ADC Today - Summer 2014

Alumni BBQ Page 12

SUMMER 2014

CHANGING LANDSCAPES Living Faith Outside the Lines

Check out www.AcadiaDiv.ca for ADC news and events!

President’s Message

Conversation and Compassion

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by Dr. Harry Gardner, ’77 Harry Gardner is the President, Dean of Theology, and the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Professor of Church Leadership.

“ENGAGING THIS GENERATION AND CULTURE WILL REQUIRE CHRISTIAN LEADERS WHO ARE HIGHLY COMPETENT IN HANDLING THE BIBLICAL TEXT.”

ecently, on a flight from Toronto to Halifax, I met a theatre graduate from a major western Canadian university who was on his way to Halifax for the Magnetic North Theatre Festival. Even before he was seated, he introduced himself as only an extrovert could, and I quickly realized that his vibrant personality was matched with an equally intelligent and engaging mind. Conversation flowed easily and demonstrated his thoughtful and informed reflection on life in Canada as a “20 something”. He was intrigued that I taught Christian Spiritual Formation in a seminary. Because his mother worked as a nurse in an Alzheimer’s unit, he appreciated the value of chaplaincy and spiritual care in that context. He said, “Theatre can reflect the culture as well as speak to the ethical and political issues of the day.” We had found common ground to talk together, admittedly starting from different assumptions.

The recent decision by the Québec National Assembly to adopt Bill 52 permitting medical euthanasia in that province created dialogue that had the attention of passengers nearby. I recalled a comment I had read by a senior civil servant in Québec City who indicated that the bill represents “an act of civilization”. I wondered what kind of civilization. The two-hour flight ended all too quickly, but the realization that the need for serious theological reflection and critical thinking on these and many other issues remained clearly in my mind.

How can the Christian voice be offered and heard in the discussion of important social, political, and ethical issues? Some seem uneasy and even afraid with the loss of previous privilege. However, others of us see new opportunities. Engaging this generation and culture will require Christian leaders who are highly competent in handling the biblical text. They will know how to think and reflect from a theological perspective more than knowing what to think. They will live out their faith with confidence and winsomeness. They will be committed to serving others regardless of the response they receive. They will depend upon God’s Spirit and demonstrate the same approach that He took in sending Christ to us…the Word became flesh living among us full of grace and truth.

What does it mean to live lives that are full of grace and truth in this God-permeated world?

Come with me to China and to Hong Kong specifically, and meet Rev. Dr. Nelson Yiu. He is the Director of the Chaplaincy Training Institute at Queen Elizabeth

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Hospital. He is also an alumnus of Acadia University having been trained in Clinical Pastoral Education, and he was the recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in 2007. I visited Dr. Yiu last November. On his rounds, Dr. Yiu was asked three questions by one of the patients, “Why do you do this? Why are you interested in my well-being? Why do you care if I live or die?” Dr. Yiu with quiet confidence explained that it was the love of God in Jesus Christ that motivated him to serve in this way. In that lonely hospital room, afraid and far from family in her darkest hours, she experienced the love and grace of God through the spiritual and pastoral care of Dr. Yiu. The experience of seeing God use spiritual care workers to open doors for spiritual conversations about Jesus Christ kept me awake for a whole night.

Recently, my wife, Gail, and I were in France where I was the plenary speaker at the Baptist Federation of France. While there I met Pierre de Mareuil, a Baptist Chaplain at the Charles de Gaulle Airport, one of the largest airports in the world. Prior to our return flight, he met us as the train doors opened, led us through the maze of the airport to our gate. He also gave us a tour of a chapel and helped us to understand his ministry. In the daily sea of people, he, along with others, provides spiritual care to people who are travelling in very difficult circumstances. He described them as often totally overwhelmed, afraid, lonely, and lost. One woman said to him recently, “You are an angel.” When he protested, she insisted, “God sent you to me …”

In this world of exponential change we can be messengers of God’s grace and care, and when we have opportunity, we can share why we seek to serve others. It was Jesus who said, “I have come to seek and to save the lost.” We do His work well when we take the time to invest in conversations with others, serve where we can, and demonstrate His love in action and in word. And perhaps the most important thing … Jesus was full of grace and truth. We would do well to have that said of us.

For decades, Acadia Divinity College has provided its students with the needed tools to engage people with the good news of Jesus Christ. Please support us in prayer and financially, as God enables you, that we may continue in the mandate to equip Christian leaders. n

WHY WORRY ABOUT A GODLESS WORLD? (The following is an adaptation from a friendly debate between Dr. Anna Robbins and Dr. Paul Abela on February 26, 2014. Dr. Abela is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Acadia University).

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was living in England when the campaign started. A red London bus passed me with the sign that read, “There probably is no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

You can see almost anything on a London bus, so on the one hand I was not surprised. But what I did notice was that atheists were getting more proactive in spreading their gospel. They were annoyed by bus ads for the Alpha course that encouraged them to consider that there might be more to life than sitting on a bus in London traffic day in and day out. “Forget it,” they wanted to say. “Stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

Therein lies the heart of the problem. Most people have enough challenge and trouble in their lives that to encourage them to stop worrying is the atheistic equivalent of telling them to forget about their problems because Jesus will take care of it. Both are simplistic responses to a complex human problem.

