In this issue Features Imaginative Leaders in the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Columbia Seminary Addresses a Silent Epidemic of Clergy in Crisis by Dr. Israel Galindo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Celebrating your Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Enlightened Pathway: A reKindle Interview by Chassidy Goggins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Finding Her Community: Funding Her Future by Courtney Henry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
In every issue Letter from the President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A Prayer of Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Community Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Student Perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Center for Lifelong Learning Calendar of Events . . . . . . 19 Seminary News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Faculty Author Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Our Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Alumni Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Final Word with Dr. Sue Kim Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ABOUT THIS ISSUE EDITORS Jennifer Cuthbertson Corie Cox DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION Corie Cox PHOTOGRAPHY Corie Cox Courtney Henry, ’24 CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Cuthbertson Chassidy Goggins ’23 Julie Bailey ’09 Valrie Thompson Brian D. Hecker Sue Kim Park Leanne Van Dyk Courtney Henry ’24 Israel Galindo
This issue of Vantage is available online. Visit www.CTSnet.edu
Thyme to Party Shaping Attenion to God’s Earth (SAGE) hosted Thyme to Party on November 7, 2021. Students, staff, and faculty, as well as Columbia Seminary neighbors enjoyed a vegan/vegetarian potluck, bluegrass, garden tours, and general fun.
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God Never Slumbers Nor Sleeps A Letter from President Van Dyk
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oratorio, Elijah: “He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not, Nor Sleeps.” These words are from Psalm 121:4 and depict God as ever awake, ever alert. One of my We are still in this challenging time here at Columbia Seminary of dealing with COVID-19 restrictions and colleagues once suggested that we worship and serve realities. The calendar informs us that it has been two an “insomniac God”, which is certainly a rather startling full years of living with these challenges. In the middle image. But it does capture the assurance expressed by Psalm 121 and many other psalms that God is wakeful of last summer, we had good reason to hope that the and attentive. God’s unceasing attention includes us end was in sight. But then new risks emerged and we here at Columbia Seminary in these long weeks and responded, once again, with careful deliberation. The months of challenges and restrictions. That comfort hurdles over the past two years have been both high and assurance is truly a gift to us in many ways. We are and unrelenting; I know that many people reading these words have experienced something very similar. confident that we will return, in due time, to our full campus activities. In the meantime, we are so grateful We are both very tired but also very determined. We as a community of students, faculty, staff, and trustees for the many expressions of support and encouragement remain committed to the mission of Columbia in spite we receive from the large extended family of Columbia. of exhausting challenges that seem to continually This issue of Vantage gives voice to the fullness of our morph into something new to confront. life together, in spite of all that discourages and wearies us. Here are the stories of the faithful work of two Examples of how we are persisting abound. At the missionaries, shaped by their formation at Columbia; beginning of the pandemic, perhaps 25% of our our inaugural Florence Hill Morris Memorial Presidential faculty were skilled in online learning. Now, 100% Scholarship recipient; faculty who are productive and of our faculty are experienced online teachers. In imaginative and committed. I am grateful for the quality this pandemic time, we acquired two grants from of our life together and determined to continue to lead the Lilly Endowment which will support our efforts in the months before my retirement this summer. to serve congregations. Our Center for Lifelong Learning has created new strategies for supporting As always, my prayer is for all of you in your particular and encouraging pastors. One of those strategies is place of community and service. Be assured that reaching out to pastors who have lost their jobs in God never slumbers nor sleeps and therefore God’s ministry and suffer deep anguish. We are committed to assuring them of God’s love and acceptance even in unceasing attentiveness falls on you as well as us here at Columbia. My prayers for you in this pandemic their hard times. Our library finds new ways and new resources for our students who cannot come into the time have always included prayers for your safety and building but certainly are provided what they need for strength in every respect. Those prayers continue, joined to yours and received by our gracious God. I hope this learning. All of these are examples of our persistence is a deep river of comfort to you. May God’s grace and and faithfulness in a much longer span of pandemic mercy be with you all, restrictions than we ever imagined. We are, frankly, proud of ourselves for managing so well! But we also try to acknowledge our weariness and recognize the toll this has taken on us all. And we search for signs of God’s presence and leading. I am reminded of the lovely chorus from Mendelssohn’s 2
Blessings, Leanne Van Dyk President
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Blessing of the Pets To celebrate the new pet policy, on Wednesday, October 27, all God’s Creatures celebrated chapel service with a Blessing of the Pets.
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Prayer of Thanksgiving COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY CONVOCATION, NOV. 10, 2021 REV. JEFFERY L. TRIBBLE, SR., PH.D., ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MINISTRY; DIRECTOR OF DMIN PROGRAM
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It’s prayer time. It’s always prayer time. It’s always time to seek the Lord while the Lord may be found, to call upon the Lord while God is near. We’re thankful for the messenger and we’re thankful for the message. Let us go to God’s throne of grace. Creator God, we’re thankful for this day that you have made and that you are making: a day that we rejoice, and we are glad in it. Lord, we’re thankful for this Convocation. As we come, as individuals and as we come as a community—as Board, as faculty, as staff, as students, as administration-- we come as children of God. We come in faith. God, we want to walk worthy our calling to fulfill. God, we want to walk worthy of the mission, the divine assignment, and the purpose that you have created each and every one of us for as well as the mission, the divine assignment, and the purpose of this institution of higher education. God, we want to walk worthy that we might stay on the wall. God, we thank you for the investments that have been made in us individually and we thank you for the investments made in this institution. We recognize that we must be stewards of that which has been
planted and that which has been entrusted to us. We do have a mission. Yes, it’s codified in a mission statement; but our mission is more than our mission statement. We do ask that you will help us to know “the why” and help us to discern the distractions. Help us, O God, and give us strength. Order our steps this academic year that we might walk worthy of the calling wherewith we have been called. Help us to walk in wisdom, humility, and peace. Help us to be a community that is faithfully working towards equity, justice, and inclusion. Help us to stay on the wall! God, we’re thankful for 194 years. We’re trying to stay on the wall. Help us, Lord, amidst all of the distractions, to keep focused and to be committed to the work that you are doing in us and through us. This is our prayer. This is our humble cry. This is our desire. If you agree with these words, let the Church say “Amen.”
This prayer, as well as the cover illustration of this issue, was inspired by, and in response to the 2021 Convocation sermon, preached by Dr. Neichelle R. Guidry, Dean of the Chapel and Director of WISDOM Center at Spellman College. The sermon text was Nehemiah 6:1-9. Scan the code to watch the video on YouTube. Dr. Guidry’s sermon begins around 42:00.
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Imaginative Leaders in the World Columbia Theological Seminary has spent close to three centuries nurturing students to become faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders in the church and the world. One way that Columbia helps prepare students is by giving them opportunities to explore their calling and their faith in different settings. Some of these experiences during their studies at Columbia have helped lead our alumni to their current calling. Maryalice Omokeye Moses and Cheryl Barnes, both 2010 graduates, had the opportunity to serve in Africa while students at Columbia. Omokeye Moses’ very first visit to Africa was in May 2007 when she was studying for her Master of Divinity degree. She had the opportunity to serve in Capetown, South Africa at Belville Anglican Church in what she describes as a “life-changing experience.” “When I was in Capetown, I ministered at the Anglican church, and their worship traditions were appealing to me because it was different from my own. Yet, I was sincerely embraced by the church and the congregation,” says Omokeye Moses. “Conversations with Columbia faculty prepared me for this experience as they encouraged us to embrace change, embrace the unknown, and embrace that we serve a triune God who looks beyond our flaws.” Barnes had a similar experience. In 2008, she traveled to Kenya, East Africa and was mentored and taught by the Reverend Mary Maribie Thige who pastored six congregations.
