the
ambassador
the magazine of ozark christian college
WINTER 2020 PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE At OCC, we prepare students to stand in pulpits p. 4 LETTING THE TEXT WIN Dr. Mark Scott explores the nature of biblical preaching p. 6 5 UNDER 35 Featuring five Ozark grads who preach around the world p. 10
The Most Powerful Place on the Planet
OCC.EDU
CONTENTS TO INSPIRE President’s Perspective Matt Proctor A school full of preachers
Featured Theme Dr. Mark Scott
The making of a biblical sermon
Bible Words Jon Kehrer
An in-depth look at the language of Scripture
Ambassador Spotlight: 5 Under 35 Matt Proctor
Is Ozark still preparing preachers today?
Let’s Talk About Church
The viewpoints of American churchgoers
4 6 9 10 12
TO INFORM Campus News
Recent happenings at OCC
The Big Picture
A snapshot of life around campus
Meet Your OCC Family
Introducing Ozark’s Lisa Witte
Coming Soon
Upcoming events at OCC
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TO CONNECT Here’s an Idea
Twelve podcasts to help preachers
Your Partnership Jim Dalrymple
Training kingdom leaders together
Alumni News
Updates from alumni around the world
One More Thing Amy Storms
A final thought from our editor
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The Ambassador magazine is published three times each year to inspire, inform, and connect the Ozark Christian College family. Design: Lauren White Creative
Contributing Editors: Kathy Bowers, Matt Proctor, Amy Storms Photography: Mark Neuenschwander
Contact: Ozark Christian College 1111 N. Main Joplin, MO 64801 hello@occ.edu
The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education. The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. Ozark Christian College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). OCC is also a Candidate for Accreditation with Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Ozark Christian College admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
Matt Proctor has served as president of Ozark Christian College since 2006.
ALL BECAUSE OF A SERMON Matt Proctor
Billy Graham sat at the back of the revival tent. The North Carolina teenager didn’t want to be there, but a neighbor had invited Billy to drive his truck into town for the revival. In 1934, a sixteen-year-old country kid like Billy rarely got a chance to get behind a steering wheel, so he said yes. Billy prepared to tune the preacher out, but as Mordecai Ham preached, something happened. “The evangelist had a way of describing sins and shortcomings,” Graham later remembered, “and demanding, on pain of divine judgment, that you mend your ways. I was so sure he had singled me out that night that I actually ducked behind the wide-brimmed hat of the lady sitting in front of me.” Convicted, young Billy came back the next night and the night after that. Ham preached from Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When the choir sang the invitation hymn, Billy walked the aisle to commit his life to Christ, and over the next 70 years, he preached that same gospel to over 2 billion people. All because of a sermon.
The Most Powerful Place on the Planet
The most powerful place on the planet might be a pulpit. Many people would laugh at that sentence. To them, preaching seems ineffective, silly, a joke. I heard the story of a preacher, elder, and deacon who were deer hunting when a huge buck crossed a clearing. The preacher and elder fired simultaneously, so when the buck dropped, they didn’t know which one had shot it. The deacon leaped up to investigate, and after examining the deer, he hollered back, “It’s the preacher’s. He shot this buck.” “How do you know?” asked the elder. “Look here,” replied the deacon. “The bullet went in one ear and right out the other!” For many, that’s preaching—in one ear and out the other.
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Sermons don’t make any real difference, and the most powerful place on the planet is not a pulpit. But the Bible paints a different picture. 1 Corinthians 1:21 says, “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe.” Inept as it may seem, preaching is divinely effective. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12) One preacher engraved on his Bible cover the letters TNT—because God’s Word contains explosive power—and I tell my preaching students that when they open their Bible to speak, there’s no telling what might happen.
Even on Bad Sermon Days
I’m reminded of this most when I’m preaching a bad sermon. Sometimes I’ll preach a sermon I know is not connecting, and I think of my friend in Bible college who spoke at a little church one weekend. He could tell the sermon that morning was a clunker, but church people are nice. So as he shook hands afterward, everyone encouraged him, “Nice job. Nice sermon. Nice job.” Except one lady. She said, “Nice try.” Ha! I have preached my share of “nice try” sermons, and on those days, I just want to get done quickly, go home, and try again next week. But God, in his great celestial sense of humor, often gives me the best response to my worst sermons, and as the invitation song is sung, people are coming down the aisle. Folks are making decisions for Christ. A lady is shaking my hand, saying, “You have no idea how that touched me.” I’m thinking, “You’re right. I have no idea how that touched you.” The fact is, however, I do know. Ineffective as my words may be, God’s Word remains powerful. In Isaiah 55:11, God says, “My word that goes out from my mouth…will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
And in thirty years of preaching, I’ve seen people surrender the rest of their years to Jesus Christ…because they heard a sermon. I’ve seen people give their marriage one last try…because they heard a sermon. I’ve seen people give up lucrative careers to go be missionaries, break off an ungodly relationship with a boyfriend or girlfriend, become foster parents, give their money, share Christ with a friend, repent of longstanding sin, and start a Bible study at school…all because of a sermon. I’ve seen people find hope in the midst of grief, comfort in the midst of pain, grace in the midst of guilt, guidance in the midst of confusion, and power in the midst of weakness all because—in the bumbling, stumbling, fumbling words of a preacher—they heard the Word of God. The pulpit really might be the most powerful place on the planet.
A School Full of Preachers
At Ozark Christian College, we prepare students to stand in pulpits. When I enrolled at OCC in August 1988, the first verses I memorized were the last words of Paul, “Preach the Word” (2 Tim 4:2). All of us at Ozark have taken those words to heart. Look at our faculty. We invest personnel in what we believe matters, and we have five professors in our biblical communication department, led by Mark Scott. Mark remains one of our movement’s most respected preachers and coauthored a textbook on preaching, Letting the Text Win (College Press, 2014). Someone said, “You can teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are.” Ozark has long graduated outstanding preachers because that’s who our entire faculty are— preachers. Look at our students. Someone asked recently how many preaching majors Ozark has. The quick answer is 40. But a little context: we graduate many preachers who aren’t preaching majors. (For example, many youth ministers preach regularly to teenagers and eventually become pulpit ministers.) So in the fall of 2019, our numbers look like this:
40
74
Preaching Majors
9
Church Planting Majors
Biblical Studies Majors
98
General Ministry Majors
79
Ozark has long graduated outstanding preachers because that’s who our entire faculty are—preachers.
