Covenant Magazine - [Spring 2006] by Covenant Theological Seminary

The Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary

COVENANT

Vol. 21, No. 1

R ENEWING OUR

Spring 2006

FOUNDATION

FROM THE PRESIDENT

SPRING 2006 We explore the renewing of our foundation through the following articles:

The coming of spring always brings freshness with it—a sense of renewal and hope after the cold, dark days of winter. Flowers and trees begin to bloom, and the creatures of forest and field multiply in number. The whole world explodes with life and color. We become increasingly conscious of the fact that everything around us is amazingly alive! This picture of the changing seasons is also an illustration of our rebirth in Christ. Renewed by the Spirit of God, given new life and hope through faith in Jesus, our souls are revived from a lifeless winter of separation from the Son’s warmth, and we realize how truly, amazingly, joyously alive we now are! The changing seasons of the year are a beautiful gift indeed; but how much more so is the gracious gift God gives us when He awakens us from our sinful slumber and sets us on the Sonlit path of righteousness that leads us closer to Him. In this issue of Covenant—and in several other publications and activities scheduled for 2006—we hope to capture some of the excitement of that sense of spiritual renewal. For, by God’s grace, this year marks our fiftieth year of training pastors and other ministry leaders for service to Christ’s Church. We look back in gratitude and humility at what the Lord, for His glory, has done through this institution and the people who have studied, taught, and worked here over the course of the last half-century. And we eagerly anticipate what He will do through us during the next generation and beyond. Thus, as we look backward and forward simultaneously, you will find here not only the second installment of our series on the Seminary’s core values (Biblical Authority), but also stories about students who are training to put those values into action in ministry (Mike and Julia Quillen, Pablo Ayllon) and who have already gone forth to do so (Bruce and Barbara Wannemacher). You will find a helpful study of how members of the body of Christ can work toward the restoration of peace and purity within our own often divided ranks (Judy Dabler’s “Conflict or Shalom?”), as well as a hopeful look at some delightful artwork created by children of Seminary students, faculty, and staff. We are also pleased to announce that, beginning with this issue, the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute’s Perspectives newsletter becomes a regular twice-yearly feature within Covenant, adding its distinctive call to compassionate Christian engagement with our culture to the mix of other fine articles and resources already available here. Our prayer for this institution—and for each of you—this spring, is that the Lord would so grab hold of our hearts and fill them with His Spirit of renewal that it will be impossible for us to do anything else but praise and glorify Him as we labor with Him for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Bryan Chapell, President

COVENANT | Spring 2006

FEATURES

2By His Grace, For His Glory

God continues to grow and bless Covenant Seminary, and we’ve just begun a capital campaign to meet the needs. The plans include a new facility and additional faculty.

FSI PERSPECTIVES :

Echoes of Eden Throughout The Chronicles of Narnia series, C.S. Lewis tells the Christian story in a subtle way. Jerram Barrs, Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute looks at the “Echoes of Eden” found in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

20 Conflict or Shalom? Though the Church is the bride of Christ, she is not immune to the effects of sin. Sometimes, our fallen nature can threaten the unity we are called to maintain and therefore we need to be reminded of the foundational principles of our faith.

CONTENTS

ANSWERING GOD’S CALL

Mike Quillen 12

CORE VALUE

Biblical Authority 14

ALUMNI PROFILE

Bruce and Barbara Wannemacher 16

SEMINARY NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS

B AC K

STUDENT PROFILE

COVER

Pablo Ayllon

COVENANT COMMUNITY A SEASON OF RENEWAL

BY H IS

GRACE, GLORY FOR H IS

Each year, more than 4 million babies are born in the United States. Who will serve as pastors for them?

“We typically think of missions as being across geography, but a seminary is also a mission across generations. Through Covenant Theological Seminary, you minister to your children by helping train future pastors to proclaim the inerrancy of God’s Word, the beauty of His sovereign grace, and the joy of bringing the Gospel to the ends of the Earth.”

As Covenant Theological Seminary prepares to celebrate its first 50 years of service to Christ’s Church in May of 2006, plans are already under way to ensure that its high-quality training for pastors and other ministry leaders will continue for the next generation and beyond. During its fall Board of Directors’ meeting, the Seminary inaugurated its By His Grace, For His Glory capital campaign, a three-year effort to raise $12.5 million to enhance Seminary programs and facilities. Dr. Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Seminary, summarizes the purpose of the campaign in these words: By God’s grace, Covenant Seminary has been given an historic opportunity to prepare the next generation of ministers who will lead the Church into greater cultural engagement and greater Gospel witness. For God’s glory, we must be stewards of the blessings the Lord has brought. Capacity enrollments and expanding ministry opportunities will mean little if we do not further enhance the quality of training and expand the facilities needed to prepare leaders for these challenging times. That is why we must make sure that we are wise stewards of what He has given and be bold to invite those He has blessed with resources to be generous. As previous missionaries challenged their generations, so we too have the opportunity to attempt great things for God while expecting great things of God.

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Along with great blessings come increased responsibilities to Jesus Christ, to His Church, and to those whom He calls into ministry. By His grace, the Lord has made us the leading seminary for pastoral training in a denomination serving as the theological conscience of evangelicalism at the precise moment when Christianity is experiencing its most rapid expansion in history. We must make the most of this historic opportunity. Covenant Seminary is convinced that God is calling us to a new level of stewardship in preparing Church leaders who can engage and influence the world. As previous missionaries challenged their generations, so we too have the opportunity to attempt great things for God while expecting great things from God. Together with our supporters, to whom God has given both the spiritual vision and the financial means to invest in multiplying His Kingdom, God is using the Seminary to equip a new generation of pastors to reach our desperately secular society, making former enemies of Christ into children of the King. As Covenant Seminary enters into the next exciting phase of its history, please pray that the Lord will continue to bless this campaign, and that He will use the Seminary mightily for the benefit of this and future generations of His Church—by His grace, and for His glory.

View of front of new building from Conway Road

Overview of the new center of campus

“Only when grace and truth are modeled by professors, peers, and churches in coordinated community relationships do future ministry leaders truly learn how to shepherd the Church of today and tomorrow.”

For more information

about the campaign, or to find out how you can contribute, contact Campaign Director James McCormick at 1.800.903.4044, or james.mccormick@covenantseminary.edu.

COVENANT | Spring 2006

By His Grace, God Has Blessed Covenant Theological Seminary Through the Years To…

Campaign Components $8,500,000

Shape the Next Generation Of Church Leaders Through:

Academic Building for Excellence In Ministry Instruction Classrooms provided for an expanding student body Faculty, administration, and students connected for greater community and efﬁciency ◗ Library facilities preserved and expanded ◗ Maintenance endowment to provide for quality facility management

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Continuing excellence in pastoral training (17 years of record enrollments with graduates highly sought and placed).

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Sending out ministry graduates who, on average, remain in church service at a rate four times higher than graduates of all ATS-accredited seminaries.

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Equipping graduates to multiply churches. (One in four will plant a church within eight years of graduation.)

◗ ◗

$2,500,000

Expanded Faculty of Pastor/Scholars Francis Schaeffer Apologetics and Outreach Faculty Chair ◗ Pastoral Ministry and Renewal Faculty Chair ◗ Additional faculty for an effective student/faculty ratio ◗

Seize a Strategic Opportunity To Transform Our Culture By: ◗

Proclaiming the transforming message of grace for the Church, with unprecedented opportunities to influence our culture and world.

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Training leaders to work through the local church to transform the culture according to God’s plan.

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Developing living/learning, grace-centered community on recently expanded property, strategically located in the nation’s population center.

$1,500,000

Enhanced Community Life Center A place for community meals, meetings, study, and discussion ◗ A home for the ofﬁces and staff of the Dean of Students ◗ Campus beautiﬁcation, pedestrian mall, and parking ◗

Campaign Total: $12,500,000

View from center of campus toward the chapel

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ANSWERING GOD’S CALL

God’s PEOPLE, For many seminarians, experiencing the miraculous provision of God is part of daily life and faith. Mike (M.Div.’06) and Julia Quillen are no exception. The Quillens started seminary in 2002 with approximately 18 months of financial resources and a certain confidence in the Lord’s calling and direction to pastoral ministry.

“We were looking at running out of money in October,” Mike shares. “That’s when we found out that I had received a Founders Scholarship Award. We were humbled by God’s loving care that acted before we could.” He pauses before adding, “I was moved to tears by this confirmation that I am doing what God has called me to do as a student and that people are willing to invest in me to serve God’s kingdom.” Julia reflects, “There are some things that we think of as normal avenues of provision—such as asking people for money or sending out support letters. But never in our wildest imaginations could we think that someone would pay our tuition in our final year. God not only surprised us by providing for us, but He did it in such a delightful, unexpected way. He has such a bigger vision then we do.”

