Update Spring 2017

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westminster seminary california

SPRING2017

Faithful through the Years honoring dr. w. robert godfrey

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CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF OLD GENEVA

ENFORCING LAW & PREACHING GRACE

FIRMLY GROUNDED IN FAITH

by W. Robert Godfrey

by Daniel Garcia

by Ruby Jeffery

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TRUTH IN LOVE by William Godfrey

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AN EXPECTED JOURNEY by Robert Godfrey


PRESIDENT'S CORNER

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n September 2016, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey informed the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire as president of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) in the summer of 2017. The WSC community is thankful that he intends to continue his involvement with the seminary as President Emeritus and as a teacher. The current academic year marks Dr. Godfrey’s 24th year as president and his 43rd year of teaching. He began teaching church history at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1974, prior to commencing his teaching career at Westminster Seminary California in 1981. As we reflect on his exemplary career, we are reminded immediately of God’s gracious and providential provision to His Church. Through Dr. Godfrey’s leadership, our Lord has maintained WSC as an uncompromising, confessional Reformed seminary that has prepared more than a thousand men and women as servants of Christ’s Church. In an age that increasingly yearns for the path of least resistance, Dr. Godfrey has preserved WSC as an institution that remains committed to the tradition of Old Geneva and Old Princeton in which men are prepared for pastoral ministry through rigorous training in the biblical languages, theology, and church history, as well as the cultivation of deep personal piety. In this issue, Dr. Godfrey reflects on his distinguished career (p. 4). Current students Daniel Garcia (p. 10) and Ruby Jeffery (p. 12) recount their respective journeys to WSC, experiences as students, and aspirations for serving God’s people. Finally, alumni William (p. 20) and Robert Godfrey (p. 22) describe their experiences at WSC, in the pastoral ministry, and as sons of Dr. Godfrey. Please join the seminary in praising our faithful Lord for His use of Dr. Godfrey at WSC and in His Church. Cordially in Christ,

“FOR THE LORD IS GOOD AND HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER; HIS FAITHFULNESS CONTINUES THROUGH ALL GENERATIONS.” -Psalm 100:55 2

Ron Prins WSC Board Chairman

UPDATE | SPRING2017


SPRING2017 UPDATE | SPRING2017 PRESIDENT W. Robert Godfrey EDITOR Marcus McArthur DESIGNER Megan York PRINTER Precision

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W. ROBERT GODFREY

UPDATE magazine is a publication of Westminster Seminary California. For address changes, duplicate mailings, or additional magazine requests, please write or call. Westminster Seminary California 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027 PHONE (888) 480-8474 FAX (760) 480-0252 EMAIL development@wscal.edu WEBSITE www.wscal.edu PERMISSIONS: UPDATE grants permission for any original article to be photocopied and distributed, permitted that the wording is not altered in any way, no fee is charged beyond the cost of reproduction, and no more than 500 copies are made. Any exceptions to the above must be explicitly approved by Westminster Seminary California. Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: This article originally appeared in UPDATE, a publication of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) and is reprinted with permission. For more information about WSC, visit www.wscal.edu or call (888) 480-8474. MISSION: The purpose of UPDATE is to showcase Westminster Seminary California’s distinctively Christ-centered, graduate education through the work of its faculty, students and alumni who are serving as pastors, teachers, missionaries, and leaders worldwide in light of our overarching mission “to glorify God through graduate theological study. . . for those who will serve in the Christian community and the larger society.” Since 1979, Westminster Seminary California has offered a distinctly Reformed and rigorous education in order to glorify Christ, promote His Gospel, and serve His Church. The strength of our degree programs lies in our faculty’s unified commitment to the inerrant Scriptures and the Reformed confessions. Westminster Seminary California is the only accredited seminary in the Western United States serving confessionally Reformed churches. 2016-2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. John K. Andrews Mr. Richard Blauw, Jr Mr. Daniel J. Bryant The Rev. LeRoy Christoffels The Rev. CJ Den Dulk The Rev. Thomas K. Groelsema The Rev. Sung Yun Han Mr. Milton D. Hodges The Rev. Terry Johnson The Rev. Scott R. Korljan Mr. Brian Miller Mr. James W. Onnink Dr. James D. Paauw Mr. Ron Prins Dr. Scott Swanson Mr. Roger Swets The Rev. Dale Van Dyke The Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen ©2017 Westminster Seminary California All rights reserved.

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20 WILLIAMGODFREY 10

DANIEL GARCIA

12

RUBY JEFFERY

22 ROBERTGODFREY

INFOCUS

ONMISSION

4. Continuing the Legacy of Old Geneva

20. Truth in Love 22. An Expected Journey 24. Alumni News

ONCAMPUS

INPERSON & INPRINT

10. Enforcing Law & Preaching Grace 12. Firmly Grounded in Faith 14. Building on a Firm Foundation Campaign 16. 2017 Annual Conference Recap

26. Faculty Speaking & Writing 28. Honorarium & Memorial Gifts 29. W. Robert Godfrey Honorarium 30. Up Close with LeRoy Christoffels 3


INFOCUS

CONTINUING THE LEGACY

OF OLD GENEVA

by W. R o b e rt G o d f r e y UPDATE | SPRING2016


I

n September 1974 I began to teach at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. As a young Californian many things in Pennsylvania were a little strange. One oddity for me was that the lunch break at seminary began at 1:00 p.m. That seemed late to me (and I was hungry by then). So I asked someone why lunch was so late.

The shocked reply was “because that was the way they did it at old Princeton.” In time I would discover that that was the answer to many questions, and, for me as a historian, it was a very satisfying answer. J. Gresham Machen, and those who stood with him, envisioned the Westminster enterprise to continue the great mission and work of Princeton Theological Seminary as it had existed before 1929. Machen wanted a seminary that was staunchly biblical, confessional, academic, pious, and pastoral. As I thought about Machen’s model, old Princeton founded in 1812, I realized that in a profound sense Princeton had sought to continue the work of “old Geneva.” Charles Hodge had for many years used as his text in systematic theology the Institutes of Francis Turretin, professor of theology in Geneva. Turretin had promoted and defended Reformed orthodoxy there about a century after Calvin had founded the Genevan Academy. As early as his return to Geneva from exile in Strasburg, Calvin had written of his desire to found an academy there for the education of future ministers. In 1541 he wrote, “The office proper to doctors is the instruction of the faithful in true doctrine, in order that the purity of the Gospel be not corrupted either by ignorance or by evil opinions.” In this one sentence Calvin lays out his program of seminary education. Doctors, that is, learned men, will teach the truth of the Bible to those in the community of faith who wish to be ministers. Such teaching is necessary because the Christian community is prone to being misled into various forms of corruption. That corruption can arise either from an ignorance of the truth of God’s Word or from wrong understandings of that Word. Calvin finally was able to open that academy in 1559 under the gifted leadership of Theodore Beza. It accomplished exactly what Calvin had hoped, providing for many years faithful preparation of ministers who knew, believed, and preached God’s Word. That great vision of Calvin and Turretin, of Hodge and Machen, continues today at Westminster Seminary California. And I am very thankful that I have been privileged to be a part of that faithful work. WSC opened its doors in 1980 and I joined the faculty here in 1981, after seven years in Philadelphia. Initially I taught all the required church history courses as well as various electives in history. In 1993 I became president while continuwscal .e d u

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ing to teach half-time. In recent years I have taught less which has been a real regret for me. Now at age 71 I believe that it is time to retire from full-time work at WSC. The spirit is willing to go on but the flesh is a little weak. Certainly my passion for and commitment to the work here continues unabated. Over the years I have found some of my energies going to trying to protect the faithful from various corruptions – indeed more of my energy than I would have wanted. But as Calvin saw clearly, that work of protecting is a necessary part of education and ministry. I have seen many challenges to our Reformed convictions and to the very idea of a confessional Reformed education for ministry. Some of those challenges were faddish and fleeting. Others were profound and perennial. All had to be considered and answered, in one way or another. The major controversies in which I have found myself were important to the life of the church. First, I think of the work I did with others to defend the inerrancy of the Bible against those who have in various ways compromised its truthfulness, authority, and relevance. If we do not have confidence in the Bible

“WE FIND A RICH HERITAGE OF TRUTH PRESERVED FOR US IN THE GREAT CONFESSIONS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN AND REFORMED CHURCHES. A CONSTANT TEMPTATION FOR US IS TO THINK THAT WE ARE WISER THAN THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE—AND THAT IS VERY SELDOM THE CASE." and look to it for a clear revelation of God’s will for us, we will be tragically adrift in a world of evil opinions. Every generation must understand for itself that true faith begins with this confidence: “a sure knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in His Word” (Heidelberg Catechism 21). The great Reformation doctrine of justification has been another central concern of mine. This truth stood at the center of the Reformation because the Scripture taught it, because it glorified the complete work of Christ, and because it brought unspeakable comfort and encouragement to the people of God. Where the doctrine of justification

1,300+

BY THE NUMBERS As a historian, Dr. Godfrey would tell us that statistics are unable to tell the full story. But they can reveal the scope of something. These statistics show the scope Dr. Godfrey’s illustrious career.

