TH THE E
1
years
exington
Bulletin
The
S USE UE N
NE Y CCOONN N TTI UURR O NI J OJ
The Newsletter of Lexington Theological Seminary
Fall 2015 | Vol 51, No. 4
HEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
18
65-2015
“LTS ENGAGES OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.” LTS graduate, Florida moderator-elect reflects on 21st-century seminary for the 21st-century world
2
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Journeying Together Because of your generosity, gifts to the Ministerial Education Fund exceeded last year’s giving, and we came so close to our target of $452,000, with $439,791 given by donors like you. While we hoped to fully fund the MEF goal for this academic year, we saw many signs of generosity that I would like to share with you. Gifts from congregations increased 150 percent this year compared to the last fiscal year. Congregations are our partners in ministry formation, and we are grateful for this indication of growing support from churches, which in turn helps us to prepare ministry leaders who are equipped to serve and to lead these congregations through the unique challenges and opportunities of 21st-century ministry. We also noted a three percent increase in total contributions compared to last year. This is the third consecutive year with an increase in offerings. LTS trustees led the way by exceeding their goal of $85,000. More than a quarter of alumni were among the 586 individuals and 23 organizations that contributed to the Ministerial Education Fund. Thank you for your gifts of treasure, but also your support through prayer and encouragement of our students and congregations who are dedicated to making God’s love known. Every gift matters and supports men and women in their call to ministry. On the journey, Charisse L. Gillett
PREPARED FOR THE JOURNEY W
hen Trudy Betts discerned a call to ministry several years ago, she, like many before her (and no doubt, many to follow), was hesitant. It wasn’t the right time or place. There was no seminary close by her hometown of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Yet, she began researching seminaries and felt drawn to Lexington Theological Seminary, nestled thousands of miles away, near downtown Lexington, KY. However, being willing to move and being able are not the same thing, so Betts temporarily postponed her plans to pursue a theological education. Not much time passed, however, before LTS announced plans for a new, 2/3 online program with emphasis on the congregation as the center of preparation for ministry. One LTS alumnus who had spoken to Betts around that time recalled that Betts “shed tears of joy because she was finally able to answer her call.” However, she had questions as she began. How would she find community? Would the experience be enriching and challenging? How would she become fully prepared for ministry, service, and leadership? In June of this year, Betts was among those receiving her Master of Divinity degree. What began as an interview about her capstone project became a conversation about her seminary experience.
Q: What inspired your capstone project, and how did you carry it out? A: My capstone project dealt with the ongoing and escalating issue of the lack of knowledge about or understanding of the Disciples of Christ theological hallmarks or traditions. At my ministry site this problem has been compounded by a lack of educational offerings about Disciples of Christ theology and history. In order to rectify this problem I planned and implemented a new members’ class, wrote three Children Worship & Wonder stories and created a sermon series, “We are Disciples.” The new members’ class was taught for two consecutive Sundays. The intent of the first class was to inform new members of the history and the current expression of the denomination. This included the history of the church I serve, which has deep ties to the Fiers family. The purpose of the second class was to introduce and explore the theological hallmarks and practices of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The three Children’s Worship & Wonder stories: “Barton Stone, Follower of Jesus, at Cane Ridge,” “Alexander Campbell, Follower of Jesus, Believes and is Baptized by Going Through the Water,” and lastly, “What the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Believe,” were told during the children’s moment and corresponded to a particular message in the sermon series.
Clockwise, from left: Trudy Betts as photographed during her first summer intensive session at LTS; officiating a wedding; with children she served on a mission trip overseas; with Alumni Council Chair Vicki Ray at the graduate luncheon in June.
I am excited that a representative from the general church has asked my permission to make these Worship & Wonder stories available to the wider church, and Worship Woodworks has already begun creating the various wood pieces, which include the Cane Ridge and Brush Run churches. Longtime members of the church I served were deeply thankful to have the history and beliefs of the denomination they love shared through classes, sermons and stories. While there was some dissension from one member who was unaware of the congregation’s ties to the Disciples of Christ, overwhelmingly newer members were receptive and even excited to know more about our unique traditions and beliefs. Q: Where you are now in your journey? A: As of later this month (September), I am Senior Minister at Ashland Christian Church in Virginia. Prior to that, I served at Tropical Sands Christian Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL as the Senior Associate Minister. I was ordained June 6, and I have almost 11 years of experience in congregational ministry. Q: How has LTS shaped you for the place you are? A: LTS has shaped me throughout the last four-and-a-half years. I was challenged to consider the
inconsistencies and strengths of my beliefs. I was introduced to different theologies, and I was encouraged to reflect on different worldviews. These opportunities for reflection opened my eyes to the systemic sin in this world. LTS professors engaged our hearts and minds in our classes and work and urged us to name the injustices in this world in our congregations in ways that engage the hearts, minds and souls of the people we serve.
