The Magazine of Covenant Theological Seminary
COVENANT
Vol 19, No. 3
Surrendering Self
Fall 2004
Technology: Friend or Foe?
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 32nd General Assembly
Celebrating the Life of Dr. W. Harold Mare
Volume 19, No. 3 Fall 2004
From the President
2 Prophet, Priest, & King “The more things change, the more things stay the same.” This seeming contradiction reflects many of our sentiments about life. For example, we see how technology always changes while the spiritual bankruptcy of humanity, apart from Christ, remains the same. If asked, most of us would prefer it the other way around. We would rather know that the television we buy tomorrow will never be out of date, while the spiritual apathy and self-righteousness of today would be wholly replaced tomorrow by the fruit of the Spirit. When reflecting upon such patterns of change and consistency, we may fall into discouragement and despair. When we are filled with such feeling of insignificance and being out of control, the words of Joshua 1:6 ring almost mockingly in our ears, “Be strong and courageous.” We wonder, “Now how am I supposed to do that when I do not even feel love for my neighbor?” We may blame our faith for being too small, but the real problem rests often with us holding to only a part of God’s promises. Joshua 1:6 takes a much fuller meaning when read in context. After Moses died, Joshua found himself the leader of the displaced nation of Israel. Joshua also encountered this pattern of change and consistency. While still grieving the loss of a friend and mentor, Joshua faced the same spiritually-wayward Israel. In that moment of doubt and uncertainty, the Lord God spoke encouraging words to Joshua, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5). The exhortation to be strong and courageous is built upon the promise of God’s presence with us. This promise is the assurance that God will not abandon us to the tide of changing and unchanging realities. We may cry out with the father of the demon-possessed son, “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24), and rest confident that our prayers have come before the God of all power and love, the one who not only can help us, but has done so already by giving us His Son, Jesus, who is Emmanuel, God with us. The Word promises that God will never leave us. Our response is that we must be strong and courageous. In theological terms, these are called the indicatives (what is true) and the imperatives (how we are called to respond). In day-to-day terms, we call this hope. In this issue of Covenant magazine, you will read about the implications of everchanging modern technology, and the unchanging condition of human self-righteousness. You will read about the death of a friend and colleague, and the need for prayer. As you read, remember the promise of God, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” and may this be the encouragement that sustains you in the strength and the courage of Christ Jesus, our Lord.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
The Perfect One of Israel DR. ROBERT PETERSON
6 Surrendering Self DR. HANS BAYER
18 Technology: Friend or Foe? LUKE BOBO
22 New Degree Program: M.A.E.M.
24 Ordinary People, Extraordinary Hope Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 32nd General Assembly
29 Celebrating the Life of Dr. W. Harold Mare Intercessor
10
Alumni News
12
Events
14
Campus News
28
Student Profile
30
Left: Glass lamps from Abila Byzantine Church (circa 500 A.D.) Below: Twenty-Six-Column cruciform Cathedral reconstructed in Abila of the Decapolis (6th Century A.D.)
Celebrating Dr. W. Harold Mare’s Legacy
On June 22, 2004, Dr. Harold Mare, a longtime seminary faculty member and early board member, went home to be with the Lord (more on page 29). The photos featured commemorate Dr. Mare’s contribution to Biblical archaeology. Dr. Mare led an extensive survey and excavation of Abila of the Decapolis in Jordan, where the pictured artifacts and building were discovered. Dr. Mare’s scholarship provided many insights into life in the Middle East during Biblical times and will serve the Church and academy for generations.
Above: The W. Harold Mare Institute for Biblical and Archaeological Studies is housed at Covenant Seminary. This museum and research lab houses many hundreds of artifacts, most of which were excavated at Abila by Dr. Mare and his teams. Left: Late Bronze Era Abila two handled bichrome (red and black) amphora jar
DR. ROBERT PETERSON Professor of Systematic Theology
PROPHET, PRIEST, & KING The Perfect One of Israel
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. – Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV)
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
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Prophet, Priest, & King
In November, we will cast votes to elect a candidate for the highest office in our land: that of president. There are also other offices which govern and make decisions for our land – senators, representatives, and Supreme Court justices. Ancient Israel had a variety of offices as well. Though they did not correspond exactly to those of the modern United States, these offices were a crucial part of Israel’s society. The offices of ancient Israel were those of the prophet, the priest, and the king.
T
hese offices were kept so distinct
the Old Testament have come to pass. The Messiah
in Old Testament times that
Himself has brought in the last days. Already in the first
individuals who occupied such positions
century the last days have come. In these last days God
could be punished for transgressing these
has spoken through His Son.
finely delineated boundaries (see 1 Sam.
Audience
13:1-15). But it was God’s great plan for
The contrast is also seen in the audience who hears the
One Israelite eventually to fill all three
message. God spoke long ago to “our fathers” but in these
offices in Himself. This indeed would be
last days he has spoken “to us,” the people of God in New
the Son of God, the Messiah. When we see how Jesus saves
Testament times.
in His threefold office, we know Him better and can rejoice
Messengers
in the salvation that He brings.
The messengers are contrasted as well. Hebrews 1 says that “many times in many ways God spoke to our fathers
Jesus as Prophet
by the prophets.” In these last days He has spoken to us by
We may not often think of this, but the first chapter of
His Son, singular. There are many prophets, but one Son.
Hebrews makes it clear that Jesus Christ saves as a prophet.
Through this short prologue the writer undergirds the
As the prophets of old spoke messages from God, so Jesus
whole thrust of the book of Hebrews. This book represents
came to bring a saving message from on high. Yet he super-
the prophetical ministry of the Son; in fact, all of the New
sedes the prophets of the Old Testament. The first two verses
Testament is “Son-revelation.” In the New Testament, we
of Hebrews 1 make this plain in their great comparison
see the fulfillment of Jesus’ words. Jesus said:
between the revelation of the Old and New Testaments.
These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you.
This contrast comes through in reference to timing, audi-
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
ence, and messenger.
my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remem-
Timing
brance all that I have said to you. John 14:25-26 (ESV)
“Long ago,” the writer of Hebrews says about the earlier
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear
prophets. But the writer calls today “the last days.” The
them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you
expression “last days” comes from the Old Testament
into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority,
and refers to a time when the great events prophesied in
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3
Training Servants of the Triune God
but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you
defeated all of our foes in His death and resurrection. So
the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take
worship your Lord and Savior; bow before Him as you read.
what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:12-14 (ESV)
Example: We cannot become Christians by following
Jesus said He would give His disciples the Holy Spirit in a
Jesus’ example. Nothing is more futile. We are saved and
special way. When the Apostles wrote the books of the New
become God’s children by grace, through faith in Christ
Testament, they were writing the things that Jesus gave them
alone. But having become Christians, we can and must
that He received from the Father. Jesus is, therefore, the great
follow Jesus’ example. His example helps us to see how to
and final prophet of God who, although He wrote nothing
live redemptively in our fallen world. We see Jesus’ example
Himself, not only preached the Word of God but also inscrip-
in the Gospels.
turated those words by His Spirit, through His Apostles.
Know God: Most closely related to Jesus’ office of
So we see that Jesus, as the Son of God, supersedes the
prophet is the fact that He reveals the Lord. In the
Old Testament prophets. He is superior to mere human func-
Gospels, through the life of Christ, we learn of God up
tionaries and servants of God. Yet in light of this contrast
close and personally. Here is the ultimate missionary task
we should not miss the underlying simi-
of contextualization. The eternal Son
larity between Old and New Testament
becomes one of us to communicate the
revelation. The commonality is that, in
ways, works, and wisdom of God to us.
each case, it is the same God who opens
We need to listen to Jesus, to learn from
His mouth to speak forth His holy Word.
the great prophet of God so we will
Yes, Christ supersedes the Old Testament
come to know God better.
prophets, but both He and they speak the
Jesus as Priest
very Word of God.
Jesus also saves us as our priest. In
Jesus spoke the good news. He spoke the good news of the Kingdom of God, of repentance and forgiveness of sins. In Mark 1, Jesus came into Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mk. 1:15). Even as Jesus preached the good news, He called for a
Hebrews 1:3 we see that “after making
Jesus is our prophet [who tells], the good news and accomplish[es] the good news...
response of repentance and faith. Jesus
thing about this truth is that Jesus is both the priest and the sacrifice. This is utterly unique. All the priestly endeavors up until this point were effective not because the blood of bulls and goats took away sin, but because the sacrifices were made In His mercy, God applied to believing
is our prophet, the prophet whom the Father gave to us to
people of old the efficacy of the work of the Lamb of God
tell us the good news and then accomplish this good news for
who was to come. The earlier sacrifices acted as a pictorial
us in His death and resurrection, which Jesus Himself proph-
representation of the Gospel, but it was Christ’s atonement
esied. We need to listen more closely to Jesus the prophet.
that made those sacrifices effective. Jesus offered Himself;
As we read the Gospels, we should read them with
He was both priest and sacrifice (Heb. 9:26).
the following ideas in mind:
In Hebrews 1, we learn something about Jesus that is
Worship: We read the Gospels to worship our Lord and
never said about any priest in the Old Testament. After
Savior. When we read of Jesus’ miracles, we can thank Him
making purification for sins, Jesus sat down (Heb. 1:4). Both
for the miracle of regeneration and anticipate the miracle
the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament had fur-
of the resurrection of the dead. When we see Him cast out
niture. But they had no place for a priest to take his rest, no
demons or undergo the temptation in the wilderness, we can
chair in which to sit down when he had finished his work.
rejoice that He is our victor and worship our champion who
Fall 2004
the right hand of God.” The amazing
in anticipation of the work of Christ.
saves us as the great prophet of God. Jesus
COVENANT MAGAZINE
purification of sins he [Jesus] sat down at
4
This is because, as the Scriptures tell us, the work of
only minimize or belittle His work. Rejoice in His
atonement was not finished in the Old Covenant. Hebrews
atonement. Draw near to your great High Priest. Accept
10:11-12 says, “And every priest stands daily at his service,
His forgiveness and then, by God’s grace, go on to follow
offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take
Him in ways that please Him.
away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single
Jesus as King
sacrifice for sins, he sat down…”
Finally, Christ saves us as king. This really is the point of
After making a single offering, Jesus sat down. Think
Hebrews 1, which speaks of the coronation of the Son of
of it. This one offering is vastly different from hundreds of
God. These verses say that Jesus is as much superior to the
thousands of previous offerings. The work of the priests
angels as God Himself is superior to His creatures. Jesus sits at
of the Old Testament was never completed; otherwise they
the right hand of the Majesty on High. Hebrews 1:8,9 shows
would have ceased making offerings. But when the Son of
that Jesus has a throne, a scepter, and an eternal kingdom.