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is lost the church declines into either legalism or lawlessness. We see again that justification has been attacked both by those who want to change the doctrine itself and by those who argue that the doctrine is not as important as the Reformers thought. Both of these contentions are not only wrong but spiritually dangerous at a profound level. The third struggle of my life has been to maintain disciplined, confessional Reformed churches. The church as an institution is at the heart of God’s work in the world to gather and edify his people. That church needs the truth, and we find a rich heritage of truth preserved for us in the great confessions of the Presbyterian and Reformed churches. A

students taught

38

years of ordained ministry

280+ essays & articles written

2.3 million

references to Aimee Semple McPherson

24

years as President of WSC

23+

courses taught

43

years teaching church history

UPDATE | SPRING2017


constant temptation for us is to think that we are wiser than those who have gone before – and that is very seldom the case. We continue to need our confessions to guide our churches because they rightly teach the truth of Scripture and rightly prioritize for us those essential truths which must unite us. These three issues are all crucial to knowing and serving Christ. The Scriptures point us to him and teach us the truth about him. Justification shows the completeness of Christ’s work for us as our substitute and sacrifice so that we might have peace with God. The church is the body of Christ in which he is gathering his elect. The joy of my work, however, has been in my ministry as a teacher of students and a preacher and speaker for the church. My time in class, helping generations of students to see the work of God in the history of Christ’s church, is the most precious memory of my ministry. My goal was to help students appreciate the wisdom of the thought, experience, and life of the church. I also wanted to help them see the errors and dangers that have beset Christians through the ages and develop a discriminating insight to hold to the good and avoid the wrong. My hope was that they would gain knowledge and humility from that study, making them better ministers and teachers for the church. Of course, I always knew that I was just one part of a faculty laboring together to educate effective, well-rounded ministers and teachers. In addition to the joy of that work, I think of the opportunities I have had to preach and teach in many settings and circumstances. I have especially enjoyed my 35 years of teaching adult Sunday School at my church here in Escondido (Escondido URC). That experience has helped greatly in reminding me that we as Christian scholars ultimately serve Christ through his people in the local church. My work at WSC has been greatly aided by my family. Mary Ellen has encouraged and worked with me at every point, always wiser than I. We have had the joy of seeing our two sons graduate from WSC and enter the ministry of the United Reformed Churches. We have also had the joy of seeing our daughter marry a seminarian (Mark MacVey) who now works at WSC. All of our family can testify to the blessing that the faithfulness of the seminary has been to us. One of the great blessings of the Lord on WSC over the 36 years I have been here is the remarkable unity that the faculty, board, and administration have had in their commitment to the mission of the seminary. Together we have loved the Lord, the students, the Reformed truth, and one another. There have been a few painful issues and partings, but on the whole the harmony and joy we have had in our work has been extraordinary. WSC has truly been a community of faith, scholarship, and service. Westminster Seminary California has done its teaching for the present needs of the church and for future generations of ministers. But it has done that with a profound sense of its heritage and its responsibility to be faithful to its Reformed convictions.

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Pray for WSC

PRESIDENTIAL TRANSITION Pray that the Lord would bless Dr. Godfrey in his retirement and the on-boarding of a new president of WSC.

Over these years of study and teaching, I can joyfully record now that I am more convinced of the truth and practical value of our Reformed heritage than ever before. I believe that each member of our community and WSC as a whole are committed to preserving and spreading that great faith. Yet as a historian I am intensely aware that institutions can change if those with responsibility for them are not vigilant. Ultimately, only the Lord can keep us faithful, so I appeal to you to join me in regular prayer for WSC. I pray with confidence as taught by God himself who promised (one of my favorite verses, Ps. 9:10): “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."

W. ROBERT GODFREY is President and Professor of Church History at Westminster Seminary California. He lives in Escondido with his wife, Mary Ellen.

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GRATEFUL REFLECTIONS ON A

CHERISHED LEGACY

“We thank you, Bob and Mary Ellen, for your fruitful labors these many years. We thank God for the fabulous gift you have been to all of us." –Dr. Robert Strimple, President Emeritus

“I thank you for your erudition, for your faithfulness to the gospel and for your partnership in the gospel." –Alistair Begg, Pastor

“Congratulations on your retirement and may the Lord establish the work of your life as a blessing to many for years and years to come." –Dr. Derke Bergsma, Professor Emeritus of Practical Theology

“During your tenure, the seminary has been in great hands. You have run the race, you have kept the faith, and that is the highest complement I know how to pay you." –Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, URCNA Pastor, Former Trustee

"I love Bob Godfrey. How can you know Bob Godfrey and not love Bob Godfrey? [He] is one of my favorite people in the whole world." –Dr. R.C. Sproul, Founder of Ligonier Ministries

from left: 2017 President's Chapel; Faculty photo from circa 1985?; Dr. Godfrey receiving WSC keys from Bill Van Iwaarden; W. Robert and Mary Ellen Godfrey; 2017 Annual Conference; President's office; 35th Commencement

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UPDATE | SPRING2017


“When we first met at the Pensacola Theological Institute you would not realize as I realize that your kindness to me, your extension of friendship to me, meant more, maybe even much more then you ever intended. And for these years, your friendship, your leadership, your ministry, your preaching, your lecturing, has been a constant encouragement to me. You have been to me the very best of friends and terrific company." –Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, Pastor

"Every time I hear [Bob Godfrey] teach, I learn something that is of value and importance to me and to the church. And so let me add my personal congratulations and joy at this recognition of Bob's retirement for the splendid leadership that you have given to the seminary and the church over all these years." –Dr. R.C. Sproul, Founder of Ligonier Ministries

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“God used you in wonderful ways in terms of the growth of the seminary and in terms of its commitment and faithfulness to the scriptures and to the confessions of the historic reformed church." –Rev. Andrew Cammenga, Former Trustee and Retired Pastor in the URCNA

“You may have small feet but you're sure going to leave big shoes to fill." –Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, URCNA Pastor, Former Trustee

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ONCAMPUS

ENFORCING LAW &

PREACHING GRACE

by da n i el ga rci a

HOMETOWN

Houston, TX

F

rom the lower lumbar of my back to my feet, lightening bolts chased down my legs. My lungs had the air sucked out of them in a startling instant. I did not know it at the time, but that moment drastically changed the direction of my life. While exercising I catastrophically injured my back so I could no longer work in my beloved profession. I was a police officer who loved the job and felt called to that work. But a year after the injury I was medically retired and in need of a new vocation. Besides being in law enforcement, the only other vocation I had previously pursued was ministry. So, once again I thought to pursue full-time ministry, recognizing I would need additional theological training. At this point in my life, the term reformed never found its way into my world, or at least it had no significance that I recognized as anything distinct. I had heard of Calvinism, but this was considered an aberrant teaching in my past church traditions. I was raised in charismatic churches and attended Oral Roberts University for my undergraduate degree; thus I was only familiar with denominations such as the Assemblies of God and the Foursquare Church. To say the least, Westminster Seminary California (WSC) was not

PROGRAM

4th year m.div.

on my ecclesiastical or theological radar; but as I embarked on my new search for seminaries WSC quickly made my list. I wish I could tell a grander story of how I eventually choose WSC, but the reality is I had never read or heard any of the professors at the seminary. I was unaware of Reformed theology and Reformed churches. The embarrassing fact is I chose Westminster because it was convenient for my family since I lived in Escondido. One might hope that there was more intellectual motivation, but there was not. I count myself blessed that WSC was not a Mormon seminary! Soon after beginning classes I was in the Christian Mind course, taught by Dr. Michael Horton when I had the realization, “I’m not in Kansas anymore.” Had I made a mistake? Am I in the right place? What I was hearing in class quickly began to challenge my previous theological framework. I went to the offices of many of my professors in that first year, somewhat distraught by the feeling of uncertainty of a crumbling paradigm. Yet, every professor I met clearly loved the Lord, loved God’s people, and were passionate about seeing the gospel spread. While I was challenged, I was comforted by the emphasis on Scripture as ultimate and final authority,

“EVERY PROFESSOR I MET CLEARLY LOVED THE LORD, LOVED GOD’S PEOPLE, AND WERE PASSIONATE ABOUT SEEING THE GOSPEL SPREAD."