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“Those congregations were located in communities where abject poverty, internal displacement, and joblessness were the norm as opposed to the exception,” says Barnes. “Reverend Thige’s ministry extended far beyond Sunday morning service and weekly Bible studies. I became totally immersed in the pastoral side of ministry and this was the impetus to pursue a pastoral call and planted the seed that caused a yearning to return to Africa.” After graduation both Omokeye Moses and Barnes accepted calls in Georgia. Omokeye Moses was involved in mission work in Clarkston working with 35 women refugees from various tribes in Liberia. “They were primarily rural women with no education, and I had the opportunity to serve and walk alongside them as they became acclimated to their new home in Metro Atlanta,” says Omokeye Moses. She managed a program established by the 100 Black Women of Metropolitan Atlanta, known as Sisters Helping Sisters, whose goal was to assist women refugees by providing them with knowledge about living in urban areas, particularly apartment living, dealing with utilities, schooling for children, and other daily essential needs.
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After graduation, Barnes immersed herself in all aspects of pastoral ministry. She was called to serve as a solo pastor in Jefferson, Georgia for eight years. She also worked on a number of committees in the Northeast Georgia Presbytery (NEGA) leading workshops, spiritual retreats, and serving as President of the NEGA Black Caucus. But, the time that each spent in Africa while Columbia students had a profound impact on them, and each has made her way back there. In 20ll, Omokeye Moses accepted a call with the Mission of Hope in Central Liberia to become the Global Missionary Director and Missionary. In 2019, Barnes began serving as the Education Facilitator for the five Synods of the Church of Central African Presbyterian (CCAP) in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We were able to catch up with them to learn more about their time in Africa and how they have reconnected. Tell us about the work you are doing: Omokeye Moses: Since I first came to Liberia, I have been committed to continuing the legacy started by a great missionary, Joy Flemister,
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by maintaining a school for pre-schoolers through 9th graders. I develop partnerships with churches, families, NonGovernment Organizations (NGOs), and donors, such as Architects Without Borders, who developed a schematic design for a new school and an amphitheater for our campus. The children live in nine different villages and are mainly people from the Kpelle Tribe. Liberia has 16 known languages, even though English is indicated as the nation’s primary language. Having an interpreter to help me communicate better is very important as many speak the Kpelle language rather than English. The mission of the campus is to increase sustainable economic development through agriculture, teacher training, and a biblical doctrine that helps the students see the relevance in their lives. I serve as the minister from the Church headquarters in Atlanta for four churches in Liberia (three are in rural areas and one in an urban location). I am not there to share knowledge and plans but to gain knowledge from them. The biggest gain for me has been the experience of living in a different culture, in a rural setting, which was actually not so foreign to me. My family is rooted in the rural South and in poverty. For me, growing up in a rural
area was filled with an abundance of love, sharing, and seeing each other as God see us. I believe this is why I feel so at home living on the Mission of Hope even more than I enjoy the urban setting. Liberia is now my second home, and I am grateful for what God has allowed me to do. Barnes: My ministry focus is improving the quality of teaching, child protection (including protection of girls), and education for children with disabilities. Prior to entering ministry, I enjoyed a career as a Special Education Instructor, and I spent seven years in the day care industry as a manager. The position of Education Facilitator intersects with much of my previous education and experience. I partner with the Education Directors from the five Synods to identify and implement the best teaching methodologies, resources, and programs, while establishing ongoing teacher education training for the benefit of targeted CCAP schools. I also work to identify appropriate mechanisms for mainstreaming children with disabilities and assisting the CCAP in the implementation of such programs. Because of the travel restrictions in place due to the Covid pandemic, I have utilized the internet and Zoom to partner with CCAP
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to implement a project called “Educate Our Girls.” This project seeks to address the issue of teen pregnancy which skyrocketed due to the school closures that were necessary due to the pandemic. The Education Directors are determined to focus on expanding educational opportunities of pregnant teens as one of their top priorities. This project is possible because of generous donations from the NEGA Presbytery, Malawi Mission Network, and the Kelly Foundation. What has it been like to reconnect with your Columbia classmate? Omokeye Moses: When I learned that Cheryl was headed to Malawi as a missionary, it brought joy to me and I was very anxious to hear what God was calling her do in Africa. I was particularly interested in what this meant for Cheryl who was a pastor of a church. When did she know that this was what God wanted her to do? Whenever we connect, we have a lot to share and talk about. And we always end on a positive note, with encouragement and resolve to give even more in the work set before us. I am always left with hope and a greater desire to move forward and have faith that we can make a difference by the work that we do. Top and bottom: Cheryl Barnes
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We keep in touch and pray for one another. We talk a lot about how God was using us in such a way that allowed us to use our former careers where we were lovers of education, teaching, training, and sharing the Gospel. Barnes: Much of my call can be contributed to the wonderful new friendships and relationships that were developed with students at Columbia. Because there were only a small number of African American students, we met often for educational and spiritual support. Maryalice Moses and I worked together actively with the African Heritage Seminarians Association (AHSA). The members of AHSA joined together to highlight and uplift the culture of Africa and the achievements of African Americans. AHSA members were intentional with the celebration of Kwanza and Black History Month activities. I was delighted to reconnect with Maryalice 10 years after leaving Columbia when we discovered that we were both working in mission work in Africa. Being able to reconnect with and share our joys and struggles as we fulfill our calls to mission on the continent of Africa has been inspiring. Even though we minister in different countries, our experiences are similar as we both navigate the customs and cultures of our separate countries.
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How did your time at Columbia impact and influence you? Omokeye Moses: The knowledge and experience gained from my time at Columbia helped me when the door opened for me to fulfill a desire I had since I was seven years-old—to travel to Africa. I was told at an early age that I would be a missionary. My life has always been to serve others. I grew up in the Baptist tradition, and yet I welcomed the opportunity to be among those who were from different denominations. Attending Columbia, presented an atmosphere that welcomed people from all walks of life and communities. It was Presbyterian dominant, but it left room for Baptists, Methodists, and other denominations. I was excited to travel to Capetown and to work in the Anglican church. My missionary journey can be summed up by having faith that wherever I am serving, anywhere in the world, the purpose, solution, satisfaction, and success is because of the love of Jesus. Barnes: While at Columbia, I formed relationships with the international students from South Korea and Africa. These specific relationships are more significant from a spiritual sense because they exposed me to ministry outside of my customary church experiences. Becoming aware of the needs of God’s people outside
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of the United States was crucial to the reformation of what I believe to be a defining aspect of my ministry and call to work with the international church community and her most vulnerable citizens on the margins of society. It has often been said that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. This saying not only applies to elementary and secondary education, but it extends to university and to seminary education. Being at Columbia was an instrumental part of God’s plan for my life. I recently had a conversation with the chair of the mission committee at Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California, Mike Veerman. He stated that the faith journey is “walking in the fog, but in the fog, there is solid ground.” Every step of my faith walk, has been “blind faith” and every experience has been used as part of God’s holy plan. In these difficult times, I remind myself of this quote: “The will of God will not take you where the grace of God will not keep you.” I understand that God has called me to mission in Africa, and I feel that I have much to contribute to the education of children in Malawi.
Top, third from left; bottom, second from left; Maryalice Omokeye Moses
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“Having a safe space and a sacred space to share my story with others who are on a similar journey was invaluable. The presence of others helped me to know I am not alone, and I am not beyond recovery.”