God came, He sat down after making purification for sins.
The Father addresses the angels and calls them “flames
The meaning is plain: Jesus finished His work. Because it
of fire” (Heb. 1:7). But He addresses the Son and calls Him
was final and because it was perfect it is
God: “Your throne, O God, will last
utterly effective to save all of who turn in
forever and ever” (Heb. 1:8). In sitting
faith to Christ.
down, Jesus not only indicates the finality
Sometimes you and I beat ourselves
of His priestly work, He also sits down at
up spiritually; we spiritually flagellate
the right hand of God, the place of ulti-
ourselves. We do this after we sin in
mate authority and honor in the universe.
speech for the umpteenth time, or after
As Old Testament kings smoothed the
we let our eyes see something we should
transition of power by adding their sons
not, or after we perform actions that we know are wrong. When the Holy Spirit convicts us of our own sin, we try to make amendment or improve the situation by beating ourselves up. Maybe you say, “I am not going to forgive myself for two days this time. I will really grow spiritually and that will please God. I will wear the spiritual hair shirt for a week this time. Then it will be harder for me
as co-regents, so the Father and the Son
Jesus Christ sat down at God’s right hand after making purification for sins. His work is final, perfect, and effective.
reign together in heaven. In November, we will elect a human being to the presidency of the most powerful nation on the earth. But that presidency pales into insignificance when compared to the office of our king Jesus, who sits and reigns at the right hand of God. We need not fear whatever may come in our lives – whether it be sickness, disappointment,
to repeat the sins next time.”
failure, or even death – for King Jesus
I understand well the pattern above because sometimes
reigns. He reigns now in heaven and one day He will rule
I do this myself. But Jesus saves us not only as prophet, but
the new earth. Now He keeps us; on that day He will judge
as our great High Priest as well. It is His perfect work alone
our enemies. We can rest secure knowing that we are in the
that makes atonement before God. It is His perfect work
hands of Him who rules over all.
alone that quiets our consciences. You see, Jesus Christ sat
We should worship our King and live for Him with all
down at God’s right hand after making purification for sins.
of our strength. What else can we do? Our Lord Jesus saves
His work is final, perfect, and effective.
us as the great and final Prophet, as the great High Priest of
Therefore, we dishonor Jesus and His work when we
God, and as our reigning King. Let us, therefore, learn from
engage in spiritual flagellation. We cannot add to His work.
Him, avail ourselves daily of the forgiveness purchased by
Of course we should be smitten by our sins and desire to do
His death, and bow under His scepter, rejoicing in His
better before God, but we cannot add to Jesus’ work. When
protection. To Him be everlasting praise! ■
we think our own self-effort will add to Christ’s work, we
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Training Servants of the Triune God
DR. HANS BAYER Associate Professor of New Testament
SURRENDERING
SELF COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
6
Surrendering Self
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” He said to them, “Do you still not understand?” – MARK 8:14-21
S
ome of my time in recent years has
Christ, who loves us, comes to us through His Word to
been spent looking into the entire
cleanse us. Christ comes to redirect our focus in the midst
thrust of the message of the Gospel of
of all kinds of distractions to which you and I are constantly
Mark. In Mark 8 Jesus directs our focus
exposed. In the midst of those distractions, He shows us
to a single warning saying, “Watch
that we are vulnerable to the same problems that character-
out.” What exactly is Jesus warning
ized the lives of the Pharisees and Herod. In order to get a better understanding of this passage,
His disciples – and us – about?
we need to realize that the call to discipleship is the climax
Jesus leads His disciples and us to
face a core issue of the heart. He employs images of blindness,
of God’s call to His own people. The call to discipleship is
(“Do you have eyes but fail to see…?”) and deafness (“and
the antidote to the rebellious ways of fallen and sinful man.
ears but fail to hear?”), as well as the metaphor of the yeast of
Here Jesus is working on His disciples, crafting them to be
the Pharisees and Herod. Jesus singles out an element in the
redesigned according to God’s original purposes. We need to consider how God originally designed us.
lives of the Pharisees, Herod, the disciples, and an element
When God created us, He “wired” us for complete
in our own lives, that must be dealt with and overcome.
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Training Servants of the Triune God
text for pursuing a self-centered agenda.
dependency upon Him. Jesus is not the only teacher, the
Do you see how this all works together? A fixed agenda
only prophet who brings this to our attention. In Scripture we see a historical chain of God’s call to His people to return
exists and Jesus will not fit into that agenda. Jesus confronts
to such complete dependency. Now He is also speaking
the Pharisees and Herod, but they will not make room for
through His only Son. Many times, the prophets have spoken
the purpose and agenda of God. In essence, this is the uni-
about everyone pursuing their own ways – they are without
versal challenge to the human heart as we are determined
eyes, without ears, pursuing their own course. And now the
without Christ to fight for our own turf, our own independ-
only and eternal Son speaks of this again, when He warns
ence and our own agenda even in the religious arena. In the
His disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod.
light of Christ’s authoritative presence, the motives of the Pharisees, Herod, the disciples, and yes, the motives of our
What could Herod and the Pharisees possibly have
own hearts are laid bare.
in common? Let us consider the Pharisees. Despite recent
Christ arises as a heart-revealer. The resistance of many
voices to the contrary, the Pharisees did have a religious disposition that was self-centered and
Pharisees and of Herod to Christ’s teach-
self-driven. It is true, that not all
ing and authority exposes the root dispo-
Pharisees were superficial hypocrites;
sition of their hearts. As a consequence
yet, as a group, they overlooked the depth
they plan to get rid of Jesus. The yeast referred to in this passage is
of sin, the depth of alienation between man and God and believed this could be
the attitude of unbelief. This attitude says
remedied by their own doing. When Jesus
that such an authoritative Jesus cannot be
warns His disciples to watch out for the
allowed to exist; the agenda is already set.
yeast of the Pharisees, He points to the
Mind you, this unbelief, this self-centered
very vexing problem of a self-centered, self-driven, self-oriented religious disposition. Such a disposition can look very pious, very good, very devoted to God’s honor and yet it is squarely based on self as the determining factor. Now the “yeast of Herod” is a little different. Herod Antipas was directly under Roman authority. He was clearly an
…we are determined, without Christ, to fight for our own turf…
opportunist, pursuing the exercise of power
security can look very pious and very religious. Many Pharisees were living lives of fasting, tithing, worship, study and teaching God’s Word. Yet the essential and fundamental disposition of their hearts was still self-determined and self-centered. In the novel The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky presents a section called The Grand Inquisitor in which Dostoevsky imaginatively describes how
by the means available to him. Herod had
Christ appears to the people of Seville
killed John the Baptist for speaking critically into his immoral
and to an old Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who
life. The “yeast of Herod” is the yeast of a more ostentatious
oversees the Great Inquisition. This Cardinal is the supposed
self-determined agenda. Yet there is common ground between
guardian of the church and as Christ appears He interrupts
the Pharisees and Herod. In the Gospels of Mark and Luke,
the agenda of the church. After the Cardinal has Jesus
both the Pharisees and Herod sought miraculous signs that
arrested, he meets with Jesus privately at night. At one point
would authenticate the authority of Jesus to speak in such a
in the Cardinal’s monologue, he exclaims to Jesus, “Why
challenging and critical way into their lives. By doing so, the
have you come to disturb us?” Christ’s presence interrupts
Pharisees and Herod avoid facing their chief problem.
the Cardinal’s job of managing the people’s consciences
Neither the Pharisees nor Herod first ask if there is a
because Christ speaks for freedom and personal responsibility
problem with the disposition of their own hearts, if there
before God. Christ does not say one word in the presence
is an attitude problem with which they must wrestle.
of the Cardinal as the Cardinal continues on with his mono-
In such a context the demand for a sign is merely a pre-
logue. This is a fitting fictional representation of an instance
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
8
I praise God that He has put all kinds of serious road-
where Christ does not get in a word edgewise because the
blocks into my life for one single purpose: to wean me of this
agenda is already set.
ill-fated attempt to marry the pursuit of my own ways with
Perhaps this would all be fine and good if we could now walk away from this passage having once again “bashed”
the pursuit of God’s ways. You see, without Christ I am a
the Pharisees and Herod. Yet there is one remaining
troubled Pharisee. Without Christ I am a host to the yeast
problem: Christ brings this challenge to the disciples and
of self-reliance. Some 20 years after Jesus gives this warning, Paul warns
with them, to us. He warns them and us to watch out for the type of self-centeredness and self-reliance to which
the Galatians to watch out for the yeast of self-righteousness
they and we are vulnerable.
