Acadia Divinity College
Bring the Good News to the Communities
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07 er 20 Wint 3, No. 02 0 Vol.
as your heart ever been quickened by seeing a glimpse of God’s Kingdom? Maybe it was when you saw someone really grasp the Gospel for the first time. Maybe it was when you participated in worship with people from many tribes and nations. Maybe it was when you saw someone receiving a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name. Maybe it was when you saw someone previously rejected being loved by a community of believers. Do you remember the feeling? Do you remember the hope welling up inside of you, as you saw Jesus’ rule here and now? Do you see the Kingdom around you today? I saw it in India this summer. I had the privilege of going to India through the Canadian Baptist Ministries Praxis program. Four Canadian Seminary students traveled around India with four Indian Seminary students, and together we challenged each other with the questions of what it means to be carriers of the Good News today. In India we saw many glimpses of God’s Kingdom – faithful followers of Jesus seeking to be and bring
By Rene´e Embree (‘08)
Good News to their communities. We community around us better off because saw small village churches seeking to help we, God’s children, bearers of the their communities in various ways: Kingdom, are here? through day-care programs, education We can see glimpses of where God is programs, health care, economic oppor- ruling here on earth, but we can also see tunities, farming co-operatives, ensuring many glimpses of places and people clean drinking water and sharing the untouched by God’s rule and care. We Gospel. Every community, big and small, passed many people in India seemingly we asked “What are you doing for untouched by God’s grace. Has the community development, what are you Kingdom come in any way to all the doing to be good news to your community?” The trouble was, every time we asked that question, I had a rising sense of guilt within myself. Some of the Indian communities had great answers to that question, some had poor answers, ADC Renee and children skipping along while in India. but it seemed to me they all had better answers than I would. I was families and children we saw sleeping on ashamed to think that, in spite of all of the side of the roads in India, to the vilour advantages, it is not always obvious lages that cannot get clean drinking “what we were doing to be good news water, to the beggars looking for food, to to the community around us.” Is the those who are looking for healing, to Continued on Page 4
From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Covenanting Service . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Current Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Baptist Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rev. Ron Baxter Recognized . . . . 5 Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Course Offerings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 David Watt Hockey. . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Finding God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Alumni Mind. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Giving for Global Impact . . . . . . 12 1
WHEN PAUL WROTE TO YOUNG TIMOTHY, HE URGED HIM TO “STUDY TO BE APPROVED” (2 TIM. 2:15). He recognized the roots of devout faith that lay with Timothy’s mother and grandmother. As a beloved pastor and mentor, Paul also had his share in Timothy’s spiritual development and preparation for ministry. But he still urged him to do more. That is the way we see theological education at Acadia Divinity College: always helping individuals to study to be approved and be workers who do not need to be ashamed. At Acadia Divinity College we strive to lead by example. Without exception, ADC faculty study and keep a leading edge in their areas of expertise as they read papers, publish articles and books, and participate in learned societies. Our incoming president, Dr. Harry Gardner (former Executive Minister of the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches), is already leading by example as he studies at Spurgeon’s College in London to prepare for the responsibilities of his new position commencing January 1, 2008. We also strive to help people in ministry maintain a growing edge. We do this by offering challenging academic programs while at the same time providing practical experience. With one of the largest student enrolments in a number of years, we also seek to be flexible in course delivery. Increasing numbers of theological students are already involved in ministry or in family and work commitments that require opportunities to at least begin their
ADC Today is published twice a year by the Development Office, Acadia Divinity College. It is distributed free of charge to friends of Acadia Divinity College.
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programs via distance learning. As a result, we have introduced several online courses, intensive one-week courses during “J-Term” (first week of January), spring and summer, and for the first time, during the Simpson Lectures in February. This year we have also reconfigured our “Mondays in Metro and More” program, in the Halifax area, to allow students to get a full-year of theological education over a three-year period. Our Doctor of Ministry program - one of the largest such professional programs in Canada - continues to be academically rigorous while offering courses in a flexible timeframe. Many of our DMIN students choose Acadia Divinity College because of the flexibility as well as the matching of ministry mentors and thesis projects to their particular needs. They represent several Christian denominations ministering in a variety of ways: pastoral ministry, prison and hospital chaplaincy, para-church organizations, and educational institutions. This falls in line with our primary focus: theological education for leaders in the broader Christian church. We praise God for the students who have chosen to “study to be approved” at Acadia Divinity College. In keeping with the wider trend in theological education, we have noticed that our Incoming Class is one of the youngest since the 1980s. We have also been encouraged by the fact that this class within a very short time has become involved in the broader life of Acadia University. This year we introduced a Covenanting
Editor: Trisha Urquhart Email: trisha.urquhart@acadiau.ca Writers: R. Embree, C. Janzen, B. Fawcett, J. Riley, D. Crosby, S. Peverill, B. Vacheresse, E. Phillips, M. Fredericks, T. Urquhart, and D. Watt. Design, Publishing & Distribution: PinPointCreative.com; Mark MacDonald
Service for the Incoming Class. This gave all of us at ADC the privilege of covenanting together with friends and family and encouraging one another to be about the business of studying to show ourselves approved to enhance the ministry of the church. We have a fine team of staff and faculty at ADC who have committed themselves to work with women and men who are studying to be approved for ministry. I never tire of reminding Atlantic Baptists that we are preparing our leadership like no other denomination in Canada. We continue to explore creative program delivery systems to make both professional and lay theological education accessible. There are significant challenges before us because we are a small faculty with a broad spectrum of administrative and teaching responsibilities. It has been my privilege to serve Acadia Divinity College in this time of transition. We look forward to Dr. Gardner taking up the President’s role, for he knows our community well and will bring his passion for spirituality and well-trained pastoral leadership to this new calling. We covet your prayers for him as he takes up this important task. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.” II Tim. 2:15 (NRSV)
ROBERT S. WILSON Interim Dean and President
adc.acadiau.ca
Being Called to Acadia Divinity College
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One field to another
Brian Vacheresse (’10) 1st Year – Master of Divinity
Divinity College. And, God has also placed me back with the Acadia football team – this time as a chaplain.
