COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage WINTER 198 Oldenburg named seventh president At a called MEETING on November 17, the Board of Directors of Columbia Theological Seminary voted unanimously to name Dr. Douglas W. Oldenburg, who was pastor of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, as the seminary's seventh president. Commenting on the boards decision. Dr. William Bryant, chair of the Search Committee, said, "In nominating Dr Doug Oldenburg for the position of president of Columbia Theological Seminary, the Search Committee is confident that we have a person who is a scholar, who understands the importance of theological inquiry, an administrator who appreciates the value and necessity of organization, and a pastor who is committed to excellence in the training of men and women for ministry.'* Dr. Oldenburg, who served as pastor of Covenant since 1972, began his presidency at Columbia January 1 Accepting the board's nomination, he said, "I'm honored to be elected president of Columbia Seminary and tremendously excited about the challenge and opportunity before me. Under Davison Philips' leadership, Columbia has become one of the great seminaries of our denomination, and I look forward to helping it reach its full potential. I see this as a call of God in my life at this time, and I'm committed to being the very best president I can possibly be."' He was pastor of the Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church in Elkins, WV, from 1967 to 1972 and of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg, VA, from I960 until 1967. A member of the Board of Trustees of St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Dr. Oldenburg has served as its chair since 1982. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. Dr Oldenburg received the B.S. degree from Davidson College in 1956, the B.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia in I960, the S.T.M. from Yale Divinity School in 1961, and was awarded the D.D. degree from Davis and Elkins College in 1972, He spent a sabbatical studying Christian faith and economics at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, and in England. He has rendered outstanding service to the PC(USA) denomination, to Mecklenburg Presbytery, and in the community affairs of Charlotte. Dr. William A. Adams, who chairs the seminary's Board of Directors, said of the nomination, This is a positive, good thing for Columbia. Doug Oldenburg is a man of commitment and ability and is respected by all who know him. In addition to those personal qualities, he will bring his experience from the Continued on page 3 Dr. Douglas W. Oldenburg The Philips years Dr. Davison Philips served as Columbia's president from January 1916 through December 1986. "Becoming a seminary president is like jumping onto a moving train. There was already so much momentum at Columbia when I came here. I am full of thanksgiving that I've had the opportunity to build on that strong heritage which goes all the way back to 1828,'' said Dr. J. Davison Philips as he reflected on his call to the presidency of Columbia Theological Seminary. Dr. Philips became president in January 1976, and his retirement was effective 1 1 years later on December 3 1 , 1986. "I came as a pastor; I knew the demands of the church and ministry. I could interpret those demands to the faculty members as they taught the practice of ministry. I had been involved in education and knew the seminary well because I had been serving Decatur Presbyterian Church,'' said Dr. Philips in speaking of the assets he brought to his office. He continued, "A president should be committed to education. I believe in the cause, the mission of Columbia Seminary. The training and nurturing of ministers is so essential to the church." In looking back over his work as president of Columbia Seminary, Dr. Philips claimed, "The satisfactions of my work changed when I moved from the parish to the presidency. At Columbia, we have three purposes: to train ministers, to nurture those already serving, and to serve as a resource for the entire church. In all of that, one of my greatest satisfactions has been watching students grow and go out to serve the church." Dr. Philips has also been pleased by the incredible development of the Continued on page 2 From the President J. Davison Philips With thi < OMING of Columb new president, Dr Douglas W. Oldenburg, I will have completed my term of servict lure on December SI, 1986 I will, of course, be giving him all possible support during this time of transition This, then, is a brief and quite inadequate word ot gratitude. I am grateful to God for the opportunn >>l serving as a minister and as president of this institution. I am grateful to the constituency for support. I am grateful to the Board of Directors for their confidence, I am grateful to the members of this i (immunity who have worked so well together to accomplish our mission In it all, God has been glorified, we have been nurtured, and the ministry of the church strengthened I will continue to pray for God's blessing on Columbia and for guidance in life together here So, to you go my special thanks Presbyterians have prayed for us, sent us students, given to scholarships, endowment and operating expenses. Without you, who make up this great company of friends, none of this would have been possible. You will, I know, give the fullest support to President Oldenburg. The office ot the presidency is increasingly demanding It requires strength, vision, faith and commitment. Dr. Oldenburg brings experience as a pastor, administrator, preacher, and church leader to this task. This new chapter in lite here has great promise I send you these thoughts with "faith, hope, and love." Gratefully yours. The Philips years Continued from page 1 continuing education programs. These programs now enroll more students than the M.Div. program. Dr. Philips