Columbia Seminary Addresses a Silent Epidemic of Clergy in Crisis The Center for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Seminary offers the Ministering to Ministers program in support of clergy in crisis, specifically, those who have experienced a forced termination. BY ISRAEL GALINDO, ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
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he silent epidemic of clergy forced terminations continues. According to a 2008 study by the Ministering to Ministers Foundation, • Nearly a fourth, 22.8% of pastors have either been terminated or forced to resign. • Nearly two-thirds, 62%, of the forced-out pastors said the church that dumped them had also forced out other pastors—and 41% said the church had done it more than twice. • Nearly half, 43%, of the forced-out pastors said a ‘faction’ in the church forced them to leave, and 71 % of those indicated that the ‘faction’ numbered 10 or fewer congregates • Only 20% of the forced-out pastors said the real reason for their leaving was made known to the congregation. Tim Sledge, in Goodbye Jesus: An Evangelical Preacher’s Journey Beyond Faith, wrote about the silent epidemic of clergy forced termination. Citing a survey reviewed by Leadership magazine, he wrote: “Squabbles that end in the ouster of ministers are a recurrent and very painful part of church life; congregations are often bitterly divided, with a loss of membership. The survey reported that such dismissals leave pastors and their families wounded spiritually and psychologically, as well as financially, because they frequently must move to find a new position, with children switching schools and spouses changing jobs. Perhaps one of 10 drop out of the ministry entirely after such an episode, the study indicated.” VA N T A G E
The Reasons for Clergy Forced Terminations
A Forced Termination Hurts Clergy
Consequences To the Congregation
When asked what the number one issue is for clergy-congregation conflict (often leading to a forced termination) one can guess several: money, theology, or leadership style for example. Those are good guesses, but they are not the most common.
Trauma has no shelf life, and unresolved issues hamper growth and ministry effectiveness long after a forced termination. And, the experience itself can be shamefully cruel.
We can understand the effects of the trauma of a forced termination on a pastor and their family. But we often neglect to appreciate the impact it has on a congregation.
Despite rhetoric and confessed beliefs about Gospel mission and mandate, it remains true that congregations are a type of religious community. As such, they operate more like family or tribe despite being missional. Simply put, congregations, as communities have a tendency to be bounded, focused inward, generative, and focused on self-preservation. None of those are bad in and of themselves, but that reality can hint at why it is so difficult for clergy to move a congregation toward an outward-looking, missional ministry orientation. A conflicting vision for the church tops the number one cause for forced terminations. Outreach versus taking care of the church members is a major conflict of vision for the church. Ironically, a pastor’s a five-year vision plan for outreach will conflict with the members’ demands about their own needs and interests. Often, the conflict is fed by anxieties about scarcity of resources— whether actual or imagined. There is perhaps no bigger frustration, and heartache, I see among clergy than how difficult they find it to lead their congregations to be a realized Church as per God’s intent. Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
We asked clergy What is the one thing you’ll never forget “they” said when you were terminated? Here are some of their answers. “I’ll get rid of him if it’s the last thing I do.” “We wish you luck doing anything but this” “We are not comfortable with the kind of people you are attracting.” “You don’t fit in here and you are just going through the motions of ministry.” “Let me just rip the bandaid and tell you why you are here!” “It’s our church and we’ll run it the way we want to.” “If you leave without telling anyone, we will give you more money.” “I don’t care if they end up flipping burgers.” One aftermath of the forced termination trauma is that clergy often become further isolated by choice, because of a sense of shame and failure. Others feel isolated due to the distancing they experience from peers and even denominational staff who ostensibly should be a support system. The feeling of isolation exacerbates the trauma of the forced termination experience.
David A. Myers offers a list of the effects of a pastoral forced termination on a congregation: • Some members may feel betrayed by a minister leaving without reasonable closure and some will never be close to a minister again. • Some become angry with the small group who led the firing, resentful that the entire church was not involved in such an important matter. • Some become angry over the terms of a severance package. Those who supported the pastor want more; those opposed want less. This anger shows up in reduced giving by one side or the other. Once a forced termination occurs, it becomes easier to do it again. Churches become marked as “tough” churches, and prospective ministers will shy away from considering accepting a call.
“This was an incredible retreat for me, considering that I had only left my church days before. It was a time to process and hear other stories from colleagues, and helped me see that I am not alone in this journey” 11
Unresolved issues remain and power struggles are not dealt with. These issues show up later in other discussions and decisions. Supporters of the pastor and those seeking dismissal become pitted against one another, setting the church on a course of failure. Even if the whole church was in agreement, there are issues of grief, guilt, and anger to deal with. [David A. Myers, “Forced Terminations Affect Churches Too!” The Servant 7 (January 2006).] The Expanding Mission of the Seminary Some will wonder why Columbia, as a seminary, would take on addressing forced clergy terminations. One answer is that our mission and commitment to our students goes beyond the academic preparation for ministry.
“We didn’t look at what we could have done differently, but how we move through our experience, learn from it using tools such as family systems theory and conflict style, and self-care. Telling our stories allowed us to build trust from the respectful listening and prayer.”
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“I had the opportunity to be surrounded in prayer by everyone at the retreat, after an intense discussion about holding in my anger. It was a time of many tears and release, a time I can still remember as the beginning of healing.” Ministry is hard and getting harder. We know some of our graduates (perhaps up to a fourth if statistics hold) will experience a forced termination at some point during their ministry vocation. We want to be here for them, as much as we were during their preparation for ministry. The Ministering to Ministers program provides multiple resources for clergy in crisis. The Wounded Clergy Retreat for clergy and their spouses offers a week-
long experience for support and healing. We offer the services of an attorney to address severance and employment issues if needed. In addition, we provide up to three paid sessions with therapist for those who desire it. The Friends for the Journey are conversation companions who themselves understand the experience of a forced termination. In addition, we offer programs for developing pastoral emotional intelligence and competencies in ministry leadership.
“Although it was difficult to hear so many colleagues have experienced similar upsetting situations in the church and in our service to God, I also felt so surrounded and uplifted by community. My spouse and I are both grateful for our experience.”
The Ministering to Ministers program at Columbia seminary is supported by donors who believe that care and support of clergy is vital to the health and effectiveness of congregations. You can support this initiative by visiting www.ctsnet.edu/support/ and designating Ministering to Ministers on the drop down designation menu.
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Columbia Community Events COLLOQUIUM ’22 and SMYTH LECTURES March 7-9, 2022 online
SAVE THE DATES CELEBRATION OF DR. LEANNE VAN DYK May 16, 2022 Installation of CHRISTINE ROY YODER to the J. McDowell Richards Professor of Biblical Interpretation November 2022 Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
COME SEE COLUMBIA DAY April 21, 2022 Columbia Friendship Circle Annual Event
PUBLIC EVENT May 6 + 7 WRESTLING WITH GOD, FAITH, AND THE BIBLE Weekend Intensive APPLICATION DUE CERTIFICATE IN SPIRITUAL DIRECTION July 1, 2022 Center for Lifelong Learning
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Student Perspectives Angela Johnson, MATS ’23 IS THERE ANYTHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU SO FAR ABOUT THIS YEAR?
I was surprised how beautifully serene and peaceful the quad can be. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING PART OF BEING ON CAMPUS?
Being a full-time student again after over 3 decades away from a degree program is very exciting to me. Being able to do so in person is a bonus. HAS ANYTHING BEEN CHALLENGING ABOUT BEING ON CAMPUS?
Being on campus for me hasn’t been challenging at all. I have some minor physical challenges, especially with uneven surfaces, but I’ve had no problem walking around. The library even has automatic opening accessible doors! WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR?
I hope I feel more “settled”. I felt like I was learning my way around almost until the end of the semester.
Susan Landrum, MDIV/MAPT ’25 IS THERE ANYTHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU SO FAR ABOUT THIS YEAR?
The thing that has surprised me the most is how immediately Columbia felt like a community to me! Everyone I’ve encountered has been kind, welcoming and curious. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING PART OF BEING ON CAMPUS?
The most exciting part about being on campus has certainly been connecting to one another over everything from theological discussions and powerful chapel experiences to beignet bars! HAS ANYTHING BEEN CHALLENGING ABOUT BEING ON CAMPUS?
No, lol
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR?
My hope for the rest of the school year is that we all care for ourselves and one another and that we continue to build community in creative ways.