hile growing up in Lower Sackville, NS, I had relatively no Christian influence in my life and many times life seemed hopeless. Eventually, I found a positive outlet; sports. Although there were many negative outlets that led me further away from truth, sports helped me maintain some sort of balance in life. During high school, I played football with some success and decided that if I ever made it to university I would try out for their team. After high school, Acadia University accepted my application for admission. But, unfortunately, I was cut from the football team. That, along with many other uncertainties, made me question life more than ever. The following year I dropped out of school and went ‘out west to find myself’. I discovered that I needed an education and within a couple of years, I was back at Acadia doing better. During the final year in the Bachelor of Business Admin. program, I decided to give the football team another go. This time I made it! However, since it was my final year, there was not much time to fully realize my dream. After graduation, the questions that swirled around my head about life, meaning, and purpose grew even greater. This lead to more of those negative influences, mainly selfish desires. As they say, I “hit rock bottom”. That is where truth and I met face to face. The only thing I knew was that it was time for me to change. God led me away from my self destructive ways into the welcoming fellowship of wonderful believers. Since that time, there has been a continuous change in my life and I owe it all to Christ. Now I am married to a beautiful lady and attending my first of a three-year Masters of Divinity program at Acadia
Elizabeth Phillips (’08) 3rd Year – Master of Divinity y jump of faith began when I felt the Lord asking me to leave my comfortable government job and sell my pleasant, comfortable home. It all started through the words of a special speaker at a pastor’s conference in Charleston, Maine. In 1997, after selling my home, I found myself at Atlantic Baptist University in Moncton, NB. In 2001, I graduated with my Bachelors degrees in Biblical Studies and Psychology. I then stayed in Moncton for awhile to work as an overseer at awomen’s residence under Harvest House Ministries. I returned to the Fredericton area in 2002. Even though I soon had a sense that I was meant to attend ADC, I felt that I could not afford it. (Hindsight tells me that I should have gone). I had difficulty finding employment that paid a decent wage. I went from working at Wal-Mart to a job as a private homecare worker to a call centre employee. While working at the call centre in 2003, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was a great challenge in my life and really was the prompt that put me back on track. In the fall of 2004, I attended Day for Discovery, a biannual open house at ADC. Two months later I was working towards my Master of Divinity degree. This past summer I had the opportunity to minister at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Saint John, NB. I organized Vacation Bible School and the children’s church, and worked with children’s Community Club and Backyard Bible Club. Also, Wednesday Night Worship time became my responsibility for the most part. To top it off, I had the opportuni-
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A leap of faith
ty to try and keep three high school summer students busy with the help of a co-worker. In the beginning I didn’t know how I could manage all that was expected of me. But, by the end of the summer, I had a great sense of accomplishment and joy. I knew that none of it could have been accomplished without the Lord.
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Passionate about campus evangelism
Michael Fredericks (’10) 1st Year – Master of Divinity was working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in Canadian Politics at Saint Francis Xavier University and touring with a Christian rock band called “Life Support” when God called me. As you may know, every rock musician’s dream is to someday “make it big”, so it took a lot of prayer and confidence in my call to make the hard decision to leave the band for a different avenue of ministry. It was a natural fit to prepare for the pastorate at Acadia Divinity College. Both my wife and I are from Annapolis Valley, and the opportunity was readily available for us to minister in my home church of Aylesford Baptist while I study. The Pastor and congregation have been very supportive of us financially and prayerfully, and we are now heavily involved in music and youth work at the church.
I am also passionate for campus evangelism (as are many in this year’s entering class), and hope to see the Lord use Acadia Divinity College as a means by which many will come to know Him on the greater Acadia campus. It’s exciting to see God work, both inside and outside the classroom!
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PRAXIS
Continued from Cover
those who are oppressed in their society and to those with no hope of upward mobility? Each of those could easily wonder if there is such a thing as God’s Kingdom. Even John the Baptist, when he was in prison, wondered if God’s rule had yet come to earth, so he inquired of Jesus “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:18). Do you remember how Jesus confirmed God’s rule had in fact come to earth and He was in fact the Messiah? Jesus basically said, “Look around! Look around and see the Kingdom.” (See Luke 7:22) Could we say that to the beggars on the streets in India? Could we say that to the people in our communities? Look around and see the evidence of God’s rule.
Simpson Lectures
I was challenged by many things in India. The greatest challenge that I pray continues to transform how we do ministry in the Maritimes is the realization that we are the bearers of the Kingdom. We are to be tangible Good News to our communities, to be evidence of the inbreaking Kingdom of God. We have many people around us needing us to bring God’s Kingdom to them in many forms – binding their broken hearts, releasing them from different forms of oppression, bringing healing, comforting the mourning, feeding their bodies, and preaching the Good News. May we be challenged by our common prayer to God “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Waking up to the Obituaries Monday, 11 February, 7:30 pm Even a quick glance at the obituary column will reveal that the post-modern rite for the passing of a life has drastically changed. This lecture draws on stories and research in order to identify and respond to the challenges facing today’s clergy as they seek to be faithful preachers and effective pastors while the ground beneath their feet is quickly shifting. Good News at the Grave Tuesday, 12 February, 7:30 pm The lecture deals with the challenges presented by the tremendous transition in our culture’s view of death. It unearths a question which it also seeks to address, ’How can the resurrection be the good news if death is no longer the bad news?’