asserts, "Unless we continue to nurture our ministers in the parish, they will wither and die." The biggest change which has occurred in theological education during Dr. Philips' tenure has been the expansion of the supervised ministry program and the clinical pastoral education program. Columbia now places great emphasis on this practical training and has significantly expanded the curriculum in the pastoral area. Dr. Philips expresses great satisfaction in the growth of Columbia's faculty and staff during his tenure. He states, "Most of the current staff have come since I've been here. We've added positions in the biblical department, evangelism, christian education, ministry, and other areas. " The recruitment of new faculty members has been a great concern for Dr. Philips, and he has worked diligently in helping to form Columbia's strong faculty. Dr. Philips also cites the growing international programs at Columbia as a cause for great joy. "The stream of people from all over the world going in and out of Columbia has made a tremendous impact, both here and in other countries,'' Dr. Philips said Dr. Philips has spent most of his weekend time traveling to various places to promote support for the seminary. He said, "I am encouraged by the growing confidence of the church in the seminary.'' He claimed, "A president keeps an exhausting President Philips and Peggy Rowland, bis secretary, have worked together since June 1957. pace. However, I've found that if you serve the church, the people will join in partnership and serve the institution." Dr. Philips asserted, "I have often said that becoming a seminary president will tremendously improve your prayer life. I have prayed for campus life, for resources, and for wisdom in my work. So many of my prayers have been answered. We ought to be praising God for the ways in which he has taken a grip on Columbia Seminary and blessed it. I see our work at Columbia as the work of God through people here and in the church. As the old hymn says - "To God be the glory.' And from others: According to Atlantan Erskine Love, who is a member of the seminary's Board of Directors, "Davison Philips' presidency has been marked by 1 1 years of uninterrupted progress and accomplishment. From the day ot his election as Columbia's sixth president, his skills as an administrator, educator, pastor, and servant of the church have been evident to all of us in the seminary community. Every measure of the institution's viability has been enhanced the faculty, student body, the endowment, physical facilities, the quality of the educational process, and the relationship to the church at large." Oscar Hussel, who has been Dean of the Faculty since 1978, says Davison Philips' greatest strength is "a combination of compassion and absolute fairness. He is an extremely caring person. He came to Columbia as president after almost 30 years in the pastorate, and he brought with him his pastoral concern for the faculty and students with whom he works." Professor Charles Cousar, who was Dean of the Faculty when President Philips arrived, agrees. "Davison is a pastor down to his bones. He has been a collegial president." Professor Cousar says, "Dr. Philips knows how to support the faculty members. In a personal sense, he is a close friend to many on the faculty. Professionally, he gives enthusiastic endorsement to new ideas and programs. Davison is a grand cheerleader." One of the significant changes which has occurred during President Philips' tenure has been the increase in the number of faculty members. Thirty-two persons currently have faculty status at Columbia, an increase of about 50 percent in the past 1 1 years. One woman held faculty status in 1976; there are now five women who do. Continued on page 3 VANTAGE The Philips years Continued from page 2 Because of a number of retirements over the past decade, the faculty is now what Dean Hussel tails "a relatively new faculty." Dr. Cousar states, "President Philips has been extremely active in the recruitment of new faculty. He serves as an ex officio member of every search committee and has been personally active in attracting new faculty members to Columbia " Dean Hussel adds, "More of the faculty are writing for publication. A revised policy on the faculty teaching load gives more time for research, writing and publication. One of the things which hasn't changed and it's good that it hasn't has been the support within the faculty. They're a very supportive group to each other, despite differences in theological stances. There is a sense of harmony and singleness of purpose among these professors which Davison Philips has fostered." Professor Cousar continues, "Davison also has been actively involved in the recruitment of students. He has been available to students and has gone out of his way to encourage prospective students to look at Columbia. He has given his wholehearted support to women in ministry. He has aggressively sought jobs for women students both in the parish and in the bureaucratic structure of the church." "Other strengths of Dr. Philips' which have helped move the seminary forward have been his tolerance for change and a vision to direct that change," Dean Hussel adds. "The seminary has seen tremendous changes in the curriculum and in its programs." During Dr. Philips' presidency, the student body has increased from anonymous gift of one million dollars, the seminary will soon establish the Lay Institute of Faith and Life, which will greatly expand the seminary's continuing education offerings to lay people. Another vision which President Philips has supported has been the international program at Columbia, which is directed by Professor Erskine Clarke. Dean Hussel says, "For a long time small numbers of international students had been coming to Columbia to study. That has been built upon, so that now we have exchanges of students and faculty members with schools in Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia." He adds, "When the new M.Div. curriculum was redesigned, the world was built into the curriculum. Now, all M.Div. students are required to have an alternative contextual experience in the church at work." Most M.Div. graduates will have had an international experience enabling them to explore a radically different culture and observe how the church functions in the society. They will have studied in such places as Central Europe, Korea, Central America, and Jamaica. In addition, some 20 students, professors, and church leaders from other countries come to Columbia each year to study, adding to the diversity of the student body. Related to the international program has been the establishment of a faculty position in world Christianity, currently held by Dr. G.T. Brown. Professor Brown has served as a liaison between the Presbyterian Church and Christians in China. Another program which has taken off during Dr Philips' presidency has been the evangelism program, begun with a grant from the Outreach Foundation. Professor Ben Johnson was hired to teach evangelism; his "Davison Philips is a man who is trusted and respected. In the eyes of the church, Columbia Seminary is in good shape because it's been in good hands." Dr. William A. Adams Chair, Columbia's Board of Directors around 200 students to 515 this year. Dean Hussel says, "During this time of considerable expansion, we have attempted to maintain a balance between the basic, or master's, degree and the advanced, or doctorate, degree programs." At the basic degree level, the Master of Arts in Theological Studies and the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry have been added. The M.A.T.S. is a two-year program offered for lay people who want to broaden their understanding of the faith but who do not plan to prepare for ordination. Columbia is the only Presbyterian seminary offering an M.A. in youth ministry. In the advanced degree programs the Doctor of Ministry degree has been strengthened and expanded, and there has been a great increase in continuing education offerings for both laity and clergy. Columbia has become a center for continuing education and for providing resources to the denomination. With the recent materials, both books and cassettes, have been used throughout the denomination. The financial strength of the seminary is another area which has grown dramatically under Dr. Philips' leadership. In 1976, the budget was around one million dollars. President Philips set about working on the budget in earnest. For the past 1 1 years, the seminary has grown in both personnel and programs for the church. Today, in this fiscal year 1986-87, the current budget is 39 million dollars. This financial growth in current operations reflects expansion of programs and outreach which have benefited the church as well as the clergy. When Dr. Philips took office, the endowment stood at six million dollars. Today, the seminary's total endowment fund is approximately 27 million dollars. In the late seventies the seminary planned major campaigns in the three supporting synods, Kay and Davison Philips Florida, Mid-South, and Southeast. These campaigns were conducted over the next several years, and about 10 million dollars was added to the endowment during that time. In the past three years approximately eight million dollars has been added. These increases, plus the current rise in the stock market, bring the endowment fund to its current level. Dr. Philips has recognized that, to offset rising prices and to combat inflation, a balanced budget and increased endowment had to be a priority of the seminary He realized that to expand and grow, men funds would be necessary to help defray the cost. In addition, Dr. Philips has also overseen improvements in the seminary's physical plant. Four townhouses for faculty and administration have been built, as well as two apartment buildings for married students with children. Renovation work has included one apartment building for married students, the installation of air conditioning and insulated windows in Simons-Law Dormitory, two partial renovations in Campbell Hall, including the chapel, classrooms, and faculty offices; and the library, which included building a room for the seminary's rare books collection. A master plan for the whole campus has been completed which projects into the twenty-first century the needs !"i additional space and times to build. Dean Hussel says, "Davison Philips has supported and encouraged our work and our mission at Columbia In addition to his influence at ( olumbia, he has been a very important force in theolognal education in the PC(USA) during the first years of the transition period. He has helped establish an understanding of funding and governance through his experience in theological education Ann Cousins of Atlanta, member ot ( olumbia's Board of Directors, asserts, "Davison Philips, in the tradition of all past Columbia presidents, has been the right person for his times. His enthusiasm, Openness, and concern for the church have strengthened the trust and confidence in the seminary at the local church level. We shall miss his earnestness and his great love for ( olumbia, which have given us a strong base for the future. "D The new address for Dr. and Mrs. Philips is 133 Ptnecrest Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. WINTER 1987 Continuing Education Calendar For further information or to register for courses, call or write: Douglas W. Hix, Director of Advanced Studies, or SaraC. Juengst, Associate Director of Advanced Studies Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA 30031 / 404-378-8821. January 25-30 A Week in the Winter Woods Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a group experience of sharing, incerdependency, leadership, self-examination and reflection. Leader. Doug Hix. Cost S100. February 2-5 COL1 MBM