God’s PRO O

With a heart for small church ministry and a commitment to graduate debt-free, the Quillens faced perpetual financial uncertainty. And yet, the Lord always provided. Mere months from running out of resources, Mike received a Founders Scholarship Award, providing yet another confirmation that God has called the Quillens to the special work of vocational ministry. “When we told people we were going to seminary, they were very supportive,” Mike says. “We only had enough money for 18 months at the most,” adds Julia. “There was enough provision that we didn’t feel we were being irresponsible. We reminded ourselves that God had given us what we had as a confirmation that He does provide.” With a growing family (the Quillens came to seminary with two children and now have four) and growing time commitments, the prospect of finishing seminary well and, at the same time, debt-free seemed impossible. Despite these seemingly formidable circumstances, Mike and Julia were confident that nothing is impossible for God. “Many times our financial resources would shrink,” Mike says, “and we would start to wonder if we should get another job or slow down our degree. This past summer in particular, we had unexpected expenses that caused our cushion to shrink to very little over a month’s period of time.” Mike considered extending his current work hours, but that option would have taken him away from his family, his studies, and his pursuit of ministry experience. COVENANT | Spring 2006

Such unexpected provision has allowed Mike to gain ministry experience while preparing for the solo pastorate. Mike confesses, “I want to pastor a small church. I love preaching. I want to teach. All along I thought, ‘I could get a job, even a well paying one, but I need the experience to be a solo pastor.’ That kind of pastoral work doesn’t pay very well. Through this scholarship, and other provision, God allowed me to get the experience I need to get the job that I feel He’s calling me to.” The Founders Scholarship Award does not just serve the Quillens’ needs now, but will always serve as an Ebenezer— a reminder of God’s calling—in the coming years of ministry. Julia explains, “When we’re in ministry and it gets hard and we start to ask, ‘What are we doing here?’—we know that can be a realistic part of ministry—these are the things we can write down: the providence and provision of God through this scholarship and the confidence of the men and women who gave input into this award. These are the blessings we’ll hold on to as proof that God wants us in ministry. We need that encouragement.” The Quillens moved to St. Louis from the suburbs of northern Delaware, and yet their passion in ministry is for small, rural churches. “I began to hear more and more from people who serve as solo pastors of small churches,” Mike says. “I began

Reflecting on his time in seminary and the power of God’s Word in his life, Mike shares, “Ever since my first semester in Covenant Theology, I’ve been captured by the story—the big story of God working in all the world—realizing it’s a good world that He’s created. The big story of creation, the fall, redemption, and consummation has really gripped me. It was one of those things I’d never heard and want to tell people about. I want to tell people that God made this world for us and, even though our sin mars its, God pursues and pursues and pursues and never gives up on us. He calls us. He wants a people for Himself. And someday,” Mike adds with a bit more energy, “someday, God will set all things right.” JOEL HATHAWAY JOEL HATHAWAY (M.DIV.’04) SERVES AS THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND CHURCH RELATIONS.

The Founders Scholarship Award THE FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WAS

OVISION

ESTABLISHED TO SUPPORT AND EXPAND THE WORK OF TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS TO SERVE THE CHURCH AND TRANSFORM THE WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL. ◗

It enables donors to invest in specific future ministry leaders who have proven their commitment to ordained

to understand what it looks like and how it seems impossible to do. But I feel God has equipped me to face the seemingly impossible. I got good experience preaching at small churches to people whom I didn’t think I could communicate. But they are people who—once I got to know them—I loved. I saw that they needed the Gospel just like me.” “I love the Church,” Mike says. “One reason I want to be a solo pastor is because I want to go somewhere and minister for the long haul; help people through their whole lives; baptize children, watch them grow up, marry them off, and then baptize their children. I want to go somewhere without the expectation of growing into a mega-church—a place where I can just minister faithfully over the years.” Julia agrees. “There is a real need for people who are tending the flock, reaching out in communities where churches already exist, ministering to people who are unchurched and bringing the Gospel in such a way as to make the Bible real to where they are,” she says. “There needs to be those who are committed to bringing a richness to the Christian life—not just a list of dos and don’ts—those who truly enjoy all that is good and right. There are a lot of people in churches that already exist looking for that kind of richness.”

pastoral ministry. Through this program, selected students will receive 100% tuition scholarships for up to three years while training for Gospel ministry. ◗

Donors who commit to fund this award establish an enduring partnership with the work and mission of Covenant Theological Seminary. This partnership ensures that there will be Reformed, Bible-teaching pastors who are committed to ministering the Gospel the next generation and beyond.

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A Founders Investor journeys with a student and hears firsthand how the Investor’s support is impacting the student’s life over the course of a given year. Participating donors commit to giving $10,000 annually for a three- or four-year term. This annual investment will cover all costs of tuition for one student for that particular year.

★ Mike and Julia Quillen have accepted a call to serve the congregation of First Presbyterian Church in Crossville, Tennessee.

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FSI PERSPECTIVES

Echoes OF EDEN in C. S. Lewis’s The LION, the WITCH, and the WARDROBE

C. S. Lewis is very much in the news these days. Bookstores are selling great quantities of Lewis’s Narnia stories and many other Narnia-related works because of the recent release of the film version of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. All this interest in Lewis led me to think about the significance of his work, not only as literature, but also as an instrument for spreading the Gospel. Let me begin by explaining why I chose the title “Echoes of Eden in C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

*THE MATERIAL IN THIS ARTICLE WAS PRESENTED IN A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT FORM AT A FRIDAY NIGHTS @ THE INSTITUTE LECTURE/DISCUSSION FORUM IN OCTOBER 2005 AS PART OF NARNIA ON TOUR, A NATIONWIDE SERIES OF LECTURES RELATED TO THE RELEASE OF THE FILM THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE.

COVENANT | Spring 2006

To understand this, we must go all the way back to Lewis’s childhood. From a very early age, Lewis loved fairy stories, legends, and myths. He delighted particularly in the myths of the Norsemen— the sagas of Scandinavia—which evoked for him the strange and distant world of “northern-ness.” The music of Richard Wagner also delighted him and stirred his heart and imagination. Stories, music, and artwork about the far north stirred in him an experience of deep joy and a longing for things strange and remote— a longing for something he could not quite name. This longing was later fed by other great works of imagination: the fairy story books of Andrew Lang; the fantastic novels of William Morris; the tales of George MacDonald; the sharp wit and gift for paradox found in G. K. Chesterton; the Anglo-Saxon poem The Dream of the Rood; the medieval Piers Plowman; John Milton’s Paradise Lost; and the poetry of Edmund Spenser, Samuel Johnson, John Donne, Sir Thomas Browne, and especially George Herbert. Eventually, Lewis also discovered the exultant Psalms, which filled him with a great sense of joy and gladness. By the mid-1920s, Lewis began to realize that, even though he was not a believer at this point in his life, all the works he loved most had been written by Christians. Much to his own surprise, however—and with deep reluctance—Lewis found his thinking beginning to shift, first to a kind of Platonic belief in a universal power of goodness, then to a somewhat pantheistic acknowledgment of spirit, then to admitting that there is a God who made all things and who upholds the world. With all sorts of reservations and with strong hesitations, Lewis began to think seriously about the Christian faith held by the writers he loved. He could not yet bring himself to bow fully before God as the Creator to whom he owed allegiance, honor, worship, and submission, and he had no personal trust in Jesus Christ as the Redeemer who is at the heart of the Christian message, but he had gradually moved to the point of giving intellectual assent to Christian teaching as the truth about the world. His heart, however, was still far away. This all began to change one night in September 1931, when Lewis had a long discussion with two of his close friends, J. R. R.

Tolkien and Henry Victor “Hugo” Dyson. Lewis told them that he could not see what meaning Christ’s life, death, and resurrection could possibly have for him 1900 years after the events. Tolkien replied that the Gospel works in a similar way to how myths work in Lewis’s worldview. Lewis had no problem in being moved by myths and legends—they gave him a sense of joy and touched a chord of longing in his heart. But, he replied, “they are lies breathed through silver.” Tolkien explained that they are not completely lies; rather, myths contain kernels of truth within the distortions and unworthy outer husks they often wear. Myths, said Tolkien, are echoes or memories of the truth that God had originally made known to Adam and Eve, the ancestors of the whole human race. There are in myths memories of the unfallen world, memories of paradise when the world was not stained by human rebellion and characterized only by goodness and joy in all of life. Although they also contain a sense of the shame and tragedy of the brokenness of our present life, there are also hints of the promise and hope of redemption, of the setting right of all things. The Gospel is the true myth, Tolkien said, the great fairy story. In the Gospel of Christ, all the elements of truth in the pagan myths find their fulfillment. This conversation was a significant turning point in Lewis’s conversion; just a few days afterward, he came to faith in Christ, acknowledging that the truth underneath the husk of the myths was made sober history in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He had found the joy that he had been seeking all his life—or rather, joy had found him. All of this only strengthened Lewis’s interest in fairy stories and myths and in their possibilities as vehicles for conveying the truth. Years later, he would write his own version of the story of the Garden of Eden in Perelandra, the second volume of his adult science fiction trilogy. But our primary interest here is the way Lewis undertook this same task in The Chronicles of Narnia series, and particularly the way he did this in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the first book written in the series. In his Narnia books, Lewis very intentionally set out to tell the Christian story but not in such a way that those who were ignorant of or resistant to it would find it thrust in their faces.