This doesn’t include majors like missions, children’s ministry, and others who will at times preach, but we have at least 300 students this fall who will likely preach regularly in days ahead. Most telling: look at our graduates. Of the twelve largest Christian Churches, nine have Ozark graduates preaching from their stage. At our tribe’s gatherings— the old North American Christian Convention, the International Conference of Missions, the Spire conference, CIY conferences—you’ll almost always find one or more OCC grads preaching. Every Sunday, in hundreds of pulpits large and small, you’ll find Ozark alumni with Bible in hand proclaiming God’s truth. So thank you for partnering with us in preparing preachers. Because of your support, God’s Word is loosed from pulpits around the world…and lives are forever changed.
Bible vs. Bullet
OCC graduate Mark Moore serves as teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Phoenix, a congregation of 30,000. On January 1, 2012, Mark preached from Psalm 33. His sermon that New Year’s Day was entitled “A New Song,” and his message: no matter your past, God can give you a new song, a new start, a “do-over.” Afterward, a man named Miguel shared his story with Mark. 2011 had not been a good year for him—poor choices, dark despair, lost hope. It had been so bad that Miguel had decided to take his life that Sunday morning, January 1. His gun was loaded and in hand, but before he pulled the trigger, he had an inescapable feeling that he should go to church. That’s how he ended up sitting in the sanctuary as Mark preached, and God’s Word found its way past Miguel’s defenses, penetrated his heart, and burst inside him with the bright hope found in Christ. He came forward at the end of the service, ready for a fresh start. As he finished telling his story, Miguel reached into his pocket and pulled out the bullet he’d removed from his gun. “I guess I won’t be needing this. Not really sure what I should do with it.” Mark spoke up quickly, “I’ll take it.” After pocketing the bullet, Mark embraced Miguel and prayed with him, and on that New Year’s Day, Miguel found new life. All because of a sermon.
Youth Ministry Majors TO INSPIRE
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FEATURED THEME
Dr. Mark Scott serves as OCC’s director of preaching and professor of New Testament.
LETTING THE TEXT WIN Mark Scott
Note from President Proctor: When Mark Scott was my preaching professor, he challenged us to be biblical preachers—to “let the text win” in our lives, our study, our sermons. Below is an edited version of his chapter in The Mind of Christ (College Press, 1987), and it summarizes well what he taught—and still teaches.
is indispensable to Christianity.” The message which saves is also the message which nurtures. As Paul Scherer said, “Nothing will replace biblical preaching unless it is better biblical preaching.” This article will overview the making of a biblical preacher, the nature of biblical preaching, and a method of preparing a biblical sermon.
Preaching is an important service to God. When a congregation seeks a minister, often the first question is, “Can he The Making of a Biblical Preacher preach?” Surveys show that preachers themselves list preaching “God makes his appeal through us” (2 Cor 5:20). The idea that in the top three priorities of their ministry. Congregation and God uses fallen folk to tell others of his divine message is mindpreacher agree that biblical preaching is important. boggling to say the least. But it is his way. Therefore, the only way When one preaches the Word of God, he is following Jesus’ to keep God’s message filled with integrity is for the preacher to example. Jesus was a preacher. Thomas Goodwin said, “God be a holy vessel (2 Tim 2:20-21). The preacher will not be perfect had only one Son, and he made him a preacher.” And what a before or after he preaches, but he can and must grow into the preacher he was! He taught as one having authority, and not as likeness of Christ (Eph 4:23-24). the scribes (Matthew 7:29). The The accent in the New Testament great crowd enjoyed listening to is not on the preacher; it is on the him (Mark 12:37), and the people Nothing will replace biblical preaching message. It is his story that matters. were hanging upon his words (Luke unless it is better biblical preaching. New Testament preachers put 19:48). Even the temple police said, themselves in the background and “Never did a man speak the way this - Paul Scherer Jesus in the foreground. man speaks” ( John 7:46). However, God still uses persons Since preaching was central in as instruments of glad tidings. Phillips Brooks famously defined the ministry of Jesus, so it should be in the church. While the preaching as “truth through personality.” Bishop William A. church may not always want biblical preaching, the church Quayle has perhaps overstated the case, but he still needs to be always needs biblical preaching. John Stott is correct, “Preaching
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heard: “Preaching is the art of making a sermon and delivering it? Why no, that is not preaching. Preaching is the art of making a preacher and delivering that.” Since God wants to use people to reach people, what does one need in life to preach well? First, the preacher must have a life laid bare to God. There must be no strings attached to his commitment to the lordship of Christ. There should be no hidden agenda nor false motives (1 Thess 2:1-12). Second, the preacher must have a powerful prayer and devotional life. James S. Stewart said, “The first duty of a minister is to be a real man of prayer.” Maintaining this daily fellowship with God will help preachers be tough with the issues and tender with people. Third, the preacher must have a deep desire to communicate God’s truth. Jeremiah said, “Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding it in, and I cannot endure it” ( Jer 20:9). Paul said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Cor 9:16). Fourth, the apt preacher will be knowledgeable of both the Word and the world. Knowledge of the world without knowing the Word may result in a human-centered message. But knowledge of the Word without knowing the world may result in irrelevance. Fifth, preachers will try to maintain good health. This should not surprise the preacher as his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19-20). Sixth, the preacher must have an intense love for people. The preacher’s objective is to change people with the power of the gospel, and this requires love. John Killinger says, “It is not enough, if one wishes to preach, to be in love with preaching. It is not even enough to be in love with God. We must love people.” Seventh, the preacher must trust the Bible as the written Word of God. Does the preacher really believe in his message? The preacher’s view of Scripture will be evident in the handling of the text. That will affect both the tone and the confidence of the message.
What does a biblical preacher need in life to preach well? 1. A life laid bare to God 2. A powerful prayer and devotional life 3. A deep desire to communicate God’s truth 4. Knowledge of both the Word and the world
The Nature of Biblical Preaching
Both pew and pulpit agree that biblical preaching is important. However, not all agree with what biblical preaching is. What distinguishes preaching as being biblical? Consider what biblical preaching is not. It is not reading or explaining Bible verses per se. At least there seems to be no clear biblical model for this. A running commentary does not ensure biblical preaching (especially when the verses are divorced from their literal, historical, or grammatical contexts), and biblical preaching is not limited to one style of presentation. What, then, is biblical preaching? What are its characteristics? First, it is biblically informed. It deals with the content of Scripture. Seth Wilson, on more than one occasion, expressed his dismay at the lack of Bible information conveyed in most sermons. The preacher should provide potatoes and not just gravy. Ezra read from the book, translated, and gave the sense so that the people could understand (Neh 8:8). Jesus spoke the Word to them (Mark 2:2). Paul said to Timothy, “Preach the Word” (2 Tim 4:2). From context that must include the exposition of the written Word of God (2 Tim 3:15-16). Second, biblical preaching is hermeneutically sound. It considers the type of biblical literature, form, flow, and intention of the text. It takes into account words, grammar, context, historical background, and parallel passages. Preaching is biblical when the text governs the content of the sermon and when the aim of the sermon is the same as that of the text. Warren Wiersbe reminds us that many a clever outline has been ruined by good exegesis. Third, biblical preaching is doctrinally centered. Not every text speaks directly to Christ, but every text should be studied in the light of Christ. The biblical preacher does not want to force or bend texts. However, the biblical preacher should preach Christ and him crucified (1 Cor 2:2). Wayne Shaw says, “If Christ isn’t in it, it isn’t a Christian sermon.” Fourth, biblical preaching is humanly relevant. Real Bible preaching connects heaven and earth. The German preacher, Helmut Thielicke, said, “German preaching is in the heavens and never makes it to earth, but American preaching is on earth and never quite makes it to heaven.” Real biblical preaching connects the ancient biblical world with the contemporary scene. It brings conviction (Acts 2:37) and produces behavioral change (1 Thess 2:13). It touches the head, heart, hands, will, affections, and desires. Biblical preaching meets the needs of wounded people.