The basic questions of human existence persist and rise. Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

What is the point of my life?

Even Christians worry. Perhaps more than most. I am not a natural worrier, but I find myself increasingly worried about the state of faith and our churches. I have returned to Canada after 15 years in Europe to

by Dr. Anna Robbins, ‘97

find that Christianity has not only been pushed to the margins, but it has been marginalised from public life to the point that those who hold religious views are often ridiculed and dismissed.

Christians are told there is no place for their beliefs in the public sphere as though any of us can remove our worldview lenses at will. As though we can pretend that the parents of confederation were not moved by their Christian convictions to see Canada united as a dominion from sea to shining sea. Christians have overreacted in their insecurity which I suppose is a characteristically Canadian response. I worry that it has come to this, and Christians may be to blame for this state of affairs as much as anyone by not communicating clearly the most positive aspects of our faith. We are known for what we are against rather than what we are for, and we have often withdrawn from dialogue in the public sphere.

We worry, perhaps, because we know there is so much of life that is out of our control, and yet the parts that do lie within our control we tend to mess up. Humans have always been their own most vexing problem: we are evidently more than animals; we are evidently less than gods. Our propensity as human beings to mess things up is not surprising. But it can lead to worry about a Godless world.

Anna Robbins is the Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics, Academic Dean, and the Director of Doctoral Studies.

“WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A RAPID DECLINE IN CHRISTIAN BELIEF IN THE WEST. WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT AN END OF BELIEF.”

When we refer to a ‘Godless world’ we are not referring to God’s real absence from the world of His creation. Rather, we are talking about the decline of public influence, indeed public dominance, of a Christian worldview, what some have referred to as continued on page 4

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WHY WORRY ABOUT A GODLESS WORLD?

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the end of Christendom. We are talking about a rapid decline in Christian belief in the West; we are not talking about an end of belief.

increasingly, conscience is being legislated. New values are informing our cultural institutions that undermine the very framework that brought them into being.

After all, there are more than 2 billion Christians in the world.

The last Canadian census revealed an atheist percentage of around 16%; still far from the majority. However, Reginald Bibby’s research has suggested that the most significant increase in non-believers is amongst younger Canadians, so we might expect this figure to rise. Informal numbers discussed range as high as 30% of Canadians who may identify themselves as atheist in the future. It is clear, then, that when we talk about a Godless world, we are not talking about Christianity disappearing. But we are talking about a very significant phenomenon; the shift of the centre of Christianity to the south, and the decline of the Christian underpinnings of our cultural institutions in the Western world.

As a human being, a mother, and one who likes stability and reasonable comfort, I am worried. As a Christian, though, I am not worried. I am not interested in having my faith realized in the organs of society; I am a Baptist after all. I will protect our voices in the public square, and I will fight for religious freedom for all people; we cannot expect for ourselves what is not offered to everyone. But where religious freedom is denied and the church is pushed to the margins, there we thrive. It is not comfortable, it is not easy, but it is often where the church has experienced the power of faith.

Is this sort of ‘Godlessness’ worrying? Some think it is not; they prefer to think of it as liberating. There are, no doubt, some aspects of Christian influence that have proved less than edifying over the centuries. However, there are other aspects of this influence that have so permeated our identity that it will be hard to let go without losing ourselves. Values that have driven the social agenda – including freedom, equality, and human dignity that underpin human rights – have helped to develop stability in our society that has allowed us to flourish and extend justice and mercy to the poor and marginalised beyond our immediate reach. Even though these values can find themselves corrupted, to lose the best of the very foundation for our society is worrying.

Christian virtue reins in the excesses of the transcendent self by reminding us that we are accountable to one more transcendent still; whose judgment of our selfishness leads us to strive for ever better forms of justice and mercy, ever more love. Christian virtue acknowledges and extends the bond to nature. It offers wisdom and models a cycle of self-sacrifice and resurrection that gives hope to the world.

Christianity has been intrinsic to the development of Western civilization, and though there have been civilizations other than Christian ones in the history of the world, I am not overly keen to take our chances on what might follow. There are certainly less amenable gods who wait in the wings, more than eager to fill the gap left by a rejection of Christian values.

The new atheists herald a day when religious ideas will not only be unpopular but untolerated. I find this disturbing. It is disturbing in that tolerance has become redefined, and

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And so God lives in our actions and not only in our reason. He is the one who speaks to us, more importantly than we speak to Him. Slowly, softly, He speaks in a whisper. Not with weapons or armies. He wants to be known. We cannot prove His existence by reason but that is not to say that belief is unreasonable.

The job of reason, for the Christian, ranges along the spectrum of seeking evidence, coherence, understanding, and explanation. We need to recover something of our confidence in the faith we profess as being valuable good news that offers wisdom, life, and hope.

