Columbia Theological Seminary Vantage, 73, number 3, Fall 1981

Columbia 6eminary

VcintQQ

FALL 1981

JAMAICA'S PEOPLE MODEL FOR LIVING

In the words of Dan Wooley,
"This summer I gained a new un-
derstanding about life ... an
appreciation for diversity ... a
realization that perhaps our way
of life isn't necessarily the best."
During this past summer, Dan
along with two other Junior stu-
dents, Tom Robinson and Alice
Hickox, arrived in Kingston, Ja-
maica, to do their supervised min-
istry work. It was a first for such
a venture and each student felt it
well worthwhile.

"There was a real beauty in the
people," remarked Alice Hickox.
"In Jamaica, people are genuinely
interested in people. They minis-
tered to me through their care for
me spiritually, physically, and
socially. By the time I left, I felt
as if I was a Jamaican.

"There is a very strong faith
there. They haven't put anyone on
the moon or other technological
feats like that," states Tom
Robinson, "so they don't spend a
lot of time glorifying themselves.
They have a great awareness of
God's presence in their lives."

As all three students said the
overwhelming unity of Jamaica
was focused in the people. Their
concern is directed outward rather
than inward they have a con-
cern for others rather than them-
selves. "The world indeed can im-
pact the lives of Americans and
enrich those lives as well."

Chapel in Campbell Hall filled beyond capacity

EVANGELISM INTEREST OVERWHELMING

An anticipated registration of
80 or 90 persons swelled into more
than 240 at the recent Conference
on Evangelism held on Columbia's
campus. Adding to the richness of
this occasion was the diversity of
the participants themselves as well
as the various ways evangelism
can be approached. Highlighting
the conference was the opening
address by Dr. W. Frank Har-
rington in which he challenged the
conferees to share in the passion
of God in reaching persons outside
the life of the Church.

Dr. Richard S. Armstrong, Pro-
fessor of Evangelism at Princeton
Theological Seminary, further
challenged the conferees to en-
counter the real world of urban-
ized secularity and to become ef-

fective communicators of the
faith. Subsequently, after each of
the lectures the participants met
in small groups of 8-10 to reflect
and respond. The frequent words
shared in the small groups were:
"Fellowship and sharing is one of
the best things I have experienced
at the conference." Both during
and after the conference state-
ments like these were frequently
heard: "I am glad to see Colum-
bia giving emphasis to evangel-
ism;" "Just what we have needed
for a long time;" "The addresses
and workshops have given us
courage and tools to do the work
of evangelism;" "The inspiration
we have received here will help us

(see Evangelism, p. 3)

EXCELLENT PROGRESS IN SYNOD'S CAMPAIGN

Although Summer is traditionally a time when the pace slackens, we are pleased to report that an additional 39 churches
have made pledges to the COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN in the Synod of the Southeast since the
last Progress Report on June 30, 1981. Also worthy of note:

***With active campaigning currently underway in nine of
Synod's Presbyteries (Phase I), an amount of

$1,602,668 has been reported
through August 31, 1981.

in pledges and gifts

***Some 216 of 362 churches in the nine Presbytery area
have subscribed 65% of their goal with Declarations of
Commitment being received daily.

***In addition to the commitments made in the Phase I
Presbyteries, the Campaign Office reports pledges and
gifts of $880,401 from individuals, foundations, and
churches located in the four presbytery area that will
be more fully involved in Phase II during 1981-82.

PRESBYTERY
& NUMBER
OF CHURCHES

***The grand total of gifts and pledges in the COMMIT-
MENT TO EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN, through
August 31, 1981, amounts to $2,483,069 on a goal of
$4,500,000 for the Synod.

***Phase II (1981-82) of the Campaign (Atlanta, Bethel,
Charleston with Presbyterian College, and Savan-
nah Presbyteries) is currently being organized and will
culminate in February, 1982, when Church Sessions
will be asked to make a commitment to the goals of the
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE CAMPAIGN.

