and the Demands I il Tragic Faith" and Martyn's "World Without End, Amen?" A panel disc us sion with the six theme presenters will follow, including an opportunity for those in attendance to participate. Monday evening will feature a picnic dinner on the ( Jldenhurg (Quadrangle followed by a worship service led by Brueggemann and Cousar, with Brueggemann preaching on "'Until "... Endlessly Enacted, Now Urgent." On Tuesday morning, Keck will speak on "What if Paul Was Right?" and Miller on "Whom Do You Trust ' The First Commandment as I'olitu al Axiom," again follow. -J b\ a panel discussion. At 12:30, the annual alum- ni/ae luncheon will include the pre- sentation of the Distinguished Service Award to two Columbia alums and recognition of this year's reunion classes: 2002, 1998, 1993, 1988, 1983, 1978, 1973, 1968,1963, 1958, 1953, and earliei I ..I lowing the luncheon, partici- pants will choose from a selection of workshops being offered by members of Columbia's faculty. The 75-minute workshops will be offered in two blocks, the first beginning at 2:15 and the second at 3:45 Two of the work- shops will be offered only once: "The Mission of the Church in a Changing ( Ilobal Order: The Campbell Scholar- Reflect," presented by the Campbell Scholars at 2:15, and "Prophi Imagination in Ministry," presented |, N ( Inn V < amphell aiul I- athleen O'Connor at 3:45. The other four workshops will !" offered 'ini ing both Besi lona "At the Crossroads The Ways of Wisdom In a Changing ( Hobal i 'i.ier," presented by Mark Douglas and I hristine Roy Voder; "Building the i emulations ( reative and Effective Ways to Teach the Bible to Adults," with Dent Davis, Rodger Nishioka, and Rand) fyndallj 'nit. ring, Apocalyptu , ami Violence," | ri | In < arlos anlo/a ( hlaiuli and SI, in Saunders, and I he I hsonented Church" with Shirley Guthrie and Beth [ohnsort After the workshops, partu IpantB are invited to the newly renovated Presidents' Home fol B l eption with r,,> hlcnl I aura Mendenhall hie d.i evening will be free for dinner and fellowship in the I to atui area On Wednesday morning, Stulman will presenl "Is rhere I ife Afta Wre kage? ( onflii ting Paths to Hope in leremiah," an. I < .avrnla will I lose the series with "Turning the World Upside Down': A Reflei don on the ,,i the \postles " Alter the panel dig , ii , ,i..n that follows, Cousar and Brueggemann will respond to the pre- ,,,.! givei oni luding remarks. All alums, clergy, laity, an.l Inends of the seminary an n. nu raged to attend this special event .is we honoi two of our cherished faculty members To registei or for more information, contact Barbara Poe at 404/687-4566 or PoeB@CTSnet.edu, and visit our website at www.CTSnet.edu. Robert Williamson, Jr. '01 WINTER 2003 For the Record ^^^ec^^^ mail it to the editor, or youjttayemajHHoJ^ 1950s William Lee '55 is interim of Lafayette church, Tallahassee, I I 1960s William Hyers '65 has retired as intej im of the Weaver church, I lizabeth, IN. ....Asa Meadows '67 retired from the Palms church, Jacksonville Beach I I ....Marty Harkey '63 is parish asso< iate for senior ministries at Central chur. h Anderson, SC Clayton Little '60 is interim at First church, Parsons, KS. 1970s Elaine McRobbie '79 is interim at Argentine Church, Kansas ( ltv, KS. ...David Turner '75 received a promo tion to lieutenant colonel in the US Ul I orce Reserves .Buddy Bach '74 is pastor of First and Beaver Cm -k churches, Kershaw, SC. 1980s Rhett Talbert '87, pastorol Pasadena church, is chaplain lor the St. Petersburg, FL, Fire and Rescue ....Garland Hart '82 is pastor ol the Summerton, SC , church Elwyn Bryant '80 is stated suppl) ol ( aledonia and Spring Place chun hes, Knoxville, TN Randall Clayton (I >Min f 84) is pastor of West church, Wilmington, DE Paul Henschen '86 is interim at First church, Abbc\ ille, LA Katie Thoresen '84 is interim associate ol Kirk in the Hills, Bloomheld 1 lillS/ Ml, and Michigan coordinator for the Synod Resource learn on Spiritual Formation Shuford White '86 is pastorol the Pace, I I , church. 