What are the characteristics biblical preaching? 1. It is biblically informed.
5. Good health
2. It is hermeneutically sound.
6. An intense love for people
3. It is doctrinally centered.
7. Trust that the Bible is the written Word of God
4. It is humanly relevant.
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FEATURED THEME A Method of Preparing a Biblical Sermon
If we are serious about being true to the meaning of Scripture, then we will give ourselves to a method that respects the text and gains the author’s intended meaning. First, pray. Since the preacher is the one who will do the preaching, the preacher must get ready to preach through prayer (Mark 1:35-38). This is a good time to confess sins, claim promises, and glorify God. Second, select text(s). All preaching is selective. The text and calendar should be put together since God is the author of both. Third, read and reread the text. Charles Spurgeon never preached from a text that he had not read fifty times. When reading, capture the flow and form of the text. Read sufficient material before and after the text so that you can establish the true context. Open up the pores of your skin and let the text in. Fourth, analyze the text. If you are able, translate the text. Conduct word studies with the concordances and other tools. Ask the six great questions (who, what, when, where, why, and how) for background and insight. Note parallel passages. Fifth, get help from others. Research geographical and historical details, the author, date, occasion, and exegetical issues in good commentaries and Bible reference books. Sixth, decide how the passage fits into the Bible framework. If steps four and five are a detailed look at the text, then this step seeks to see the text in the “big picture” of God’s plan for humanity revealed in the whole Bible. Seventh, say your sermon in a sentence. Call it the proposition, the dominant thought, the theme, or the thesis, but find a major emphasis to give the sermon unity. John H. Jowett said, “I find the getting of that sentence is the hardest, the most exacting, and the most fruitful labor in my study.” Eighth, decide on the application to the modern world. Write down some sermon objectives to accomplish with the congregation as a result of the message. Ninth, arrange the material in a logical and memorable way. It is a wonderful thing if the preacher can remember the sermon. It is joy unspeakable if the congregation can. Pay the price of good organization. Tenth, collect the supporting materials (good illustrations, apt quotations, etc.) and add them at appropriate spots. From the time of Aristotle, it has been admitted that the success of a speech often depends on the gathering of the right materials. Eleventh, knock it into preaching form. Something should be written out in recapturable form whether or not it is taken to the pulpit. Some write more for the files and take less to the pulpit as they progress in their preaching.
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Twelfth, review the message and pray over it. Ask God to make it more than an “essay stood on two legs.” The church needs biblical preaching. Indeed, its life depends on it. May the church want it, welcome it, and demand it from its preachers. It is a terrible thing when the hungry come to worship and there is no bread. Preachers, hear the old Puritan statement, “Thou art a preacher of the Word, mind thy business.”
Preparing a Biblical Sermon 1. Pray. 2. Select text(s). 3. Read and reread the text. 4. Analyze the text. 5. Get help from others. 6. Decide how the passage fits into the Bible framework. 7. Say your sermon in a sentence. 8. Decide on the application to the modern world. 9. Arrange the material in a logical and memorable way. 10. Collect the supporting materials (good illustrations, apt quotations, etc.) and add them at appropriate spots. 11. Knock it into preaching form. 12. Review the message and pray over it.
BIBLE WORDS
BIBLE WORDS
EUANGELIZOMAI Jon Kehrer
“Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words.” This popular quote attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, who coincidentally is never reported to have said it, elevates the importance of doing instead of simply speaking ( James 1:22). However, how did people in the New Testament world think of those words, “preach the Gospel”? Those three English words come from just one Greek word: euangelizomai. It was a phrase used all over the GrecoRoman world when a message was spoken. Sometimes, it expressed the surprising pleasantness of a person’s arrival. Other times, it declared the defeat of an enemy. Occasionally, it announced the joy of a baby to be born. In each usage, however, it seems to have brought an unexpected and delightful message to its hearers. It was not just news. It was good news. Perhaps it should not surprise us then that euangelizomai was the Greek word
used to translate the Old Testament declarations of God’s presence (Isaiah 40:9), sovereignty (Isaiah 52:7) or liberation (Isaiah 61:1). No matter what people’s rulers, thoughts or circumstances told them, God’s plan always brought hope. This is the same message proclaimed throughout the books we call the Gospels, from the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10) to Jesus’ teaching in the temple (Luke 20:1). It was used for the early church’s spreading of the message of God’s kingdom (Acts 8:12). It was the word Paul chose to describe his ministry (Romans 15:20) and the word Peter used for the message about Jesus (1 Peter 1:12). Indeed, the word that is brought to those who are slaves to sin is both unexpected and delightful: God has made peace with us through the blood of Jesus on the cross. That is good news. And that will preach.
Jon Kehrer teaches Hebrew, Old Testament, and hermeneutics at OCC. Find more word studies at occ.edu/biblewords.
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AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT: 5 UNDER 35
PREACHER FEATURE: 5 UNDER 35 Matt Proctor
When Ozark began in 1942, President F.W. Strong had already preached in every state (48 at the time), and in the decades after, Ozark continued to produce preachers, including many known nationally: Dudley Rutherford, Kyle Idleman, Barry Cameron, Roy Weece, Roy Wheeler, Rusty George, Drew Sherman, Jon Weece, Tim Harlow, Aaron Brockett, John Caldwell, Sam Stone, Jerry Harris, Mark Scott, and others. But is Ozark still preparing preachers? The answer is yes! We’ve featured five OCC grads, 35 years old or younger. (Many OCC men and women preach in other capacities—youth ministers, women’s ministers, and more—but here we’ve focused on those in pulpit ministry.) Meet the next generation.