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The Francis A. Schaeffer Institute is a ministry arm of Covenant Theological Seminary. If you would like to contribute to this ministry or any other aspect of Covenant Seminary, contact Dave Wicker, Vice President of Advancement. Call 1.800.264.8064, e-mail dave.wicker@covenantseminary.edu, or write to Covenant Theological Seminary, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141.

He wanted to capture the imaginations of children and touch their hearts just as he had been captured by the fantastic tales he had read when he was young. As an avid student of the Gospels, Lewis also knew that Jesus himself told wonderful stories which He used to communicate truth indirectly to people who, for all sorts of reasons, would no longer listen to straightforward presentations of it. Lewis wanted his stories, like the myths and fairy stories he loved, to reflect the underlying truths of reality but to do so even more deliberately. In fact, his goal was to ensure that his stories were full of “echoes of Eden.” Let us now consider some of the echoes of Eden heard in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. First, we find that there are echoes of Creation—elements of the adventures in Narnia that reveal the beauty of life as it once was before deceit, betrayal, rebellion, pride, and every kind of evil entered the world. There is the promise of new life because, as we are told, Aslan the Great Lion “is on the move.” There is the loveliness of spring when Aslan comes and “shakes his mane.” Lewis’s description of the sudden coming of spring reminds us of the wonder and freshness of the original creation. There is the peaceable nature of many of the creatures of Narnia, and this recalls for us a happier and more innocent time. We find a celebration of the dignity and glory of ordinary persons—such as Mr. Tumnus, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Rumblebuffin the Giant. This is a dignity at which we can laugh without a hint of malice and instead with glad pleasure. There is the beauty of the snowy landscape, the frost, and the ice. Even though this perpetual winter has been brought about by the wickedness of Jadis the White Witch, it still reveals the “dearest freshness deep down things,” in the words of the poet Gerard Manley Hopkins. This expresses the reality that this world is made by a benevolent Creator so that it may flourish and be enjoyed by the creatures in it. Above all, there is great delight in the ordinary things of life: food and drink, dancing (the fauns, dryads, and naiads), feasting (the Christmas party in the woods), marriage (the beavers), friendship, work well done, trust, loyalty, and bravery. Second, we find many echoes of the Fall—the tragedy of life as it now is. We see the reign of the White Witch—the instruments of her rule are lies, deceit, power, fear, betrayal, cruelty, sorrow, destruction, and murderous death (terms which recall Satan’s character and rule as described in the Bible). In the White COVENANT | Spring 2006

Witch’s kingdom, it is always winter but never Christmas, for the witch hates happiness and ordinary joys. For her, pleasant things are only a means to an end, and the end is always more power for her and less independence and joy for others. Her fury at the Christmas feast in the woods is typical of real evil; this is the way Satan is—he hates the good gifts of God. The witch has no concern for anyone else—all creatures are objects to her, things to be used in her lust for power rather than persons to be respected and honored for their uniqueness and significance. The account of Edmund being brought under the witch’s sway is masterfully depicted. This is indeed how evil works in our hearts and minds, appealing to our worst instincts, shrewdly summing up our character flaws, and then exploiting them. The White Witch presents her treats—the Turkish Delight and the hot drink—as if they were generous gifts rather than instruments of deceit and control. But the gifts of evil always have a cost—they do not satisfy. Rather, they enslave the one who receives them. Edmund begins to lie more and more and to deceive himself about the true nature of the witch, about himself, and about everyone else. As he comes more under the witch’s control, Edmund grows ever angrier with his brother and sisters. He becomes meaner, more spiteful, and more self-centered. Evil is like this, for it destroys our humanity, making us less than who we are meant to be. Edmund’s foolish choices alienate him from others and from himself. Ultimately, they even alienate him from Aslan and his creation as we see when Edmund becomes uncomfortable at the mere mention of Aslan’s name. In just this way, evil alienates us from God; it distorts our natural and right desire for dominion over the world as God’s stewards. Edmund thus imagines himself as king of Narnia, indulging his every whim and keeping others in subservient positions. Evil even undermines his enjoyment of the beauty of creation. Indulging in evil always reaps a harvest of destruction in our own lives and in the lives of others. Yet, even as he does these things, Edmund is aware of what is happening in his own heart and is not given up fully to evil. Instead, we see the struggle that takes place in him, the memories of goodness in his heart, and, above all, his pity for the creatures enjoying their Christmas party—the squirrels, foxes, and satyrs whom the witch turns to stone even though Edmund intercedes on their behalf. It is his pity that gives us a glimmer of hope for Edmund’s deliverance and restoration.

That leads us to our third theme—echoes of Redemption. We revel in Aslan’s delight in encouraging the gifts and This story is full of the promises of what will be when Christ glory of others, his giving rewards, joy, and greater responsibility returns to establish His Kingdom and when He destroys evil to those who serve him. In the events that follow his return to entirely. Then peace, righteousness, and joy will endure forever. life, we see his healing breath bring life to the dead and strength Aslan is the son of the Emperor across the Sea. He is the and courage to the weary. His defeat of the White Witch, the Son of God, the Great Lion—Christ, the Lion of Judah. He is healings, the restorations to life, and the coming of spring look the image of Christ to us in his moral perfection and glorious forward to the final renewal of all things. They are the first fruits power, his kingly nature and intimate friendliness, his holiness of the ultimate consummation of Aslan’s kingdom just as Christ’s and gentleness, his fearsomeness and kindness. He cannot be defeat of the devil on the cross, His miracles of healing, His controlled; rather, his ways are sovereign. Yet, just as Christ raising of the dead, and His power over the created world point was fully human—and thus, one to whom we can relate as a forward to His return and final victory over all the forces of brother—so Aslan is one with the creatures of Narnia. evil and death. This is most significant and at the very heart of the book. We see the sacrifice of Aslan—his offering of himself is to train God’s servants to demonstrate compassionately and as one who is innocent for defend reasonably the claims of Christ on the whole of life. one who is guilty as he gives himself up for the traitor Edmund. We learn of the deep mystery of the penalty of death for a traitor inscribed as law In all these ways and many more, Lewis has filled this story by the Emperor across the Sea. The White Witch knows this with echoes of Eden. Every time you read this marvelous little mystery but has no true appreciation of the importance of justice. book (or any of the other Chronicles of Narnia) you will see and For her, the death penalty is her means of gaining revenge and hear more such echoes. some measure of fulfillment of her lust for power. But, in what Someone once said to Lewis, “Children growing up in Lewis calls “the even deeper magic from before the dawn of time,” Christian homes who are taught the Gospel by their parents will Aslan suffers a substitutionary death in place of Edmund. In his recognize Christ in these stories, but what about those children self-sacrifice, we see “justice and mercy kiss,” as Lewis later wrote who do not know the story of Christ?” Lewis responded that he of the death of Christ on the cross. hoped and prayed that children who were ignorant of the Gospel However, we see not only Aslan’s miserable death, but also would fall in love with Aslan through the echoes of Eden in the his glorious resurrection from the state of death. I will never Narnia books, and that, when they later heard about Christ, they forget the first time I read the story to my two elder sons, who would respond to Him as one whom they already knew and loved. were then three and four years old. As we read about the White I have met people for whom this is true, and I am sure there are Witch cutting off Aslan’s mane, binding him tightly with ropes, many such all over the world. It is my hope and prayer that the and sharpening her stone knife, my son Paul looked at me in recent film will be faithful enough to Lewis’s story that God will great distress and said, “Daddy, are they going to kill him?” I said, use it to touch the hearts and kindle the imaginations of many, “Yes, I’m afraid they are.” The three of us began to cry, and then many more who will eventually come to know and love Christ. Paul burst out through his tears, “But he’ll rise again, won’t he?” As readers, we join the characters in the book in their horror at this sight, but we also join them in their “disbelieving joy” JERRAM BARRS as they are comforted by Aslan’s love and by the power of his JERRAM BARRS IS PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN STUDIES & CONTEMPORARY CULTURE AND RESIDENT SCHOLAR OF THE FRANCIS A. SCHAEFFER INSTITUTE. indestructible life.