Covenanting Service
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By Carol Anne Janzen (‘95)
n a lovely, sunny Sunday afternoon in early September, Manning Memorial Chapel was the site of the first Covenanting Service for Acadia Divinity College. The concept of Interim President, Dr. Bob Wilson, the service provided an opportunity for new and returning students, faculty, staff and their families and supporting community to begin the academic year with a focus on their mutual task of training servants of the Gospel. In a formal way, the service marked the beginning of the journey of ministry preparation just as the Commissioning Service will mark the culmination of the students’ training. Dr. Lionel Moriah opened the service with these words of introduction: “From time to time the Lord’s people have assembled together for the purpose of seeking renewal through the Holy Spirit in their midst in order to perform work that is acceptable and honouring to the Lord. Acadia Divinity College hereby seeks to work collectively with families and congregations, as partners in Jesus Christ, in the work of training men and women for ministry in the church to the glory of God. Therefore, as servants of Christ, we are pleased to covenant together with you for this purpose, seeking the Lord’s anointing upon us in this endeavour.” The service included scripture, prayers, a challenging message from Acadia University
Coming Back to Life Wednesday, 13 February, 7:30 pm PREACHING LIFE TO DEATH With Rev. Dr. Peter Holmes February 11-13, 2008 Festival Theatre - Wolfville, NS Peter Holmes is Senior Minister of Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto. He was trained Wycliffe College and completed his doctoral studies in 2006 at Acadia Divinity College on preaching at funerals. Peter combines the warmth and wisdom of a pastor with the passion and imagination of a storyteller.
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This lecture addresses the preacher’s task at a funeral in light of widespread Biblical illiteracy which seems to render the preacher’s tool, the Christian scriptures, far less meaningful for the average person attending a funeral or memorial. This lecture explores the possibility of imagination as an instrument of hope and metaphor as a medium of resurrection. For more details visit our website at http://adc.acadiau.ca/
ADC
Dr. Lionel Moriah welcoming friends and family to the Covenanting Service.
Chaplain, Rev. Tim McFarland, and inspiring music. In a collective response, the ADC community covenanted their mutual support, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, to each other and to their respective responsibilities. It is hoped that this will become an annual and meaningful tradition.
Baptist Foundation Makes Major Pledge to Help Students Prepare for Ministry
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he Atlantic Baptist Foundation has made a major pledge to help students who are preparing for vocational ministry. The Foundation has pledged a total of $250,000 over a five-year period to assist second and third year Master of Divinity students at Acadia Divinity College (ADC) who have been accepted as Candidates for Ordained Pastoral Ministry by the Convention’s Board of Ministerial Standards and Education. The $50,000 gift pledged for this year and each of the next four years is structured so that current students and future students will all benefit. Some of the funds will be placed directly into student accounts at ADC with the balance being given to the Convention to establish an endowment fund from which future grants to students can be made. The endowment, to be called the Atlantic Baptist Ministry Preparation Fund, will be managed by the Foundation. The grants are given to students with the stipulation that upon graduation they serve for a minimum of five years in a church or ministry affiliated with our Convention. Grant recipients who choose not to pursue vocational ministry or who choose to serve in another context will be required to repay the grant. On behalf of the Foundation, Doug Beaman, Chairman of the Foundation Board
said, “We’ve become increasingly concerned about the level of student debt being carried by many of our seminary graduates. God has blessed us with a growing ministry and from this we are pleased to be able to help students at our seminary. It is our hope that individuals and churches will also catch a vision for the opportunity to help those who offer themselves up for ministry and give to what we hope will be a growing endowment fund to support our students.” Associate Executive Minister, Dr. Bruce Fawcett, expressed delight at the Foundation’s generosity and said “I want to also express appreciation, on behalf of current and future students, to Regional Minister, Rev. Wayne Fevens, and his Task Force which has been examining the effect of student debt upon our young pastors. Wayne has truly been a champion for their cause and his advocacy on their behalf, combined with the Foundation’s generosity, will go a long way to lessening the stress and pressures faced by future generations of young pastors in our Convention”. Individuals and churches who would like to add to the endowment fund to help future generations prepare for vocational ministry are invited to contact our Convention’s Director of Development, Rev. Greg Jones at (506) 635-1922 or greg.jones@baptist-atlantic.ca.
Acadia Divinity College Enrollment Fall 2007
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his September, Acadia Divinity College was eager to welcome returning students and the Incoming Class of 2007 representing several provinces and countries as well as denominations. In the days of declining enrolment, Acadia Divinity College is excited to report a 15% increase in the number of students. Approximately 160 individuals are registered in full-time and part-time studies both on campus and through online courses.
Acadia Divinity College is also experiencing a significant increase in the number of auditors - students taking courses but not for credit from 14 in 2006 to 80 in 2007. This increase is due largely to the popularity of “The Four Gospels”, a course by Dr. Craig Evans offered in Bedford through the “Mondays in Metro” program. For more information, contact Student Services at (902) 585-2215 or adcinfo@acadiau.ca.
