Covenant Magazine - [Summer 2007]

CovenantThe Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary

vol.22,no.2 Summer2007

Kingdomharvest

Ifyouvisitourcampusduringthenext15monthsorso,youwillnoticequiteabitofworkgoingon.I’mnotreferringtotheusualhustleandbustleofprofessorsandstudentsengagedintheprocessofteachingandlearning.therewillindeedbeplentyofthat.But,inaddition,youwillfindavarietyofworkersconstructingthenewacademicbuildingthatisamajorcomponentofourBy His Grace, For His Glorycapitalcampaign.architects,contractors,bulldozeroperators,con-creteworkers,carpenters,electricians,andscoresofothers

willbecontributingtheirtalentstomakesurethisbuildingservesthepurposeforwhichsomanyhavegenerouslygiven:topreparepastorsandministryleaderstoservefuturegenerationsofChrist’sChurch.

Justasanastoundingmultiplicityofindividualsandabilitiesgoesintothemakingofonecampusbuilding,sotooistheKingdomofGodbeingbuiltthroughtheongoingeffortsofuntoldnumbersoffaithful,Spirit-filledpeople.allareapplyingtheiruniquetalentsinthediversesettingstowhichtheLordhascalledthem.WhetherservingasamissionaryinaGospel-starvednationhalfwayaroundtheworld,teachingaSundayschoolclassinalocalneighborhood,orofferingupprayersandfinancessothatothersmaybeempoweredtodothesethings,eachofusfulfillsGod’scalling.Underthewatch-fuleyeandtheguidinghandoftheMasterBuilderHimself,eachofushasanimportantroletoplayinconstructingthegloriousedificeofGod’sKingdom.

InthisissueofCovenant,weexplorewhatitmeanstohaveaKingdomperspectiveonourworkforChristandourservicetoothers.Wealsoofferalookathowsomeofourgraduates,faithfulfriends,andloyalsupportersarelivingoutthisKingdomperspectiveinvariousways.andwepaylovingtributetotwogodlymen—Dr.DavidJonesandDr.Bobvasholz—whoselongtimedevotiontothisinstitutionandourstudentshashelpedshapehundredsofKingdombuilderswhoselivesaremakingasignificantimpactforChrist.

PleaserejoicewithusasthefruitofGod’smanyblessingsrisesintangibleformonourcampusoverthecourseofthenextseveralmonths,andpleasepraywithusthatGodwillcontinuetouseeachandeveryoneofusmightilyasweworktogethertobuildHisKingdom—byHisgraceandforHisglory.

BryanChapell,President

FEATURES

1 Creating Community Through Cooking Several families at Covenant Seminary regularly gather to plan and prepare freezer meals that last them for months.

4 Battling for Christ’s Kingdom in Africa Alumnus Rick Gray and his family serve the Lord in a village in Africa, where God uses their everyday experiences to teach them about spiritual realities.

8 No Little Places Several alumni have answered the Lord’s call to serve in remote places where solo ministry refines and challenges them as they proclaim the Lord’s goodness and mercy.

18 Risen to New Life Members of the Covenant Seminary community share their musical gifts on a worship CD with this title.

21 Gospel Partnership Covenant Seminary welcomed Japanese students to campus in January, when they participated in a classs.

22 Serving the Kingdom, Loving the King Covenant Seminary says goodbye to two of our longest-serving faculty members—Dr. Robert Vasholz and Dr. David Jones.

CONTENTS

12 Alumni profile

Marcus Toole 14 Core VAlue

Kingdom Perspective 20 donor profile

Jo Cutten 26 SeminAry newS & eVentS

28 Alumni newS

BACK Student profile

COVER

David Juelfs

Covenant|Summer 2007

FROMtHe PRESIDENT SUMMER2007kingdom HArVeSt

Creating Community through

1 www.covenantseminary.edu

COVENANTCommunity

maginenotcookingformonthsandyeteatinghomemade foodeverynight.Soundsakin toacamelgoingthroughtheeyeofaneedle,right?notsoforseveralCovenantSeminaryfamilies.

every three to four months, groups of four or fivewomen gather to choose 12–15 recipes, after whichtheymeetagaintodivvyupshoppingduties,andthencometogetherforonelasttimeforamarathondayofcooking. the yield? about 30 bags of frozen mealseachthatlastseveralmonths.“We’rethelargestfamily,”says Kelly Park of her six-member clan, “so we don’tusuallyhave leftovers.Butother familiescanget twoorthreemealsoutofeachbag.”

Creating Community through

Cooking

i

Bycookingthisway,theladiesserveoneanother,deepenfriend-ships,andstretchtheirdollars—acommonneedamongseminaryfamilies.theydothisthroughawillingnesstogiveuptimeforstrategicplanning,shopping,andprepping.togethertheapron-cladwomenrolluptheirsleevesandchop,braise,brown,stir,roll,mix,andpureeforhoursinalocalchurchkitchen.“Ilikewhenwedoourcookingatnight,”saysaimeeSilva(tonight’shostess).“Iwasdreadingthatfirstday,”sheadmits,“butitwasreallyfun.”Sofarthreegroupsofcampusfamiliescookthisway.onegroupcooksallorganic,anotheroptstodoalltheirshoppingatjustoneplace.Kelly’sgroupwillinglyattemptschallengingrecipessometimessothattheycanhavemealstheyreallyenjoy.

tonightShannaBean,JenniferJung,KellyPark,aimeeSilva,andJenStorckgatherataimee’son-campusapartment.asoneofthecommittedcooksarrives,sheannounceswithalaugh,“Icameinmypajamas.Ihopeyoudon’tmind.”arichnessanddepthexistsinthewomen’sfriendships,fosteredbycommunity

life.allthewomeninvolvedliveincampushousing,sothey’veformedfriendshipswitheachotherontheplayground,attheLogCabin(whereseminarychildcareoftentakesplace),andaroundtheirapartmentbuildingsastheysharelivesthatrevolvearoundstudyingandtests.

afterfriendlyupdatesaboutatvshowtheytapedforoneanother,excitedcommentsontheexpandingbellyofoneofthepregnantwomen,andoffersfordessertandcoffee,thechefstacklethetaskathand—choosingrecipesanddecidingwhowilldotheprepworkforeach.“arewedoingmeasurementsfortherecipestonight?”asksone.atthe“Yes”response,shelaughsandasksrhetorically,“So,we’repullinganall-nighter?”

thefivewomensettleinaroundaimee’stableandbeginopeningbinders,flippingthroughrecentfoodmagazines,andbusilywritingastheyverballytossaroundsuggestionsandgeteachothers’feedback.Believingthatvarietyisthespiceoffreezermeallife,they’vedeterminedtochoosenewrecipesthisround,sooutcomecookbookssuchasSouthern Living Annual Recipes Cookbook, 20th Anniversary Edition;Rachel Ray’s Open House

Cookbook;andSandra Lee Semi-Homemade Cooking.“How’boutscallops?”suggestsKellyassheflipstooneofthestickynote-markedmagazinepages.aslightlookofuneasinesswashesoverpregnantJenniferJung’sfaceandshereplies,“YouknowhowIfeelaboutseafood.”theydebatearecipethatrequiresbonedchickenbutdecideagainstitbecauseofhowmuchspaceitwilltakeupinthefreezer.“Whataboutbeefstroganoff?”asksKelly.“Doesithavesourcream?”Shannaquestions.thewomenjokewithShannathatsherepresentsthe“mayonnaiseandsourcreamcontingent;”she’sasupporterofanymealthathaseitheritem.thewomengood-naturedlyyieldtooneanother’sculinarypreferencesandneeds,eveniftheyarespecificsometimes(nodarkmeatchicken,substitutemargarineforbutterinafewrecipes,etc.).

throughthehoursspentinpreparationandonthedayofcooking,thesewomenalsosharetheirheartsastheyfaceuncer-tainfuturesanddealwithspecificchallengesofcombiningschoolandfamilylife.“thisgrouphasreallybeenhelpfulaswetalk

aboutministryoptionsandwhereGodisleadingeachofus,”saysKelly,referringespeciallytoherfirstcookinggrouplastyearinwhichthreeofthefamiliesweregraduating.theyalsoshareresourcefultidbits,suchasJenStorck’sideaofusingevaporatedmilk(whichmanyofthemhaveonhand,stockpiledfromtheUSDa’sSpecialSupplementalnutritionProgramforWomen,Infants,andChildren)inrecipesinsteadofregularmilktomakethemcreamier.

“Didyoulikethatbeefstew?”someoneasks.“no!”istheemphaticgroupresponse.“Itriedeverythingunderthesuntomakethatrecipetastegood,”aimeesays.“there’susuallyadudeverytime,”JenStorckadmits.Inbetweendiscussingpreviousfoodflopsandhoweachfamilyusedorenhancedtheunfortunatefreezermeal,theyshareaboutthingssuchasGod’sprotectionoftheParkfamilyinacaraccidentonthewaytoCaliforniaatChristmas.theyalsochataboutthejoyofgrowingfamiliesandthecurrentcampusbabyboom—theycountandname10pregnantwomen.

WhileaimeesearchestheInternetforaporkrecipe,Jennifer

Covenant | Summer 2007 2

left to right:Jen Storck, Jen Jung, Shanna Bean, Aimee Silva


JACKIEFOGASJackie Fogas serves in the Public Relations department at Covenant Theological Seminary as the senior copy editor and special projects coordinator. Her husband, Michael, will be a third-year MDiv student in the fall.

Jungcallsherhusbandtofindoutiftheirchurchisavailableforthegrouptouse.Largechurchkitchenshavelotsofspaceforprepworkandoversizepotsandpans,providinganidealsettingforcommunitycooking.“thisisalotofwork,”saysKelly,“butwehavefuntoo.”

WhenShannaventuredintoalocalretailmealpreparationstore,shediscoveredthatcustomersassemble12freezermealsfor$195.Freezermealsseminary-styleprovide25–30mealbagsforaboutthatprice($180–$200),andeachmealyieldstwoorthreedinners,dependingonthefamilysize.Sotheseminarychefs

definitelycomeoutahead.“Ijustwantedaboostofconfidence,”saysShannaaboutherdesiretovisittheretailstore.”Sheleftreassuredthattheseminarywomen’seffortsliterallypayoff.

asthetimeontheclockticksalong,thegroupnarrowsthelistto15recipefinalistsandassigns3toeachperson.“I’llreadthelist,”saysShanna,“andifyoureallywantdosomething,shoutitout.amen?amen.”

Fromhereeachwomanwillmakearecipesheetthatincludesassemblydirections,freezingdirections,servingdirections,andcomments.thenshe’llfiguretotalamountsnecessarytomake10ofeachrecipeandenteringredientsintoamastergrocerylist.arecentoneincluded32ribs,64ouncesofpasta,8cupsoftoffeebits,4cupsofhoney,24chickenbreasts,8cansofblackbeans,and12cupsofflour.oncetheycombineeveryone’stotalreciperequirements,thewomensplitshoppingdutiesbasedonwhereeachitemismosteconomicallypriced.thoughthisendeavorinvolvesalotofelbowgreaseonthefrontend,thewomenwalkawaywithacouplemonthsofmeals,increasedunityintheirfriendships,andenhancedcommunitylife—plusthestressrelief

ofnothavingtothinkaboutthetime-consumingtaskoffeedingtheirfamilies.theycanfocusonnurturingthembecausethey’vetakencareofnourishing.

“Formethisgrouphasreallybeenablessingbecauseithasfreedmeuptospendtimewithmykidsafterschoolinsteadbeingbusymakingmealsformyfamily,”saysKelly.“Welikehangingout.that’swhywedothis,”Shannasays.“Plus,we’reeatinghealthier,”addsJenniferJung.thesewomentestifytothetruthofecclesiastes4:9whichsays,“twoarebetterthanone,becausetheyhaveagoodreturnfortheirwork.”Bonappétit!

(dawson Bean, Shanna’s husband, continues working to earn his mdiv and anticipates graduating in 2009. russell Jung, Jennifer’s husband, is pursing an mdiv and plans to graduate in 2008. patrick park, kelly’s husband, expects to graduate with his mdiv in 2008. Aimee Silva is pur-suing the mAC and mAtS degrees with graduation expected in 2009. Jon Storck, Jen’s husband, earned his mdiv and graduated this may.)

left to right: Aimee Silva, Kelly Park, Shanna Bean, Jen Jung

Stuffed Chicken Cutlets

Ingredients 1 meal 8 meals

---------------------------

Thin-cut chicken breasts, 4 breasts 32 breasts

cutlets

Oregano, dried 1 tsp 8 tsp

Green onions (sliced) 3 24

Feta cheese (crumbed) 8 oz 64 oz

Sun-dried tomatoes 1/2 cup 4 cups

Pitted Kalamata olives 1/2 cup 4 cups

Course salt and pepper

Tomato sauce (optional)

Cooking Directions

. Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

. Use a meat mallet to tenderize chicken.

. In medium bowl, combine oregano, green onion, Feta,

sun-dried tomatoes, and olives.

. Place cutlets on a flat surface, smooth side down.

. Spoon 2 tablespoons of Feta mixture in center of each

cutlet. Fold up short sides over cheese, then long sides,

making a packet on baking sheet.

. Arrange stuffed cutlets, seam side down

(not touching ). Freeze until firm (about 1 hour).

Serving Directions

. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

. Arrange frozen cutlets seam side down on baking sheets.

Season with salt and pepper.

. Bake at 400 degrees until chicken is opaque throughout

(about 30 minutes).

. Top with tomato sauce, if desired.

Freezing Directions

. Wrap each cutlet in plastic wrap;

place in freezer bag.

. Freeze up to two months.

1 Freezer Meal (serves 4 )


My wife, Wendy, and I serve the Lord in Africa. As singles, we both felt drawn to live and minister the Gospel of God’s grace among the Babwisi tribe along the remote border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Wendy focused on Bible translation, and I worked to plant churches and train pastors. We figured that our ministries were a pretty good match—and so were we! We married and continued our labors in a place of great spiritual darkness, among people notorious for witchcraft. The Enemy seems to have a stronghold on our valley. Over the years it became all too apparent that he would not relinquish his reign without a fight. One Lord’s Day, in the summer of 2006, we received a vivid reminder of our foe’s fury.