***The Chart below demonstrates the excellent progress
that has already taken place in the Campaign.

GOAL FOR

PLEDGED BY

PLEDGED BY

TOTAL

%OF

PRESBYTERY

CHURCHES

INDIVIDUALS/

PLEDGED

GOAL

$

No.

S

FOUNDATIONS

$

PLEDGED

$ 118,750

20$

73,205

$

$ 73,205

61%

126,810

23

91,231

10

91,241

71%

284,375

27

291,925

2,000

293,925

103%

495,362

10

139,922

900

140,822

28%

143,740

21

107,580

107,580

74%

262,575

25

136,311

400

136,711

52%

651,825

29

434,931

275

435,206

66%

123,625

25

99,285

99,285

80%

230,706

36

172,280

300

172,580
52,113

74%

Athens 38
Augusta-Macon
Cherokee 35
Congaree 33
Harmony 33
Pee Dee 44
Piedmont 68
South Carolina -
Southwest GA -
Other

35

- 37
40

TOTAL

362

$2,437,768

216 $1,546,670

$ 3,885

$1,602,668

65%

Phase II (1981-82)
Atlanta 103
Bethel 45
Charleston 32

(Goals

3

510,169

344,051

854,851

to be

1

150

300

450

Savannah 34 1 25,000 100

25,000

GRAND TOTAL 577 221 $2,082,620 $348,336

$2,483,069

Columbia Theological Seminary, 701 Columbia Drive. Decalur. Ga JOO3I-O520. Vantage. Vol 73. No. 3. Daniel A Nail. Editor. Published Quarterly.
Second Class Postage Paid at Decalur. Ga.. Publication No. 124160

FROM the PRE6IDEHT

This was a rather unusual summer
for Mrs. Philips and me. We had a
splendid three week Study Seminar in
Egypt and Israel led by Professor
Ludwig Dewitz. Twenty-seven of us
found much to make the Bible more
real, and history more relevant to
today.

We also spent nearly a month in
our house in Montreat. I preached in
a number of churches during the
summer including, Clairmont, South
Jacksonville, First, Greenville, SC,
Peachtree and North Ave. All these
experiences were stimulating and
nourishing to me.

As I look back, now, upon the
opening of Seminary and the gather-
ing together of the entire Seminary
community, I reflect with a sense of
deep thanksgiving on all who make
up the Columbia family. In June we
had record giving from individuals,
Synods, Endowment Funds, and our
graduates. The Faculty is at full
strength with new additions such as
Dr. George Thompson Brown. We
have capacity enrollment with in-
creasing quality in every category.
Our administrators continue to work
effectively for Columbia's mission.

However, we are aware that we be-

gin all over again with every entering
class. We look toward the future with
a mixture of concern and expectancy.
A representative long range planning
committee, called "Toward Two
Thousand" and chaired by Director,
James V. Johnson, will help us plan
for service in this decade, and prepare
ministers to serve now and into the
21st Century.

Our greatest strength and our
greatest hope is that we are in the
service and presence of a living God.
He has called us, redeemed us, and
sent us into mission and ministry. Be-
cause He goes with us, we are not
helpless! There are great challenges
ahead which will require tremendous
effort and sacrifice. With Him, and
with you, we take courage and go
forward! /)

T Davisnr

J. Davison Philips
President

Jerry W. Dill (74), pastor of Brit-
ton Congregational Church, Britton,
Michigan, has formed a motorcycle
club for clergy. The purpose is to pro-
mote a better image of the motorcy-
clist by example and enjoy the bene-
fits of like-minded clergy.

"I will always be greatly indebted
to Columbia Seminary ... its
faculty, administration, staff, and stu-
dents," writes Ray Guterman ('80),
pastor of Morningside Church, Co-
lumbus, GA. This church has re-
cently pledged support to the Cam-
paign for Excellence in the Synod of
the Southeast.