The goal of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

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CORE VALUE #2 BIBLICAL AUTHORITY: We believe

that the Bible is the Word of God, and, thus, it is our only infallible rule of faith and practice. We believe in the plenary, verbal inspiration of the Scriptures by the Holy Spirit, and, thus, we affirm the

BIBLICAL

inerrancy of the original manuscripts whose objective truth it is our responsibility to interpret in accord with the principles of Scripture and to proclaim in accord

Authority

with the imperatives of the Gospel.

and reconciliation—basically spiritual, emotional, and relational vitality. Obviously, we still see much unhealthiness in churches because they are, according to Martin Luther, a “hospital for the sick.” The church is always called to be an ecclesia semper reformanda (a church in constant reformation) as it seeks to live before God. But where the Word of God is upheld in its inerrant authority, there is the hope of the Gospel.

Seven core values amplify and clarify how Covenant Theological Seminary understands its purpose. In the second installment of our series on these Core Values, Dr. Hans Bayer, Associate Professor of New Testament, explains the Seminary’s view of Biblical authority.

How is this understanding distinct, and why is it important to emphasize this?

The individual and communal submission to the authority of God’s self-revelation in Scripture has its history in the remnant and believing part of the people of Israel throughout the ages, as well as in the believing Messianic church throughout the past 2000 years. In contrast to the Protestant churches, the Orthodox and Catholic leaders did not, historically speaking, give the Scriptures to the people. Subsequent to the Reformation, the Enlightenment brought yet another challenge to the centrality of the Word of God. Since then, churches and seminaries have had to wrestle with undermining questions regarding the authority of the Scriptures. Many churches and seminaries in different parts of the world have succumbed to the pressure to place reason and, more recently, experience, as normative and sufficient over and against God’s self-revelation. The consequences are, individually and corporately, spiritual and moral death.

How did Biblical authority come to be a core value of Covenant Seminary?

It is the result of a careful study of the past. The first recorded question of Satan in Scripture is, “Did God really say…?” We must commence at the beginning: Are we on this planet as a consequence of chance and evolution, or are we creatures of a personal God who is involved in our lives? Are we alone and left to our own devices, or is there a creator to whom we are accountable and who communicates with us? The answers to these questions have huge consequences—not only philosophically, but also personally and communally as well. However, more specifically, the history of the people of God who listen to the self-revelation of the Creator is marked by a key factor: Whenever the people of God turn away from God’s reliable self-revelation, there is spiritual and actual death in all imaginable areas of life. When the people of God return to God’s Word, there they find redemption, forgiveness, healing, COVENANT | Spring 2006

How do Covenant Seminary professors teach Biblical authority to students?

Above all, we seek to live under the authority of Scripture— individually and corporately. We also seek to teach it in the controversial contexts of philosophical, scientific, historical, linguistic, and personal/psychological arguments, observations, and questions. Concretely, we teach the rationale of the authority of Scripture in our department of Biblical and Systematic Theology as well as in such classes as “Covenant Theology” and “Biblical Introduction.” We seek to apply it, however, to all specific disciplines at Covenant Seminary in the areas of theology, psychology, and pedagogy.

I would encourage those who are being challenged in their view of Biblical authority to see the deep unity of Scripture, its historicity; its disarming realism (which corresponds so profoundly to the world we live in); its counter-intuitive focus on the incarnation and self-sacrifice of Christ as ultimate love; and its powerfully redemptive provision to live godly, authentic, reconciled lives in dependence upon the triune God.

What are the pastoral implications of a different view of Biblical authority?

The pastoral consequences cannot be overstated: Dethrone God’s reliable self-revelation in Scripture and you are your own god or you are worshipping some god-substitute. History demonstrates time and again what destructive moral and political consequences this can have (Communism, Fascism, materialism, radical Islam). We believe that God’s Word reveals a fundamental and comprehensive perspective on reality which serves as the framework for living redemptively in the totality of reality.

Who are historical figures/Church Fathers who have promoted this view and to whom professors often refer? Can you recommend helpful texts for further reading?

The writings of Clement of Rome, Saint Augustine, John Calvin, Martin Luther, B.B. Warfield, Charles Hodge, and Louis Berkhof come to mind. For contemporary works, people might want to consult R. Laird Harris’s The Inspiration and Canonicity of the Scriptures, John Wenham’s Christ and the Bible, and Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology, to name a few.

How do we promote a Biblical Hermeneutic that recognizes Biblical authority?

Based on God speaking authoritatively, reliably, and understandably, we seek to exemplify and to teach a theocentric world-and-life view, which commences with a Christ-centered approach to the triune God. In this view—in which humans and cultures are “glorious ruins” (i.e., precious, but in dire need of redemption due to the deep-seated alienation of mankind from God)—Scripture serves as a compass for all of life. Classes such as Covenant Theology seek to engender a Biblical view of the natural world as God’s good creation, of God’s redemptive history in the context of general history, and of the fact that our personal life stories have a wonderful place in the unfolding of God’s redemptive history. We are, among many other concerns, actively seeking to exemplify a Biblical way for men and women to develop and use their gifts to their full potential and express them in complementary ways. This approach reflects the glory of the Godhead and does not succumb to male chauvinism or absolute egalitarian demands. Besides other passions, we are very concerned about overcoming racial discrimination and contributing to efforts with this focus. What are some obstacles that pastors and other church leaders face when teaching from this viewpoint? What would you say to those who are struggling with this?

To many people, upholding Biblical authority may appear to be offensive both to the intellect and ego. With the resurgence of the evolution/creation debate, to give a popular example, an old issue has surfaced which challenges pastors and churches as they reach out into modern society. What is the worldview, the framework within which we function? For example, is it that of naturalistic materialism (a view gradually embraced by Charles Darwin) or a theistic worldview which acknowledges a creator? Actually, many contemporary worldviews are products of—or reactions to—enlightenment thought in which man’s reason or experience is the center of and norm for all of reality. This poses challenges and opportunities.

How are you encouraged in seeing this understanding of Biblical authority in the lives of students and alumni?

Life is a challenge and a battle. I am encouraged how this challenge, this battle, is being fought by students and alumni based on the core compass of God’s reliable self-revelation— Scripture. Through it, our students and alumni are called to dependence upon and worship of the triune God. We see much fruit. The fact of God reconciling us to Himself through the atonement of His son is the hope and source for reconciled relationships with one another as well as the means by which we are healed from our brokenness. It is the only foundation for growing toward a truly authentic and worshipful life.

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Great REWARDS is often no sermon preparation at all. It is not unusual for them to pray as they walk to the pulpit, ‘God, give me a message.’ Then, they open the Bible, read a passage, and say whatever comes to mind. In our BISA off-campus pastor training program, I mainly teach and disciple men who are preparing for or are now already in the pastorate.”

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Few scenes surpass that of Table Mountain sloping down to the sparkling blue water of the converging Atlantic and Indian Oceans. There, Cape Town sits at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula, a region renowned for its bounteous rivers and rolling hills. In South Africa, perhaps the only thing more divergent than the landscape is the distinction between wealth and poverty. Bruce (M.Div.’98) and Barbara (M.A.T.S.’98) Wannemacher arrived in Cape Town shortly after graduating from seminary. “We went to Covenant Theological Seminary in 1993 after I served 20 years in the United States Army because we knew we wanted to be cross-cultural missionaries,” Bruce explains. After teaching for one year at the African Bible College in Malawi, the Wannemachers moved to Cape Town. As missionaries with Mission to the World, Bruce and Barbara now work with The Bible Institute of South Africa (BISA) where Bruce currently serves as an instructor. He has also served as Academic Dean and was, for one semester, the interim principal for BISA. Theological education is essential in a country where more than half of the population professes Christianity but often with little or no understanding of what that means. “Many of my students have been pastors for 10, 20, even 30 years, but have never had any Biblical studies because—under apartheid— they weren’t allowed, couldn’t qualify for, or couldn’t afford the training,” Bruce says. Most of those in ministry have not had formal training and, Bruce explains, “For these pastors, there COVENANT | Spring 2006

Bruce and Barbara Wannemacher, both graduates of Covenant Seminary, serve the Lord in Cape Town, South Africa, where Bruce trains men who are or will be pastors, and Barbara teaches Bible to primary-age students.