Battling for Christ’s Kingdom in

AfricaBattling for Christ’s Kingdom in

AfricaBattling for Christ’s Kingdom in

The Grays’ home in Bundimulinga Village

Wendy and Rick Gray with sons Samuel

(left) and Aidan (right). Not pictured:

Chase Fletcher (born February 3, 2007)


Becauseourthen-one-year-oldson,aidan,wasrestless,Wendygatheredhiminherarmsandlefttheworshipserviceearly.Welivenextdoortothechurch,soIdidnotthinkmuchaboutseeingthetwoofthemreturnjustafterthebenediction.ButthemessageWendysharedsuregavemepause.“there’sasnakeinourattic!”sheannouncedanxiously.

aboutamonthearlier,ourfamilyhadrejoinedthefighttoadvanceChrist’sKingdominUganda.Uponourarrival,rats,bats,andlizardsweretheonlyotherwitnessedoccupantsinourlittletin-roofhouse,soIdoubtedwhetherasnakecouldbeamongouruninvitedguests.“It’sprobablyjustanovergrowngecko,”Ireasoned.nevertheless,IsoughtoutSamweli,aUgandanfriend,andaskedifhewouldjoinmeona“search-and-destroy”mission.

Uponreachingthehouse,Wendydirectedustotheroomwhereaidansleeps.thenshepointedtotheceiling.“It’supthere,”sheinsisted.SooffIwenttocollecttheladder.SoonSamweliandIascendedintothedarkattic,armedwithasmallflashlightandasharpsickle.WemovedseveralboxesandboardsarounduntilfinallySamwelispiedtheslitherycreature.

“It’sasnake,andit’sabigone!”heexclaimed.“Whatshouldwedonow?”Iwonderedaloud.“Doyouhaveanykerosene?,”Samweliasked.“Yes,wekeepsometorunourrefrigerator,”Ianswered.StillIqueried,“Whatwillwedowithkerosene?”

Samweliexplained:“We’llpouritonthesnake,anditwilldie.Myfatherhaskilledseveralsnakesthatway.”Bowingtotheassuredandmoreexperiencedreptileexterminator,Ihurriedofftogetasmallcontainerofkerosene.UponmyreturnIhandedthepungentliquidovertomyfellowhunter.“Whataboutthese?”Iasked,holdingouttheflashlightandsickle.“Youholdthem,”heinstructed.

then,beforeIknewit,Samwelipouredthekeroseneovertheslumberingsnake.theenragedcreatureroseupandheadedstraightforthefirstthreatitcouldidentify—thecluelessmissionaryholdingtheflashlight!Inself-defenseIswungthesicklehardattheattackingsnake.oneblow,two,three…!allthewhileSamwelicried,“Getit!Getit!Getit!”

Soonthesicklecutaholethroughthethinplywoodceiling,andIyelledforWendytomakesurethechildrenwerenotbelow.afterseveralmoreswipesatthewoundedaggressor,

itfellthroughthejaggedopeningandploppedontotheroom’scementfloor.Closebehind,wesnakestalkershurrieddowntheladder.onthewayIpickedupamacheteincasethescalyintruderneededtobefinishedoff.then,seeingthelongblacksnakestillwrigglingweakly,Ichoppedoffitshead.Weallheavedabigsighofrelief.

Beforeburyingthelifelessreptileandcleaningupthecollateraldamage,Imeasuredit.Itstretchedmorethansixfeet.asbestwecantellfromabookaboutsnakesineastafrica,ourvanquishedfoewasapoisonousblack-neckedspittingcobra.

andso,uponourreturntoafrica,theLordgaveusatimelyandsoberingreminderaboutthebattleforChrist’sKingdom.ofcoursetheChurch’sadversaryisexceedinglymoresinister,andthestakesareeternallyhigherthanalittlescuffleintheattic.

Missionary Rick Gray (left) and friendSamweli found this snake in Rick’s attic.It provided a great reminder about the spiritual battle they fight.

New Life Presbyterian Church in

Bundimulinga Village, the church where Rick

serves, sits next door to his family’s home.

ButtheKingdomonlyadvancesthroughcombat—albeitwithquiteunconventionalweapons.thebattlefieldisbothwithinandwithout.Mostofthetimewehavenoideawheretheenemyofoursoulsliesorwhatheisupto.

YetthePrinceofDarknessisneverfaraway,andheisalwaysreadyandwillingtostrike.Still,ourLightandDefenderkeepsconstantwatchoverus.nothingescapesHisnotice.JustasHecrushedtheserpent’sheadbyascendingCalvary’streesolongago,ourKingcontinuestoleadusvictoriously—ofteninspiteofourselves—asHereclaimsterritoryrightfullybelongingtoHisgloriousKingdomofgrace,truth,andlove.


RICKGRAY Rev. Rick Gray (MDiv ‘87) is regional director for Eastern Africa under Mission to the World. Rick serves missionaries and indigenous church leaders to impact their communities with the Good News of Christ Jesus. His initial interest in Africa was stirred at Covenant Seminary through his African classmates. Rick and Wendy live in Bundibugyo in western Uganda, in the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains. Rick began living and laboring among the Babwisi tribe in 1989. The Grays continue to fight for Christ’s Kingdom with their sons, Grant (age 4), Aidan (age 2), and Chase (3 months).

above: Rick and Wendy’s sons are very at home in Africa. Here is Aidan (not long after the snake incident) with a few of the boys’ closest friends in Bundibugyo.

above: These men were some of Rick’s students at the Semuliki Institute for Theological Education (SITE), the school he founded in 2000 to train pastors in Bundibugyo. It is currently dormant, though he is trying to reorganize the school under indigenous leadership. “Semuliki” is the name of the valley in which the Grays live. He chose this name for the Bible school because it includes both the Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo sides of the border. The school did have two students from Democratic Republic of the Congo, both of whom were in their late fifties.

above: This scanned old photo shows an aerial view of Bundibugyo District in the Semuliki Valley. The line in thecenter of the photo is the grass airstripthat chartered Mission Aviation Fellowshipplanes use for takeoffs and landings.


Dear Prayer Warrior,“The Lord called me....” “The Spirit led us....” “God directed him...” I have used words similar to these myself, and I have no doubt that they usually issue from a sincere heart. But as the years roll by, I confess to have grown increasingly skeptical of statements claiming enlightened detection of Divine will. Maybe it is because I have been around long enough to see the questionable outcomes yielded by the initial bold declarations. Maybe it is because I have grown weary of seeing the eternal God blamed for man’s misinterpretation of temporal circumstances. Maybe it is because I am jealous that others seem to hear the Almighty’s voice in ways that I do not. Probably it is a combination of all these reasons and others. But the longer I live, the less confident I am of discerning the Lord’s higher purposes in specific human events.

Please understand, I am not denying that God speaks to us through His written Word. Nor am I doubting that the Spirit convicts us of sin or prompts us toaction. I heartily believe and revel in the reality of a Father who communicates and communes with His children in these ways and more every day. But what Istruggle with is a finite and fallen mind fathoming the infinite and holy intentionsbehind life’s complexities. How can I be certain whether a specific setback is the Lord’s way of redirecting my steps or the Enemy’s attack because I am on the right path? I suppose some have a gift for discernment. But I also suspect others mistakeself-will for God’s will. Still, I find myself becoming increasingly hesitant to deducedirection from above through happenings below. It is not because I doubt a connectionbetween the two. Rather, I do not trust my capacity to comprehend the connection.

And although part of me longs to better understand the inner workings of providence in the affairs of man, another part of me perceives that this realm does not belong to me. Mine is to walk by faith, not by sight or sense. The mystery and wonder of God’s activity in, under, and through the daily occurrences of our lives is not so much to be figured out as it is to be embraced by faith. It should not be somuch a cause for consternation as a call to celebration. “Oh, the depth of the richesof the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” writes the apostle Paul in worship to a sovereign Lord[Rom. 11:33]. Of course Paul was reflecting upon eternal destinies. But I think the same doxology can just as appropriately be sung over the Master’s movementthrough more mundane matters as well.

“What does all this have to do with missions in Eastern Africa?” you may ask. Time and time again, I thought God was doing one thing in Uganda, only later to discover He was doing something completely different. In some cases it seemed that the Spirit was at work within a person’s heart, but later it became clear that actionswere motivated by the flesh. Other times I surmised questionable intentions thateventually proved quite laudable. So while I can confidently affirm that the Lord is building His Kingdom in Eastern Africa, I cannot be so sure of all the particularways He is doing so. When I consider how the disciples at first misunderstood Jesus’death upon the cross, none of this should be surprising. They initially misjudgedCalvary as their rabbi’s greatest defeat, only to discover three days later that it was His greatest victory. They surmised their Messiah was saving them from Romanrule, but eventually He proved to be delivering them from an unimaginably fiercer foe....

prayer letterAs the grays continue to

serve the lord in Africa,

the lord remains faithful

to grow them into the

likeness of Jesus. this

excerpt from their January

2007 prayer letter reveals

a bit about how god

has been sanctifying their

hearts and minds recently.

romexit62offofInterstate75,travelersventurelessthanthreemilestoreachthequaintlittletownofSweetwater

ineasterntennessee.Sweetwaterhasalwaysbeenasmalltownwithaslowpaceoflife,unlikenearbyKnoxville.PeopletravelfromasfarawayasnorthGeorgiatoshopforantiquesindowntownSweetwater.Still,Sweetwaterretainsadistinctsmall-townflavor,eveninthemidstoflimitedgrowthovertheyears.

“Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.” –MarK6:6b

P R Ay

L I v E

L O v E

P R E AC H

No LittLe

PLaCeS

Quotations by Francis Schaeffer in this article are taken from No Little People, in the compilation The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview, Volume Three, A Christian View of Spirituality, Crossway Books, 1982.

F


Inadaywhencitysizeisequivalenttoinfluence,smalltownsareoftencastinanegativelight—describedderogatorilyorreadilydismissed.althoughthereissometruthingeneralizationsconcerningsmalltowns(“small”qualifiessizewhereas“little”carrieswithitthesenseofunimportanceorirrelevance),stereotypicalcharacterizationsnevertakeintoconsiderationthecomplexityofthepeople,therichnessofhistoryandtradition,ortheblessingsofministry.andthrougheyesoffaith,eventhesmallestgatheringofpeopleisviewedasasignificantreflectionoftheredemptionofferedinChristJesus—provingthewordsofthelatetheologianandphilosopherFrancisa.Schaeffer:“astherearenolittlepeopleinGod’ssight,sotherearenolittleplaces.”

“eversinceIfeltthecalltoministry,IthoughtthatIwouldultimatelyendupinasmallchurchinasmall-sizetown,”saysWesalford(MDiv’93),pastorofChristPresbyterianChurchinSweetwater.“SoonafterBethandImarriedIknewitwastimetopursuethe‘dream’ofbeingasolopastorinasmalltown.thesenseofcallingtoSweetwaterwasverydefinite.Weclickedwiththepeople,anditseemedtobeagoodfit.”thealfordshavebeenservinginthetownof5,500residentsforalittlemorethanthreeyears.Speakingofserviceinachurch—largeorsmall—andthedangersofgeneralizations,Weselaborates,“It’stheplace,notthetypeofplace;it’sthechurch,notthetypeofchurch.”

Smallchurchesdominatethelandscapebetweenthemetropo-lisesoftheeastandWestCoastsoftheUS.Indeed,75percentofchurchesinthePCahavefewerthan200members(2005statis-tics).thesearechurchesfullofrealpeoplewithrealbrokennessandarealneedtoknowhowtheGospelcantransformthemwhere they are.Despitethis,findingpastorswillingandcommit-tedtoservingsmallchurchesisarecurringissuefortheChurchatlarge.Howmuchdothecharacterizationsplayarole?“Mygivensituationjustdoesnotreadlikeasuccessstory,”Wesaffirms.

“thebig thingswithinasmallchurcharethesmallthings.”

FrancisSchaefferaddressedthisbywriting,“notonlydoesGodnotsaythatsizeandspiritualpowergotogether,butHeevenreversesthis(especiallyintheteachingofJesus)andtellsustobedeliberatelycarefulnottochooseaplacetoobigforus.Wealltendtoemphasizebigworksandbigplaces,butallsuchemphasisisoftheflesh.tothinkinsuchtermsissimplytohearkenbacktotheold,unconverted,egoist,self-centeredMe.

thisattitude,takenfromtheworld,ismoredangeroustotheChristianthanfleshlyamusementorpractice.Itistheflesh.”

Itgoeswithoutsayingthatsmallchurchesandtheirpastorswillrarelybeinthemediaspotlight.thedisproportionateatten-tiongiventolargechurchescancreateasenseofunimportanceandinferiorityamongsmall-townpastors,asKevin(MDiv’04)anderin(MatS’06)Balldiscovered.theBallsliveinMarion,alabama,whereKevinservesasthesolopastorofMarionPresbyterianChurch—a175-year-oldcongregation.Likemanyotherswhoministerinsmallareas,theBallswrestlewiththechurch-sizesyndrome,withsizeseemingtoindicatesuccess.

“theamericanpushfornumbersissoculturallyingrainedinusthatwehavefoundourselvesalmostapologizingfor‘settling’forthecalltoasmallchurchinasmallplace.thisisnotthewaythatGodseesthings,but,nevertheless,thishasbeenpartofourstruggle,”erinexplains.“onceKevinacceptedthecall,wefoundthatbeinginanout-of-the-wayplacecansometimesleaveusfeelingforgotten—bythecommunityweexperiencedinseminaryandbytheChurchatlarge.”

“Inourruraltowntherearemanyopportunitiesandopendoorsforserviceandministry,”Kevinshares.“Peoplestillhaveaninnatesenseofrespectforapastorasapersoninthecommu-nitywhoisthereforthegoodofeveryone.thishasopenedopportunitiestobeinvolvedinthelifeofMarioninsignificantandhopefullytruth-buildingways.”Butthereverseisalsotrue.

“Isometimesfeellikepeoplevalueappearancesoverheartissues,”Kevinnotes.“thereseemstobeguardednesstowarddiscussionsaboutdeepissuesoflifeandfaith,especiallywithanewcomer.”

Doesthismeanthattheissuesofasmallchurcharereallyharderthaninalargecongregation?thepastorsinterviewedforthisarticleseemedtoanswerno.But,asWesalfordexplains,

“asfaraschallengesgo,ifyouputanygroupofsavedsinnerstogether,soonerorlatertherewillbechallenges.Whiletheproblemsoflifearecommonenough,theyhityoudifferentlywhenyouareasmall-townpastor.SincecomingtoSweetwater,I’vebeenstruckbytherealitythatweasbelieverstrulyliveinafallenandbrokenworld—thebrokennessofillness,loss,andgrief;offamilyandmaritaldysfunction;ofspiritualmalaises;andonandon.theseproblemsareeverywhere,butIthinkyouseethemmoreclose-upasasmall-townpastor,andthathas

Kevin and Erin Ball – Marion, ALWith son Doran (age 2½). Not pictured: Marilla Suzanne

(born March 19, 2007)

“ in our rural town there are many opportunities and open doors for service and ministry.”

