Being Transformed Into His Likeness (Summer 2014)

contact
Transformed
Likeness
His
into
The Ministry Magazine of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary | Summer 14 | Vol. 42 No. 1 | Spiritual Formation
Being
contact
The Ministry Magazine of
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
You may have noticed that contact magazine is

undergoing a transformation. The previous design was
more than 10 years old, and we wanted to refresh the
look and feel of the magazine while still keeping a strong,
classic (and readable!) layout. Please let us know what
you think at communications.office@gordonconwell.edu
Summer 14 | Vol. 42 No. 1 | Spiritual Formation
Senior Communications Advisor

and Editor of Contact
Mrs. Anne B. Doll
And we all, who with unveiled faces

contemplate the Lords glory, are being
transformed into his image

with ever-increasing glory, which comes
contents
from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Reflections from the President
Director of Communications and Marketing

Mr. Michael L. Colaneri
2 corinthians 3:18
hroughout its history, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has

had a stellar reputation academically. A rigorous curriculum, a
Assistant Editor
Mrs. Heather N. Korpi
highly esteemed faculty, and alumni in key academic, pastoral and
Graphic Designer
Ms. Nicole S. Rim
leadership positions attest to our academic excellence. But these days, it is not
Inquiries regarding Contact may be addressed to:

Editor, Contact
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
130 Essex Street, S. Hamilton, MA 01982
communications.office@gordonconwell.edu
www.gordonconwell.edu
978.468.7111
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary does not
discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national or
ethnic origin, age, handicap or veteran status.
just the feeding of the mind that characterizes our commitments and ethos.
When I ask current students why they chose Gordon-Conwell, I typically
hear two things: its academic rigor and its commitment to spiritual
formation. Humans do not live by mind alone and, thus, to prepare men
and women for the wide assortment of Christian ministries, we cannot bank
on our thinking alone. When people fail in ministry it is rarely because of
insufficient knowledge. Rather, its that they are swamped by the messiness
4
8
on the front lines: Coffee with a Cause

By Anne B. Doll
on the front lines: Bringing the Word
to the Budu-Nitas
By Heather N. Korpi
articles
12
15
18
22
Becoming Brighter and More Beautiful

By Gwenfair Adams
26
28
29
31
Shifting Sands
By Michael L. Colaneri
good books
beyond our doors: Nicole Rim

advancement news: Finish Strong,
Mark Moments and Leave a Legacy
By Kurt W. Drescher
alumni
33
34
alumni news
36
alumni notes
alumni spotlight: On the Ground in Ukraine
reflections
38
39
spiritual depth and vitality, no one can minister effectively for very long.
what's new?
reach
Building Disciples of Jesus

An Oasis of Hospitality and Spiritual Rest
of ministry or they grow thin in their relationship with Christ. Without
news
f e at u r e s
In Memoriam: George Bennett

opening the word: Descending into Greatness
By Steve S. Kang
board of trustees
Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger,
President
Rev. Dr. John A. Huffman,
Jr., Chairman
Rev. Dr. Claude R. Alexander, Jr., Vice Chairman
Dr. Shirley A. Redd,
Secretary
Mr. Ivan C. Hinrichs,
Treasurer
Mr. Joel B. Aarsvold
Mrs. Linda S. Anderson
Dr. Diana Curren Bennett
Rev. Dr. Garth T. Bolinder
Rev. Dr. Richard P. Camp
Mr. Thomas J. Colatosti
Dr. Stan D. Gaede
Mrs. Joyce Godwin
Mrs. Sharon Fast Gustafson
Rev. Dr. Michael B. Haynes
Mr. Herbert P. Hess
Mr. Caleb Loring, III
Mrs. Joanna Mockler
Dr. Charles W. Pollard
Mr. Fred L. Potter
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, Jr.
Mrs. Virginia M. Snoddy
Rev. Dr. David D. Swanson
Dr. Joseph W. Viola
Rev. Dr. John H. Womack, Sr.
Dr. William C. Wood
emeriti members
Dr. Richard A. Armstrong
Rev. Dr. Leighton Ford
Mr. Roland S. Hinz
Mr. Richard D. Phippen
Rev. Dr. Paul E. Toms
co-founder and
trustee emeritus
Dr. William F. Graham
True spirituality, however, is never just an inward experience. It manifests
president and
trustee emeritus
Dr. Robert E. Cooley
and presence, is sustained and nurtured by an intimate relationship with the
president emeritus
Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.
presidents cabinet
Dr. Dennis P. Hollinger,
President
Mr. Kurt W. Drescher,
Vice President of
Advancement
Dr. Mark Harden,
Dean of the Boston Campus
Dr. Timothy Laniak,
Dean of the Charlotte
Campus
Dr. Richard Lints,
Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Dr. Alvin Padilla,
Dean of Hispanic Ministries
Mrs. Lita Schlueter,
Dean of Students and Director of Student Life Services
Mr. Jay Trewern,
Vice President for Finance
and Operations / CFO
itself in mission to the world. Our mission of word and deed, proclamation
Triune God. A spiritual formation without mission and witness is, as James
put it, a dead faith.
So in this edition of Contact, we focus on spiritual formationbiblically,
theologically and programmatically at Gordon-Conwell. But we also turn to
the way that spiritual formation manifests itself in a fallen and broken world
that desperately needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. All of this is not at odds
with our academic commitments. Rather, it is a demonstration of loving God
with heart, soul and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D.

President &
Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics
f e at u r e s
f e at u r e s
Chip and Cheery Furr have a passion

on the front lines
C OFF E E
to affect and infect lives for the cause of Christ.

They also have a passion for fabulous coffee.
Climbs Roast coffee, to be exact.
W I TH A
CAU SE
ANNE B . D OL L
CLIMBS ROAST IS THE CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA,
couples own brand of coffeeand their labor of love. In a

donated space in south Charlotte, they roast and bag the
beans and distribute them wholesale to churches, coffee
houses and 41 grocery stores in the Harris Teeter chain.
Their suppliers of coffee beans come from among fair
trade importers and growers whom the Furrs know from
their 20-plus years in global missions. Paying a fair price
for the beans is a big deal for Chip and Cheerya way
of addressing injustice. People rob them, paying them
nothing, then come here and sell the beans for all kinds of
money, Chip says. Its exploitation. We want to be sure
that what the growers deserve goes back to them and into
their communities.
One hundred percent of Climbs Roast net profits support
missions in the U.S. and globally through the companys
non-profit ministry organization, The Climb (Christ Like
in Mind and Body).
So how did a couple with many years in missions get into
an entrepreneurial Coffee with a Cause business? It happened after Chip graduated from Gordon-ConwellCharlotte (MATH 05), left Charlottes Forest Hill Church where
contact | summer 2014
he had worked during seminary and went into the street.

Climbs Roast, Chip says, was created in an effort to
reach lives that would hardly ever think about being part
of a church, or maybe even recognize that there is a God
around. We thought the coffee could serve as a bridge to
engage people in their environment and have brief relational conversations.
It was a whole different demographic we were going after. In certain platforms, if I walked down the street with
a Bible, there was no way Id probably be able to engage
people for Jesus. But if I could use a commodity like coffee
to get into their world and have conversations in a neutral
space, Im planting a seed.
With that vision guiding them, Chip and Cheery traveled to California for roasting school where, he says, we
roasted with some of the best roasters in the world to
make what we believed would be fabulous coffee. Because
you cant make mediocre coffee, then ask people to join
your mission.
Returning to Charlotte, they cashed in their little, and I
mean little 401(k), bought a secondhand coffee roaster
and went to work in a donated space. And over time, remarkable things began to happen.
summer 2014 | contact
f e at u r e s
We got a contract with one church and then another, and

then the owner of the Rocky River Coffee Co. called with
interest in carrying our coffee, Chip recalls. In a testimonial posted on the Climbs Roast website (www.theclimb.
org), owner Dave Damone writes: Our customers love
the idea of buying a cup of coffee that gives back through
the giving bean. Great coffee done right with a cause. You
cant beat that...
Chip and Cheery now have an assortment of partnerships, including eight church partners. Churches typically
purchase beans grown only in countries where they have
mission initiativesefforts to support indigenous growers
and their local economy. And uses for the beans vary from
church to church. The Church at Charlotte, for example,
buys coffee only grown in Ethiopia and Costa Rica, ordering single-pot tear-and-pour Frac Packs for staff consumption and as parting gifts for visitors. The church also
purchases one-pound bags, adds its own private label and
sells the coffee to raise money for future mission trips.
Once Climbs Roast was up and running, Chip began to
wonder what ultimately happens to the burlap bags that
hold 150 pounds of beans, like those he and Cheery haul
to their site. After learning that they end up in landfills, he
sat on that information for about eight months, then said
to Cheery, Lets make handbags out of the burlap. To
which Cheery replied, Ive got two or three designs I can
draw. Lets get somebody to sew them.
f e at u r e s
People kept saying to us, Go to Mexico, go here, go there

for the sewing, Chip recounts. We stayed in Charlotte,
and found able and disabled veterans and other disabled
workers to sew for us. So now its an American product
sewn right here in North Carolina. Made in the USA!
...if I could use a commodity like coffee

to get into their world and have conversations
in a neutral space, Im planting a seed.
And thus began a second ministry, Sackcloth & Ashes

(S&A), through which they sell a variety of custom handbags and tote bags. Sackcloth & Ashes is a biblical concept of restoration and renewal, Chip explains. Its about
taking an old life that once was and making it into something better.
Interest in this new ministry was swift and heartwarming.
Several individuals contacted them to say, We love the vision of what youre doingwhat it represents. How do we
get involved? Out of those conversations came donated
supplies of burlap.
A fabric store owner learned about S&A and donated fabrics for the bag interiors. A liquidating company donated
industrial sewing machines, fabrics, needles and thread.
Much of this outpouring has occurred with little to no
promotion. Yet last Christmas, when Cheery designed
burlap Christmas stockings, area churches got wind of the
effort and began ordering hundreds. Churches then filled
the stockings with items for children in Third World countries where they focus their missions, and mailed them to
those countries. The children received essential items and
a Christmas stocking they could keep.
Its just crazy, Chip laughs. Its just God.
What else could be on the horizon?
Cheery has written a barista curriculum, hoping to teach
individuals a marketable skill and to gain certification.
Several professionally trained chefs have approached Chip
about developing an industrial teaching kitchen. Chips
vision is for the chefs to teach culinary skills to individuals trapped in the regions burgeoning sex trade, as well as
others coming out of environments that he says are destroying their lives. Several ministries are already helping
victims escape the sex trade and are providing housing.
But most have no working skill. If you can cook, Chip
explains, you can work in any restaurant, any kitchen...
The skill is transferrable anywhere.
The Climb also has other mission initiatives. Pastors that
Chip and Cheery know in Third World countries are
working with missionaries and global churches, trying to
develop community centers, using proceeds from coffee

bean sales to fund construction. When built, these centers
would help poor, orphaned and homeless children, drug
addicts and gang members.
So, Chip explains, Manny Ohonme, President of Samaritans Feet, calls me and says, Chip, Ive got a Burundi
coffee bean. How can I get the beans to you to roast, then
sell the coffee and get the proceeds back to Burundi?
Chip replied, We can do that, but how about if we make
it better? How about I get a roaster to Burundi and my
wife and I come over there? Well teach the people how to
roast, how to sew their own bags out of burlap and teach
them Kingdom entrepreneurship. Thats teaching them
how to fish.
If a community center were built, it could house the roasting and sewing operations, a kitchen to feed the hungry
and homeless, even arts, sports and a theological education component for local pastors who cant afford travel
to America for seminary training.
With so many initiatives brewing, Chip says he and
Cheery need God to lead them the right wayWeve got
people coming out of the woodwork who want to volunteer
and be part of the journey. But thats the way God works.
According to Chip, The Climbs ministry activities have
always focused on partnering with other ministry or-
ganizations or churches to raise up the Church in local

environments. For example, while at Forest Hill Church,
he created a sports ministry and formed basketball, indoor
soccer and flag football leagues as an outreach to neighborhood children and their parents. Then he was asked to consider taking the concept to the mission field. And that eventually led to a basketball program in England for a church
that Gordon-Conwell professor Dr. Rollin Grams and his
wife, Wendy, attended when they lived in that country.
I basically took the formula for what we were doing in
Charlotte to attract children to be part of a church ministry, Chip explains. The program in England started with
15 kids. Seven mission trips later, 300 young people were
involved. It has since grown to two other locations in the
UK. Moreover, the church has built its own sports gym
and named the ministry ENGAGE, using The Climb as the
blueprint.
The logo for The Climb ministry is an image of one man
helping another up a mountain. Chip says it is meant to
convey not a handout, but a hand up. Its about relationships and creating an environment for people to have
hope and fulfill who they are in Christ.
Chips book, Thin Places, chronicles many of the Furrs experiences in global missions. His second book, a weekly devotional,
Unfiltered, will be released soon. More information is available at
www.theclimb.org.
Chip and Cheery Furr, ready to roast another batch of coffee with a cause.
f e at u r e s
f e at u r e s
on the front lines
CHRISTIANS ACCOUNT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF

THE CONGO'S RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC. SO ITS PARTICULARLY SURPRISING THAT LESS
THAN HALF OF THE 218 LANGUAGES IN THE D.R. CONGO HAVE THEIR OWN BIBLE.
THE CHALLENGE, SAYS BIBLE TRANSLATION CONSULTANT OLIVIA