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UPDATE | SPRING2017


and I was comforted by being pointed to the glory of the gospel in Christ. The Reformation had found its way into my life. Christ was displayed in such a way that I found myself once again being awed by the love of the Lord, and my desire to love him grew during this first year at WSC. While undergoing my own personal reformation, I also found myself with a stronger desire to tell others about Christ. I had initially enrolled in the M.A. Theological Studies program, but I took Dr. Dennis Johnson’s Ministry of the Word and Worship course as an elective and eventually changed to the M.Div. program. In this class I began to be see the beauty of gospel ministry and the high privilege of being able to point others to the glory of Christ. Even though I continued to struggle with the loss of my beloved law enforcement career, this time began to replace that deep sense of loss with a new hope at the prospect of being involved in full-time ministry. At that time, I still was not completely sure what Reformed ministry looked like, but as I went through the course I began to notice the differences of Reformed principals of worship to what I was used to in my previous church tradition. Through Dr. Johnson’s class, as well as seeking the counsel of many of the professors, I became convinced that my family needed to be in a Reformed church. So, my wife and I eventually decided to switch from our Foursquare church to Escondido Orthodox Presbyterian Church and to pursue ministry in the OPC. To say the least, that first year of WSC was a whirlwind of change. Not only was my experience at the seminary marked by personal spiritual renewal, it was also marked by WSC’s challenging academic standard. I had never been asked to read thousands of pages in such a short amount of time. I had never been tested with such a high expectation of detail and demand for such a thorough understanding of the subject, and at times, the challenge was painful and stressful. Yet, looking back I am extremely grateful for the call to rise to something bigger than I thought possible. Again, many of the professors offered time in their offices to give further explanations of concepts that were coming at me faster than I was able to compute. Fellow students offered their assistance by showing me their study methods. With the pillars of support from my professors, fellow students, and my family, I was able to continue in this challenging yet rewarding academic atmosphere. And while initially I shared the concern of some well-intentioned friends that “seminary was a cemetery,” or that seminary was purely academic with no connection to real life,

Pray for WSC

OUR STUDENTS Pray that our students will conduct their studies to God’s glory alone and be well prepared in heart and mind for serving Christ’s church.

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“EVEN THOUGH I CONTINUED TO STRUGGLE WITH THE LOSS OF MY BELOVED LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER, THIS TIME BEGAN TO REPLACE THAT DEEP SENSE OF LOSS WITH A NEW HOPE AT THE PROSPECT OF BEING INVOLVED IN FULL-TIME MINISTRY." I quickly found the opposite to be true. My rigorous studies were instilling a deeper love for the Lord, for the Word of God, and for people. Instead of the academic pursuit being impractical, I was finding everything I studied to touch on every area of life. My conversations with friends and strangers alike revealed the usefulness of careful study. The biblical theology I was learning helped me explain the grand narrative of the gospel story. The philosophy I was learning was helping me understand the objections of my unbelieving friends. I found I understood the gospel better, thus I was explaining the gospel better. I have not experienced any other seminaries other than WSC, so admittedly my experience is limited, but I found my seminary to be incredibly lively and useful for gospel ministry. The devotionals offered in the bi-weekly chapels contributed to a spiritually enriching experience at WSC. The chapel services provided points of reflection, as well as multiple models of preaching styles. One particular devotional comes to mind. Rev. Eric Landry discussed Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness. Up to that point I had always heard that story told merely as a model for how to fight the devil in my own temptations; but when Rev. Landry told me that Jesus fought the temptations on my behalf, the glory of the gospel once again shone bright, and I cried tears of joy. That simple 20-minute devotional had a profound effect and has remained memorable. As my time at WSC draws to a close, I will continue the pursuit of full-time ministry. Soon after graduation, I will begin a yearlong internship at Escondido OPC. During this time, I will be working toward completing licensure in the OPC. I have particular interests in evangelism and crosscultural ministry, and I hope these two will intersect and produce fruit of more ethnic minorities in Reformed churches. I hope to use the tools WSC provided to serve the church and to spread the good news of salvation through Christ to every tribe, tongue, and nation. I believe WSC has provided the theological training for which I was looking unwittingly. Thank God for his providence in directing my steps into a fuller understanding of the gospel and the service of him and his church. 11


HOMETOWN

Newberg, OR

PROGRAM

2nd year m.a.b.s.

FIRMLY GROUNDED IN FAITH by ru by j effery

I

have no dramatic conversion story. I have never done or been anything particularly interesting. My experience has been an ordinary one with great blessings and sometimes great challenges, but all of a very quiet nature. Growing up, I believed in God, but I didn’t know much about him or what to do with him. I didn’t know how to approach the Bible or how its overall structures and development worked, so I mostly just read the Psalms over and over again. I had a nagging sense that this belief ought to matter more to how I lived my everyday life, but I didn’t know what that would look like. Practically speaking, I was a Christian on Sundays. The seed of faith had been planted, but it needed cultivating. Everything changed when I went to college. In an attempt to see what this whole Jesus thing was really about, I decided to go to a Christian institution, and landed in exactly the right place with Providence Christian College in Pasadena, CA. The professors showed us how the Christian faith was relevant to every discipline of the liberal arts. The small size of the student body (averaging about 75 students each year) meant that our theories of joyful, supportive Christian community and biblical conflict resolution were

eminently practical and put to use with regularity. The chapel program made focusing on our shared faith and being spiritually refreshed throughout the week easy and sweet. A two-week study trip to Israel at the end of my sophomore year made the world of the Bible come alive (among other educational and experiential benefits), and learning Greek and Hebrew as part of my major brought me closer to the Word in the way that only knowing Greek and Hebrew can. Perhaps most importantly for the development of my faith, though, was spending four years studying under Dr. Scott Swanson, the college’s primary (sometimes sole) professor of biblical and theological studies and biblical languages. He modeled for us how one could combine mastery over the technical side of exegesis with warm-hearted passion for the Word and nurturing God’s people. I found myself drawn to learning more about the Bible as he showed us how it was meant for us, how it was vital, life-giving, and relevant to our deepest needs and concerns, and why it was so important that we be able to interpret it correctly and carefully. We had to know not only what we believed but why we believed it based on Scripture if we were going to go into the

“PRACTICALLY SPEAKING, I WAS A CHRISTIAN ON SUNDAYS. THE SEED OF FAITH HAD BEEN PLANTED, BUT IT NEEDED CULTIVATING.” 12

UPDATE | SPRING2017


“HAVING CONTINUED WITH MY EDUCATION AT WSC HAS BUILT A STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL HOUSE ON THE FOUNDATION I RECEIVED. I HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED, STRETCHED, TRAINED, AND PUSHED TO EXCEL EVERY DAY HERE."

world with a firmly grounded faith that could survive attacks from both outside forces and our own inevitable struggles and doubts. Not only was he one of the first people to encourage me to pursue a Master’s degree, he was (and is) also on the board of WSC and is a large part of the reason I ended up here, for which I’m forever thankful. Having continued with my education at WSC has built a strong and beautiful house on the foundation I received. I have been challenged, stretched, trained, and pushed to excel every day here. While sometimes that’s been more difficult than fun, I know that every part of it has been beneficial and constructive, and that all of it will matter in the long run. My plans for my future spring out of all this. After graduating and then a year of working and going back over my education to fortify it, I intend to go into a Ph.D. program in biblical studies. I hope one day to have the opportunity to be a college Bible professor. Essentially I want to do for others what was done for me in college and seminary. I want to be there at that critical turning point when young adults are reflecting on their pasts and looking to the future, to help them make the faith their own, to teach them how to be responsible scholars, to show them the staggering complexity and linear simplicity of the Bible. I want them to have faith that is fully satisfied and at rest in God, his Word, and his promises, but always

seeking to understand better. I want to inspire young people, and especially young women, to pursue academic theology, whether as a vocation or just for their own personal benefit and the benefit of the church, and help them see women doing theology as a normal and positive thing. The church has always needed women’s energy, interest, and passion, and it’s important to show people that there is a place for them in various biblical roles. When you don’t see anyone who looks like you doing a certain job, it becomes much harder to imagine yourself doing that job. There are many ways Reformed churches can do more to encourage young women to take an interest in theology; of course, this is a vocation to which I believe I’m being called. Seminary has been a humbling experience. Sometimes brutally so, in fact. At least three times a day I doubt that I’ll ever be good enough as an academic to teach anyone, and every moment of every

Seminary

for a

Day

Seminary for a Day is a unique opportunity for prospective students to experience WSC firsthand. Join us at one of our upcoming events! september 21, 2017 • january 12, 2018 • march 16, 2018 Lodging and travel reimbursement are available. For more info, visit wscal.edu/visit, email admissions@wscal.edu, or call (888) 480-8474.

VISIT

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MEET

LEARN

EXPLORE

day I’m certain that no one will ever hire me as a professor unless God somehow compels them, given today’s academic job market. I’ve found innumerable potholes in the asphalt of my heart, intellect, and work ethic. I wonder sometimes if I’m going to end up in some totally unexpected role in the world and be able not to see that as a failure. At the end of the day, though, I trust that the apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he wrote that God’s grace is sufficient because his “power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). God has been faithful to me, and I’m committed to being a lifelong learner and doing my best to become the best scholar I can be, much as perfectionism may nag. There are a lot of Christians out there who are in need of a more thorough understanding of the Bible, and if I am at all called and able to help, then I’m excited to pursue that calling for the glory of God and the building up of his church.