FORUM Guest preacher. Joseph L. Roberts. Jr.; Alumni/ae Lecturer. Paolo Ricca; Smyth Lecturer. Tom Long. See article on page 8 for more information. February 25-26 Aging Seminar A Biblical/theological basis for ministry with older adults to acquaint participants with the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging and suggest how these relate to ministry. Areas to be covered include sensitizing the local church, ministry with frail elderly, adults with aging parents, intergenerational ministries, spiritual growth in the later years, and other concerns. Leader: Albert E. Dimmock. Cost: $25. March 6 Book Fair A chance to learn what's hot off the press" by meeting with representatives of major denominational presses, and having an opportunity to buy the newest and the best. Cost: $10. March 19-20 The Creative Word Storytelling. Poetry, and LlTURGK Al. DRAMA A celebration of the right side of the brain! Learn how to use these tools effectively in worship and Christian education. Leaders: George Stroup, Lucy Rose. Loralee Cooley. Jim Newsome, Sara Juengst, David Gunn. Cost: $2^ April 19-25 A Week in Jamaica A pilgrimage following Lent and Easter in a Third World country where the Church is strong and vibrant. A week spent in study of Jamaica at United Theological College in Kingston, seeing urban and rural parish work in Ocho Rios, experiencing life in another culture. For laity and clergy. Leader: Sara Juengst. Cost: $700. Limited number of scholarships available. May 3-8 A WEEK with THE TRAPPISTS AND THE DOMINH a\s A retreat for men at the monastery of the Holy Spirit, Conyers, GA. and a retreat for women led by the Dominican sisters at Springbank Christian Center. Kingstree, SC, for reformation, relaxation, and spiritual discipline. J McDOWEIl RICHARDS CENTER 1971 NISTRAT0R HURCHMAN. (CHER On October 22 the Richards Center was dedicated in memory of Dr. J. McDowell Richards. Two of his grandchildren. Emily Richards. 10. and Michael Richards. 3. unveiled the plaque during the service. A wu[> "/ Russian Orthodox Church teminariam visited Columbia in November during a nationwide tour. They attended chapel and spoke with students and professors. Their singing in chapel and during the coffee break was a special treat for the Columbia community. Fall Board actions At its fall meeting in October, the Board of Directors of Columbia Seminary named an endowed chair in honor of Dr. Davison Philips, who retired as president on December 31. Dr. William A. Adams, chair of the Board, said, "We have named the professorship the J. Davison Philips Chair of New Testament to show our love and appreciation for Dr. Philips. For 1 1 years he led the seminary in a great way. The chair in New Testament is an appropriate way to honor him. New Testament has been his field of concentration, and he has taught New Testament." The board welcomed three new members: Thomas W. Horton. Jr., Tom W. Brown, and Roland Perdue. Dr. Horton is executive presbyter of Bethel Presbytery, Rock Hill, SC. Mr. Brown, an attorney, lives in Lake City, FL, and Mr. Perdue serves as pastor of the Riverside Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, FL. The directors expressed appreciation to four members who have rotated off the board. Dr. John Lyles, executive presbyter of Central Florida Presbytery, has served as secretary of the board. Dr. Albert N. Wells, pastor of the Troy Presbyterian Church in North Carolina, has served on the board since 1980. Mr. Ludwick Clymer, past president of Holiday Inns. Inc.. has served the board as vice chair. Mr. William Winter, attorney and former governor of Mississippi, has served on the board 12 years. The board approved the appointments of three new members for the at large category. They are William John Park, chairman of the Park Seed Company of Greenwood, SC; Howell Adams of the Trane Company, Atlanta; and John Weitnauer, former president of the Richway Corporation, of Decatur. The directors also heard reports involving four search committees which have been appointed for a professor of biblical exposition, a professor of Christian ethics, a dean of students, and a director of the Lay Institute of Faith and Life. The board elected officers. They are William A. Adams of Atlanta, who was re-elected chair; John Conant of Atlanta, vice-chair; and Edith Atkins, Jacksonville, FL, secretary. Sign up for Huguenot trip Begin making plans now for the travel/study tour. In the Footsteps of the Huguenots." This tour of Protestant historical sites in Geneva and southern France is sponsored by Columbia Seminary, The Huguenot Society of the Founders of Manakin in the Colony of Virginia, and the Georgia Branch of the National Huguenot Society. The dates for the trip are August 26 - September 7, 1987. The trip will include three days in Geneva, a visit to Lausanne and the Castle of Chillon, a visit to the Taize Protestant Community, two nights on the southern coast of France at Sete, with side trips to Montpelier Reformed Seminary, Roman ruins, Aries, where Van Gogh did much of his painting, and attending an outdoor communion service with 20,000 descendents of French Huguenots at their annual gathering at Mas Soubeyron, commemorating the heroic resistance after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. The purpose of the trip is to explore the roots of our Protestant heritage in Switzerland and France and become better acquainted with the richness of our Huguenot ancestry. The tour will be led by the Rev. Sara C. Juengst, Associate Director of Advanced Studies at Columbia. Cost is approximately $1,950. For more information, call or write Ms. Juengst, Columbia Seminary, P.O. Box 520, Decatur, GA 30031; 404/378- 8821. D VANTAGE Columbia's presses: Almond Press and CTS Press . -. . r ___ niA THh CTS PRESS was founded at Press becoming a common, atl; Dr David Gunn. Professor of Old Testament at Columbia and founder of Almond Press, devotes much