Celebrating Your Generosity On Tuesday October 26th, Columbia Theological Seminary celebrated our 3rd annual day of giving, Faithfully Forward Day.
We shared the stories of Columbia alumnae, Raushanah Butler (’21) and Rev. Elizabeth Turner (’09), who reflected on how their time at Columbia helped to form and prepare them for their calls. As a member of the Columbia faculty Dr. Raj Nadella, Professor of New Testament, shared inspiring words.
As part of our annual day of giving, Faithfully Forward Day serves as a time of intentional gratitude for students on campus. Throughout the day, students, faculty, and staff qathered on Oldenburg Quad and wrote notes to Columbia donors thanking them for their generosity over the last year. More than a few donuts were shared as part of the card writing event. Thank you to all who donated and continue to support Columbia with your generosity!
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Enlightened Pathway: A ReKindle Interview INTERVIEW BY CHASSIDY GOGGINS MEDIA AND MARKETING COORDINATOR FOR CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
Ministry pivoted in unexpected ways for many congregations during the COVID pandemic. It continues to be a season of constant rethinking of how the Church conducts and embodies ministry. The reKindle congregational development program at the Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) supports congregations in their concrete efforts toward thriving in the current and post-COVID era. A recent reKindle grant recipient, the Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras project, Enlightened Pathways Initiatives, affords opportunities for families to obtain coping skills within an environment that allows them to be nurtured in a multicultural and multilingual community. Jennie Salas and Victor Aloyo are leaders in the Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras, in North Plainfield, NJ. The congregation is over 50 years old but recently acquired a new building and with it, a new community to engage. When asked if they faced any opposition applying for the grant, they gave a resounding “No!” “There was no opposition. People were ready to work. We just kept saying we’re ready, how do we do this?”
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I recently caught up with Jennie and Victor, reKindle project leaders for the Nuevas Fronteras, to discuss their experience. As we talked, I appreciated the chance for discovery and the rekindling of passion that springs from uncharted territory. The interview below gives insight into their program.
I know the focus of your project is to teach coping skills to minority communities. What was the determining factor in your decision to apply for a reKindle grant? Victor: In an immigrant church, it’s already hard to get resources, so COVID and other pandemics before the virus didn’t help the situation. Black and brown communities have always lacked access to speak about their fears and anxieties. Patterns of loss and overwhelming pressures are things we all must cope with. Our church has cultural and linguistic needs with many seeking help to navigate a dominant culture with various obstacles. The Church should be a conduit for resources, to set emotional, intellectual, and spiritual direction. We want our members to be present and mindful of their losses and challenges.
What gets you excited about your project? Jennie: For me, it’s the holistic approach we’re taking with ministry and opportunities to apply mental and soul care. Victor: Creating a new model for ministry enriched with bio-psycho-spiritual-cultural components of ministry. We’re building this model through collaboration which is something we love.
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Who makes up your team for the reKindle grant project? Jennie: We both do. I have a master’s in social work and have experience working in mental health and substance abuse settings. Victor: I’m an educator and administrator at Princeton Theological Seminary. There’s an assumption with immigrant communities that they don’t have much to offer but they, we, have so much to offer! Our congregation has eight ordination candidates to the Church and we have served as a field education site for 62 field interns. We’re an overall teaching ministry. We have so many offering their talents and gifts to the Church!
To learn more about Iglesia Presbiteriana Nuevas Fronteras, visit their Facebook page [facebook.com/NFC170] and website [nuevasfronteraspcusa. org/]. The reKindle Impact Grant is designed to help congregations realize their goal of being a thriving congregation by supporting their focused attention on an identified need and mission priority. Columbia’s Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is offering the reKindle grant to applicable
congregations. The grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations project. Through the program, ten grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded to support projects designed to enhance congregational vitality in a post-COVID-19 context to congregations accepted into the program. Applications for the next cohort in the reKindle Congregational Development program are open now through April 2022. Apply today at ctsnet.edu/rekindle or read more about the applicatiion process on the following page.
What do you hope to accomplish with your reKindle grant project? Victor: Discerning what can we provide for this community, now! We want individuals to realize it’s okay to talk to someone about the frustrations of life. The Church should be a safe space where it’s okay to speak about mental health while acknowledging the pressures of society. Iglesia Presbiteriana is over 50 years old with a sense of newness to our call. We’re sort of in a blank canvas phase because we’re in a new building and community. We keep asking ourselves what can we do now to serve this area? Jennie summed up the grant opportunity with this: “We’re in a space of gratitude. We’re blessed by God to bless the world.” Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
“We want individuals to realize it’s okay to talk to someone about the frustrations of life. The Church should be a safe space where it’s okay to speak about mental health while acknowledging the pressures of society.” Victor Aloyo 17
2022 reKindle Grant Applications Are Now Open For the second year, the Columbia’s Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is offering the rekindle grant to congregations. The grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations project. The CLL, through the rekindle program, will make Impact Grants of up to $10,000 to support projects designed to enhance congregational vitality in a post-COVID-19 context to congregations accepted into the program.
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The reKindle Impact Grant is designed to help congregations realize their goal of being a thriving congregation by supporting their focused attention on an identified need and mission priority. Examples of possible projects are: • Explore and deepen the congregation’s understanding of social and cultural trends that affect the congregation
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leading to new ministry responses that impact the congregation, locally or regionally, leading to new ministries or community engagement. Learn about the congregation’s immediate neighborhood, town, city, region and/or broader areas of concern through research and faceto-face encounters which can lead to ministry responses or strategic changes leading to thriving encounters, leading to strategic changes to support a thriving congregation or new ministry responses. Engage in a deep study of the congregation’s corporate values, theological
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convictions and reevaluate mission and ministry priorities in light of its changing contexts. Identify areas for ministry where the congregation has the greatest passion, capacity, and sense of calling. A congregation may then implement a new ministry initiative or expand a current one
The application deadline is April 30, 2022. For more information you can visit: ReKindle | Columbia Theological Seminary (ctsnet.edu) or scan below.
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Register now! Upcoming Courses at the Center for Lifelong Learning March 7–April 8 The Life of Christ in Art and Poetry ONLINE
With: Liz Forney March 14–16 Leadership in Ministry Atlanta With: Israel Galindo, Michael Cook, James Lamkin, Skip Johnson, Dan Koger, and Vanessa Ellison March 21–23 Leadership in Ministry Lynchburg With: Israel Galindo, Elaine Boomer, Andrew Archie, Carla Toenniessen, Lance King, and Bill Pyle March 21–29 Theological Reflection in Older Adulthood ONLINE
With: Skip Johnson April 4–May 6 Prophetic Preaching ONLINE
With: Jake Myers April 7–10 Creation Through a New Lens With: Jim Dant
April 26–29 Baptism and Belonging Creating, Becoming and Being Beloved Community (Thompson Scholars) With: Lisa Weaver, Martha MooreKeish, Adriene Thorne, and John H. Vaughn
September 19–21 Developing Your Pastoral Intelligence: Emotion Fitness for Ministry With: V. Maurice Graham, Jennifer Collins, and Stephen C. Booth
May 2–6 Be Still and Know: A Contemplative Retreat With: Carl McColman and Debra Weir
September 19–23 Guthrie Scholars To apply or learn more, visit: ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ postgraduate-programs/guthriescholars/
May 16–18 Leadership in Ministry Boston With: Israel Galindo, Margaret Marcuson, Elaine Boomer, Rebecca Maccini, and Meg Hess
September 26–October 28 Praying with Teresa of Avila Exploring the Interior Castle through Image and Metaphor With: Elizabeth Ford Friend
July 1 Certificate in Spiritual Direction Applications Due Apply here: ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ certificate-programs/certificatespiritual-direction/
October 24–27 Wounded Ministers Retreat Location: Lynchburg, VA With: Michael Lee Cook, Skip Irby, Bill Harkins, Skip Johnson, Robert and Clarise Dibble
July 11–14 Wounded Ministers Retreat Location: Birmingham, AL With: Michael Wilson and Beverly Buston
TCI@CTS 2023 applications are now open Visit ctsnet.edu/lifelong-learning/ certificate-programs/coachinginstitute/
July 25–August 25 Prayer: Deepening Your Relationship with God With: Deedra Rich Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
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Finding Her Community, Funding Her Future Maggie Johnson, MDiv/MAPT ’25 is Columbia’s inaugural Florence Hill Morris Memorial Presidential Scholarship recipient. This scholarship is an academic honors award that goes to a student with high academic achievement who intends to be ordained. The scholarship was established by former Trustee and long-time supporter William S. “Billy” Morris III. It honors his mother, Florence Hill Morris, and nurtures future leadership in preaching and teaching the gospel. INTERVIEW BY COURTNEY HENRY MDIV/MAPT ’24
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Originally from Little Rock, AR, Maggie Johnson graduated from the University of Tulsa in 2019 with a degree in Psychology. After serving a church in Dallas, TX for two years she made the move to Decatur, GA and Columbia. Her home church congregation is Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.