1990s Dennis Reid '99 is pastor of Whitfield Estates church, Sarasota, II Lance Mullins '99 was installed as pastor of Howard County Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), Columbia, MD. Karla Fleshman '99, pastor of Imago Dei MCC, Media, PA, preached at his ordination Greg McMinn '93 com- pleted the DMin degree- at Dubuque Theological Seminary and is pastor of Pilgrimage church, Lilburn, GA. ...David Bonds '99 is interim of Advent church, Cordova, TN Laura Aull Johnston '90 is interim of the Philo, IL, church Chuck Vorderberg '96 is stated supply at Zion church, Helvetia, WV, and at the Pickens, WV, church Jim Cook '97 is minister of St. Andrew's Parish church, Turiff, Scotland Ann Pittman '93 is pastor of First church, Sullivan, MO 1 ully Hunter '90 is pastor of Grace church, Panama City, FL Ben Trawick '93 is pastor of the North Wilkesboro, NC, church. 2000s Suzan Hawkinson (DMin 01) is pastor of the Wallingford, PA, church. Annette Rogers '00 is interim asso. j ate pastor of the Easley,SC, church. ...Ed Searcy (DMin '1)2) has published "A People, a Name, a Praise, and a Glory': False and True I .nth in feremiah" in Word and World, fall '02. Elizabeth Lewis '01 is chaplain at Shenandoah Valley Wc-stm.nster- ( .mtcrbury, a continuous care retire- , m ,,i community in Winchester, VA. Joan Martin (Quinn) '00 and Philip Kleuskens were married in November at First church, Bon it' Springs, 11 v where she is associate pastor Diane Freelander '01 is pastor at Church in the Pines, Laurel Hill, NC Robert Griffin (DMin 01) is interim at Hemphill Memorial church, Stockbridge, GA John Frye (DMin '01) is pastor of the South Aiken, SC, church. Faculty and Staff Biblical area Walter Brueggemann, professor of ( )ld testament, delivered the Enniss Lectures at Central church, Atlanta; preached and taught at the Derry church, I lershey, PA, and preached at me "Faith ^ the City" convocation at Emory University. He presented a paper at the Society of Biblical I iterature (SBL) annual meeting in [bronto. 1 lis Theology of the Old testament and Genesis were translated into Italian, and Hope for the World was translated into Spanish. Brueggemann also published articles in Sojourners, Mercer law Review, Interpretation, Word Torn Currie (DMin '85) is holding a Boer female, which will soon be placed in a Heifer International project in Harlan County, Kentucky, in the heart of Appalachta. Over the past 14 years, Currie has raised and donated some 100 $oats for Heifer This ministry began in his pastorate in Union, South Carolina, and now continues in Letcher County, Kentucky, where he is pastor of the Isom and Doermann Memorial Presbyterian Churches. Each year he donates five to eight goats to Heifer. He has placed goats in Kentucky, the Carolinas, and West Virginia. He also promotes the Heifer hunger ministry by speaking to church and civic groups and has afloat a pickup truck full of goats and children in the Fourth of July Parade at Montreat, North Carolina, each year Heifer International is a faith-based hunger ministry working with the rural poor in the U.S. and some 50 other coun- tries. Congregations and members of the byterian Church (USA) provide the second largest base of financial support of any U.S. denomination for this hunger ministry. BIRTHS lo I ibby '89 and Joe Smith-Purcell, a daughter, Elizabeth Grace, Oct. 22, 2002. To Lisa T. '92 and Ron '93 Nelson, a daughter, Audra, Dec. 12, 2002. To Jenn (MATS '02) and Marc Wilson, ., son. loshua Lee, Oct. 22, 2002. [o Kally '03 and Bryce Elliott, a son, Rylan Bryce, Dec. 2, 2002. DEATI IS Dr. David Steel, former visiting professor, Nov. 11, 2002, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mary Boney Sheats, former Board member, Oct. 29, 2002. Wilbur Parvin '48, June 21, 2002. Frederick Woodward '49, May 3, 2002. Ray Stover '62, Jan. 1, 2002. Walter Coddington '68, July 27, 2002. Lathe Collins '00, Jan. 8, 2003. and World, Living Pulpit, and A Sliadow of Glory Beth Johnson, professor of New Testament, led a retreat for Presbyterian Women at the Morrow, GA, church. She published '"Who Is My Mother?': Family