Attending Presbytery at Kimpese
in Bas, Zaire, was exciting for
Charles L. Evans ('78), as he was
made Director for training future
pastors for the Presbyterian Churches
of Kinshasa. He will continue to serve
as a professor and work in Christian
Education.

Sally-Lodge Henderson ('78) was
married to Tom Wright Teel on April
26, 1981, during the worship hour at
the Parkway Church, Metairie, LA.

Terry R. Dyer ('78), is the new
pastor of First Church, Quincy, FL.
Terry, Mimi, Macall (4), and Sarah
(4), eagerly await the arrival of a
new baby in October.

Lyle Peterson ('46) has been in Ja-
pan for some 33 years. Having origi-
nally planned for China missionary
work, he and his wife Catherine
finally made it to China (41 years
since she had been to the land of her
birth).

L. Samuel Magbee ('53), pastor of
Covenant Church, New Orleans, LA,
received an S.T.D. degree from San
Francisco Theological Seminary, on
June 13, 1981. Sam is a former At-
lanta Attorney as well.

If you would like to share your
happenings, write to: Daniel A. Nail,
Alumn News, Columbia Theological
Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031-0520.

Alumni/ae

PH0N0TH0N

October 28th

through
November 5th

"We'll be talking
with you soon!"

EVANGELISM, continued

go on with the task of reaching
persons for Christ."

According to Dr. Ben Johnson,
Professor of Evangelism at Co-
lumbia and Conference director,
"Possibly the overwhelmingly pos-
itive response to this Conference
on Evangelism is that it signals
the dawn of a new day in the
PCUS. If you would like to par-
ticipate in upcoming conferences
both on campus and throughout
the Church, or would like to re-
ceive Presbyterian Evangelism, a
quarterly newsletter, contact Dr.
Johnson, Columbia Theological
Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031-
0520.

COLUMBIA

PROFESSORS IN

PRINT

One way in which Columbia
contributes to the church and the
world is through its faculty and
their published works. The recent
publication of Keith Nickle's, The
Synoptic Gospels, has sparked
new enthusiasm on campus as
well as other seminaries in the
study of the Gospels. "This is pos-
sibly the best recent introduction
to the first three Gospels. It
should be in every church library"
(Lutheran Library) "The ancient
and much-discussed synoptic gos-
pels . . . are discussed at length
with fresh insight and challenge.
The book is a must for serious
students of the New Testament."
(Presbyterian - Survey) "With
clearness and profoundness, he
discusses the early beginnings of
the Gospels within their historical
contexts." (Baptist Standard)

Soon to be published (Decem-
ber 1981) is Dr. Charles B.
Cousar's volume on Galatians.
This will be part of a set Inter-
pretations: A Bible Commentary
for Preaching and Teaching (ed-
ited by James L, Mays, Jr.) Both
Nickle's and Coilsar's books are
from John Knox Press, Atlanta.
These books are available through
the Seminary Bookstore.

Columbia

Friendship

Circle

1981-82 Project

SUPPORTS COLUMBIA SCHOLARS

Meet Mark Montfort (A 198JV82 Columbia Scholar) . . .

"It's got to be one of the big-
gest thunderstorms in Garden City's
history!" The grown ups gathered in
the small house conversed with one
another in worried tones. They looked
hard out the windows at the torrents of
rain cascading round and about them
in the night. Quite often and quite
near now came the ear-splitting peals
of thunder. Ancient Oak trees their

upper branches caught up wildly in the
wind stood out again and again in
the flashes of sudden lightening. But
there was no fear in the wide clear

eyes of the three year old as he gazed
out the window sill. Nor was there fear
in his voice, but joy, as he called out
after each new roar of thunder, "Do it
again, Ward! Do it again!"

Athough I now say "Lord" instead
of "Ward," this early delight with
nature has stuck with me. It has de-
veloped into a deep appreciation for
the creative activity of God. I think
that this appreciation plays a large
part in my decision to enter the
ordained ministry. For I see Jesus
Christ as the locus of God's creative
activity (this reconciling the world to
Himself).