MAMISOA RAZAFINJATONIARY, IS THAT "WHEN THE WAR BREAKS, PEOPLE HAVE TO
FLEE. AND USUALLY WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS, THEY LOSE THE TRANSLATION WORK.
THEY HAVE TO SAVE THEIR LIVES." WHILE THE CONGO WAR HAS OFFICIALLY ENDED,
OLIVIA EXPLAINS, "IN SOME PARTS OF THE D.R.C., EVEN AS WE ARE SPEAKING NOW,
THERE IS STILL SOME UNREST GOING ON."
THANKFULLY, NEWER, RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS
the translators to back up their work on a central server

in Nairobi, where Madagascan natives Olivia and her
husband, Serge, live and work as Wycliffe Africa members,
seconded to SILEastern Congo Group (SILECG). As a
Bible Translation Consultant, Olivia has had a hand in
helping translate half of the 11 languages currently in
process. Since she began the Doctor of Ministry program
at Gordon-Conwell in 2013, she decided to focus solely on
the translation into a language called Budu-Nita alongside
her studies.
The Budu-Nitas are a community in the deep forest of
the D.R.C., in a place called Ibambi, says Olivia. Ibambi
is in the middle of the forest, surrounded by forest. People
subsist on whatever is available in the forest: snakes
(according to the people, viper is the best), monkeys,
caterpillars. Life is really simple.
For years, Olivia would make the difficult trek into Ibambi
to work with the Budu-Nita translators there. The arduous,
two-day journey, says Olivia, involved a flight from
Nairobi, Kenya, to Entebbe, Uganda. Then, wed take an
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) flight from Entebbe to
the D.R.C., to a place called Bunia, and another MAF flight

from Bunia to a place called Nebo-Bongo. And from NeboBongo to Ibambi, wed take a motorbike.
A few years ago, the local church, desiring to be more
involved in Bible translation, established a translation
hub in a larger village called Isiro, just over 40 miles from
Ibambi. The churches provide offices for the translators, all
of whom relocated to Isiro with their families. Currently,
six translation teams work together in the hub and are
supported by SILECGs translation and IT consultants.
The hub provides opportunities for accelerated translation
and collaboration between translators.
Each team consists of at least two translators, one backtranslator (a person not involved in the translation) and
a consultant. Sometimes a consultant-in-training will
also join them. We are training Congolese to become
consultants, too. The aim is to build capacities among
nationals so that whether expatriates are there or not, the
work can always continue. It is a joy to have one Congolese
translation consultant now, two more in the pipeline to
become consultants soon and more in the consultant-intraining track, Olivia says.
HEATHER N. KORPI
f e at u r e s
f e at u r e s
"THE AIM IS TO BUILD CAPACITIES

They receive feedback from the village, explains Olivia.
The thing is that usually when they send the drafts to
the community to be tested and checked, the community
doesnt want to give back the drafts. They say, This draft
doesnt go back to you. Take notes of our corrections.
The laborious yet incredibly important task of Bible
translation involves years of focused effort, and usually
begins with the New Testament. When we do the
checking in Isiro, if we check a narrative text, we are
able to check up to 40 verses per day. When we check the
Epistles, then its a maximum of 30 verses per day, Olivia
says. In every single verse, I have to depend on God. My
knowledge doesnt bring me far. Its all about God.
Prior to her work with the Budu-Nitas, Olivia worked with the Bekwara translation
team in Nigeria.
When they translate the Bible, they use French and/or

Swahili to translate into their local language. Then the
back-translator translates back into Frenchthe language
that I understand, explains Olivia, who holds a bachelors
and a masters in translation, with expertise in Malagasy,
English and French. And then we meet face-to-face
and I check with themthe meaning, the naturalness,
everything. Of course, I check from the Greek or Hebrew
to make sure that everything is there, that nothing is lost
or dropped.
After they meet face-to-face in Isiro, someone takes it back
to the village and its tested for accuracy, for naturalness.
AMONG NATIONALS SO THAT
CAN ALWAYS CONTINUE."
The Budu-Nita New Testament is now 60 percent complete.

While the people anxiously await their written translation,
they have had the opportunity to hear the gospel story
in their own language through the JESUS film. The
dedication of the JESUS film in 2007 was a big celebration
for the community, Olivia recalls. The villagers all came
dressed up in their traditional outfits with traditional
musical instruments. The whole village and the villages
around all came, and all of the local churches gathered
together. It was a big party, a really big celebration with
lots of praise and worship and thanksgiving.
Olivia predicts that an even bigger party will ensue after
the release of the finished New Testament, which she
anticipates will be complete after 2017. They really look
forward to that. They are already preparing. This will be a
big time, a big celebration.
When Olivia is not in Isiro helping with the translation,
shes working out of her Nairobi office, preparing for the
CENTRAL
AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
AT-A-GLANCE: BUDU-NITA TRIBE
SUDAN
IBAMBI
REGION
IBAMBI
UGANDA
CONGO
CONGO
RIVER
D.R.C.
PRIMARY LANGUAGE
BUDU-NITA
ARE THERE OR NOT, THE WORK
checking sessions, keeping in touch with the translators

via email, hosting guests and attending to her studies. She
also helps with travel logistics for Serge, who is Program
Manager for all 11 languages being translated in eastern
D.R. Congo.
Even before Olivia and Serge met in Madagascar in 2000,
the Lord had called each of them to the mission field, but
neither was sure exactly where. After we got married in
2002, we just felt that it was the right time for us to give our
full time to the mission that the Lord has put in our hearts.
The Lord opened the ministry of Bible translation to us,
and we asked him to equip us if thats what he wanted
us to do, she reflects. God led them to NEGST (Nairobi
Evangelical Graduate Studies of Theology)now AIU
(Africa International University)where, in 2006, Olivia
received an M.A. in Bible Translation and Serge earned
an M.A. in Biblical Studies. In 2007, they entered into fulltime Bible translation with Wycliffe Bible Translation.
Olivia first learned about Gordon-Conwell in 2008, when
Dr. Tim Laniak, Dean of the Charlotte Campus, and his
wife went to Nairobi to visit friendswho happened to be
Olivias professors at NEGST. The Laniaks stayed in touch
with Serge and Olivia after the visit and encouraged Olivia
to consider the D.Min. program in Bible translation. Soon,
others also began encouraging her.
People started telling me about the doctoral program
in Bible translation at Gordon-Conwell, Olivia says.
Although I was interested to know about the program,
I had always thought and kept telling people that its not
for now; I was sent to work in the D.R.C., not to study.
But in December 2012, a visit from a dear friend opened
my eyes and my heart to see and consider it seriously.
Then, we went back to Madagascar for a month to talk
to the church about it. What do they think? What does
the church feel about my going to seminary? Everyone
encouraged me to go for the D.Min. program.
TANZANIA
ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
10
WHETHER EXPATRIATES
But we had not even one dollar for it. It was not budgeted,
it was not planned, nothing. We thought, How can we
get all of this? I dont know, but lets just do it. God will
open doors. As we were praying, a couple wrote to us and
said they would like to pay Olivias first year, whatever,
whatever she needs for the first year, we will pay. Looking
back at how God orchestrated the first year, I know hes
never late. Even when its at the last minute, hes never late.
When she thinks about why she works in the D.R. Congo
or why she has added doctoral studies to her already
demanding schedule, she says, Our vision is to wake up
Africa. This is the time for Africa to go into mission! God
has called us to go. God has called Africa also to go.
What I want is to not only be a Bible Translation
Consultant, but to invest in training others at a higher
level, to plant more seeds of sustainability in Africa, she
says. Capacity building is needed in order to accelerate
Bible translation with a high-quality result and a larger
scope. I also would like to help my fellow African women
see the value that God has put in us as African women.
Olivia explains that her native Malagasy culture values
women and holds them in high esteem; however, she has
not always found that to be the case among other African
cultures. Some of the biggest challenges I face stem from
being a woman working in a leadership role within a
male-dominated society, she says.
Olivia interacts with eager children during the campaign of the Gospel of
Luke and the JESUS film in Lika, another language of the eastern D.R.C.
In the end, though, the joys outweigh the challenges. The

biggest joy is hearing them say, Thats our language!
You hear people using the drafts or whatever we finish
in the local churches or in the families. You see children
reading what weve finished, and its a joy hearing them
and seeing their faces, just smiling and lighting up. Its
really something...
Usually, here in Africa, when we talk about missionaries,
that would mean people from the West who are rich,
who have everything, who do everything, who provide
everything. But God opened our eyesmy husbands
and mineto see that thats not true. God has called
every Christian to go. And Matthew 28:1820 is for every
Christian to go and make disciples. My part in making
disciples is Bible translation, to provide the tool for those
to teachbecause no one can teach without the Book.
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In his essay, T h e We i g ht o f G l o r y, C . S . L ew is allu des to o u r deep

B EC O M IN G
Brighter
AND MORE
Beautiful
GWENFAIR ADAMS, PH.D.
de s i re to be t ran s fo r m e d by t h e be au t y o f G o d. We do n ot want merely

to s e e be au t y, t h o u g h , G o d k n ows , eve n t h at i s bo u nt y en o u gh . We want
s o m e t h i n g e l s e w h i c h c an h ardl y be pu t i nto wo rds to be u n i ted wi t h
t h e be au t y we s e e , to pas s i nto i t , to re c e i ve i t i nto o u rs elves , to bat h e
i n i t , to be c o m e par t o f i t . 1
f this is so, how exactly do we become part of this

beauty that our hearts long for? I suggest it is by
becoming mirrors.
Mirrors are mysterious. I remember the first time that our

little fluffy ball of furErasmus, our Maltesesaw himself
in the mirror. Consternation and much barking ensued,
together with tiny lunges and startled retreats as the
corresponding little fluffy ball of fur charged at him and
retreated in perfect imitation. Erasmus had discovered the
mysteriousness of mirrors.
Mirrors and the mirror-like have fascinated humans for
millennia. They have an almost magical quality. Narcissus,
enamored of his own beauty, died when he became
spellbound by his reflection in a pool. A mirror flattered
the sinister but stunning Queen in Snow White and then
angered her by shifting its favor to a younger maiden.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, a portrait mirrored the
increasing decrepitude of the man who sold his soul to
preserve his outward appearance, even as he descended
into a life of crime and debauchery. In Alice Through
the Looking Glass, the heroine entered a strange world

through the mirror above the mantelpiece.
Mirrors seem to have drawn the attention of the apostle
Paul as well. He drew on them as a motif a number of times,
including in 2 Corinthians 3:18, which states, And we all,
who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lords glory, are
being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.2
The term translated here as contemplate evokes the
metaphor of a mirror. The Greek is, at first glance,
ambiguous. John Calvin explored two of the meanings:
It is true that the meaning of the verb
is doubtful in Greek for it means sometimes to hold out
a mirror to be looked into and sometimes to look into a
mirror so presented.3 The terms definitions range from
contemplate or behold as in a mirror, to reflect or
display. So, which is it?
Perhaps Paul chose the verb because of its ability to
capture all of these meanings, for from the perspective of
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the mirror itself, at least three of them occur at the same

time. It is part of the mysteriousness of mirrors. Reflecting
can be done by a mirror only if it beholds something.
Both things happen in the same act. And in reflecting, the
mirror displays the beholden.
and the Milky Way. We see the contours of his body in

the fellowship of brothers and sisters. We engage his face
when we proffer a cup of water to the thirsty child or
visit the murderer in prison. And we catch glimpses of his
work in history and in our lives.
A mirrors ability to reflect, behold and display, though, is

limited by its relative clarity.
How do we reflect him? We reflect him when we imitate

his holiness, when we choose what he deems right and
pure. We reflect him when we adopt his holy habits, his
disciplines of prayer, solitude, discernment, Scripture
study and meditation, fasting and more. We reflect him
as we suffer for the sake of others, and as we show love to
our neighbors and enemies. And as we do all these things,
we display him to a watching world.
My husband, Kevin, and I love meandering through

antique fairs. The 19th-century mirrors mesmerize me.
Their dappled silver surfacesdimmed by the patina
of mercury gone awrygive them a faded beauty that
mimics the sepia-clouded dreaminess of the photographs
of the time. They work well with shabby chic
dcor. But the problem with them is that they
dont reflect things accurately. If you want
to check whether your Windsor knot
is crooked before you leave for that
Saturday afternoon wedding, you
will not be able to see it clearly.
And as we behold him, reflect him, display him,

we become like him. The process takes place
in community (We all), over time (being
transformed), by the power of the Holy
Spirit (which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit) and with a special
emphasis on Christ as the image we
are to focus upon.4
Reflecting
We are all like the old mercury

mirrors piled up in the back
corner of the silver booth at the
fair. But over timelike stainblotched linen put out in the
sun to be bleachedthe bubbles
and splotches in our mirrors are
smoothed away as we stare at the
Son. And the more we gaze into
his face, the more precisely we
reflect his visage.
CAN BE DONE
BY A MIRROR ONLY IF IT
beholds
SOMETHING.
BOTH THINGS HAPPEN
IN THE SAME ACT.
AND IN REFLECTING,
THE MIRROR
displays
So, like the Psalmist, we need to say,

One thing I ask from the Lord, this
only do I seek: that I may dwell in the
house of the Lord all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to
seek him in his temple (Psalm 27:4, NIV). And
there, as the Glory of his Presence shines upon us,
we will be transformed. Is it not startling that wewho,
in years gone by, would have died upon entering that
spaceare now invited into it? And that the Presence,
whose immediate sight would have served danger to us,
now shapes us into his likeness?
We are living mirrors that gaze at

the One who first gazed at us. We
contemplate him. We imitate him.
We present him. And as we keep
our eyes focused on the Glorious
One who stands waiting for us,
we ourselves become brighter and
more beautiful.5
BUILDING DISCIPLES
of
JESUS
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Macchia (M.Div. 83; D.Min.

01) describes spiritual formation as the deep
internal working of God in an individuals soul,
which impacts the vitality of ones faith community and service to others in Jesus name.
So, how can you become part of the

beauty that you long for? Be a mirror
that faces the Son.
THE BEHOLDEN.
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1 C.S.
Lewis, The Weight of Glory, in The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses (New
York: HarperCollins, 2001; originally 1949), p. 42.
2 NIV.
3 John Calvin, Calvins New Testament Commentaries: 2 Corinthians and Timothy,
Tutus, and Philemon, Calvins Commentaries, Volume 10. (Grand Rapids, Michigan:
William B. Eerdmans, 1996), p. 49.
4 2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV, and 2 Corinthians 4:46, NIV.
5 2 Corinthians 3:1618, Eugene Peterson, The Message: The Bible in Contemporary
Language, (Carol Stream, Illinois: NavPress, 2005), p. 1576.
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Where may we behold his soul-shaping likeness? We

can study his face most earnestly in his written Story,
from his Creation hovering in Genesis, to the Glorious
enthronement of Revelation. We seek him in worship on
a Sunday morning and in the stillness of listening. We
catch intimations of his beauty in quarks, petals, glaciers
Dr. Gwenfair Adams (M.Div.