time to developing "literary" approaches to biblical texts. In fact, Dr. Gunn started Almond Press as a means of supporting literary criticism in publishing. The literary critical approach looks at what the biblical text itself says in its final form. The task of literary critics differs from that of traditional historical critics who look through the text to recontruct history and its shaping and forming of the text through the centuries. Dr. Gunn has become deeply involved in literary criticism, and Almond Press grew out of his efforts in that field. Dr. Gunn first perceived a crisis in academic publishing in the early 1970s when he was teaching at the University of Sheffield, England. The scholarly )ournals had become expensive and were extremely formal in style. In response to this problem, Dr. Gunn and two colleagues started the Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. This journal began to take academic publishing in new directions. It was more economical and more relaxed in its form. More important, JSOT supported the new types of scholarship. Gunn and his colleagues encouraged literary criticism, sociological analysis, and analysis of final form in biblical studies Dr. Gunn says, "The journal filled a gap. It supported alternative ways of thinking about and reading the biblical texts. It offered something other than the historical-critical approach." The enterprise with the journal expanded and became JSOT Press. WINTER 1987 The press concentrates on Old Testament biblical studies, the truly academic research work of scholars. Gunn comments, "The press radically disregarded conventional standards in publishing. It published works that others were hesistant to take." About 1980, Dr. Gunn began to work independently with his wife, Margaret Almond Gunn. Together they started a new venture. The Almond Press, with a series entitled Bible and Literature. The series focuses on literary-critical studies and was the first of its kind in academic publishing. Gunn states, "This press was a formal way of saying that it is appropriate to do literary-critical studies. The opportunity to publish is vital to scholarly enterprise. A press such as Almond Press can help to change the direction of scholarship." Since 1980, two more series have been added to Almond Press. The History of Biblical Interpretation Series began in 1982. The books of this series deal with historic texts and interpreters in biblical scholarship. The series also translates into English books which have not been translated previously. The third series of the Almond Press is the Social World of Biblical Antiquity. This series uses social science models and draws on the disciplines of history, archaeology, sociology, and anthropology. When Dr. Gunn left the University of Sheffield in 1984 to join Columbia's faculty, he and his wife brought Almond Press with them. The Almond Press is a pioneer effort in academic publishing and will continue to encourage new methods and approaches in biblical scholarship. D Thi CTS Phiss was founded at Columbia Seminary in 1981 under the experienced leadership ot Dr. Ben Johnson, Professor of Evangelism. Dr. Johnson states, "The immediate purpose for the press was to produce distinctive Presbyterian resources for evangelism. However, the press is not limited to evangelistic materials." In the future the press will publish additional articles, books, and videos. Addresses by members of Columbia's faculty and visiting lecturers will also become part of the publishing venture. The press first published Join the Church, which describes the Presbyterian church and what it means to be a member. Dr. Johnson wrote that piece as well as the second one published by the press, The Chrtst Bearer, an Advent/Easter piece. To meet a growing need, CTS Press reprinted John R Hendricks Opening the Door of Faith. It has also published Dr J McDowell Richards As 1 Remember It: Columbia Theological Seminary 1932-1971, Columbia Professor Robert Ramey s The Minister's Role in Evangelism. and will soon publish a work on missions by Columbia Professor Tommy Brown The CTS Press is moving into the future with an exploration of additional video productions as well as written works. Dr Johnson has already produced two videos Presbyterian Evangelism," a four- module, one-hour introduction to evangelism. "Fnendmakcr for God is a three-hour instruction course for faith sharing. Dr Johnson asserts, The place for greatest growth in effective instruction is in video Dr. Johnson envisions the CTS Press becoming a communications center which will ir.msl.iw acadcnui research into practical resources fol local churches. "We would like CO fill a specialized role that the largei publishing companies are nut able CO fill. We need to be able to tUltl ideas into living models for the local chur ch." D President Oldenburg Continued from page 1 pastorate and his General Assembly responsibilities to his work ai Columbia." Dr. Oldenburg is married to the i i laudia smith, who has worked in real estate syndication They have three sons.D Vantage Vol 78, No. J, Winter 1986 Published quarterly by Columbia Theological Seminary The Department of Development/ Seminary Relations Editor: Juliette Harper Associate Director of Seminary Relations Postmaster: Send address changes to Vantage Columbia Theological Seminary P.O. Box 520 Decatur, GA 30031-0520 For the Record If you have recent news you would like to contribute to this section, please send it to the editor. ___ Louis LaMotte '25 received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in May Anna Case Winters 78 has been named instructor in theology and associate director of the D.Min. program for thesis development at McCormick Seminary. She started Jan. 1 Jasper Keith (STD 79). Acting Dean of Students and Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Columbia, serves as interim pastor of the Jackson Presbyterian Church. He was