Ben Michaels (OCC ’16) Northwest Christian Church, Alta, Iowa
When Ben was a boy, he wanted to be either a garbage man or a preacher. That seemed an odd combination, so his mother asked, “Why a garbage man or preacher?” “Because,” little Ben answered, “they both only work one day a week!” Since then, Ben has learned that preaching ministry (and garbage collection) is an all-week-long job. He now serves as preaching minister at the Northwest Christian Church in Alta, Iowa. The rural community has seen recent growth, and the town’s motto “Catch the Energy” hints at the reason: new electricity-producing wind turbines dotting their countryside. The church too is seeing growth. “The Lord is doing some amazing things here,” says Ben. “I’m seeing people who used to just attend start to serve, people who used to just serve start to lead, people who used to lead start to be sent out on God’s mission. The joy of preaching is seeing people turn and share the gospel with others.” That growth requires work, and Ben knows where to “catch the energy” he needs. “I immerse myself in the Word. It’s tempting as a preacher to treat the Bible like a checking account. I go there only to draw out what I need for that day. We have to constantly save God’s Word in our heart, because if I wait until a sermon
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is due or a crisis has come, I’ve waited too long. I ask myself regularly: How can I spend an excessive amount of time in God’s Word?”
Bryce Hotchkiss (OCC ’12) Batesville Christian Church, Batesville, Indiana
There’s not much in Sheldon, Missouri (population 529)—a Jones Boots western store, the Jenny’s Kitchen restaurant, and a convenience store called Chiggers. (Legend has it, there was also once a bar called Chuggers.) Since 1893, there’s also been a church. Over the years, Sheldon Christian Church has welcomed many Ozark students into its pulpit, including Bryce Hotchkiss. Rural Missouri was a long way from the Florida coast where Bryce grew up, but it quickly found a place in his heart. “My first ministry was in Sheldon,” says Bryce. “I was especially blessed by that small congregation. They really loved me and my wife.” Someone said it’s not great preachers that make great churches, but great churches that make great preachers. A beginning preacher’s first ministry can either sour him or empower him, and the folks at Sheldon were great cheerleaders. “They smiled along and encouraged me through some really-not-great sermons,” remembers Bryce. They gave him confidence that teaching God’s Word was his kingdom “sweet spot.”
Today Bryce and his wife Kelsey serve the Batesville Christian Church, seven times the size of Sheldon Christian Church. But he preaches with the same confidence he gained from that little congregation. “I love hearing from someone about an ‘Aha!’ moment. When someone says, ‘I’ve been going to church my whole life, and I’ve never understood that passage before,’ it feels like ‘mission accomplished’ for me.”
Andy Rodriguez (OCC ’07) Mustard Seed Christian Church, Nagoya, Japan
It’s 6,000 miles from Texas from Tokyo, but San-Antonio-born Andy Rodriguez felt God’s call to Japan. Unlike Andy’s Bible Belt home state, less than 1% of Japan’s 127 million residents attend church. In Japanese language school, Andy met an Australian named Dan who asked why he came to Japan. Andy said he came to teach people about Jesus, and Dan replied, “I can’t stand Christians.” He said, “The very reason I came to Japan is because there are NO Christians here!” Andy smiled and said, “Hey…that’s why I came, too!” Japan is the world’s second-largest unreached people group, and that’s why Andy and a group of OCC graduates planted a church in Japan’s third largest city, Nagoya, in 2009. In Japan, the average church has 30 in attendance. But Andy now preaches each Sunday to over 200, and they’ve baptized many into Christ. “There is no greater joy,” says Andy, “than getting to see the fruit of life-change as people respond to the preaching of God’s Word.” One young man Taisei, in imperfect English, describes on his blog his transformation: “I was thinking, ‘What is the most of important in my life?’ CHURCH is most of important. If I couldn’t go to the church, how sad. Before I become a Christian, I went to CLUB, BAR, and I was drunk every weekend. It was trouble, but Jesus is rescue for me. Thank you, GOD. I LOVE YOU, GOD!!” Far from home, Andy keeps preaching…so more can find their way home to God.
Jaron Scott (OCC ’17) Christ’s Church of Joplin, Joplin, Missouri
“During my third year at OCC,” says Jaron, “I felt an unusual internal pressure that I guessed was God trying to get a message across.” Jaron guessed right. Over the next few months, Jaron sensed God’s call to preaching ministry. “I learned
that I’m gifted to preach, that I love to preach, and that people are helped when I preach. I took that as God’s confirmation.” The Lord has opened doors for Jaron to use those gifts. He’s serving in an associate preaching role at Christ’s Church of Joplin alongside OCC grad Tim Chambers. He’s also had opportunities to preach at camps, OCC chapel, and CIY MOVE events. “Seeing large groups respond at events is good,” says Jaron, “but the greatest joy is having individuals tell me they came to faith in Christ, or received the faith to follow Jesus into ministry, or to go one more day with Jesus. There’s no greater joy in preaching than seeing an individual pulled closer to Christ.” Jaron never stops trying to grow. “Books like Preaching by Tim Keller and Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon have given me wisdom,” says Jaron. The biggest lesson he’s learned? “God’s faithfulness in drawing all people to himself when Jesus is lifted up ( John 12:32). That has taught me to give Jesus to people every time.”
Luke Proctor (OCC ’17) Plainfield Christian Church, Plainfield, Indiana
It’s not easy growing up a Bible college president’s kid. Luke’s dad (OCC President Matt Proctor) dragged him across the country on preaching trips. But God was preparing him. After earning an academic scholarship to a state university, Luke was ready to enroll. But God nudged him toward Ozark. He’d sensed a call to preach before, “but the first time this call really got below the surface was in Mark Scott’s Expository Preaching class. I realized this was a task worth giving my life to.” Now Luke serves at Plainfield Christian Church near Indianapolis, sharing preaching duties 50/50 at the congregation of 2,000. “The most beneficial thing for my preaching has been community,” says Luke. “I go on a yearly retreat with 10 preachers from all kinds of churches. We plan sermon series together and have a group text that blows up my phone with funny stories, advice, questions, and prayers.” And maybe being a Bible college president’s kid isn’t all bad. “I love talking over my sermons with my Dad,” says Luke. “I ‘plagiarize’ a lot of his stuff. I figure it’s payback for being used as a sermon illustration my whole life.” Luke loves seeing people respond to the gospel. On a recent Baptism Sunday, after a sermon from 1 Peter 3:18-22, twentytwo people were immersed into Christ. But the greatest joy? “There’s nothing better than standing smack in the middle of the will of God. When I preach, I feel his pleasure.”
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LET’S TALK ABOUT CHURCH IN A RECENT SURVEY, LIFEWAY RESEARCH EXPLORED THE VIEWPOINTS OF AMERICAN CHURCHGOERS. How many years have you been attending your current church?