89) is Associate Professor of
Church History and Director of the
Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation.
She is the author of Visions in Late Medieval
England: Lay Spirituality and Sacred Glimpses of
the Hidden Worlds of Faith, and the designer of
Biblical Narrative Spirituality (Story Spirituality),
a model of spirituality that can be used in spiritual formation,
direction, discipleship and counseling. She received a Ph.D. from
Cambridge University in England.
hrough this formation process, says Steve, the director of the seminarys Pierce Center for DiscipleBuilding, we are building up spiritual muscles as
disciples of Jesus Christ. As we grow in our sanctified
selves, we are becoming more and more like our Master,
Jesus. We are utilizing spiritual formation practices and
experiences to exercise those spiritual musclesso that
we are walking with Jesus, attending to his voice, reading
his Word, delighting in his creation, and finding hope and
strength and joy in our most essential relationship with
the Triune God.
And then we meet with them one-onone, and hear stories about their small
groups, their marriages and friendships, how theyre being transformed.
Its just awesome to see that we are really building disciples of Jesus Christ
through the formative experiences we
share together
Steve is confident that what Fellows

learn through the Pierce Center also
affects the way they approach their
classes. They are much more attentive
to whats going on inside of them and
around them, so they are able to give
voice to their communal experience in
the learning environment, he explains.
Theyre just more attentive, period.
Thats a huge gift.
From this place of spiritual health, we can then be lifegiving influences in the Church and participate joyfully in
Gods greater mission.
Steve considers spiritual formation to be a lifelong process touching every aspect of a believers life. It is growing
in understanding of what it means to live a whole life for
Jesusheart, soul, mind and strength. Great Commandment. Great Compassion. Great Commission.
And, he adds, Its the care and nurture of the soul, in the
context of community, and for the sake of the world. Its
the community, the shared relational experience, which is
what we stress in the Pierce Center. The missional piece
of our journey is lived out in our walk with God in this
world, both in the context of the Body of Christ and into
the wider, seeking world.
The Pierce Center that Steve leads was founded in 2002
through the vision and generosity of the late John Pierce, a
longtime seminary trustee, and his wife, Lois. The Center
now serves students at the Hamilton, Charlotte and Boston campuses. Each year, 62 students are selected as Pierce
Fellows from among the student body and receive scholarships to participate in this mentoring, disciple-building
program.
Pierce staff members regularly meet one-on-one with Fellows and lead spiritual formation small groups that all
Fellows attend. Out of those experiences, Pierce Fellows
then lead Soul Care groups for their classmates. In addition, Fellows attend two retreats annually and gather periodically for social events. The Pierce Center also sponsors
off-site, daylong Soul Sabbaths to which all members of
the seminary community are invited.
We facilitate a day of silent solitude, time alone with God,
but also experience great common unity without conversation, Steve explains. We give some guidance for the
processand also make ourselves available one-on-one
during the day. But its mostly time alone to pray. These
Soul Sabbaths are typically well attended, occasionally
necessitating the addition of a second day to accommodate the number of registrants.
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Steve Macchia (bottom, far left); Joellen Maurer, Assistant Director of the Pierce
Center for Disciple-Building (bottom, second from left); and Susan Currie,
Associate for Spiritual Formation (bottom, fourth from left); with Pierce Fellows.
Theres a deeper affection for Christ,

a deeper affection for the community
of Christ. Theres a deeper love for the
Word and the beauty of Gods creation.
According to Steve, the Scriptures are central in the Pierce
staffs interactions with students. Were in the text every
time we meet. Its more the reflective, contemplative reading of Scripture than studying, analyzing and articulating it as they do when they teach and preach it. We say,
Receive this Word as a gift, a gift from God for your soul.
Were going to intentionally meditate on it.
Students are also required to write a Rule of Life and
share it with the group. Then, each time the group gathers,
they give an update on their walk with God and answer
the John Wesley question, So how is it today with your
soul? In these regular times together, the group also sings
and prays, listening and attending to the voice of God,
he says.
Im encouraged by their spiritual depth and growth,
Steve adds. Their stories are amazingWhat Im most
encouraged by is how well they listen to one another, because listening is the primary skill were teaching. Listening to God in the Scripture. Listening for and noticing God
in their wider day-to-day experience. Listening to the will
of God over our lives.
Over the stretch of their time together,

Steve sees every single person falling
more in love with Jesus. Ive not been
disappointed yet, he says. Theres a
deeper affection for Christ, a deeper
affection for the community of Christ.
Theres a deeper love for the Word and
the beauty of Gods creation. I definitely see that. When we leave each other
at the end of our year, there are a lot
of hugs and tears at graduation. A lot
of depth in relationships has been built,
and in that gift we rejoice. abd
Rev. Dr. Stephen A. Macchia also serves as founding president of Leadership
Transformations, Inc., a
ministry devoted to developing leadership in church
and para-church ministry settings, with a strong
emphasis on the spiritual
formation of leaders and teams. He is the
creator of the CHAT (Church Health Assessment Tool)Survey for churches, and teaches
in the Spiritual Formation for Ministry Leaders track of the Doctor of Ministry degree.
In 2000, he received the seminarys Distinguished Alumni Award. Rev. Dr. Macchia previously served on the pastoral staff at Grace
Chapel (Lexington, MA), as President of Vision New England and on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Evangelicals. He is the author of eight books.
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Pierce: A Sanctuary During Seminary

For someone who describes herself as works-based
and driven, slowing down to reflect, listen and be
still can be a challenge.
Thats why, says
Brooke Park
(M.Div. 14;
MACO 14),
without Pierce,
seminary would
have been discouraging and
overwhelming.
Brooke first learned about the Pierce
Center for Disciple-Building when
she joined a Soul Care group led by
one of her friends, a Pierce Fellow,
during her first year as a Master of
Divinity student at Gordon-Conwell.
Alongside
Soul
Care,
Brooke
also joined a small group led by
Dr. Gwenfair Adams, Associate
Professor
of
Church
History
and Faculty Mentor for Womens
Spirituality
and
Leadership
Development. Together, the group
went through Dr. Adams Narrative
Life Analysis, which has since
become part of a for-credit course
at Gordon-Conwell.
It was life-changing, reflects
Brooke. By examining her personal
story, gifts and passions, Brooke
discovered an interest in counseling.
In her second year, she added the
M.A. in Counseling degree to her
M.Div., and applied to be a Pierce
Fellow.
The fellowship involves facilitating
a weekly Soul Care group for nonPierce students, participating in a
bi-weekly Pierce Soul Care group
led by Director Dr. Steven Macchia
and Spiritual Formation Associate
Susan Currie, and meeting with
Steve or Sue regularly for one-onone spiritual direction.
The main focus of Soul Care, says
Brooke, is not to be doing intensive
Bible study, but being reflective and
ready to listen to each other and to
God. Its about walking alongside
each other.
The other aspect of Soul Care, the
Rule of Life, Brooke explains,
means building a mission and
vision statement for your life, and
letting those foundations shape your
daily life.
That was pivotal in helping me think

more intentionally about my life. The
Rule of Life taught me to simplify and
not feel guilty about saying no to
things. When I was able to do that,
things didnt feel burdensome; they
felt life-giving.
Ones Rule of Life may involve
relational, vocational, missional,
financial, physical and spiritual
goals and boundaries. And it may
change often, depending on the
season of life. In fact, Brooke will
likely modify her Rule of Life upon
the arrival of her and her husband
Jon's baby boy in August.
Also important to Brookes spiritual
formation was the one-on-one
spiritual direction time with Sue.
She helped me to identify the
voice of God in the midst of all the
voices around me, Brooke explains.
And as a works-based person,
spiritual direction meant learning
the message of grace and living into
that.
Each year, God impressed a theme
on me, a word that I would hear,
says Brooke. The first year was
simplify, the second year was
intentional. During the third and
fourth years, the word was renew.
Pierce was such a sanctuary for me
in identifying whats true about the
gospel and who I am in Christand
knowing that I am not my grades.
I see the influence of Pierce as it
shapes students. Whether theyre
leading a group or interacting with
friends, it sets a tone of taking
things from our heads and putting
them in our hearts.
The Pierce Centers influence also
extends beyond the Gordon-Conwell
community. Brooke has shared
elements of the Rule of Life and
the Narrative Life Analysis with
her church and with clients at her
counseling internship.
I see my career as counseling,
she says, but I love integrating
spiritual formation in creative, even
unconventional ways. hnk
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EDITORS NOTE: In this edition of Contact, we begin a two-part series

on spiritual formation at our four campuses. Youll hear from faculty,
staff and students about how their minds and hearts are being shaped
for their future ministries in the U.S. and across the globe.
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This equipping students to live biblically is further

fleshed out in one of the six articles of the seminarys mission statement: To work with the churches toward the
maturing of students so that their experiential knowledge
of God in Christ is evidenced in their character, outlook,
conduct, relationships and involvement in society.
At Charlotte, a key structural component of spiritual formation is the co-curricular Pierce Center for DiscipleBuilding, which Tim describes as the leaven in the whole
community. The centers Campus Director, Shari Adams,
M.A., LMFT, provides individual and group spiritual direction to Pierce Fellows, who, in turn, lead weekly Soul Care
groups of other Charlotte students. In this way, she says,
we multiply the discipleship.
Shari also gives the Fellows practical applications of nurture, and guidance in speaking with others about their
spiritual lives. Students craft a Rule of Life document
and meet with her to dialogue about this mission statement. Periodic retreats place emphasis on the practice of
spiritual disciplines.
OF HOSPITALITY AND SPIRITUAL REST

When students hurry through the entrance of the Charlotte campus for
weekend classes, theyre actually crossing a threshold bathed in prayer.
ordon-ConwellCharlotte is a non-residential campus where many students also have families, fulltime jobs and ministries. Sometimes they drive from
other states to attend classes. The focus of threshold
prayers, says Campus Dean Dr. Timothy Laniak, is that
people will be able to let go as quickly as possible, and enter a weekend experience energized by the Holy Spirit to
be something greater than any of us could engineer.
We dont want students to come in the front door and
make a beeline for the library or the photocopy machine,
because then its a continuation of their frantic pace
There has to be a way to get prepped. So, our Friday night
chapel service is an extension of the threshold.
Its as if were communicating to students, Because

you only have a weekend with us, what you have to
do first is get silent before GodOtherwise, you wont
make the most efficient use of your time. Its a threshold
service that prepares students for a whole weekend of
encounterwith the subject material, with each other
and with God.
Spiritual formation at the Charlotte campus is woven into
the fabric of its academic and community life, in accordance with the seminarys vision: To advance Christs
Kingdom in every sphere of life by equipping Church
leaders to think theologically, engage globally and live
biblically.
Three years ago, in an effort to begin spiritual bonding and

a sense of accountability, the Charlotte campus started
reaching out to new M.Div. students through monthly
Soul Care groups facilitated by Pierce Fellows. According
to Dr. Stephen Klipowicz, Director of Ministry Formation,
incoming M.Div. students are required to attend one of the
Soul Care groups, and 40 to 50 students typically gather
during the weekends they are on campus.
Recently, new students pursuing other degrees were also
invited to join Soul Care groupsa measure designed in
part to encourage retention among those facing prolonged
educational journeys. We felt that if they had a support
groupwhere they [would receive] prayer, encouragement and spiritual formation, it would help them if they
were having trouble adjusting as new students. It seems
that it has had that effect.
Some years ago Dr. Laniak formed a Spiritual Life Council
comprised of faculty, staff, students and chaplain volunteers. Members are tasked with being watchful for spiritual needs within the community and praying for their
own domain areas. They are also the individuals who pray
over the threshold.
During the week, a variety of scheduled prayer meetings also take place. But spontaneous prayer is ongoing
throughout the campus. Some student security workers
pray over each office as they make their rounds. Others
gather on selected evenings to pray over the new building
site. Tim points to the Registration Office, where, he says,
staff provide much soul care and encouragement. The As-
sistant Registrar, Trish King, is a veteran in student care,

having served during most of Charlottes history.
M.A. (Biblical Studies/Christian Thought) student Anna
Gruntz works full-time in registration, is on the Spiritual Life Council and is involved in a church plant. She
says her department started the practice of praying for
students because many needed to drop a class. Usually
they come to us when they have a problem. So we started
thinking through how we could care for them, how we
could help them.
Campus Chaplain Percy Burns is also known for his prayer
ministry, and he regularly circulates throughout the campus to greet people and offer prayer. In addition, he meets
individually with students to provide spiritual counseling
and prayer. Tim identifies Percy as one of several volunteers whom God has brought to the campus to form a ring
of spiritual support.
One of Charlottes hallmark initiatives is its 20-year-old
integrative seminar. Dr. Klipowicz describes this twiceyearly gathering of the entire community as a daylong
conversation around a significant and relevant issue of
ministry in the contemporary world.
One out of every five topics pertains to spiritual formation, and all topics are built around one article of the seminarys mission statement. The seminar subjects are usually not clear-cut, easy issues to deal with, he says. We
try to have an edge to what we do so that students can get
excited and more fully informed. And its not just lectures.
During the day, we have breakout sessions and group
times. The students also do pre-work: reading books, doing fieldwork and reflecting on questions to bring with
them so theyre prepared and ready to go.
Each topic is examined through a multidisciplinary lens,
integrating the perspectives of faculty from various fields
of study. So, for example, the August seminar will address
the topic: How do we read the Bible? Participants will
explore questions such as, Do societal changes affect the
way we read the Bible, or does the Word effect societal
change?
Theyll also look at historical and contemporary examples, asking, How did the South read Scriptures on slavery? and How do people advocating for gay marriage
read Scripture? and When is the reading of Scripture
revisionist? When is it transformative? Seminars have
addressed numerous topics, from the sexually healthy
church to contemporary missions practices, often enlisting outside resources, such as pastors and practitioners in
related fields.
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In Charlotte classrooms, spiritual formation has many faces. According to Dr. Laniak, one faculty member has never
taught a class without beginning with singing. Another
dedicates several sessions to spiritual disciplines. Class always begins with prayer.
Its a threshold service that