and self-generated godliness. Paul also warns the Corinthians to watch out for the yeast of willful immorality, which is one
We are being warned of the danger of this self-deter-
of the results of a self-centered life.
mined heart because self-determined hearts develop and
Jesus calls His disciples and us to nothing less than to
defend their own agenda, their own brands of life without daily surrender to, and dependency upon,
surrender our self-centered agenda, and
the living God. I had a little lesson in
to gladly let Him interrupt our lives over
this even as I was preparing this message.
and over. In the end it is the glory and
I was jet lagged and faced a long day
greatness of God that is the antidote to
ahead. Everything that I thought I had to
a self-centered agenda. Whatever concerns you most today,
do in the coming day seemed impossible to accomplish. I thought, “I can’t do it!”
whatever troubles you most, whatever is
But as I heard these words spoken within
most difficult for you to handle today,
myself, I realized that coming to the end of myself was a blessing. It is at the point of need that we realize how self-reliant we have become. The grace of God brings us constantly to that limit and turns us to the Lord for His supply. There is an antithesis between the call of Christ on our lives and autonomous self-reliance which cannot be harmonized. The two will never be married. Yet we try daily to integrate
Jesus calls His disciples and us…to gladly let Him interrupt our lives over and over.
that thing may be an opportunity to apply the warning of “watching out for selfreliance.” With every challenge we have in our lives, we can either revert to selfreliance or surrender to God. Every difficulty, every factor in our lives can turn us one way or another. Today it is my hope that the situations in which we find ourselves would be turned into opportunities in which God does His work in our hearts and minds. This means letting go, surrendering, knowing God’s Word, and having
those two modes of existence to have a
God’s presence take shape in our lives and minds.
life that is based on our own structure, our own aspirations
Jonathan Edwards testified that the more he sought the
and still give it a spiritual over-coating that says God is
honor of God, the more he became aware of his own ugliness
sovereign. This will never work.
and his need for God’s intervention to strengthen him in his
In this Scripture passage the disciples are overly concerned with having enough to eat, and they do not hear
new life in Christ. This is good. It is wonderful to see our
Jesus’ great warning to watch out for this problem of self-
great need. The more we see our need, the more we cry out
reliance. In the course of His entire earthly ministry Jesus
to Him to liberate us from self-centeredness and self-reliance. Do not miss the opportunity today to watch out for the
sought to bring His disciples into increasing dependency upon Him. We also must take up the great battle and hear
yeast of self-reliance. Embrace the difficulties of your life
this great warning. Watch out for falling into the default
today; cry out to your heavenly Father and ask that He
mode of self-dependency. Watch out that you do not
would enable you to surrender all and allow Christ to be
automatically try to make things fit into your own agenda.
your Lord and Savior today. ■
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Training Servants of the Triune God
INTERCESSOR the
As Covenant Seminary exists to train servants of the triune God to walk with God, to interpret and communicate God’s Word, and to lead God’s people, we recognize the importance of prayer to guide and continue the mission. While much of our training takes place in one geographic area as students relocate for study, the mission continues in the lifetime of ministry that the Lord grants as people continue on from Covenant Seminary. Therefore prayer for the seminary and its mission comes with a local, national, and global scope. We are grateful for your prayers for Covenant Seminary. We hope that this prayer calendar that can be prayed through during the autumn months will help focus your thoughts and prayers for the seminary, its students and alumni. As the color key indicates, the dark squares share campus O God, you are the light concerns, the medium squares of the minds that know you, national concerns, and the white squares international concerns. the life of the souls that love
you, and the strength of the wills that serve you; help us to know you that we may truly love you, so to love you that we may fully serve you, whom to serve is perfect freedom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. – AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430) 1
1
Davies, Horton, The Communion of Saints, (Grand Rapids, Ill: Eerdmans Publishing, 1990), 70.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. Our God comes and will not be silent…” (Ps. 50:1-3).
Pray for the family of Dr. Harold Mare (1918-2004) who are grieving the loss of a father and grandfather. Praise the Lord for Dr. Mare’s decades of service at Covenant Seminary. Pray for the continued impact of the W. Harold Mare Institute for Biblical and Archaeological Studies on Covenant Seminary and the Church at large.
Pray for those across the country who will gather for Covenant Seminary’s Connect Conference for pastors and ministry leaders (see page 13). Pray that this would be a time of rest, equipping, and encouragement for all who attend.
Praise God for the new Master of Arts in Educational Ministries degree program, offered beginning this fall. Pray for professors preparing for and teaching new classes. Pray that many would be equipped to serve the educational ministries of the Church.
Pray for recent graduate Peter Dishman (M.Div.’04) as he begins serving in Mexico City at the University of Mexico, the largest university in the world. Pray for the Reformed University Fellowship (R.U.F.) chapter he seeks to start. Thank the Lord for this pioneering opportunity for R.U.F. and Mission to the World to work together.
In this election year, pray that God’s purposes for the U.S. would go forth through the political process. Pray for wisdom for government leaders, and for Christians to have a growing understanding of their role as salt and light in civic society.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).
Praise God for the recent grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. to be devoted to sustaining pastoral excellence. Pray for Rev. Dr. Robert Burns who has been hired by Covenant Seminary to direct this effort.
Pray for Mission to the World’s Global Mission Conference (Nov. 5-7) in Atlanta, Ga. Pray that all who attend would be encouraged to rest in God’s promises for missionary work. Thank the Lord for the many Covenant Seminary alumni who have risen up as leaders in this mission agency and will present at the conference.
Pray for the Francis Schaeffer Lecture Series (Oct. 22-23) entitled And the Beat Goes On: How to Listen to Music. Pray that the Lord would teach His people how to appreciate the good gift of music and will prepare them with a vision for redeeming culture.
Pray for peace and open doors for the Gospel in the country of Iraq. Pray for Seth George (current Th.M.) and Steve Prost (M.Div.’03) as they serve as chaplains for the U.S. Army in Iraq. Pray for open doors for the Gospel among the troops.
Pray for the new R.U.F. ministries beginning this fall. Pray that the Lord would use them to reach college students during a formative period of their lives. Pray for new campus ministers including Brent Harriman (M.Div.’03) at the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) and Brad Rogers (M.Div.’04) at the University of Kentucky (Lexington).
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Is. 53:5).
Pray for Christians in the world right now who are enduring persecution due to their faith. Pray especially for the Christian believers of Sudan. Give thanks for the recent end to the Sudanese civil war. Pray for an ongoing peace in their land.
Pray for counseling students in practicum this fall to be encouraged and stretched by their experiences. Pray that this training would be a rich contribution to their future ministries.
Pray for Dr. Robert Peterson as he works on writing a book on the important topics of predestination and free will. Pray that he would have strength, wisdom, and time to complete this project. Pray that this book would be a blessing to many.
Pray for churches you know of who are currently in the process of searching for a pastor. Pray also for Covenant students, alumni, and others who are candidating. Pray for the Lord’s perfect provision as churches and individuals make significant decisions. Pray for the Kingdom to progress through these important transitions.
Pray for a growing team of Covenant Seminary alumni and their families who are serving in church planting in Lima, Peru: Mark (M.Div.’99) and Lori Berry; Frank (M.Div.’02) and Suzanne (M.A.’02) Matthews; and Jeremy (M.A.’03) and Amanda Ross who will join the team in coming months. Pray for the Peruvian leaders that they train to grow in grace.
“Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers” (Heb. 2:11).
Pray for the many Covenant Seminary alumni who are in the early stages of church planting. Pray for Kirk and Deb Adkisson in their move to Boulder, Colo., this fall. Pray that the Lord would be pleased to use them to plant a church in this city and for the Holy Spirit to go before them.
Pray for the Lifetime of Ministry Lecture Series (see page 15) offered in October and January. Pray that many would take this opportunity to be blessed by the resources of the seminary. Ask that God would equip attendees to be more effective servants of Christ in their churches and communities.
Praise the Lord for the opportunity Drs. Hans Bayer and David Calhoun had this past summer to visit with missionaries serving in Europe with Presbyterian Mission International. Pray that these times of encouragement and mentoring for missionaries would bear fruit even now.
Pray for the development of the Covenant Seminary campus facilities, that each building and space would be conducive to a ministry-training community. Pray for the leadership of the seminary as they develop campus plans to use seminary space in the best way possible.
Thank the Lord for the recent grant of $17,000 awarded to Covenant Seminary by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. Pray for the development of a conference on Christian Worship at Covenant Seminary (see page 14) funded by this grant. Pray that this conference would be enriching, encouraging, and will build up the Church.