The overall experience was extremely helpful with my desire to attend WSC. It definitely sealed the deal for me as the professors, students, and staff had an extreme passion for the place in life that God had them in. - SFAD Testimonial 13


)0 P A IKR GN

ING

RK

A ) P

(10

FF-739.0 UNIT 2 BDRM BUILDING 'A'

for more campaign details & continued progress reports, visit WWW.WSCAL.EDU/CAMPAIGN D E S OP DAO ORP R

CAMPAIGNNEWS

T

hanks to the extraordinary generosity of many, the residential village for students of Westminster Seminary California (WSC) is being developed. In September 2016 the ground work was started on the adjacent land south of the beautiful Escondido campus. More than half of the funds have been given or promised, enabling this project to commence without incurring debt. This is WSC’s largest initiative since its founding in 1979, and the realization of a long-held vision by its leaders to provide on-campus housing for those men and women who are called to serve Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. The WSC Board of Trustees believes we can and must do more in today’s culture to attract the best and the brightest students for the future of the church. The plans for student housing have been on the drawing boards for a decade, but took on greater clarity in 2014, when the

9.5 acres of land adjacent to the existing 10-acre campus were acquired and gifted to WSC by friends of the seminary. This doubled the size of the campus and enabled our leaders to embark on a strategic campaign to build 64 one–, two–, and three– bedroom apartments. There are 8 buildings planned with 8 apartments each—sufficient to house most of our students and their families. The Lord continues to bless this project with financial support. Please pray with us that the funds will be provided and the housing may be completed in summer 2018! PROJECT OVERVIEW

8

64

residential individual buildings units

BENEFITS to STUDENTS: • Providing a community of faith where education, fellowship, and families flourish • Saving students altogether an estimated $325,000 annually with below-market rents

1

commons building

68%

CONSTRUCTION STAGES GRADING FOUNDATION FRAMING PLUMBING/MECHANICAL/ELECTRICAL INSULATION & DRYWALL EXTERIOR & INTERIOR FINISH LANDSCAPING

Since the completion of grading, crews installed underground wet utilities. In late March, foundation work began. This stage of the student housing project consists of the installation of underground dry utilities (i.e., electrical, cable, telephone), digging footings, installation of rebar, pouring slabs, and creating roads and curbs.

of the funds have been raised for this campaign

32% remaining

• Reducing the need for two cars for married couples, as students can walk to classes, the library, and meet with their professors

WESTMINSTER GRADU PRELIMINARY GRAD

• Establishing opportunities for life-long relationships for a life-time of ministry

OPPORTUNITIES to INVEST: • Project Total: $20.5 million • Commitments: $14 million • Remainder: $6.5 million 14

UPDATE | SPRING2017


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For more information, please contact Dawn G. Doorn, Vice President for Advancement at 760-644-9916, ext. 130 wscal .e d u

15


2017 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP

A

s we are all well aware, this year marks the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation, when in 1517 a monk named Martin Luther published the Ninety-Five Theses. This ignited a movement that shook the very foundations of the Western world. So it was fitting that Westminster Seminary California (WSC) kicked off the celebrations and commemorations with the theme of the 2017 Annual Conference: “Is the Reformation Over?” The midJanuary conference attracted 288 attendees from 18 states and 7 countries to WSC’s campus to hear 6 faculty members address various aspects of this question. President W. Robert Godfrey opened the conference with an examination of the Reformation’s recovery of the gospel. He described the focus of the Reformation as the renewal, revival, and return to biblical religion. “The Reformation came back to the Bible, and in coming back to the Bible it came back to Jesus.” Dr. Godfrey observed the frequent critique, especially common among Roman Catholics, that the Reformation destroyed the unity of the church. Re-

sponding to this claim, he explained that the unity of the church “was destroyed by patriarchs and popes hundreds of years before the Reformation.” Likewise, many argue that the Reformation facilitated the gradual rise of secularism in the West. While acknowledging the tragedy of secularism, Dr. Godfrey pointed out an even greater tragedy – not knowing the gospel. The true gift of the Reformation was the recovery of the gospel. Dr. Godfrey explained, “The good news is you don’t have to get right with God by your own work. Jesus has done the work for you…. The great goal of the Evil One is to get us to take our eyes off of Jesus.” R. Scott Clark turned to another product of the Reformation – the restoration of the Bible. While the church and her confessions are subject to reformations, he explained, the Bible alone is not reformable. This Protestant rediscovery of sola scriptura was an incredibly liberating moment for Christians. Dr. Clark explained that Scripture always norms the church because Scripture has authority over the church. In other words, the church is a minister, not a master, of God’s Word.

“THE GOOD NEWS IS YOU DON’T HAVE TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD BY YOUR OWN WORK. JESUS HAS DONE THE WORK FOR YOU."

left: Conference attendees singing hymns in WSC chapel; right: Dr. Michael S. Horton giving his lecture, "The Gospel Recast."

16

UPDATE | SPRING2017


In “The Church Reformed,” J.V. Fesko took up the ecclesiological side of the Reformation. The reformation of the church, he explained, was intimately tied to the reformers’ return to the Word. According to the reformers, ministers wield authority to the extent that they preach the gospel faithfully. No longer did the churches rotate on the axis of the sacraments and priests; rather, they rotated on the axis of Christ and His Word. Dr. Fesko continued, “You can have the Word by itself, but you cannot have the sacrament without the Word.” Michael Horton explored the various ways the gospel that the Reformation rediscovered has been recast or lost since the 16th century. While we have all sorts of “gospel” things in Christian culture today, such as music, merchandise, and even cruises, we are increasingly becoming vague on the actual content of the gospel. The greatest question for any generation, Dr. Horton observed, is whether the gospel is being preached. He explained, “Where the gospel is being preached Satan’s kingdom is being toppled.” The church is the end, or point, of the gospel. The church is not merely a means to an end; it is the very kingdom of God in this world. Julius Kim continued looking at ways the church has lost the message of the Reformation by focusing on ecclesiology in “The Church Reduced.” Dr. Kim explained that Christians should never neglect the church because it is the bride of Christ. God gives saving grace to his people through means: preaching and the sacraments. Neglecting the church deprives the Christian of the very means of grace God has provided for them. Dr. Kim continued, “Christ speaks to his church today by the faithful preaching of the whole counsel of God by the power of his Spirit.” Joel Kim concluded the sessions with an examination of the relativizing of the Bible in modern church and society. Just as many Christians have come to neglect the church, they also neglect God’s Word. Prof. Kim observed, “The Bible is often challenged in the halls of academia, ridiculed in popular media, and ignored in the life of believers.” As a result, there is an urgent need for the church to rediscover the centrality of the Bible just as the reformers rediscovered it 500 years ago. Westminster Seminary California is thankful for its many friends who attended the 2017 Annual Conference. Please join us for next year’s conference, “The Bible: His Stories, Your Life,” January 12-13, 2018, on the WSC campus. To watch or listen to each plenary session lecture, visit www.wscal.edu/conference-2017

Alumni from Dr. Glomsrud's class on Dostoevsky

2017 ALUMNI WINTER REFRESHER RECAP During the month of January, Westminster Seminary California (WSC) welcomed back more than 20 alumni to its campus. What brought these graduates back to their alma mater? FREE elective courses during the winter term, of course! WSC’s Alumni Winter Refresher offers alumni opportunities to refresh and reconnect every year in January. The classes this year ranged from Zechariah, taught by visiting WSC alum Matthew Seufert, to Dostoevsky, taught by Dr. Ryan Glomsrud, to Bonaventure, also taught by a visiting alum, Amy Carmichael. Other classes included courses in counseling, Greek, Hebrew, and missions to Asia. In addition to being refreshed by courses offered, many alumni also attended this year’s Annual Conference, “Is the Reformation Over?” (all sessions available at wscal.edu/ conference), and had plenty of time to reconnect with old friends, form new friendships, and spend some time catching up with WSC faculty.

there’s always next year! Be sure to join us next year! For more information about WSC’s Alumni Winter Refresher, feel free to call (888.480.8474 x102) or email (alumni@wscal.edu). See you next January!

Notice Of Nondiscriminatory Policy As To Students The Westminster Seminary California school admits students of any race, color, 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, national and ethinic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. wscal .e d u

17


GRATEFUL REFLECTIONS

LASTING EDUCATION ON A

W

estminster Seminary California strives to prepare our students for ministry both in the church and outside of it. We hope that what the men and women that come through our programs learn is beneficial and lays a firm foundation as they take study into practice, and blesses them and those they minister to throughout their lives. We were able to talk to just a few of these men when they came for our annual Alumni Winter Refresher in January and hear what they appreciated most from their time here. wscal.edu/alumni

"The biggest thing I appreciate about Westminster is the emphasis on preaching Christ accurately from all of Scripture. I don’t know that there is another seminary that prepares preachers like Westminster Seminary California does." Ronnie Curfman (M.Div., 2015) 18

"I am grateful for my time here as a student, especially the relationships that I formed here, which continue to this day as a source of fellowship and encouragement as I labor and serve for the Lord."

"The Lord used my time at WSC to give me a solid foundation upon which I'll be building for the rest of my ministry. It has prepared and equipped me to proclaim and apply the Law and the Gospel in preaching, teaching, counseling and shepherding ministry."