Ultimately, truth for the Christian is not a proposition but a person. As those who bear the name of Christ, we know that our world is not Godless despite appearances at times. We need now to take the advice of the atheist bus campaign: Stop worrying. And get on with life. n (You can watch the debate with Dr. Robbins and Dr. Abela at www.AcadiaDiv.ca/debate)

We Aren’t YOU CAN’T SPELL in Kansas COMMUNITY Anymore, without Dorothy! ‘UNITY’

by Carolyn Steeves, ’14 Carolyn Steeves, seen here preparing to welcome local school teachers into the church, is the Campus Pastor of Brentwood Campus with the Journey Church in Moncton, NB. On May 11, 2014, Carolyn graduated with her Bachelor of Theology from Acadia.

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he came into the room awkwardly alone. We made our introductions and struck up light conversation, and when it was evident no one else was coming, I began the session. Usually several people attend our Belong Seminar where we discuss what it means to become a Christian, about baptism, church membership, and the vision and values of our local church. But, not today.

Cleaning the whiteboard, I wrote out the question: “What is a Christian?” Pastor Dave, who co-leads the seminar, shouted out a couple of answers to help prime the conversation, but this young adult sat there blank. “Maybe it’s someone who is religious?” she finally offered, then made a brave confession. “You know I’m not even sure I believe that God exists and I really don’t know why I’m here.”

I looked down at the seminar booklet that we use knowing in my heart it was not going to be appropriate. Dave had to leave soon, so I prayed God would give me wisdom on how to minister to her since I knew He had brought her there for a reason.

With nervous resignation, I pushed the booklet aside and offered a fresh cup of coffee. We were now one on one and I leaned in and said, “So, tell me your story.” She began talking about her life as a child and teen, feeling like an outsider, running away, getting caught up in drugs, betrayed by friends, and then, tearfully admitted to three recent suicide attempts.

Right then, I knew I was in sacred space – the moment when you are reminded that God has already been powerfully at work in people’s lives and is gifting you with an opportunity to partner with Him. “I am supposed to be dead right now”, she said. “The nurse said that there was no way I should have survived this last attempt, and for some reason I did. Someone or something wants me to be alive right now. There is a reason I’m here, and I want to know why.”

This was my opportunity to connect her story to God’s story. We talked a long time and I assured her God is at work in her life and cares for her deeply. I would love to report that she “prayed the prayer”, was baptized, and added to the church membership, but

she wasn’t. I have to honour her journey and be excited that the conversation has begun. Genuine care and concern for her have opened the door for the conversation to continue.

I realized then that when it comes to our approach to reaching people, the landscape has dramatically changed. We aren’t in Kansas anymore, Dorothy. It has become evident that those whom God brings into our churches want to be engaged in spiritual conversations, not formulaic step-by-step approaches to explaining faith in God. In one of my Acadia Divinity College courses, a required reading included an author, Reggie MacNeal, who affirmed the complexity of this new reality as well as reassured me of God’s calling as a pastoral leader. He wrote, “God must have a lot of confidence in you to put you on the planet at just this time…You are being asked to lead during a time when you are not sure where all of this is going.”

This means that the burden and weight of expectation to count conversions can now shift to approaching ministry by counting conversations. It is through ongoing relationships and trust-building friendships that we gain a hearing of the gospel as we help translate life experiences into evidence of God’s existence and love for them. Knowing that God is already at work in those whom He calls us to connect with is freeing.

Another author, Ken Shigematsu, describes our role in our current reality, “This means that our primary role … is to serve not as a salesperson but as a hiking guide. We aren’t trying to convince people that they should follow God; we are helping them see the work of God that is already in their lives. There is less of an emphasis on “closing the deal” and more on simply being a friend on the journey, observing the beauty of God’s grace in their lives.”

We are being called to minister where the landscape has changed, but God has not changed. May we, by His grace, be confident that He has called us for such a time as this! n

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“Being the Church” IN A SECULAR AGE F

or much of the twentieth century, local churches were recognized as important institutions in their communities and in Canadian society.

The majority of Canadians went to church on an average Sunday. Church buildings took on new significance as “sanctuaries” were lavishly decorated to provide an aesthetic and even nostalgic experience. Christian symbols, stained glass, organ pipes, memorial plaques, and decorative Old English script reminded that the building was special, even sacred. Carefully crafted pulpits, wooden pews, and robed choirs added to the sense of “church”. These buildings hosted rites of passage for almost everyone, including the minority who did not attend church.

When everyone was expected to go to church, the focus of the congregation’s witness was mostly on what went on inside the building. Church was experienced only inside the building to which people were warmly invited. Little thought was given to those outside except to consider ways to get them into the building. A special preaching mission or a series of evangelistic services might provide special impetus for members to invite unchurched neighbours to come into the building. To ensure the church’s future, many congregations built substantial endowment funds to be used exclusively for building maintenance.

Such funds were rarely, if ever, solicited for ministry or witness outside of the building.