✁
Monday
Week 1
International
Week 2
Praise
National
Week 3
Sat/Sun
Campus
Week 4
FALL2004
M.Div. Master of Divinity; M.A. Master of Arts; M.A.C. Master of Arts in Counseling; G.C. Graduate Certificate; Th.M. Master of Theology; D.Min. Doctor of Ministry
www.covenantseminary.edu
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Training Servants of the Triune God
news
ALUMNI If you have information for Alumni News, please mail it to Covenant Magazine or e-mail Alumni News: alumni@covenantseminary.edu Students Honored Five graduates from the class of 2004 were honored for their outstanding work in certain fields. Robbie Griggs (M.Div.) was awarded the Exegetical Prize; Peter Dishman (M.Div.) was awarded the Theology Prize; Ryan Laughlin (M.Div.) was awarded the Robert G. Rayburn Homiletics Prize; Ernestine Gilbert (M.A.T.) was awarded the Max Belz Christian Education Prize; and Joshua Moon (M.Div.) was awarded the grant for graduate theological studies. In early 2004 Sam Murrell (M.Div.’86) began serving as the Executive Director of Casino Watch, an organization committed to trying to stop the expansion of casinos in Missouri. Sam and his wife, Susan, live in Eureka, Mo., where they homeschool their children: Anna (4), Naomi (7), Catherine (9), Abigail (9), Jeremiah (14), Arielle (16), and Wesley (17). Wesley’s twin (yes, they have two sets), Whitefield (17), attends a local Christian high school. The Murrells have three older children who live in Florida, for a total of 11 children. They are a part of Providence Reformed Presbyterian Church in St. Louis. Lee Mashburn (M.Div.’86) and the congregation of Hidden Valley Presbyterian Church dedicated their church building, located in a suburb of Salt Lake City, on May 23, 2004. Their congregation is the first PCA congregation in the state of Utah to own its own property. Lee is the church’s organizing pastor. Ligon Duncan (M.Div.’87) was elected to be Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in America’s COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
32nd General Assembly on June 15, 2004. Ligon has been Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Miss., since 1996, and is the youngest man to be elected moderator of the PCA General Assembly to date. Beyond the Summerland, a novel by L.B. Graham (M.Div.’96), was released by P&R Publishing on June 4, 2004. The novel is the first in the Binding of the Blade fantasy series. L.B. teaches English and ethics and is chairman of the Bible department at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis. The St. Louis PostDispatch featured a story about L.B. and his new novel on May 26, 2004. In the article L.B. is quoted saying, “The big idea [of the novel] is of how things went astray when a powerful character created weapons and tried to take over all things…Our heroes and heroines lead the resistance and hope for the day when weapons can be unmade. The world is dark, but there is a hope and confidence that some day things can be made right.”
Prior to being married and moving to Arizona, Vanessa served as a Spanish Language teacher for Rockwood Summit High School just west of St. Louis.
without pastors. Stanley is survived by his wife, Christine, four children, and nine grandchildren.
Paul DeYoung (M.Div.’03) was ordained on May 30, 2004, as Assistant Pastor of Children’s Ministry at Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Mo. Paul’s wife Joanna works part-time as the Serials Coordinator for Covenant Seminary’s J. Oliver Buswell Library. The DeYoung’s son, Simeon, is two years old.
Matt (M.Div.’96) and Cindy Lowe welcomed baby boy Caleb Maclaren into their family on September 11, 2003. Caleb joins his older brother Joshua. Matt is the Worship Pastor at Center Point Community Church in Ocala, Fla.
Andy Mohen (M.Div.’03) was ordained as Associate Pastor for Grace Presbyterian Church in St. Charles County, Mo., on November 16, 2003. Dr. Robert Vasholz preached for Andy’s ordination service. Dr. Wilson Benton and Phil Haltom (M.Div.’99) also participated. Steve Prost (M.Div.’03) has been serving with the 1st Calvalry Division of the U.S. Army in Baghdad, Iraq, since March of 2004. His deployment will likely last one year. His duties have included leading regular Sunday morning worship, holding baptisms and memorial services in addition to day-to-day contact with soldiers.
Tom Smith (M.Div.’02) was ordained on May 30, 2004, in the Presbyterian Church in America. He serves as an Associate Pastor of St. John’s “Burry’s” Church in Rochester, Pa. David Krueger (M.Div.’02) was ordained and installed as Pastor of Forreston Grove Church in Forreston, Ill., on January 11, 2004. David and his wife, Amber, have a son, Caleb (born April 11, 2003).
With the Saints Stanley Self (D.Min.’85) went to be with the Lord on April 10, 2004. Stanley served for 50 years in pastoral ministry with the Canadian Presbyterian Church. For 21 of those years, he was a military chaplain with the Canadian Armed Forces. Since Stanley’s retirement in 1996 he has helped various small churches
Vanessa Woll (M.A.C.’02) and Jamie Watne were married on July 10, 2004, in St. Louis, Mo. They now live in Phoenix, Ariz.
12
Filling the Quiver
Berry (M.Div.’97) and Rachel Hudson celebrated the birth of Todd Williams, their first child, on May 6, 2004. Berry is the R.U.F. campus minister for The Citadel and College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. Safija Maike Mathilde was born to Kor (M.Div.’99) and Evelien van As on April 20, 2003. Safija will be called by the name Mischa which means “who is like God?” Noah (M.A.E.T.’00) and Allyson Campbell welcomed Felix Alexander Campbell into their family on May 27, 2004. Felix joins big brother Leo Patrick. Noah is the Associate Pastor of Third Baptist Church in St. Louis, Mo. Mike (M.Div.’02) and Charlotte McLaughlin are pleased to announce the birth of Kelly Christine, born June 16, 2004. Mike is Church Planting Pastor for Crossroads Fellowship (PCA) in Albuquerque, N.Mex. Kara Elise was born to Adam (M.Div.’03) and Lydia Tisdale on April 7, 2004. Adam serves on the pastoral staff of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, Va. Kara joins her older brother Ethan.
Jesus called His followers “salt of the earth.” How can the Church today live out this call in its preaching, community, and deeds? Come be renewed in Biblical vision through a Covenant Seminary conference designed to encourage, equip, and connect pastors and ministry leaders. KEYNOTE AND BREAKOUT SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
A CONFERENCE for PASTORS & MINISTRY LEADERS OCTOBER 19-20, 2004 AT COVENANT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
Alistair Begg Pastor of Parkside Church, Cleveland, Ohio Bryan Chapell President, Covenant Theological Seminary Tim Keller Pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York Jerram Barrs Prof. of Practical Theology, Covenant Theological Seminary CONFERENCE COSTS $50 includes 2 dinners (hotel not included) $175 includes shared room, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch $250 includes private room, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, and 1 lunch Scholarships are available. Log on to www.covenantseminary.edu for more information.
EVENTS Gatherings, Conferences Fall 2004 Francis Schaeffer Lectures
Spring 2005 Francis Schaeffer Lectures
And the Beat Goes On:
Making Room: The Mystery, Riches,
How to Listen to Music
and Challenge of Christian Hospitality
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Denis Haack, Director of Ransom Fellowship; John
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Christine Pohl, Professor of Christian Social Ethics for
Hodges, Associate Professor of Culture and the Arts at Crichton College;
Asbury Theological Seminary & author of Making Room: Recovering the Practice
Jeffrey Heyl, Covenant Seminary Visiting Instructor, Practical Theology;
of Christian Hospitality; Charlie Peacock, Author, Singer/Songwriter, Producer;
Luke Bobo, Director of Covenant Seminary’s Francis Schaeffer Institute
Andi Ashworth, Author of Real Love for Real Life; Michael Gordon, Pastoral
DATE: October 22-23, 2004
Assistant, Grace and Peace Fellowship, St. Louis, Mo.
As humans it seems that we are driven to rhythm and tune as a normal part of life. Our creativity comes forth in ways as apparently simple as the beat of a drum or pluck of a string and as complex as voices and instruments joined together in harmony. How can we as 20th-century people grow in our understanding and appreciation of music as a good gift from God? This lecture series will show us how to listen to, appreciate, and engage with various types of music including classical, folk, and hip hop. The discussion will include music shared inside and outside of the Church.
DATE: February 25 and 26, 2005
In a society that struggles with fragmentation and loneliness, the practice of Christian hospitality becomes all the more refreshing and needed for the friends and strangers among us. But while hospitality sounds like a great idea to some, it may sound overwhelming to others. How do busy people “make room” for the practice of Christian hospitality? How does hospitality differ from entertaining? What does God’s Word teach about the role of hospitality in the life of believers? How do the home and the church work in concert offering spiritual nurture through hospitality? Come hear a group of speakers with a wealth of wisdom on this topic discuss these issues and gain a vision for hospitality in your home today.
Save the Date!
The Sacrifice of Praise Covenant Seminary Worship Renewal Conference*
Please join us. These events are open to the public and are offered free or for a minimal charge. To learn more about any of these events, please log on to www.covenantseminary.edu or call 1.800.903.4044.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE: Scotty Smith, Pastor of Christ Community Church, Nashville, Tenn.; Jonathan Seda, Pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church, Dover, Del.; and Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Theological Seminary DATE: February 28 to March 2, 2005
Come be renewed as you gather with pastors, worship leaders, and musicians to learn from each other about worship that is Gospel-centered, Biblical, and Reformed. This conference will help you address current issues in worship, celebrate old and new forms of worship, think about worship in your church context, and see how your congregation can grow in bringing the sacrifice of praise. The conference will include three worship services with preaching from plenary speakers, as well as discussion groups and workshops.
Don’t miss an opportunity to connect! Read about the fall Connect Conference on page 13.
*This conference is funded by a grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
14
Lifetime of Ministry Lecture Series
Register online for any of these two- to five-day ministry enrichment courses. As part of the Lifetime of Ministry program, these classes can be audited for a minimal fee.*
Team Ministry in an Urban Environment INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Philip Douglass, Dr. Nelson Jennings, and others DATE: October 15 and 16, 2004
China INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Samuel Dz-Sing Ling, President of China Horizon DATE: October 8 and 9, 2004
Women’s Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Judy Dabler, Executive Director of the Center for Biblical Counseling and Education, St. Louis, Mo., and Tasha Chapman, experienced leader of women’s ministries DATE: January 6 and 7, 2005
Covenantal Nurture of the Family INSTRUCTOR: Donna Dobbs, Director of Christian Education for First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Miss. DATE: January 7 and 8, 2005
Upcoming Doctor of Ministry Courses Log on to the Covenant Seminary website find out about the Doctor of Ministry program, or call 1.800.264.8064.