– Rev. Kevin Ball

“ the big things within a small church are the small things.”

– Rev. Wes Alford

Wes and Beth Alford – Sweetwater, TNWith children Gibson (left; age 3) and Christopher (right; age 2).

Not pictured: Elizabeth Abigail (born March 22, 2007)


re-emphasizedtometherealityofthefall.”Whilesinandbrokennessareneverpretty—inanyplaceofanysize—Godprovidentiallygrantsthesesmall-townpastorsspecialgracesofunexpectedblessingtocarrythemthroughtheirjourneys.

“thecongregationIservehasbeenatrueblessing,”Wesexplains.“theyarepatientwithmeandquiteacceptingofmeandmyfamily.also,thepaceoflifeisgreat—niceandslow.thisgivesmetimetolivenotsofastmyself.IfeellikemyfamilyandIcangrowslowlyinGod’sgrace.”otherpastorsinsimilarsituationsechoedthis,affirmingthattheslowerpaceofasmalltownhasservedtostrengthenthem.

assistantPastorJohnDawson(MDiv’03)ofBrandonPresbyterianchurchinBrandon,Mississippi,agrees.“IespeciallyappreciatewhatSchaeffersaysaboutgrowingclosertotheLordwhileservinginthesmallplaces.My‘wellrunsdry’prettyfastasitis.Ican’timaginehowfastitwouldrundryifIpastoredalargechurch,”hesays,referringtothesewordsofSchaeffer:“WeshouldseekthelowestplacebecausethereitiseasiertobequietbeforethefaceoftheLord.Ididnotsayeasy;innoplace—nomatterhowsmallorhumble—isiteasytobequietbeforeGod.Butitiscertainlyeasierinsomeplacesthaninothers.”

Johncontinues,“IamcalledtobefaithfulasanassistantpastorinasmallchurchwhereIspendmostofmytimerunningyouthandchildren’sprograms.Iamnot calledtoworryaboutbeingsuccessful.thisdoesn’tmeanIcanbelazy,anditdoesn’tmeanthatIshouldn’tgotheextramiletoseethatministryisdonewell.IstillhaveavisionforwhatGodcandohere.”

thatabilitytodiscernandtrustwhatGodisdoingisoneofthekeystocontentmentformanypastorsinsmallchurches.WhenapastorhassuchavisionforGod’sKingdom,heisoftenencouragedinfaithfulness.ButwithoutsuchaGod-givenvision—thoughhemaybewantingandprayingforit—small-townpastorscanstrugglewithdespondency.“I’vebeensurprisedathowharditistobefaithfulwhereGodhascalledyou,”Johnexplains.“It’shardtoseetheimportanceofwhereyouareservingwhenyouservechildrenandteenswhosometimesseemsodisinterested.ItishardtobelievethatGodisatworkandmucheasiertojustwanttogosomeplacewhereitlookslikeHe’salreadybeenworking.”

thoughJohnhasfaithfullystayedwherehehasbeencalled,manypastorsdonot.Infact,pastoralturnoverinsmallchurches

iscommon.Someleavebecauseofchallenges,whileothersleavetofillanother,oftenlargerpulpit.Whateverthereason,theeffectsofsuchturnoverisfeltinmanysmallchurches.Georgerobertson(MDiv’91,thM’97),pastorofFirstPresbyterianChurchinaugusta,Georgia,oncesaidtoyoungseminarians,

“theChurchisspirituallyanemicbecausepastorstendtocometotown,preachthroughtheGospelofJohnandromans,andthenmoveontothenextplaceandpreachthesamesermonsoveragain.”this“rapidturnoverphenomenon”inspiredthelateDr.robertrayburn,firstpresidentofCovenanttheologicalSeminary,tocointhephrase“theshrinkingcanonoftheChurch,”bywhichhemeantthatpastorsarepreachingthroughlessandlessoftheBible.

“therealchallengeformeistosettleinandstayuntilIamextruded,”Wesalfordconfesses—referringtooneofSchaeffer’scomments.“It’stemptingtojustwanttodoyourtimeandthenmoveontoabiggergig.ItrytorememberthattheLordhasassignedmemytaskfornowinthisparticularplace.thatwayIcanbetterseetheLord’shandintheworkHehascalledmetodohere,andIknowitisnotinvain.Infact,ithasbecomearealjoy.”

Ifthereistruthtotheaccusationthatmanysmallchurchesarespirituallyimmature,someonusofresponsibilitymustrestwiththepastors.Commitmenttoacongregationbecomesessen-tialinseeingsmallchurchesgrowspiritually.“avisionforachurchtoembracethemissionoftheChurch—tobeagracious,lovingcommunityofredeemedsinnersreachingouttoothers—keepspeoplefromgrowingstagnantintheirfaithandworship,”KevinBallacknowledges.notsurprisingly,thefaithfulcommit-mentofpastorstothesecongregationsoftenresultsintheradicaltransformationofeachpastorandhisfamily.

“asIaminthisministry,I’mlearningaboutreallylovingpeopleandabouthowministryinvolvessufferingfortheirgood—evenifthepeopleneverseethat,”Kevinreflects.“Iamespeciallybeingchallengedtogrowintheareaofleadership.erinandIhavebeenencouragedbyhowGodhasbeencausinggrowthinmylife—growthasapreacherandteachercertainly,butmostimportantlygrowthinbecomingarealpastortorealpeople.”

Suchtransformationexpressesitselfoneverylevel,asWesalfordnotes.“Iseemoreclearlynowtheneedfordependent,believingprayerandtheworkoftheHolySpirit,notonlyinmycongregation,butinme,”hesays.“WhenIprayforthem,Iprayformyself,andwhenIprayformyself,Iprayforthem.theretrulyisalimittomyeffortstobringrealandlastingchange.Imustlearntopray,live,love,preach—andtojusthanginthere!”

Itisperhapsthat“hangingon”whichismostchallengingforpastorsofsmallchurches—thestrugglewithidentity,significance,andfaithfulness.theprovisionofChristbyHisSpiritandthroughHisWordis,attimes,theonlycomfortforthenaggingtemptationofdiscontentment.allthesemenpointbacktothecentralityofprayer.“theideathatGodhascalledmetobefaith-ful—thoughnotnecessarilytobesuccessful—isencouraging,”JohnDawsonstates.“MyprayeristhatevenifIdonotseethefruitofmyservicenow,thatin5or10yearsitwillbearfruit.Iamcalledtobefaithful,toplant,andtowater.Whatbetter

“ my prayer is that even if i do not see the fruit of my service now, that in 5 or 10 years it will bear fruit.”

– Rev. John Dawson

Rebekah and John Dawson – Brandon, MSWith son Oliver (age 18 months).

argumentfororganicgrowthintheChurchistherethantheverse1Corinthians3:6?andIhaveseensomeorganicgrowthinmythreeshortyearshere.I’veseenChristiansbecomemorewillingtoserveandhaveagrowingdesiretogive,andI’veseenleadershipbecomemoreunified.”

FaithfulnessbreedsvisionandvisionfaithfulnessasChristcontinuestobringunitytoHisBridethroughtheserviceofthesepastors.“theopportunityforministryandimpactishugeinourtown!”Wesalfordremarks.“MyvisionistotakeustoaplaceofGospel-driveninfluence.Iknowthepotentialisthere.Wejustneedtofindourjoy—notourministry,that’stoointimidating—andthengodoit.”

Scriptureisclear:Godiscommittedtoallplaces—largeandsmall.theministryofJesuswaslivedoutmostlyinthevillagesofthePalestiniancountryside.“everyChristian,”Schaefferwrites,

“withoutexception,iscalledintotheplacewhereJesusstood.totheextentthatwearecalledtoleadership,wearecalledtoministry,evencostlyministry.”

Wesconcludes,“IlovethestabilityoftheplacewhereIliveandthepeopleJesushascalledmetoserve.It’sagreatplacetoraiseafamilyandtoseektobuilduppeopleforGod’sKingdom.”andGod’sKingdomisbuiltthroughthefaithfulserviceofmensuchasWesalford,KevinBall,JohnDawsonandtheirfami-lies—andhundredsofotherswhofaithfullyserveinsmalltownsandsmallchurches—astheyembracethedignity,beauty,andblessingofworkinginsmall(notlittle)churches.theyaffirmSchaeffer’sstatementthat,“astherearenolittlepeopleinGod’ssight,so there are no little places.”

to prepare the pastor: no Small Sanctuary Since its inception in 1973, the pCA has continued to grow and

expand its number of churches throughout the united States—

today recognizing 350,000 members. despite this continued

growth, at least 75 percent of pCA churches—both established

and new churches—remain smaller than 200 members. many

graduates from Covenant theological Seminary are leading, and

will continue to lead, congregations of such size. these churches

are looking to Covenant Seminary to prepare pastors for the

unique aspects of ministry in smaller places.

partly in response to this, Covenant Seminary has embarked

on the By His Grace, For His Glory capital campaign. A vital

part of this exciting venture is the construction of a new

preaching chapel.

Features

w designed with the dynamics of a small church in mind

w provides a 120-seat chapel for realistic small-church setting

w Set up like a sanctuary to give students a practical sense

of what it’s like to teach in a church

As we seek to be good stewards of the overwhelming blessings

god has given us and to pass those blessings on to future

generations, will you please consider how you might play

a part in this exciting venture?

for more information contact director of donor relations

John ranheim at 1.800.264.8064.

P R Ay

L I v E

L O v E

P R E A C H

JOELHATHAWAY Joel Hathaway (MDiv ’04) grew up in the small town of Waynesboro, Mississippi, where his father served as a PCA pastor and his mother served as the church musician for 14 years. Joel retains an affinity for the open spaces of rural living.

right: Kevin Ball accepted a call to serve as solo pastor of a church in Marion, Alabama, where he ministers in various capacities to the 175-year-old congregation.


ALUMNIprofile

StoriesfromHobbema,writtenbyMarcustoole(MDiv’00),readlike medieval tales with a bent toward modern-day horror. andwhatoftensoundslikeathrowbacktopioneermissionaryworkis

actually a twenty-first century reality no further away than alberta,Canada.Itishere,onthetriballandsoftheCreepeople—fourseparateIndianreservescommonlyreferredtoasHobbema—thatMarcusservesChrist, testifying to the spiritual realities of the Lord and His Churchastheyfight,“notagainstfleshandblood,butagainsttherulers,againstthe authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against thespiritualforcesofevilintheheavenlyrealms”(eph.6:12).

TO

FRom war

… rejoice that your names are written in heaven” –LUKe10:20b

right: As Marcus Toole (far right) ministers to Cree people in Canada, some of the most receptive people have been gang members. Prayer is foundational to the efforts in Hobbema, where evidence of spiritual darkness is prominent.

Worship

“Satanisfightingback,andweseeitallthetime,”Marcussays,pointingtocommonlyemployedtraditionalpracticessuchaspiping(pipe)andsweetgrassceremonies,ritualsatsweatlodges(the“sweats”),andotherformsofanimisticspirituality.Medicinemenareconsultedregularly,andtheyinturnconsultgrandfatherspirits,whichincludeanimalspirits,Motherearth,andthoseofancestors.

“Weexperiencedspiritualresistanceinapowerfulwaylastyearwhenreggierabbit,oneofthemen,rejoinedtheministry,”Marcusexplains.reggie,a25-year-oldanddirectdescendentofChiefBigBear,isamemberofthegoverningfamilyonhishomereserve,theMontanaFirstnation.theMontanapeoplegettheirnamefromwhentheyfledtothestateofMontanaintheaftermathoftherielrebellion(1885)andwerereturnedtoCanadabytheU.S.Cavalry.“Weimmediatelybegantoexperi-enceintensespiritualoppressionfromthemedicinemenontheMontanareserve,”Marcusshares,explainingthatthisoppositionwasindirectresponsetothedestructionofasweatlodge—aceremonialsaunaofsortswhereritualsweatingandprayertospiritstakeplace—locatedonreggie’smother’sproperty.thereareover300suchlodges—placesofworshipanddemonicinter-action—throughoutHobbema.thisparticularsweatwasbuiltonthelandwithoutpermissionfromreggie’smother.

“Iwantedtowaittoprayforaseasonbeforeburningthesweatlodge,”Marcusexplains,“butreggie’sbrotherandmotherbothhaddreamstellingthemtoburnthelodgeandtobuildachurch.I’mnotsurewhattomakeofthesedreams,butinCreeculturedreamsaretakenveryseriously.”

theovertlyspiritualchallengespittedagainsttheCreepeopleinHobbemaisbadenough,buttherealitiesofdailylivingarelit-tlebetter.Manyyoungpeoplearetrappedinganglifestyles—bothfuelingandfueledbydrugandalcoholaddictions.InHobbema,membershipofjustoneofthegangsaloneisinthehundreds.andyet,amazingly,gangmemberscontinuetoprovemorerecep-tivetotheGospelthanothersegmentsoftheHobbemapopula-tion.Perhapsonereasonforthistrendistheconstantthreatofdeaththattheseyounggangmembersface.asonemanputit,

“allmyfriendsaredead,andI’mafraidthatI’mnext.”Youngnativeamericansoftenjointhesegangsinthefirst

placebecausetheywerealienatedbythelocalculture.However,inashorttimethegangsterlifestyleresultsinevengreateralienation.Sometimesgangmemberslosesomuchthroughthelifestylethattheywakeupandrealizethattheirchoiceisbetweenlifeanddeath.Sometimestheychooselifeandbecomebelievers.Sometimestheychoosedeath—andsuicideisnotuncommon.Marcussays,“thegangsterswhomeetmequicklyrealizethatIcareaboutwhathappenstothemandwillgooutofmywaytohelpthemwhenIcan.ButtheyalsodiscoverthatIamverydirectaboutthechoicestheyhavetomake.Itellthem,‘YoucannotserveJesusandyourgang.’BehindthesechoicesstandsthepoweroftheHolySpiritdrawingpeopletofaith.thisiswhythemostimportantcomponentofourministryinHobbemaisprayer.ItisthepoweroftherisenLordappliedtothelivesofpeoplethatbringsgangstersandtraditionalistsaliketofaithinChristandtoJesus’Church.”Suchistheessenceofalifetransformedfromwartoworship.

theviolenceanddestructioncausedbythegangsisperceivedandfearedthroughouttheculture,evenbyyoungchildren.DuringaholidaypresentationthislastChristmas,onechildreadthisheartfeltdesire:“Iwishtheviolencewouldstopsothatwecouldplayinourownyardswithoutworryingaboutgettingshot.”thepromisedhopeofredemptioncameearlierintheeveningfromachildwhoread,“IwisheveryonewouldhonortherealGodwhosentJesustobeborninamanger.”