Rev. Ron Baxter Recognized by ADC Alumni Association
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n August 18, 2007, Rev. Ron Baxter (’72) was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award during the Acadia Divinity College Alumni BBQ. This award is given annually to an alumnus chosen by the ADC Alumni Association. Since 1972, when he graduated with his Master of Divinity from ADC, Rev. Baxter has worked tirelessly in the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (CABC). Over the years, he has pastored a number of churches and currently serves as Regional Minister for Region II, Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. Besides his pastoral ministry, Rev. Baxter has had a huge impact on the College, serv-
ing as Director of Development and External Relations and Director of Admissions from 1986 to 1992. He has also served as President and Secretary of the ADC Alumni Association and President of our Convention and Chair of the Convention Review Committee. He has also worked with Kingswood Wilderness Camp. It is because of alumni like Rev. Baxter that Acadia Divinity College and the CABC continue to be the thriving institutions that we count on to mentor those who are called to serve God both in the Atlantic Provinces and beyond. His tireless efforts are an inspiration. Congratulations to Rev. Baxter on this well deserved honour.
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Remembering Pat
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By Dora Crosby
pastor, a counsellor, a professor, a chaplain, a teacher, a business woman, a mentor and friend; a loving daughter, sister, aunt, colleague. She was all these and more. As over 500 people gathered at the Bridgewater United Church for the Baptist Memorial Service for Rev. Patricia (Pat) Gow, it was evident to all that she wasrecognized and appreciated for her person and for the many talents and gifts she so generously shared.There were representatives from all avenues of work where she made a valuable contribution. Pat had earned four degrees from Acadia University: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, Master of Divinity and Master of Theology. She counselled in Federal Correctional Institutions in Atlantic Canada. The hymns that were included in the Memorial Service were chosen by Pat, hymns that gave glory to God. Thes criptures were drawn from inspiration about Pat’s life. Rev. Dr. Dennis Veinotte spoke highly of Pat’s ministry; of her gifts for preaching, counselling and of her organizational skills; of her ability to walk the inward journey, and of her contribution to the education of theological students at Acadia Divinity College. In her message, Rev. Sarah Duffy referred to all of us as “spiritual children” of Pat. Whether in the classroom, or on a one-to-one basis,
Pat had the ability to encourage and draw out the best in everyone. Our lives have been touched and deeply enriched by her. We thank God for Pat’s life and her presence in our midst. We can honour her, by remembering her example of how to live life; by responding to God’s call on our lives and by living out a life of service and witness and love. Thanks, Pat, for walking with us on this journey of life.
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Alumni News BINDERUP, Kaj, ’86, has retired from Minto Baptist Church, NB to accept a call to Immanuel Baptist, Truro, NS as the Minister of Visitation. DEADDER, Virginia, ’06, was ordained on September 30 at Hantsport Baptist Church, NS. DEWARE, Mitch, ’06, was ordained on November 10. DIXON, Jon, ’06 was ordained on November 25 at new Minas United Baptist Church, NS. DURLING, Barb, ’06, was ordained on November 18 at Third Horton (Canaan) United Baptist Church, NS. DYKENS, Darryl, ’06 was ordained on October 7at Upper Vaughan Baptist Church, NS. HOPPER, David, ’06 was ordained by Bear River East United Baptist Church, October 28. KIRKBRIDE, Allison, ’06 was ordained at Douglas Baptist Church, NB, on October 13. LANGILLE, Derek, ’99, has been called to Millville/Upper Hainesville Baptist Churches, NB. LEPPER, Jarvis,’06, was ordained on October 14 at Second Kingsclear Baptist Church, NB. LOCKE, Phil, ’92, has been called as Interim Pastor at Pleasantville United Baptist Church, NS. MCLEAN, Lois, ’04, was ordained at First Baptist Church of Hammonds Plains, NS on September 22. MACDOUGAL, Don, ’79 has semi retired from Millville United Baptist Church, NB to Moncton and has been called to Berry Mills
United Baptist Church, NB on a part time basis. NICKERSON, Rob, ’84, has been called as Interim Pastor to Oromocto United Baptist Church, NB. PARKER, Garnet, ’85, has been called to Cambridge United Baptist Church, NS. SEARS, Jeff, ’06, was ordained at Margaretsville United Baptist Church, September 23. THOMPSON, Brandon, ’07, has been called to Hartland as pastor of Youth & Family. Brandon and his wife Natalie welcomed their first born, Elizabeth Rachel Ann, on Oct 19. Congratulations from your friends at ADC! TRAIL, Aubrey, ’80 has been called to Cambridge/ Waterborough United Baptist Churches, NB. WOODWORTH, David, ’06 was ordained on October 28 at Centreville United Baptist Church, NS.
Memorial
McGAW, Rev. Thomas David, ’88 passed away October 31 at the age of 48, surrounded by his family. Tom is survived by his wife of 20 years, Rev. Roxanne, ’88 (Kaiser); children, Bruce(17) and Rebecca(14); mother, Helen; brothers and sisters. McMAHON, William, ’53, passed away and went to be with his Lord on November 17. He served as a pastor in the Baptist Convention and the former Principal of the Baptist Convention Bible School.
Dr. Carol Anne Janzen
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n Sept. 17 Dr. Carol Anne Janzen (’95) successfully defended her dissertation, the final requirement for her Ph. D. degree in Religious & Moral Education at the University of Alberta. Dr. Janzen’s thesis explored children’s experiences of the church, focusing on the physical surroundings of the church building. Through a series of interviews, Dr. Janzen was reminded of how sensitive children are to
their physical emotional environments, and of how important a sense of belonging is to them. Doctor Janzen believes that childhood is the optimum time to begin building a deep, sustaining Christian faith. If you are interested in having her speak at your church about children’s spiritual nurture, contact her at (902) 585-2230.