Wilson Preaching Lectures LECTURER: Rev. Alistair Begg Instructor for D.Min. Credit: Rev. Zack Eswine DATE: October 19 to 20, 2004
(this course is held in conjunction with the Connect conference. See page 13.)
Theology of Ministry INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Wilson Benton DATE: January 3 to 7, 2005
Spirit-Empowered Ministry INSTRUCTOR: Rev. Robert Smart, Pastor of Christ Church, Normal, Ill. DATE: January 3 to 7, 2005
Sustaining a Congregation: Preservation and Apostasy INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Robert Peterson DATE: January 4 to 6, 2005
Christian Worship INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Mark Dalbey DATE: January 10 to 14, 2005
Isaiah INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ray Ortlund, Jr., Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tenn., and author of a forthcoming commentary on Isaiah to be published by Crossway Books
Preaching from the New Testament INSTRUCTOR: Dr. C.D. “Jimmy” Agan, Senior Pastor of Clemson Presbyterian Church DATE: January 10 to 14, 2005
DATE: January 18 to 21, 2005
Worship in Today’s Church INSTRUCTOR: Scotty Smith, Senior Pastor of Christ Community Church, Nashville, Tenn. DATE: January 10 to 14, 2005
Church-Based Immigrant/Refugee Ministry INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Nelson Jennings and others DATE: January 14 and 15, 2005
Islam INSTRUCTOR: Carl Ellis, President of Project Joseph, and co-author of The Changing Face of Islam in America
Dr. Wilson Benton teaches Theology of Ministry.
DATE: January 3 to 7, 2005 *non-transcript audit
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15
Training Servants of the Triune God
Tap into www.cov Over 200 messages are available now, and more Archives of over 200 text and audio messages from Covenant Seminary faculty and publications are available on the Covenant Seminary website. This new online resource can be searched by topic, author, or Scripture. All resources are downloadable and ready for personal use or with a small group, Bible study, or other teaching time.
ADDITIONAL SEARCHES
enantseminary.edu files are added regularly! Log on to find out more.
SEARCH RESULTS: PARENTING
SEARCH RESULTS: POSTMODERNITY
SEARCH RESULTS: FORGIVENESS
TECHNOLOGY: Friend or Foe? Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” – GENESIS 1:26-28
Packed in Genesis 1:26-28 is affirmation of our uniqueness as human beings made in the image of God. As this affirmation is made, our human task is given. The task is referred to in theological terms as the cultural mandate. This mandate escapes the notice of many Christians, yet it is a crucial truth that helps make sense of our lives. The mandate tells us that the Lord has given us a purpose to develop the earth further.
Albert M. Wolters sums the cultural mandate, writing, “the human race will fill the earth with its own kind, and it will form the earth for its own kind. From now on the development of the created earth will be societal and cultural in nature.” In other words, God has mandated that humankind develop the earth so that it is a civilized place in which to live, play, raise a family, engage in commerce, work, and the list could go on. 1
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
18
Technology: Friend or Foe?
Forming a civilized world or civilization is facilitated
LUKE BOBO (M.Div.’03)
by the advent of tools like the spoken and written word,
Director of the Francis Schaeffer Institute
the printing press, computers, axes, hammers, mixers,
plain mind-boggling.
cappuccino machines, bulldozers, the Internet, washers,
However, because sin has
dryers, automobiles, ink pens, paper, laptops, and airplanes.
entered the world, everything is
In short, fulfilling the cultural mandate implies inventing
affected, not only human beings,
and employing technology.
but also the technology humans
Mankind has certainly invented and employed technolo-
create. Often we view technology
gy in abundance and we benefit greatly from technology.
in terms of its benefits, which are many, but in order to be
Technology has allowed us to live happier and more produc-
discerning people we must also ask if there is a cost associat-
tive lives. In other words, technology has been our “friend.”
ed with the technology that is so involved in our lives.
Personally, technology has been my friend. For fifteen
Just as technology is our friend, is it also our foe?
years I worked as an electrical engineer and helped develop
Neil Postman writes, “A new technology does not
technology that accomplished amazing things. The team I
add or subtract something. It changes everything” [italics
worked with created tools such as laser-enabled, night-vision
added]. In other words, technology is not neutral. There
devices and equipment that allowed aircraft pilots to moni-
is a cost associated with its use. Postman goes on to write,
tor ground-level conditions. Technology is our friend every
“[technology] attacks the culture” and seeks “…to become
day. Think of how:
the culture.” Postman argues that culture as we know it is
2
3
• X-ray technology helps maintain safer borders;
fighting for its very existence because of technology.
• Lasers correct failing vision;
Technology is changing our reality. In many ways, our
• Grocery store scanners get us out of a store in less time;
reality is not defined by our Christian worldview, but rather
• ATM machines give cash 24 hours a day;
by the worldview of technology and its virtues: productivity,
• Pacemakers, artificial limbs, and cochlear implants
speed, efficiency, and convenience.
correct disabilities and save human lives;
Technology is changing or re-defining our reality in at
• The Internet makes way for worldwide communication
least three key relationships: first, how we relate to ourselves,
and commerce like never before;
second, how to we relate to mankind, and third, how we
• The automobile widens our geographical options
relate to God.
for work, school, and play;
Man Separated from Himself
• Telephones and cell phones give us instant and
First, technology has led to man being separated from him-
sometime critical communication.
self. In other words, man is separated from what it means to
Without question we have all benefited from technology.
be made in the image of God. To be made in the image of
Advances in the medical, communication, transportation,
God means, among other things, that we are thinking,
entertainment, and information fields are staggering and just www.covenantseminary.edu
19
Training Servants of the Triune God
Francis A. Schaeffer Institute
engaging, hands-on, reasoning, working moral agents.
happens in such communication. One cannot listen while
But technology has attacked this facet of what it means
“dialoguing” with a friend in cyberspace. Quentin Schultze
to be human. With the advent of some technologies, man
writes, “…all good human communication still starts with
is separated from his own dignity and image.
listening.” How can one “listen” in cyberspace or when
9
Man’s dignity and self-image suffers because technology
sending messages back and forth via the cell phone? In our
has “graduated” the likes of typesetters, technicians, students,
already socially fragmented world, the idea of socially chal-
and aircraft pilots to mere button pushers and machine ten-
lenged teenagers troubles me.
ders. For example, in many automotive factories, instead of
The man-to-man separation is also related to economics.
hands-on operation, men and women have become sitting
Not every person or family can afford technology. Neil
observers of robots or computer screens. Sensory motor skills,
Postman writes, “…the benefits and deficits of a new tech-
acquired over decades, are being lost through atrophy.
nology are not distributed equally. There are, as it were, win10
Consider the clerk at your local grocery store who scans
ners and losers.” Social scientists have called this phenome-
your food across a laser. The computer system does all the
non of winners and losers the “digital divide.” The poor may
work for him or her. The system keeps track of inventory.
be interested in technology, but necessities for living –
The system identifies the product and totals the grocery bill.
shelter, food, and clothing – trump this interest. This is not
What is the cost of such convenience? Andy Crouch writes,
only true for the poor in the United States. Entire countries
“technology has given us…devices in abundance, inconspic-
lag behind in modern development. For instance in the Arab
uous black boxes that replace things that demanded skills…”
world, “there are 18 computers per 1000 people compared
4
with a global average of 78.3 [computers per 1000 people].
[italics added].
Fewer than two percent of Arabs have access to the Internet.
In other words, the cost of using a computerized cash register/laser scanner system is that the grocery clerk’s
The reasons? Widespread poverty, low literacy rates and
mathematics skills get duller and duller. When our machines
inferior phone lines.”
think and do for us – what do we gain? What do we lose?
11
Some segments of our society just do not speak the
Who has dominion?
language of e-mail, megabytes, CD ROM, RAM, and zip files – this is especially true among the elderly. The poor, the
Man Separated from Mankind
elderly, and those in undeveloped countries are alienated and
Second, technology has led to man being separated from
isolated from the world of costly technology that so many of
mankind. That is, technology makes it possible to have
us take for granted.
less and less contact with society. Some technologies
A church staff should never assume a newsletter sent by
have replaced the personal man-to-man interface with the
e-mail will be received by everyone in the congregation.
impersonal man-to-machine interface. Again Andy Crouch
Wilbert Shenk warns, “we the church must reflect on the
writes, “technology has given us…devices in abundance,
nature of modern culture and its impact on human beings –
inconspicuous black boxes that replace things that
12
both individually and collectively.” The church would be
5
demanded skills and shaped relationships” [italics added].
foolish to apply or appropriate a technology without first
Consider this example. A St. Louis-area youth pastor says
assessing the pros and cons regarding its use. Shenk goes on
that with the advent of instant text messaging and e-mail,
to write, “… technology seems to offer many opportunities
he is finding teenagers to be socially challenged. Why?
for an expanded…means of witness. But all technology is
Two factors of cyber-space communication inhibit meaning-
based on technique. Scholars have demonstrated that tech-
ful and deep conversation. One factor is the short choppy
nique results in alienation. If the church relies on technique
style of communication that depends on abbreviations more
to carry out its witness, what is to guarantee that it will not
6
than well-constructed sentences. (If you are going to BBL 7
result in alienation?”