Untilrecently,Marcus’smainemphasisinHobbemawasshar-ingtheGospelamongtherivalgangs—seeingconversionsamonganddisciplingmenfromthreeofthegangs.Butwiththegrow-ingdemandsofacongregation,composedofmembersfromallfourbandsonthereserve,Marcusfindshimselfstretched.“thelogisticsoftransportingpeopletoandfromchurcharesuchthat,withouthelp,itisimpossibleformetokeepupalltheoutreachministries.”CurrentlyMarcustransportsMontanapeopletoandfromthechurchinLouisBull(reserve)—averaging75-minutetrips.onesolution—andadesiredgoal—isfortheministrytoestablishasecondworshiplocationontheMontanareserve.

“amemberoftheMontanaBandisintheprocessofmakinglandavailableforachurchbuilding,”Marcussays.“Wearebeginningtoworkthroughthelogistics,butwejustcan’tknowwhatallitwilltaketoconstructabuildingthere.”Inorderforthistohappen,consentwouldberequiredfromeveryfamilyonthereserve.Marcusisunshaken,“theLordgivesusenormousgraceandfavor,”hesays.“WetrustHimtobuildHisChurch.”

ForMarcus,whatsoundsandfeelslikeabattle—againstspiritualforces,physicalthreats,andpoliticalbodies—isjustthat,butit’sabattlealreadywonbyourSavior.His,andeveryChristiansoldier’s,cryremains:

Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane,But the church of Jesus constant will remain.Gates of hell can never ’gainst that church prevail;We have Christ’s own promise, and that cannot fail.

“Onward Christian Soldiers,” 1865, Sabine Baring-Gould


JOELHATHAWAYJoel Hathaway (MDiv ‘04), director of alumni and church relations, serves to encourage and sustain pastors and ministry leaders in their first five years of ministry and beyond. Graduates of the seminary are invited to contact Joel Hathaway for matters of prayer by e-mail at [email protected].

Worship

“ The gANgSTerS Who meeT me quiCkLy reALize ThAT i CAre AbouT WhAT hAPPeNS To Them...”

above: Marcus Toole visited Covenant Seminary early this year to talk about his ministry to Native Americans in Alberta, Canada.

AsprofessorsteachabouttheKingdomofGodatCovenantTheologicalSeminary,theyareopeningtheeyesandmindsofmanystudentswhohavethoughtoftheChristianlifeinvaryingways.WhatarekeyconceptsabouttheKingdomthatyouaddress?oneofthegreatestblessingsformeasateacherisencouragingstudentstograsptheamazingscopeoftheGospelandGod’slord-shipovertheirlivesandthisworld.Mostofmyteachingtakesplaceinintroductorycourses,whichmeansthatIengagestudentsjustastheybegintheirseminaryexperiences.thiscanbebothfrustratingandanincredibleblessing,asitismycallingtointro-ducestudentstotheworldoftheBible—aworldthatconfrontsandchallengesmanyoftheopinionsandcommitments,evenChristiancommitments,thatstudentsbringwiththem.

Manyofourstudentscometoushavingbeencarefullynur-turedanddiscipledinthebiblicalstoryandhavealreadybeguntolayholdofthebreadthofit.Manyothers,however,comeonlywiththestoryofthelargercultureorthatofpopularChristiancultureorwithstoriesthatinvitethemtoseetheChristianfaithasbeingaboutandrelevanttoonlytheirprivatelives—aspiritual

existencethatisalwaystobedistinguishedfromthelifeofthebody,thematerialworld,andthework-a-dayworldofhumansocialexistence.

StudentsareoftenmorethanabitsurprisedtohearanunderstandingoftheGospelandtheChristianlifethatembraces

COREVAlue #7Kingdom Perspective We believe that God’s purpose is the gathering of His people from every nation and the renewal of all things. He calls His Church to active involvement with the world’s peoples and cultures, carrying out the mission of bringing the Gospel to those who do not believe and expressing Christ’s lordship in every area of life. In order to train students to make disciples of the nations, our faculty, staff, and students must increasingly reflect the ethnic and cultural richness of God’s worldwide Church.

Seven core values amplify and clarify how Covenant Theological Seminary understands its purpose. In the last

installment of our series on these core values, Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Michael Williams discusses the scope of this idea and how it touches every area of the Christian’s life.

KingdomP ERSPE CTIVE

Dr. Michael Williams

theentiretyoftheirlives,indeed,thewholeofGod’screation.Puttingtheissueinthemostexplicitterms,thescopeofGod’sredemptioninChristisasbigasthescopeofGod’screativework.theGodwhosentHisSontodieformeistheGodwhocreatedallthingsinthefirstplace,andHisredemptivegoalisnothinglessthantopushsinoutofeveryinchandaspectofHiscreation.IhavebeenredeemedinChristforapurpose:tobearedemptiveagentinthereclamationof“allthings.”Weshouldnotmisswhatisatstakehere.GodisjealousforHisworks.Hesurrendersnoth-ingtotheforcesofsinanddeath.IftheKingdomofGodstandsfortherealizationofGod’sgoodwillintheworld(anaffirmationandlivingoutofthewaythingsoughttobe)thenthelovinggraceofGodlaysclaimtoallthings,destroyingtheDevil’sworkandreturningeverybitofGod’sworld—everyaspect,place,andthought—toitsrightfulLord.

Whatisthemostcommonmisunderstanding/wrongthinkingabouttheKingdomthatyouobserveinstudentstoday,andhowisthisaddressedatCovenantSeminary?Unfortunately,popularformsofChristianfaithandpietyoftentendtowardakindofGnosticism,thebeliefthatthematerialworldisintrinsicallyevil,thatthehumansoulisfundamentallygood,andthatsalvationisamatterofthesoulleavingthebodyandtheworldbehindsothatitcanfinditswaytoGod—aGodwhocaresnothingabouttheworldbutvaluesonlythehumansoul.ItisnotatalluncommontohearthepointoftheGospelexpressedas“mybelievinginJesussothatIcangotoheavenwhenIdie.”Withthatunderstanding,thenthepointoftheChristianfaithisthatIgetsomethingformyself(salvation)andthatsalvationbearsnorelationshiptotheworldinwhichIlive.Indeed,itnegatesthatworldandseparatesmefromit.

Hearingthatthebiblicalportrayalofsalvationaffirmsratherthandeniesourlivesintheworldcanbequiterevolutionaryforstudentsasitopensup—andindeedexplodes—formanystudentscategoriessuchasevangelism,vocation,environmentalconcern,andevenChristianidentity.theGospelcallsustolifeinGod’sworldratherthanawayfromit.thekingshipofGodoverallthingscallsustoseeHiscreationalandredemptiveconcernasembracingaviewofKingdomcallingthattouchesuponthesocial,bodily,andcorporateaspectsofhumanexistenceratherthanmerelyanimaginedspiritualorprivatedefinitionofreligionortheKingdomofGod.

YetthisexpansiveunderstandingofredemptionandGod’ssovereignruleshouldnotbetakentodemeanthechurchoritsministries.Infact,thephysicalchurchisthegatheringpointfortheenergiesoftheKingdom,or,better,itisthehubfromwhichthepeopleofGodmoveouttowardtheworld.WesometimesspeakofthechurchasaninstrumentoftheKingdom.Israelwas


calledtoblessthenationsbyitsworshipandtendingtotheWordofGod.ByitsrighteousactionintheworldonGod’sbehalf,itwasseekingtheKingdom,modelingforalltheworldtherighteousandlovingruleofGod.thechurchbearsthatsamemission.thechurchisnotanendinitselfbutaservantandinstrumentofthecomingKingdomofGod.ourwordsproclaimthecomingKingdomofGod,andourdeedsembodythatKingdomastheyblessthelivesofthosewithwhomwecomeincontact.

WhentheSeminaryteachesthateverycallinginlifeistobetothegloryofGod,whatexactlydowemean?Whatdoesthatlooklikeinthelivesofthefacultyandofstudents?Howdowemodelthis?WhenwesaythateverycallinginlifeistothegloryofGodwemeanthatthereisnoareaoflifethatissecular,atermthat,ifyouthinkaboutit,ineffectmeanswhatisbeyondGod’sruleanddoesnotbelongtoHim.theChristianreligionisirrelevantinthisdomain,foritisruledornormedbysomethingorsomeoneelse.thereis,ofcourse,anunderstandabledrawtothiskindofidea.SuchanotionmakesthereachoftheGospelandtheruleofGodsmall,easy,andmanageable.Whenwesay,forexample,thatreligionissolelyaboutourprivatelivesorourspirituallives,weareessentiallysayingthatGoddoesnotcareabouthowweconductourselvesinourwork-a-daylives,ourentertainments,orourpoliticaloreconomicdecisions.

YetasurveyoftherevelationofGod’slawinexodusandDeuteronomydemonstratessomethingverydifferent.GodisconcernedabouteconomicjusticeamongHispeoplejustasmuchasHeisconcernedabouttheirsalvation.andclearlyHeisasconcernedwithhowwetreatanimalsandcareforthelandashowwetreatoneanother.anexampleistheexodusof

Israeloutofegypt.todepicttheexodusasmerelyanactofdeliverancesothatIsraelcouldworshipGodistomissthedepthofwhatwasactuallygoingon.theexodushadpolitical,economic,andsocialmeaningsandimplicationsforIsraelthatwereeverybitasrealasdeliverancefromsin.Itwouldbefalsetodistinguishonefromtheother.

theprophetsshowusthatGodpassionatelycaresaboutsocialissuessuchaspoliticalarrogance,economicexploitation,judicialmisconduct,themisuseoftheland,andthesufferingofthepoorandtheoppressed.theruleofGodrelentlesslyopposesallthatoppressesanddiminishesthewell-beingofhumanbeings.astheredemptiveworkofChristisGod’sanswertohumansinandallitseffects,livingasarenewedimage-bearerofGodcallsustobeagentsofthatredemptioninallthatwedoandinallofourrelationships.

aseminarydoesnotembodyeveryhumancalling,sowhatstudentslearnhereis,tosomeextent,exemplary—akindofmodelingthatistobeextendedintotheotherdomainsoflife.asafaculty,wenotonlyteachavisionoftheKingdomofGodthatisasbroadaslifeitself,butwealsoseektosetoutexamplesofworshipandspiritualdevotion,friendshipandhospitality,andcollegialityandrespectamongoneanotherandstudentsthatdemonstratessomethingofthereachoftheGospelandtheclaimsofthecomingKingdom.InourteachingofScripture,speakingtotheissuesofourworldandtimesandourpersonalmodeling,weseektoinculcateinourstudentsapassionforsocialjusticeandpeace,aconcernabouttheenvironment,thenecessitiesofgoodcitizenship,andapersonalinvestmentinthesocietiesinwhichthepeopleofGodarecalledtolive.

CovenantSeminaryteachesthatanecessaryelementoftheKingdomiscreationalandculturaldiversity.Wouldyouexpandonthis?theideaofauthorityiseverpresentwhenwethinkabouttheKingdomofGod.astheAuthorofourworldandourpresenceintheworld,GodbearsaninherentstatusastheAuthorityoverourlives.thatGodistheKingmeansnotonlythatHehastherighttorule,butalsothatwearecalledtosubmitourselvestothatrule.Unfortunatelytheideaofauthorityoftenreflectsthenotionofauthoritarianismformanypeople.ButthatisnothowGoddoesthings.ItisrarelythecasethatthereisonelockstepwaytoobeyGod,keepHislaw,embodyHisruleintheworld.thisisdemonstrated,Ithink,intherichdiversitythatweseeinGod’screation.allthecolorsandtexturesofcreationglorifyHim.asGodhasmadeplantsandinsects,mammalsandbirds,planetsandstars—indizzyingarray,andalltothepraiseofHisname—soHehasmadethehumanfamilyoneofdiversityratherthanoneinwhicheachofusisbutacopyoftheother.asidefrombeingmaleandfemale(anabsolutelydelightfulplural-ism)wearealsodiverseinourethnic,cultural,linguistic,andhistoricalrealities—apluralismthatisnolessprecioustoGod.althoughallofusarecalledtoloveandworshiptheonetrueGod,serveoneanother,andcultivateGod’sgoodearth,thereisnoonewaytodothesethings.oneofGod’sowncharacteristicsthatwehumanbeingsareinvitedtoemulateisHiscreativity,Hislovefordiversity.thediversityofwaysofthinkingabouttheworldthatwebringtothepeopleofGodbyvirtueofbeingcreaturesinGod’sworldandtheproductsoftheclimatesandculturesthatbearusaremeansofblessingbothfortheChurch

andtheKingdomofGod,thoughwedoneedtobeopentothecriticismandtransformationoftheWordofGod.

The term “Kingdom of God,” often conjures up many different ideas and understandings. The following explanation by Dr. Michael Williams gives further insight into what students at Covenant Seminary learn about this amazing truth.

The Kingdom of GodasGordonJ.Spykmansaid,“nothingmattersbuttheKingdom,butbecauseoftheKingdom,everything,literallyeverything,matters.”thebiblicalimageoftheKingdomofGodimmediatelycallsupconceptionsofGod’ssovereignruleanddominionovercreation,Hisprovidentialguidingofourlivesandtheaffairsofnations,andHisrightfulauthorityoverallthings.Whilethephrase“theKingdomofGod”doesnotoccurintheoldtestament,thethemeofGod’ssovereignandrighteousruleispervasiveinitspagesandstandsattheheartoftheoldtestamentmessage.astheGreatKingcallsHiscreationKingdomintoexistence,ordersit,andappointsaplaceforeverycreature—andallbythesheerauthorityofHiskinglycommand(Gen.1)—soGodrulesoverHispeopleIsrael(Ps.97;99;Isa.44:6;52:7),thenations(Ps.96),andthewholeofcreation(Ps.47:2;Ps.104;145).thatGodisKingoverthewholeuniverse,rangingfromnatureandhistorytoeverydimensionofhumanlifeiseverywhereacknowledgedandcelebrated(Ps.93:1;97:1;99:1;1Chron.29:11;Dan.4:3,34–35).

thatGodistheKing,andthatHiscreaturesaresubjecttoHiskinglyauthorityisthebasicassumptionofthebiblicaldepictionofsin.adamandeve’ssininthegardenwasnothinglessthantheirrebellionagainstGod’srightfulruleoverthem.ratherthanlistento,livewithin,andliveoutGod’sgoodwillforthem,allofhumanityrejectedGod’skingshipinfavoroftheirowndesires.thegardenrebellionintroducedarivalregimeintohumanhistory,areignofsinanddeaththatwouldsubjugatehumanity,bringdiscordintotheworld,andincurthejudgmentofGod.