The building represented the institutional church, so the building mattered.

Beginning in the 1960s, and increasingly toward the end of the century, society changed. At first it was hardly noticed.

Even though the percentage of Canadians who went to church declined significantly, the birth rate after the war was so high that the actual number of people attending church did not decline noticeably until the 1980s. By the end of the century though, 6 ADC TODAY

both the percentage and the number of people going to church had declined substantially. Today, most Canadians no longer attend church.

Even though the number of Canadian evangelicals is in decline, the frequency with which evangelicals attend church has increased. We reach fewer people, although the people we reach attend church more often, so we think we are doing fine when we are increasingly ineffective in our witness to those around us. The number of Canadians who say they have no religion has grown yet most congregations are ineffective in reaching those who never attend a church. Many beautiful sanctuaries, well maintained by endowment funds, are empty. Congregations think the problem is that people will not attend church, when the real problem is that many congregations have no effective witness outside of their buildings. Jesus told his church to go and make disciples; for a century we have waited inside our buildings for people to come to us.

In today’s social environment, traditional churches are dying but for many growing congregations this is an exciting time for witness in the same way that the early church saw opportunities in their secular social environment. It means thoughtfully making changes in order to carry out the Great Commission, like having worship events at non-traditional times and in nontraditional spaces, using digital media to communicate the gospel message effectively, and taking advantage of opportunities for authentic witness outside of the church building through social ministries and community partnerships. It means being intentional about engaging secular people in conversations about faith and responding honestly and Biblically to their questions.

It may even mean forsaking the traditional church building. It certainly means that the

by Dr. Stephen McMullin Stephen McMullin is the Sheldon and Marjorie Fountain Associate Professor of Evangelism and Mission, Director of ADC - New Brunswick, and Director of the annual Simpson Lectures.

“… FOR MANY GROWING CONGREGATIONS THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME FOR WITNESS IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE EARLY CHURCH SAW OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR SECULAR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT.” church goes where people are instead of inviting them to come and join us.

In the mid-20th century, after the great depression, two world wars, communist expansion, and the cold war, many churches carried out their mission by providing a building as a place of sanctuary and stability. The 20th century is over.

Congregations that choose to focus on their buildings and their heritage will die.

Churches that choose to prioritize the Biblical mission and to apply it thoughtfully to a digitally connected, increasingly secular society are seeing God at work in amazing ways. It is a choice churches did not have to make 50 years ago. Today, it is a crucial choice for churches. n

COMMISSIONING & CONVOCATION 2014 A n nA

On Friday, May 9, 2014, many Graduands of Acadia Divinity College participated in the 53rd Annual Commissioning Service which was held at Wolfville Baptist Church.

nB Raymond E. Ivany, President and

Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University, and Dr. Libby Burnham, Chancellor of Acadia University, watch as ADC students receive their ADC Alumni pins during the annual Commissioning Supper on May 9.

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Professors, Mentors, and Supervisors gather around Graduands for the Laying on of Hands during the Commissioning Prayer. Graduands Dustin Day and Ben Grosvenor, seen in this photo, both completed the Master of Divinity program this May.

nD Dr. Carol Anne Janzen, Dean of

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Students (L), presented Jennifer Smith with the Special Service Award during the Commissioning Supper.

Jennifer graduated with a Bachelor of Theology this May. SUMMER 2014 7

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COMMISSIONING & CONVOCATION 2014

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Doctor of Ministry student, Rupen Das (second from right), with his family who came from around the world to celebrate his graduation. From left to right are: Rupen’s brother, daughter, mother, and wife.

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This year, the recipient of the Andrew MacRae Prize for Best Doctor of Ministry Thesis was Stewert Dockendorff, seen on the far right. Also, pictured are Dr. Anna Robbins, Academic Dean, and Dr. Andrew MacRae.

nG Good friends, Ato Mensah and Doug Duncan,

earned Bachelor of Theology degrees this May. While students, they ministered to the ADC community as Chapel Musician (Ato) and Chapel Worship Leader (Doug).

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Rev. Sarah Scott, ’03, Chaplain of Grand View Manor in Berwick, NS, was the Special Speaker at the 2014 Commissioning Service held at Wolfville Baptist Church.

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Celebrating Mission and Ministry! Left to Right: Dr. Hugh McNally (Honorary Doctor of Divinity 2011), Dr. Harry Gardner (ADC President), Dr. Bob Berry (former missionary and General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries), Dr. John Keith (Honorary Doctor of Ministry 2014 and former General Secretary of Canadian Baptist Ministries) and Dr. Rik Berry (son of Bob Berry and Doctor of Ministry graduate 2014).

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Getting ready for the 2014 Convocation processional are from left to right Lori Graves (Bachelor of Theology), Greg Sparkes (Master of Divinity), and Shelley Illsley-Martin (Bachelor of Theology).