Many BISA students know firsthand the effects of social disparities. Bruce notes, “Most black students at the Bible college cannot afford a pencil, much less an education.” Despite such physical limitations and restraints, students continue to come from the far reaches of the continent to be trained at BISA. “It is very exciting and rewarding to see the Gospel transform

the people we are working with,” Bruce says. “Most pastors would never preach from sections of the Old Testament because they didn’t understand those books. Imagine their response when I teach a class called, ‘Christ-Centered Preaching in the Old Testament Historical Books.’ For the first time, they begin to see the Bible as a whole book—unified and made up of many chapters that come together.” Apartheid ended in 1994, but that has not eradicated its impact. Lasting effects of apartheid are seen most clearly in the tiered (top to bottom) structure of the culture: whites, Indians, blacks, and coloreds (an official term for any nonwhite, nonblack people). Most blacks live in great poverty in what are called townships—informal settlements that are little more than overcrowded squatter communities. Yet in Masiphumelele, one such township, Barbara finds the most willing recipients of the Gospel at Ukhanyo School where she teaches Bible to primaryage boys and girls. She says, “When we moved here, I wanted to work with children in addition to ministry at the Bible institute. With a lot of prayer and waiting, God opened the door for me to teach Bible at a public school. This was amazing because it meant the individual teachers were not only willing to have us in their classrooms, but they also were willing to translate into Xhosa (one of the 11 official languages of South Africa), which is spoken by the children.” This particular school in Masiphumelele has more than 1,250 students. Starting with just two classes in 2001, Barbara and another teacher instructed the children in Christian songs and Sunday school-type lessons. Within a year, all 20 classes—ranging from first to seventh grade—were open to having weekly Bible classes. There are now 10 Bible teachers in all, all of whom are African nationals. “It’s been a great blessing,” Barbara says with a smile. “The schoolteachers are thankful. The children’s behavior has improved, and an increased number of them go to church. The children come from very poor homes—shacks, in fact. Many have been or are being abused physically, emotionally, or sexually. We have the freedom to present God’s love in Christ Jesus. The rewards are great.”

“God used Covenant Seminary significantly to prepare us for this ministry,” Bruce says. “In our context, classroom teaching by itself is insufficient. African culture is relational. Black Africans come from an oral tradition. They aren’t predominantly a people of books but rather people of stories and personal relationships. The Seminary’s emphasis upon both the classroom and the community are significant influences upon what we do.” In Cape Town, the Wannemachers continue to see that Gospel transformation is not limited to theological breadth alone, but is also expressed in the lives of individuals as they mature in Christ-likeness. As evidence of this, the Wannemachers note the role that national leaders are taking in the various ministries. “One very encouraging thing for both of us is that the programs we started are now being carried on by Africans,” Barbara says. Cape Town remains a city marred by apartheid and still largely divided along racial lines. Yet it is here that the lives of men, women, and children from throughout South Africa are being radically transformed by the grace of God. A new generation of students is being trained to proclaim Christ as Lord throughout the continent and the world, granting a view of eternal redemption that surpasses in glory that of any ocean and every mountain. JOEL HATHAWAY JOEL HATHAWAY (M.DIV.’04) SERVES AS THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND CHURCH RELATIONS.

Spouse Teamwork Scholarship Covenant Theological Seminary is committed to training men and women for a lifetime of ministry. In doing so, we recognize that ministry does not involve merely one member of a family, but rather the entire family. Therefore, Covenant Seminary makes its training resources available to all spouses of full-time students. Through our Spouse Teamwork Scholarship, we invest in a spouse by providing a 100% scholarship for the degree of his or her choice.* For more information about this program, contact the Admissions Office at 1.800.264.8064 or admissions@covenantseminary.edu. *Spouses who wish to pursue an M.A.C. will receive a 50% scholarship.

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SEMINARY

news

In a Bookstore Near You…

Covenant Seminary Celebrates 50 Years!

Adjunct Professor Rev. Scotty Smith has collaborated on new a book with artist and author Steven Curtis Chapman. It is called Restoring Broken Things—What Happens When We Catcha Vision of the New World Jesus is Creating (Integrity Publishers). The authors combine the truth of Scripture with their own experiences to write about the life-changing message of God’s redemption.

Along with an on-campus event for alumni, current students, and former and current faculty and staff, preparations are being made to celebrate this milestone at the 2006 General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 20 –23. Watch your mail for more information about the celebrations as well as an anniversary scrapbook that is in the works.

Upgraded!

At Home With the Lord

Covenant Seminary is now more computer friendly with all the major buildings on campus allowing wireless access.

Covenant Seminary is thankful to God for the faithful service and friendship of the late Lanny W. Moore, Sr., of Fort Myers, Florida. He first joined Covenant Seminary’s Board of Trustees in 1972, and he served continuously since then. As a servant for the Lord, Lanny contributed his time and talents on both the Board of Trustees and Advisory Board, including service as Board Chairman. He also served on the Boards of God’s World Publications Inc. (publishers of WORLD magazine), Precious Life Ministries, Inc., and was State president of Florida Eagle Forum. He was the founder and president of SunCoast Contractors Supply Inc. and was a retired U.S. Army Captain who served in the peacekeeping forces in Germany. During his last few years, Lanny was instrumental in helping start North Fort Myers Presbyterian Church. He is survived by Lucile “Lucy,” his wife of 39 years; seven children; and 19 grandchildren.

Call to Prayer

May 4 will begin a 50-day season of concerted prayer by PCA organizations. It will end on June 22, during the 34th General Assembly. Mission to North America is spearheading the effort by compiling a booklet of devotionals and prayer requests. The theme for this year’s thoughts and reflections is “Revival.” To ﬁnd out about more For more information Seminary happenings and about this ministry, or events, visit our Web site at to obtain a copy of the www.covenantseminary.edu. devotional booklet, visit www.pca-mna.org.

Calendar

Student Mission Fellowship Week Event

On Tuesday February 21, the Student Mission Fellowship will host “Being a Family in an Urban Context,” a special evening of insight and discussion. Please join us from 7 to 8 p.m. in Rayburn Chapel. COVENANT | Spring 2006

We also praise God for the life and service of the late Rudy F. Schmidt of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rudy was elected to serve on the Seminary’s Board of Trustees in 1992. Rudy gave sacrificially of his professional life and ministry to serve and build both Covenant College and Covenant Seminary. The former Registrar of Covenant College served the college for 36 years. As salt and light to society, he served in the inner-city ministry of New City Fellowship and participated in the planting of four PCA churches located in Walker, Iowa; Hazelwood, Missouri; Lookout Mountain, Georgia; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Rudy is survived by his wife, Collyn.

Covenant Coming to You… PROFESSORS’ SPRING SPEAKING SCHEDULES

Jerram Barrs

J. Nelson Jennings

Professor of Christian Studies & Contemporary Culture, Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute

Associate Professor of World Mission

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TOPIC:

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“Evangelism in the Workplace.”

Hans Bayer

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Associate Professor of New Testament

Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary and University of Latvia; Riga, Latvia. TOPIC: “The Letters of Paul.”

◗ MARCH 27–APRIL 1

TOPIC:

Assistant Professor of Church History, Dean of Faculty ◗ SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY–MAY

Assistant Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology

Robert Peterson

Atlanta, GA. TOPIC: “Worldview Journalism.”

Professor of Systematic Theology

Professor of Church History ◗

Central Presbyterian Church; St. Louis, MO. Sunday school: “From St. Patrick to St. Louis By Way of Scotland.” MARCH 3–5 Westminster Presbyterian Church; Muncie, IN. Missions conference. MARCH 19 Eastern Shore Reformed Presbyterian Church; Centreville, MD. Preaching at particularization service. (This is a mission church of the Glasgow Reformed

◗ SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY–MAY

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Glenside, PA. Wives’ Weekend Seminary. Richard Winter Professor of Practical Theology, Director of Counseling

Zack Eswine Assistant Professor of Homiletics, Director of D.Min. Program ◗

Cornerstone Evangelical Free Church; Webster Groves, MO. Pulpit supply. FEBRUARY 4–6 Hueston Woods Resort & Conference Center; Oxford, OH. Ohio Valley Presbytery Men’s Retreat. MARCH 5 Independent Presbyterian Church; Memphis, TN. MAY 26–27 St. Louis Chinese Gospel Church; St. Louis, MO. Annual church retreat.

◗ SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY–MAY

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The Kahler Hotel; Rochester, MN. L’Abri Fellowship Conference. WORKSHOPS: “The Power of Pornography” and “The Struggle to Forgive.” PLENARY LECTURE: “The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism.” MARCH 9 Veritas (forum) at Butler University; Indianapolis, IN. Lecturer. MARCH 10–12 Zionsville Fellowship Church; Zionsville, IN. CONFERENCE: “The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism.”

◗ FEBRUARY 17–18

Presbyterian Church in Bear, Delaware.)

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Hope Presbyterian Church; Collinsville, IL. Pulpit supply. APRIL 27–28 Parker Road Baptist Church; Florissant, MO. Personal Freedom Outreach conference. APRIL 28–29 Westminster Theological Seminary;

◗ SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY–MAY

David Calhoun

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The Covenant Presbyterian

Church; St. Louis, MO. Pulpit supply.

The Journey; Maplewood, MO. Preaching. APRIL 21–22 Morehouse College, World Journalism Institute;

◗ MARCH 19

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“God’s World Mission.”

Sean Lucas

Anthony Bradley

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Grace Presbyterian Church of St. Louis; St. Louis, MO. Missions conference. TOPIC: “God’s World Mission.” MARCH 31–APRIL 2 First Reformed Presbyterian Church; Pittsburgh, PA. Missions conference. TOPIC: “God’s World Mission.” APRIL 8 Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; Deerfield, IL. Presenting a paper at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Missiological Society. THEME: “Mission in a World of Suffering and Violence.” APRIL 21–23 Princeton Presbyterian Church; Johnson City, TN. Missions conference.