Jeremiah Rivera (M.Div., 2015)

Alan Bledsoe (M.Div., 2014)

"We stand on the interpretive shoulders of godly giants, biblical creeds, faithful confessions, and trustworthy catechisms. At Westminster I found some godly giants on whose shoulders I now stand. Only now I realize they're not as tall as I once thought, they were just standing on the shoulders of others." Joel Fick (M.Div., 2003)

"Coming back reminds me of how much I miss the fellowship of the warm seminary community. It is a breath of fresh air to come back to WSC and receive Christ-centered teaching once again." Daniel Ventura (M.Div., 2015) UPDATE | SPRING2017


13

DID YOU KNOW?

all

wsc faculty members are ordained in a naparc church. WSC’s faculty are ordained pastor-scholars, committed to ministry in Reformed and Presbyterian denominations. While they are world-class scholars, their first calling is service to Christ’s church. As such, they are all very active in their local churches and denominations, including preaching and serving on denominational committees.

wscal .e d u

19


ONMISSION

TRUTH IN LOVE by Wi l l i a m G odfr ey

I

n writing an article about my experience with Westminster Seminary California, it is hard for me to know exactly where to begin. I have been “involved” with Westminster my whole life. My Dad, W. Robert Godfrey, was a new professor at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia when I was born, and our family moved out to Escondido in 1981 when WSC was in its infancy. I can think back and remember visiting the old seminary location in a business park in San Marcos. I remember our family driving over to view the property on which the campus now stands, right after it had been acquired. My siblings and I climbed around and explored the library and administration building when it was only framed and still under construction. I was in high school when my Dad became WSC’s third president. Years later I had the wonderful opportunity to study and earn a Master of Divinity degree from this institution in 2010. I have even had the opportunity to come back and do a small amount of guest lecturing, first for Dr. Hywel Jones and now for Dr. Dennis

from left: William Godfrey, Mark MacVey, W. Robert Godfrey, Mari MacVey, Mary Ellen Godfrey, Catherine Godfrey, Robert Godfrey

Johnson in the senior Pastoral Ministry Seminar. So I have been intimately acquainted with the Seminary for my whole life! Familiarity with an institution is one thing, but experiencing first-hand a WSC education helped me see more fully the value of this seminary. I honestly believe that I had the opportunity to receive the best education a minister could possibly receive. “For Christ, His Gospel, and His Church” is more than just a motto at WSC. It is the mission that drives everything else. Mottos, vision, and mission statements mean little without people who whole-heartedly believe in them and work to see them implemented and safeguarded. What makes WSC such a strong institution is its people, from its staff, to its faculty, to its supporters, to its trustees, to its students. The educational experience at WSC was both academically rigorous and eminently practical. It gave me a solid foundation for ministry. I have been ministering to a wonderful congregation, Grace United Reformed Church in Torrance, California,

“I HONESTLY BELIEVE THAT I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE THE BEST EDUCATION A MINISTER COULD POSSIBLY RECEIVE. “FOR CHRIST, HIS GOSPEL, AND HIS CHURCH” IS MORE THAN JUST A MOTTO AT WSC. IT IS THE MISSION THAT DRIVES EVERYTHING ELSE.”

20

UPDATE | SPRING2017


“WHETHER AS A FATHER, OR A PROFESSOR, OR A CHURCHMAN, MY DAD HAS ALWAYS DEMONSTRATED TO ME AN UNSWERVING COMMITMENT AND LOYALTY TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS WORD. AS A FATHER, HE AND MY MOM TAUGHT US THE GOSPEL TRUTH AND SACRIFICED SO THAT WE COULD ATTEND CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS THAT WOULD REINFORCE THAT TRUTH.” since 2011. In that relatively short span of time, we all have witnessed changes in the society and culture around us that would have been almost unthinkable to Christians a few decades ago. And these changes are not just radical but rapid, and can threaten to leave the church disoriented as it looks at the world around us. But a firm theological foundation allows us to realize that while the world’s hostility to the church might be becoming more overt in our day, Christ, his Gospel, and his Church have always been under the devil’s assault. No matter how ferocious or even violent his assaults against the church become, Christ’s promise will always stand: “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). The truth of our Lord needs to be sounded forth in every age, and I’m thankful for the education of WSC and how it deepened my understanding of that truth. But of course, as any serious student of the Bible knows, the world doesn’t just need to hear the truth of Christ; it needs to hear that truth spoken in love (Eph. 4:15). The church errs when it focuses too much on love and not enough on the truth. But the reverse is also true: a church that focuses on truth at the expense of love also leaves the path of wisdom. I am very thankful for professors at WSC that modeled for us wisdom in speaking the truth in love. Especially as we considered how to make what we were learning practical in the lives of our congregations, the professors showed us how biblical truth must be combined with a love for the Lord and for those receiving his Word. I’m very thankful that our professors clearly demonstrated that they were not just conveying to us cold data to be absorbed and given back to them on exams. But rather, they were conveying truth that was in reality the water of life to give eternal life to the thirsty nations of the world. They demonstrated a love for the truth and a heartfelt desire to see that truth spoken in love by us for the good of the saints and for God’s glory. Finally, I am thankful to WSC for giving me the opportunity to reflect on my experience at this particular time in the life of our seminary. My Dad anticipates retiring this year after serving the Westminster community in Philadelphia and California for 43 years. And as I reflected on what I might say about him, it became clear that one article is insufficient for me to express my love and admiration. However, since I want to live up to the inscription he always writes for me when he wscal .e d u

signs one of his books “To my favorite son," I’ll give it my best effort (He also inscribes “To my favorite son” to my younger brother, and probably also to my brother-in-law, but I’ll keep telling myself that he really means it when he writes it to me). And I’ll finish by returning to the themes of truth and love. Whether as a father, or a professor, or a churchman, my Dad has always demonstrated to me an unswerving commitment and loyalty to the Lord Jesus Christ and his Word. As a father, he and my Mom taught us the Gospel truth and sacrificed so that we could attend Christian schools that would reinforce that truth. As a professor, he taught us clearly that God works out his divine plan throughout the history of the church so that the truth of the Gospel is never lost. And he demonstrated his great love for Christ’s church and his people by serving our local church as a member of the consistory, delegate to the church’s broader assemblies, and a long-time adult Sunday school teacher. He has always embodied an uncompromising commitment to the truth of Christ. But this commitment to the truth has always been expressed to me in unconditional love. He has been a model husband and father and now grandfather for our family. He loves the Christian organizations that God’s faithful people have built up for the furtherance of the Gospel cause, such as WSC. And he loves the church, particularly its local expression in the saints who make up the Escondido United Reformed Church. He has been an associate minister there for 36 years. He has rejoiced with them in their marriages, baptisms, professions of faith, birthday and anniversary celebrations. He has wept with them beside hospital beds and at grave sides. He has taught our family what it is to love Christ, his church, and his people as a household of faith. As a family, we all love Dad/Papa very much and look forward to his retirement. As a man and as a minister, I can only hope to follow in his footsteps. And I’m thankful for the role WSC has played and continues to play in my life and in the life of our family.

WILLIAM C. GODFREY currently serves as the pastor of Grace United Reformed Church in Torrance, California, and is Dr. Godfrey’s favorite son. 21


AN EXPECTED JOURNEY by Robert G odfr ey

I

was raised in a Christian home, and I thank the Lord immensely for that gift. By regularly gathering together in worship, reflecting on the Word of God, and continually going to God in prayer our parents raised us all in the faith. From an early age I was taught the covenantal promises of God. I saw the good news of the gospel, and I was continually pointed to the saving work of Jesus Christ. At a young age I professed my faith in Christ and joined the Church Experiencing the privilege of a Christian K-12 education I felt as though my faith never endured any true test, until I departed for college. Throughout those four college years I began to realize, all the more, that even in a well-established Christian walk, seeds of weeds can be planted dangerously among the seeds of gospel fruit that had been planted earlier. When college was coming to an end, I was very uncertain what road lay ahead. My interests were primarily leading in the direction of performance and the arts with a specific bent toward comedy. I had seriously considered pursuing the avenue of improvisational comedy and planned to head toward Chicago or New York City to pursue this goal. My parents skillfully and subtly suggested that I should just go to WSC “for a spiritual tune up” before heading down that

road. They planted a seed that the Master of the Arts program was just a two-year commitment and would be good for both spiritual growth and the academic experience. At that time in the back of my mind I thought it was a good secret treaty move. Certainly if I put in a year at WSC and said that I still desired to go on the road to Chicago, they would be very understanding and supportive. It was a brilliant strategy on my part... if I do say so myself. However, once the journey at WSC began, my strategy fell apart. Perhaps during the first year I was still trying to convince myself that this was just a degree, a chore, or something to check off a list before I returned to my own bigger, better master plan. But I was constantly surrounded with teaching and fellowship which clearly was for Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. It was hard to keep the draw of that goal at bay. By my third full semester at WSC I was filled with more and more of a desire to share God’ s Word. Throughout that fall semester I began wondering whether or not I should switch my degree from the Master of Arts program to the Master of Divinity program and prepare for the ministry. This sense of calling reached its height in the midst of the second winter term. I’ll never forget when Dr. Bergsma was

“I WAS CONSTANTLY SURROUNDED WITH TEACHING AND FELLOWSHIP WHICH CLEARLY WAS FOR CHRIST, HIS GOSPEL, AND HIS CHURCH. IT WAS HARD TO KEEP THE DRAW OF THAT GOAL AT BAY.”