prepares students for a whole
weekend of encounter with the
subject material, with each other
and with God.
Anna observes that because of the way her professors integrate spiritual formation into their classes, You cant go
through seminary without your life being transformed.
In her church history class, for example, she had to write
her own obituary, an exercise that caused her to reflect on
concepts such as What I want my life to look like in the
endand how do things we learn in church history and
theology play out in the way we live our lives?
In her Hebrew exegesis class, she says, students exegete
a passage, then discuss not only how they would teach it,
but how it applies to their own lives. I dont know how
you could answer that question without it affecting you.
Shari says that in the counseling department, where she
has co-taught classes, Each classroom professor integrates spiritual formation in meaningful ways, and clinical supervisors integrate faith and counseling.
As an example, she describes how her students reflect on
the integration of spiritual issues and psychology in future counseling sessions. We talk about the ways they ask
questions, [such as] Where are you with God right now?
and How do you know thats the voice of God youre listening to? Thats really giving them the practical integration pieces, so that theyre not keeping the spiritual
process separate from the counseling process.
Shari says that she has never sensed that spiritual issues
are tacked onto the back of a subject. I really sense that
we live out integration in all the different aspects of this
campus, that it is on the forefront of our actions. I think
the integration process pretty well emulsifies in this place.
In fall 2014, the Charlotte campus will launch a new degree, a Master of Arts in Christian Ministries (MACM),
supervised by Dr. Klipowicz and his new assistant, Deana
Nail. Deana is yet one more staff member whose job description should begin with prayer warrior. She supports
the M.Div. and MACM students in their journey through
seminary.
The MACM will test the efficacy of an e-portfolioan
idea Charlotte has been contemplating for more than 15
years. Steve explains that this electronic environment will
enable MACM students to reflect continually on their development and growth alongside Gordon-Conwells six
missional commitments.
Using a secure website, students will reflect on their histories prior to entering seminary and evaluate what was
formative in their lives. Theyll chart their academic work,
selecting examples of growth in thinking. And they can
add examples of formative experiences gained from supervised ministry, co-curricular experiences and activities
outside the seminary.
Theyll also be able to post into a matrix all manner of artifacts, such as papers, sermons, photos, videos and more.
And theyll have the ability to interact with faculty members through the site. The matrix becomes a container
that organizes their whole seminary experience as they go
through it, Steve notes. It is a specialized report of their
formation and development. It can be discussed with
mentors, faculty advisors and prospective employers.
Dr. Laniak contends that the most elusive aspect of spiritual formation is related to the schools atmosphere. Culture often has more influence over students than curricular and co-curricular requirements. Our question is, Does
our culture inspire spiritual vitality, spiritual attentiveness
and curiosity, spiritual openness and authenticity?
He says that over the past year, God has really gotten
our attention and brought the faculty and staff through a
season of repentance and renewalWe saw in ourselves
the tendency to do just what we wanted our students to
avoid: working too hard, trying to do the impossible by
juggling too many things, all the while ignoring our souls
cry for Sabbath rhythm. We had to reclaim our corporate
identity as an oasis of hospitality and spiritual rest or else
we would simply contribute to the fatigue and stress of
our students.
Tim vividly recalls a chapel service when he began by
simply asking people to talk about what had been happening in their lives. He remembers one student saying, Id
been driving this afternoon to get here, and I could hardly
wait to get here with you all. It was almost a desperate
urgency. I had to be here, in this chapel, to be with you all
and to be with God.
I would say, Tim concludes, that well only be as good as
that is truethat people would sense a need to be around
the campus, and around the staff and faculty, because wed
be the ones that Jesus described as those with bellyfuls of
living water flowing from us to people who are thirsty and
parched.
abd
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MICHAEL L. COLANERI
Dr. Jim M. Singleton, Jr.
Dr. Donna Petter
Dr. Eckhard J. Schnabel
Dr. Xiyi (Kevin) Yao
Participating in this first forum are Dr. Jim M. Singleton, Jr., Associate Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism; Dr. Donna Petter, Associate Professor of Old Testament and Director of the
Hebrew Language Program; Dr.Eckhard J. Schnabel, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor
of New Testament Studies; and Dr. Xiyi (Kevin) Yao, Associate Professor of World Christianity and
Asian Studies. You can read more about these professors at www.gordonconwell.edu/faculty.
PREPARING CHURCH LEADERS FOR TODAYS CULTURE

Cultures change. This trite proverb is so obvious, it almost goes without saying.
However, even though a truth is known and acknowledged, it is not always lived.
We may know that Christ is Lord in every area of our lives, but do we always live
that way?
Similarly, while we have prepared Church leaders for ministry for more than 100
years, the field that they enter is not late 19th-century Philadelphia or Boston, but
a much more global, pluralistic and morally equivocal culture. Shifting Sands is a
forum for Gordon-Conwell faculty to address questions pertaining to ministry in
the 21st century.
22
What do you see as the major challenges our students will face as they enter ministry?
DR. SINGLETON: For our students who are planning to
enter existing congregations, I believe they will encounter challenges in helping those congregations adapt to a
changing cultural landscape. The attractional congregations of the 80s and 90s are not having the success they
once knew. Congregations living under a Christendom
paradigm are having even less impact. Young adults are
not looking for those congregations which minister primarily to baby boomers and to the builder generation. A
new, intergenerational model has yet to appear. Hence,
we are moving to a day of tribal churches catering to
one particular tribe within the mosaic of Western culture. As a result, what once worked in congregations is
no longer working so well.
Church planting is showing rich promise in this era,
though it often remains rather tribal in its target. Church
buildings offer little intrigue to many young adults, so
why not meet in various kinds of places? One key to the

21st-century church will be the teaching: Can we still tell
the fullness of the biblical revelation in a culture that
wants only pieces?
DR. PETTER: I tend to think that the Church in North
America offers the biggest challenge (even threat) to itself for those entering ministry. Much like in the days of
the Judges, people in the church of the 21st-century cherish doing what is right in their own eyes. Conception of
truth is grounded in the self and ones experience. As a
result, those entering ministry should anticipate a surge
of questionable behavior, compromise and half-hearted
commitments that may look more like the norm and not
the exception.
From the perspective of evangelism, it is the assumption
and expectation when we confront people with the gospel for the first time that they (the unchurched) are doing what is right in their own eyes. We do not, however,
expect such a posture among churched people. Accordingly, an appeal by a minister (either directly or indirect-
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ly) calling for people to shift to a higher authority (God

and Scripture), an authority outside of themselves, for
truth will meet staunch resistance. Such resistance may
tear away at the seams of the ministers own beliefs about
the power of Gods Word to bring needed change to individuals in the Church, society and the nations. While
graduates will have learned and wrestled cognitively with
the sufficiency of Scripture in the seminary classroom, no
classroom experience, as good as it might be, can prepare
students for the battle that potentially awaits them in this
area of unbelief.
Accordingly, resistance to the Scriptures as THE ultimate
authority from within the church may nudge the preacher to cave to culture instead of being countercultural. In
order to be countercultural, the minister needs a bullish
belief in the power of the Word to counter culture! This
bullish belief will keep the proclamation and exposition
of the Word front and center in the ministry. Indeed, this
bullish belief (generated by the Spirit of God) provides a
needed line of defenseone that meets staunch resistance
with staunch resistance. As such, those entering ministry
have a serious spiritual battle ahead.
DR. SCHNABEL: The fundamental challenges for Christian
ministry have not changed since the first century: commitment to the truth of the gospel, i.e., to the reality of
Gods revelation in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, Israels Messiah and Savior of sinners; and the challenge of helping Christians in the local congregation to
see, accept and live out the consequences of their faith in
Jesus Christ in everyday life, even if this means ostracism,
marginalization or persecution.
Increasing hostility toward Christianity and Christian
principles, moral and ethical decline in the culture, proliferation of competing worldviews, religious persecution
in the U.S. and abroad, and a general decline in religious
belief render the Western world in general, and the U.S.
in particular, more similar to the Greco-Roman world
in which Jesus, Peter, John and Paul lived, preached and
taught. Rather than deploring what is being lost in terms
of Christian tradition, seminary students and Christian
leaders should rejoice in the truth of the gospel, live authentic Christian lives, evangelize the unbelievers, teach
the believers, and trust the power of God to lead people to
faith in Jesus and to transform believers lives.
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Since we live in a democracy, and since the Church still

has many resources, it is certainly helpful if some Christian leaders engage developments in terms of politics,
while others focus on ethical questions, and others on legal questions, etc. Pastors would want to make sure that
they are not engaging in partisan party politics but rather
helping the believers in the local congregations, and any
seekers who attend, have a firm grasp of the gospel so
that they affect society in the areas in which they live and
work. While always striving to be irenic and compassionate, we need to be firm as regards the norms of the Word
of God.
DR. YAO: Two major challenges face our students in the
future: the Church now lives in a post-Christendom world

and in a global context. On the one hand, the Church finds
itself increasingly marginalized culturally and socially
around the world, and especially in the West. On the other
hand, the Church has become truly globalized and enjoys
a global fellowship as never before. If our students want to
be faithful to the gospel locally as well as internationally,
they must take these two realities very seriously.
Are these challenges the same as/different from those
that believers and Christian leaders have faced in other
decades and centuries?
DR. SINGLETON: Each cultural expression of the gospel
has its own challenges. Some appear easier to deal with

and others harder. For better or worse, this is our moment,
with all the cultural issues swirling around us.
DR. PETTER: There is never anything new under the sun!
This challenge needs to be contextualized in light of the

current epistemological shift.
DR. SCHNABEL: The fundamental challenges are the same.
Jesus, Peter, John, Paul and the other apostles lived in a

society in which they were a (tiny) minority, surrounded by people who practiced a mostly private religiosity
(choosing which of the many deities of the Greco-Roman
pantheon they wanted to worship). They faced municipal,
provincial and imperial administrations that were at times
hostile. And they were confronted by ethical standards
that were both traditional and individualisticand, more
often than not, in direct opposition to Gods revealed will.
Christians in the first century were not pressured to accept homosexual unions, but they were sometimes pres
THE FUNDAMENTAL CHALLENGES

FOR CHRISTIAN MINISTRY HAVE NOT
CHANGED SINCE THE FIRST CENTURY.
sured to acknowledge the divine status of the emperor,
particularly in the second and third centuries, with dire
consequences if they refused to do so.
While the particular political, social and legal areas in
which first-century Christians faced pressure may be
different, the basic dynamic is the same: Christians are
a minority, and they might, and sometimes do, face discrimination and/or economic disadvantage. And when we
compare the so-called vice catalogues in the New Testament, which list common values and behavioral patterns
of the people, the ethical challenges from secular society
are not so different from how people behave today
behavior that Christians are tempted to accept as normal.
DR. YAO: In fact,these two challenges are not entirely new
to the Church. In the earliest centuries of Christian history,

the Church was a marginal movement with a powerful
prophetic message and tri-continental and cross-cultural
mission outreaches. Christendom was not firmly established in Europe until the Middle Ages. In many ways, the
Church today finds itself in a position very similar to that
of the early Christian centuries. But the complexity and
magnitude of the Churchs marginalization and globalization seem to surpass what happened to the Church in its
early history.
How are we preparing students to address biblically,
spiritually and practically the challenges you identify?
DR. SINGLETON: There is wonderful preparation going on
at Gordon-Conwell for ministry. However, I sometimes

fear that we may be preparing our students for a cultural
context that no longer exists. As we review and develop
our curriculum, the current culture needs to be in the
background.
DR. PETTER: As it relates to biblical studies, and my field
of Old Testament in particular, there is a more concerted
effort to build confidence and an apologetic about the inerrancy, authority and sufficiency of Scripture in all our
OT classes, not just in those classes where the curriculum
demands these topics be addressed. When I started teaching over 20 years ago, inerrancy, authority and the sufficiency of Scripture were areas we could take for granted.
DR. SCHNABEL: The most important way in which semi-
nary students can and should prepare for ministry is to

have a solid, in-depth knowledge of Scripture, systematic theology, ethics, church history, pastoral theology,
missions and evangelism. This is why I think the M.Div.
degree is a core seminary degree, preparing students in
all these area. Students need to know biblical truth, and
they need to be able to interpret the Old and New Testament. They need to be able to formulate and defend Christian truth. They need to be convinced of the goodness of
Christian ethics. They need to be knowledgeable of the
history of the Church and the challenges that the Church
has faced over the centuries. Students need to know how
to minister in local congregations, helping people to have
some knowledge and firm convictions in the above-mentioned areas and to live out their faith. Students need to
be able to share the gospel in their own culture and crossculturally. They need to deepen their commitment to the
gospel and thus their awe of the Almighty God and their
love of Jesus Christ.
DR. YAO: We should prepare our students to witness to
the gospel as part of the minority communities in increasingly pluralistic and globalized contexts. Restoration of
Christendom and self-isolation are not the answers. I like
church historian Justo Gonzlezs phrase marginalized
incarnation. Indeed, the Church is called to proclaim Jesus Christ in engaging all cultures and all societies from
the margin. To fulfill this calling, our students need to be
faithful to the gospel, tenacious in character, and thoughtful and effective in ministry and with global vision.
25
news
news
Gordon-Conwell Professors
Make PreachingToday.coms Top Ten
w h at ' s n e w ?
Charlotte Campus
Breaks Ground For New Wing
ordon-ConwellCharlotte held a festive groundbreaking event on May 16 for a soon-to-beconstructed new wing of its campus.
The 17,282-square-foot addition will be named in honor
of the late David M. Rogers (MTS 96), a Greer, S.C.,
attorney, seminary trustee and member of Charlottes
first graduating class.
The David M. Rogers Hall of Mission will house the following:
The 300-seat Great Commission Assembly Hall, which
can also be reconfigured into several smaller classrooms
T
David Rogers died in 2010, after practicing civil litigation
law for more than 20 years with the firm Carter, Smith,
Merriam, Rogers & Traxler. A graduate of The Citadel and
the University of South Carolina School of Law, he was a
member of the South Carolina Bar Association and Chair
of its Torts and Insurance Practices section. He was also
an organizer and Chairman of the Board for Greer (S.C.)
State Bank, and an adjunct professor at North Greenville
(S.C.) College.
Four other continent-themed exhibit classrooms that

will showcase artifacts and special collections, and will
provide opportunities for experiential learning and smallgroup projects
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD
DR. ELDIN VILLAFAE HIGH