Values in the Gospel of Mark" in Blessed One: Protestant Perspectives on Mary Kathleen O'Connor, professor of Old Testament, spoke at Central church, Atlanta, published an article on Jeremiah in Word and World and on Lamentations in The Living Pulpit. She presented "Jeremiah and the Formation of the Moral Character of the Community" at the SBL meeting. Historical Doctrinal area Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, associate professor of world Christianity, participated with Marcia Riggs, associate professor of Christian ethics, in the Black and Hispanic /Latino Dialogue sponsored by the Association of Theological Schools. He was fea- tured in the cover article, "The Real Face of Jesus," in the December issue of Popular Mechanics and participated in a panel discussion on the radio pro- gram, "Off the Record." His chapter, "Theology at the Shoreline. Spacial Location for Tides and Cross-Currents in Hispanic/ Caribbean Theology and Mission," was printed in Moving Forms ofVieology: Faith Talks Changing Contexts George Stroup, professor of theology, taught church school classes at the Decatur, GA, church and a workshop at the Southeast region meeting of the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators in Charleston, SC. He preached at the installation of Jan Warren-Taylor '02 at Smyrna church, Conyers, GA, and at the ordination and installation of Sung H. Lee '02 at Pleasant Hill church, Statham, GA. Stroup lectured and preached at the Riverchase church, Birmingham, AL, and the Altavista church, Altavista, VA. Practical Theology area Chuck Campbell, associate professor of homiletics, preached at the annual Festival of Preaching held at the Presbyterian and Central Baptist churches in Newnan, GA, taught church school classes at First Christian Church, Atlanta, and preached at Central church, Atlanta Ron Cram, associate professor of Christian education, published "Beyond Tolerance: Radical Dialogue in an Era of Expanding Religion" in Mcmperlengkapi lagi Pelayanan dan Pertumbuhan, published in Jakarta, Indonesia. His four book reviews appeared in Religious Education, fall '02. ...Phil Gehman '68, dean of students and vice president for student life, provided leadership for "Discerning God's Call Together" training for Committees on Preparation for Ministry at Union-PSCE and attended a workshop for theological educators at the Center for Prevention of Sexual - and Domestic Violence in Seattle Bill Harkins, associate professor of pastoral theology and care, was ordained at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Continued on page U Vantage Volume 94, No. 3, Winter 2003 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary Circulation: 27,000 The Office of Development and Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Director of Publications and Publicity Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 VANTAGE For the Record continued from page 10 Atlanta Laura Mendenhall, presi- dent, attended a Committee on Theological Education meeting in Richmond and the Association of Theological Schools meeting in Santa Fe. She spoke at St. Luke's church, Dunwoody, GA, a Presbytery of East Tennessee meeting, the Committee on Ministry at the Johnson C. Smith cam- pus, and the Conyers, GA, church. She preached at First church, Greensboro, NC, the Mt. Pleasant, SC, church, Shallowford church, Atlanta, was speaker and preacher for the William Oliver Campbell Preacher series, Edgeworth, PA, and at Northwoods church, Houston, TX Sharon Mook, assistant professor of pastoral theolo- gy and care, participated in the Supervising Pastoral Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists certificate program at Louisville Seminary Cameron Murchison, dean of faculty, executive vice presi- dent, and professor of ministry, preached and spoke at First churches, Greenville, MS, and Gainesville, GA. He led an officers' training event at Central church, Atlanta, and partici- pated in the officers' retreat for the Southwest Cluster of Churches for Presbytery of Greater Atlanta ..Rodger Nishioka, associate