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