FROM THE EDITOR І TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCING KNOX NOW OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, as many of the seminary’s communication pieces have been redesigned, I have had the pleasure of connecting with students, alumni, pastors, donors, friends of Knox, faculty and staff. These new communication tools have included a new website, social media connectivity, blogs, a video channel, e-newsletters, brochures, banners, and much more. Knox Now is the next way of communicating the gospel-driven teaching of Knox to past, present, and future students as well to the wider, global Christian community. At Knox, we seek to be a blessing to the city where God has planted us – sharing the gospel in a distinctly urban and coastal culture while bringing spiritual and community renewal to a truly international south Florida. Knox Online, our online-learning campus, now gives us the opportunity to teach thousands and reach millions around the globe. What a blessing and opportunity this presents. In order to communicate the gospel afresh, sometimes we have to step back and evaluate what we are communicating and how we share the heart of Knox Theological Seminary. FINDING NEW WAYS TO COMMUNICATE Communication is a cornerstone of the gospel and how we communicate those truths is central to the mission-focused concentration at Knox. It is what Christ calls us to do in proclaiming the gospel message (Mark 16:15), sharing what we believe (Matthew 28:19), the creativity we employ (Exodus 35: 1-2), giving an adequate defense of it (1 Peter 3:15), and communicating positively by being salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). At Knox, we proudly stand on the foundation that has been built, the legacy of faith and strength of tradition, while boldly looking ahead to what God’s grace holds for us in the future. Many of you will notice that this inaugural issue of Knox Now
2 KNOX NOW | FALL 2012
By Ivey Rose Smith DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
IN THIS ISSUE 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
FACULTY NEWS REACHING MILLIONS FOR THE GOSPEL by Rev. Jonathan G. Smith GOD’S WORK IN KOREA by Dr. Warren A. Gage TEACHING IN CHINA by Dr. Sam Lamerson HOLY LAND TOUR OPPORTUNITY KNOX ONLINE LOGOS PARTNERSHIP OUR CALLING: REWEAVING THE FABRIC OF THE WORLD by Dr. Jim Belcher MISSION AT THE BEGINNING by Dr. Michael Allen MISSION FOCUSED by Dr. Jonathan Linebaugh 2012 COMMENCEMENT
takes on a different look than our publications in the past. We seek to communicate the deeply-held beliefs and timeless truths in a modern and current way that keeps our finger on the pulse of culture. Part of being mission focused is finding new ways to communicate the spectrum of ancient truths and bold, futuristic thinking for ministry to a culture that is rapidly advancing. Our goal is not to make Knox Seminary great but to magnify God and His son Jesus Christ and our prayer is to be a shining light to a desperately needy world (John 9:5). We believe that the new face of Knox Now will best reflect the seminary’s commitment to training students for 21st-century ministry that is Christ centered, gospel driven, and mission focused. †