program coordinator of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education annual conference meeting in Atlanta in earl) October. In September he participated in a leadership retreat for Bell South management. He gave two lectures at the Society of Chaplains, Georgia Hospital Association, and two lectures at the Florida Internship Retreat for the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. He and his wife, Betty, led a marriage enrichment retreat at the Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. Roger Gallion '62 and Bettianne Powell were married Oct. 18 in Columbia, SC David Moessner, Associate Professor of New Testament at Columbia, gave a paper, "Dual Dismay and Double Destination: the 'Pharisees' and the Laos' of Luke's Jerusalem Ministry," at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta in November. He presided at the Synoptic Gospels section and was a respondent to papers given in the Acts group. Lyle W. Peterson '46 retired in June after 57 years of missionary service in Japan. He lives in Montreat Lib McGregor Simmons 79 is pastor of the Richmond Heights Church in St. Louis Leighton Ford '55, an evangelist with the Billy Graham Association for 3 1 years, has left that organization and formed Leighton Ford Ministries, based in Charlotte Lucy Rose, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship, led the preaching workshop in Albemarle Presbytery's training for lay preachers in November. She attended the Academy of Homiletics in Pittsburgh in December Charles Cousar '58, Professor of New Testament at Columbia, gave two lectures, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray," at the annual ministers' conference of Concord Presbytery in October. During October and November he taught a series of church school classes at the Mt. Vernon Church in Sandy Springs, GA, at Kirkwood Church in Smryna, and at Trinity Church in Atlanta. He attended the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta in November William R. Thurman '51 retired Dec. 31, 1985, from the pastorate of the Jefferson, GA, Presbyterian Church after 35 years of service as pastor of that church. Scott M. Poole '55 (D.Min. '84) has retired from the Altama Church in Brunswick, GA Shirley Guthrie, Professor of Systematic Theology at Columbia, taught at the Presbytery of Orange school for lay people and ^iv^ mi address at a lay school for Birmingham Presbytery in September In October Dr. Guthrie taught at the lay school of theology at Mo Ranch, Texas, and in November he led a church officers' retreat for the Mt. Pleasant, SC, Church and lectured on the theology of evangelism for ministers of Mecklenburg Presbytery in Charlotte. William R. Conine, Jr. '59 is the organizing pastor of a new church development, All Saints Presbyterian Church, in Columbus, GA John Bacot '68 has been called to the First Church of Tifton, GA William Stephens III '82 is pastor of the Cuthbert and Edison, GA, churches Albert R. Thompson '80 is pastor of Trinity Church in Sylvester and First Church in Cordele, GA Walter Brueggemann, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, has had published Hope Within History (John Knox Press) and articles in Sojourners and The Other Side. He has preached at Riverside Church in New York and lectured at the Sacred Heart School of Theology in Milwaukee Erskine Love, member of Columbia's Board of Directors, received the 1986 Alumni Distinguished Service Award from Georgia Tech. He is chair of the school's centennial campaign, which has brought in more than $105 million, surpassing the $100 million goal in only three years of what was expected to be a five-year campaign John Patton, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, led a workshop at Emory Pastoral Symposium on "Estrangement in Marriage" in September. He presented BIRTHS To David '80 and Marilynn Chadwtck, a daughter, Bethany Brame, Jan. 21, 1986. To James '82 and Donna Richardson, a son, Michael James, Oct. 3, 1986. To Catherine Mason '83 and Jay Wilkins, a daughter, Sara Anne, Oct. 24, 1986. To Tom '85 and Jean Stixrud, a daughter, Christina Lois, June 20, 1986. To Ted "86 and Cantey Smith, a son, Ian, Sept. 19, 1986. To Clay 88 and Debbie Posey, a son, Kenneth Clayton III, Oct. 16, 1986. To Tommy '89 and Cindy Sikes, a son, Tommy, Oct. 29, 1986. DEATHS Finley Gnssett, Jr '53, July 1986. Wilson T. Dowhng '54, Sept. 6. 1986. Paul Gray (Spec. '84), May 16, 1986. On September 22 Dr. Walter Brueggemann, center, participated in a panel discussion which included Dr. David Gunn, left, and Dr. Fred Craddock, right, of Candler School of Theology. That evening Dr. Brueggemann was inaugurated as Professor of Old Testament, delivering his addrtss, -Narrative as Eye-Exercise. three lectures on "Theology and Pastoral Counseling" at the Southeast Region Annual Meeting of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors Tom Baine Anderson '40 has been named pastor emeritus of the First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, NC. Steven Souther '83 has been called as pastor to the Union Springs Church in Alabama Milton M. Foust '61 is pastor emeritus of the Jamestown Presbyterian Church in North Carolina C. Benton Kline, Adjunct Professor of Theology at Columbia, led a workshop on "Tillich and CPE" at the American Association for Clinical Pastoral Education annual meeting in Atlanta in October. In September he was consultant to the Long Range Planning Committee at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Atlanta Wade Huie '46, Professor of Homiletics at Columbia, conducted special preaching services for four days at his home church, First Presbyterian Church, Elberton, GA, and led a Festival of Faith at Emory Presbyterian Church, Atlanta. In December he attended the annual meeting of the Academy of Homiletics in Pittsburgh. Gary Waller '59 is co-director of Project Frontera de Cristo in Douglas, AZ James B. Reaves '52 