I believe that the Columbia Com-
munity is one which affirms in word
and in deed the Lordship of Jesus
Christ. I sense a commitment, as well,
to the doing of "sound theology" and
to the building up of the Church in

love. Already in the brief time which
my wife, Gerri, and I have been here
we have experienced at least one very
tangible effect of these commitments,
namely the warmth, love and respect
which characterize relationships here.

It is my hope in these next years at
Columbia to grow deeper into this
"Fellowship of the Saints" while we
work together, study together, play,
laugh, cry and eat together. I believe
that in the years to come I will look
back on this time with great apprecia-
tion.

One thing that 1 am appreciative of
now is my selection to be a recipient
of a Columbia Scholarship. I believe
this scholarship will help my wife and
me to have a great first year at Colum-
bia as we both prepare for the or-
dained ministry. For this, and for the
opportunity to introduce myself to you
in this way, I thank you.

FUNDS FOR THE LIBRARY

Along with the sponsorship of Col-
umbia Scholarships, the CFC is also
supporting, in its 1981-82 Project,
FUNDS FOR THE LIBRARY. This
part of the Project will provide for
new books, audio visual equipment and
other materials for the John Bulow
Campbell Library. In supporting this
Project, the CFC affirms the impor-
tance of continuing to develop a

strong, vital and growing Library.
Dr. James A. Overbeck, Columbia's
Librarian, stated: "Books, periodicals
and A/V materials are essential tools
in the education of future leaders of
the church. A sfrong Library is the
heart of a live and active theological
seminary and a rich resource for all
members of the church."

For Further Information write:
Harry H. Barrow

COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

Decatur, Georgia 30031

NEW YEAR BEGINS

w

New Students

Carol S. Abrams, Atlanta, GA
Michael Kenneth Adams, Conyers, GA
Philip Rick Baggett, Clinton, SC
James Lawrence Barksdale, Atlanta, GA
Catherine Dennis Belles, Charleston, SC
Ernst Borkircher, West Germany
Michael Terence Bragan, Gainesville, FL
John Wesley Brock, Mobile, AL
William R. Cameron, Charleston Heights, SC
Grace Ann Cameron, South Charleston, WV
Herman Forrest Cate, Jonesboro, GA
I. Howard Chadwick, Marietta, GA
Martha J. Clinkscales, Charlotte, NC
Willie E. Coleman, Memphis, TN
Alice C. Cromer, Osceola, AR
Kay Y. Daniel, Clearwater, FL
Susanne B. Darnell, Germantown, TN
David W. Dooley, Milledgeville, GA
Sara Miriam Dunson, Decatur, GA
Allen Neal Fairfax, Atlanta, GA
Samuel Donald Fortson, Rock Hill, SC
Rusty Alan Freeman, Wilmore, KY
Kevin A. Gourley, Greenville, SC
David Robert Grove, Largo, FL
Jung Mi Han, Marietta, GA
William Dennis Harvey, Sr., Smyrna, GA
Robert S. Hay, Birmingham, AL
Roland Wayne Hollaway, Atlanta, GA
Stephen Hoyle, Stone Mountain, GA
Jenny Lynn Wester, Marietta, GA
Ann M. Jenkins, Wadmalaw Island, SC
Barry Lee Jenkins, Columbia, SC
Joseph L. Johnson, Lynn Haven, FL
Ray G. Jones, Greenville, SC
Rhona Jones, England
Walter M. Jones, Dalton, GA