8
and you think GMTA [IMHO] , you know what I am talking about.) Another factor is the lack of actual listening that
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
20
13
Technology: Friend or Foe?
4. Technology for man, not man for technology. The
Man Separated from God
Third, technology has led to man being separated from
Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:12 “…I will not
God. Technology can seduce us into believing that we are in
be enslaved by anything.” We must be careful that tech-
control because we are fast, efficient, and productive. We are
nology is not enslaving us. For instance, remember “e”
able to make our lives “fuss” free. A worldview defined by
in e-mail does not mean emergency but rather electronic.
technology leaves no room for God’s providence in our lives.
5. Weigh the pros/cons of using technology.
Who needs God if we are able to control and orchestrate our
For example:
own lives?
– When is it better to make a phone call versus
How do we address the serious problems of our techno-
sending e-mail? This especially applies in conflict.
logical day? Neil Postman writes, “the computer argues…
Are you saying in an e-mail what you do not have the
that the most serious problems confronting us at both per-
courage to say face to face?
sonal and public levels require technical solutions through fast access to information otherwise unavailable.”
– Do you seek to be known or be anonymous through the
14
use of technology?
As Christians, do we see reality through the lens of technol-
– When you use technology to save time, do you then use
ogy or through the lens of Scripture? Do we see answers to the
that saved time to step out and engage in relationship or
problems confronting us at both personal and public levels
to become busier and busier?
through the lens of technology or through the lens of Scripture?
– Are you becoming weaker either physically or mentally
Do we expect God to be fast, efficient, and practical without
because technology is doing work for you? If so, what can
a great sacrifice or fuss on our part? Is God, like technology,
you do to exercise the mind and body God gave you?
viewed as just another technique to try? For example, can
6. Be human. We live in a culture where “listening and
technology lull us to believe that prayer is an option?
speaking have become of secondary importance.”
A friend of mine attended a church leadership retreat
15
But part of being made in God’s image is being personal
recently. The senior pastor reviewed the previous year and
and relational as we work together to develop creation.
talked about his vision for the future. The retreat started at
Is your use of technology hindering the relational side of
8:00 a.m. and ended at 4:00 p.m. Much to my surprise, my
you? Jesus was personal and relational. Let’s imitate Him. ■
friend informed me that they spent a grand total of thirty Wolters, Albert M., Creation Regained, (Grand Rapids, IL: Eerdmans Publishing, 1997), 36. 2 Postman, Neil, Technology: The Surrender of Culture to Technology, (New York, NY: Vinage Books, 1992), 18. 3 Ibid, 28. 4 Crouch, Andy, “Rekindling Old Fires,” Christianity Today, August 5, 2002, 56. 5 Ibid, 56. 6 Be back later 7 Great minds think alike 8 In my humble opinion 9 Schultze, Quentin J., “Technology and Moral Turmoil: Virtue, Democracy, and Faith in the Information Age,” The Witherspoon Fellowship Lectures, April 11, 2003, 8-9. 10 Postman, 9. 11 Bahrani, Yasmine,“Internet Will Help Open Up Arab World,” USA Today, Friday, Nov 14, 2003. 12 Shenk, Wilbert, Changing Frontiers of Mission, (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1999), 136. 13 Ibid, 136. 14 Postman, 119. 15 Burke, James and Ornstein, Robert, The Axemaker’s Gift: Technology’s Capture and Control of Our Minds and Culture, (Penguin Putnam Inc., 1997), 307-08. 1
minutes in prayer. He later wrote on his survey that the church leadership needs to spend the bulk of the time in prayer for this awesome Kingdom work. Is this unique to my friend’s church? I suspect it is not. Is this because prayer is seen as just another ‘tool’ in our ‘technocratic tool box?’ Has your view of God changed in our technocratic age? So what is the Christian response to technology? Consider the following ways to respond:
1. Praise God. If you are reading this magazine, sitting in an air-conditioned room, and you have a clock to tell what time it is, you are a beneficiary of technology. Praise God for technology – it is a good gift! 2. Pray. Pray for discernment for the appropriate use of technology. 3. Use technology in moderation. Learn to take sabbaticals from technology, otherwise technology can become our ‘master.’ www.covenantseminary.edu
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Training Servants of the Triune God
Covenant Seminary Introduces the
MASTER OF ARTS in Educational Ministries
New Degree Offering Serves Non-ordained Ministry Leaders Pastors know they are anything but lone rangers. Likewise a seminary that serves the Church must provide a curriculum that acknowledges this reality. Over the years Covenant Theological Seminary has seen a growing need to offer more training opportunities for church support staff. These individuals serve congregations in specialized ministry roles under the leadership of church elders. They are the children’s ministry coordinators, Bible study leaders, campus ministry leaders, and more. For support staff, often the only formal training available comes in the form of weekend seminars, some of which focus more on technique than Biblical and theological training. While still maintaining a focus on its central mission of pastoral training, this Fall Covenant Seminary will begin offering a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (M.A.E.M.) degree to equip individuals serving in roles that complement the work of the pastor. Core courses for the M.A.E.M. are designed to give students a foundation in Bible, theology, and educational theory. The M.A.E.M. has a high level of integration between
Dr. Donald Guthrie, Vice President for Academics and Associate Professor of Christian Education.
classroom study and ministry practice. Students complete 50 credit units of study and 150 hours of supervised field education (non-credit). The entire program is completed
The M.A.E.M. has been developed to train:
• Christian Education Directors
with a capstone project which helps students synthesize
• Bible Study Leaders
their course work and field education experiences.
• Children’s Ministry Leaders
M.A.E.M. students can complete their entire two-year
• Campus Ministry Leaders
course of study on campus at Covenant Seminary (local
• Missionaries
track) or study at the seminary for one year and finish the
and others with responsibilities
degree through Covenant Seminary’s Access Distance
in educational ministry
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
Education (co-op track).
22
Master of Arts in Educational Ministries
“For years Covenant Seminary has received requests to offer more training opportunities for church workers and ministry leaders who complement and support the work of the pastor. The M.A.E.M. has been developed to meet such a need.” – Donald Guthrie, Vice President for Academics
SUGGESTED SEQUENCE OF REQUIRED COURSES FOR THE M.A.E.M. First Year
CC210 Outreach to Contemporary Culture
3 units
CE501
Educational Foundations
3 units
CE503
Educational Leadership/
3 units
Administration in the Church PT310
Spiritual and Ministry Formation
OT410 Bible Content Overview
2 units 1 unit
ST300
Covenant Theology I
3 units
CE502
Teaching and Learning
3 units
CO320 Marriage and Family Counseling
2 units
NT216 New Testament History and Theology
3 units
ST220
Man, Christ, and Redemption
3 units
Units of Approved Electives
3 units
Second Year
WM310 God’s World Mission
2 units
CH200 The Story of Christianity
3 units
ST360
Christian Ethics Units of Approved Electives Capstone Project
3 units 10 units 3 units
Non-Credit Field Education requirements: 150 hours Field Education is to be started no earlier than the second semester of the degree and completed prior to graduation.
Degree Totals
Biblical/Theological Foundation
25 units
Education Foundation
25 units *50 units
*Students who do not pass a required Bible content exam will be required For more information
to take an additional 6 hours in Bible.
about the M.A.E.M.,
As with all Covenant Seminary Degree
call 1.800.264.8064 or e-mail
offerings, the M.A.E.M. is accredited
admissions@covenantseminary.edu.
www.covenantseminary.edu
by the Association of Theological Schools.
23
Training Servants of the Triune God
Ordinary PEOPLE Extraordinary HOPE Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 32nd General Assembly This past summer, I took my family to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. We visited the memorial on the 60th anniversary of D-Day. My family arrived with crowds of aging veterans, under stormy skies, and flags at half-mast for the passing of President Ronald Reagan. In the midst of such a moving memorial, we tried to take in the magnitude of the sacrifice and significance of ordinary people who served our nation so faithfully with an extraordinary hope. On June 16, 2004, Dr. Bryan Chapell reported on Covenant Seminary to the 32nd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America. The following article is taken from Dr. Chapell’s report and adapted for Covenant magazine.
An inscription on one wall reminded us why we could
A Lesson for the PCA
never fully comprehend the importance of ordinary people
The lesson remains important to the Presbyterian Church
fulfilling an extraordinary calling. The words inscribed told
in America (PCA). Despite our few decades of growth, by
of the heroics of the soldiers who fought at the Battle of
any honest reckoning, we remain a small denomination,
Midway. You may remember the account of a few hundred
an island in the stream of culture. One could look at the
soldiers and airmen on the small Pacific island who with-
PCA and see we are:
stood the assault of the massive Japanese fleet, giving the
• dwarfed by the numbers of the mainline church,
American forces time to regroup and respond after the dev-
• torn by cross-currents of cultural drift attacking the foundations of faith, family and morality,
astation of Pearl Harbor. The inscription on the memorial
• assaulted by a torrent of religious pluralism that
regarding those who fought the Battle of Midway reads:
is without precedent in the modern world.
They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so,
By human measure we, as the PCA, face insurmountable
they changed the course of a war…Even against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit –
odds, but by heaven’s grace we have faith in a Sovereign
a…blend of skill, faith and valor – that can lift men
God who more than evens the odds. We believe that this
from certain defeat to incredible victory.
God yet calls ordinary people to provide this world with an extraordinary hope in a liberating Lord. There is much cause to maintain this belief. Despite the small size of the PCA: • God has blessed us with the largest Presbyterian mission force in the world.
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
24
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 32nd General Assembly
and the strongest voice in the theological training of the
• Nationally we start more than one new church
next generation of Christian leaders.
every week.