WhileGodremainstherightfulLordoverallthingsandupholdsHiscreationalword,theentranceofsinintotheworldmeansthatGodwillrelatetosinfulhumanitythroughjudgment,crushingtherebellionofsin(Gen.3:15).ButinHismercyGoddeclaresthatjudgmentisinsufficientbyitself.HegraciouslypromisestorestoreHiscreationKingdom.IfjudgmentisthedefeatofpowerscontentiousofGod’srule,thenredemptionisnothinglessthantherestorationofGod’sproperkingshipoverHiscreatures.Whenallsinfulinsurrectionisputdownandallitseffectsupontheworldanditsinhabitantsareremediated,then,


astheologianGraemeGoldsworthysays,“therenewingprocessofredemptionwillresultinthefullnessoftheKingdomofGod.”

thefullnessoftheKingdomwillseetheoverthrowofthewickedandthecomingofjusticefortheoppressed.Peacewillcometothe

nations,andthelandwillbefruitfulbeyondimagining.rejoicingamongGod’speoplewillreplacetheshameanddishonorofsin.allofthiswilltakeplacewithinarenewedcreationthatisfreefromdeathandpain(Isa.61).QuotingfromIsaiah61anditspromiseofthecomingrenewalofcreation,JesusproclaimsthatinHispersonandworktheKingdomofGodhascome(Luke4:18–21;Matt.3:1–2;12:28).althoughtheKingdomhasnotyetarrivedinitsfullnessandweremaininaworldthatisyettobedeliveredfromtheinfluenceofsinanddemonicpowers(2Cor.4:4),inChristtheoldageispassingawayinthecomingofthenew(2Cor.5:17),thefullnessoftimehasbegun(Gal.4:4),andtodayisthedayofGod’ssalvation(2Cor.6:2).InJesus—God’sMessiah,thepromisedDavidicKing—theKingdomofGodispresentasananticipationofthecomingrestorationofcreation.theGospeloftheKingdomisthatthecrucifiedandrisenJesusisLordoftheworld.

adistinctivebeliefofthereformedtraditionisthatChristisLordoverallthings,and,thus,thecomingKingdomofGodlaysclaimtoallofreality.JustasallthefullnessoftheCreatorGodresidedinJesusofnazareth,sobyHisatoningdeathandresurrectionJesusguaranteesahealedandrenewedcreation.throughHimGodhasreconciledtoHimselfallthings,whetheronearthorinheaven(Col.1:19–20;compareeph.1:9–10;2Cor.5:18–19;rom.8:19–21;Matt.19:28).“exaltedtotherighthandofGod,”JesusreignsasLordoverallandsubduesallofHisenemies(acts2:32–36;comparePhil.2:9–11).Hiskingshipembracesallthings—inheavenandonearth—coveringallcreaturesanddimensionsoflife.asMatthew28:18states,“allauthorityinheavenandonearthhasbeengivento[him].”thecrossisgoodnewsnotjustfortheindividualsinnerbutforallofcreation,foreverydimensionofcreaturelyexistencethathasbeentouchedbysin.asJesushascomeintotheworldtosubjugatethepowersthatstandalliedagainstGod’srule(1John3:8),sotheGospellaysroyalclaimtoallthatsinandevilhavetouched.

asGodistherightfulKingoveralltheearth,sothekingshipofJesusisequalinscope.nothingisexcludedfromthereachofHisdominion.reductionsofChrist’skingshiptotheprivate

sphere,theinner“religious”life,ortheecclesialaretoberejected.themoderndichotomybetweenthesacredandthesecular,politicsandreligion,thespiritualandthecommon,wouldhavemadenosensetopeoplelivinginbiblicaltimesbecauseforthemalloflifewaslivedbeforeGod.BecauseJesusreignsoverall,alloflifeisreli-gious.theKingdomofGodisjustasrelevanttobusinessasitistofamilynurture;justasappropriatetocitizenshipasitistochurch-manship;andthekingshipofGodjustasrelevanttothearts,educa-tion,andthesciencesasitistopersonaldevotionandworship.

HerethenisthekeytoChristianidentity.BeingabelieverinJesusChristmeansseekingtheKingdomofGod(Matt.6:33)becauseGod“hasdeliveredusfromthedomainofdarknessandtransferredustotheKingdomofHisbelovedSon”(Col.1:13esv).thepeopleofGodhavebeenredeemedforapurpose,amission—toparticipateinthecomingoftheKingdom,theredemptionofGod’swholecreationfromthewreckageofsinandevil.

thepeopleofGodarecalledtowitnesstotheKingdom,tobepostersandadvertisementsfortheredemptivegraceandcreationalnormativityoftherighteousruleofGod.aspeoplewho,inChristandbythepowerofHisindwellingSpirit,worshipGod,theChurchiscalledtoflytheflagofthecomingKingdominitsproclamationoftheGospelanditssearchforhumanwholenessinjusticeandrighteousness.thissuggeststhateverycallinginlifeistobebroughtunderthelordshipofChristandistoserveandproclaimHisKingdom.neithertheKingdomnorthevocationsintowhichGodhascalleduscanbelimitedbytheinstitutionalboundariesofthechurch.thepeopleofGodworshiponSundayasawitnessofGod’sKingdomtotheworld.onMondaymorning,wegotoschoolandwork,wekeephouseandplay,wevisitandvote,andwedothisallaspeoplewhowaitforandhastenthecomingdayofGod(2Pet.3:12).thechurchisthelocus,the“beachhead”oftheKingdom(thatplacewhereGod’sruleisseenbyaworldseekingawordofgrace),buttheKingdom’sfieldofoperationiswiderthanthechurchbecauseitaimsatthedominionofGodineverysphereofhumanendeavor.thusPaulcaninstructtheChurch:“So,whetheryoueatordrink,orwhateveryoudo,doalltothegloryofGod”(1Cor.10:31 esv).

if you would like to learn more about this topic or just learn from dr. williams, you can download for freeall the lectures and course materials for dr. williams’s class on god and His word through Covenant worldwide. go to www.covenantseminary.edu/worldwide.

DR.MICHAELWILLIAMSDr. Williams is professor of systematic theology at Covenant Seminary. He has a strong reputa-tion among Reformed and evangelical theologians, due largely to dozens of astute articles and book reviews. He has written particularly in the areas of the nature of theology and theological method, and history.


“ The Kingdom oF god iS juST AS reLeVANT To

buSiNeSS AS iT iS To FAmiLy NurTure; juST AS APProPriATe To CITIzENSHIP AS iT iS

To ChurChmANShiP; ANd The Kingship

oF god juST AS reLeVANT To The ArTS, eduCATioN, ANd The SCieNCeS AS iT iS To

PerSoNAL deVoTioN ANd WorShiP.”

Psalm 98:1 says “Sing to the Lord a newsong,”andPsalm95:2encouragesusbysay-ing“Letuscomebeforehimwiththanksgiv-ing and extol him with music and song.”throughtheselectionoftimelesshymnsandspecial arrangements and accompanimentusing a variety of instruments, a group ofmusicians (some future worship leaders) atCovenanttheologicalSeminaryhavedonejust that. twice a week, vice President ofStudentaffairsDr.MarkDalbeyandChapelCoordinatorClaudiaWootton(MatS ’08)diligentlyworktoorganizechapelservicestoencourage theCovenantSeminary commu-nity inworshippingtogether.“Duringthesetimesofworship,Godhasbeendrawingustogether and deepening our need for andunderstandingoftheGospel,”reflectsClaudia.

“thisCDisa fruitoftherichnessofchapelexpressed in the singing of ‘psalms, hymns,andspiritualsongs.’”

Risen to

© 2005, one Story SongS. All rigHtS reSerVed. uSed By permiSSion.

RockofAgeswordS:Augustus toplady, 1776AdApted By Burress mcCombe, 2005CHoruS And muSiC: Burress mcCombe, 2005

Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee;Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure,Save from wrath and make me pure.

CHoruS:

Rock of Ages, Rock of AgesLet me hide my soul in Thee;Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages,Let me hide my soul in Thee.

Not the labors of my handsCan fulfill Thy laws commands;Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow,All for sin could not atone;Thou must save and Thou alone.

CHoruS

While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death,When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne:Rock of Ages, cleft for me,Let me hide myself in Thee.

CHoruS

OthersongsonthisCD:

“in remembrance”

“the old rugged Cross”

“o Sacred Head, now wounded”

“immanuel (you’re the god-man)”

“Sweet the moments”

“the least of these”

“we Are Coming to the Cross”

“no, not despairingly Come i to thee”

“Come, for the feast is Spread”

“Amazing grace”

New Life


thispastJanuaryagroupofCovenantSeminarystudentsandafewfacultymembersgatheredinbetweenclasses,exams,groupprojects,andfamilyprioritiestypicaltoasemestertocreateaCDtogether.traditionalhymnslovedbymany,including“rockofages,”

“theoldruggedCross,”“oSacredHead,nowWounded,”and“amazingGrace,”wererearrangedinmeaningfulways,exhibitingnotonlythebreadthanddepthoftalentavailableonthiscampus,butalso—andmoreimportantly—displayingthegiftsofthoseGodhascalledtoserveHisChurch.FourotherhymnsfromtheChurch’spastnotoftensungwerealsogivennewlifebyrevisingthetunessothattheyaremoreaccessibletoworshipperstoday.threehymnsareoriginalworkswrittenandcomposedbytwoofthemusicians.

thisCDfeaturesmusicalarrangementsperformedprimarilybyericashley(MDiv’07),Dr.Zackeswine(faculty),BurressMcCombe(MDiv’08),ryanMcMillen(MatS’09),LukeMorton(MDiv’09),ericStiller(MDiv’08),andyWood(MDiv’07),andClaudiaWootton(MatS’08).othersupportingvocalistsandmusiciansincludingDanaergenbright(MatS’07),JasonPolk(MDiv’07),andDeniseWichlan(staff)werebroughtintoenhancetheproduction.“Manyofourstudents

havemusicalgiftsthattheysometimesthinktheyneedtolayasidewhiletheystudyatseminary,”saysDr.Dalbey.“WeencouragetheminsteadtokeepdevelopingthosegiftsaspartoftheirministrypreparationandlooktohowGodwillusethemin

futureministry.”thedesignoftheCDproject(shownhere)wascreatedbyMDivstudentDerekMcCollum(MDiv’09).audio-visualServicesandproductionspecialistsChrisBryan(MDiv’09),futurestudentJohnPatton,andBaileyMohr(MaeM’08)workedalongsidethemusiciansintherecordingprocess—exhibitingthemanywaysbywhichourwork,doneforGod’spurposes,displayHisgloryandgoodness.

Whetherthismusicencouragesusto“worshiptheLordwithgladness”asthepsalmistexhortsinPsalm100,orlikeDavidpro-claimsin1Chronicles16:29“...worshiptheLordinthesplendorofhisholiness,”thereisnodoubtthattheeternalinspirationfromGod’sWord(thesameinspirationthatencouragedtheauthorstopenbeautifulsongscenturiesago)isthesameinspirationthatfuelsmusicianstodayaroundthenationandatCovenantSeminarytocontinuegivingHimallgloryandpraise.theyseektoworshipGodinSpiritandtruthastheydrawonboththerich-nessofpastexpressionsofbiblicalworshipandthefreshnessofpresentonesthatbringnewlifetotheChurchtoday.

Risen toiF you WouLd Like A CoPy oF ThiS Cd,

PLeASe CoNTACT kiT bLoomquiST AT

1.800.264.8064, or SToP by The CoVeNANT SemiNAry booTh AT The 2007 PCA geNerAL ASSembLy iN memPhiS, TeNNeSSee,

juNe 12–15.

New Life

sJesussatinthetemplewatchingpassersbyputmoneyintotheofferingbox,awomandescribedsimplyas“poor”camealong.Maybepeople

pushedpastherassheunwrappedherclothwithtwocoppercoins—unawareofthewatchfuleyesofthosearoundher.ButJesussaw,andHispraisemadeherforeverrememberedforhergift.InGod’sKingdom,there are no little gifts.

aftermorethan50yearsoffaithful,monthlysupportofCovenanttheologicalSeminary,JoanitaCutten—Jo,asshepreferstobecalled—testifiestosuchareality.Fromherfirstgifts—“averysmallamount,”asJodescribes—throughtoday,herdonationshavebeenarealmeansbywhichgenerationsofpastorshavebeenpreparedforGospelministry.Futuregenerationshave,inpartbecauseofJo’sfaithfulness,thechanceheartheirMakerfaithfullyproclaimed.

JomovedfromPasadena,California,in1956—whenCovenantCollegerelocatedtoSt.Louis,Missouri,andCovenantSeminarybegan.“Icamefromabrokenfamily,”Joshares.“therayburnfamilywasverygoodtome,aswererudyandCollynSchmidt.theylovedmeandhelpedmegrowspiritually.”Inthosedays,Dr.robertrayburnservedasthepresidentofCovenantSeminary.rudySchmidtservedastheregistrarandtaughthistory.“IstartedinvestingintheSeminarybecauseofmypersonalrelationshipstothesefamilies,”Joexplains.

“Iknowthemoneyisgoingtoeducateyoungmenfortheministry.”Childrenhavebeenthefocusofherlifetimeministry.“aclassof25kinder-

gartnersisidealforme,”Joshares.IncludingherserviceinChristianschoolsandSundayschool,GodhasusedJotopersonallyreachmorethan1,000childrenwithherwitnessoftheGospel.“thereissomethingaboutrecognizinghowtheLordleadsyouandfitsyou,”Josays.“Ifitwithsmallchildren.Inthelifeofachild,everylittlebithelps,”sheexplains.“Givemeachildtillheorsheis5,andI’llhavethatchildfortherestofhisorherlife.Youcaninstillsomethinginchildrenthatyoudon’tknowyou’vedonetill20yearslater.YoudiditbecauseyoulovetheLordandthekidsneededthatfoundation.IknewIneverwantedtogotothemissionfield,buttherewassomethingIcoulddoathome.”Jobreaksfromtheconversationtoshushherpetdog.Shereturnsandgentlyinsists,

“Don’tmaketoomuchofme,youknow.ItwasGod.IwasjustHismessenger.”trulyJo’sisalifeoffaithfulnesstochildren,forChrist’ssake.