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nK Dr. Bill Brackney, ADCs Distinguished Professor

of Christian Thought and Ethics, seen with several graduates this May. From left to right: Fred Guy, Rupen Das, David Bielby, Bill Brackney, Teemu Lehtonen, and Rachel Brighton. Bill was a thesis supervisor for several Doctor of Ministry and Master of Arts (Theology) students this year.

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This year, 34 Acadia Divinity College students graduated from Acadia University. Many graduates – seen here in front of the Manning Memorial Chapel – attended the 2014 Convocation on Sunday, May 11.

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College’s history! This year, 13 Doctor of Ministry students graduated from Acadia. Lining up for the Convocation processional are from left to right Rik Berry, Rupen Das, Randy Hendriks and David Bielby.

nN During Convocation 2014, Master of Arts

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graduate, Rev. Paul Worden, received the University Medal in Theology from Dr. Libby Burnham, Chancellor of Acadia University. Paul was also the recipient of ADC’s President’s Award which was presented by Dr. Harry Gardner during the annual Commissioning Supper.

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NEWS

ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE NEWS

DR. HARRY GARDNER ATTENDS BAPTIST ASSEMBLIES IN EUROPE AND ASIA

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his May, Dr. Harry Gardner was the speaker at Congrès national 2014, the annual meeting of La Fédération Baptiste held in Lisieux, France. In July, Dr. Gardner took part in the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Annual Gathering in Izmir, Turkey, with more than 300 Baptist leaders,

pastors, theologians, seminary presidents, and professors from around the world. Dr. Gardner is a vice-president of the BWA and serves as the Chair of the Commission on Ministry.

SUMMER 2014

ADC Partners with Maritime Camps

DR . BILL BRACKNEY APPOINTED AS FELLOW AT INSTITUTE FOR BAPTIST STUDIES

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his past year, Dr. Bill Brackney – ADCs Distinguished Professor of Christian Thought and Ethics – was appointed a Fellow at the Institute for Baptist Studies of the Theological Seminary Elstal. The directors of the Institute for Baptist Studies can appoint up to six faculty

members of other universities or seminaries, or excellent researchers of other institutions. Dr. Brackney, who is also the Director of the Acadia Centre of Baptist and Anabaptist Studies, was appointed in recognition of his outstanding research in Baptist studies.

ACADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

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cadia Divinity College is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. John Campbell to the role of Director of Advancement. John joins ADC following his service as youth pastor at West End Baptist Church in St. John’s, NL. John is a graduate of the Master of Divinity program at ADC, and is also a graduate of University

of New Brunswick (Bachelor of Computer Science) and of the Arrow Leadership Program. As the Director of Advancement, John will provide leadership in development and fundraising, facilitating the recruitment of students, overseeing all print and digital media communications, and revitalizing and reengaging our alumni.

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his summer ADC will make a unique investment that will impact the lives of children and youth around the Maritimes as it establishes a summer partnership with Christian camps.

Keith Blair, a Master of Divinity student at ADC, will represent the College by serving at eight camps in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

ADC Holy Land Tour

ADC WELCOMES DR. JOHN MCNALLY

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cadia Divinity College is pleased to welcome Dr. John McNally as an Associate Director of Doctoral Studies and as a Lecturer in the practice of ministry. He is a graduate of ADCs Doctor of Ministry program, and has a Master of Divinity from Wycliffe College and a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University. He has years of ministry experience, including Donway and Walmer Road

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Baptist Churches (Toronto), and as Senior Pastor of Kentville United Baptist Church where he will continue part-time for several months prior to becoming full time at ADC. John’s heart for equipping and educating is evidenced through years of facilitating classes, workshops, and retreats in areas such as spiritual gifts, church health principles, and marriage preparation.

Dr. Glenn Wooden (l), Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies at ADC, and Dr. Stewert Dockendorff (r), 2014 Doctor of Ministry graduate, recently visited Petra, Jordan. This June, Dr. Wooden, along with Dr. Anna Robbins, led students on an educational Holy Land Tour.

GRADUATE’S MINISTRY IS IN FIRST POSITION

by Samantha West, Master of Divinity student

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ome of us slouch. Some of us hunch. But Jennifer Smith lounges in fourth position, even managing to look comfortable as her feet point out in a perfect line.

It’s just one of the ways that ballet permeates her life after 20 years of teaching dance.

Jennifer has a teacher training diploma and associate status with the National Ballet School of Canada, and owned a ballet school for ten years with as many as 75 students a year. Now, this graduate of Acadia Divinity College is bringing two passions together through Ministry in Motion (MnM), an exciting outreach ministry starting September 2014 through Windsor and Middleton Baptist Churches.

The mission statement is both simple and radical: “Reach out to children and youth who do not know Jesus, and through dance teach them about who they are in God and how we can worship and praise Him through this art form.”

The school will provide high-quality but low-cost ballet lessons choreographed around Scripture, enabling many children to learn dance while hearing about God at the same time. “There’s room for children to choreograph what God is saying to them,” says Jennifer, “and the freedom to connect and express themselves in their own way.”