22

UPDATE | SPRING2017


“I WAS NOT ONLY GIVEN A DEEP EDUCATION FOR WHICH I AM SO THANKFUL; I WAS ALSO GIVEN ROLE MODELS, COUNSELORS, TRUE PASTORS TO LOOK TO AND APPRECIATE. THAT IS WHY I CANNOT POSSIBLY GIVE ENOUGH THANKS TO THE ONE FACULTY MEMBER WHO WAS THERE AT EVERY STEP OF THIS JOURNEY, DR. W. ROBERT GODFREY, WHOM I’D RATHER CALL DAD.” teaching a course on the Church and Society. At one point in the course he ceased lecturing and began to preach outright to the class. It was a day when only five or six men were in the chairs of a winter term course, and he proclaimed to us the beauty of the day when Christ will come again, as though he was preaching to a cathedral filled with a thousand listeners. In that moment I saw true passion for the gospel that could not be silenced. And as the five or six of us in the class sheepishly dabbed tears from our eyes, I was convicted to ask myself, “Why am I not sharing this good news?" In response to this conviction I asked a number of professors if they would be willing to meet and speak with me. All the men I approached were more than willing. When I think back to these years at WSC, that’ s one of the things I just can’t get over—how willing all these men were to give up their time. They had so much to prepare for scholastically (lectures to review, papers to grade, projects to work on, sermons to prepare, etc.) but they always made time for the students. And I cannot thank them enough for that pastoral caring contribution. Upon having conversations and prayers with many of these professors, a sense of calling continued to be confirmed. I am especially thankful for and will always remember a passionate prayer that Dr. Johnson gave at the conclusion of one of these helpful discussions. Since my time at WSC, the Lord has continued to use Westminster Seminary California to strengthen me in the midst of my ministerial call. After graduating in 2007, I immediately went to serve as an intern and later became ordained at Trinity United Reformed Church in wscal .e d u

Visalia, CA. In 2016, I took a call to serve at Zeltenreich Reformed Church in New Holland, PA. Throughout these years of ministry in the church, I have used my WSC "lifelines" many times. When graduation came, perhaps some of my professors thought, “Finally this guy is going to stop knocking on our doors.” But in the age of cellphones, texts, and emails, I have far from left them alone. When a question of ethics bewildered me, I used the Dr. VanDrunen email lifeline. When a practical issue faced me and I needed help, I used the Dr. Kim text message lifeline. When a church history question came and I needed a quick answer, a quick search on Dr. Clark’s Heidelblog lifeline may just have saved the day. But unlike "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," I’ve used far more than three lifelines, and I have yet to be told that I’ve run out of them. Furthermore, I remember the fruit that all of these faculty members have shown as I seek to be a pastor, a husband, and a father today. When I remember my time in seminary I was not only given a deep education for which I am so thankful; I was also given role models, counselors, true pastors to look to and appreciate. That is why I cannot possibly give enough thanks to the one faculty member who was there at every step of this journey, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, whom I’d rather call Dad. In every step of this journey, he has been there. Before he was a president, before I knew he was Dr. Godfrey, he was always my Christian father. In the same way I would feel foolish asking my own little girls, “What is it like to have Dr. Godfrey as your Papa?” it felt very weird the handful of times throughout my life

when that question came to me. Because, to be honest, it was a question that made no sense. First and foremost, he’ s always been our Dad. Whether it was learning his passion for the Sabbath, reading Psalms at the dinner table, or helping me defend the Reformed faith throughout all my years of education, Dad was always there for us. Both Dad and Mom raised us up in a Christian home. It really wasn’t until seminary that it finally fully dawned on me that he was a professor...and indeed the president! But in the end he was still Dad. He was always happy to go to Rubio’s to get lunch with me, my brother, or any fellow classmates and faculty if the time allowed. I think most students would agree that we learned almost as much during these times of lunch as we did in the classroom. And today he’s still Dad. Just like every other professor at WSC, I know how busy he is. Yet, when I try to exploit him as my audio Bible commentary, asking for help on a passage or a sermon outline, Dad is still willing to help. I can’t thank him enough, and I can’t thank God enough. God’s covenant promises are great from one generation to the next. For my Dad it may have been an unexpected journey to the Reformed faith, but I thank the Lord that for me and my family it has been an expected journey. I have seen that the Lord has stayed true to His covenant promises! Praise be to God! ROBERT GODFREY Rev. Robert Godfrey is Pastor of Zeltenreich Reformed Church in New Holland, PA, and is Dr. Godfrey's favorite son. 23


ALUMNI NEWS

wsc at GENERAL ASSEMBLIES Westminster Seminary California (WSC) will host a luncheon for Alumni and Friends of WSC at the 45th PCA General Assembly in Greensboro, NC, on Wednesday, June 14 from 12:00 – 1:30 PM in the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. WSC alumni, friends, and prospective students are cordially invited to join us for lunch and to hear our speaker, Dr. Julius Kim, Dean of Students and Professor of Practical Theology. WSC will be at the Orthodox Presbyterian Church General Assembly in Palos Heights, IL, on May 31June 6. We will be hosting a breakfast Monday morning, June 5th . Dr. J. V. Fesko will be our speaker. For registration details, visit wscal.edu/news-and-events

CONNECT ON THE NEW FACEBOOK PAGE! The new WSC Alumni Facebook page provides a great opportunity to stay in touch with and get updates from fellow alumni and let everyone know what you have been up to in recent years.

wscal.edu/alumni 24

1989

Frederik Harms taught an intensive class on the history of the Reformation at the end of January 2017 at Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary in Riga, Latvia.

CA, with his wife, Abbey, and two adopted children, Malachi and Tayla, and has been serving as Pastor of Kaleo Church in El Cajon. He recently released his first book, The God of Great Reversals: The Gospel in the Book of Esther.

1994

2005

Ken Davies was ordained at Lemon Grove Community Church in Lemon Grove, CA, on March 26th. Robert Starke was installed as a Teacher at Covenant OPC in San Jose when he took a call to be the Campus Pastor at The King’s Academy in Sunnyvale, CA.

1996

Emma Kiwanuka is the current appointed Principle of the Institute at Westminster Christian Institute Uganda (WCIU).

1998

Jeff Jue and his wife, Jane, welcomed their 3rd child and daughter, Anastasia Noelle, on December 10th.

2000

Daniel Hyde was awarded a Davenant Trust Fellowship for 2017 for his Ph.D. research at the Vrije Universiteit Amersterdam on John Owen’s theology of public worship, showing how Owen developed connections between theology and liturgy, orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Eric Watkins had his dissertation entitled, The Drama of Preaching, recently published by Wipf and Stock.

2001

Steve Moulson was ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor at All Saints Reformed Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Richmond, VA, on November 27th.

2003

Fred Kabenge was appointed to serve as the liaison person of Trinity Centre for World Mission (TCWM) within the Africa Region in addition to his work as secretary and lecturer at Westminster Christian Institute Uganda (WCIU).

2006

David Gaebler and his wife, Leslie, welcomed their fourth child, Samuel David, on November 2nd. David is also in his 4th year of teaching mathematics at Hillsdale College. David Zadok is excited that for the first time in history, Spurgeon was published in Hebrew in December by HaGefen. They are also hoping to publish Dr. Kim’s book, Preaching the Whole Counsel of God, which will be the first time that a book on preaching is being published in Modern Hebrew. Also, David’s church, Grace and Truth, had 12 young men and women who were converted and baptized.

2007

Keith Conley and his wife adopted three girls, Katherine Ruth, Elizabeth Marie, and Hanna Grace, on April 5th. Keith also completed the education requirement to become a certified financial planner and will take his exam in July.

2008

John and Katie (Wagenmaker) Terrell welcomed their 4th baby, Miriam Lois, on Tuesday February 7th.

Tim Cain has been living in El Cajon, UPDATE | SPRING2017


2009

Matthew Chiangi finished his Ph.D. on Old Testament Studies at the University of Calabar, Nigeria. Convocation was on March 11th. Jeremy Mendenhall is now back in California after interning and then pastoring a small church in Pennsylvania for four years. He is helping run the family contracting business, owns and operates Lovestruck Films, and in his spare time he is an adjunct for Regent University, filling in for a few online classes each year.

2010

Tommy Myrick and his wife, Abigail, welcomed the birth of their first child, Lydia Anne, on Christmas Day 2016.

2011

Nozomi (Imai) Kusunoki has been working as a full-time translator since last July, hoping to introduce some useful theological books in Japanese. She is

married to Masa, and they have 3 boys, ages 5, 3, and 1. Craig Marshall was installed as a preaching pastor at Grace Bible Church in Escondido, CA, in November.