JOELHATHAWAYAs director of alumni and church relations, Joel Hathaway (MDiv ’04) serves to encourage and sustain pastors and ministry leaders in their first five years of ministry and beyond. Graduates of the seminary are invited to contact Joel for matters of prayer by e-mail at [email protected].

your investment mattersAs the number of students continues to grow at Covenant Seminary, so does the need for scholarships to support those training to lead god’s people. the prayer of the Seminary board, faculty, and staff is that god would raise up additional individuals and churches to partner with us in providing for the financial needs of the next generation of Christ-centered, gospel-centered, reformed pastors.

if you are interested in finding out how you can encourage spiritually and support financially pastors-in-training, please contact John ranheim, director of donor relations, at 1.800.264.8064.

DONORprofile

No L i t t L e

Gifts… she, out of her poverty, put in everything—

all she had to live on.–MarK12:44


- circa 195 7 -

a

top: Covenant Seminary student Seima Aoyagi ([MDiv ’08] back row, third from left) felt at home with the visiting Japanese students and volunteer interpreters. bottom: Two of the Gerlits children made new friends when their parents, Ken (MDiv ‘09) and Shannon, helped host the Japanese families who visited Covenant Seminary for a class in January.

PartoftrainingstudentsatCovenanttheologicalSeminaryincludesspecialopportunitiestoplayastrategicroleintrainingandequippingtheworldwideChurch.thiswasthecaseJanuary11–13thisyear.

agroupofsevenJapanesevisitorscametoCovenantSeminarytoattendtheUnderstandingProphesytodayweekendcoursetaughtbyDr.richardL.PrattJr.thisgroupofvisitingstudentsispartofChristBibleSeminary(CBS)innagoya,Japan.theyrepresentvariousdenominations,backgrounds,walksoflife,andcallings,buttheyhaveonegoalinmind—tofurtheradvanceGod’sKingdominJapan.

CovenantSeminarywastheirfirststoponathree-weektour.theirgoalwastovisitanddeveloppartnershipsthroughouttheUnitedStates.Inadditiontoattendingtheweekendcourse,thegroupalsotouredSt.Louis,visitedwithotherJapaneseChristiansinthearea,metcurrentseminarystudentswhohavespenttimeinJapan,andhadaspeciallunchwithDr.Pratt.theystayedwithfamiliesintheareaandwerehostedbyprofessors,faculty,currentstudents,andfriendsoftheSeminary.

Inorderforthevisitorstounderstandthelectures,fourmembersoftheJapaneseChristianFellowshipinSt.LouisvolunteeredtotranslatethelecturesfromenglishtoJapaneseastheclasstookplace.theJapanesestudentscompletedclassassignmentssimilartotheonesgiventoCovenantSeminarystudents,andtheyreceivedcreditfromChristBibleSeminaryforparticipatingintheclass.

theformingofthispartnershipbeganafewyearsagowhenfriendshipsbeganbetweenCBSPresidentMichaelohandvariousmembersoftheCovenantSeminarycommunity.LastMay,Dr.BryanChapell,CovenantSeminary’spresident,taughtanintensivecourseatCBSinnagoya.thepresidentsofbothseminariesreconnectedinJanuaryinSt.Louis.

overtheyearsmanygroupsofinternationalstudentshavevisitedCovenantSeminary.WhileourJapanesevisitorswerefinishinguptheircoursehere,associateProfessorofWorldMissionDr.nelsonJenningsheadedtoMérida,Mexico,toteachaweek-longcourseonworldreligions.thiscoursewaspartofthebeginningofanewmaster’sprogramataseminarythere.Justtwoyearsago,agroupoffiveMexicanpastorsfromMéridavisitedCovenantSeminarytoattendaJanuarycourse.theSeminaryhasdevelopedandnurturedawiderangeofpartnerships—withvariousinstitutionsandchurchesworldwide—overthepastseveralyearsbecauseourGospelunderstandingcallsustoinvolveourselveswithfurtheringGod’sKingdomthroughouttheworld.WeconsideritaprivilegetostewardGod’sblessingofresourcesthisway,andwearedelightedtopartnerwithbrothersandsistersinChristaroundtheglobe.

JULIETAYLORJulie Taylor (MDiv, MAC ’08) works in the World Mission office at Covenant Theological Seminary. Upon graduating from college, Julie spent a year overseas serving in campus ministry with Campus Crusade for Christ. She hopes to use her training, teaching, and counseling to encourage missionaries on the field.


PARTNERSHIPGOSPEL free Covenant

Seminary ClassesCoVeNANT WorLdWide, AN oNLiNe miNiSTry

oF CoVeNANT TheoLogiCAL SemiNAry,

oFFerS AN ASSorTmeNT oF CLASSeS

From CoVeNANT SemiNAry’S mASTer’S

degree ProgrAmS.

w provides a broad, foundational knowledge of the Scriptures as well as guidance for engaging a variety of ministry contexts.

w makes available all lectures for more than 20 courses (mp3 format) as well as study guides (pdf format) and other courseware.

w offers notification as new resources are posted.

to find out more, or to download the free materials, go to www.covenantseminary.edu and click on the Covenant worldwide icon on the right side of the page.

Covenant Seminary encourages the sharing and distribution of these materials for non-commercial purposes in order to serve and equip god’s people throughout the world.

One of Covenant Seminary’s greatest assets is its faculty of dedicated pastor-scholars who give their time and their talents to teaching and mentoring future leaders for Christ’s Church. As the 2006–2007 academic year closed, the Seminary said goodbye to two of our longest-serving faculty members— Dr. Robert I. vasholz and Dr. David C. Jones—who retired after a combined 75 years of service. We reflect here on the contribution that these fathers in the faith have made to the life of the Seminary community and the influence they have had in shaping the ministries of many of our graduates.

Kingdom,

Loving THE KingTHE

Serving

firstherchildrenandthenseveralothermembersofherfamilydidaswell.Bobwasinhisearlyteensatthetime.

“Itwasbeforemybarmitzvah,”heremembers,“butMommademegothroughwithitanywaybecauseifIhadn’t,shesaid,Iwouldn’tbeabletohaveagoodtestimonytothepeopleinourorthodoxJewishcommunity.”Becausehismother’sChristianfriendwaspartofaPlymouthBrethrenchurch,thevasholzfamilybecamepartofthatfaithcommunity.

“ItwasagoodsituationforChristiannurture,”vasholznotes.“ItwasavibrantcommunitywithafocusonthepersonandworkofChristandGod’sgrace.thepeoplethereministeredwelltoeachother.Itseemednatural,notforced.Iwasprobablymorestimulat-edtoministryfrombeingaroundthemthanfromanythingelse.”

Hisnewfoundfaithalsosparkedtheyoungman’sinterestinstudyingtheoldtestamentandtheHebrewlanguage.Whenthetimecameforcollege,vasholzattendedBobJonesUniversityinGreenville,SouthCarolina.ItwasherethatvasholzmetJuliaMartin,thewomanwhoeventuallybecamehiswifeandgavehimadaughter,rachel.anditwasherethathefirstbegantoexploreandbedrawnintothereformedfaith.

“Iwasassignedapaperonmissionsintheoldtestament,”vasholzsays.“Withmybackground,Ithoughttheoldandnewtestamentsdidnotmeet,butthenIbegantoseethemoreuniversalaspectsoftheBibleanditscovenantalconnections.thateventuallyledmetoconsidertraditionalPresbyterianism.”

then,oneday,Dr.r.LairdHarriscametoGreenvilletomeetwithstudentswhohadcontactedhimaboutthefledglingCovenantCollegeandSeminaryinSt.Louis,Missouri.thereputationsofDr.HarrisandhiscolleaguesandtheirstrongChristianwitnessleftagreatimpressiononvasholz.“They werewhatattractedmetoCovenantSeminary,”hesays.

So,in1964,hecametoSt.LouistopursueaMasteroftheology(thM)degreeattheSeminary.Hegraduatedin1967andtaughtatareaschoolsanduniversitiesforatime,includingabriefstintasadjunctprofessorofHebrewatCovenantSeminary.HealsoservedformorethanayearasinterimpastorofDardennePresbyterianChurchinSt.CharlesCounty,Missouri.

In1972,vasholzcamebacktotheSeminaryaspart-timeHebrewinstructorandpart-timedirectorofadmissionsandassis-tantdeanofstudents.In1975,hewasappointedtothefull-timefaculty.Hehasbeenthereeversince,teachingHebrewandavari-etyofoldtestamentcourses.In1976,vasholzcompletedadoc-toraldegreefromtheUniversityofStellenboschinSouthafrica.

overtheyearshehasalsowrittenmanyarticlesandbooks,perhapsmostsignificantly,The Old Testament Canon in the Old Testament Church: TheInternal Rationale for Old Testament Canonicity.thebook,whichhasbeentranslatedintoseveralforeignlanguages,presentsacarefullyreasonedandwell-supportedargumentagainstthehistorical-criticalapproachtothedevelop-mentoftheoldtestamentandinfavorofamoretraditional


StudentsinDr.Bobvasholz’sclasseshavesometimesbeenbewilderedbytheintricaciesoftheHebrewweakverborthemysteriesoftheHiphiltense,buttheyhavealwaysbeenamusedbyhishumorousstoriesandsayings(“YouknowwhattheysayaboutHebrew—itgoesfasterthanitcomes!”).theyare

especiallyintriguedbyhisreminiscencesaboutgrowingupinaJewishfamilyinKansasCity,Missouri.Borntherein1936,youngBobattendedHebrewschoolforsixyearsandwasbarmitzvahedatage13,aritualthatannouncesapprovaltoreadthetorahinworship.HowhecametobepreachingtheGospelandteachingtheoldtestamentatareformedPresbyterianseminaryisafascinatingstoryinitself.

“IbecameaChristianthroughmymother’sinfluence,”vasholznotes.“ShemetaChristianladyandwasveryimpressedwithhermanner.thisladyexudedajoyandaloveforGodthatmymotherhadneverseenbefore.”thewomanfeltcalledtowitnesstopeopleoftheJewishfaith.Shevisitedthevasholzhomemanytimesoverthecourseofseveralyears,openingtheoldtestamentwithvasholz’smotherandshowinghowJesuswaspresentinit.

onenight,ashismotherlayinbed,shesawtheshadowofalamppostonherceiling.Itwasintheshapeofacross.“Itwasn’twhatIwouldcallavision,”vasholzsays,“butfromthattimeshebegantoseeJesusastheMessiah.”

Mrs.vasholzbecameaChristian,and,throughherinfluence,

understandingofthatdevelopment.vasholzwasrecentlyaskedtoproducearevisedandupdatedversionofit.

throughouthisChristianlife,vasholzhasneverlosttouchwithhisJewishrootsandmaintainsastronginterestinestablish-ingcloserbondsoffriendshipwithpeoplewhoareinmanywaysourspiritualforebears.thisheartfor“hispeople”ledvasholzin2006tocoordinatetheproductionofaneveningofmusicbystudents,facultymembers,andmembersoftheSeminarycommunityinremembranceofthevictimsoftheHolocaust.thefreeeventdrewtogetheragoodmixofChristiansandJewsfromtheSt.Louisarea.

nowthathehasendedhislongcareeratCovenantSeminary,vasholzknowsthathewillmisstheclassroomandthedailyinter-actionwithstudentsandcolleagues.Buthehasmorethanenoughplannedtokeephimselfbusy.Spendingtimewithhisfivegrand-children(fourgirlsandoneboy)rankshighonhislistofpriorities.

“I’llprobablyalsoteachonoccasion,”hesays,“anddosomepulpitsupply.andIhopetobeinvolvedinsomeshort-termfor-eignmissiontrips.Ihaveseveralwritingandpublishingprojectstoworkonaswell.reading,too.Iliketoreadbiographies.”

eveninthemidstofretirement,twothingswillremainconstantforBobvasholz:hislovefortheLordandhisdesiretoserveGod’speople—ofwhateverethnicbackground—byhandingontothemtheheritageofhopeinJesusChristwithwhichhehimselfhasbeensograciouslyblessed.

Handing on a HERITagE of Hope: Dr. BoB Vasholz

Kingdom,


r.DavidJoneshasbeenteachingatCovenantSeminarysince1967.HehadcometoSt.LouisthepreviousyeartobegindoctoralstudiesatConcordiaSeminary.Inthemeantime,Dr.J.oliverBuswellJr.(oneofthefoundingprofessors

ofCovenantSeminary)hadastroke,andtheschoolneededsomeonetohelpwiththeteachingload.Joneswasbroughtinasapart-timeinstructorandassistantlibrarian.thatledtohisbeingmadeafull-timeassistantprofessorin1968and,exceptforsabbaticalleaves,hehasbeenteachingattheSeminarycontinuouslyeversince.

thoughhisfieldofexpertiseissystematictheologyandheisperhapsbestknownforhisChristianethicscourse,thefirstclasshewasaskedtoteachattheSeminarywas,oddlyenough,Hebrew.“Ihadthe‘beth’sectionofDr.Harris’sadvancedHebrewclass,”Jonesrecalls,smiling.“ItwasnamedafterthesecondletteroftheHebrewalphabet,butthestudentssaidthatitwasaeuphemismfor‘bonehead.’”

earlyon,healsotaughtthesurveyclassonBiblecontentaswellascoursesondoctrinefortheMaprogrambeforetakingonthesystematicscurriculumin1969.asforwhatmanynowconsiderhissignaturecourseonChristianethics,thatcameaboutalmostbyaccident.“Basically,Iwaspushedintoit,”Jonessayswithalaugh.“actually,therewasarealneedforsomethinglikethis,butthedepartmentchairatthetimedidn’twanttoteachithimself,sohe

askedmetodoit.Iwasnotspecificallypreparedforitacademically,butIsawtheneedandbeganstudyingtowardthatend.originallytheethicsmaterialwasemphasizedasaspecialpartofthesystematicscurriculum.Itwaspartofvariousotherclassesforawhilebeforebecomingaseparatecourse.”

thatcourse,thebookthatresultedfromit—Biblical Christian Ethics(1994)—andthemanwhohastaughtitforsomanyyearshaveshapedthewaycountlessCovenantSeminarystudentsthinkaboutethicalissues.Intheprocess,Joneshimselfhasbecomesomethingofago-toguyinthePCawhenquestionsonethicalmattersarise.Hehasservedonorchairedseveraldenominationalcommitteesthathavepreparedofficialpositionpapersonsuchthornytopicsasdivorceandremarriage,abortion,end-of-lifeissues,andnuclearweapons,andheconstantlyreceivescallsaskingforhisadviceonvariousethicaldilemmas.WithcompassionforpeopleandcommitmenttothetruthsofScripture,JonesoffersinsightintoeachsituationbyapplyingoverarchingprinciplesgleanedfromyearsofcarefulstudyofGod’sWord.“Ifthere’sonethingIwantstudentstotakeawayfrommyclasses,”Jonesnotes,“it’sthatperspectiveontheChristianlife—havingthatscripturalframeworkinplacesoyoucanapplytheseprinciplestovarioussituations.Inethics,youbeginwiththevisionofGod’spurpose—sharingthegloryandjoyofChrist—andextendthattoalltheworld,motivatedbyloveforHim.Inlightofthat,weunderstandtheteachingandexampleofJesus.thetenCommandmentsaretheorganizingprincipleforourpractices,

SelectedBibliographyforDr.RobertVasholz

BookS

w Leviticus (mentor/Christian focus publications, forthcoming, 2007).

w Benedictions: A Pocket Resource (mentor/Christian focus publications, 2007).

w The Old Testament Canon in the Old Testament Church: The Internal Rationale for Old Testament Canonicity (edwin mellen press, 1990).

w Hebrew Exercises: A Programmed Approach (Baker, 1981).