J Term 2008 Courses Jan 3-5, 7-8
Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
YMIN 6153 YOUTH MINISTRY AND SHORT TERM MISSION DR. BRUCE FAWCETT This course is an exploration of the strategic value and importance of integrating short-term mission into the heart of a youth ministry. Topics to be discussed include: a theology of mission, a history of the mission tour movement in Atlantic Canada, choosing a mission project, preparation for a mission trip, traveling with youth, financing mission projects, evaluation and follow-up, and overseas mission. PACC 8023 COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY DR. DUNCAN VEASEY This course will explore the historical development of counselling, outlining current practice and identifying the parameters that determine the need for referrals to specialized medical and mental health practitioners. The course will include an overview of the mental health system and legal concerns in counselling patients. This is not a counselling training course but will provide valuable information for those preparing for pastoral care and counselling in any setting. Course participants will gain practical experience through presentations of various approaches to counselling, discussion and role-playing. Dr. Veasey is a medical and consultant psychiatrist with extensive experience in the United Kingdom and Canada, including work as a medical expert on the psychological effects of the Lockerbie disaster and in criminal/legal matters involving stress and mental health issues. His areas of specialized clinical interest include criminal insanity, psychiatric trauma, depression, marital counselling and grief and loss.
Simpson Lecture Courses Feb. 11-15, 2008
In a sacred and secular context that is in constant flux, Christian leaders are challenged to intentionally ground their ministry –preaching, teaching, care-giving-in the changeless yet relevant Word of God. Hence ADC offers the first enhanced Simpson courses in February 2008 to facilitate the goal of maintaining cutting edge ministry. Courses may be taken for credit or audit.
PRAC 6103, MINISTRY TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES DR. LIONEL MORIAH Positioning the church as an agent for Ministry in a broken world. Course content: Simpson Lectures and presentations by accomplished Christian leaders. Emphasis will be placed on how to interpret both the Biblical text and the contemporary situation with integrity, while leading for effectual change in the audience. PACC 6623 - LOSS, GRIEF & DEATH DR. DENNIS VEINOTTE Exploring end-of-life issues through the lens of change, loss and grief, and addressing challenges that arise in pastoral ministry, chaplaincy and personal care. Course content: the Simpson lectures; presentations by specialists in the fields of medical care, mental health, law and chaplaincy; in-class case studies and discussion. Participants will be helped to identify and own their feelings as a step toward finding effective ways to minister to others.
Spring 2008 Course Offerings Atlantic Baptist University
CHUR7053 – RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS IN CANADA DR. DAN GOODWIN A study of the formative influences of churches and religious groups in Canadian history and on the contemporary scene. An analysis of the distinctive features in Canadian religious life, such as the role of the church in French Canada; Western revivalism and the rise of the new political parties; religion and education; the spread of non-Christian religious groups; the increasing confrontation between religious and secular forces.
Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville, NS THEO6283 – DEVELOPING CHRISTIAN CHARACTER DR. LESLIE MCCURDY/DR. CHRISTOPHER KILLACKY-JUNE 2-6 How can I grow to be more like Jesus Christ? How does the Holy Spirit develop godly virtues in our lives? God’s Trinitarian nature is the key to answering these questions. Christ’s perfect character not only reveals the Father but also sets the pattern for the Spirit’s character-building work. We will explore in depth a series of personality traits including patience, holiness, power, love, mercy, goodness, kindness, and wisdom. PRAC 7433 - ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY MISSIOLOGICAL APPROACHES DR. JACK WHYTOCK This course builds upon the biblical and theological foundations of missiology. It will explore contemporary missiological issues and approaches at an advanced level. As such it will take an interdisciplinary approach in the exploration of modern missiological issues. Topics will include globalization, wholism, short-term missions, “incarnational missions to intercultural missions”, leadership models – imperialism vs. indigenization, moving towards an integrative theology of missions, etc. Dr. Jack Whytock serves as the Director of Haddington House, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and a theological missionary, serving as a visiting professor at theological colleges in the developing world. Overseas teaching has included Africa, Pakistan, S. Korea, South America, Eastern Europe, and the U.K. He holds degrees from the University of Waterloo; Regent College, Vancouver; the University of Glasgow; and the
University of Wales. He is the author of numerous articles and the recently published book, “An Educated Clergy”, Paternoster Press as well as being involved in editing various publications.