17%
5-9 years
21%
36% Extremely helpful
less than 5 years
27%
10-24 years
65%
Thinking about the help you receive related to your spiritual growth, would you say your church is‌
35%
25+ years
40% Very helpful
have attended their current church for 10 years or longer
In which, if any, of the following ways would you like your church to improve the help they provide related to your spiritual growth?
16% Moderately helpful 5% Slightly helpful 1% Not at all helpful 2% Not sure
27% Help me understand more about God and his Word 20% Help me find new ways to serve that fit my abilities 19% Provide more Bible study groups to choose from 18% Provide Bible studies at different times 16% Help me get to know more people in the church 14% Provide a forum to answer my spiritual questions 13% Provide opportunities to serve more often 13% Provide worship experiences that fit my needs 9% Provide more interaction with the pastor 8% Provide me with a mentor 2% Other 36% None of these, no improvement needed
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Find out more at lifewayresearch.com.
CAMPUS NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS, AMBASSADORS!
Cross Country All-Americans
In November, OCC cross country had great success at the NCCAA Division II National Championship Tournament in Point Lookout, Missouri. The OCC men’s team placed second, and the women’s team placed fifth. Students Eli Connatser, Jordyn Patterson, and Dakota Gayer were named All-Americans.
Scholar-Athletes Named
In November, OCC’s Colton Leinbach and Macie Dressler were named NCCAA Division II Scholar-Athletes. Colton is a senior and captain of the men’s soccer team. Macie is a junior on the women’s volleyball team. Scholar-Athletes must be in their third or fourth year of competition and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or higher.
600 Colton Leinbach
Macie Dressler
600th Career Win
In December, Athletic Director and Coach Chris Lahm celebrated his 600th career win with the Ambassadors’ 102-101 overtime victory over Kansas Christian College.
Well done, Coach Lahm! TO INFORM
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CAMPUS NEWS
Fall Scholarship Recipients
Star Gonzalez
Alex Steele
Derieck Lopez
Solomon Sanchez
Women’s Biblical Communication Scholarship
Ken Idleman Biblical Communication Scholarship
Congratulations to our alumni scholarship recipients for fall 2019!
Don DeWelt Biblical Communication Scholarship
George & Tasci King Worship and Creative Arts Scholarship
Visiting Intercultural Professor – Spring 2020
This spring, the Intercultural Studies Department welcomes Leslie Miller to campus as our Visiting Intercultural Professor. A 2005 OCC grad, Leslie also holds a master’s degree in Intercultural Studies and TESOL from Wheaton College. She has spent the last 12 years teaching English at a university in Asia. This spring, Leslie is teaching Practical Issues in Global Life and Intercultural Regional Study at OCC.
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CAMPUS NEWS Welcome, New Staff Welcome, Jason Poznich
Beginning in the fall of 2020, OCC grad Jason Poznich will join the full-time faculty at OCC, teaching in the areas of Biblical Communication and New Testament. Since 2014, Jason has served as professor and head of the Preaching Department at Central Christian College of the Bible. Previously, he served in preaching and youth ministries in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Dix, Illinois. He has also taught at numerous camps, conventions, and conferences around the country. Jason will complete his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Talbot School of Theology in May 2020. He holds a Master of Divinity from Lincoln University, a Bachelor of Bible and Ministry from Ozark Christian College, and a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Pittsburg State University. Welcome, Jason!
Thank You, Arvest Foundation
Tony Allmoslecher Returns to OCC
OCC Athletics is excited to announce the return of longtime women’s volleyball coach Tony Allmoslecher. Tony coached the Lady Ambassadors from 20082015, leading them to ACCA national championships in 2011 and 2013 and NCCAA regional championships in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Most recently, Allmoslecher has coached at Carthage High School in Carthage, Missouri. “Tony brings a wealth of experience back to our program,” says OCC Athletic Director Chris Lahm. “He always seems to build a program that not only has great success on the court but his student-athletes are good Ambassadors as well.” Allmoslecher officially returns to OCC in the fall of 2020. He will also lead OCC’s summer volleyball camps for junior high girls this June.
OCC recently received a donation from the Arvest Foundation. The $5,000 grant will help fund need-based grants for students. “Academically qualified students sometimes face a financial challenge to enrolling in college, and Ozark’s need-based grants help bridge that last gap between those students and a great education,” says President Matt Proctor. “We are very grateful for the Arvest Foundation’s generous investment in the preparation of future leaders here at Ozark Christian College.” “OCC is grateful to Arvest Foundation for their investment in our needbased grant program,” says Executive Vice President of Administration Damien Spikereit. “This program allows our students to receive a quality education at an affordable price, graduating with less debt than the national average.”
Paintings Unveiled
In November, OCC unveiled three paintings by friend of the college, E.J. Vue. The paintings depict Jesus in the garden, carrying the cross, and after the resurrection. Jesus is represented in three different ethnicities as a reminder that Jesus loves all people and came for all nations. Vue’s art is on display in OCC’s Seth Wilson Library.
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00 CONGRATULATIONS, CHRIS LAHM!
In December, Coach Lahm (far right) celebrated his 600th career win with the Ambassadors’ 102-101 overtime victory over Kansas Christian College. Well done, Coach! We’re proud of all our Ambassadors.
NOW ON ABLE L I A V A NOW RIGHT ! MEDIA
Free videos for you and your church! How to Read the Bible (Michael DeFazio) Romans (Michael DeFazio) Ephesians (Michael DeFazio) Philippians (Michael DeFazio) Between Two Trees (Shane J. Wood) Revelation (Shane J. Wood) John (Kenny Boles) Miracles (Mark Scott) 18
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Parables of Jesus (Mark Scott) Apologetics (Chad Ragsdale) Hebrews (Chad Ragsdale) Messianic Prophecy (Jon Kehrer) The Pentateuch (Jon Kehrer) The Way of the Cross (Doug Welch) Sermon on the Mount (Jim Dalrymple) Healthy Elders & Deacons (Jim Dalrymple)
OCC.EDU/NEXTLEVEL
HEARD IN CHAPEL
“Heaven is better than you imagine and sooner than you think.”
MARK E. MOORE Still True: Haven Is Forever | 11.5.19
“Look up and see that Immanuel is all around you.”
MAKENZIE MULLIN Advent | 12.3.19
“Identity leads to activity. Who we are will result in what we do.”
DAMIEN SPIKEREIT The Church: Why? | 1.14.20
occ.edu/chapel
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MEET YOUR OCC FAMILY
LISA WITTE: A DECISION THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING “Originally, I wasn’t going to attend OCC,” says now-Director of Academic Operations Lisa Witte, “but my mom convinced me to go to Ozark so that Woody Wilkinson could keep an eye on me.” Wilkinson had ministered at Lisa’s home church before he joined the OCC faculty in 1993. Lisa consented, and that decision changed everything. “No regrets!” she says. “Bob followed me to Ozark,” she recalls of her high school sweetheart, “...which is why my mom wanted Woody to keep an eye on me.”
Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Lisa lived in only one home from childhood to college. In adulthood, she has lived 14 houses in five different states—Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Arizona, and Indiana. Lisa worked in the campus bookstore during her student years at Ozark. After graduating in 1999, she went on to work for Enterprise Rent-a-Car, as a marketing and database administrator for a consulting company, as an event coordinator at the Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, as the finance secretary at a church, and as a stay-at-home mom to the Wittes’ two sons, Josh and Caleb.
When she’s not working at Ozark, Lisa enjoys sleeping in on Saturdays, drinking coffee, doing jigsaw puzzles, watching true crime shows like Dateline, and cuddling with her puppy, Zeke.
Lisa also served alongside her husband in vocational ministry. The Wittes returned to Joplin in 2011. Lisa worked as the college events coordinator before moving to the Academics Office, where she now serves as director of academic operations. Bob is the vice president of enrollment management at OCC. The Wittes have hosted two high school international exchange students and many Ozark students in their home, providing the same watchful care to today’s Ambassadors that Woody Wilkinson once gave them.
“In Scripture, I always enjoy reading the book of James,” Lisa says. “It’s a very practical, straight-forward book.”
“I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music, but 80s and 90s alternative is what’s most often on my playlist. It’s a common occurrence for me to perform concerts in my car,” Lisa admits. “I may bust out a few dance moves if the music hits me right!” TO INFORM
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COMING SOON
SPRING 2020
TUESDAY TOURS Bring your high school junior, senior, or transfer student for a college visit to OCC! They’ll tour campus, worship in chapel, attend class, and receive a $1,000 Ozark scholarship when they apply to OCC. We have several tour dates to choose from this spring. Individual and youth group tours are also available. See all the dates and details at occ.edu/tuesdaytour.
MARCH 9-10
HIGHER LEARNING COMMISSION TO VISIT OCC On March 9-10, Ozark Christian College will host an on-site visit by a peer review team to complete a Comprehensive Evaluation for Initial Accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission. OCC has been a Candidate for Accreditation with HLC since November 2016. OCC also maintains national accreditation with the Association for Biblical Higher Education. More information can be found at occ.edu/accreditation.
APRIL 3-4
WOMEN’S EVENT RISE UP: Lessons from Ezra
Main speaker Lori Wilhite and worship with Christ’s Church Creative. Cost includes a free book for the first 300 registrants. Find out more at occ.edu/we.
APRIL 30 AND MAY 9
BACCALAUREATE AND COMMENCEMENT Don’t miss a special time of celebration and commissioning as Ozark sends another class of kingdom leaders into the harvest field. BACCALAUREATE
COMMENCEMENT
Thursday, April 30, 9:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.
OCC Chapel
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OCC Multi-Purpose Building
COMING SOON
MAY 26-29
BRANSON CONFERENCE HANG TOUGH: A Series in the Book of Job
Spend the week at the beautiful Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri. Speakers: Ken Idleman, President Matt Proctor, and Bible study leader Gerald Griffin. Worship with Matt Stafford. Register now at occ.edu/branson.
JUNE 14-19
CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY Especially for students entering ninth grade through graduating seniors! Creative Arts Academy is a weeklong creative arts camp on the campus of OCC. Choose from 12 tracks led by professional artists—photography, filmmaking, music, drama, and more. Early bird registration closes March 15. Learn more at occ.edu/caa.
JUNE-JULY:
AMBASSADOR SPORTS CAMPS Every summer, the OCC Athletics Department hosts sports camps for kids in grades 3-12. Send your future Ambassador to join us at one of the camps below! Register at occ.edu/sportscamps.
BASKETBALL: Grades 3-5 Boys and Girls Day Camp: June 3-5
Grades 6-8 Junior High Girls: June 7-10 Junior High Boys: June 14-17
Grades 9-12 High School Girls: June 10-12 High School Boys: June 21-25
VOLLEYBALL: Grades 6-8 Junior High Girls 1: June 17-19 Junior High Girls 2: June 29-July 1 TO INFORM
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ALUMNI PROJECT
LEGACY SOCIETY 24
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HERE’S AN IDEA
12 Podcasts to Help Preachers We asked a few Ozark alumni for podcasts helpful to their preaching. They all mentioned other preachers they listen to, but here are 12 non-sermonic podcasts—six Christian and six secular—that sharpen their thinking, provide great stories, and illuminate the culture in which they preach. (Note: This is not an endorsement of all podcast content.)
6 CHRISTIAN PODCASTS
6 SECULAR PODCASTS
The Bible Project A biblical scholar and an animator help people read the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.
Every Thought Captive Three OCC professors discuss culture, ministry, and theology.
The Way I Heard It Master storyteller Mike Rowe is this generation’s Paul Harvey.
Revisionist History Bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell examines overlooked historical events.
Consider This The Sunnybrook Christian Church staff discuss theological and practical topics.
Carey Nieuwhof Leadership A preacher interviews a fascinating variety of Christian leaders.
Freakonomics Radio Journalist Stephen Dubner and economist Steven Levitt discuss surprising socioeconomic topics for a general audience.
Prairie Home Companion Storyteller Garrison Keillor illustrates grace in ordinary small-town life.
Word Matters Two young Baptist scholars tackle confusing, controversial biblical texts.
The Homilist An Ozark grad seeks to encourage, educate, and entertain those in the preaching ministry.
This American Life NPR gathers thematic true stories with humor, interesting ideas, and plot twists.
Something You Should Know Host Mike Carruthers interviews top experts in a variety of fields for fascinating, fun life advice.
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YOUR PARTNERSHIP
Jim Dalrymple serves as OCC’s vice president of advancement and professor of New Testament and church leadership.
PAUL’S LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT Jim Dalrymple When the apostle Paul knew his time was short, he did what anyone would do in his situation: he made sure his affairs were in order. According to scholars, Paul’s second letter to Timothy had many attributes of a last will and testament. What did Paul leave behind? Paul left Timothy his greatest treasure—the gospel! But before his departure, Paul encouraged Timothy to be faithful with all that Paul was leaving in his care. Paul did this in three ways:
An Encouragement to Remember
Paul reminded Timothy of the legacy of this faith that was being passed on to him. Like a grandfather telling familiar family stories, Paul beckoned Timothy to remember the sincere faith of his predecessors. Just a few simple names would have kindled this reminder in Timothy’s young mind. We, too, should remember those who passed their faith to us. Paul encouraged Timothy, “Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (3:14). Paul’s reminder encouraged Timothy to remain faithful.