DISTINCTION AWARD
TIM BOGERTMAN, Faith Based

Community Organizing, Revere, MA
ANDREA BLISS-LEARMAN, Stance

Skateboard Competition, Lawrence, MA
FRANK CAMPOS, Recovery and

Restoration Outreach,
Greater Lawrence Area, MA
NANCY HAND, Fruit of the Spirit Tea

Party Ministry, Springfield, MA
DAVE EDWARDS, Manos Felices

Childrens Program, Lawrence, MA
DYANI SIERRA, MARTA GARRZON &

BLANCA CASTELLANOS, Young Burn
Victims Compassionate Care Ministry,
Len de Jud, Boston, MA
A 150-seat tiered North America classroom with

technology that permits live feeds from mission leaders
worldwide
ordon-ConwellBoston recently hosted its second

Signature Event at the JFK Presidential Library in
Boston. Titled Making a Difference in Christian Service,
the event honored individuals for their dedicated service
in the Boston area. Among the awardees were individuals
involved in homeless ministry, youth ministry, pastoral
care, recovery and restoration outreach, and community
organization. Four people associated with Gordon-Conwell
were also honored with appreciation awards.
REX HUTTO, Pastoral Care, Boston Rescue

Mission, Boston, MA
VILMA LORA, Community Organizing, Oiste?,
Lawrence, MA
CAROLYN PAUL, KARIN OCONNOR,
TIM NICOLETTI, SCOTT ROBY & KAREN ROBY,
Rest Stop, Covenant Congregational Church,
Jamaica Plain, MA
MARK SCOTT, Operation Homefront, Roxbury, MA
DEANS SIGNATURE AWARD

DR. DOUGLAS A. HALL, President,
Emmanuel Gospel Center, Boston, MA
APPRECIATION AWARD
DEAN BORGMAN, Charles E. Culpeper
Professor of Youth Ministries
DR. ROY CIAMPA, Director of the Th.M.
Program in Biblical Studies, Professor of
New Testament and Chair of the Division
of Biblical Studies
Awardees applauded
during GordonConwellBostons
Signature Event at
the JFK Library.
26
CHERRY GORTON, Coordinator of

Information and Library Services
DR. MICHAEL HAYNES, Pastor Emeritus,
Twelfth Baptist Church, Boston, MA
Ministry
Program.
Dr. Arthurs article,
The Big Idea: Lets
Get Back to the Text, L-R: Drs. Arthurs, Robinson and Kim
appeared on the Top
Ten Skills Articles from 2013 list along with The Big
Idea: Exegete Your Culture and the Text by Dr. Matthew
Kim, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Ministry.
Four Alumni Receive Book Awards

from Christianity Today
The David M. Rogers Hall of Mission is part of the campuss

construction project, Expanding the Boundaries of
Theological Education.
Signature Event Honors Area Residents

for Dedicated Community Service
The list also included The Worlds Best Love Story by

Dr. Haddon Robinson, Senior Director of the Doctor of
David joined the Gordon-Conwell Board of Trustees in

2001 and served as vice chair and as chair of the Strategic
Planning Task Force. He also chaired the Charlotte Board
of Advisors. After graduating from the seminary, David
founded Joshuas Way, a Christian non-profit organization
that partners with churches to provide foundational
biblical teaching and international and mercy ministries.
He and his wife, Louise, started the organization in
memory of their son, Joshua, who died in 1982.
The new wing, projected to open next spring, celebrates

engagement in diverse mission fields in the U.S. and
around the world, from boardrooms to barrios.
hree Gordon-Conwell faculty were named on

PreachingToday.coms Top Ten of 2013 lists. On
the Top Ten Sermons from 2013 list was What to Do
When Your Fig Tree Doesnt Blossom by Dr. Jeffrey
Arthurs, Professor of Preaching and Communication
and Chair of the Division of Practical Theology.
hristianity Todays annual Book Awards highlight the books most

likely to shape evangelical life, thought and culture. This year,
books written by four Gordon-Conwell alumni received awards.
Dr. Scott Sunquists Understanding Christian Mission: Participation
in Suffering and Glory received the Missions/Global Affairs Award.
Western Christians in Global Mission: Whats the Role of the North
American Church? by Dr. Paul Borthwick received the award of merit
in the same category.
Dr. Stephen Um received the Christianity and Culture Award of Merit
for a book that he co-authored with Justin Buzzard, Why Cities Matter:
To God, the Culture, and the Church. Kevin DeYoungs Crazy Busy: A
(Mercifully) Short Book About a (Really) Big Problem received the award
of merit for the Christian Living category.
Seminary Professor, Alumni Receive Golden Halo Awards
ame in the Papers, a novel by Dr. William Spencer,

Ranked Adjunct Professor of Theology and the Arts,
has received the 2013 Golden Halo Award for Outstanding
Contribution to Literature from the Southern California
Motion Picture Council.
Jeanne DeFazio (MAR 04) and John Lathrop (MAUM
03) recently co-edited the book, Creative Ways to Build
Christian Community (Wipf & Stock, 2013), which received the Golden Halo Award for Literary Excellence in
December 2013. The book, which had many contributors, seeks to provide personal and practical responses
on how to implement community within churches and
organizations.
27
news
EDITORS NOTE: In this edition of Contact, we introduce a new section,

Beyond Our Doors. Here, you will meet our people: the faculty, staff and
students who are serving the Lord in myriad ministries while also working
at the seminary. They inspire us with their energy and commitment to
advance the gospel. We hope you will be inspired as well.
good books
good books
God in My Everything
How an Ancient Rhythm Helps Busy People Enjoy God
beyond our doors
Nicole Rim,
Graphic Designer,
Communications
and Marketing Office
By Rev. Ken Shigematsu (M.Div. 95)

Reviewed by Rev. Don Meeks (M.Div. 92)
he writer of Proverbs
observes, how good is a
timely word. Ken Shigematsu
has delivered such a word in his new
book, God in My Everything. Sharing
generously from his own life story,
he writes of a second conversion
that began on a pilgrimage to
Ireland, introducing him to a new
way of lifea new way that is really
an old way: the monastic way.
Shigematsu illustrates each of the practices through the

wisdom of classic and contemporary authors combined
with a rich variety of personal stories. Each chapter concludes with a set of questions for reflection and space for
the reader to begin developing his or her own personal
Rule of Life. His aim is simple: to offer a practical and winsome invitation for todays busy Christian to enjoy Gods
presence in every dimension of life. To underscore the
practical and personal nature of the book, several sample
Rules of Life are included in a brief appendix.
In this ancient rhythm he found a way to experience

the transforming presence of Christ in everything.
Drawn by the passion of the Celtic saints, he asked himself, Is it possible to follow the monastic way, enjoying God
in every area of my life, while immersed in the busy routines of modern life? Perhaps. But only by following a
personal Rule of Life.
With a keen awareness of the human condition that recoils
from following the rules, Shigematsu introduces a deeper
and older meaning of the word rule as a rhythm of practices. In this ancient rhythm he found a way to experience
the transforming presence of Christ in everything.
Using language that will appeal to contemporary sensibilities, he writes that adopting a personal Rule of Life
serves to create a spiritual ecosystem. The book is organized around cultivating such an ecosystem for ones own
life through 12 deliberate practices. Extending the metaphor, he offers a simple yet memorable graphic of a trellis,
which serves to structure and recall the 12 practices in four
essential categories: Roots (Sabbath, prayer, sacred reading), Relate (friendship, sexuality, family), Restore (body,
play, money) and Reach Out (work, justice, witness).
28
Ideal as a resource for personal study and formation, the

book could readily be used in small groups, in adult
discipleship or even as the basis for a sermon series.
While the book is deserving of a wide audience, it particularly commends itself to those who are preparing for,
or are already engaged in, vocational ministry. Those, like
Shigematsu, who spend themselves cultivating the spiritual lives of others can ill afford to neglect their own. It is
no secret that personal fatigue and burnout are epidemic
among ministry professionals.
For such a time as this we welcome Ken Shigematsus contribution for its gentle, accurate and timely call to learn a
new-old way of experiencing God in our everything.
Rev. Ken Shigematsu is Senior Pastor of Tenth Church,
Vancouver, B.C., and a former trustee of Gordon-Conwell.
Rev. Don Meeks is in his 13th year as the pastor of Greenwich
Presbyterian Church in Greenwich, VA, after having served
churches in Kansas and Colorado.
reach
When Nicole first heard about Living Fields, she was living in
Cambridge, MA, and working at an ad agency. Intrigued by the
mission and focus of Living Fields, Nicole began making the
trek from Cambridge to Lynn after work on Thursdays to help
with the youth group.
As I was serving, Pastor PoSan challenged me to consider what
it meant to really invest in the lives of these kids. I thought
that it was enough for me to just be there on Thursdays. For
me, it was a sacrifice to drive from Cambridge. But then, his
words really resonated. I could tell these kids that they should
go to church and they should love Jesus, but the reality is that
they dont have parents who will bring them to church. They
dont have parents who even encourage them to go to church.
If anything, they discourage them from even attending church.
Soon, Nicoles once-a-week commitment became three or four

days per week. But the idea of fully investing was still daunting.
Lynn is a rough community. Its known for its violence. Its
very common during Sunday worship to hear sirens nonstop
its like part of our praise! All that was kind of scary for me.
It was comfortable to be at a church that I was used to. But
eventually I did feel convicted to be at Living Fields.
Today, Living Fields Church in Lynn, MA, brings a message

of hope and freedom to the Cambodian Holocaust refugees
and their familiesa stark contrast to dark days that they
narrowly escaped.
When I considered what Christ has done for usthat he would

even leave Heaven to come to our world and eat among us and
live among us and walk among usthat really hit home for
me. I saw that in many ways, my resistance to moving to Lynn
was out of my own selfish ambitions and my own desire for
comfort. But God was very patient and gracious with me, and
eventually I did make that decision to move.
n the 1970s, the Khmer Rouge communist regime

reignedand terrorizedCambodia. In an effort to
rid Cambodia of Western influences, they carried out
a mass genocide, exterminating between one-quarter and
one-third of the population. The execution sites were
called the Killing Fields.
Still, the trauma from the war remains. You probably

cannot find a Cambodian whose mother or father has
not been affected by the war. Its almost guaranteed that
theyve lost at least one or more members of their family,
explains Nicole Rim, a Living Fields staff member. As a
result, they have turned to other forms of escapism to
deal with all those horrors and stresses. There is much
brokenness in these various forms of escapism.
Nicole, who began serving at Living Fields in 2004, first
became impassioned to share the gospel during a mission
trip to Kenya in college. Having grown up in a KoreanAmerican church in the northwest suburbs of Illinois,
that trip, she says, forced her out of her comfort zone and
opened her eyes to the deep need for the gospel around
the world.
For a while, I thought that God was calling me to Africa.
Though God closed doors, he also opened doors in the
sense that he showed me he has brought the nations here,
in our own backyard, Nicole says. Living Fields pastor,
PoSan Ung, showed me that one of these nations he has
brought in abundance is Cambodia. Massachusetts has the
second-largest population of Cambodians in the U.S. and
the third-largest in the whole world. That really opened
my eyes to the fact that I dont have to travel overseas to
do the mission work that Im passionate about.
In 2008, Nicole moved into Living Fields discipleship home,

an intentional community-living environment designed to
nurture new Cambodian Christians. The home is primarily for
Cambodian young adults with a serious desire to be discipled
over a one- to three-year period. Nicole and other church staff
who live at the home shepherd these new Christians, teaching
them how to read their Bibles, pray, take their concerns and
decisions before the Lord, and live out their faith.
Photo Credit: Alex Lau
Inside the Sanghikaram Wat Khmer Temple (formerly a Baptist church) in

Lynn, MA.
29
reach
reach
a d va n c e m e n t n e w s
Finish Strong, Mark Moments and Leave a Legacy