◗ FEBRUARY 3–5

The Kahler Hotel; Rochester, MN. L’Abri Fellowship Conference. FEBRUARY 19 Redeemer Church; Jackson, MS. Preaching. FEBRUARY 20–23 Reformed Theological Seminary; Jackson, MS. Spiritual Life Conference. FEBRUARY 24–26 Grace Evangelical Church; Germantown, TN. Men’s Ministry.

◗ FEBRUARY 17–18

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ALUMNI

news

Kevin Ball (M.Div.’05) was ordained and installed by Warrior Presbytery on Nov. 13, 2005, as the Pastor of Marion Presbyterian Church in Marion, Alabama. Ron Lutjens, Pastor of Old Orchard Church in Webster Groves, Missouri, delivered the sermon.

On October 7, 2005, Ephraim Alexander was born to Matt (M.A.T.S.’03) and Sherry (M.A.C.’02) Haslam. He was welcomed by his sister, Clara Marie (age 2). Matt and Sherry presently reside in Wichita, Kansas, where Matt works as an engineer for Cessna Aircraft Co. and Sherry is a “Domestic COO.”

Adrian C. Das (M.Div.’05) was ordained and installed at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Godfrey, Illinois, on Nov. 13, 2005.

Giorgio (M.Div.’00) and Amanda (M.A.C.’00) Hiatt rejoiced in the birth of daughter Emory Springer on Aug. 12, 2005. Big brother Carver (age 3) also welcomed Emory Springer into the Hiatt family.

Josh Jared (M.Div.’05) began teaching at Oak Mountain Classical School in Birmingham, Alabama, in August 2005. He teaches Bible, Logic, and Humanities for seventh, eighth, and twelfth grades, respectively. His wife, Brooke, works in the operating room of a hospital where she assists with heart surgery. Josh and Brooke moved to Birmingham in July.

Glenn Jakes (M.Div.’98) and wife Norma rejoiced in watching the Lord grow their family from three to ﬁve. All their children have been adopted from Russia, and the most recent additions are a biological sister and brother. The children are ages 10, 7, and 6. Glenn has been an Assistant Pastor at Perry Presbyterian Church in Perry, Georgia, since September 2004.

Chris Jennings was ordained and installed on Oct. 23, 2005, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Midland, Georgia, as the Assistant Pastor of Children’s Ministries. Rev. Stephen Perkins (M.Div.’02) preached the sermon, and Rev. Bill Douglas (M.Div.’83) gave the charge. Bill Douglas serves as Pastor of St. Andrews.

Keith (M.Div.’00) and Linda Kneeshaw welcomed daughter Rachel Elizabeth into their family on Nov. 21, 2005. Sonia (M.A.C.’99) and Johan Krueger (M.A.T.S.’99) welcomed second child Victoria into the family on May 21, 2003. On Sept. 20, 2005, third child Michelle joined her older siblings. In November of 2005, the Kruegers returned to their native South Africa where Johan has begun a communications business. The family now lives in the town of Potchefstroom.

Rusty Milton (M.Div.’05) accepted the call as solo Pastor of Clanton Presbyterian in Clanton, Alabama. He was ordained and installed by the Southeast Alabama Presbytery on Nov. 7, 2005. Ron Lutjens, Pastor of Old Orchard Church in Webster Groves, Missouri, delivered the sermon. Rusty and wife Jennifer (Darrell) (M.A.T.S.’01) celebrated the birth of their son, Phineas Reid, on April 1, 2005.

We Want to Hear From You!

Births

Reuben Kahaulelio was born to Paul (M.Div.’03) and Joanna DeYoung on Nov. 18, 2005. Reuben joins brother Simeon. Paul currently serves as Pastor of Children’s Ministries at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in Ballwin, Missouri.

COVENANT | Spring 2006

Alumni, we consider you family, and we’d like to keep in touch! Please let us know where in the world God has called you, and ﬁll us in on what you’re doing there. Update us about your family as well. Send e-mails to alumni@covenantseminary.edu and written correspondence to Alumni News, Attn: Joel Hathaway, 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141.

GOD’S FUTURE CHURCH

Search Our Online Resources From Your Web Site

Want to hear a chapel message for encouragement and learning or listen to a lecture hosted by the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute? Perhaps you’d like to read something pertaining to youth? Now your church or organization can post a link that enables people to search Covenant Seminary’s Online Resources from your own Web site. Search by keyword, author, title, or scripture. You’ll ﬁnd a link on our main Resources search page that has all the information you need. Simply copy the code, and paste it into the appropriate place on your Web site.

His Kingdom, Our Calling

Called to Serve?

When asked, more than 60 percent of Covenant Theological Seminary students say that the primary factor in choosing the Seminary was the advice of a pastor or alumnus. If someone you know is considering vocational ministry a seminary representative would be happy to speak with him or her. Contact Eric Richards, Director of Admissions, at 1.800.264.8064 or by e-mail at eric.richards@covenantseminary.edu.

October 10-12, 2006

Come Celebrate Our 50th Anniversary!

FEATURED SPEAKERS: Richard Bewes Mike Campbell Bryan Chapell Richard Pratt Kennedy Smartt

This year, Covenant Seminary is celebrating a halfcentury of training pastors and ministry leaders to serve the Church. A special event—in conjunction with graduation—will be held for all alumni, current students, and former and current faculty and staff. A special chapel service will be held at noon on Friday May 19, followed by a lunch celebration. If you would like to participate in this free luncheon, RSVP to Nicolle Olivastro to reserve your spot. Call 1.800.264.8064 or 314.392.4068, or e-mail nicolle.olivastro@covenantseminary.edu.

Visit www.covenantseminary.edu for more conference information.

A church recently requested our team’s intervention services. On our first visit, one issue emerging at the center of the hostility involved the new facility. Genuine hurt over space allocation and the architectural design was evident. After two long days (in an obviously aging building) conducting more than 40 tearful interviews, we asked to tour the new facility. We were taken to a window overlooking a large, partially paved parking lot. To our horror, we realized that the “new facility” ripping families apart and destroying the Christian witness in the community had not even been built yet.

CONFLICT Addressing conﬂicts in the church is particularly important because the church is not an institution made by man but is the very body of Christ (Eph. 1:23). Because the Church is one of the God-created institutions against which Satan constantly makes war (Rev. 12:17), we must be quick to address any conﬂicts that would damage the unity of the body and the experience of shalom (peaceful unity). Almost all of Paul’s letters deal with misunderstanding and controversy in the Church. These quarrels and divisions can be overt or hidden (1 Cor. 1:11), but they are always a result of “heart battles.”

COVENANT | Spring 2006

What Causes Fights and Quarrels Among Us?

The book of James reminds us that conflicts are a result of the desires that battle within our hearts (James 4:1). Many desires are not sinful. However, when desires become demands and the inevitable disappointment results in punishment, we know that idolatry is present. At the heart of all conflict resides some form of idolatry. “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven, and say, ‘We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven’” (Lam. 3:40–42). What are some of the clues that idols are present? Defensiveness. In working with churches in conflict, we often see defensiveness—which can be viewed as one way we “claim to be without sin” (1 John 1:8). A demanding insistence that we explain and others listen and understand is one of the most common—and hidden—forms of defensiveness. We set our hearts

or Shalom? on defending our positions and ourselves. We insist on being “right.” It is easy to try to deny our pride, selfish ambition, and vanity, but the truth is that we often value our own opinions— our “rightness”—over love and unity. Preference wars. Most church conflict does not involve foundational theological issues but personal preferences and opinions. Spiritual immaturity is revealed when a question or criticism is experienced as a personal attack. Instead of responding graciously, hearts close and relationships end. Common preference conflicts involve worship styles, allocation of budget dollars, and Christian education curricula. One church experienced a heated disagreement over the color of the geraniums lining the church driveway. One person aptly captured the key issue by writing, “What will we say to God to explain why the color of the geraniums was more important than modeling love, joy,

peace, and patience in front of our children and neighbors who are watching this conflict worsen?” Looking to church to meet our felt needs. Church conflict escalates when we expect the church to be conveniently tailored to our wants and desires. This misguided mindset leads us to view people in the church as resources for our comfort rather than valuable members of one body who need and are needed by us. As a result, we neither love nor serve them well. In fact, when our expectations are disappointed, we engage in destructive gossip, criticism, and bickering. Church conflict—a terrible witness to the watching world—is the frequent result. Competition. Competition in the church diminishes our experience of shalom. We compete for resources, forgetting that our God is the one who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. In the context of pushing for excellence in serving the

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What will we say to God to explain why the color of the geraniums was more important than modeling love, joy, peace, and patience in front of our children and neighbors who are watching this conflict worsen?