Over the past year, Jennifer has seen the potential of this ministry while choreographing Psalm 139 with a private student – opening up faith conversations with both the student and the student’s mother. She believes that performances during church services can bring people into the pews who wouldn’t normally attend, while giving regular attendees another way of experiencing the power of Scripture. Jennifer finds people to be open and receptive to the collaboration of faith and dance. Recently, a parent of one of her students, who does not attend church, commented that Jennifer’s classes “provide exposure to the word and spirit of God in a non-threatening and non-confrontational manner” that they feel would benefit others. With characteristic humour Jennifer asks, “With so many kids learning to dance, why can’t they learn about Jesus at the same time?”

She personally understands the power of community ministry, having come to Christ in 2009 after her children attended Daily Vacation Bible School and then “dragged” her to Sunday School classes at Middleton Baptist. With four children at home, and a successful dance school to run, the last thing she expected was for God to reach out and turn her life around 180 degrees. Yet that’s precisely

“I think God dances,” says Jennifer Smith. “If he sings over us, I think he dances too.” Jennifer graduated from Acadia with her Bachelor of Theology in May 2014.

what happened. One course in biblical interpretation turned into a full-time seminary degree, as Jennifer sought to learn more about God and understand the Bible so she could choreograph it. It became clear to her that dance was a form of worship and praise not being used enough in churches, and when she listened to music and meditated on Scripture, the dance steps flowed out as a natural gift from God. And indeed, when you see Jennifer’s energy and motivation, it’s obvious that she’s dancing to the steps given her by God. In addition to her calling as Pastor of Family Life at Windsor Baptist Church, she will oversee Ministry in Motion as an official ministry of both Windsor and Middleton Baptist Churches. Jennifer will offer classes once a week for ages 5-12, and hopes to find one or two other church locations in the future. Please pray for this innovative ministry, and feel free to contact Jennifer by email at jmsmith1967@gmail.com if you have any questions. We’re excited to see where God’s choreography leads. n

“LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE DANCE: LET THEM SING PRAISES TO HIM WITH THE TAMBOURINE AND HARP. “ PSALM 149:3

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Events of Interest August 22, 2014 ADC Friends and Alumni Supper 5:00 pm – Crandall University Please register at www.AcadiaDiv.ca/oasis or call 902-585-2210 October 20-22, 2014 Hayward Lectures Professor David B. Capes Thomas Nelson Research Professor, HBU October 27-31, 2014 Reading Week Course ‘Evangelism and Mission in Contemporary Society’ - Dr. Stephen McMullin

November 12, 2014 Jarold K. Zeman Lecture (ACBAS) Dr. James Stayer, Queen’s University January 5-9, 2015 J-Term Week Courses • ‘Introduction to Prison Ministry’ (for masters level only) • ‘Christian Theology in a Pluralistic Context’ Dr. William Brackney (for masters level only) February 9-11, 2015 Simpson Lectures Forum on Church Renewal

February 9-13, 2015 Simpson Week courses • ‘Professional & Personal Ethics’ Dr. Glen Berry (for masters level only) • ‘Leadership that Advances the Mission’ Dr. Bruce Fawcett February 16-20, 2015 Reading Week course • ‘History of Christianity’ - Dr. Christopher Killacky (bachelors level only) May 8, 2015 ADC Commissioning Supper & Service Wolfville, NS

ADC Friends & Alumni Supper Crandall University Friday, August 22 at 5:00pm

Please Register

www.AcadiaDiv.ca/oasis 12 ADC TODAY

Effective Youth

Ministry Today

by Rev. Renée Embree, ’08 Renée Embree is the Director of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Program at Acadia Divinity College as well as a Lecturer in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She is also the Director of Youth & Family Ministries with the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches (CABC).

Recently, ADC asked Renée if she would share what it takes to lead an effective youth ministry.

Youth and young adults learning about food security during the Springforth Kenya trip

Q: WHAT ARE YOUTH LOOKING FOR TODAY? Authenticity. Youth can smell fakeness miles away.

So when you work with youth, you need to be who you are and not try to be someone else. If you are quiet, be quiet. If you are loud, be loud. When you are authentic to who Christ made you to be, it gives youth permission to be who Christ created them to be. It also allows them to see the richness of diversity in God’s family. Remember that youth are not looking for perfection; they are looking to see the authenticity of your on-going relationship with God.

Q: HOW DO WE ENGAGE YOUTH? Invite youth to be involved in God’s mission in the world (Luke 4:18). We are seeing that youth develop faith that ‘sticks’ when they are invited to join in the messiness of healing our broken world. As a result, their faith develops ‘hands and feet’ in their everyday lives.

Leaders across Atlantic Canada are finding ways to entrust real ministry, real leadership opportunities, and real Kingdom-changing opportunities to the next generation.

Faith that makes a difference. This generation is particularly bent on being a part of making the world a better place.

MY HOPE IS They have hearts for service, though they will not give their hearts and energy to just anything. They want THAT YOUTH to know they are a part of making a real difference to DELIGHT IN GOD people, to communities, and to the world. Share the stories of how God is active in you and in our world.