2012

Norman Van Eeden Petersman and his wife, Rosanna, moved to Vancouver, BC, where Norman is now serving as the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church. Shane Bennett and his wife, Rachelle, had their 4th child, Esther Joy, on January 1st. Jordan Huff and his wife were blessed with their 5th child, Kelsey Jane, on January 11th.

2014

Nicholas Davis received a new call to Redemption Church (PCA) in San Diego, CA. In addition, he is now Associate Editor of Content and Bible Studies at White Horse Inn. Nick and his wife,

If you are a WSC alum and would like us to include your recent updates to future issues of the magazine, please contact us at alumni@wscal.edu.

Gina, also welcomed their third son in March. Daniel Svendsen moved to South Holland, IL, with his wife and daughter in June where he began to serve as pastor of First Christian Reformed Church in July of 2016.

2016

Stephen Pak started his new job in Information Technology for the Vista Unified School District. Michael Spotts and his wife were blessed with their first child, John Donovan, on November 7th. Michael was also ordained on January 8th at Phoenix URC. Bulut Yasar and Ayrian Moore were married on Januray 7th, 2017. Bulut will be ordained as a pastor in the OPC on May 17, 2017.

CAMPUS CARE a special giving opportunity just for alumni! In an effort to maintain and improve the campus, current students started a fund because they noticed some minor repairs that needed to be made but were unexpected and not in our budget. The Alumni Campus Care Fund is an opportunity for alumni to give back to the seminary in seemingly small but very significant ways. All gifts collected go directly to minor repairs and improvements around the campus.

to give, visit wscal.edu/alumni wscal .e d u


INPERSON & INPRINT

FACULTY SPEAKING THE NEXT 500 YEARS WSC faculty may be seen speaking at the WSC Annual Conference (pictured above) and around the world. The theme of the 2017 Ligonier National Conference, “The Next 500 Years,” took the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation to consider the future of the church. Keynote speakers for the conference, which convened March 9-11, 2017, included WSC President and Professor of Church History, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey, and J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Dr. Michael S. Horton. Dr. Godfrey, who also serves as Teaching Fellow at Ligonier Ministries, addressed one of the least known contributions of the Reformation: its rescue of the family. It is easy to forget the revolutionary nature of Luther’s marriage; the concept of a monk marrying – not to mention marrying a nun – was a scandalous thought in medieval Roman Catholicism. Similarly, Calvin placed great emphasis on pastoral care for families during his ministry in Geneva. Dr. Godfrey observed, “The Reformation came along and rescued marriage from an unbiblical understanding.” The biblical teaching on family, divorce, and sexuality needs to be recovered once again in our modern culture that is inebriated with 26

radical individualism. In short, marriage needs to be restored once again today according to the Word of God, and the Christian family can serve as a powerful testament to the power of the gospel to an unbelieving world. This testimony applies not only to the nuclear family but to the church family as well. “The church,” Dr. Godfrey concluded, “should be a family characterized by love and sacrifice.” Dr. Horton turned to the topic of vocation in his address, “Working for God’s Glory.” Drawing on the teachings of Calvin and Luther, Dr. Horton highlighted the connection between our vocation, or the work we do in the world, and the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. The Reformation unleashed a new sense of calling because it viewed our works as opportunities to glorify God by loving our neighbors rather than earning our salvation. Dr. Horton continued, “We can’t be Monday Christians unless we are Sunday Christians first.” When we go to church we are reminded of our primary identity in Christ, which provides the fundamental context for our weekly work among our neighbors. “We are not first and foremost workers,” Dr. Horton observed, “We aren’t what we do, but what God has done for us.” The Reformation recovery of vocation and common grace should encourage us for the work that we do unto God’s glory alone.

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS june 13 | Dr. Julius J. Kim speaks at PCA General Assembly (Greensboro, NC). 15-17 | Dr. David VanDrunen presents his paper at the International Reformed Theological Insitute Bi-Annual Conference (Hong Kong, China). 19-22 | Dr. Dennis E. Johnson speaks at Enrichment Week for Rafiki Missionaries (Eustis, FL). 23-24 | Dr. David VanDrunen speaks at the Reformation 500 Conference (Manila, Philippines). 25 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey speaks at the Thornwell Summer Lecture Series in light of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation (Columbia, SC).

july 6 | Dr. Michael S. Horton speaks at the GTI Conference Africa 2017 (Nairobi, Kenya, Africa). 28 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey speaks at the Ligonier Reformation 500 Study Tour and Cruise (Prague to Berlin).

UPDATE | SPRING2017


ENGAGEMENTS (continued) august 11 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey speaks at the Ligonier Regional Conference (Wittenburg, Germany). 14-21 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey speaks at the Ligonier Land of Luther Tour (Berlin to Frankfurt). 8/30-9/1 | Dr. Michael S. Horton speaks at Centro Presbiteriano de Pós-Graduação Reformation Conference (Sao Paulo, Brazil).

september

FACULTY WRITING LEARNING TO LOVE THE PSALMS by W. Robert Godfrey The Psalms are among the best-known and mostloved books of the Bible. But as Dr. W. Robert Godfrey writes, there is more to this book than we usually see. In Learning to Love the Psalms, Dr. Godfrey explores the depths of this beloved book, unveiling its truths and helping readers gain new understanding, encouragement, and wonder for the Bible’s songbook.

1-3 | Prof. Joel E. Kim speaks at Atlanta New Church PCA Church Conference (Atlanta, GA). 14-15 | Dr. Michael S. Horton speaks at The Reformation and the Ministry of the Word Conference (Chicago, IL). 16-17 | Dr. David VanDrunen speaks at Sycamore Reformed Baptist Church Conference (Moline, IL).

october 6-8 | Dr. David VanDrunen speaks at Northwoods PCA Church Conference (Cheyenne, WY). 12-15 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey speaks at the annual Reformed Worship Conference at Midway PCA (Powder Springs, GA). 22 | Dr. W. Robert Godfrey preaches at the Annual Reformation Service at Trinity Presbyterian Church (Novato, CA). 25-30 | Dr. Michael S. Horton speaks at the World Reformed Fellowship 500 Wittenburg Conference (Wittenburg, Germany).

november 1 | Prof. Joel E. Kim speaks at the KPCA General Assembly Reformation 500 Conference (Atlanta, GA).

REDISCOVERING THE HOLY SPIRIT: GOD’S PERFECTING PRESENCE IN CREATION, REDEMPTION, AND EVERYDAY LIFE

by Michael S. Horton In Rediscovering the Holy Spirit, author, pastor, and theologian Mike Horton introduces readers to the neglected person of the Holy Spirit, showing that the work of God’s Spirit is far more ordinary and common than we realize. Horton argues that we need to take a step back every now and again to focus on the Spirit himself.

DEATH IN ADAM, LIFE IN CHRIST: THE DOCTRINE OF IMPUTATION

by J. V. Fesko The doctrine of imputation is often seen as superfluous or splitting hairs, and yet, without it, redemption automatically becomes reliant on our own works and assurance of salvation is suddenly not so sure. J. V. Fesko works through this doctrine looking at its long history in the church, its exegetical foundation, and its dogmatic formulation. In exploring imputed guilt from the First Adam alongside the imputed righteousness from the Second, this volume offers a well-rounded explanation of the doctrine.

+ wsc a l .ed u

for more faculty books, see the bookstore ad on p. 31 or visit us online at wscal.edu/bookstore.

27


HONORARIUM & MEMORIAL GIFTS Gifts Received From September 23, 2016 through April 18, 2017

IN HONOR OF... Dr. and Mrs. Derke P. Bergsma Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Buikema Ms. Diann Otten

Rev. and Mrs. Andrew Cammenga Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn II Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Korthuis

Visit the link below to read the entire series.

wscal.edu/life-together

28

Mr. Hugo Goedhart

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Goedhart

Mrs. Patricia Haan

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Haan

Mr. James W. Huston

Dr. and Dr. David M. VanDrunen

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Dehaas

Dr. and Dr. David M. VanDrunen

Mrs. Grace Kline

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Doorn II Mr. Matt Mullininx

Chaplain Louis Kok

Mrs. Dawn G. Doorn

Mr. Nathan Korthuis

WSC Faculty

Mr. Al Kuperus

Ms. Ellen Ward

As Dr. Ryan Glomsrud observed in the final post of the series, “Soon, the seminary will have 64 residential units to provide oncampus housing. Together, God helping us, we look forward to discovering new and meaningful ways to learn and grow in the service of Christ, His Gospel, and His Church.”

Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Strimple

Rev. Dr. R. Scott Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Wolfe

This spring, members of the WSC community contributed to a blog series on the seminary’s website titled “Life Together.” This series of brief reflections observed various aspects of community life at WSC, including student-faculty relationships, students forming lifelong bonds with each other, nurturing students’ families, and supporting one another through prayer.