(Col. 3:1b–2). We can easily lose our focus on the two great purposes in life—to love God and to love others. True repentance comes as we turn from unworthy loves to the important matters of the Lord—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matt. 23:23). Clothe yourselves. In order to experience sweet shalom in the church, we are called to clothe ourselves with the virtues that God graciously gives. Although we are growing in Christ, we are not yet perfect. Within the intimate boundaries of our church family, sparks will ﬂy. But we have been called to bear with one another in love: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col. 3:12–14). As we remember and experience God’s lavish love for us, we are empowered to love others even when it is difﬁcult. We are encouraged by the promise that “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Heb. 6:10). Remember that all believers are progressing in sanctification. Another tendency that prevents us from experiencing “the peace of Christ … as members of one body” (Col. 3:15) is that we sometimes have a hard time “letting” others change. We may be unwilling to see them in a new light. While we know that God is changing us, we doubt that he is changing them. In suspicion, we relate to others as they once were, rather than as “new creations” (2 Cor. 5:17). Learn to disagree peacefully and allow for different perspectives. Even in our differences we can have unity. For this to happen, we need to submit to the headship of Christ—the great unifying reality for believers. Unity, not uniformity, allows us to experience peaceful fellowship in the body of Christ. Division occurs when we reject the notion that we can disagree and still remain in loving relationships. The apostle Paul models the attitude that promotes relationship in the face of differing perspectives: “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you” (Phil. 3:15). Remember that we are one body. The marvelous truth in 1 Corinthians 12 is that Jesus Christ is the head of the church and all believers are members of his body. Even if we don’t feel it, the truth is that all believers belong in the body of Christ

Lord and his people, the body of Christ is called to develop a uniﬁed vision for servant-hearted ministry within the church. Otherwise, in our pride, we will bicker and ﬁght over the value of “our” ministries—instead of remembering that there is only one ministry: that of the Lord Jesus Christ. Developing Churches of Shalom

How do we become peacemaking churches rather than ones that engage in “quarreling, jealousy, and outbursts of anger” (2 Cor. 12:20)? How can we let “the peace of Christ” rule our hearts (Col. 3:15), demonstrating the unity of the Triune God so that the world might know the Father’s love through Jesus Christ (John 17:23)? Walk in the light of the Lord. Shalom in the church is deepened when we see our sin and repent. “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we [God and believers] have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, puriﬁes us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:7–8, explanation added). Walking in the light does not require perfect living, but truthful living. It is a rich concept that includes, among other things, a penetrating honesty about our imperfection. In fact, seeing our sin can be comforting because we know that it is only the light of God that reveals it. It is through genuine confession that we experience the sweetness of fellowship with God and others: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Set your hearts and minds on things above. In Colossians 3, Paul’s “paradigm of peace” instructs us to “…set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” COVENANT | Spring 2006

(v. 15). It is God who chooses to create us with different gifts for different purposes (vv. 4–6). Furthermore, these true and obvious differences are intended for the common good (v. 7). “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). Submit to our imperfect leaders. To experience precious shalom, we are called to submit to the God-ordained authority of our leaders, both civil and ecclesiastical: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men” (Titus 3:1–2). Many church leaders are amazing examples of sacriﬁcial love and service even though they sometimes fail us. Few things are more beautiful than seeing church leaders humbly take responsibility for their failures. Yet these same servants have experienced their greatest wounds when others failed to follow a Biblical process of reconciliation (Matt. 18:15–17). When hurt or disappointed, we honor God by being willing to pursue reconciliation and offer forgiveness. When we must disagree with our leaders, we can choose to rebel, succumb in defeat, quit and leave, or resist in a gracious way. How do we seek to bring about redemptive change in the church, all in the context of Biblical submission? We set our hearts and minds on obeying God’s Word. We speak the truth in love. We ask for, rather than demand, a hearing from our leaders. We gently, respectfully persuade with Biblically informed positions. We willingly invest our time and energy to help provide solutions. Submission may result in a degree of suffering. Yet, we always have the option of choosing to submit, even in the face of unjust suffering, because we are conscious of God (1 Pet. 2:19).

Resources For Resolving Conﬂict Know this, my beloved brothers: Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires. – JAMES 1:19-20 (ESV) Conflict is the source of many tensions in the church, the home, the workplace, and anywhere else fallen human beings interact. The Bible has much to say about the destructiveness of conflict and the power of forgiveness— our own and, especially, God’s—to heal broken relationships. See Ps. 133; Prov. 15:1, 29:22; Phil. 4:2-9; James 1:19-21, 5:16, for a few representative verses. For other helpful resources on conflict or related topics, as well as dozens of other subjects, visit Covenant Seminary’s Online Resources at www.covenantseminary.edu. You’ll find hundreds of free downloadable print and audio files to assist you in ministry or in professional, church, or family life.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! – PS. 133:1

Firm in One Spirit

Regardless of our circumstance or the people around us, Paul calls us to “…conduct [ourselves] in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). Our enduring relationships and abiding friendships provide victorious testimonies of God’s saving and sanctifying grace. As redeemed children of God, let us commit to live at peace with one another. May shalom abound in our churches so that when Jesus returns He will find us firm in one spirit, eager to praise and glorify Him.

JUDY DABLER JUDY DABLER IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING & EDUCATION (WWW.CBCE.ORG), A MINISTRY OF THE KIRK OF THE HILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. SHE IS CURRENTLY PURSUING HER PH.D. IN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES AT TRINITY EVANGELICAL DIVINITY SCHOOL IN DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS, AND HOLDS AN MA IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES AND AN MA IN COUNSELING FROM COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

www.covenantseminary.edu

More than 50 children of Covenant Seminary students, faculty, and staff entered their art in the recent Covenant Children’s Art Show which was hosted by the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute. Many thanks to all the families who participated in this special event.

“Art

is a reflection

God’s

creativity,

an evidence that

we are made

in the image of God.”

– Francis Schaeffer

COVENANT | Spring 2006

BRIEFLY STATED FOUNDATIONAL TRUTH

Executive Editor David Wicker Managing Editor Stacey Fitzgerald Editor Jackie Fogas Assistant Copy Editors Rick Matt Nicolle Olivastro Photography Drew Gilliam Kelly Park Photography LaCour-Niesen Visuals, Inc. COVER PHOTO:

Design and Production 501creative Circulation Paul Rawlins Editorial Contributors Jerram Barrs Hans Bayer Judy Dabler Joel Hathaway Rick Matt Nicolle Olivastro Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road St. Louis, Missouri 63141 Tel: 314.434.4044 Fax: 314.434.4819 E-mail: covenantmagazine@covenantseminary.edu Visit Covenant Seminary on the Internet at www.covenantseminary.edu Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Volume 21, Number 1. ©2006

We cannot attain to the UNDERSTANDING of Scripture either by

study or by the intellect.

Your first duty is to begin by

prayer.

Entreat the Lord to grant you, of His great mercy, the

true understanding of His Word.

There is no other interpreter of the Word of God than the Author

of this Word, as He Himself

has said, “They shall be all taught of God” (JOHN 6:45 KJV).

HOPE for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding: TRUST SOLELY in God and in the

inﬂuence of His Spirit.

BELIEVE this on the word of a man who has EXPERIENC E. – MARTIN LUTHER

Covenant is published by Covenant Theological Seminary, the National Seminary of the Presbyterian Church in America. The purpose of Covenant Seminary is to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people.

CAMPUS

…to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. – LUKE 12 : 48 (ESV)

AS COVENANT SEMINARY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS of pastors training pastors, pray that God will continue to bless the institution so it can further raise up godly leaders for many years to come.

GIVE PRAISE TO GOD for the Seminary’s strong foundation and history and pray for continued boldness in serving the ultimate King.

PRAY FOR TRAVELING FACULTY MEMBERS as they bring the glory of the Lord to all nations. Pray for safe travel and humble hearts as they communicate the Gospel to others.

AS DECEMBER STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED, ask God to give them direction, courage, and the support they need to be salt and light to society. Pray that they will be obedient to God and follow His plan for their lives.

PRAY FOR DR. CHAPELL AND OTHER SEMINARY LEADERS

NATIONAL PRAY FOR OUR NATION’S LEADERS, that God would grant them wisdom, discernment, and moral courage as they seek to manage the affairs of state. Pray that they would stand firm against the temptation to give in to political expediency.

REMEMBER THOSE ALONG THE GULF COAST who are still suffering from the aftereffects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Pray that relief efforts would bring hope and that the Lord will work through these difficulties to draw many to Himself.

PRAISE THE LORD FOR PASTORS AND THEIR FAMILIES

who are planting churches in cities and towns all across America. Pray that He will provide for and sustain them in their efforts and bring forth much fruit for His Kingdom.