An Encouragement to Remain
Paul did not shelter Timothy from the difficulties that would come with this
legacy of faith. Instead, Paul encouraged him to share in suffering (2:3). Paul warned Timothy that some would oppose the truth (3:8). Three times Paul said, “But you, Timothy…” (3:10, 14; 4:5). Some loved self, loved money, loved pleasure, but Timothy was called to love God (3:2-4). Demas loved this present world (4:10), but Timothy was called to love Jesus’ appearing (4:8). Timothy was to carry on the faith of Paul, who said in protest while facing death, “I know whom I have believed and am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (1:12). It is in this spirit that Paul entrusted to Timothy this task of sharing the gospel with others.
An Encouragement to Remind
Paul’s legacy would continue through Timothy. Paul encouraged him, saying, “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2:1). Paul’s ministry was coming to its finish line (4:6-7), but Timothy was yet to fulfill his (4:5). So Paul encouraged him to be a worker who “rightly handled the word of truth” (2:15) and who would “preach the word” (4:2). Timothy was a living extension of Paul’s teaching, conduct, aim in life, and faith (3:10). In this way, Paul believed that the
TRIBUTE GIFTS AUGUST 16-DECEMBER 13, 2019 IN MEMORY OF Ron Briggs Lenora Briggs Barbara Ferguson M/M Al Riddle M/M Myron D. Williams Wilbur Fields M/M R. Keith Corum M/M C. Robert Hine M/M James B. Ransom Marcy L. Ray Alice Fishback M/M R. Keith Corum
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Gary Fisher Philip A. Scott Harold Fowler Kay A. Kendall Lynn Gardner M/M Cecil Todd Connie Graham Glenn L. Graham M/M C. Robert Hine Jill Jacobs Anderson M/M Perry D. Anderson Ira S. (Smitty) Kannel The Greer Family
gospel would continue to be passed down through Timothy to future generations. Paul strategically entrusted his greatest treasure to his son in the faith. Today, sociologists and statisticians tell us that we are undergoing one of the greatest generational transitions in history. Like Paul, now is our chance to be strategic about passing on the gospel and our ministry task to the next generation. Who are you encouraging? Who are you entrusting? What legacy will you leave? At Ozark Christian College, for over 75 years we have stayed focused on one mission: training men and women for Christian service. Today, we continue this ministry of preparing students who will rightly handle the truth and preach the word. Thank you for giving generously to OCC! Your gift to OCC is multiplied through the hundreds of kingdom workers we train each year.
Harold Keely Maxine Keely
Walter and Viola Puckett M/M Dallas W. Puckett
Norma Lang M/M J. Ray Lang Janna Stoker
Adam Ransom M/M James B. Ransom
Judy Lanham David M. Lanham
Bryan and Amber Rowoth M/M Paul Rowoth
David Main M/M Elmer Neel
Jace Smothers OCC students, faculty, and staff
John Manning Bonnie Manning
Elva Steen M/M K. Craig Woolsey
Mary McIntosh Leah M. McIntosh
Kiley Taft Timothy G. Taft
Amy Mintz M/M Merle E. Mintz
Carol Vernon M/M Lance A. Tamerius
Nancy Puckett M/M Dallas W. Puckett
Dick Williams Sandra Abernathy
College Heights Christian Church (Joplin) Judy K. Greer M/M Steve F. Jennings M/M James H. Mabie M/M Doug Miller M/M Paul M. Sandy Angie K. Schroeder Diana Wills M/M C. Robert Hine Charles and Dorothy Wittenborn M/M David Wittenborn IN HONOR OF Kyle Idleman Donald Willis Les and Sue Scott Patricia Roane
ALUMNI NEWS
OZARK ON THE GO Troy Nelson
OCC is excited to announce our 2020 Alumni Project: Ozark on the Go! You can’t spell “gospel” without “G-O,” and for over 75 years, OCC students have been on the go. Camp teams, Lord’s Reapers teams, Impact Brass and Singers, Frontline, athletics teams, and more have piled into buses and vans to represent Christ all over the country. Last year alone, Ozark students traveled more than 617,000 road miles for the sake of the mission. Ozark really is on the go! But we need your help to keep going. Our aging van fleet needs to be replaced, so we’ve made it our focus for this year’s
Alumni Project. This year, we’ve set a goal of $150,000 for two initiatives: 1. $75,000 toward the purchase of two new vans for our fleet 2. $75,000 toward our need-based grants for students Your gift to these two initiatives will help put students in our classrooms and in our van seats—students who will end up going to schools and churches and camps with the gospel. Will you consider being a part of this project? You can set up your one-time or monthly gift at occ.edu/donate. Thank you for helping us keep Ozark on the go!
Troy Nelson serves as alumni engagement director at OCC.
ALUMNI PROJECT GOAL: $150,000
$75,000 TWO NEW VANS
$75,000 NEED-BASED GRANTS
OCC.EDU/DONATE TO CONNECT
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ALUMNI NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS Nathan (08) and Katie Martin on the birth of their second child, Anderson Gene, in June. Nathan serves as principal of the Tri-County Christian School in Macon, Missouri.
WITH SYMPATHY Please lift up in prayer the families of the following alumni who have passed away in recent weeks.
David (11) and Katie Heffren on the birth of Adelaide Carol on January 4. David serves as associate minister of Town and Country Christian Church in Topeka, Kansas.
Pray for the loved ones of Deanna (Sapp) Bolen (64), who lost her battle with cancer in Nixa, Missouri, on April 3—her birthday.
Shane (13) and Samantha Wyly on the birth of Janessa Lynn on September 17. Shane serves as pastor of student ministries at Washington Avenue Christian Church in Amarillo, Texas.
Our deepest sympathy is with the family and friends of Dick Williams (56/former staff), who passed away in Joplin on November 14.
Josiah and Alex (Swafford) Brazle (16) on the birth of Juniper River on October 30. Josiah works as a facilities manager at Asbell Companies in Carl Junction, Missouri, and Alex is a stay-at-home mom.
Zach (16) and Chelsea (Martin) Wilkins (14) on the birth of their second son, Ezra, born December 4 in Franklin, Indiana. Zach serves as student minister at Victory Christian Church in Franklin.
CLASS NOTES: 1960s Bob (66) and Carol Ammerman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Bob is retired from ministries in Miami, Oklahoma; Longmont, Colorado; Jeffersonville, Indiana; and St. Louis Christian College as well as 22 years with the U.S. Postal Service. The Ammermans live in New Albany, Indiana. They have three children and ten grandchildren.
1970s Wanda (Hinderliter) Polson (78) serves as the finance secretary at Harvest Ridge Covenant Church in Shawnee, Kansas.