Why did you choose to come to seminary? I chose coming to seminary because I’ve always had the same church experience my whole life: one experience, one theology and I’m very grateful for it! I wouldn’t necessarily change that for anything, but I do love being in a classroom where everybody has a different experience than my own. I think we’re better because of it.
What initially drew you to Columbia? The amazing faculty! Every conversation I had with a faculty member felt so conversational and lifegiving and it felt like they were truly invested in me and my faith discernment journey which was really special.
What has been your favorite thing about this past semester here? I think back to l the professors. Professors knew my name after the first day. I would be walking on campus and pass by Dr. Breed and even the second week he’d be like “hey Maggie!” There would be like 20 or 30 of us in that class, all in masks, and he still recognized me and knew my name. That just really Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
made me feel like this was my community immediately.
What is something that you think sets Columbia apart from the other Presbyterian seminaries? I think something special about Columbia is that it is embracing change even though it’s hard. I think there’s a lot of room to grow and a lot of room for grace, but at least the church and the seminary as a whole is, in my mind, what the Kingdom of God should look like. There are various perspectives, various backgrounds, diverse interpretations of scripture, and that is something that I wanted when I came to seminary.
How did you receive the Presidential scholarship? All throughout the seminary [application] process, financial and scholarship packages were always the hinge that determined if I was going to be able to go to seminary. Around March, I got my scholarship package from Columbia. I opened the scholarship letter and was awarded the Florence Hill Morris scholarship which gave me everything I could have asked for and more, which was just a huge relief! I think within 30 minutes of receiving that letter I submitted that “yes” I was officially coming to Columbia! It was the best thing to be able to think “Okay, I can go and fully engage in theological education with no financial obligation,” which is an immense privilege that I wish more people had access to. And that I’m super grateful that I have access to.
Scholarships like this continue to prove to me that the church is alive in the world, and I believe in the goodness of the church. I believe that financial stewardship goes beyond just giving on Sunday mornings. While that is super important, I think it also goes into what do we invest our time and money into and the fact that people are investing their money in seminarians is really helpful for me as someone who is hopeful to be a pastor later on.
If a prospective student was looking at Columbia, what’s a piece of advice you would give them about here? You’re not just here for academics. You’re here to build your life and to build your discernment and your vocation for three to four years depending on your program. It’s about where you can see yourself living life and becoming who God created you to be and if that space is Columbia, then I think—yes— that’s awesome!
Many donors choose to establish or contribute to an endowed fund, creating a lasting legacy. Endowed funds can be unrestricted or designated for a wide range of purposes, including scholarships, faculty chairs and professorships, academic programs, and maintenance of facilities. For information about setting up an endowed fund contact Charles Wiley, Director of Major Gifts, 404-687-4671, wileyc@ctsnet.edu 21
Every day, at Columbia Theological Seminary we are called to educate and nurture faithful, imaginative, and resilient leaders for the sake of the Church and the world. In a time such as this, when effective pastoral leadership is especially vital to our congregations, health care settings and nonprofit organizations serving locally and globally, this calling is more compelling than ever. Your support of Meet the Call, the Annual Fund for Columbia, has an immediate impact. Gifts to Meet the Call sustain all aspects of the transformative theological education and formation that Columbia provides—including scholarships and academic support, housing, technology, library resources and more. No matter what pressing needs emerge over this 21-22 academic year, your contribution helps Columbia remain steadfast in 22
its mission of preparing the next generation of pastoral leaders for ministry in a complex world. Emily Mooneyhan, MDiv ’20, is serving in her first call as a solo pastor of two small South Carolina congregations in yoked ministry— bringing together siblings in Christ from two different faith traditions. “I accepted my first call at the beginning of the pandemic, and I am so grateful for my Columbia education and formation which prepared me well for the complexities of ministry in quickly changing times.
The generosity of Columbia’s supporters made it possible for me to respond to my call to seminary. This generosity, during and even now, after seminary, is a great and liberating gift. I continue to be grateful for what donor support made possible for me and now makes possible for those future leaders who come behind me.” Will you consider making a special gift today to sustain Columbia’s call to serve the church and God’s changing world?
Make your gift today by visiting ctsnet.edu/give, scanning the QR code, or calling 404-687-4588. VA N T A G E
Seminary News President Van Dyk Announces Retirement Dr. Leanne Van Dyk, President of Columbia Theological Seminary, has announced she will retire in July 2022. She has served the seminary since July 2015. Throughout her career, Van Dyk has worked tirelessly in the calling of theological education to prepare church leaders for a variety of ministries. Her career spans 29 years, beginning at San Francisco Theological Seminary, then moving to Western Theological Seminary in Michigan before being called to Columbia. Her commitments to theological education are also evident in her key roles in the Association of Theological Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
Schools and various projects and committees of the PC(USA). Under her leadership, Columbia has largely fulfilled the strategic priorities set by the Board of Trustees in 2017, and realized its Vision 2020 framework, articulated more than a decade ago. This year she started a new visioning process of looking ahead to Columbia’s Third Century that begins in 2029 by leading the development of a new vision and strategic plan that will chart the next chapter for Columbia. Van Dyk has also taken steps forward to ensure that Columbia is a place that is inclusive and welcoming. She has helped build a more diverse faculty and student body—the 2021-2022 school year saw the school’s first majority minority class of students and the
number of faculty of color has increased to now comprise 45% of the faculty. In 2020, she initiated and then worked with Columbia’s Vice Presidents to develop the Repairing the Breach commitment which the Board of Trustees approved. This document names the reality of deep-seated patterns of racism and exclusion that Columbia Seminary participated in and is now determined to collaboratively address for a future of racial justice. With a belief that online education is not second best and that it should be as relational, participatory, and communitybuilding as residential educational models, Van Dyk has helped Columbia step into the online world with a new MA(TS) degree program. The school is moving 23
ahead to develop additional online degree programs. “President Van Dyk has led Columbia forward with boldness and courage, and we are grateful that she will continue to be at the helm during the rest of this academic year as we finalize a vision for Columbia’s next chapter,” said the Rev. Dr. Jane Fahey, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It is a great personal privilege to work as Board Chair with a leader of such integrity and forward-looking vision. She is always willing to take big risks to further our mission of educating and nurturing faithful, imaginative, and effective leaders for the sake of the Church and the world. While I regret that she will not be here to witness the blossoming of all the positive seeds she has planted, I honor her desire to move into her next chapter.”