THEO 7533 THEOLOGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT REV. BRAD NOEL More has been written in the last 100 years on the Holy Spirit than perhaps in the previous 1900 years; yet there seems to be more confusion surrounding the Spirit of God than ever before! This course will examine the person, work, and ministry of the Holy Spirit in biblical teaching and in the context of the modern church. Is the Holy Spirit really responsible for the many things that current television programs promote? Rev. Brad Noel , who currently serves as the Provincial Youth Director for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Newfoundland and Labrador, holds a B.A. (Memorial University), M.Div. (Acadia University) and an M.A. (Acadia University). He is currently working toward his Ph.D. with his research focus, “Pentecostal Hermeneutics and the Postmodern.” Brad teaches for Master’s College and Seminary (Toronto), IBOLT (Edmonton), and Acadia Divinity College. YMIN 6164 SPECIAL TOPICS IN YOUTH MINISTRY TEACHING IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT DR. DAN LAMBERT, JUNE 2-6 Teaching In Cultural Context emphasizes knowing and critically evaluating culture in order to create effective ministries, with an emphasis on contextually appropriate teaching. Teaching Sunday School, Bible studies, discipleship groups, VBS, camp classes, etc. are key aspects of what people who minister with teens do. In order to become a teacher who glorifies Christ while touching lives, we must figure out the kids we teach and create learning opportunities that challenge them to change. This course is designed to help students learn about adolescent culture(s) and use that knowledge to improve their teaching skills. Dr. Dan Lambert, author of Teaching That Makes a Difference, is Professor of Youth Ministries at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Since Dan has lead the youth ministry program he has witnessed its growth from 30 to over 70 students, plus a new graduate degree.Dan holds degrees from Fort Wayne Bible College and Cincinnati Bible Seminary. 7
Mondays in Metro …and More
Calendar of Events January 3-5 & 7-8 J Term Courses See page 7 or go to our website @ http://adc.acadiau.ca/ January 14 to April 7 (except Feb. 18) Monday’s in Metro ...and More BIBL 6023 Intro to the Apostolic Age (Acts to Revelation) Dr. Craig Evans 6:30-9:30 pm, Mondays Bedford Baptist Church Call 902.585.2215
Acadia Divinity College is offering two courses in the Metro area this fall. Earn the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies in three years—without leaving Halifax! Or begin your preparation for a degree program—one course at a time. BIBL 6013 Introduction to the Four Gospels will be taught by Dr. Craig Evans on Mondays, Sept. 10 to Dec. 3, 6:30-9:30 pm, at Bedford Baptist Church, 38 Rocky Lake Drive, Bedford. Dr. Evans is well-known in Metro for his critiques of The DaVinci Code and the TV documentary, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus.” He has taught New Testament at ADC since 2002. The cost of a course taken for academic credit is $717, but bursaries are available; half-price for seniors 60 years and older. The fee to audit is only $150. Future courses in Metro include New Testament: Acts to Revelation (in January to April 2008), Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Christian Ethics, Church History, and The Practice of Ministry Today. For more information, phone Acadia Divinity College at 902-585-2215 or 1.866.875.8975
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February 11-13 Simpson Lectures Dr. Peter Holmes “Preaching and Pastoral Care” See page 3 February 11-15 First enhanced one-week intensive courses to facilitate the goal of maintaining cutting edge ministry with Dr. Lionel Moriah and Dr. Dennis Veinotte See page 7
March 6-7 Day for Discovery Acadia Divinity College Special Speaker: Dr. Richard Jackson Call to register 1.866.875.8975 April 5 Special Edition Hayward Lectures “Jesus and Archaeology” James F. Strange, Univ. of South Florida Douglas R. Edwards, Univ. of Puget Sound Margaret Y. MacDonald, St. Francis Xavier Univ. ADC and ABU Faculty May 9 Commissioning Supper Wheelock Dining Hall Acadia University May 9 Commissioning Service Wolfville Baptist Church May 12 Spring Convocation University Hall, Acadia University
For more information on these events, visit our website at http://adc.acadiau.ca
2007 Hayward Lectures Well Attended
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he 2007 Hayward Lectures were given by the Rev. Dr. Christopher Seitz (AB, North Carolina; MTS, Virginia Seminary; STM, PhD, Yale), who has just taken up a new position as the research professor of Biblical interpretation at Wycliffe College in Toronto. For ten years before his recent move, Dr. Seitz was the professor of Old Testament and theological studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Before that, he held a similar position at Yale Divinity School where he taught for eleven years. His series of three lectures was entitled “The Goodly Fellowship of the Prophets: The Achievement of Association in Early Canon Formation” in which he challenged us to
think about the significance of the order of the Hebrew Bible canon, the inter-relation of the sections and the significance of the order of the books, especially those in the prophetic canon. This lecture series will form the basis for yet another book, to appear in the Acadia Series in Bible and Theology, published through Baker Academic.
David Watt Inducted into Acadia’s Hockey Hall of Fame
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avid Watt (’62 and ’65) comes by his passion for hockey naturally. It developed through his father, John, an avid sportsman from Scotland who loved hockey even though he didn’t skate. In the 1950s, David’s father worked hard to establish the York Skating Arena, the first artificial ice rink in Fredericton, NB. Although it was to play an important role in his life, the York Arena was not the site of David’s first skate. Instead, this took place on the street in front of his house. “Fredericton had cold winters and Pine Street, where we lived on the North Side, would often be ice covered and great for young skaters,” says David, who strapped on his first skates at age three.
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David during his playing years with the Axemen from 1958-1961.
A few years later, David graduated to the backyard where he and his father flooded the patch of land between the fence and barn. Children from all over the neighbourhood came to skate; the boys making slap shots against the barn. “I remember well the puck marks on the side of the barn where hundreds of boxes of glass milk bottles were stored,” says David, whose father ran a dairy business. David, his three brothers and their friends also
spent hours playing hockey on the Nashwaak River. He vividly recalls packing up skates, hockey sticks, pads and gloves and spending the whole day on the river, returning home at dark. But, it was really the York Arena where David became keenly interested in hockey and where he served as a “rink rat”. At age 12, David began to play organized hockey including some exhibition games with the high school team. When he actually began attending Fredericton High School, he played on the first string each year as forward centre. In 1957, David moved on to university and played hockey for the Mount Allison Mounties. It was at this time that David read an article in the Atlantic Baptist magazine about the shortage of pastors in the region. He began to reflect on the direction he was going and soon sensed a call to go into ministry. The next year, David transferred to Acadia University to take their pre-theology program. At Acadia, sports continued to play a big part of David’s life; especially hockey. He played for the Acadia Axemen and by his second year he had recruited his friend, John Lean, and his older brother, Bruce, who had been playing professionally in New Brunswick. The Watt brothers loved playing hockey together and their coach, “The Major”, gave them lots of ice time. Bruce, a solid defenseman with an amazing slap shot, was known as ‘60 Watt’ and the slightly-built David was nicknamed ‘40 Watt’. They shared leadership of the team with Bruce as Captain and David as Assistant. While living in Wolfville, David also helped organize minor hockey for the community. It meant early Saturday mornings and lots of support from the local Lion’s Club and some of his teammates. After finishing his undergraduate degree, David pursued studies at the University of Edinburgh. While there he joined the British League, playing with the Murrayfield Royals and traveling to cities throughout Scotland and England. When David returned to Acadia to work towards his Master of Divinity it was obvious that much of his focus was still on hockey. One day his Greek professor, Dr. Lumsden,
By Shawna Peverill
who was also passionate about hockey, challenged David by saying, “If you put one tenth as much time in Greek as you do your hockey you would do fine in class!” Over the years, David continued to play hockey, sometimes with his son, Andrew, in a church league. But, in 1997, he hung up his skates after he and his wife, Florence, took a position with Canadian Baptist Ministries. Over the next several years they traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Mediterranean to minister to missionaries. This fall, on October 26, Acadia University inducted David into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Along with four other former Acadia Axemen, he dropped the ceremonial puck at centre ice to start the game; a game ironically between Acadia and a team from his home town of Fredericton. Although he may have felt a little conflicted, David was excited along with everyone in the stands as Acadia won in overtime. Looking back, David says that the lessons he learned in the hockey rink while playing at Acadia have proved to be of great value throughout his years in ministry especially in the area of teamwork.