But even this assessment does not give full measure
• Our college and university ministry (Reformed University Fellowship) serves faithfully and effectively
of what God is doing among those seminaries that, along
on increasing scores of campuses.
with their commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture, also maintain a commitment to the Covenantal and Reformed
• Our overall denominational growth still counters the trends of our increasingly secular society, and all other
theology of the Westminster Standards. There are now more
denominations committed to Reformed orthodoxy.
students training in Bible-believing seminaries committed to the Westminster Standards than at any single time in
• As a whole, our church also seems to be moving
the history of the world.
beyond historic barriers of region, race and traditional rivalry.
Dr. Chapell during the 32nd General Assembly with Dr. Ric Cannada, President of Reformed Theological Seminary (middle) and Dr. Sam Logan, Chancellor of Westminster Theological Seminary (far left).
The Growth of Bible-believing Seminaries
There is no better measure of the blessings that lie before us than what God is doing in seminaries faithful to the
Yes, we are yet on an island of influence on the global
Scriptures. Only a generation ago, the evangelical seminaries
scene, but on the horizon is the great army of spiritual
were the pauper stepsisters of the liberal schools that
leaders that God is preparing – an army of ordinary people
possessed the name recognition, money and students.
with an extraordinary hope for this world and the spread of
The mainline schools still have the money, but not the
the Gospel. This next generation, too, believes in a sover-
majority of students nor the sway of power.
eign God greater than all odds.
Because Bible-believing seminaries have, for decades,
What is our calling as we prepare this next, great genera-
courageously fought for accreditation, fair treatment, and
tion? It is the task of maintaining faith, unity, and hope until
respect for the historic truths of Christian orthodoxy, we
the time of the appearing of God’s army that seems to be on
now have the majority of students, the most viable programs,
such a near horizon.
www.covenantseminary.edu
25
Training Servants of the Triune God
Ordinary People, Extraordinary People
Partnership for Preparing/Supporting Leaders
leader to be in residence at Covenant Seminary in order
To that end, as your national seminary, we have the privilege
to give students a clearer and closer vision of what local
of locking arms with fellow, faithful seminaries in the vital
church leadership means in the American culture and in
calling of preparing all these spiritual leaders of the Lord’s
other cultures.
army of tomorrow. There is more to do than any one of us
Finally, we are hosting an annual fall conference at the
could do alone. We need each other and we are here today
seminary for all of you to come and think with us about the
to talk about how we are prepared to serve you together.
future of the Church and how to sustain excellence in our
This past year Covenant Seminary applied for a
ministry to her. The conference is called Connect (see page
$2 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to be applied
13) and will be held from Oct. 19 to 20, 2004. This year,
toward sustaining pastoral excellence. That grant was jointly
Tim Keller, Alistair Begg, and Jerram Barrs, among others
prepared by Covenant Seminary, Reformed Theological
will join us as conference speakers.
Seminary, and Westminster Seminary with the promise
Covenant Theological Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary, and Westminster Seminary have great apprecia-
…we have the privilege of locking arms with fellow, faithful seminaries in the vital calling of preparing all these spiritual leaders of the Lord’s army of tomorrow.
tion for each other and recognize together the great calling God is jointly giving us to prepare an even greater generation of ordinary people with an extraordinary hope. New Resources from Covenant Seminary
As we seek to serve the Church, there are three resources and one program that I want to make sure you know about: 1) Profs. Robert Peterson and Michael Williams have written a book on historic Calvinism that addresses the arguments and assumptions of our largely Arminian church culture. The book, Why I am Not
that we would join together to help sustain pastoral excel-
an Arminian, is available now and will be widely used
lence among current leaders in the local church. Our joint
in our schools and churches in the future.
understanding is that, given the challenges and corrosions
2) Some of the most corrosive influences on faith in our
of this culture, our pastoral equipping cannot be finished
families come from American pop culture. Dr. Richard
when we graduate students. We are pledged to work together
Winter has recently written a book called Still Bored
to provide continuing training and support for local church
in a Culture of Entertainment to help your church and
leaders in order to sustain pastoral excellence. Together the
children understand and see through the false idols
three seminaries will provide renewal retreats for pastors
of this culture.
and training seminars in small group settings for both
3) Recently, one of the most controversial issues in the
teaching and ruling elders. More details will follow in
church has been the so-called “New Perspective” on
coming months about these joint efforts. At this point we
Paul. In a two-hour session recorded at Covenant
are pleased to communicate our partnership and express
Seminary, our faculty combined efforts to provide
our thanks for this opportunity.
Missouri Presbytery of the PCA with background,
At Covenant Seminary we will coordinate these efforts
understanding and, where necessary, rebuttal. Included
with the new director of the Center for Ministry Leadership,
is also a clear articulation of the historic, Biblical
Rev. Dr. Bob Burns. At Covenant Seminary, we will also
understanding of justification, and the importance of
conduct a special program where ruling elders will be invited
the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. Audio mes-
to participate with their pastors in considering how to grow
sages from this teaching time are available on the
in shepherding the local church. In addition, each year
Covenant Seminary website.
we will invite a PCA pastor and an international church COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
26
Dr. Bryan Chapell Reports to the 32nd General Assembly
Perhaps it sounds impossible, vain glorious, or even fool-
In these few examples, I hope that you will see what Covenant Seminary seeks to do for the sake of the Church.
ish for the small likes of us to anticipate such a victory. But
We seek to provide expert, pastoral leadership regarding
we dare to believe in such a future because we do believe in
the most historic issues of the Church, as well as prepare
such a Sovereign Savior whose pattern and promise are to
Church leaders to handle current culture and, even
use ordinary people who possess an extraordinary hope in the
current controversy.
Kingdom of our Lord. ■
As the Lord enables, Covenant Seminary also strives to serve local churches as we learn from church leaders about the most pressing training needs for church staff. In response
Recent Faculty Publications
We have the privilege in this generation of preparing the next generations for His great day.
Why I am Not an Arminian By Dr. Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, and Dr. Michael Williams, Professor of Systematic Theology
This book explores the Biblical, theological, and historical background to the Calvinist-Arminian debate. In doing so they explain why they see aspects of Arminian theology troubling both Biblically and theologically. The irenic nature and keen insight of this book will be appreciated by laypeople, pastors, and scholars alike. This book is the companion volume to Why I Am Not a Calvinist by Jerry L. Walls and Joseph R. Dongell.
to many requests, Covenant Seminary has begun to offer a Master of Arts in Educational Ministries (MAEM) to train your Christian Education and other non-ordained Staff workers (see page 22). Back to a Battle
Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment: Rediscovering Passion and Wonder
On the day my family visited the World War II Memorial the grounds were crowded with veterans for the D-Day
By Dr. Richard Winter, Professor of Practical Theology
commemoration. Many were there with generations of
Though we have hundreds of entertainment options today, Western culture is battling an insidious disease. It’s an epidemic of boredom. Intrigued by this “deadness of soul,” Dr. Richard Winter uses the latest historical, physiological, and psychological research to probe the nature, causes and effects of boredom. He explores why some people are more likely to get bored than others; the indifference and loss of meaning among youth; how advertising promotes apathy; and the link between boredom and addictions to violence and pornography. Not satisfied with mere description and analysis, Dr. Winter also offers practical ways to counteract boredom by learning to live with passion and wonder.
family members celebrating the service of veteran grandfathers. Some placed vintage 1940’s photographs of those who served along the wall where plaques marked their state of origin or the battlefield where they fell. Close by, another crowd drew our eyes. It was a group of men and women – Asian, Arabic, Hispanic, and African. They were not just from another generation, but also from other people groups of the world. Like us, they were gathered in peace and freedom due to the service of those who gave themselves in our greatest war. Again, the message is ours to see and to claim, if we will. As we strive together for our Savior’s cause, we not only secure the spiritual liberty of future generations, we equip them to secure our Savior’s kingdom for the peoples of the
Both of these resources are available through Covenant Seminary’s online store: www.covenantseminary.edu
world that will all gather under His banner. We have the privilege in this generation of preparing the next generations for His great day.
www.covenantseminary.edu
27
Training Servants of the Triune God
news
CAMPUS For a campus calendar, log on to www.covenantseminary.edu. Where Is the Class of 2004 Serving? The following statistics show the occupations of December 2003 and May 2004 Master of Divinity* graduates who have been placed as of July 10, 2004.
Associate Pastor Youth Pastor
55% 3%
Church Planting
10%
Campus Ministry
3%
Missions
8%
Other Ministry
13%
Graduate School
5%
Marketplace
3%
*ordination track only
Sean Lucas Joins Seminary Faculty/Staff Rev. Sean Lucas has joined Covenant Seminary as Candidate Relations Coordinator. Among other duties, Sean serves as a liaison between local presbyteries and seminary students who are ministerial candidates in the Presbyterian Church in America. Sean will work with students and presbyteries throughout the process of coming under care, fulfilling internship requirements, and becoming licensed. Sean’s position is a newly developed role at Covenant Seminary. Sean also serves as Visiting Professor of Church History. He will teach a course titled The Life and Thought of Jonathan Edwards in Spring 2005. Prior to joining the seminary staff, Sean served as Assistant Pastor of Community Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Sean holds a Ph.D. in Historical and Theological Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary. His book titled Robert Lewis Dabney: A
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
Southern Presbyterian Life will be released by P&R Publishing in 2005. In June Sean received one of four research fellowships from the Presbyterian Historical Society for his book project: For a Continuing Church: Conservative Dissent in the Presbyterian Church in the United States, 1934-74.