AND PURSUE Give opportunities for students to partner with God’s BEING A PART Kingdom in our broken world.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR HOPE FOR YOUTH IN ATLANTIC CANADA? My hope is that youth delight in God and pursue being a part of His mission in the world. On our Youth and Family team at CABC, we sense that God is stirring a question for all of us, “Will you join God in changing Atlantic Canada one neighbourhood at a time?”

OF HIS MISSION IN THE WORLD.

Q: WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE OF YOUTH? Communication has become short and fast.

Youth are not looking for a polished product, but, instead, want to see they are being included in the unrefined process and in your everyday world. Media is their world. Youth are slowly moving away from Facebook as their parents and adult leaders have migrated there. Instead they are moving to more private, quick, and constantly available forms of media such as texting, Snapchat, and Instagram. Smart phones are like appendages to their bodies.

Q: WHO IS SPEAKING TO THEM? Media. Advertisers spend billions of dollars talking to youth, tailoring products, gaining their loyalty, and earning their parent’s money. Our job, as leaders and parents, is not to compete with these things.

Our job is to join with the Holy Spirit in what He is already doing.

So, become like the youth and use texting, Snapchat, Facebook, and Tweets, while abiding in Christ, so that you might share Christ (1 Corinthians 9:22). And along the way, model and teach how media and smart phones are great tool but are not our masters.

Our hope is that we all join God in this. If we did: What would happen to you as a leader?

How would the Gospel be told and shared?

What engagement would we see from all the generations?

Imagine what would happen: To those caught in addiction?

To the lost and confused?

To the broken and hurting in your neighbourhood?

To the family who says they have it all together, but the parents wonder if their kids are going to be okay?

God is inviting us to join Him in changing Atlantic Canada one neighbourhood at a time, and we cannot wait to see what happens as we say “yes” to God. We are so thrilled by the strong team of leaders, volunteers, and students across Atlantic Canada aligning their lives with God’s Kingdom coming to neighbourhoods across our region. n

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Alumni News 1954 George Alexander Morrison of Saint John, NB, formerly of Ottawa, passed away on April 22. George, who served in World War II and completed four degrees, was married to the late Genevieve (Strothard). He was ordained in 1953 and served as a pastor in the Maritimes.

1962 Douglas Kinsman passed away on January 27. He is survived by his adored wife of 58 years, Barbara. He was ordained at Germain Street Baptist Church in 1962 where he was the associate pastor. He served in Ontario and several NB churches before retiring.

1993 Brian Wallace has accepted a call to serve at Bridgetown, Centrelea and West Dalhousie Baptist Churches, NS.

2005 Mark Hunter has completed his work as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Moncton, NB and has accepted a call to serve at Hantsport Baptist Church, NS. 2006 Jonathan Dixon and his wife, Sharalyn, are pleased to announce the birth of their eighth child, Amos.

2006 Mitchell DeWare has completed his ministry at Camp Peniel and as Associate Pastor of Hebron Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve at ArgylePubnico Baptist Church, NS. 2006 Daryl Dykens has completed his ministry at Wentworth, Westchester, Millvale and Central New Annan Baptist Churches, NS and has accepted a call to serve at Cambridge Baptist Church, NS. 2006 Al Kirkbride has completed his ministry at Florenceville Baptist Church, NB.

1994 Troy Dennis has resigned from Highfield Street United Baptist Church, Moncton, NB and will be serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as a chaplain.

2006 David Phillips has completed his ministry at Wilmot Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve as Pastor of North Head Baptist Church, NB.

1997 Gail L. Whalen-Dunn has completed her ministry at Stoney Hill (Lockhartville) United Baptist Church, NS and accepted a call to serve at Falmouth Baptist Church, NS.

2007 John Campbell has completed his ministry at West End Baptist Church, St. John’s, NL and has accepted a call as the Director of Advancement at Acadia Divinity College.

1999 Brian Barron has completed his ministry at Beechwood United Baptist Church, NB. 1999 Jonathan Beers has completed his ministry at Timberlea Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve at Northern Cross Community Church, Happy ValleyGoose Bay, NL. 1999 Dave Egers has resigned from Second Chipman United Baptist Church and will be serving in the Canadian Armed Forces as a chaplain.

2007 Betty Schofield, an ordained Baptist minister, passed away peacefully in Halifax on May 3. Betty was born in NL. Her love of learning led her to a lifetime of teaching, specializing in remedial education. Betty was known for being caring, giving, and thoughtful.

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2010 Michael Fredericks & his wife, Julia, are pleased to announce the birth of twin boys, Simon & Benjamin, who were born on May 17.

2007 Todd Coldwell has completed his ministry as Youth Pastor of Faith Baptist Church, New Maryland, NB. 2007 Brandon Thompson has completed his ministry at Hartland Baptist Church, NB and has accepted a call to serve as Campus Pastor of Atlantic Community Church, Hampton, NB. 2008 Peter Lohnes has completed his ministry at First Cornwallis Baptist Church, NS and has accepted a call to serve at Grace Memorial Baptist Church, Fredericton, NB. 2009 Deborah Stevens has accepted a call to Black Rock Baptist Church, NS.