Kurt W. Drescher
O
Massachusetts has the
second-largest population of
Cambodians in the U.S.
and the third-largest in
the whole world.
Because Buddhism is so deeply engrained in the Cambodian
culture, Christian concepts and practices are very foreign.
Buddhism has been in Cambodia for hundreds and hundreds
of years, so its not just rituals. Its actually their worldview,
this works-oriented worldview. So, the concept of grace
doesnt make any sense to them, Nicole explains. If their
own fellow Cambodian becomes a Christian, that person is
considered a traitor. Theres this popular saying in Cambodia:
To be Cambodian is to be Buddhist. You would be giving up
not just your religious identity but also your culture itself if
you became a Christian.
Nicole describes the idea of the discipleship home as congruent
to parents caring for their newborn children. My pastor saw
this puddle of sewage water, and the question that came to
mind was God asking, What would happen if a newborn
baby were dropped into that sewage water? The baby would
not surviveit would get sick or diseased. We know that
newborn babies are nurtured, fed, cared for, held. But for
Cambodians, its not like that when they become Christians.
Its almost as if they are tossed into sewage water, Nicole
explains. The discipleship home provides a safe environment
for Cambodian Christians to learn to navigate that water and
drink the living water, offered freely through Christ.
I consider Lynn a valley of dry bones in a way, and there are
very few workers here. Someone actually needs to hold the
people by the hand, pick them up, bring them to church, and
acclimate them to this new way of life and way of thinking.
30
L-R top: Living Fields' weekly community dinner; baptism class during
annual mission trip to sister house church in Cambodia.
L-R bottom: Annual Giving Thanks event, honoring Cambodian-Americans
who are making a difference in the city of Lynn; Nicole on Living Fields'
mission trip; worship service in the discipleship home.
In addition to the discipleship home, Living Fields hosts a

weekly community dinner, Khmer language and dancing
lessons, music classes and many citywide events. We really
do care about blessing the community with expressions of
their cultural background. Thats a way to connect with the
community. Because its really hard to say, Hey! Want to
come to Bible study? Nobody will come. But if we say, Hey!
I want to offer you a cup of cold water in the form of music,
then they are very interested, Nicole says.
Nicole, Pastor PoSan and the rest of the church staff lack
no creativity in brainstorming new ways to reach their
community. We intentionally decided not to get a washer and
dryer at the home, Nicole explains. My pastor felt that since
it is normal in Lynn for Cambodians to go to the Laundromat,
thats where you can find a lot of them. So, when we have to
do our laundry, we, too, go to the Laundromat. This gives us
opportunities to get to know people and connect them to the
different resources that our church offers.
To be honest, I dont know if I will see the fruit of our labor in
my lifetime, because the reality is that the gospel is not rooted
in Lynn among the Cambodian-Americans, and it takes a lot
of time for the gospel to take root. Its not just a quick fix. It
takes a lot of sweat and toil. Ive come to a place where I have
accepted the fact that we might not ever be a large church with
resources in abundance. But thats okay, because the whole
point is really about Christ being magnified.
Even if thats only in the form of his servants giving their
lives faithfully to bring the gospel to a community like this,
then thats still worth it. Thats our offering to God. Thats
our worship to God. And yet my prayer remains hopeful
that, by Gods grace, many souls would come to see the light
of Christ. hnk
ur Hamilton campus is a much quieter place this

time of year. In the month of May, the seminary
transitions from the busyness of classes, final exams, papers, banquets, board meetings, baccalaureate and
commencement to a more tranquil place. You can feel the
change in the atmosphere around here, even as the air
outside transitions from the cold and damp of winter to
the promise of summers warmth in New England. These
transitions have got me thinking about what it means to
finish strong, to mark moments and to leave a legacy.
Our students completed all that was required of them. And
the seminary has completed two sets of baccalaureate and
commencement services to recognize their considerable
accomplishmentsone set of services for the Hamilton
and Boston campuses and one for Charlotteand a commencement for Jacksonville. And now our graduates are
embarking on what our great God has planned next for
them. They go from Gordon-Conwell out into the world
to be pastors, counselors, missionaries, educators and
marketplace leaders. We trust the Church will be stronger because they finished strong at our seminary. We have
marked their moment, and our graduates now set out to
make a difference in the worldon their journey to leave
their own legacy.
Our entire organization is here solely to serve our students. They are why we do what we do. Everything we do
collectively in our work is to help our students complete
their work and get their degrees. We celebrate with them
when we mark their moments together, and we absolutely
trust that we have all done this so that together we might
make a difference in the world.
It really is exciting just to think and dream about how God
will use these graduates to serve the Kingdom: in New
England, Charlotte and Jacksonville; across this country;
and around the globe. Dr. Jim Singleton, Jr., Associate
Professor of Pastoral Leadership and Evangelism, did an
outstanding job speaking at our services in Hamilton and
Jacksonville, reminding us that our students dont do their
Gordon-Conwell work alone. They are in partnership with
trustees, faculty, staff, administration and, yes, primarily
with their family and friends. He reminded us all that, in
the same way, no one should do ministry alone but always
in partnership with others.
Trustee Dr. Claude R. Alexander, Jr. spoke eloquently, as

always, at services in Hamilton and Charlotte, reminding us
that ministry can be messy, but God uses us in spite of our
messiness. Claude isnt just one of our trustees; he is also
one of our graduates from the Doctor of Ministry program.
He shared that he does not do ministry alone, and that God
has used members of the Gordon-Conwell community to
help train and shape him as he serves in ministry.
These friends delivered messages that were incredibly
powerfulnot just for our students, but also for everyone
who serves our great God with a desire to be strong in
our ministries, mark moments and leave legacies that
live beyond ourselves. (I would highly recommendand I
know you would be blessed bylistening to both of these
messages, which can be found on our website.)
A few weeks ago, Leighton Ford, a longtime trustee and
friend, spoke at the seminary for a donor appreciation
event held on the Hamilton campus. He introduced us to
two styles of leadership: banyan tree leadership and aspen tree leadership. A banyan tree leader takes up a lot
of space and doesnt let a lot of nutrients through to the
little seedlings. In contrast, the aspen tree initially looks
like any other tree in the grove. But its not! An aspen
grove is actually one tree connected by its roots, and the
roots are out of sight under the soil. An aspen tree spreads
out its roots and grows many trunks. Aspens are big trees
and their groves last for thousands of years because they
31
alumni
reach
alumni news
nurture their own soil. Leighton said that our world is in

need of leaders who can see beyond themselves and their
own interests. In his words, Gordon-Conwell trains aspen
tree leaders.
One of the reasons our world needs those kinds of leaders
is because Christ admonishes us to go and serve. At the
seminary, we take the call of serving seriously because we
believe that serving is a life-changing act and we know
that changed people change people. At Gordon-Conwell,
we encourage our students to learn how to serve and how
to be served, and we teach that the Great Commission is
in the head, heart and hands of a students life.
The aspen grove is a complex and incredibly large organism. The grove itself is supported by many thousands of
roots underground. The trees are firmly planted and well
cared for by this amazing confluence of underground support. At Gordon-Conwell, our friends, like you, are part of
our root system. We are a relatively large enterprise. We
have four campuses, 216 faculty and staff, 2,137 students,
and 4,592 donors partnering with us in this endeavor. We
are not educating and training these students alone. The
strength of our trees is dependent on the strength of our
roots. Our grove is growing, and if you are a donor, we
thank you for playing a critical part in this ministry. If
you are not a partner, please consider the opportunity you
have to impact the lives of these students, to mark moments in ministry and to leave a legacy for eternity. If you
love the Church, consider that after your commitment to
your local church, Gordon-Conwell is a great leveraged
investment in the Churchand the Kingdom of God.
We have all heard the phrase
One person can make a
difference. This last story
bears stunning witness to the
truth of that phrase. One of our
trustees, George F. Bennett, an
absolute giant in the financial
world and a faithful friend of
the seminary, passed away in
Hingham, MA, on March 15 at
the age of 102. Mr. Bennett joined Gordon-Conwells Board
of Trustees in 1974 at the invitation of Dr. Harold John
Ockenga, the seminarys first president. George Bennetts
40 years of distinguished service included chairing the
Finance Committee, serving on three presidential search
committees and chairing the board from 1995 to 1998. In
addition, his ongoing financial contributions provided a
dependable source of financial stability for the seminary,
and his extensive financial and business expertise provided
guidance that allowed Gordon-Conwell to thrive. In
recognition of his many contributions, the seminary
32
marked moments, awarding him the Order of Barnabas

for distinguished service in 1996 and an honorary Doctor
of Divinity in 2004.
Grads and Dads
e know that from time to time children of alumni

come to Gordon-Conwell as students. This year, at
least three alumni who graduated together in 1979 have
children who graduated in 2014.
Our president remarked that George Bennett left a great

legacy at Gordon-Conwell. His leadership, wisdom and
networking were highly significant in strengthening
the institution and broadening its reach. His long-term
commitment to the seminary will be greatly missed.
I am a native New Englander, so I have heard about this
great man for most of my adult life. Georges name, stellar
reputation and Christian witness were truly part of the
fabric of Boston. So, please know, I count it an incredible
privilege and joy to have known him personally. He was
gentle, kind, sinceresomeone who clearly loved his
family and desperately loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. In one of my visits with George, he said that he had
recently read one of my articles in Contact magazine and
then went on to encourage me in my work. I felt deeply
valued and appreciated by someone who understood the
challenges of fundraising for the seminary.
I will never forget Georges memorial service. It had a
profound impact on me. George, after all, was a giant.
Any number of people could have spoken about him that
day: well-known executives, on his business expertise;
presidents of academic institutions and ministry executives,
on his significant Kingdom investments; fellow board
members from numerous organizations, on his vision and
strategic insights. Many of those individuals were in the
room. But they didnt speak that day. The only people to
speakand to do so eloquentlywere his three sons, his
two grandsons and his pastor. How fitting a tribute to one
who modeled for me, personally, and for so many others
the priorities of God and family.
Class Reunion
L-R: Fred Hartley (79) and Stephen Hartley (14), Jerry Camery-Hoggatt
(79) and Brynn Harrington (14), Peter James (79) and Andrew James (14)
lumni from the classes of 78, 79 and 80 gathered for

a reunion at the Hamilton campus May 710, 2014.
Activities included a reception in the Pierce Great Room
mezzanine and dinner in Alumni Hall, a tour of North
Shore (Massachusetts) spiritual heritage sites, and breakfast with Gordon-Conwell trustees. The alumni were invited to stay for baccalaureate and commencement exercises for Hamilton and Boston. Special reunion guests
included President Dennis and Mary Ann Hollinger; Dr.
John Huffman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and
various faculty members.
Alumni from other

classes who attended
commencement included
David Schwabauer (97),
pictured with his daughter,
Kristin Rydbeck (14).
Archaeological Study Tour
he Alumni Services office will host an Archaeological

Study Tour to Israel and Jordan, January 518, 2015.
Weve filled a bus with 48 participants preparing to study
the roots of our faith with Drs. Tom and Donna Petter. If you
would like to be placed on a waiting list for the tour, contact
the Alumni Services office at alums@gordonconwell.edu.
UPCOMING ALUMNI CONNECT EVENTS INCLUDE:
JULY 22: CCCC Family Conference (Warwick, RI)
George Bennett finished exceptionally well! The seminary

had opportunities to mark moments with him, and his
family marked a significant moment through his memorial
service. Georges Kingdom investments were broad and
significant. And I can tell you without hesitation that
George Bennetts exceptional model of faithful Christian
service leaves an incredible legacy at Gordon-Conwell.
We are deeply grateful for his life and for his service to
and partnership with this seminary. To God be the glory!
Kurt W. Drescher is Vice President of
Advancement at Gordon-Conwell. He is an
active member of Grace Chapel, Lexington,
MA, where he serves on the Board of
Overseeing Elders. Kurt, a graduate of Gordon
College, lives with his wife, Sharon, and their
two daughters in Reading, MA.
AUGUST 1820: ECO Conference (Dallas, TX)

SEPTEMBER 5: National Preaching Conference Luncheon
(Hamilton, MA)
OCTOBER 3: Regional Gathering with Dr. Hollinger (Philadelphia, PA)
NOVEMBER: ETS/SBL Annual Meetings (San Diego, CA)
L-R back row: Joel Kruggel (M.Div. '79), Darrell Caldwell (M.Div. '79), Rich
Obenschain (M.Div. '80), Bob Dibbs (M.Div. '78), Pete James (M.Div. '79),
Dennis Gill (M.Div. '78), Cliffe Knechtle (M.Div. '79)
L-R front row: Lynn Bolte Samaan (MTS '79), Lucinda Secrest McDowell
(MTS '80), Dr. Dennis Hollinger, Dr. Mary Ann Hollinger, Kent Schreiber
(M.Div. '79), Doug Birdsall (M.Div. '79), Stan Scoville (M.Div. '78), Bob
Hager (M.Div. '79)
For registration information and a complete list of events,

and to connect with other alumni, visit the Alumni
Services website at http://my.gordonconwell.edu/alumni
Please Tell Us What You Think

Does your graduation year end in 4 or 9? If so, this is your year! The seminary has implemented an alumni survey
model to reach out to a different segment of its graduates each year. As a result, each graduate will receive a request for
general feedback once every five years.
33
alumni
alumni
tors would be coming for the opportunity to study the

Word of God as a group of Christian leaders for the first
time in their lives
alumni spotlight
I was spurred to action because there was no other programavailable to adequately meet the needs and answer
the questions of over 50 pastors eager to learn.
On the Ground in Ukraine

Prayer is a privilege and responsibility of the whole Church. Ukraine needs to be covered by the
intercession of fasting and prayer. Based on the Scripture, our Savior will teach us how to pray (Luke
11:1). Rev. Dr. Anatole Glukhovskyy
or Ukraine, winter 2014 became

the most tragic in its history for
national development.
Thats the on-the-ground view of Rev.