Faculty Itinerary Jerram Barrs, Professor of Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 24-26, teaching for North Cincinnati Community Church’s Institute for Contemporary Christianity; in Augusta, Ga., Oct. 8-10, teaching for First Presbyterian Church’s Evangelistic Conference; in Las Cruces, N.M., Nov. 4-7, teaching for University Presbyterian Church.
Peterson Becomes Systematic Theology Chair Dr. Robert Peterson was appointed to serve as Chair of Covenant Theological Seminary’s Systematic Theology Department this past July. Dr. Peterson has served on the Covenant Seminary faculty since 1990. His most recent books are Adopted by God: From Wayward Sinners to Cherished Children (P&R 2001) and Why I am Not and Arminian (co-authored with Dr. Michael Williams, IVP 2004). Hell Under Fire, a book co-edited by Dr. Peterson will be released by Zondervan in December of 2004.
David Calhoun, Professor of Church History, in Paxton, Ill., Sept. 18-20, speaking for Westminster Presbyterian Church’s Mission Conference; in South Carolina and Georgia, Sept. 23-25, leading a Church History Tour for First Presbyterian Church of Augusta, Ga.; in Augusta, Ga., Sept. 25, preaching for First Presbyterian Church and presenting the completed bicentennial history of the church called Cloud of Witnesses: The Story of First Presbyterian Church, Augusta, Georgia, 1804-2004; in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 9, 10, teaching for Central Presbyterian Church Missions Conference; in College Park, Md., Oct. 29-31, teaching for Wallace Presbyterian Church Reformation Weekend Conference.
Campus Construction The lower portion of Covenant Seminary’s Rayburn Chapel was renovated this past summer to help meet current classroom needs. Two classrooms were combined into one, another classroom was updated, and smaller rooms were prepared to accommodate small group gatherings. Additionally, the large classroom in Founders Hall is being used for much-needed community gathering space. The Founders Hall change will help seminary administrators determine how such a space could be developed and used in the future in order to facilitate ministry training in community.
Jack Collins, Professor of Old Testament, in San Antonio, Tex., Nov. 18, presenting a paper on Bible translation philosophy for the Evangelical Theological Society. Zack Eswine, Assistant Professor of Homiletics, in St. Louis, Mo., Sept . 12, preaching for the Chinese Gospel Church; in Indianapolis, Ind., Sept., 24-26, teaching for Grace Presbyterian Church’s Family Camp; in St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 10, preaching for the Chinese Gospel Church; in Ridgehaven, N.C., Oct. 18-22, speaking for Keenagers Conference; in St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 7 and 10, preaching for the Chinese Gospel Church. Robert Peterson, Professor of Systematic Theology, in St. Louis, Mo., during October and November preaching for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. Jay Sklar, Assistant Professor of Old Testament, in Augusta, Ga., Sept. 9-12, teaching and preaching for First Presbyterian Church. Dan Zink, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology, in Eureka, Mo., Nov. 19-20, leading a couples’ retreat for Heritage Presbyterian Church.
Update on Dr. Chapell’s Sabbatical Seminary president, Dr. Bryan Chapell, was on sabbatical this past spring semester and for a portion of the summer. During that time he completed a revision of Christ-centered Preaching (to be re-released by Baker Book House in early 2005) and wrote a new book on prayer (to be released by Baker Book House in late 2005). Dr. Chapell’s recent teaching opportunities have spanned the globe including Scotland, Kenya, Montana, and Washington D.C
28
Celebrating the Life of 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.
DR. W. HAROLD MARE (1918 -2004) A beloved member of the Covenant Theological Seminary community went on to glory on June 21, 2004. While on an archaeological excavation trip in Jordan, Dr. W. Harold Mare was involved in an automobile accident and suffered injuries
Volume 19, Number 3. ©2004
which unexpectedly took him from this life.
Executive Editor David Wicker
Dr. Mare was a long-time faculty member, joining the faculty in 1963. He was a founding member of the Covenant
Managing Editor and Writer Eileen O’Gorman
Seminary Board of Trustees. Although Dr. Mare officially Harold Mare joins the worship celebration at the 2004 Covenant Seminary Baccalaureate service
Associate Editor for Prophet, Priest, & King article Rick Matt
retired in 1984, he taught courses as a professor emeritus up
Writer Joel Hathaway
and leading the W. Harold Mare Institute for Biblical and Archaeological Studies
until his final days. Dr. Mare could be found on campus almost daily teaching
which is housed at Covenant Seminary. Despite his age and some health problems, Copy Editors Betty Porter Huntley Cooney
Dr. Mare was tireless in his studies, writing, and his devotion to the work of the Abila Archaeological Project (www.abila.org). Dr. Mare had served as Dig Director for the
Circulation Paul Rawlins
Abila of the Decapolis Project since 1980. Abila is an extremely large Roman city
Photography Franmarie Gregg Nat Belz Ed Eubanks Lacour-Niesen Visuals, Inc.
work, Dr. Mare acquired the nickname of “Happy Harry,” reflecting his energetic,
Design and Production 501creative, inc.
and respected father in the faith.”
Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Road St. Louis, Missouri 63141
of an independent church in Arden, Del. (1945-46); instructor for Faith Theological
which bears in its remains the signature of the early Church. In his archaeological ebullient personality. During Dr. Mare’s memorial service at Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, Mo., on July 2, 2004, colleague Dr. David Calhoun called Dr. Mare “a beloved brother Prior to joining the faculty of Covenant Seminary, Dr. Mare served as pastor Seminary (1946-53); founding pastor of First Bible Presbyterian Church* in Denver, Colo., (1953-60); and pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, N.C., (1960-63).
Tel: 314.434.4044 Fax: 314.434.4819 E-mail: covenant@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.
Dr. Mare’s loving wife Betty passed away in May of 2002. The Mares are survived by five children (Myra, Sally, Nancy, William, and Judith) and their families. The bibliography of Dr. Mare’s published works is extensive and includes numerous articles and books on archaeology as well as New Testament studies and instruction in New Testament Greek. His most recent book, New Testament Background Commentary, A New Dictionary of Words, Phrases, and Situations in Bible Order, will be published by Christian Focus Publications later this year. Esteemed by colleagues and friends, admired and respected by students, Dr. Mare would certainly desire others to remember him by saying, “To God alone be the glory.” He fell asleep in this life, only to wake in the next, hearing those loving words of his loving Savior, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come…take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world” (Matt. 25:21, 34). *now Covenant PCA, Wheat Ridge, Colo.
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Student Profile
Parking Lot Theology Upon transitioning out of his job in
Some of Chris Hucklas’ first theology lessons were in a parking lot in his home-
politics, Chris returned to his hometown and
town of St. Catharines, Ontario. Between
home church. There he met someone who
Chris’s final year of high school and first
blessed him with a gift. “God providentially
year of university studies, he spent one
brought someone into my life who offered to
year managing a parking lot – collecting
help me go to seminary,” Chris says. “This
fees, keeping watch, and, in between,
person knew that I was hoping to enroll in
studying the Bible.
seminary at some point, and also knew that I did not have the resources to do so.”
Not too many months earlier Chris
Chris says he chose to attend Covenant
(M.Div.’06) had met a co-worker who caused him to stop and notice the way
Theological Seminary because he wanted
she lived her life. “She was different,”
to go to a seminary that sought not only to reform culture, but also to revive it. Covenant
Chris says, “She was a Christian whose Chris Huckla (M.Div.’06)
example really stood out to me.”
Seminary’s regard for the authority of
Soon Chris decided that he should begin attending church.
Scripture also vitally impacted his decision. “I wanted to go to a
“Even at that point, church attendance was a dead thing for me,”
school that really took the Bible seriously and was faithful to the
Chris remembers. “I thought I was going to be a good person and go
Scriptures, but also had a broad outlook, building bridges with the
to church. But it was not until I got involved in a Bible study that I
community,” Chris says.
started to realize that my own perceptions of my goodness were mis-
Today Chris says he is not just learning theology lessons in the
guided. In seeing those misguided ways, I was also directed to the
classroom, as important as that is; he is learning about character.
saving grace of God.”
“It is not just the material presented in the classroom that prepares
Through a series of unforeseen circumstances, Chris delayed his
me for ministry; it is also the demonstrated character of the profes-
entrance into university and spent one year managing the parking
sors,” Chris says. “Those two things prepare me to bring people
lot. “I had a lot of time on my hands,” Chris says with a smile. “I
truth while seeking to love them.”
read the Bible, listened to sermons, and read Christian books. I was also confronted by various people from cults or other groups trying to convert me, which was challenging. But I asked the Holy Spirit to guide me in truth.”
Chris can certainly envision himself returning to Canada to
Please pray for Chris and the church of Canada. Pray that more godly men would be raised up to serve this country.
The Holy Spirit did guide him. Chris found a good church,
serve a local church and its surrounding community once he finishes seminary. On Sunday nights, Chris and a group of classmates gather together to pray about
where the Lord would have them serve after seminary. “Some of
attended university, and upon graduation began working in
the people in that group have now graduated and are serving else-
federal politics. Working within the Parliament of Canada, Chris
where,” Chris says. “So we see an aspect of the Great Commission
was thrilled to have the opportunity to make a positive contribution
at work. We will all eventually go to different places and hopefully
to his country. Yet he still had another desire that he was putting off
still pray for one another as we endeavor to serve the Lord and
until the right time. He felt called to pastoral ministry.
bring the Gospel wherever we go.” ■
COVENANT MAGAZINE
Fall 2004
www.covenantseminary.edu
Training Servants of the Triune God