Records From PC(USA) Archives to Be Available on Ancestry.com BY BRIAN HECKER, PUBLIC SERVICES ARCHIVIST, JOHN BULOW CAMPBELL LIBRARY
On the third floor of the John Bulow Campbell Library, the C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives holds in trust Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) records dating from the late 18th century up through the present. The geographic regions represented in these records primarily includes the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, 24
Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. In September 2021, Columbia Theological Seminary officially became a partner with Ancestry. com, and beginning in early 2022, Ancestry.com will come to the C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives to begin the process of digitizing church records from over 650 collections found among each of the aforementioned states. Multiple considerations influenced the decision to seek digitization of these records. One of the principal reasons is the number of requests received for access and digitization, and the multiple testimonies of the impact that access to such records can bring. Individuals descended from enslaved Africans and African Americans have made the majority of genealogical related requests in recent years. Individual congregations have also sought to identify the names of enslaved members in the history of their congregation. In each instance where the names of specific persons have been located and shared, the results have been healing and affirming. This comprehensive digitization project will aid in content preservation while permitting widescale access to historic Presbyterian records. Congregations and individuals can explore the history of their congregation and sometimes generations of families. In some cases, generations span from colonial times up through the
second world war and beyond. Currently, several thousand Presbyterian church records are available online at Ancestry thanks to an earlier partnership with the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia. The positive experience recounted by staff at PHS as well as the quality of the images produced played a role in influencing Columbia’s decision to seek a partnership with Ancestry. Ancestry will digitize the records at a high resolution in accordance with standards set by the National Archives and Records Administration of the United States (NARA). These images will be made available online on Ancestry.com shortly after the digitization project has been completed. Columbia Theological Seminary will be provided an Ancestry institutional account to facilitate access. In addition, Columbia will be supplied separate copies of all digital images and will be able to share these in the future. The C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives continues to accept the deposit of church records by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches and presbyteries. If there is interest in having new deposits included within the Ancestry digitization project, the following stipulations apply: Deposit of records will follow the normal policy as provided in the Deposit Agreement (available upon request). This normal process includes an agreement that all incoming records being placed on deposit remain the property of the depositing Presbyterian VA N T A G E
Church (U.S.A.) corporate agency and the records will remain within the C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections and Archives for a minimum of five years. All or some of a collection may be considered for digitization, though records produced within 50 years will not be made available online
as per our access policy. Final decision for inclusion into the project is made by Ancestry in consultation with archives staff. It is requested that a written letter of acceptance or decline of inclusion within the Ancestry digitization project be included with the deposit supplied
separately by a Clerk of Session, Stated Clerk, or authorized representative. For further questions, please contact the archives by phone at (404) 687-4628 or by email at archivist@ctsnet.edu.
Crafting the Lilly Grant application. From left: David Huffine, Vice President for Advancement: Lucy Baum, Executive Assistant, President’s Office; Dr. Love Sechrest, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Faculty, Associate Professor of New Testament; and President Leanne Van Dyk
Columbia Receives $1 Million Lilly Grant Columbia Theological Seminary has received a grant of $1 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help prioritize and respond to the challenges of preparing pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future. This grant will help Columbia position itself for a future of increased relevance and effectiveness for its Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
third century by funding a new initiative, Pastoral Leadership for the Church of Many Cultures. “We are so honored to receive this funding,” says Columbia’s President, Leanne Van Dyk. “As our project title reflects, we have discerned a clear call to align all that we do with the
fundamental challenges and opportunities of social location and racial justice. This central conviction is at the heart of the initiative funded by this grant and will prepare Columbia for increased effectiveness in preparing leadership in the context of a rapidly changing and increasingly diverse church.” 25
Pastoral Leadership for a Church of Many Cultures is being funded through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. It is a three-phase initiative designed to help theological schools across the United States and Canada as they prioritize and respond to the most pressing challenges they face as they prepare pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future. The three projects that are part of Columbia’s Pastoral Leadership for a Church of Many Cultures are: • “Columbia Connects” – a recruitment and admissions project that will build relational points of contact and trust with prospective students from the PC(USA), as well as prospective students from under-served communities of color, in order to prepare pastoral leaders for Christian churches. • “Columbia Contextualizes” – a professional development project that will increase the
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faculty’s capacity for curricular innovation in two areas: intercultural teaching and learning for a diverse church, and congregational ministry effectiveness. “Columbia Campaign” – a planning study to engage stakeholders in the design of a comprehensive campaign that will equip Columbia to serve the aspirations and vitality of an increasingly intercultural church.
Columbia Theological Seminary is one of 84 theological schools that are receiving a total of more than $82 million in grants through the second phase of the Pathways initiative. Together, the schools represent evangelical, mainline Protestant, nondenominational, Pentecostal, Roman Catholic and Black church and historic peace church traditions (e.g., Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, Quakers). Many schools also serve students and pastors from Black, Latino, Korean American, Chinese
American and recent immigrant Christian communities. “Theological schools have long played a pivotal role in preparing pastoral leaders for churches,” said Christopher L. Coble, the Endowment’s vice president for religion. “Today, these schools find themselves in a period of rapid and profound change. Through the Pathways Initiative, theological schools will take deliberate steps to address the challenges they have identified in ways that make the most sense to them. We believe that their efforts are critical to ensuring that Christian congregations continue to have a steady stream of pastoral leaders who are well-prepared to lead the churches of tomorrow.” Lilly Endowment launched the Pathways initiative in January 2021 because of its longstanding interest in supporting efforts to enhance and sustain the vitality of Christian congregations by strengthening the leadership capacities of pastors and congregational lay leaders.
Matt Cowell and Emily Beaver take part in “Feliz Gay Christmas” in Riggs Commons, hosted by Imago Dei, SAGE, and HALA on Decmber 11. 26
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Public Event: Wrestling with God, Faith, and the Bible Columbia’s Biblical Studies faculty are teaching a two-day weekend intensive “Wrestling with God, Faith, and the Bible” Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Love Sechrest will open the event on Friday night with a session on The Perils of Passing: Creating the Beloved Community We all Need. On Saturday, there will be sessions presented by Dr. William Brown, Dr. Raj Nadella, Dr. Christine Roy Yoder, Dr. Mitzi Smith, and Dr. Brennan Breed. The event will be free and open to the public. We are extending a special invitation to the Decatur community, alumni, and students to join us.
Friday, May 6 5:30 - 6:20pm Reception and opening Remarks & Intro of Dean 6:30 - 7:45 Session 1 – Dr. Love Sechrest: The Perils of Passing: Creating the Beloved Community We all Need 7:45 - 8:00 Closing Remarks & Tomorrow’s Schedule
Saturday, May 7 9:00 - 9:15am Opening Remarks & Intros 9:15 - 10:30 Session 2 – Dr. William Brown: Honest to God and Ourselves: The Power of Lament in the Bible
12:00 - 12:50 Lunch 1:00 - 2:15 Session 4 – Dr. Christine Roy Yoder: Job and Job’s Friends: Wrestling with Suffering and Faith in the Wisdom Literature 15 Minute Break 2:30 - 3:45 Session 5 – Dr. Mitzi Smith: ‘Who Do You Say I Am?’: Jesus, Identity, and Justice 15 Minute Break 4:00 - 5:15 Session 6 – Dr. Brennan Breed: Bringing the Case Before the LORD: Wrestling with God in the Torah 5:15 - 5:45 Closing Reception/evaluation/feedback cards
15 Minute Break 10:45 - 12:00 Session 3 – Dr. Raj Nadella: What Should we do Then? Nuts and Bolts in Luke’s Vision of Economic Justice
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FacultyAuthor Spotlight Columbia’s faculty lead the way in their fields. They are asked to speak at conferences, they write articles, and they publish books. In our new Author Spotlight, we talk to our faculty authors about the impetus behind their publications. Dr. Mitzi J. Smith, J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament
Minoritized Women Reading Race and Ethnicity: Intersectional Approaches to Constructed Identity and Early Christian Texts by Mitzi J. Smith , Jin Young Choi , et al., Sep 24, 2020
and queer identified. Each of the racialized or ethnic groups are less than 10% (some less than 5%) of the Society of Biblical Literature membership. We are under-represented and often over-committed. Ultimately, three Korean or Korean American and three African American women biblical scholars were able to write essays for the project: Drs. Jung Hyun Choi, Jennifer Kaalund, Janette OK, Angela Parker, and, of course, Jin Young Choi and I (as co-editors and contributors).