s

s

Michael J. Joseph, East Point, GA
Melinda Ann Judd, Shelbyville, TN
Mark William Kayser, Colorado Springs, CO
Dae Gee Kim, Korea
Mary J. Kohler, Atlanta, GA
Dong Kyo Lee, Korea
Jonathan W. Lovelady, Atlanta, GA
Overtoun Mazunda, Africa
Daniel V. McMillan, Newnan, GA
Raymond Mercado, Bagamon, Puerto Rico
Carolyn J. Mobley, Atlanta, GA
Geraldine M. Monfort, Gainesville, FL
Mark Edwin Montfort, Gainesville, FL
Pierre Mukengeshayi, Zaire
Vance S. Nesbit, Decatur, GA
John M. Nichols, Jr., Atlanta, GA
Merritt Lee Nickinson, Pensacola, FL
Carolyn Oberkirch, Atlanta, GA
Taylor Cy Phillips, Atlanta, GA
Timothy Phiri, Zambia
James William Piatt, Rock Hill, SC
Lee W. Pruett, Atlanta, GA

i v

Youl Rhee, Korea
Gary Sagnibene, Macon, GA
S. Marc Sherrod, Abingdon, VA
Gerald K. Taylor, Orlando, FL
David Sam Thompson, Cleveland, MS
Hany Wakuteka, Zaire
James Clay Weatherly, Athens, GA
Pamela King Wooley, Gainesville, FL
James B. Woolen, Jr., Decatur, GA

NEW S.C.C. OFFICERS TAKE CHARGE

Something's Cooking

at

Columbia

The Women of Columbia are
planning to produce a cookbook
this year. They need a minimum
of 200 recipes and are accepting
them from any source related to
the seminary (an equal opportu-
nity cookbook!) Judy Rhodes,
WOC President, encourages all to
send recipes on one side only of a
standard (8'/2 x 11) sized sheet of
paper. Also include your name,
year of graduation or seminary re-
lation. There is a deadline of De-
cember 15, 1981. Send your rec-
ipe to Columbia Seminary, CTS
Box 199, Decatur, GA 30031-
0520.

WOC are looking forward to an
exciting year with Jane Robbins
Ramey, their advisor and wife of
Professor Bob Ramey. A new
group called "Kids of Columbia"
has been formed to enrich the
lives of the seminary community.
Their activities will include a chil-
dren's musical, a birthday party
for Jesus, a clown parade, and
other gatherings including a chris-
tian ventriloquist.

Front row: Bobby McCully, Sarah Juenst-Secretary, Russell Jonas-President, Kim Clayton-Vice
President, Carlos Soto-Treasurer, Karen Nier. Back Row: Mike Trautman, Cindy Hughes, Frank
Allen, Warren McKinney, Ellis Davis, Wesley Brock.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
NOW!!

THE

COLUMBIA

FORUM

FEBRUARY 2-5, 1982

WE ARE SORRY TO SEE HER GO

Mildred Berry, secretary for Development, has retired after 15 years at CTS. Pictured above is
Mildred with her husband Sid (far left). Dr. Richards, President Emeritus: and Dr. Philips, Presi-
dent of Columbia Seminary.

CONVOCATION

EMPHASIZES

THEME OF HOPE

With over 65 students taking
Columbia's 140 year old pledge,
Convocation started the new
school year. The services were
held in the Hillside Presbyterian
Church, Decatur, GA. Dr. J.
Davison Philips, President, ad-
dressed the faculty, students, and
families on the theme "Toward
Two Thousand." In his address
Dr. Philips pointed out that with
the global picture somewhat
glummy and uncertain, we have a
sure hope and foundation centered
in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Assisting in the service were
Professors Paul Smith, Oscar
Hussel, and Erskine Clarke. Di-
rector Mary Bonney Sheates ad-
ministered the pledge to the stu-
dents. The Rev. Emmie Young,
Ministerial Advisor to Columbia
Women, assisted as a liturgist,
along with George McMaster, As-
sociate Pastor of Hillside Church.

"In our joint and separate ways
may God use us this coming year
in his gracious and just purposes."