Q: What was most surprising about this format? A: With the current format, seminary students stay in their home church, and the church and the region are a more integral part of the process. My home church walked closely with me through seminary and participated in many of my class projects, which included classes, sermons, and introspective work on controversial issues with the leaders of the congregation. In many ways the church was challenged to learn alongside me. Another unforeseen strength of the LTS online model is that I was able to participate more fully with my region and I began serving as moderator-elect of the Florida Region during my final year at LTS.
Q: Looking back, how would you describe the journey through seminary? A: When I first began seminary I was hesitant about the new online format. I was worried that I would not experience close community. This fear quickly dissipated after our first intensives. We attended classes together, ate together, stayed in the same hotels, and most importantly struggled with difficult questions about our faith together. Afterward, the time we spent together in online classes and group meetings was like getting together with trusted friends. Most of us met online outside of classes to work on homework or for moral support. I still have friends from seminary who are now colleagues that I still meet with every week. These relationships have sustained me in difficult times and helped me to discern God’s call on my life.
Q: What are your hopes for your future in ministry and for LTS? A: My hope for my future in ministry is that I remember the importance of hearing another person’s story and respecting their perspective. I pray that when necessary I have the courage to speak out against injustice in this world even when I find that I am part of the problem. LTS has given me the gift of an incredible and challenging seminary education, which has given me the tools necessary for congregational ministry and for participating in God’s mission for our world. For LTS, I pray that they continue to “prepare faithful leaders for the church of Jesus Christ and ... strengthen the church’s participation in God’s mission for the world.” LTS has continued to stay true to the Seminary’s mission and has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of the people God has called to be pastors.
SEMINARY NEWS
3
ALUMNI NEWS
4
In Memoriam 7/8/15 – 8/11/15
Bruce Cotton, Friend July15, 2015 David M. Woods,’97 M.Div. August 4, 2015
Upcoming events
THE BULLETIN
October 5 Proven Planned Giving Strategies for Your Church, sponsored by the Christian Church in Kentucky and Christian Church Foundation. Call (800) 668-8016 or email info@ccf.disciples.org. 10, 17 & 24 Lay School of Theology: Speaking our Faith: How Biblical Language for God Shapes Us,” Dr. Emily Askew 22, 23, & 24 Homecoming – Tell Us Your LTS Story (see details below) 18-19 Board of Trustees meeting
Homecoming
2015
Tell Us Your LTS Story!
November 4 & 5 Franklin Moosnick Lectures in Judaic Studies, Lawrence H. Schiffman, Professor of New York University, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. Transylvania University; Nov. 5, 7 p.m. Temple Adath Israel December 8 Community Open House Advent and Christmas at Lexington Green
Welcome Home! We hope you’ll join us for our annual Homecoming event, scheduled this year for October 22-24. A Homecoming planning team, chaired by Kyle McDougall, ‘13, and Vicki Ray, ‘07, is hard at work making plans for you and your families. The event will include the option for an afternoon at Keeneland (beautiful in October!) as well opportunities to engage in conversation with President Gillett, attend a faculty and alumni book-signing, participate in educational opportunities, and enjoy one another’s company with multiple meals and time for fellowship together. An invitation and registration card will be coming to your mailbox soon, and registration is available online at www.lextheo.edu. Click on “Events” under the “News & Events” drop-down menu and click on the Homecoming 2015 link. If you do not receive an invitation via mail and wish to register via mail, please call the Office of Advancement at (859) 280-1250. We look forward to seeing you! Thursday, Oct. 22 11:30-5 p.m. Keeneland 4-6 p.m. Registration at LTS 6-7 p.m. Light supper at LTS 7 p.m. Vespers at LTS 7:30 p.m. Reception at Palmer’s
Oct. 22-24
Friday, Oct. 23 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Registration at LTS; book signings including The Journey Continues by John Lynner Peterson; tour (LTS Online) 12-1:30 p.m. Lunch with the President 2-4 p.m. Webinar, MLCI presentation 5:30 p.m. UK Arboretum Fun Run/Walk; Cookout at Crestwood Christian Church follows Saturday, Oct. 24 9 a.m. Breakfast at LTS Memorial service to follow.