ArtiCleS And eSSAyS

w “ Scribes and Schools: the Canonization of the Hebrew Scriptures.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 42 (dec. 1999): 701–4.

w “ is the new testament Anti-Semitic?” Presbyterion 11 (fall 1985): 118–23.

A Principled Approach to LIFE and Faith: Dr. DaViD Jones

Dr. Bob Vasholz (center) and Dr. David Jones (right) participated in their last graduation Ceremony this year. Newer—but also well-loved—professors such as Dr. Jay Sklar (left) are carrying on the commitment to train the next generation of ministry leaders.

D

grownsons—MarkandKeith—andfivegrandchildren(twogirlsandthreeboys).

Upongraduation,JonesservedwithWorldPresbyterianMissions,pastoringamissionchurchintheWestIndiesfortwoyears.WhenplanstoteachataseminaryinJapanfellthrough,hecametoSt.Louisin1966topursuehisdoctorateandwasaskedtoteachatCovenantSeminary.andtherest,astheysay,ishistory.

Inhis40yearsattheSeminary,Joneshaswornseveralhats.Inadditiontoteaching,heservedasdeanoffacultyfrom1978to1988.In1978,hewasmoderatorfortheGeneralSynodofthereformedPresbyterianChurch,evangelicalSynod(rPCeS),and,asnoted,hasbeenpartofseveraldenominationalcommittees,firstfortherPCeSandlaterforthePCa.Hemaintainsanactivepreachingandspeak-ingministryaswell.ontopofallthis,heenjoysplayingthetubaandhasoccasionallyrecruitedstudentmusicianstojoinhimaspartofabrassquintetduringcampuschapelservicesandschoolpicnics.overthecourseoffourdecades,JoneshasalsoseenmanychangesattheSeminary,includingitsphenomenalgrowthinrecentyears.ForJones,thisgrowthisacomingtofruitionoftheSeminary’soriginalmission,thefulfillingofthevisionoftheinstitution’sfounders.

“We’rebecomingmoreofwhatwewereintendedtobe,”henotes.“Wehavematuredsomuchpedagogically,apologetically,andmis-sionally.andwehaveatop-notchfacultythatisdeepintalentandexpertise.It’sbeenaprivilegetoservehere.ButIcouldnothaveevenbeguntodoitwithoutmywonderfullifecompanionandpart-

RICKMATTRick Matt (MATS ’05) serves as associate director of public relations for Covenant Seminary, where he writes and edits a variety of print and electronic materials. He is grateful for the opportunities he had to unlock the mysteries of Hebrew under the tutelage of Dr. Vasholz and to work through the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas with Dr. Jones.

nerinministry—mylovelyandgiftedwife,Sueellen.”andwhatwillhedonowthatheisretiring?Jonessmiles.

“Well,I’mretiringfromtheSeminarybutnotfrommyvocation,”hesays.“Ihavesomewritingprojectstoworkon.I’mdoingachap-terforahandbookonJohnCalvin’sInstitutes of the Christian Religionincelebrationofthe500thanniversaryofhisbirth[in2009],andI’vebeenaskedtodoatreatiseonChristianvirtueethics.Iwouldalsoliketoproduceatreatiseonfamily,church,andstate—theprimaryinstitutesthatGodhasordainedforhumanflourishing.I’mscheduledtoteachethicsinMexiconextJanuary,andIexpectthattheremaybeotheropportunitiestotakemyshowontheroad—callit‘theantiquesroadshow.’”Helaughs,thenadds,“Ialsoplantogetbacktoplayingmytuba.I’veletthatlapseinrecentyears.”

LikehiscolleagueBobvasholz,Joneswillmissthechallengeofteachingandthejoyofdailyinteractionwithstudentsandfellowfacultymembers.But,alsolikevasholz,heknowsthatretirementisnotreallytheendofalongandfruitfulcareer;itis,rather,thebeginningofmanynewandexcitingopportunitiestopassontheblessingofGod’sgracetoothers.

HowcoulditbeotherwisefortwomenwhohavedevotedtheirlivestoservingtheKingdomandlovingtheirKing?

whichdon’tmakesensewithoutthepersonswearebecomingbythegraceofGod.WehavetolearntoviewourpracticesinlightofGod’soverallpurpose,toseethepurposefulfulfillmentofHiscallinginourlives.”

Jones’steachingcentersonthisprincipledapproachtolifeandfaith.ItderivesinpartfromhisstudyofScriptureandtheology,butalsoinpartfromtheinfluenceofhismentor,thegreatJohnMurray,whotaughtatWestminstertheologicalSeminaryinasuburbofPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania,formanyyears.

Bornin1937inGreenville,SouthCarolina,toaChristianfamilyoftheIndependentBaptistvariety,JoneslaterattendedBryanCollegeintennessee,wherehecametoknowandlovethereformedfaith.Whilethere,hemetDr.robertrayburn,then-presidentofthenewlyfoundedCovenantCollegeandSeminary,whovisitedBryanCollege.Joneswasimpressedbythemanandbytheworld-andlife-viewapproachtakenbyCovenant.HeattendedCovenantSeminarybrieflyin1959–60(overlappingtherewithhisfuturecolleagueDr.DavidCalhoun),beforemovingontoWestminsterSeminary,wherehecameintoMurray’sorbit.afterearninghisBachelorofDivinityfromWestminsterin1962,JonesstayedontherefortwomoreyearstoearnaMasteroftheologyunderMurray,whoseclassicPrinciples of Conductandotherworksleftanindeliblemarkonhimastheyhaveonmanyothers.ItwasduringthisperiodinhislifethatJonesmetSueellenBilderback,whomhemarriedin1962.thecouplenowhastwo


SelectedBibliographyforDr.DavidJones

BookS

w Biblical Christian Ethics (Baker, 1994).

ArtiCleS And eSSAyS

w “ Christ-Centered ethics.” in All for Jesus, ed. r. peterson and S. lucas (mentor/Christian focus publications, 2006).

w “ the westminster Standards and the Structure of Christian ethics.” in The Westminster Confession into the 21st Century, vol. 3, ed. J. ligon duncan, iii (mentor/ Christian focus, 2006).

w “ report of the Heroic measures Committee, presbyterian Church in America” and “Christian responsibility in the nuclear Age.” in PCA Digest, Part V: Position Papers, 1973–1993, ed. paul r. gilchrist (pCA, 1993).

w “ love: the impelling motive of the Christian life.” Presbyterion 12 (fall 1986): 65–92.

“Ifthere’sonethingIwantstudentstotakeawayfrommyclasses,it’sthatperspectiveontheChristianlife—havingthatscripturalframeworkinplace

soyoucanapplytheseprinciplestovarioussituations.”–dr. dAVid joNeS

SeMInarY

InfantBaptismBookletbyDr.Chapellrecently p&r publishing released Why Do We Baptize Infants?, a booklet by Covenant Seminary’s president, dr. Bryan Chapell. it is part of their Basics of the reformed faith Series. this series has been designed to introduce lay readers to reformed distinctives.

HansBayeronSabbaticaldr. Bayer is on sabbatical from August 2007 through January 2008. this october he plans to teach new testament theology in ukraine.

JerramBarrsonSabbaticalduring the sabbatical of professor Barrs (may 2007–december 2007), he will continue to work on numer-ous book manuscripts dealing with topics such as Jesus’ role as an evangelist, Jesus’ teaching on prayer, and the way the lord relates to several women in the Bible. He will also work on books about francis Schaeffer and his writings, and on author C. S. lewis and how god has used him. Jerram has plans to visit friends and family in California, Colorado, florida, and oregon as well as Brazil and england. His writing endeavors will be a priority during

his travels.

SEMINARYNEWS(CONT.)

Finding Future Church Leaders—Today!Yourinfluencetodaycanhaveamajorimpactonthenextgeneration.IfyouareagraduateofCovenantSeminary,whatoriginallydrewyouhere?Didyoucomebecauseapastor,church

FACULTYnewS


groundbreaking Celebration

asCovenanttheologicalSeminaryclosesitscelebrationof50yearsofGod’sfaithfulness,wehavetakenamajorstepforwardinpre-paringforthenext50yearsoftrainingmin-istryleaders.onapril27,weheldaground-breakingceremonyforthenewacademicbuilding.ItwasajoyoustimeofthankingtheLordforHisprovisionandseeingHisgoodnessatworkamongus.Constructionofthenewbuildingisunderway,thankstothegeneroussupportofprivateandpublicdonorstoourBy His Grace, For His Glorycapitalcampaign.also,aswecontinuetopursueacademicexcellence,wecelebratethegoodnessofGodinthegraduationofourfiftiethclassofstudents.

CalendarTofindoutaboutSeminaryhappeningsandevents,visitourWebsiteatwww.covenantseminary.edu.

newS And eVentS

recently, in response to the blessing of the growth of the Seminary, we have made some adjustments to several staff positions as we seek to best utilize the talents and gifts of the people whom the lord has brought to Covenant Seminary.

they are as follows.

DaveWicker has been appointed vice president for advancement and chief of staff. in this new role, dave will work with the other vice presidents to coordinate president’s office priorities, future growth strat-egies, and brand development.d

ave

wic

ker

STAFFreAlignmentS

leader,campusminister,orotherChristianyourespectedtookaninterestinyouandurgedyoutodoso?areyouprovidingthesamekindofleadershipandmentoringopportunitiesforotherswhoshowpromiseaspossiblepastorsorministryleaders?Howcanwehelpyoubemoreeffectiveinidentifyingandencouragingthesepotentialleaders?Callouradmissionsofficeat1.800.264.8064,[email protected].

Dr.MarkDalbey has been named vice president for Student Services.

DianePreston and her staff will join the Student Services team. diane will be associate dean of Student Services. Her primary focus will remain advising and registrar oversight.

Dr.zackEswine, in addition to teaching, will take responsibility for the newly created position of associate dean of ministry formation within Student Services.

TashaChapman, in addition to her teaching and work with instructional effectiveness, will help expand women’s, family, and community enrichment initiatives in her newly created role of associate dean of student life.

mar

k d

albe

y

PROFESSORS’SpeAking SCHEDULESupcoming eventsPCACalledto50DaysofPrayermAy 3–June 21

Missiontonorthamerica(Mna)andChristianeducationandPublications(Ce&P)havecalledthePCato50daysofprayerleadinguptothe35thGeneralassembly.ItbeganonMay3(thenationalDayofPrayer)andwillendJune21.Contentofthe Faith of Our FathersdevotionalguideisavailableontheMnaandCe&PWebsitesduringthese50days.visitwww.pca-mna.orgorwww.pcacep.org.

AlumniDinneratGeneralAssemblyJune 13

CovenantSeminaryispleasedtoannouncethatitsannualalumniDinneratGeneralassemblywilltakeplaceonWednesday,June13,at5:30p.m.Dr.BryanChapell,presidentofCovenantSeminary,willpresentanupdateontheSeminary’sBy His Grace, For His Glorycapitalcampaign.Duetotheoverwhelmingresponsetothiseventinrecentyears,attendancewillbelimitedtothosewhohavereservedticketsinadvance(limit2ticketsperfamily).Formoreinformationpleasecontactthealumniofficeat314.392.4055orjoel.hathaway@covenantseminary.edu.

SAVETHEDATE!Fall2007FrancisA.SchaefferLecturesoCtoBer 19–20

theFrancisa.SchaefferLecturesbringtogethernotedChristianthinkersandspeakerstodiscusscriticalissuesfacingtheChurchandsociety.thethemeforthefall2007lectures,heldoctober19–20atCovenantSeminary,isThe Emerging Church: Discerning a Missional Milieu.thekeynotespeakerfortheeventwillberev.DarrinPatrick,leadpastoroftheJourney,aninterdenominationalchurchinSt.Louis.theemergingchurchhasbeendescribedasacontroversial,twenty-firstcenturyChristianmovementseekingtoengagepeople,especiallytheunchurched,livinginpostmodernorpostcolonialcultures.Proponentscallthemovementanemerg-ing“conversation”toemphasizeitsdevelopinganddecentralizednature.acommoncharacteristicistheconceptofmissionallivingwhereChristiansaresentoutintotheworldtobeablessingwherevertheyare.

Whatarethedifferencesandsimilaritiesbetweenthe“emerging”and“emergent”church?Hastheemergingchurchstruckachordwithengagingtheyoungergeneration?Howdoweengagetheemergingchurch?Howshouldwerespondtothechallengesitraises?Pleasejoinusaswewrestlewiththeseques-tionsandmore.

JerramBarrsProfessor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture, Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

mAy 25–juNe 3gioania, Brazil. Colloquium 2007 Conference. preaching at area churches and visiting with alumni who have opened a l’abri-like center in Brazil.

juNe 10grace evangelical Church; germantown, tn.

HansBayerAssociate Professor of New Testament

mAy 27–juNe 11gioania, Brazil; Colloquium 2007 Conference.

Andrew Jumper institute; Sao paulo, Brazil. leCtureS: discipleship in the gospel of mark.

BobBurnsAdjunct Professor of Practical Theology

juNe 4–8Covenant theological Seminary; St. louis, mo. dmin CourSe: the pastor as Change Agent.

juNe 12–15memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. general Assembly. topiC: “the pastor as Change Agent.”

juLy 9-13St. louis, mo. pastors Summit. topiC: dealing with ministry, marriage, and family.

DavidB.CalhounProfessor of Church History

juNe 11–13Billy graham Center; wheaton, il. Coalition on the Support of indigenous ministries Conference. presbyterian mission international representative.