prol sor of Christian education, led a youth mimstn \\ orkshop for Detroit Presbytery and a young adult ministry workshop for the South Atlantic Regional Gathering of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators meeting in Charleston. He taught for the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, lectured and preached at St. Mark church, Rockville, MD, and preached at the Allen Park, Ml, church, Druid Hills church, Atlanta, the Dahlonega, GA, church, and Southminster church, Milwaukee, WI Brian Wren, professor of wor- ship/ lectured and preached at First Congregational Church, Madison, WI, and First church, Milledgeville, GA, and led worship and preached at First church, Lexington, KY; he designed and provided leadership for the wor- ship service for a stated meeting of the Presbytery of Transylvania; led morn- ing prayer and was accepted into membership at the North American Academy of Liturgy, Indianapolis He completed a commissioned hymn for the Wellshire church, Denver. Directors From the Bookstore No. of copies Retail price New Titles by Columbia Faculty: The Word Before the Powers: An Ethic of Preaching $23.00 by Charles L. Campbell Columbia price $19.55 Deuteronomy by William P. Brown, ed. (includes chapters by Walter Brueggemann and Marcia Y. Riggs) Blessed One: Protestant Perspectives on Mary by Beverly Gaventa and Cynthia Rigby, eds. (includes a chapter by E. Elizabeth Johnson) ^Prices subject to change as determined by publishers. Total amount for books Shipping and handling: orders under $20.00, add $4.50; from $20.00 to $49.99, add $6.00; $50.00 and over, add $7.50. Add $1.00 for residential deliveries. 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 # $34.00 $28.90 $20.00 $17.00 Exp. date Name (as it appears on card) Street address for UPS delivery: Qtv State Please send this completed order form to: CTS Bookstore, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031; fax 404-687-4658; email: Bookstore@CTSnet.edu Zip. Phone. Ann Clay Adams. dire< tOl <>i admis sions, spoke at 1 irsl church Calhoun GA, on "Denominational Similarities and Differences. " Shi- \\ as appointed to the Fund tor [heologica] i ducations' Presbyterian lask 1 orce tor Congregational-based Recruitment and provided leadership i>" work Shops at the Celebrate! Ecumenical Student Conference in Ubuquerque ....Ernestine Cole, associate dean "i Students, attended meetings Oi tin- Advisory Committee on Women's Concerns ol khePi SA)ir Boston and in I OUis\ ille and attended the I eadership ream meeting ot the Presbyterian Health Netwoik in Louisville. She preai hed al Southwest Westhills, A"d I Hillside chun hes, Atlanta Dent Davis (DMin '89), directoi ot continuing education preached at First Junvh, Pontoti MS, and spoke at meetings <>i e harlotte, Cherokee, Sa\ annah, I linl River, Tampa Bay, Northeast Georgia, and St. Augustine presb\ teries. I le also spoke at the meeting oi the ( )ldei Adult Mimstr\ I ommittee of Greater Atlanta Presbytery. He presented "Fnlargmg the Classroom A l B < Study of the Role of the Religious Educator" at the annual meeting ol the \ v..). uition ot Professors and Researchers in Religious 1 d unt ion, led a workshop on "Addressing Spiritual Issues oi Adult I. earners," and presented "Organizational Literacy: Making Adult l.earnu More Effective in Institutional Settings" at the annual conferem < of the American Assch iation oi Adult and Continuing Education and the Commission ot Professors in Adult Education. He has been named adjunct assistant professor of educ.itmii.il psychology at the Universitj ol Tennessee John Knapp (MATS '95), president of The Southern Institute for Business and Professional I thii published articles on business el In. in Atlanta Business I hronu le and Competitive Edge. I le spoke at the ( orporate ( ommunii ation < onlorcn. e University of Notre Dame, and at the Trident Southeastern Conferem eol Community Bank ( RK in Kaleigh, NC. - ....Stan Wood, directoi ol the< entei for New Church Development (N( I m taught and trained mentors at the Lay Leadership Training