Clockwise, from top left: A sold-out crowd at the LTS luncheon (photo courtesy Tom Teater); students Jeremy Whitner and Ryan Collins; visitors to the LTS booth were encouraged to post notes with snippets of their LTS stories; President Gillett stops for a photo after participating in a panel on women in higher education leadership; alumnus Vinson Miller; and current student Donna Carol Burton with her father, LTS alumnus Don Burton.
General Assembly 2015 General Assembly 2015 provided ample opportunities for LTS to share the good news of the work we are doing. The booth in the exhibit hall encouraged students and alums to share their LTS stories. The banner filled with stories and rich memories spanning several decades. The LTS luncheon was a sold-out crowd as alums and friends from across the United States gathered around the tables to laugh, remember, and celebrate the new story of Lexington Theological Seminary. Alumnus Jimmy Spear hosted a trivia game, which was a fun test of the attendees’ memories and current knowledge of the Seminary. Several members of the LTS team had opportunities to lead in workshops and panel discussions as well. President Charisse Gillett participated in a panel discussion on Women in Higher Education at the HELM Luncheon; Julie Richardson co-hosted several workshops on Clergy Well-Being, and Kris Bentley led a session on Bi-Vocational Ministry and the work of the Lily Project. It was a full week of celebrating 150 years of ministry with our colleagues in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! We were grateful to see everyone and rejoice in the relationships fostered because of a mutual love for LTS.
Blodgett receives grant to study fostering agility Dr. Barbara Blodgett, the Donald and Lilllian Nunnelly Assistant Professor in Pastoral Leadership, was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion, which is funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The project, “Educating for Agility,” will examine how theological educators can nurture a new generation of religious leaders who are agile in their religious leadership. Specifically, Blodgett plans to study how teaching and learning practices in theological education themselves foster the skills, competencies, and habits associated with agility. LTS Vice President for Academics and Dean Richard Weis notes
News briefs
that agility in this context may be described as students’ “capacity for innovation,” which is “emerging as a theme needing attention. Indeed, the question of how we cultivate this capacity is very much a growing edge for theological education broadly.”
Dolive’s first book published
The Rev. Evan Dolive, LTS alumnus, is the author of a new book, Seeking Imperfection | Body Image, Marketing, and God (The Pilgrim Press). The book was inspired by Dolive’s 2013 open letter speaking out against the objectification of girls. The letter was a catalyst for conversations about body image, marketing, and how the church could affect change and confidence in people of all ages. Seeking Imperfection explores false messages about perfection and serving God despite one’s flaws.
SEMINARY NEWS
5
FALL 2015 | VOL 51, No. 4
SUPPORTING THE MISSION
6
THE BULLETIN
Appreciation Gifts In memory of... David Bell Mrs. Georgia C. Meece Mr. and Mrs. Herbert D. Sledd Reverend Richard and Peggy Ziglar Richard Benton Reverend Richard and Peggy Ziglar Noel Vernon Blankenship Mark and Kim Blankenship David F. Boston Mrs. Myrtle Jo Boston Clayton H. Boyer Sarah C. and Victor Singer Carlos D. Brown Dr. Donald and Dr. Charisse Gillett Cathy P. Brown Dr. Donald and Dr. Charisse Gillett Marcus D. Bryant Mrs. Virginia Bryant Benjamin L. Cowgill Mrs. Sue Ann Cowgill C.E. Crank, Jr. Mrs. Melba C. Crank Anthony L. Dunnavant L. Leon and Nellie D. Durham Edith H. Dunnavant L. Leon and Nellie D. Durham
Want to give?