BryanChapellPresident and Professor of Practical Theology

mAy 29–juNe 1Covenant theological Seminary; St. louis, mo. dmin CourSe: grace-Centered leadership.

juNe 10 lawndale presbyterian Church; tupelo, mS.

juNe 14 memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. general Assembly. Speaking at evening worship.

juLy 23–24 Beeson divinity School; Birmingham, Al. 20th Annual Beeson pastors School. preaching in evening worship service and leading a seminar. SeminAr topiC: “the necessity of grace in Christian preaching.”

PhilDouglassAssociate Professor of Practical Theology

mAy 29–juNe 1Covenant theological Seminary; St. louis, mo. dmin CourSe: grace-Centered leadership.

zackEswineAssistant Professor of Homiletics, Associate Dean of Ministry Formation

mAy 29–juNe 1Covenant theological Seminary; St. louis, mo. dmin CourSe: ministry project/dissertation preparation.

DonaldC.GuthrieAssociate Dean of Educational Ministries, Associate Professor of Christian Education

juNe 4–7Accra, ghana; national Conference on educational Administration. plenary and workshop speaker.

juNe 13 memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. general Assembly. topiC: “A framework for Small groups.”

juLy 9–13 St. louis, mo. pastors Summit. Cohort facilitator.

J.NelsonJenningsAssociate Professor of World Mission

juNe 13 memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. general Assembly. SeminAr topiC: “Christians, muslims, and America’s Superpower Status: reports and Analyses of Some recent research.”

juNe 15–juNe 17 techny towers; techny, il. American Society of missiology. Annual meeting.

SeanMichaelLucasVice President for Academics and Dean of Faculty, Assistant Professor of Church History

juNe 11–12 memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. pre-general Assembly conference: westminster Confession for today. topiC: “Coalescing Conservative dissent: Southern presbyterians and Confessional revision in the 1930s.”

juNe 12 memphis Cook Convention Center; memphis, tn. general Assembly. Seminar with rev. Chris Harper. topiC: “A Conversation on Shepherding ministerial Candidates.”

RobertA.PetersonProfessor of Systematic Theology

mAy–AuguST twin oaks presbyterian Church; Ballwin, mo. Sunday school. topiC: Christ’s saving work.

DanielW.zinkAssistant Professor of Practical Theology

juNe 4–8 Covenant theological Seminary; St. louis, mo. dmin course: pastoral Counseling.


Robert Earl Bell(MDiv’84)celebratedthemarriageofhissonr.andrewtoShannonJohnsononoctober14,2006.theceremonywasheldattimoniumPresbyterianChurchintimonium,Maryland,andRev. John Ceselsky(MDiv’98)participated.tendayslater,onoctober24,robert’sdaughter,alison,gavebirthtoColumWilliamBelt,whoweighed7lbs.13oz.andmeasured21inches.theBellsyoungestson,aaron,is,amongotherthings,aprouduncle.

John Boles(MaBS’77)pastorsthreePCachurchesinruralalabamaandservesasafull-timehospicechaplainwithodysseyHealthCareintheMontgomeryarea.

onJanuary28,reuters,theworld’slargestinternationalmultimedianewsagency,pub-lishedaphotoofRoger McCay(MDiv’05)performingabenedictioninIraq.

onDecember17,2006,Sara Mersfelder (MDiv’04)marriedJessBartley,asurgeryresidentandmemberofCityPresbyterianChurchinDenver,Colorado,whereSarahasdirectedthechurchlifeministrysince2004.Rev. Kirk adkisson(MDiv’04)marriedthecouple.Leslie Fisher(MaC’04),ashley Lare Watson(MaC’02),Jennifer Baker(MaCandMDiv’06),Lloyd Jackson(MDiv’07),andDebadkissonwereintheweddingparty.

Sam Murrell (MDiv’86)currentlypastorsForestParkCommunityChurch,theoldestafrican-americancongregationinthePCa.theBaltimore,Maryland,churchwillcele-brateits100thanniversarythisyear.

Steve(MDiv’84)andJulieReesearecelebratingtheireleventhyearatredeemerPresbyterianChurchinParker,Colorado.thereeseshelpedplantthechurchin1995.redeemerisnowextensivelyengagedinapartnershipwiththelocalwomen’scrisiscen-tertohostasupportgroupforabusedwomen.JulieservesasthelanguageartscoordinatorforseventhgradeintheCherryCreekSchool

District.thereeseshavethreechildren:Lizzy(age14),Katherine(age12),andChris(age10).

Rev. James Routszong(MDiv’77)wenttobewiththeLordonJanuary8afterabriefbattlewithcancer.Hewas66.Jimissur-vivedbyBarbara,hiswifeof46years,andthreechildren—Dawn(Perkins),Stephen,andPhilip.HeservedchurchesinFlorida,Missouri,andnorthCarolina.atthetimeofhisdeathhewasservingasministerofcongregationalcare/ChristianeducationatDraper’svalleyChurchinDraper,virginia.

WecelebratewithCorrin Ranney(MDiv’05)andCliffordSchlechtontheirmarriage,June24,2006.CorrincurrentlyservesasdirectorofcommunityatMemorialPresbyterianChurchinSt.Louis,whileCliffordisearninghisPhDinorganicchemistryfromWashingtonUniversityinSt.Louis.Rev. Rob Hamby(MDiv’00)performedthewedding.

DottieSidebotham,wifeofTom Sidebotham(BDiv/MDiv’58),wenttobewiththeLordonJuly23,2006.For49yearsDottiefaithful-lyservedtheLordalongsideherhusband,anhonorablyretiredPCapastorandcareernavychaplain.Dottieissurvivedbyhusbandtom;theirson,Dr.BruceSidebotham(anarmyreservechaplainandteachingelderinthePCa);andtheirdaughter,aprilradcliffe.thecouplehassixgrandchildren.

Brad Wos(MatS’06)andhisfamilyhavebeenservinginSouthafricasince1999.HeisthecampusministrycoordinatoratCapePeninsulaUniversityoftechnologyinafrica.theypraiseGodfortheircoregroupof50students.theyhavehadanincredibleyearofgrowingingracetogether.

BIRTHS

Sasha(MDiv’03)andDebbieBukovietski,whocurrentlyserveinUkraine,welcomedMichaelJessealexanderintotheirfamilyon

august21,2006.Heweighed7lbs.8oz.andwas21incheslong.Michaeljoinsthreeoldersisters.SashaisordainedintheevangelicalPresbyterianChurchofUkraineandisinvolvedinpublishingandteachingseminary.

Rick(MDiv’87)andWendygrayannouncethebirthoftheirthirdson,ChaseFletcher,bornFebruary3.Chaseweighed7lbs.3oz.andmeasured20inches.ChasejoinsolderbrothersGranttucker(age4)andaidanSamuel(age2).theGrayslivealongtheUgandaandDemocraticrepublicoftheCongoborder,whererickserveswithMissiontotheWorldasregionaldirectorforeasternafrica.

CongratulationstoJohn(MDiv’06)andElizabeth(MaC’05)Ranheimonthebirthoftheirson,JacobPaul,bornJanuary9.Jacobweighedinat7lbs.13oz.andstretched20¾inches.theranheimshaveremainedinSt.Louissincegraduation.JohncurrentlyworksasthedirectorofdonorrelationsforCovenantSeminary.

Brad(MDiv’06)andCarolineTubbesingpraisetheLordforthebirthoftheirfirstborn,daughtereliza.elizawasbornoctober17,2006.Sheweighed8lbs.andwas21¼incheslong.

MichaelandBeth (Wirtjes)Wendling(MaC’05)welcomedtheirfirstchild,JonathanGerald,bornnovember24,2006.Heweighed8lbs.14oz.andwas21½incheslong.theWendlingsmaketheirhomeinChampaign,Illinois.BethcontinuestowriteforChristianpublicationsandteachespart-timeforGreenvilleCollegeopportunitiesinadultLearningextensionprograminChampaign.

WeWanttoHearfromyou!Alumni, we consider you family, and we’d like to keep in touch! please let us know where in the world god has called you, and fill us in on what you’re doing there. update us about your family as well. Send e-mails to [email protected] and written correspondence to Alumni news, Attn: Joel Hathaway, 12330 Conway road, St. louis, mo 63141.

aLUMnInewS


BRIEFLYStAted

Executive EditorDavidWicker

Managing EditorStaceyFitzgerald

EditorJackieFogas

Assistant Copy Editors rickMattnicolleolivastro

Photographers and Image ContributorsWesalfordKevinBallJohnDawsonrickGrayJoelHathaway

Design and Production501creative,inc.

Circulationnicolleolivastro

Editorial ContributorsStaceyFitzgeraldJackieFogasrickGrayJoelHathaway

CovenanttheologicalSeminary12330ConwayroadSt.Louis,Missouri63141

Tel:314.434.4044Fax: 314.434.4819E-mail:[email protected]

Unlessotherwiseindicated,allScripturereferencesaretakenfromtheHolyBible,newInternationalversion®,nIv®,©1973,1978,1984byInternationalBibleSociety.Usedbypermission.allrightsreserved.

Scripturequotationsmarked(esv)arefromtheHolyBible,englishStandardversion,©2001byCrosswayBibles,adivisionofGoodnewspublishers.Usedbypermission.allrightsreserved.

volume22,number2.©2007

Covenant is published by Covenant theological Seminary, the Seminary of the presbyterian Church in America.

the purpose of Covenant Seminary is to train servants of the triune god to walk with god, to interpret and communicate god’s word, and to lead god’s people.

theonlysignificanceofLIFeconsistsinhelpingtoestablishthe

KInGDoM

AND THIS CAN BE DONE

only by means oftheacknowledgment

andprofessionofthetrUtH

By EACH ONE OF US.

of God;

—LeotoLStoY(1828 –1910)—THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN yOU

LisaHesselJ.nelsonJenningsKellyParkMarcustoole

rickMattJulietaylorMichaelWilliams

ofserviceinchurchesinSouthCarolinaandohio—duringwhichtimetheJuelfswitnessedthegloryandthebrokennessoftheChurch.“Wewouldnothavechosentogothroughsomeofourexperiences,”Davidcomments,“butGodusedthemtostripawayourunrealisticexpectationsofministry,torevealoursin,andtoremindusthatthereisnowheretoturnbuttoourfaithfulGod.”

Heather,reflectingontheirpreparationforseminaryandcalltotheministry,notes,“Whenyouareinthemidstofacrisis,youhaveahardtimeunderstandingwhyit’shappening.Wehitapointwherewelookedatoursituationandasked,‘IsGodcallingustotheministryornot?’”Despitethedifficultiestheyexperienced,aKingdomvisionconfirmedtheJuelfsesintheirministryplans.

“eventhoughGodwalkswithusanddirectseverystep,”Heatherexplains,“itwasfrighteningtoknowthatbydecidingonministry,wewerebasicallychoosingapaththatwouldbepainful.”realizingtheirutterdependenceonGod,DavidandHeatherimaginedtheirfutureministrywithidealisticnotionsofthepastoratedispelled.Davidadds,“Wekeepaskingourselves,‘DoweactuallybelieveandexpectGodtomoveinradicalways,likeintheconversionofmyfather?’Imean,areweprayingforGodtoworkthisway—prayingandmaybenotseeingit,butstillbelievingit?thisisourprayer.”

Headingintotheirfinalyearofseminary,DavidandHeatherbegintoenvisionwheretheLordmaycallthemtoserve.“Idon’tknowwherethatcallwilllead,”Davidsays.“We’reinterestedinchurchplanting,butIamexcitedtoworkinanycapacitythatseestheKingdomexpanded.Whateverwedo,I’vecometounderstandthepowerofpreaching.BeforecomingtoCovenantSeminaryIhadasuperficialviewofpreaching.However,GodhasdeepenedmyunderstandingofpreachingasapowerfulmeansbywhichGodshapesHispeopleandeffectschangeintheworld.”

“ourexperienceshavetaughtuswhatministryis,”explainsHeather.“It’srelatingtopeopleaswellasspeakingtheGospelandlettingitsaturateourlivesandthelivesofothers.ItisacalltoembodytheGospel—especiallyinourweaknesses—acknowledgingourconstantneedforChrist.realizingandwalkinginourneedfortheGospelisjustasmuchourcallasspeakingthattruthtootherpeople.”

ChANge SerViCe requeSTed

nonprofitorg.U.S.Postage

PaIDCovenant

theologicalSeminary

CovenanttheologicalSeminary12330ConwayroadSt.Louis,Mo63141

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…. – ePH.1:16–18aESV

partfromeyesoffaith,itispossibleforaChristiantogothroughlifealmostignorantofGod’swork.David(MDiv

’08)andHeatherJuelfsdiscoveredthissoberingrealityaftertwoyearsatCovenanttheologicalSeminary.“WerecognizedthatIcouldtraintobeapastor,”Davidexplains,“thatIcouldgoontoserveasapastormywholelife,andthatIcoulddoitallwhilenotwalkingwithGod.Icouldbeapastorfor40years,workinghardoutofmyownstrengthbutnottrustingGodtoworkmight-ily.What’smore,wewereterrifyinglyclosetobeingonthatpath.Unlesssomethingchangedinus,thatisexactlywherewewouldbe.”

thisawarenesshitDavidwhenhisfatherbecameaChristianlastsummer.David’sfatherwasradicallytransformedineveryaspectofhislife.“althoughIknowthatourScriptureisthestoryofGodredeemingeveryaspectofHiscreation,”Davidremembers,“wit-nessingfirsthandapieceofthatredemptioninmydadandthenfindingmyselfshockedthatGodactuallyworksthatwayshowedmethatIwasnotfullytrustingGod’scommitmenttoredemption.Myhopeandtrustwasinmyownstrengthandcompetence.Itissoberingtodiscoveryourlackoffaith.Itisscarytobeshockedbydoubtthatyoudidnotknowyouhave.”thesalvationofDavid’sfathershowedtheJuelfsfamilythatGodaloneisworthyoftheirtrust,andHealoneisthesourceofhope.

DavidandHeathercametoCovenantSeminaryafterfouryears

JOELHATHAWAYJoel Hathaway (MDiv ’04) is one of six children and the son of a PCA pastor. Seeing his parents’ ministry struggles and successes helped solidify Joel’s love for the Church and those who shepherd it.

STUDENTprofile

David and Heather Juelfs and their two children, Wyatt James (33 months) and Addie Grace (6 months), are entering their final year at Covenant Seminary and looking at how they will serve the Lord after graduation.

KInGDoMeyes

a

Covenant Magazine - [Summer 2007]

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