is serving as interim supply pastor at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Marietta, GA Susan Bryan '85 is pastor of the Sagemont Presbyterian Church in Houston Robert Klein '85 and Deborah Scanlon were married Sept. 7, 1986. He is working toward the Ed.D. in the Harvard Graduate School of Education After 25 years as a missionary in Korea, Clarence Durham '56 joined the staff of the Medical Benevolence Foundation in Woodville, TX Wayne Hoffmann '62 has new responsibilities at Chapman College in Orange, CA, as vice president for regional eduation centers. Eric Edwin Lynch (Th.M. "83) is pnest-in-charge of Christ the King Anglican Church, Anglican chaplain to the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill campus), and youth officer of the Diocese of Barbados Bill Lowe '80 received the Georgia Easter Seal Award for 1986 Pam King '85 and James Anderson were married April 12, 1986 Dana Waters "58 has been made a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Willis H. Moore (D.Min "85) is candidacy registrar for the United Methodist Board of Ordained Ministry. He writes a weekly column, "Moore or Less," for the Kingsland, GA, newspaper Brian Childs, Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Counseling at Columbia, with Will Ormond "43, Professor of Biblical Exposition at Columbia, presented a workshop, "The Role of Biblical Narrative in Clinical Pastoral Education," at the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education annual conference Oct. 13 in Atlanta. Dr. Childs has been named to the Editorial Advisory Committee for the Journal of Pastoral Care. David Gunn, Professor of Old Testament at Columbia, attended the annual meeting of the Advisory Council of Interpretation at Union Seminary in Richmond in September, Dr. Gunn attended the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Atlanta in November where he gave a paper, "Directions in Biblical Literature: Old Testament Narrative," to the Rhetorical Criticism section, organized a panel of the Biblical History and Archaeology section reviewing recent histories of ancient Israel, attended the Program Unit Chairs meeting as incoming chair of the Rhetorical Criticism section, and met with the editorial board of Biblical Archaeologist and Journal for the Study of the Old Testament. Sara C. Juengst '83, Associate Director of Advanced Studies at Columbia, led Christian education workshops at the Westminister Church in Snellvile, GA, and at Southern Pines, NC. She led a mission education workshop in Orlando and a faith journey workshop for Atlanta Presbytery Leadership School. Ms. Juengst wrote the curriculum for four- and five-year-olds in "Bible Discovery Series," 1988 George Stroup, Professor of Theology at Columbia, also attended Continued on page 7 VANTAGE Development I Seminary Relations By James F. Dickenson Vice President, Development/Seminars Relations Professor George Stroup, center, is congratulated by Dr. Brian Childs, left, and Dr. James Newsome, right, after his inauguration as Professor of Theology. Dr. Stroup delivered his address, "The Narrated Word: Thoughts on Narrative Christology," on October 21. For the Record Continued from page 6 the annual meeting of the Advisory Council of Interpretation at Union Seminary in Richmond. He taught a class on "The New Testament in Light of Contemporary Theology"' at the synod school of the Synod of Florida in Clearwater and an adult education class on "Theology of the City" at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta in October. Dr. Stroup spoke on the "Past and Future of Reformed Theology" to the Mid- South Synod meeting of Directors of Resource Centers in Memphis and gave five lectures on "Contemporary Issues in Reformed Theology" at a ministers" retreat for Fayetteville Presbytery at Myrtle Beach, SC, also in October. Charles C. Williamson '84 has been called as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Monroe, NC Ed Trimmer, Associate Professor of Christian Education at Columbia, led an Athens Presbystery training event in youth ministry in September. In October he was the main speaker for Atlanta Presbyterys Junior High Rally and led the Northlake Cluster of United Methodist Churches Training Event in Youth Ministry. He has been named to the national planning team tor the United Methodist Church's Youth Rally Summer '88 Keith Hill '50 and Linda Wise were married Nov. 2 in First Presbyterian Church of Williston, FL, where he has been pastor since 1979. Robert Ramey, Professor of Ministry at Columbia, conducted a spiritual growth retreat for First Presbyterian Church of DeLand, FL, and for the Lake Murray, SC, Presbyterian Church, which was held at Montreat. On Oct. 25 he and Gail Barnett were married at the First Church in Danville, VA, Dr. Ramey's hometown. Professor Ramey conducted an evangelism workshop for Blue Ridge Presbytery in Lynchburg, VA, in November and in December led an officers' planning retreat for First Church of Maitland, FL Caroline Leach 72, Associate Dean ot Students at Columbia, helped to host, as associate pastor of Oakhurst Church in Decatur, the 1986 Culturally Plural Congregations Conference for the PC(USA).D This pasi m \k 1986 was .in eventful year m the life of Columbia Seminar] There have been many important \c.irs m our history, including the founding ot the seminary, the move to Decatur in 1927, the long and fruitful presidency of Dr. Richards, However, 1986 will rank as one of the more notable years in terms .it both sadness and great progress. Dr. J. McDowell Richards died ,u the age of 83; no one needs to be reminded of what he accomplished Dr. Ben Kline, who followed Dr Richards as president, suffered another major heart attack, had surgery, and is now ba< k in full swing as an adjunct professor and also playing an important role in denominational affairs Dr. J. Davison Philips retired as Columbia's sixth president after leading