Program in California. He was keynote speaker and preacher at Southminster church, Marietta, GA, at the national leader- ship meeting of Missouri Synod Lutheran Church in Louisiana, and at the NCD Church Multiplication Forum in Colorado Springs Emeritus faculty Shirley Guthrie taught at Presbyterian seminaries in San Paulo, Londrina, and Fortaleza, Brazil; spoke at the Covenant Network Conference in Minneapolis; taught church school classes at First and Trinity churches, Atlanta, and at the Decatur, GA, church. He preached and spoke at the Advent series at First church, Tulsa, OK. D ( | i )rymon left and Ryan Johnson oined the Offio oj I development and Seminary Relations Drymon who came from I mory University when she was exe\ utive dim '>" oj the / mory Annual ' ""./ /s dim toi oj advancement operations, Johnson, who was manage! oj membership gifts al \he Baltimore Symphony, is directoi oj prospeci research and information systems Gift annuities: gifts that pay! Willi I MAKlNCi ANY gill I" I nliimhi.i Seminary brings the satisfai tion >>i supporting an institution ! value) some gitts bring the added i .>ii"' oi pro\ IdJng in< ome ba< I i" the donor for lu oi her lifetime. One such gift ,., the i heritable gifl annuity; whi< h provides an attra< live in< ome thai laranteed foi life Pari "i thai m, ome w ill be tax ^> i> - and an additional ini omi ta> dedui tion is pos iible as well While thai maj sound too good to be true, 11 is nol Hie ftrsl gifl annuities were issued in the United States '""" than ISO years ago In todaj interest ,,,lr ,.in imiiment. lh.'\ pn\ ulr .1 p.n ii, uI.mIv Btrong lifetime benefil to the donor and, eventually; a signili- an! 1 to the 1 harity. Usually written on elthfiJ one 01 two 1 1 v * . (usuallj to i"' lude a surviving spouse), gifl annuities -ii' I dirrerenl rates depending upon the age of the donor(s): Obviously, a gifl annuity is a gifl that pays! It is also a gift that provides resources to Columbia to fulfill its mi 'I preparing men and women for ministry. If you have considered Columbia for a gift and could benefit from a guaranteed income for life, contact Michael Carey at 404/687-4573 or careym@ctsnet.edu. He can provide you with a specific proposal to meet your personal needs. WINTER 2003 coLUMBiAtravels CITIES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Temple of Trajan Led by Charlie Cousar '58 Professor of New Testament Dent Davis (D.Min. '89) Director of continuing education 404/687-4558; davisd@CTSnet.edu Neely Young, Ph.D. Director of major gifts Limited space remaining. Cost is $3,925 per double, with $995 single supplement. Payment is due by July 3. For more information: Kaye Carmichael; 770/941-0628; kcarmichael@mindspring.com Jasper "Jap" Keith (S.T.D. 79), pastor of the Decatur, Georgia, Presbyterian Church, presents President Laura Mendenhall with a gift in honor of Kay Philips, longtime member of Decatur Presbyterian Church and wife of Columbia President Emeritus J. Davison Philips '43. Given by friends of Mrs. Philips and the women of Decatur Presbyterian Church, the gift provided the furnishings for the dining worn in the newly renovated Presidents' Home, recognizing the graciousness and hospitality Mrs. Philips has offered to many on behalf of the seminary and the church. Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 404/378-8821 www.CTSnet.edu CONTENTS Colloquium honors Cousar, Brueggemann 1 Baptism calls into global community 2 \ layner named to Peachtree chair 2 Learning in alternative contexts 3 International study, local ministry 3 Columbia's New Testament faculty 4 Reading recommendations by New Testament faculty 4 Doctor of Ministry program: diversity, variety 5 Continuing education offerings 5, 7 Spirituality Program travels to Taize 6 NCD offerings, study 6, 7 Ethics seminars given 7 Calendars 8, 9 Come See Columbia Day 9 For the Record 10 From the Bookstore 11 Gifts that pay 11 Travel to Greece, Turkey in October 12 COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Periodicals Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 VANTAGE