Dr. Anatole Glukhovskyy, Chancellor
of Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Gordon-Conwell
alumnus (D.Min. 07).
In this land that was once considered the Bible Belt of the
former Soviet Union, public protests that started in November 2013 over closer ties to the European Union erupted into deadly violence in February. The 19th of February
became a horrible day, Anatole says. Nearly 900 people
were injured and 77 killed.
By March 2014, the Crimean region of Ukraine had seceded from the country, reverting to Russian sovereignty.
Since then, he explains, the situation has been getting
worse, particularly in eastern portions of Ukraine. Thousands of political tourists are coming from Russiato
provoke instability. People are dying again.
Anatole remembers well the plight of Christians when
Ukraine was still part of the USSR. His own father spent
six and a half years in prison for his pastoral and preaching ministry. During the 70 years of communist rule, all
theological institutions were closed. From the early 60s
to the late 70s, more than 50,000 church leaders and new
converts were imprisoned.
In describing conditions for believers during this time,
he quotes Ukrainian author Paul Voronaeff, who wrote:
The official Soviet government attitude is If you believe
in God, you are ignorant. If you tell someone about your
faith in God, even one of your children, you can be jailed
or sent to a mental institution and your children will be
taken away from you.1 Voronaeffs father, Rev. Ivan Voro34
naeff, was brutally beaten to death after spending 28 years

in a Soviet prison.
It was during this repressive period that Anatole came
to faith in Christ. Growing up in a Christian family, he
recalls, it was a big war inside of me whom to believe:
my parents at home or my teachers at school. However,
his pastor father; his grandmother, whose ministry was to
pray and fast; and his mother, who was actively involved
in supporting his fathers ministry, never stopped praying for Anatole and his siblings.
At the age of 14, he accepted Christ and was baptized,
even though, he says, it was totally against Soviet law.
Within a few years, he was ministering in the underground church, including a rural church whose pastor had
been arrested. During that time, three more churches were
planted.
Anatole eventually received B.A. and M.A. degrees from
Continental Theological Seminary in Belgium, and thought
he would return to church planting. But God made it very
clear, he recounts, that church planting would multiply
if other individuals could also receive seminary degrees.
These graduates, he explains, would open a much bigger
number of quality churches than I ever would do alone.
That opportunity came in 1991 when, after 70 years of
forced atheism, the communist Soviet Union collapsed
and the persecuted church experienced full freedom. God
gave the Ukrainian Church an opportunity to build a new
nation, he says. The increasing number of young churches urged the need for seminaries to help Christian leaders
mature properly.
Anatole remembers January 1992 as if it were only yesterday. He had six months to write a manual and curriculum for the first-ever Ukraine Center for Christian
Education that was to open in August. He was afraid, he
says. Yet his heart was full of peace, knowing that pas-
At the time, he never dreamed that this one-month study

program would later become the Ukrainian Evangelical Seminary, or that he would become its founder and
president. Today, the seminary offers four-year degree
programs, training pastors to lead and plant churches
in order to fulfill the
Great Commission of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Two
graduate-level
programs were added
recently, and nearly
450 students annually
take classes at the main
Kiev campus. Hundreds
more pursue diplomalevel studies at regional
schools
throughout
Ukraine, Russia and
Central Asia. He says
most graduates are in
pastoral and church
planting ministries, and
a younger generation
of leaders is very active in missions. Several graduates became politicians at regional or national levels.
In recent years, Anatole has taken on a new role at the
seminary as project manager and co-founder of RecOnTV
(www.rec-on.tv), the first-in-Eurasia media school. The
program gives students the opportunity to major in media
while learning eternal core values and saving faith that
make a difference.
Anatole also serves as the Lausanne Movements International Deputy Director for Eurasia, a new Lausanne
region encompassing 12 countries of the former Soviet
Union. Leaders of this region are now preparing to host
the 2016 Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering in Kiev.
Ten years ago, Ukraine experienced a revival that is still
producing a 15 percent church growth rate annually. But
its not like before, Anatole says. Thats why we see a
conflict with Russia as a God-given opportunity for us to
repent and to grow again. Russia was our missionary field.
Almost 70 percent of evangelical pastors and bishops in
Russia are from Ukraine. You can imagine how hard it is
for them to react in Putins Russia and make a difference

now. Ukrainian missionaries are currently focusing their
efforts on Western Europe and Central Asia, including India and Pakistan.
In Ukraine, he adds, there are very large regional differences in pro-European and pro-Russian support. A new
generation has grown up in independent Ukraine, which
has been exposed to life in Europe and other democratic
countries, and has come to see the extent of cronyism that
characterizes life in Ukraine and other countries in Eurasia.
Unfortunately, many nations fought a civil war over differences of opinion on
economic and moral
issues that threatened
to tear their country
asunder. Much prayer
is needed to protect
Ukraine as a nation
from division and
warfor a better futurefree from domination of corruption
and oligarch dictatorship.
God has blessed
Ukraine with a heritage of strong Christian influence in all
areas of peoples lives.
The last 22 years of freedom from the atheistic Soviet regime gave birth to a strong church planting movement, a
missionary movement, a nations without orphans movement and reaching the elderly. A younger generation
of leaders, covered by the support of their spiritual fathers, became very active in the godly transformation of
Ukraine. We cannot allow division between pastors and
other leaders based on their active or passive participation in political reforms. A spirit of humility and patience
is much needed.
Please pray for the unity of His Body in the nation as well
as in the Eurasian region.
adb
Anatoles wife, Svetlana, is director of the Slavic Christian Woman
Ministry. They have four children and two grandchildren.
1
UETS Archive, audio interview
35
alumni
alumni
alumni notes
In Memoriam
Dr. Alfred E. Drake (B.D. 51) went to be with
the Lord on December 27, 2013, at the age of
91. Alfred is survived by his wife, Lillian, three
children, eight grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren.
John Beauregard (M.Div. 56) went to be with
the Lord on September 10, 2013, at the age of
81. He is survived by his sister, four children,
six grandchildren and numerous nieces and
nephews. He served the church for many years
and worked as a librarian and hockey coach at
Gordon College.
George H. Tooze (M.Div. 65) went to be with
the Lord on August 3, 2013. He died surrounded
by his family and friends after a long battle with
stomach cancer. George served as President of
the Ministers and Missionaries Benefits Board
(MMBB Financial Services) and as a pastor
in several churches. George is described as a
great leader and as having a passion for the
Lord, his family and his lifelong research into
the life of Emily Chubbuck Judson.
Vernon F. Holstad (M.Div. 67) went to be
with the Lord on July 20, 2013. He served as the
pastor of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church
in Tennessee for 27 years. He is survived by his
wife, Nancy, and his son, Scott.
John Jay Rhodes (M.Div. 81) went to be with
the Lord on March 13, 2013, in Staunton, VA.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy.
Walter Tilleman (D.Min. 98) went to be with
the Lord on February 10, 2013, after battling
cancer. He is survived by his wife, Linda, eight
children, three brothers, 15 grandchildren and
one great-granddaughter.
Richard D. Alexander (M.Div. 04) went on
to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2,
2013. He was the loving husband of Cherrie
(Wrench) Alexander and the loving father of
their six children, Rebekah (Potenza), Hannah,
Rachel, Josiah, Samuel and Benjamin.
Frank W. Doll, Jr. (MAME 04) went to his
home in Heaven on October 9, 2013, after a
lifetime of service to God and others. His son,
Gregory M. Doll (M.Div. 99), officiated at his
memorial service. Frank served for many years
as a college reading professor in Ohio and in
missions in Siberia and Kenya. In Boston, he
taught English as a second language at Park
Street Church and mentored international
students at Gordon-Conwell. He was greatly
loved by his wife, Anne, and their four children
and 10 grandchildren.
Norman D. Yeater (D.Min. 11) went home
to be with his Lord and Savior on September
12, 2013, following injuries he suffered in a car
accident. He worked in ministry as achaplain
of Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra,
PA, for 17 years and also served as a minister
at Chiques Church of the Brethren. His
experience at Gordon-Conwell was a fantastic
time for him, iron sharpening iron. He is
survived by his wife, Heather, and their three
daughters, Rachel, Joanna and Lois.
36
1970s
Roy W. Johnsen (M.Div. 71) recently had
a book, Break It Down and Make It Plain:
Proclaiming Freedom to Prisoners, published
by AuthorHouse. In the book, Roy shares the
cumulative wisdom of his varied ministries,
and shows how biblical truths can and must
be applied where human wholeness and selfworth are at stake.
Vance L. Drum (MATS 74) was promoted in
November 2013 to Director of Chaplains in
Texas Region 1, which consists of 14 prisons
in the Huntsville area, after 28 years of serving
in staff chaplaincy ministry at the Eastman
Prison. In January 2014, Vance was installed
as President of the American Correctional
Chaplains Association in Houston, TX.
John W. Rain (attended Gordon-Conwell
197475) was recently recognized inThe Best
Lawyers in America 2014 for his practice of
banking and finance law as well as energy law.
Glenn Havumaki (M.Div. 74) recently won
second place in the Xulon Press Annual
Christian Choice Book Awards contest for his
book, Trashed or Treasured? A Short, Practical
Theology of Aging. The Book Awards recognize
up to 48 authors in 16 categories in order to
highlight and honor the best independently
published books in the Christian market and
to recognize independent, self-published,
Christian authors for their outstanding literary
achievements.
Edward Solomon (M.Div. 76) was received
as a priest in the Anglican Church in North
America (ACNA) on August 18, 2013. He is
working as a retired minister with another
Gordon-Conwell graduate, Caleb Miller
(M.Div. 03; MATH 10), to help establish
a new ACNA church, The Church of the
Resurrection, in Emporia, VA.
David Faulkner (M.Div. 77) announces the
release of his first book, The Gospel According
to Job: Good News from the Old Testament. The
book is available from WinePress Publishing in
soft cover and in all digital formats. David and
his wife Dorothys oldest daughter, Tierzah,
is a senior in the MACO program at GordonConwell.
David Sutherland (M.Div. 77) was elected
Moderator of the 139th General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Robert Swanson (M.Div. 77) is now the USA
Administrator for Emoyeni, a mission in the
Republic of South Africa, after 35 years of
pastoral ministry. He recently published The
Bible Readers Companion (Amazon, 2013),
which consists of 1,375 entries that provide an
interactive and enjoyable reading of Scripture.
He and his wife, Heather, have three children
and 10 grandchildren.
Michael Duda (M.Div. 79) was recently
honored as a Community Hero by the Red
Cross. Michael was recognized for his work
with at-risk children. He has worked as a
YMCA group leader, volunteered with doctors
and medical technicians in South America, and
served as chaplain to Endicott College students
in Beverly, MA. In addition, he has served on
various boards and committees that work

to help troubled youth. Through Michaels
efforts, Family Promise, an interfaith network
that helps homeless families, was established
in Bostons North Shore area.
Robert Hager (M.Div. 79) has just completed
his second film, Black Marks on White Paper,
which premiered as part of the Ozark Foothills
Film Festival in April 2014.
1980s
Lucinda Secrest McDowell (MATS 80)
recently published a new book, Live These
Words: An Active Response to God. The book
offers a daily balance between being with God
and doing for God.
Ken Wilson (MATS 84) recently released a
book, Too Amazing to Keep to Yourself (CLC
Publications, 2014). The book focuses on the
process of personal evangelism and how
to share our faith in a way that is safe and
respectful.
Don Eisenhauer (M.Div. 86; D.Min. 96) is
currently serving as a chaplain at TriCounty
Home Health and Hospice in Pennsylvania,
where he counsels the dying and the grieving.
He has published an article that discusses the
importance of end-of-life coaching and care.
Norman Montjane (MATS 86) was made
an Honorary Canon of the Diocese of
Mpumalanga on November 3, 2012, in the
Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
Phil Silvia (M.Div. 86), now a doctoral
fellow at Trinity Southwest University in
Albuquerque, N.M., recently published
Revelation: What Did John Really See? (TSU
Press). This study guide on Revelation explores
the astrophysical phenomena and geophysical
consequences of what the apostle John might
have seen in his visions.
Paul J. Maurer (M.Div. 89) has been appointed
as Senior Vice President for External Relations
at Gordon College, Wenham, MA. In his new
position, Paul manages relationships with
major donors and friends of the college, while
working toward expanding the presence of
Gordon College in government relations at the
regional and national levels.
Stephen Vantassell (MATS 89) recently
graduated from the University of Nebraska
Lincoln with a Master of Science in Leadership
Education.
1990s
Sandra Richter (MATS 90) has taken a
position as Professor of Old Testament at
Wheaton College.
Wayne Earl (MATS 91) recently published
This Star Wont Go Out: The Life and Words
of Esther Grace Earl (Dutton Juvenile, 2014),
a book of his daughter Esthers journals and
other writings. The book debuted in January
2014 at #7 on The New York Times young adult
best seller list. Wayne and his wife of 30 years,
Lori, make their home in Quincy, MA, where
he teaches philosophy at Quincy College.
Lew (L.S.) Klatt (M.Div. 91) has been named

Poet Laureate of the greater Grand Rapids,
MI, area for a three-year term beginning April
3, 2014. The Poet Laureate is an ambassador
for poetry, creating programs and projects to
foster the writing and reading of poetry by the
public.
Textual History, seeks to analyze the evidence

of Josef Schmids work on the textual history
of the apocalypse.
Sam Folta (M.Div. 92) will be on furlough in

South Hamilton, MA, until July 2014, at which
time he will return to Yanbian University of
Science and Technology, where he works as an
English professor and team leader.
Katharine Brown Treick (MACH 98) and her

husband, Joel, have just finished their first year
of ministry at their new church, Pinewoods
Church (PCA), in Pensacola, FL. Joel serves
as the senior pastor, and Kate is the music
director. It has been a great year of ministry
and getting to know their new home. Kate is
also doing a hybrid homeschooling program
with their children, Lily, 6, and Jack, 5.
David C. Johnson (M.Div. 92) was recently

appointed Executive Director of Basileia
Institute, whose mission is the training of
men and women for sustainable and effective
ministry wherever they may be called to serve.
Students at Basileia Institute receive training
in a life led by the Spirit of God, through the
study of the Scriptures, resulting in practical
ministry.
Susan Gleason (M.Div. 99) and her husband,

Charlie Monroe, completed the 100-mile Cycle
for Shelter ride on July 28, 2013, as members
of the Pedaling Presbyters team of the First
Presbyterian Church in Haverhill, MA. The
ride, sponsored by Emmaus, Inc., raises
awareness of homelessness in the Greater
Haverhill area and helps fund Emmaus
programs.
Virginia Ginger Asil (M.Div. 93; D.Min.