2010 Kristen Price and her husband, Jacob, are pleased to announce the birth of their first child, Malachi Adam, born on May 20.

2011 Michel Lechmann has accepted a call to Timberlea Baptist Church, NS. 2012 Hal Babcock has accepted a call to St. Andrews Baptist Church, NB. 2012 Heather (Cox) Mitton was ordained on November 17, 2013, at Bedford Baptist Church, Bedford, NS. 2013 Jim Smith has resigned from Meductic Baptist Church, NB. 2014 Jennifer Smith has accepted a call as Pastor of Family Life at Windsor United Baptist Church, NS. 2014 Gordon Sutherland has completed his ministry at West End Baptist Church, St. John’s, NL. 2014 Paul Worden has accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church, Truro, NS. Current Students: Joe Green has accepted a call to Aenon Baptist Church in Chester Basin, NS.

Preparing for the Harvest

R

ecently, I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with Wilma and Robert “Bob” Ohsberg. The purpose of the visit was to capture the exceptional story of a husband and father – Rev. Dr. Harry Oliver Ohsberg (1926-2008).

Oliver, a tall but gentle man, spent the longest part of his unique career teaching Christian Education to students at Acadia Divinity College. His heartbeat was the training of “workers” that God continued to call into the harvest field.

Prior to joining ADC, Oliver served as a pastor in Edmonton, Winnipeg, and three churches in Pennsylvania. He was also a Research Associate and then Assistant Director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Cleft Palate Centre, as well as Assistant Professor in the School of Dental Medicine.

Wilma recalled the meeting that she and Oliver had with Dr. Abner Langley at the airport in Pittsburgh. Oliver had responded to an advertisement for a teaching position at Acadia. The interview changed the direction of their lives, and in 1972, Oliver accepted the invitation to be Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at ADC. Finally, at Acadia, Oliver had found his special place to fulfill his passion for equipping Christian leaders. In 1984, he became Full Professor of Christian Education until his retirement in 1991.

Dr. Carol Anne Janzen, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, expressed the words of appreciation that many of Oliver’s students could echo, “Dr. Ohsberg had impassioned in me a love for Christian Education.”

Themes that surfaced in his teaching were his excitement for discipleship (the Great Commission) and the value of small groups in the church. He also had a keen interest in helping the church to meet the spiritual and social needs of people with mental and physical challenges. His research and writing reflected his concern for these individuals.

Oliver brought to the College and his students a distinctive approach to study, writing exams, and marking. He also brought a wonderful sense of humour. The joy of teaching was evident in the passion he brought to the task each day. Behind the man and his message were these words that motivated his life, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

by Dr. David Watt, ’99 David Watt is the Advancement Consultant at Acadia Divinity College.

“THE HARVEST IS PLENTIFUL, BUT THE WORKERS ARE FEW.” (LUKE 10:2A)

He had a heart for the health of the church. He was faithful to his local church, New Minas Baptist Church, serving in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. Oliver was often a guest preacher or a workshop leader - helping the church, small or large, to meet both the challenge and opportunity of the spiritual harvest on its doorstep.

Acadia Divinity College is grateful to the Ohsberg family for establishing the Oliver Ohsberg Memorial Bursary in 2014 in honour of Oliver. This generous gift will “keep on giving” and be a vehicle to assist in equipping workers to reach the rich harvest fields of today and in the future. n

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If undeliverable please return to: Acadia Divinity College 15 University Avenue Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6 41228525

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ADC TODAY

In Memoriam:

Elizabeth “Betty” O’Laughlin (née McLeod)

by Dr. David Watt, ‘99 Advancement Consultant

T

he publication of this edition of ADC Today is funded through a generous gift by Ella McLeod in loving memory of her sister, Elizabeth “Betty” O’Laughlin, who passed away on November 6, 2012, in Sussex, NB.

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15 years of volunteer service at Prince Edward Home, a nursing home in Charlottetown that provides 24-hour nurse supervision and care management for individuals.

Betty had a long business career that spanned from Toronto (where she worked for Eaton’s) to Illinois (where she was vice-president of a major van line for over 30 years). In addition, she spent much of her energy volunteering in various organizations – investing her time, talent, and treasure to support people in need.

Betty also left a significant estate gift to Acadia Divinity College. Throughout her life she demonstrated Paul’s words of wisdom to Timothy: “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Timothy 6:18). Paul reminds us that this is one of the foundation stones of abundant life.

Wherever Betty lived and worked she reflected in her life the character of Tabitha – the helpful servant in the Book of Acts who “was always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36).

This type of concern and care for others was recognized when she was honoured for her

Betty was delightful to be around and is missed greatly by family, friends, and the many people she served. We are grateful for the generous gift she gave to ADC and the impact it will have on those who study with us in the future. n