1980s In January, Kevin Bayless (88) began serving as lead pastor with Galesburg Christian Church in Galesburg, Kansas. In June 2019, Craig Ziese (88) celebrated 20 years with Mountainview Christian Church in Gresham, Oregon, where he serves as the discipleship pastor.
Looking for some new Ozark gear? Shop online at occ.edu/store.
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ALUMNI NEWS
2000s
2010s
In 2013, Michael (05) and Megan (Elmore) Brown (04) launched Thrive Christian Church and Insight Leadership in Fayetteville, Arkansas. They recently adopted a little girl to add to their family of three boys. Megan works as a freelance writer and is preparing to begin graduate studies.
In February 2019, Bryce (12) and Kelsey (Green) Hotchkiss (12) began serving at Batesville Christian Church in Batesville, Indiana. They welcomed their second child, Brannigan Steele, on April 18. Kelsey works as a certified pediatric sleep consultant with Sleep Wise Consulting.
Doron Jones (07) serves as connections pastor at Southeast Christian Church. The Jones family lives in Simpsonville, Kentucky.
Jennifer (McCombs) Huff (15) is serving as a stay-at-home mom and nanny in Reeds, Missouri. She and her husband, Ethan, attend Carterville Christian Church in Carterville, Missouri.
In December, Adam Schetzler (08) began serving as children’s minister at Crossroads Christian Church in Macon, Missouri. Congratulations to Tracy Fanning (09) on her marriage to Timothy Kaebisch on August 24. The couple resides in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
Grace Funderburgh (17) lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where she serves as resource director and multicultural worship leader with Proskuneo Ministries, a multicultural community that exists to help the body of Christ see, live, and share the vision of Jesus-centered multicultural worshiping communities among all peoples on earth as in heaven. Kellie (Gardner) Kramer (17) serves as youth minister with the Norton Christian Church in Norton, Kansas.
We’d love to hear from you! Submit your ministry or family update at occ.edu/alumni. We’ll print your news in the next available issue.
Nate Wesley (17) and his wife Makenzie are making their home in Northwest Arkansas, where Makenzie works as the manager for Scott Frame & Art in Bentonville and Nate serves as operations manager for The Pack Shack in Cave Springs. The Pack Shack is a non-profit hunger relief organization that supplies provisions and opportunities for neighbors in need. Kristin (Youts) Brown (17) has served on the faculty of Aztec High School of Aztec, New Mexico, for two-and-a-half years. On July 16, she became engaged to Brian Brown of Grants, New Mexico. Brian is an ordained minister and currently attending Jimmy Swaggart Bible College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The wedding is planned for the summer of 2020. Lenox Johnson (18) lives in Littleton, Colorado, as she pursues a Master of Arts in the New Testament at Denver Seminary. She also serves as youth minister at Foothills Fellowship Baptist Church in Littleton. Logan (19) and Vanessa (Cox) Carrigan (18) were married on October 13. Logan serves as associate minister at Christ’s Church-Ft. Wayne in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
PUBLICATIONS The Starting Five: Five Essentials to Make the Team Better by John Blankenship (94/98) and Dr. Dwaine Cales. Available on Amazon.
Joy Comes in the Mourning: A Directed Journal Through Grief by Ginger (Weaver) Bogle (85/former staff). Available at gingerbogle.com.
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ALUMNI BOOKS
What Made Jesus Mad? Tim Harlow (OCC ’83)
Retelling Bible stories in a refreshing, eye-opening way, Harlow offers an unforgettable reintroduction to the true character of Jesus and invites us to get to know the Savior who was gracious but also blunt, sometimes sarcastic, and wildly passionate about bringing people to the heart of God.
Core 52
Mark E. Moore (OCC ’86) You want to know the Bible better because you know the Bible will make you better. But where should you start? And how can you progress past the confusing parts? Core 52 is your guide through the maze of a very big book. From OCC’s online professor, Mark E. Moore.
Between Two Trees Shane J. Wood (OCC ’04)
“Shane Wood knows the meta-narrative of Scripture like few others, but what is more important is that he lives its principles every day. Be sure to read Between Two Trees and cultivate the growth and nurture the fruit within.” - Kyle Idleman (OCC ’98), Teaching Pastor Southeast Christian Church, KY
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Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage PAID Joplin, MO 64801 Permit No. 62
1111 N Main St Joplin, MO 64801 Change service requested
ONE MORE THING
A final thought from our editor Amy Storms is a wife, mother, Strong Hall dorm mom, and director of marketing and communications at OCC.
PREACH. Amy Storms When my kids were young, we practiced a Bible memory work project from the book of Philippians. We repeated the passage aloud several times, using different voices to make memorizing more fun. “Now let’s say it in a cowboy voice,” I said, and we recited our verses with a drawl. “This time, let’s say it like a mouse,” and together we squeaked through the text. Finally, my youngest daughter, then about six years old, had an idea. “Let’s say it like Dudley Rutherford!” I smiled. We lived in Southern California at the time, and she had heard the OCC grad preach at our church the Sunday before. “Okay,” I said, intrigued. “How will that sound?” Molly leaned back and sucked in a big breath. Then, she let it out in a yell: “PAUL AND TIMOTHY! SERVANTS OF CHRIST JESUS! TO ALL THE SAINTS IN CHRIST JESUS AT PHILIPPI!” 1 2 3
2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 4:2 2 Timothy 4:5
My daughter had learned what thousands of people already knew: Pastor Dudley can preach. As a mom, I’m thankful for the preachers my kids have grown up hearing each week. As a dorm mom, I’m proud of the many young preachers training at Ozark. And as a preacher’s kid, I’m amazed at the hours my dad spent in study and preparation, how he stepped up to the pulpit every Sunday (even after late-night hospital calls on Saturday)... and how thousands of preachers around the world do the same, week after week, not for their own glory, but for God’s. Preacher, may I tell you two things? First, thank you. Thank you for your dedication to God’s Word. Thank you for “rightly handling the word of truth”1 in every sermon, and for “correcting, rebuking, and encouraging—with great patience and careful instruction.”2 Thank you for faithfully proclaiming the gospel to the senior saint who has heard it many times, and to the six-year-old taking it all in. Thank you!
And second, don’t stop. We need you. How we need you. In a world where the person with the most social media “likes” wins the battle, we need you to remind us of God’s Word that wins the war. We need you to “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry.”3 We need your unseen hours of Spirit-led preparation. We need your humility and your boldness. Don’t stop! Preacher, your hours are long, and sometimes your listeners won’t listen. Thank you for answering the call anyway. This week, when you step up to your pulpit, may you take in a big breath and let it out as you boldly proclaim the truth. May you preach.