MEET

GEORGE

THOMPSON

BROWN

Columbia welcomes to campus
Dr. Tommy Brown, Adjunct Pro-
fessor of World Christianity and
Missionary in Residence. For the
past seven years, Dr. Brown has
served as Director of the General
Assembly's Division of Interna-
tional Mission. This is the latest
of an exciting ministry: parish
pastor, overseas missionary, evan-
gelist, seminary professor and ad-
ministrator, and army chaplain.
Tommy is an alumnus of David-
son College, Union Seminary
(Virginia), and Princeton Theo-
logical Seminary. In his words, "I
believe that the Christians of the
world, with whom I have lived
and worked all my life, have
much to contribute to the life of
our Presbyterian Church here at
home." And we think Tommy has
much to offer us! Welcome to Co-
lumbia Seminary.

Columbia's Birthplace
Being Restored

It is a giant undertaking for a
small congregation, but members
of the Lexington Presbyterian
Church have begun the initial
stages of restoration for one of the
town's historic structures the
old Thomas Goulding home. This
house served as the church manse
and a "seminary classroom" from
1828 to 1830 when the seminary
and Dr. Goulding moved to Co-
lumbia, South Carolina.

The small church of 20 mem-
bers have sent letters appealing
for funds to Alumni/ae of the
seminary and their congregations.
Although responses have been re-
ceived from "all over," they are
still far from their goal. The esti-
mated cost of restoration is
$80,000.

Columbia Friendship Circle
Exceeds Goal

The Columbia Friendship Cir-
cle went over its 1980-'81 Goal of
$30,000. Under the able leader-
ship of Mrs. Cora Smith, of
Ocala, Florida, the CFC received
gifts totaling $30,676.38, with an
additional $6,931.53 given for
designated purposes. These gifts
were used for Columbia Scholar-
ships and Books for the Library.

At its meeting at Columbia
Seminary on April 23, 1981, the
CFC adopted a new Goal of
$30,000 for 1981 -'82. This Goal
will be used for a two-fold Project
Columbia Scholarships and
Funds for the Library. Seven Co-
lumbia Scholars have been se-
lected for this academic year.
They come from Colorado, Flor-
ida, Tennessee and Zaire! These
new scholars, will, no doubt, make
a tremendous contribution to the
Columbia community and to the
life of the church. In addition, Dr.
James Overbeck, Columbia's Li-
brarian, leads others in expressing
enthusiasm about the promise of
new books, audio-visual equip-
ment and other materials for the
John Bulow Campbell Library.

For the 1981 -'82 year, the CFC
will be guided by capable and en-
thusiastic officers, including: Mrs.
Betsy Hammet, Columbia, South

President Betsy Hammet (left) and Vice Presi-
dent Gena Taylor.

Carolina, President; Mrs. Gena
Taylor, Jacksonville, Florida,
Vice-President; Mrs. Fern Shutt,
Greenville, Kentucky, Secretary-
Historian; and Mrs. Ruth Esche,
Marietta, Georgia, Parliamenta-
rian. These new officers encourage
WOC groups throughout the
church to mark your calendars
now and to make plans to attend
this year's "Come See Columbia
Day," which will be on Thursday,
April 22, 1982.

"TOWARD TWO-THOUSAND..."
THE COLUMBIA FORUM

Walter Brueggemann

Orlando Costas

John Vannorsdall

SMYTH LECTURER WALTER BRUEGGEMANN

Theme: "Imagination and Obedience"

ALUMNI/AE LECTURER ORLANDO COSTAS

Theme: "Evangelism as Story-Sharing"

GUEST PREACHER DR. JOHN VANNORSDALL

Colloquy with Lecturers
Colloquy on Preaching

Alumni/ae Council Activities

Coffee and Conversation
Alumni/ae Luncheon and Meeting
Alumni/ae Class Reunions (classes ending in "2" or "7")

FEBRUARY 2-5, 1982

COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, 701 COLUMBIA DRIVE, DECATUR, GEORGIA 30031-0520
Vol. 73, No. 3/FALL 1981
Daniel A. Nail, Editor
Published Quarterly

Cobmbb

Theological

6eminary

Vantage-^

Second Class

Postage

Paid at
Decatur, Ga.

Publication No. 124160