How did the collaboration for Minoritized Women Reading Race and Ethnicity come about? What moment or moments crystalized the need to lift these voices?
What do you hope readers walk away from this book with and what do you hope they do as a result of it?
Dr. Jin Young Choi and I have been colleagues for some time. We participated in SBL sessions and international meetings together in support of one another and have had many conversations. I presented the idea of this book to Dr. Choi who, of course, recognized the need and significance of the project. Our voices as women biblical scholars of color were absent from the scholarly texts addressing race and ethnicity and early Christianity or texts. Dr. Choi is an excellent editor, having already edited many books. She was a natural choice to work with on this project. We originally invited 16 contributors from diverse racialized, ethnic, and sexual identities, including Latina, Native Indigenous, Africana,
I hope readers will see that it matters who reads and from what perspective we read biblical texts. Our readings are disruptive of the dominant canon on the subject in the field, are overtly cultural and contextual, and raise and address unique questions. It is important that readers of biblical texts (i.e., pastors, seminary students, Christian education leaders, justiceminded persons) engage the perspectives of racialized and ethnic scholars different from ourselves. The book encourages critical reflection and dialogue with others different from ourselves, fuels creativity, and opens us to new epistemologies or ways of knowing, living and being in the world and in relationship with others. This
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book demonstrates how members of the same racialized or ethnic group can have shared histories and experiences and read differently. Dr. Angela Parker and I both offer readings of Galatians, but they are different from one another. Any last words or thoughts you want to share about the book or writing it? It was a difficult process because of our small numbers in the academy. But we cannot be deterred. We must continue to do this collaborative work. We hope that theological schools and adjacent organizations will continue to provide opportunities for women of color to enter the scholarly guild of biblical studies as doctoral students and then as scholars/educators.
the Bible’s canonical unity does not erase but heighten its diversity. Why does the Bible preserve such a rich theological diversity rather than strive for uniformity and harmony? To cultivate meaningful, self-critical, edifying dialogue among its readers. I think you lay out a lot of reasons for this book in the first couple of pages of the first chapter alone, but I am wondering what the crystalizing moment or moments were that convinced you had to write this book?
Dr. William B. Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament Deep Calls to Deep: The Psalms in Dialogue Amid Disruption Dr. William P. Brown, September 2021 I’ve read the descriptions of the book, but I am curious about how you personally describe the book when someone asks you “what’s your book about?” This book is about engaging the dialogues hosted in the Bible, especially among the Psalms. The Bible is its own e pluribus unum, a unity created out of diversity. But Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
Two interminable “moments”: 1) the political polarization in our national government brought on by the previous administration, and 2) the social polarization prompted by the pandemic. Of course, partisan polarization is nothing new to American politics, but these two “moments” have brought things to a head. Disdain and disregard have replaced the need for dialogue and mutual understanding. Even families have been ripped apart by partisan conflict. Who would have thought that a common enemy such as COVID would divide rather
than unite us. Having endured the ravages of the past six years, particularly the last two, I knew I had to write a book about the Bible that highlighted its dialogical character, especially since the Bible has been used abusively as a divider among communities of faith during this time. What feeling/ideas/emotions/ knowledge do you hope readers walk away from this book with and what do you hope they do as a result of it? A renewed confidence and openness to engage others who are different from oneself, motivated by love for the other. To feel equipped to engage in dialogue without necessarily seeking common ground but at least reaching mutual understanding and growth. Finally, to get excited about how the Bible itself, particularly the Psalms, cultivates a love for dialogue and deeper understanding of God and the world. Any last words or thoughts you want to share about the book or writing it? I’ve discovered among the lament psalms just how dominant the theme of justice is. Many a lament serves as a protest to God and the larger community that Israelite lives matter!
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Our Faculty Dr. Martha Moore-Keish J.B. GREEN PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY
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Reviewed Ian McFarland’s The World Made Flesh: A Theology of the Incarnation for Presbyterian Outlook Blog for Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion— “Racism, Shame, and the Complexity of Human Nature” Taught a five-week Wednesday evening class First Presbyterian Church Atlanta: “Thinking Theologically in a World of Many Religions” from January –February 2022 Lectured for a five-week Sunday morning series at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC on the book of James beginning March 2022
Dr. Israel Galindo
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Bowen Center Faith and Leadership Program seminar attendee: January 2022
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Webinar for Leadership in Ministry: January 2022
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Assisted with Colloquy for Young Black Church Clergy: February 2022
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Webinar for Leadership in Ministry: November 2021
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Assisted in leading Leadership in Ministry Atlanta Workshop: November 2021
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J. DAVISON PHILIPS PROFESSOR OF NEW TESTAMENT
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Presided over the first inaugural Society of Biblical Literature Womanist Interpretation Program Unit session of Black Women Biblical Scholars on the topic “Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Womanist Biblical Interpretation.” Also presented a paper: “Sexual Violence, Crucifixion, and Silence,” November 20 2021
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Presented 3 papers at the Annual Society of Biblical Literature/American Academic of Religion
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Published book review of Wongi Park’s book, The Politics of Race and Ethnicity in Matthew’s Passion Narrative in SBL’s Review of Biblical Literature, December 30, 2021
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Publication of essay, “A Womanist Activist Approach to Biblical Interpretation and Justice” in Touchstone Journal forthcoming February 2022
Assisted with Lilly Thriving Congregations Gathering: February 2022
J. MCDOWELL RICHARDS PROFESSOR OF BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION
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Taught a session on Genesis for First Presbyterian Church in Vero Beach, Florida in October 2021 Panelist at the 2021 American Academy of Religion (AAR) in San Antonio, TX along with Dr. Bill Brown, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary Preacher at Clairmont Place in Decatur, GA in November 2021
Respondent for the Princeton Theological Seminary Old Testament Research Colloquium in March 2, 2022
Dr. Mitzi J Smith
Dr. Christine Roy Yoder
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
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Webinar for Leadership in Ministry: February 2022
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Publication of book chapter: “Letter to a ‘Young’ Biblical Scholar” in Letters to a Young Theologian, edited by Henco van der Westhuizen, February 2022 Publication of book chapter: “A Slave Named Jesus (Christ): Abolitionist Messiah Born of a Doule,” in Bitter the Chastening Rod: African American Interpretation in the Age of #BLM, #SayHerName, and #Metoo, edited by Mitzi J. Smith, Angela Parker, and Ericka Dunbar, February 2022 Hosted dialogue at Mount Rubidoux Seventh-day Adventist Church, Riverside, CA about her book Womanist Sass and Talk Back: Social (In)Justice, Intersectionality, and Biblical Interpretation in February 2022
Dr. Tim Hartman
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Appointed as a Board Member for Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion – Journal on Teaching in November 2021
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Attended Orientation Session for Wabash Consultants in November 2021
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Workshop leader for Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Religion— “Early Career Faculty” in November 2021
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Began a yearlong (2022) sabbatical of working on: “Seeing the Future of the African American Church in the Rainbow: A Year in the Life of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries”
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY
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Publication of book: Kwame Bediako: African Theology for a World Christianity by Langham Press in 2021 and will be published by Fortress Press in 2022
Dr. Ralph C Watkins PEACHTREE PROFESSOR OF EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH
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Keynote speaker at the REvangelism Conference in Montreat, NC, November 2021
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Taught Masterclass for United Methodist Church Annual SBCC21: “Shift Happens: Curating Your Career” in November 2021
Dr. William Yoo ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF AMERICAN RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL HISTORY
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Blog for Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion—“Are We ‘Two-thousand and Late?’ The Perils of Teaching with Outdated Approaches in the Information Explosion Era”
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Alumni News 1900s
2000s
Paul Irwin MDiv ’84 and his wife Ann, have returned to central California after establishing a new EPC congregation in Corning, NY, and serving for the past 6 years. They wanted to be closer to their 2 granddaughters who live in the Bay Area. Paul has returned to Fowler Presbyterian Church where he served as Senior Pastor. He is now “semi-retired” and is serving as part-time Associate Pastor for Worship and Music. Paul and Annie live in a 100 year old ranch house in a vineyard with the owls and coyotes.