01) recently released her book, Four and No
More: Ezekiels Introduction to the Gospels, with
5 Fold Media. Four and No More asserts that
Ezekiels vision of the four living creatures
points to the fourfold ministry of Jesus.
Andrew Shriver (MACH 99) was promoted to

the rank of Major in the U.S. Army Chaplain
Corps. After spending four and one-half years
in a medical unit and then a special aviation
unit in Europe, Andrew will return to the
States with his family.
Lucy Lincoln (M.Div. 94) is serving in Bible

translation. She has recently opened a website
to serve the Bible-less people who speak
Juhuri and Tati.
2000s
Dr. Mike Loomis (MACE 95) recently pedaled

3,600 miles, from San Francisco, CA, to Bethany
Beach, DE, with eight other bicyclists as part
of Geneva Across America. The purpose of this
trip was to experience Christian community,
see America, spread the name of Geneva
College and Christian higher education, and
raise money for a new endowment scholarship
at Geneva.
Jeff Patterson (D.Min. 95) was recently
appointed District Superintendent in the
United Methodist Churchs Western North
Carolina Conference, specifically the Yadkin
Valley District.
Ken Shigematsu (M.Div. 95) recently did his
first TV interview for his book, God in My
Everything (Zondervan, 2013).
Randal Pelton (D.Min. 96) recently published
an e-book, A Preachers Manifesto: Ten
Commandments That Drive Biblical Preaching
(Randal Emery Pelton, 2014). These 10
commitments will guide pastors in creating
their preaching calendar, help steer their
sermon preparation and remind them of the
vital place preaching occupies in the local
church.
Peter Sprigg (M.Div. 97), Family Research
Centers Senior Fellow for Policy Studies,
appeared on CNN Newsroom on March 23,
2014, and on NBC News to discuss why the
Supreme Court should uphold marriage. He
has also appeared on PBS NewsHour to discuss
the Employment Non-Discrimination Act
(ENDA).
Dr. Jenny Clark (MAUM 02; M.Div. 05;

D.Min. 09) was ordained as a member of the
Diaconate Board at her church, Mt. Moriah
Baptist Church, in Brockton, MA, on March
30, 2014.
Kevin DeYoung (M.Div. 02) was recently
interviewed by WORLD magazine on work
and busyness. He stated, Work, exhaustion
and rest are parts of a healthy life as long as
that life has a rhythm.
LaVera Parato (M.Div. 01) is now serving
as the interim pastor of Burgaw Presbyterian
Church in Burgaw, N.C., after serving seven
years as the pastor of Grace Presbyterian
Church in Beaufort.
Conley H. Hughes (D.Min. 02) is celebrating
his 25th year in ministry at Concord Baptist
Church in Milton, MA.
Jim Darlack (MAOT 04; MANT 07) and Matt
Wasielewski (MTS 10), librarians at GordonConwell, were selected by the American
Theological Library Association and the
Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in
Religion and Theology to participate in the
triennial Theological Librarians Colloquium
at Wabash College in Indiana. Jim and Matt
were among 14 librarians chosen to attend
the April colloquium, which focused on the
role of theological school librarians in the 21st
century.
H. Dean Hinson (MTS 04) has been assigned
as the President of Evangeline Booth College
and as principal of The School for Officer
Training of the Salvation Army.
Brian Peterson (MAOT 04) discovered an

Egyptian scarab amulet in the fortress of
Khirbet el-Maqatir in Israel last summer
while working with the Associates for Biblical
Research.
William A. Stalder (M.Div. 04) earned a Ph.D.
in Philosophy from Kings College, University
of Aberdeen. His graduation was November
29, 2012. Will is serving as a pastor with the
Church of Scotland and lives in Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, with his wife, Courtney, and son,
Auggie.
Bernard Wilson (D.Min. 04) has been named
Chairman of the new United Church of Christ
Board. This board will oversee and govern this
denominations entire ministry worldwide.
Dr. David C. Go (D.Min. 06), church
consultant of Grace Strengthening Mission,
and Mission Pastor of Grace Gospel Church,
Manila, Philippines, published a new book
in 2013, Grace Broke Through. The book is a
compilation of conversion stories from the
mission field, testifying of Gods power and
grace.
James Arcadi (M.Div. 10; Th.M. 10) and
Patrick Smith, Assistant Professor of Theology
and Philosophy at Gordon-Conwell, recently
received a research grant from the Center
of Philosophy and Religion at Notre Dame
for the formation of discussion groups that
focus on analytical theology. Specifically,
their discussion group will explore how
contemporary approaches to the problem of
suffering might address the existential and
pastoral dimensions of this problem.
Dr. ngel Vlez Oyola (Th.M. 10), Director
of the School of Theology at Interamerican
University of Puerto Rico, has been awarded
the Doctor of Humane Letters(honoris causa)
by the Graduate Theological Foundation. This
honorary degree is in recognition of Dr. Vlez
Oyolas work in continuing education and
ecumenical and interreligious understanding
both within and outside of Puerto Rico. He was
also appointed as visiting scholar at Princeton
Theological Seminary in June 2013.
Ernest Clark (MABS 11) and his wife, Tiffany,
are currently living in the United Kingdom,
where Ernest has been offered admission to the
Ph.D. program at the University of St. Andrew.
Tiffany has also been offered admission to
the M.Th. program in World Christianity at
the University of Edinburgh. They ask for
continued prayers for Gods provision as they
pursue their studies.
Adam Feldman (D.Min. 12), founding
pastor of Metanoia Church in Ellicott
City, MD, recently published Journaling:
Catalyzing Spiritual Growth through Reflection
(Milltown Publishing, 2013). This book is
meant to introduce readers to a lifestyle of
contemplative reflection to help cultivate a
daily awareness of Jesus loving, personal and
active presence in their life.
Juan Hernandez (M.Div. 98; Th.M. 00)

recently had an article published in New
Testament Studies. His article, The Creation
of a Fourth-Century Witness to the Andreas
Text Type: A Misreading in the Apocalypses
37
reflections
reflections
opening the word
in memoriam:
George F. Bennett
rustee George F. Bennett, a giant in the financial

world and a faithful friend of the seminary, passed
away in Hingham, Massachusetts, on March 15 at
the age of 102.
Mr. Bennett joined Gordon-Conwells
Board of Trustees in 1974 at the invitation
of the seminarys first president, Dr.
Harold John Ockenga. His 40 years of
distinguished service included chairing
the board and its Finance Committee,
and serving on three presidential
search committees. In addition, his ongoing financial
contributions provided a dependable source of financial
stability for the seminary, and his extensive financial
and business expertise provided guidance that allowed
Gordon-Conwell to thrive.
In 1998, he established the Lois W. Bennett Chair of
Educational Ministries at Gordon-Conwell in honor of
his mother. In recognition of his many contributions,
the seminary awarded him the Order of Barnabas for
distinguished service in 1996 and an honorary Doctor of
Divinity in 2004.
George Bennett left a great legacy at Gordon-Conwell,
says President Dennis P. Hollinger. His leadership, wisdom
and networking were highly significant in strengthening
the institution and broadening its reach. His long-term
commitment to the seminary will be greatly missed.
Mr. Bennett was also a director of several major American
corporations, including Commonwealth Oil Refining,
Florida Power & Light, Ford Motor Company, Gefinor
Finance, Hanna Mining, Hewlett Packard, John Hancock
Mutual Life Insurance Company, Katy Railroad, Mid-America
Pipeline, New England Electric System, North American
Company, Middle South Utilities and Niagara Mohawk
Power. In addition, he served on the boards of Wheaton
College, Harvard College and the Billy Graham Evangelistic
Association, serving as treasurer of the latter two.
38
George F Bennett (right side, fifth from front) with fellow

.
Gordon-Conwell trustees, including founder Billy Graham.
Mr. Bennett was born in Hingham, MA, and lived there his
entire life. After graduating with a degree in economics
from Harvard (from which he was also awarded an
honorary doctorate), he pursued a career in finance and
money management. From 1943 until his retirement, he
worked for State Street Money Management and Research
Corporation, becoming president and director of State
Street Investment Corporation. In 1982, the Boston Globe
referred to him as the most established figure in the
Boston money management world. He was twice offered
(by Presidents Johnson and Reagan) the opportunity to
serve as Secretary of the Treasury, but declined both times.
Despite his numerous professional accomplishments,
Mr. Bennett took the greatest satisfaction in the faith of
his children and grandchildren. In a 2006 interview, Mr.
Bennett commented, My three boys, all my grandchildren
and great-grandchildren, those who have reached the age
of accountability, have all made a profession of faith in
Christ. The Lord has been good. He also derived much
satisfaction in the success of South Shore Baptist Church
in Hingham, which he helped found and watched grow
from a small Bible study into a church of several hundred
families; and from Christian Camps and Conferences, a
Christian boys and girls camp he bought and renovated.
The camp has operated continuously for more than 30
years, serving young people from all walks of life.
Mr. Bennett is preceded in death by his beloved wife,
Helen, and survived by three sons and their wives: Peter
and Diana Bennett, George, Jr., and Marinda Bennett, and
Robert and Eugenia Bennett; 10 grandchildren; and 31
great- and great-great grandchildren.
Descending into Greatness

Luke 9:46-48
S. Steve Kang, Ph.D.
n chapter nine of Lukes Gospel, we come across

an argument among the Lords disciples over the
question, Who is the greatest? (9:46). Luke reveals
Jesus awareness of the reasoning in their hearts
(9:47), and yet his response to them is merciful. Instead
of a stern rebuke, he takes a child and places him by his
side (9:48), saying, Whoever receives this child in my
name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him
who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one
who is great. Jesus is essentially telling his disciples to
become like this child: simple, culturally insignificant, and
yet innocent and trusting. At that moment, the disciples
are unaware of the depth of Jesus words, for he is talking
about himself and how he will become the least among
them by dying on the cross. Jesus is not ascending into
greatness but descending.
Prior to this conversation, the disciples had not only witnessed Jesus miraculous power (9:10-17) but they themselves had performed miracles (9:1-6). Then, selectively,
Peter, James and John witness Jesus in his glory: the transfiguration (9:28-37). When they return, they come across
an awkward situation. The disciples who were left behind
were unable to heal a young boy (9:38-43). We can only
imagine what thoughts or discussions followed this event.
It is not hard to believe that Peter, James and John appeared to be exalted above the others. Maybe one of them
could have healed the boy from the evil spirit?
Comparison is never good, but that is exactly what seeped

into the hearts of the disciples. Envy. Covetousness. Up to
this point, Luke has documented Jesus ministry in Galilee
(4:169:50), and shortly after, Jesus embarks on his journey to Jerusalem (9:5119:27). During this transition, Jesus
forecasts the nature of his journey, laying out the reality of
his descending into greatness. Mark parallels this passage
in his Gospel, saying, The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And
when he is killed, after three days he will rise (Mark
9:30). While Jesus has been preparing himself to descend
into greatness, the disciples are thinking just the opposite,
for they are imagining themselves rising into greatness.
What is this path of descending into greatness? It is none
other than the upside-down Kingdom politics grounded in
Christs invitation of Come, do as I do and then you will
be on the path with me. This is descending into greatness.
It is not merely a direction, as in to, but rather, as in a
whole way of life and no other way. Let us descend into
greatness.
Dr. S. Steven Kang is Professor of Educational
Ministries and Interdisciplinary Studies. In addition to teaching, Dr. Kang has participated extensively in local and para-church ministries. He is
the author of several books, including his most
recent Teaching the Faith, Forming the Faithful (with
Dr. Gary Parrett).
He leaves behind a legacy of faithful and generous service

to the seminary and many other organizations, and
provides an example of faithful Christian service for all.
39
Non-Profit Org.
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PAID
Providence, RI
Permit No. 421
130 Essex Street, South Hamilton, MA 01982
Address Service Requested
congrats, grads!
2014 NAT IONAL P REACH I NG CON F ERENCE
Sign up for our fall conference!
FAITHF UL TO THE CALL

September 4-5, 2014 | Hamilton, Massachusetts
www.gordonconwell.edu/FaithfulToTheCall
chapell loritts
kim
kaminski
tidball

Being Transformed Into His Likeness (Summer 2014)

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contact

You may have noticed that contact magazine is

Summer 14 | Vol. 42 No. 1 | Spiritual Formation

Senior Communications Advisor

And we all, who with unveiled faces

transformed into his image

from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Reflections from the President

Director of Communications and Marketing

hroughout its history, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary has

highly esteemed faculty, and alumni in key academic, pastoral and

Inquiries regarding Contact may be addressed to:

on the front lines: Coffee with a Cause

Becoming Brighter and More Beautiful

beyond our doors: Nicole Rim

alumni spotlight: On the Ground in Ukraine

Building Disciples of Jesus

of ministry or they grow thin in their relationship with Christ. Without

In Memoriam: George Bennett

True spirituality, however, is never just an inward experience. It manifests

and presence, is sustained and nurtured by an intimate relationship with the

Dennis P. Hollinger, Ph.D.

Chip and Cheery Furr have a passion

to affect and infect lives for the cause of Christ.

CLIMBS ROAST IS THE CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA,

couples own brand of coffeeand their labor of love. In a

contact | summer 2014

he had worked during seminary and went into the street.

summer 2014 | contact

We got a contract with one church and then another, and

People kept saying to us, Go to Mexico, go here, go there

...if I could use a commodity like coffee

And thus began a second ministry, Sackcloth & Ashes

develop community centers, using proceeds from coffee

ganizations or churches to raise up the Church in local

contact | summer 2014

summer 2014 | contact

on the front lines

CHRISTIANS ACCOUNT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF

THE CHALLENGE, SAYS BIBLE TRANSLATION CONSULTANT OLIVIA

THANKFULLY, NEWER, RELIABLE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS

the translators to back up their work on a central server

the D.R.C., to a place called Bunia, and another MAF flight

contact | summer 2014

summer 2014 | contact

"THE AIM IS TO BUILD CAPACITIES

When they translate the Bible, they use French and/or

AMONG NATIONALS SO THAT

CAN ALWAYS CONTINUE."

The Budu-Nita New Testament is now 60 percent complete.

AT-A-GLANCE: BUDU-NITA TRIBE

contact | summer 2014

ARE THERE OR NOT, THE WORK

checking sessions, keeping in touch with the translators

In the end, though, the joys outweigh the challenges. The

In his essay, T h e We i g ht o f G l o r y, C . S . L ew is allu des to o u r deep

de s i re to be t ran s fo r m e d by t h e be au t y o f G o d. We do n ot want merely

f this is so, how exactly do we become part of this

Mirrors are mysterious. I remember the first time that our

the Looking Glass, the heroine entered a strange world

summer 2014 | contact

the mirror itself, at least three of them occur at the same

and the Milky Way. We see the contours of his body in