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

INTERNATIONAL

FELIX AGBO recently graduated with an M.A.E.M. degree and returned home to Ghana, West Africa. Pray that God’s Word would be revealed as he pastors a church in Accra and leads his denomination in its educational ministries.

Give thanks to the LORD, call on His name; make known among the nations what He has done.

– 1 CHRON. 16 : 8

PRAY FOR THE STUDENT MISSIONS FELLOWSHIP

CONFERENCE that will be held Feb. 20–24. Pray that students’ hearts will be open to receiving God’s call for their lives and that He will lead them in the correct path.

PRAY FOR DR. RICHARD WINTER as he prepares and travels to the European Leadership Forum in Eger, Hungary, May 20–25. As he continues his teaching travels to Siberia, pray that God would use him to encourage and motivate others in the spreading of the Gospel.

INTERCEDE FOR COVENANT SEMINARY ALUMNI and others who are serving as military chaplains in Iraq, including Jeffrey Dillard (M.Div.’92) and Thomas MacGregor (M.Div.’83). Pray for peace and for the progress of the Gospel in this country.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN YOUR OWN FAMILY or neighborhood who do not yet know the glory of the risen Lord. Ask that Christ will use this Easter season to awaken their hearts to the joy of new life in Him.

LIFT UP DR. HANS BAYER as he travels to Riga, Latvia, to speak at the Baltic Reformed Theological Seminary and Latvia University. Pray for him as he prepares to teach and encourage students in their studies.

– PS. 82 : 3 (ESV)

ASK THAT GOD would bring about a renewal of the arts as He works through Christian artists, writers, filmmakers, and musicians to redeem our culture with the power of the Gospel.

INTERCESSOR

in this new year. Ask God to continue to sharpen their abilities to train the next generation of Christian pastors and ministry leaders and to give them wisdom and boldness in the planning of multiplying His Kingdom. Also pray that God would continue to provide the captital campaign with the support it needs.

Spring 2006 A QUARTERLY CALENDAR OF PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THE COVENANT SEMINARY COMMUNITY

SPRING 2006 EVENTS

FSI LECTURES MINISTRY IN AN URBAN CONTEXT

Covenant Seminary’s Francis A. Schaeffer Institute and Student Mission Fellowship are hosting the Spring 2006 Francis A. Schaeffer Lecture Series entitled Seek the Peace of the City: Ministry in an Urban Context. The lectures will be held February 24–25 on the Covenant Seminary campus. Mark Gornik, Director of City Seminary of New York and author of To Live in Peace: Biblical Faith and the Changing Inner City, will be the plenary speaker. Other speakers include Joseph Muutuki, Pastor of New City Fellowship in Nairobi, Kenya, and Scott Roley, Pastor of Missions and Outreach for Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, and author of God’s Neighborhood.

SHOAH CONCERT Yom Hashoah (April 25 this year) is a day that has been set aside by Israeli Parliament to commemorate the Holocaust victims. People throughout Israel literally pause for two minutes of silent remembrance. Yom Hashoah is significant to Jews throughout the world, and Luke Bobo, Director of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute, and Dr. Robert Vasholz, Professor of Old Testament, are planning to host a musical event on campus this day as a way to build a bridge to our Jewish neighbors.

For more information about any of these events, please call 314.434.4044, or visit www.covenantseminary.edu. (Additional information will be posted on our Web site as it is available.)

TALKS BEGIN AT 7:30 P.M. WITH DISCUSSION TO FOLLOW

SPRING 2006 (CONT.) March 3

Was Ray Charles REALLY the Betrayer Of Gospel Music? An exploration into the sacred/secular distinction in African-American and popular music genres. SPEAKER: Michael McClymond, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Saint Louis University LOCATION: Kaldi’s Coffee House 120 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

March 10

Defining Love Through the Eye of the Lens Romance, sex, and the human condition in the culture of film. SPEAKER: Greg Jesson, PhD Candidate in Philosophy, The University of Iowa LOCATION: Kaldi’s Coffee House 120 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

March 17

Where Shall We Begin? Bring your questions and join us for a good, old-fashioned L’Abri-style open forum. SPEAKER: Jerram Barrs, Professor of Christian Studies & Contemporary Culture and Resident Scholar of the Francis A. Schaeffer Institute, Covenant Seminary LOCATION: Edwards Hall Community Center, Covenant Seminary 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

The Stories We Live

April 7

From movies and books to philosophy and spirituality— an exploration into the importance of stories in the formation of culture and life. SPEAKER: John Kincaid, Covenant Seminary student LOCATION: Kaldi’s Coffee House 120 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

April 21

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life The good, the bad, and the ugly on the road of good intentions—an exploration into the dangers and necessities of working toward a better world. SPEAKER: Tim Padgett, Covenant Seminary student and Francis A. Schaeffer Institute intern LOCATION: Edwards Hall Community Center, Covenant Seminary 12330 Conway Road, St. Louis, MO 63141

May 19

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE PAGE 19.

50th Anniversary Celebration

LOCATION: Covenant Theological Seminary campus, St. Louis, MO

June 12–17

Youth In Ministry Institute Summer Conference

“Grow” St. Louis, MO

LOCATION:

THEME:

July 1–11

Alaskan Glory and Majesty Tour

LOCATION: Starting in Vancouver, BC, and ending in Anchorage, AK

July 24–28

The Covenant Family Conference

THEME: “Building Families God’s Way” LOCATION: Ridge Haven Conference and Retreat Center, Brevard, NC

Connect Conference

October 10–12

“God’s Future Church: His Kingdom, Our Calling” St. Louis, MO

LOCATION:

THEME:

SAVE THE DATE

Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63141

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

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Covenant Theological Seminary

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STUDENT PROFILE

Motivated for MINISTRY Passion, people, and pursuit by our Heavenly Father. These are the motivating factors behind the decision of Pablo Ayllon—a formerly business-bound son of a pastor and current secondyear student (M.Div.’08) at Covenant Theological Seminary—to forgo the prospects of the corporate world. Born in Peru in 1980, Pablo first came to the U.S. in 1998 for his senior year of high school. He intended to return after one year, but the Lord used Pablo’s skills as a soccer player to allow him to study at King College in Bristol, Tennessee. “I went to college to do something in business,” Pablo explains, “but by the end of my sophomore year, I realized the great need for pastors—both in Peru and in the U.S. In Bristol, there were many Christian churches in need of pastors that were not able to find good leaders.” Recognizing this need moved Pablo with compassion, and he began to consider vocational ministry. “I finished my degree in business, but before that I was trying to get in touch with Reformed seminaries,” Pablo recounts. People and passion converged as Pablo sought advice about his future. “I talked with my pastor, Rev. Ed Crook (M.Div.’83),” Pablo says. “He strongly recommended that I go to Covenant Seminary because of its reputation. At the same time, Rev. Bill Yarbrough (M.Div.’99), a director with Mission to the World, talked to my dad. Bill immediately encouraged me to go to Covenant Seminary.” Though Pablo applied and was accepted, he did not attend immediately. “I did an internship as a youth pastor for six months to determine my gifts before I came to seminary,” Pablo recalls. “It was a very good experience. It was the first time I taught someone. I learned many things—such as how to approach young

people and about being an example by how I live.” Pablo pauses. “It was very challenging. I was teaching them truths that I also had to show with my actions,” he adds. As he considers the future, Pablo says, “I want to work in a church after seminary. I can see myself working with youth. I relate well with younger kids. I could also see myself in a preaching role—as a pastor or church planter. I was even invited back to Bristol to work for a year. Or maybe…” Pablo’s voice trails off. Summarizing his thoughts, Pablo says, “I’m excited about the opportunity I have to be here—especially because I am from a different country. Back home, many people in Christian circles know that Covenant is a very good seminary. Everyone is jealous of me—in a good way,” he laughs. “It’s a privilege to be here, to study. “Still,” Pablo adds, “living away from my country has helped me to mature in my faith. I have learned to depend on the Lord every moment of my life. Life is very difficult. There are times when I feel weak and discouraged, but then I am reminded of God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10. My biggest fear is not being able to preach the Gospel with passion and organization. I think seminary is important because it gives us the tools to preach better. “Back home, life is harder. There’s a lot of poverty. The economy is not doing well. What I see in people my age is hopelessness. But that is when we have to preach Christ. Christ is our hope in the middle of our troubles.” Such hope lies at the root of Pablo’s passion for Christ, for His Church, and for the proclamation of the Gospel in all nations. “There was a time,” Pablo says, “when I went away from God, but He pursued me. He was like the father in the parable, waiting to bring me home. I am very encouraged to see that God is in control of everything.” For Pablo, God’s loving control is most clearly demonstrated in calling him from the mountains of Peru to pursue vocational ministry through passion, people, and the pursuit by a Heavenly Father. JOEL HATHAWAY JOEL HATHAWAY (M.DIV.’04) SERVES AS THE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND CHURCH RELATIONS.