Brandi Casto-Waters ’00 has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church in Augusta, GA.
Jarred Hammet MDiv ’85 began serving as pastor at the Presbyterian Church at Manning, Manning, SC, in May 2021. Jeri Parris Perkins MDiv ’87 was called to serve as Interim Pastor at Johns Island Presbyterian Church (organized in 1710), in January 2022. Previously, she served as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, where she served for seven years. Beth Yarborough, MDiv ’99 announced her retirement as pastor in December 2021, from Williston Presbyterian Church, Williston SC. On October 1, 2021, Beth began work as a consultant with Pinnacle Leadership Associates.
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Susan Takis MDiv ’03 was installed as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs, FL, February 2021. Kim Wadlington MDiv ’07 and Derek Wadlington MDiv ’06 have moved to Harrisburg, PA, where Kim serves as one of the pastors at the Market Square Presbyterian Church in downtown Harrisburg, since May 2021. Derek is finishing his fifth year as the Besch/ Clarkson College Chaplain and Director of the Curran Bonner Leader Program at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. Their young children from Columbia Seminary days, Gus, Priscilla, and Zeke are now 21, 19, and 17! Will Shelburne MDiv ’07 is Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Greer, SC. Andy King MDiv ’08 entered Emory University’s Genetic Counseling Training Program, August 2021, as part of their 10th cohort of graduate students. His thesis research will focus on the barriers to healthcare experienced by African American women who are FMR1 premutation carriers.
Libby Shannon MDiv ’08 and spouse, Michael Stokes, welcomed their daughter, Kathryn Eunice Stokes on December 1, 2021. They reside in St. Petersburg, FL, where Libby serves as Emerging Ministries Associate Presbyter for the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. Tully Fletcher MDiv ’08 is Associate Pastor for Youth and Congregational Transformation at Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA. Paul Sherwood MDiv ’09 retired as pastor of Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church in Hoover, AL. After relocating to Georgia, he became part-time Parish Associate for First Presbyterian Church in Marietta, GA.
2010s Robert Lowry MDiv ’10 is Pastor and Head of Staff at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, AR. Melissa McNair-King MDiv ’10 is pastor of Fairview Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville, GA Nathaniel “J.R.” Dunlap MATS ’11 is now Chief Diversity Officer at Point University, a Christ-centered institution in West Point, GA. He also teaches in the Department of Biblical Studies.
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Alan Dyer MDiv ’13 was called as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, SC, on January 30, 2022.
Emily Wilmesherr MDiv ’17 is Associate Pastor for Intergenerational and Caring Ministries at Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA.
Katy Walters MDiv MAPT ’15, originally a native of North Texas, joined the Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, Helotes, Texas, as pastor in February 2021.
Betsy Stow MDiv ’18 is the Assistant Director of Public Services at the John Bulow Campbell Library, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA. Betsy began her new position January 4, 2022.
Jeromey Howard MDiv ’15 is now Pastor of both First Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, NY, and Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Thompson Ridge, NY. Lisa Schrott MDiv ’16 is Head of Staff at The Presbyterian Church of Okemos in Okemos, MI.
Dallas Thompson, MDiv ’19 is an Emory Spiritual Health Winship Fellow at Emory Winship Cancer Center, Atlanta, GA.
Olive Mahabir MDiv ’17 was called as Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care and Adult Spiritual Growth at Northminster Presbyterian Church, Roswell, GA.
2020s Sarah Morrell MDiv ’21 is Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries at Round Rock Presbyterian Church, Round Rock, TX, since August 2021. Sarah is a native Texan and lives in south Austin with her husband, Andrés, and their chihuahua, Frida. Raushanah Butler MDiv ’21 recently became the Director of Alumni Engagement for Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Raushanah was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the AME church prior to graduation in May 2021. Josh Woodsmith ’21 is Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Jonesboro, GA.
In Memoriam James Coad Jr. B.D. ’57 – August 14, 2020 Albert Grady Harris Jr. B.D. ’51 – December 20, 2020 Morris Alford Taylor MDiv ’97 – January 29, 2021 Danny Austin McRight MDiv ’72 – October 19, 2021 James England Bowden BD ’64 – November 28, 2021 Abel M. “Mac” Hart, BD “53 - January 19, 2022 In the Summer 2021 issue of Vantage, the Doctor of Ministry graduates shown on page 36, were inadvertently listed as Doctor of Education Ministry graduates. The editors sincerely apologize for this error and want to congratulate the DMin students listed below: Betty Lyn Angelini Laura Annette Bryant Samuel Bradley Clayton Adrian Neil Doll Anna Fulmer Duke Charlene Kay Seaborn Fuino John Lewis Jacobs III
Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
Brian James Lays Roy Anthony McPherson John Lamar Odom Arlene Lillian Robie William McMullen Scott Peter Andrew Thompson Owen Lorenzo Wilson
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Homecoming ’20 7–8 Colloquium ’22 • March COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
SAVE THE DATE!
Our alumni council has been hard at work to plan a two-day event filled with continuing education and inspiration. Whether you are serving as a chaplain, a preacher, a teacher or are happily retired, Colloquium ’22 is designed to nurture your heart and mind so you may continue to live your calling to the fullest. Please help us get the word out to your classmates and friends! Scan below for a link to more info, including the event schedule and registration, or visit www.ctsnet.edu/colloquium
See you soon!
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VA N T A G E
Final Word with Dr. Sue Kim Park While international travel and in-person learning has been diminished greatly, Dr. Park and the Office of Contextual Education have worked hard to honor this vital part of a Columbia Seminary education. Still, we wanted to know more so we are giving Dr. Park the Final Word… Dr. Sue Kim Park joined the Columbia community as the Director of Contextual Education and International Partnerships, and Assistant Professor of Contextual Theology in 2020.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Many things: doctor, vet, a movie star (I’m relieved that I never wanted to be a dancer), Latin teacher, etc.
If you had to choose another job, what would your dream job be? I do like my job quite a bit. But if I were given the option to change my career and get a do-over, I’d become a health care technician. My spouse is in the military and we are a long distance family because it is hard to juggle two demanding careers. I see that health care workers are always in demand and their jobs are not restricted to locations.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? When I was so confused about so many things as I was getting ready to graduate from seminary, a mentor said: “Go baptize, marry, and bury people. That will teach you a thing or two about life” .
What are you reading these days? Students’ papers... ‘tis the season. Living Compassion by Andrew Dreitcer. What is your most used emoji? Face palm. If you had to choose a theme song to play every time you walked in to a room, what would it be? Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys (no judgment!) [Editor: None here!]
What is the phrase you say too often? “What the hell!?” Followed by some things I wouldn’t want to put in writing. COVID has caused so much pain in my office. With contextual immersions getting ready to begin, I am holding on by a thread. Can you share your “guilty pleasure?” Lucifer on Netflix. Do you have a favorite common saying? Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom (There is a biblical proverb that would beg to differ.)
If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would you go? If you could take a class on anything, what would you A beach. Anywhere. want to learn? How to knit. What’s your favorite place to go in Atlanta or Decatur? Have not explored much, yet. I’ll take recommendations! What is your personal mantra, best self-advice, or motto? One day at a time. Wi n t e r 2 0 2 2
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