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David Watt and Terry Hennigar
“In a team there is diversity of skills but everyone is of equal value in reaching the collective goal,” says David. “In ministry, helping people to use their skills and fulfill their dreams in life is an exciting and vital role in the adventure of living.” David Watt has acquired four degrees from Acadia University. He presently serves at ADC as Director of Development and Recruitment as well as lecturing in missions. 9
Day for Discovery
March 6-7, 2008 This is a great opportunity if you are considering a call to Christian service. It is a chance to discern of God’s call and a time to experience ADC in the presence of others with similar goals. At ADC, we are committed to providing a more flexible environment for people preparing for ministry. You may discover there are a number of configurations in theological education. There is no charge to visit, however we do need you to register (902.585.2215/2217). We will cover your lodging and meals while you are with us. This is a great opportunity to discuss God’s call in your life and to talk to faculty, pastors, and students about preparing for Christian service. I hope you will join us for this important time of challenge and discovery. DR. ROBERT WILSON, Interim-President Rev. Dr. Richard Jackson grew up in a Christian home and committed his life to Jesus Christ at the age of 15 at a Christian Athletes Hockey Camp. It was at this same camp that he felt God’s hand upon him leading him into the ministry. His concept of pastoral ministry can be summed up in the phrase “Servant Leadership”. He believes that the pastor is called to be a servant to his or her congregation and community and is also to provide leadership as both pastor and congregation seek to follow God’s vision for the church and the community.
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FINDING GOD IN UNEXPECTED PLACES
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Dr. David Watt (’62 & ’65) Director of Development & Recruitment/Lecturer in Missions
ight years ago, while my wife, Florence, and I were serving Canadian Baptist Ministries in Europe, we were asked to visit Katowice, Poland to observe the work of Jurek and Stephan Rogaczewski at Katowice Baptist Church. When we arrived we were warmly greeted by the pastor and the church family even in the midst of the loss of their chief elder and close friend who had died the day before. Florence and I walked with them through their grief and bonded with the church family. Over the past eight years, more than 60 Canadians have served through short term missions in Katowice. We have provided a variety of ministries such as ESL schools, eye clinics for the poor, children’s workshops, seminars, preaching, teaching and connecting with the city leaders and its people. Those who have responded to the call have discovered God in some of the most unexpected places. Recently, Karl Armstrong (’06), pastor at West End Baptist Church in Halifax, NS, accompanied me to Poland to attend the 85th anniversary of the Katowice Baptist Church and the 80th birthday of their senior pastor. Together, we met God in unexpected places. One such experience was observing the unique relationship between Katowice Baptist and a large Catholic church in the same city. We saw a Baptist minister sharing his faith story in this church. Two years ago, the priest of this church invited me to speak at a community festival with hundreds of his parishioners in attendance. This fall, the priest attended and supported the work of the Baptist during their anniversary celebration. Here we see a friendship of church leaders rarely seen in Poland that continues to bears witness to our common witness to faith in Jesus Christ. I will long remember looking at the platform where Baptist and Catholic leaders stood arm in arm singing, “Jesus is here, Jesus is here, praise God, Jesus is here” The Bible is full of transformational encounters with God in “unexpected places”. Moses, while in the desert, inspects a burning bush and has a life-changing (later resulting in a nation-changing) experience
with God. In Acts 16, while imprisoned, Paul and Silas sing praises to God in the midnight hour. The chief jailor investigates and encounters God, resulting in a life-changing experience for his whole family. In John 4, a Samaritan woman goes to Jacob’s well to draw water and there has a surprise encounter with God. It was there that her life was transformed as she was offered by Christ the “living water”. Like the people in the Bible, in Poland, we encountered God in the most unexpected places time and time again. During the filming of the anniversary service at Katowice Baptist Church, God opened a door for spiritual dialogue with the crew of Polish TV. While filming the service, the camera broke. As the crew waited for another camera to be delivered, we offered them coffee and cake and had the amazing opportunity to listen to their personal stories, share church and faith
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Karl Armstrong, Melanie and Tyler Green, (Tyler is studying medicine and his wife is teaching English), David Watt, and Radek Kobylanski (Youth Pastor at Katowice Baptist Church)
issues, and to make plans for another documentary for National TV next summer. In another media-related encounter, Jack Filus of Radio Katawice invited us to the station. (His daughter had attended one of the ESL schools organized a few years ago by a Canadian mission teams). When we entered the office of the radio station’s director, we noticed a cross on the wall. When we brought it to his attention he said, “We should never be ashamed of the cross”. I asked about his mission at the station and he said his number one focus was to build family values in the country. Pastor Rogaczewski from Katowice Baptist Church told us, “This is a miracle!” Continued on Page 11
FINDING GOD
Continued from Page 10
The mayor of Katowice had decided to provide the Baptist Church with illumination for their 85th Anniversary. The city provided the installation of the lights and connected it to the city power grid. On the Friday night we arrived in Katowice, the chief engineer was out in the church yard with his crew putting the final touches on the light display. It was spectacular! This man had won a number of significant accolades from European governments and business for his work. I said to him, “This is beautiful – you are not only an engineer and technician but an artist. You have given me a great illustration of what a Christian ought to be: ‘A specialist in displaying the light’”. These are but a few examples of discovering God at work in the lives of people in Katowice, Poland. May we be like the men in Luke 24 who walked with Jesus along the Emmaus Road and discovered Him in the hour of hospitality – in the unexpected places! We then can become “specialists in displaying the light” in the darkest corners of our world. Acadia Divinity College has adopted Katowice Baptist Church as a global field site for training students in cross-cultural missions while helping Polish students prepare for Christian ministry. Presently, ADC assists two Polish students in their home church.