5/23/15 – 8/14/15
Sonny Fountain Reverend Johnny W. Wray
Trudy Betts Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brown
Newton “Fig” Fowler Reverend Johnny W. Wray
LoAnn Blankenship Mark and Kim Blankenship
Don Hancock First Christian Church Madisonville, KY
David Clark, Sr. Dr. Donald and Dr. Charisse Gillett
Dana Bly Horan Mr. and Mrs. R. Michael Bales John L. & Evolyn C. Mains Ed L. and Evolyn Mains Allen Dr. Jane E. McAvoy Tropical Sands Christian Church Reverend Claude A. Shumate, Jr. Evelyn S. Shumate
Revs. Steve and Donna Doan Jan and Curt Ehrmantraut Sharyn Dowd Reverend Anne Elizabeth Gregory Jim and Nancy Johnson Mark and Kim Blankenship Michael Kinnamon Reverend Anne Elizabeth Gregory Greg Russell Tropical Sands Christian Church
Dwight Stevenson Dr. and Mrs. Jack J. Early Mrs. John F. White Harold R. and Evelyn N. Watkins
Syvoskie Bray Ms. Dolores Yilibuw Dr. Gerald Shepard Mr. Tom Huckleberry
Bill and Mary Wiegmann Bill and Jean Dozier
Herbert D. Sledd Jan and Curt Ehrmantraut
Dr. and Mrs. H.T. Wood Mr. Steve D. Wood
Hal & Evelyn Watkins Mark and Kim Blankenship
Trent Wood Mrs. Howard Trent Wood
In honor of... David and Anne Alexander Harold R. and Evelyn N. Watkins
Kay Palmer White Harold R. and Evelyn N. Watkins 30th Anniversary of M.Div. Class Dr. Rebecca Z. McNeil
Contact Mark Blankenship, Vice President for Advancement (859) 280-1250 mblankenship@lextheo.edu
7
LAY SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
SPEAKING OUR FAITH: How Biblical Language for God Shapes Us
In this three-session course we will think together about the power of biblical language for God to shape our dreams for the future as well as our actions in the present.
We will see how the language of Jesus’ parables has the power to shake up our status quo and show us where God’s Kingdom is breaking into our lives.
We will learn about the abundance of metaphors for God in the Hebrew Bible and New Testament to see what we can learn from them about the nature of God, and how they offer us new ways to speak the power of God in our lives. We will also explore the circumstances under which religious language might become idolatrous.
Finally, we will look at how theological models for God, such as God as Shepherd and God as King, both help and hinder our faith. Throughout the course we will practice praying with Biblical metaphors that open new dimensions in our understanding of God and our spiritual life.
LAY SCHOOL AT A GLANCE WHEN: Oct. 10, 17 and 24 8:30 a.m.: Continental Breakfast 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Class LOCATION: Lexington Theological Seminary 230 Lexington Green Circle Suite 510 Lexington, KY 40503
Dr. Emily Askew Associate Professor of Systematic Theology REGISTRATION FEE: Individuals: $60 Groups of 10 or more: $50/per person REGISTRATION DEADLINE: October 5 CONTACT INFORMATION: Dr. Bill Turner, (859) 280-1253 bturner@lextheo.edu
Lexington Theological Seminary alumna joins recruitment team We welcome Rev. Kimberley Proctor-White to the recruitment team as Admissions Associate. Proctor-White, a 2011 Master of Divinity graduate of the Seminary, is a native of Bowling Green, Ky. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Lindsey Wilson College and is currently working on a Master of Arts degree in mental health counseling at The Chicago School Rev. Proctor-White of Professional Psychology.
Admissions Associate
Proctor-White joins Rev. Erin Cash, Director, in the Seminary’s ongoing work to connect people called to ministry with the theological formation and ministry preparation available at Lexington Theological Seminary.
“Rev. Proctor-White brings her energy, creativity, and dedication to the Church to her work. As a fairly recent graduate of the Seminary, she can identify with the needs of students who seek to serve the church in today’s landscape. With the leadership of Rev. Cash, we know that students will be well-served on their ministry journey,” said President Charisse L. Gillett. Proctor-White was ordained in 2011 at East Second Street Christian Church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and in 2014 by Temple Church Inc. of Nashville, Tenn. In 2009, she was inducted as a charter member into the Academy of Preachers. Her sermon ‘Alabaster Box’ was published in “A Beautiful Thing: Sermons from the Inaugural Festival of Young Preachers” by Lee Huckleberry (Chalice Press: 2010). Proctor-White and her husband, Java, are the proud parents of 1-yr. old twins and love serving in ministry together.
SEMINARY NEWS
FALL 2015 | VOL 51, No. 4
exington
HEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
Fall 2015 • VOL 51, NO. 4 Published by Lexington Theological Seminary 230 Lexington Green Circle, Suite 300 Lexington, KY 40503 (859) 252-0361 www.lextheo.edu
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Lexington, KY Permit No. 399
Apply now! Leading Congregations in Adaptive Change 2016 D.MIN. COHORT
Prepare for effective ministry in the 21st century, with a program designed for you. Limited spaces available. Apply by Nov. 26 www.lextheo.edu email: ecash@lextheo.edu Lexington Theological Seminary admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other school administered programs.