Ms. Gwen Gain

Rev. and Mrs. Charles V. Sy Mr. and Mrs. Ben Goedhart

Mr. and Mrs. Clyde P. Lems

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Kuperus

Ms. Laura Lide

Dr. and Mrs. William B. Lide

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Pretz Miss Sandra J. Nonhof

Mr. and Mrs. Norman J. Van Solkema Rev. and Mrs. Brian D. Vos

IN MEMORY OF... Mrs. Edythe Adams Mr. Gary B. Adams

Andrew J. Bierling Mrs. Sharon M. Vos

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Korthuis Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Korthuis Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Kuperus

Rev. Melvin B. Nonhof Miss Sandra J. Nonhof

Mr. Paul T. Strimple Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Porter

Rev. Aubrey Van Hoff

Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan B. Bascom

Mr. Arie Van Schyndel

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Van Schyndel Mrs. Mary Vanderbyl

Mr. Keith Vander Pol

Dr. and Mrs. Jerome W. Bentz

Mr. Case Vander Stelt

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Vander Stelt

Ms. Debra Vanderbyl

Mr. Adam Chau‑Dung Chang

Mrs. Joyce Dekker Mr. and Mrs. Ben Goedhart

Mrs. Nancy Kay Clippinger

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Goedhart

Mr. Roger De Stigter

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Vos Mrs. Sharon M. Vos

Mr. Leonard E. De Ruiter

Mr. John Waardenburg

Mrs. Su‑Yin Chang Ms. Jean E. Ewers

Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Van Dam Mr. and Mrs. Ben Veenendaal

Mr. Gerrit Vanderbyl

Mr. Alfred Vos and Joel Brian Vos

Mr. and Mrs. Ben Goedhart

Thoughtful friends may honor either living or departed friends through gifts to the seminary. Those honored will be notified, as will the family of those honored at death. The amount of the gift is kept confidential and is tax deductible. UPDATE | SPRING2017


W. ROB ER T GODF RE Y

HONORARIUM WAYS TO GIVE

W

SC establishes the W. Robert Godfrey Honorarium to celebrate President Dr. W. Robert Godfrey’s faithful service to Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. Thoughtful and loving friends of Dr. W. Robert Godfrey who wish to honor him and his legacy as a teacher and president may give to Westminster Seminary California (WSC). The names of contributors, with their permission, will be listed in a future issue of UPDATE. The amount of the gift is kept confidential and is tax deductible.

1 ONLINE Go to www.wscal.edu/godfreyhonorarium and fill out the online giving form provided

2 MAIL Fill out the form below and send to: Westminster Seminary California 1725 Bear Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027

Your generosity will help the seminary continue its mission to prepare pastors, teachers, and missionaries to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and clarity through the churches around the world. The 2016-17 academic year marks his 24th year as president and his 43rd year of teaching. He began teaching church history at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia in 1974, prior to commencing his teaching career at WSC in 1981. Please consider a gift in honor of Dr. Godfrey and to commemorate his retirement in the summer of 2017.

3 PHONE Call us at (888) 480-8474

CUT HERE

GIVEN BY Please accept my $ gift to Westminster Seminary California in honor of Dr. W. Robert Godfrey

Name (first/last) Address City

State

Phone Number

Zip Email

PAYMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CHECK (payable to Westminster Seminary California) CREDIT CARD

YES, you may use my name in UPDATE Magazine NO, please do not use my name in UPDATE

Card Type

YES

Credit Card No. Exp. Date

wscal .e d u

NO — Dr. Godfrey will know who gave this gift

We are grateful for your generosity!

29


UPCLOSE with

R e v. L e R o y C h r i s t o f f e l s 1

HOW DID YOU COME TO SERVE ON THE WSC BOARD?

We moved to Trinity CRC of Artesia, CA, in 1979, and just then Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia was appointing board members for the new seminary branch to be established in Escondido. I accepted the invitation to serve because I had always deeply appreciated the education received from Westminster Philly. Through these years, we at WSC have been carrying on the legacy of those who labored diligently to establish an effective and faithful Reformed seminary. I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this most significant task of educating the ministers of the Word and Sacraments for service in our country and in other lands, many of them under duress and persecution.

2

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE SERVING ON THE BOARD OVER THE YEARS.

I am currently in my 24th year as a Trustee. Those who served in the early 1980s will remember the close relationships that developed between Faculty and Trustees at the “Dana Point Conferences” and the many discussions that laid the foundation for the nature of our seminary and the kind of education that would be provided. We had to be clear and united about our purpose and about how the curriculum and degree programs would serve that purpose. From the beginning Westminster Seminary California’s primary purpose has been to prepare men for preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ in a context of pastoral ministry. While important degree programs are required to train a variety of “specialists in God’s Word” for scholarly work and teaching, the first and primary aim is to prepare preachers of the Gospel. Over the years we have delighted 30

in God’s provision of financial, intellectual, and spiritual gifts that have permitted us to graduate a significant number of scholar pastors and preachers. My wife, Dorothy, and I took particular delight in the graduation of our son Josh in 2014. He had come with us as a newborn baby to the first Trustee meetings, and now he serves as a pastor in Minnesota.

3

IS THERE A MEMORY OF DR. GODFREY THAT IMMEDIATELY COMES TO MIND?

I am very grateful for Dr. Godfrey’s clear and winsome teaching, his leadership as president, and his strong commitment to our seminary and its Lord, His Word, and our confessions. Dorothy and I remember sitting with Dr. Godfrey in a restaurant at one of the Dana Point Conferences just before his move to California. He thoroughly enjoyed the view of the ocean and the seafood on his plate and declared that he would surely be the envy of his wife. I assume he has treated her by now to some of the good things offered in Southern California many times! Looking back, it is evident that the Lord provided just the right man at the right time to lead the seminary. It was always a joy to hear his “state of the seminary” addresses at the board luncheons. It is hard to think of those addresses without thinking of the Psalms that he so often expounded as he led into his reports. The history of theological education shows the very real danger that a school will fall for the lure of acceptance and influence, and that it will succumb to the temptation to give up its first love and deep commitment to the authority of Scripture and our confessions. Dr. Godfrey is well aware of these dangers, and wisely appointed a committee for “institutional fidelity.” There is no

Over the years we have delighted in God’s provision of financial, intellectual, and spiritual gifts that have permitted us to graduate a significant number of scholar pastors and preachers. human guarantee that an institution will always remain faithful, and this calls us to rely more fully on our utterly faithful God and Savior who will preserve the faith. However, as we rely on Him, we are responsible still to pursue fidelity to God’s Word and our confessions and to be certain that in so far as it depends on us, the seminary will remain firmly planted where it has always been. For this solid conviction and serious efforts to carry it out, I am very grateful for Dr. Robert Godfrey.

REV. LEROY CHRISTOFFELS was a found-

ing member of the WSC Board of Trustees in 1979 and currently serves on the Board. Over his long ministerial career, Rev. Christoffels has pastored eight Christian Reformed (CRC) congregations. UPDATE | SPRING2017


FACULTY BOOKS AVAILABLE NOW NEW!

Learning to Love the Psalms by W. Robert Godfrey (Reformation Trust, 2017)

NEW!

NEW!

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

Rediscovering the Holy Spirit

God's Perfecting Presence in Creation, Redemption, and Everyday Life by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2017)

Core Christanity

God's Glory Alone

Finding Yourself in God's Story

The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life

by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2016)

by David VanDrunen (Zondervan, 2015)

Divine Covenants And Moral Order

A Bibical Theology of Natural Law by David VanDrunen (Eerdmans, 2014)

wscal .e d u

The Doctrine of Imputation

by J. V. Fesko (Mentor, 2016)

by J. V. Fesko (Mentor, 2017)

Preaching the Whole Counsel of God

Design and Deliver Gospel-Centered Sermons by Julius J. Kim (Zondervan, 2015)

The Theology of the Westminster Standards

Westminster Seminary California

by J. V. Fesko (Crossway Books, 2014)

by W. Robert Godfrey and D. G. Hart (Westminster Seminary California, 2012)

Historical Context and Theological Insights

The Trinity and the Covenant of Redemption

A New Old School

Walking with Jesus Through His Word Discovering Christ in All the Scriptures by Dennis E. Johnson (P&R, 2015)

Pilgrim Theology

Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2013)

Who Is Jesus?

Knowing Christ through His "I Am" Sayings by J. V. Fesko (Reformation Heritage Books, 2016)

Ordinary

Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael S. Horton (Zondervan, 2014)

John Calvin

Pilgrim and Pastor by W. Robert Godfrey (Crossway Books, 2009)

Ephesians

Evangelical Exegetical Commentary by S. M. Baugh (Lexham Press, 2015)

Calvin On The Christian Life

Glorifying and Enjoying God Forever by Michael S. Horton (Crossway Books, 2014)

Recovering the Reformed Confession Our Theology, Piety, and Practice by R. Scott Clark (Eerdmans, 2009)

Visit our campus Bookstore! | wscal.edu/bookstore


1725 BEAR VALLEY PARKWAY ESCONDIDO, CA 92027 WWW.WSCAL.EDU

details coming sept. 2017 wscal.edu/conference 32

UPDATE | SPRING2017


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