The Alumni Mind
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t is hard to believe that we are more than half way through the first term at Acadia Divinity College. Students are busily working on papers, studying for midterms, and practicing Greek and Hebrew; activities that I’m sure bring back memories for you as Alumni. Although I know we all cherish these memories, the question I would like to ask today is this: How often do you think about Acadia Divinity College? As Vice President of the ADC Alumni Association, one of the tasks I work on along with the Executive is keeping the College in the mind of Alumni. Whether you are a recent ADC graduate or you completed your studies several years ago, your involvement in the life of the College is important. You can help the ADC students of today and those to come. Here are a few ways: Firstly, as ADC Alumni, we can be in regular fellowship with one another and with the College. It’s important that we are up-to-date on current programs and what is taking place in the lives of students. That way we are prepared when potential students or members of our congregation ask us about the College.
By Jennifer Riley (’05) Vice President, ADC Alumni Association Fellowship with other Alumni also provides us an opportunity to build important relationships that can offer support in our ministries and in our personal lives. Secondly, there are always financial issues for students and for the College itself. Remember how difficult it was to find enough money to pay for books, tuition, housing, gas for our cars (if we had one) and meals? So, take a few minutes today to think about Acadia Divinity College; how it has impacted your life and how it impacts the lives of others today and will in the future. Consider the people in your church who are perhaps in a position to help and consider Alumni in your area and what you can do together to be a part of helping ADC train individuals for Christian ministry. The ADC Alumni Association is only as strong as our members. We need you today! (If you would like to sponsor a fellowship event in your area, there are many options available and the Executive of the ADC Alumni Association will be glad to help you plan your event. You can contact us at pastorjenn@gmail.com)
Please remove and mail with payment, or call with this information.
Please accept my gift of Address ........................................................................................................................................ $______________for the ADC Annual Fund. Please note my change of address. City ....................................................Prov/State.................... Postal/Zip Code........................ Please remove my name from the mailing list. Phone ( ) ..................................................Email.............................................................. Please send me information on the Personally Approved Payment Plan. Contact me about wills and other gift VISA/MC Number ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ planning options. Expiration Date ___ ___ / ___ ___ Name ...........................................................................................................................................
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Giving for Global Impact …Will you give?
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By Dr. David Watt (’62 & ’65)
he Christmas story takes on a global perspective with the coming of the Magi to see the Christ child. Matthew records these words “We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” The story of their joy and generosity has made its mark on history. On seeing the Christ they were moved “to worship” and motivated “to give.” A recent email from Barbara Fuller
(’94), an Acadia Divinity College graduate, reminded me of the global impact of our mission at ADC. Barbara serves in the poorest country in Europe, Moldova. We have graduates serving on every continent and in a variety of ministry capacities. Acadia Divinity College has affiliated seminaries in Quebec, Nigeria and China. The theological books written by our faculty are read all over the world. Christmas brings the spirit of generosity. May we follow the example of the Magi
and be moved to worship and motivated “to give.” Your support of students, staff and faculty at ADC will have a global impact for Christ. We are presently in need of $178,000 to reach our Annual Fund goal of $285,000 for the year that ends on March 31st. Thank you for standing with us in our mission of training leaders for the church around the world. We wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas.
n 1962, Miriam Ross wrote to the United Baptist Women’s Missionary Union from the Congo, “Come, spend an hour with me.” Many people have felt privileged to spend an hour with Miriam, either through her imaginative writing or in person. Sharon Leighton, ADC graduate of 2007, is hoping, through her research, to extend that privilege. Dr. Miriam Ross, missionary to Congo/Zaire for fifteen years and
the first female professor at ADC, is to be the subject of a biography. “I want to include a selection of her own writing, and some vignettes about other missionaries as well,” Sharon says. “People should know of the good they do. Miriam is a prime example; in Zaire, she trained Zairians who went on to become doctors and nurses. This is important in a country where 80% of the population suffer from diseases like malaria, leprosy or damage from
exploding land mines and gunfire.” Sharon has been working on this project since May. She says that the fundraising committee, consisting of Dr. Robert Wilson, Patricia Townsend and herself, has raised 50% of the budgeted amount. “The budget covers this year of research and the printing costs. Sharon is hoping to get funding through a university to do the actual writing as a thesis in history.” Friends of this project are asked to send cheques payable to Acadia Divinity College, with “Miriam Ross Project” on the memo line. Sharon would also like to hear from anyone who has memories of Dr. Ross. Please call her at 542-5142, or leave a message at the college.
Friends Needed for the Miriam Ross Project
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If undeliverable please return to:
Acadia Divinity College 31 Horton Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6
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41228525