the seminary trom 1976 through 1986. Under his leadership the seminary developed into one of the leading seminaries in our denomination and, indeed, one of the leading seminaries ot all denominations Dr. Douglas Oldenburg, who was minister of the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, was called to be the seventh president of Columbia He brings to the position a variety of skills plus a warm, genuine personality which has characterized the presidents of Columbia over the years. He began his duties January 1, 1987. New faculty appointments brought excitement, as they usually do. Dr. George Stroup and Dr. Walter Brueggemann were the two additions tor 1986 The entire faculty has led programs and pro> id. d services to the church too numerous to inc iitu. n For ili. first Mm. in us lnsiory, th< seminary launched a quiet campaign toi six milium dollars. The Hoard ol I >irectors had determined this to be the first phase in us overall "Toward 2000 < ampaign" to raise 45 million dollars by the beginning of the next century The restrictions on tlu campaign were that no .lnu.li or church groups i ould I" solii fed During this notable v< at . approximately four million dollars received toward the Phase 1 goal It became evident in 1986 that Columbia Seminar) had mad. giant strides. Davison Philips has lefi B legacy which, by anj standards, is outstanding. The following descnU ( olumbia Seminar] an outstanding fat ultj . one ol the best in the theological world a current operating budget at foul million dollars. a strong student body, with *)15 I nrolled in six degree program. a variety of major new programs. an endowment ot 27 million dollars. excellent relationships with the church at Lai a future bright with promise for the seminary and the church. Yes, 1986 was truly an eventful year in the life of this 158-year-old institution. D John A Conant, left, was featured speaker at the Atlanta-Area Appreciation Dinner November 20. Mr. Conant is vice-chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the Toward 2000 Capital Campaign. Chairman Joe Patrick, left, presided at the annual meeting of the President's Advisory Council, held October 51. Columbia Friendship Circle and Columbia Seminary invite you to COME SEE COLUMBIA DAY Thursday, April 9, 1987 Share a day of inspiration and Christian fellowship while enpy.ng the spring- time beauty of the seminary campus. For more information, call or write the CFC Office at the seminary. _ _ WINTER 1987 Make plans to attend 1987 Forum * ThK! I Will -KNOWN < HUR< HMEN highlight the 1987 Columbia Forum. The Forum, which is built around a guest preacher and two lecturers, will be held February 2-5, which is a Monday through Thursday. In addition to the lectures and worship services, Forum is also the time for alumni/ae activities and reunions. This year's worship services will be led by Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr., who is pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta The titles of Dr. Roberts' three sermons are "Convenient Ignorance," "You Visited Me," and "Familiar Excuses." The worship services will be held at Columbia Presbyterian Church on February 2, 3, and 4 at 7:30 p.m. The 1987 Smyth Lecturer is Dr. Tom Long, Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Long taught at Columbia from 1978 until 1983. He will speak on the eyes, the voice, and the ears of preaching. Professor Long's lectures will take place February 3 at 11 a.m. and February 4 and 5 at 11:30 a.m. at the Columbia church. Paolo Ricca, Professor of Church History at the Waldensian Faculty of Theology in Rome, is the Alumni/ae Lecturer. Professor Ricca's topics will be the Waldensian Movement in the Framework of Medieval Society; Waldensians and Reformation the Dialogue Which Did Not Take Place; and Waldensians Today: On Being Protestant in an Ecumenical Age. Dr Ricca will speak at the Columbia church at 9 a.m. on February 3, 4, and 5 Alumni/ae activities will run throughout Forum On Tuesday, February 3, Dr. James Daughdnll '67, President of Rhodes College in Memphis, will speak on "The Future and the Mainstream" at the Alumni/ ae Luncheon and Association Meeting at 12:30. The reunion classes and their spouses will hold their luncheon on Wednesday, February 4, at 12:30. The following serve as reunion chairpersons: 1932 & earlier - Thomas H. Grafton 1937 - Bill Talmage 1942 - Charles Davis 1947 - Hubert Taylor 1952 - Jim Stuart 1957 - Jerry Hammet 1962 - Ray Howe 1967 - Asa Meadows 1972 - Ernie Johnson 1977 - Jim Foil 1982 - Grady Perryman 1986 - Ted Smith. The classes prior to and including 1932 are issued a special invitation by their chairperson, Thomas H. Grafton. We hope to have a large turnout from this select group. Women students and alumnae will enjoy a special supper together on Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. Wives of alumni are invited to a tea on Wednesday at 3 p.m. A reception for Dr. Douglas Oldenburg, Columbia's new president, will be held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, giving Forum participants an opportunity to meet the seminary's seventh president. The reception will be held in the Red Room of the Richards Center. In addition, three times have been set aside for informal questions and conversation with the lecturers and the preacher. All alumni/ae and all friends of the seminary, both lay and clergy, are invited to the campus for this full week of lectures, worship, and reunions. For more information, call the seminary at 404/378-882 l.D w Author and churchman Will Campbell was the 1986 Alumni /ae Lecturer. COLUMBIA SEMINARY Vantage P.O. Box 520 Decatur, Georgia 30031 CONTENTS Oldenburg called as president 1 The Philips years 1 From the President 2 Continuing education 4 The Columbia presses 5 For the Record 6 A memorable year 7 Forum 1987 8 Second Class Postage Paid at Decatur, GA Publication No. 124160 Forum week: February 2-5