the magazine of ozark christian college
Soul Care
SUMMER 2015 BUILDING BELOW THE WATERLINE Why the unseen work of the soul is most important p. 4 WHAT IS SOUL CARE? Peter Buckland explores the process of growing in Christlikeness p. 6 Matt Stafford, leading with a worshiper’s heart p. 19
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CONTENTS TO INSPIRE President’s Perspective Matt Proctor
A compelling lesson from the Brooklyn Bridge
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Featured Theme Peter Buckland
Caring for the soul to become like Christ
Where Does the Time Go?
How Americans spent their time in 2014
New Testament Words Kenny Boles
An in-depth look at the language of Scripture
Vital Signs Randy Gariss
Ten measures of a leader’s wholeness
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TO INFORM Campus News
12 The Big Picture A snapshot of life around campus 16 Meet Your OCC Family Introducing Ozark faculty member, Matt Stafford 19 Coming Soon Upcoming events at OCC 20 Recent happenings at OCC
TO CONNECT Here’s an Idea Dru Ashwell
Practical tips for your life and ministry from our editor
Your Partnership David Duncan
Helpful tools for Christian stewardship
Alumni News
Updates from alumni around the world
One More Thing Amy Storms
A final thought from our assistant editor
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The Ambassador magazine is published four times each year to inspire, inform and connect the Ozark Christian College family. Editorial Team: Dru Ashwell, Jill English, Amy Storms, Kathy Bowers, Jim Dalrymple Graphic Design: Little Bird Marketing Photo Contributors: Mitch Piercy, David Summerlin Contact Us: Ozark Christian College 1111 N. Main Joplin, MO 64801 alumni@occ.edu
The ultimate mission of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The immediate mission of OCC is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
BUILDING BELOW THE WATERLINE: Doing the Unseen Work in a Leader’s Soul Matt Proctor progress had been made for months on the New York tower—the Manhattan side of the river. While the Brooklyn tower rose 100 feet above the water, the top of the New York tower was still 78 feet below the river, where no one could see it.
Building Below the Waterline Pictured here with wife Katie, Matt Proctor has served as president of Ozark Christian College since 2006.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a New York City icon. Built in the 1870s, it spans the East River to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. During its construction, controversy arose. It seemed to the watching public that no
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So in June 1872, the chief engineer of the project wrote: “To such of the general public as might imagine that no work had been done on the New York tower, because they see no evidence of it above the water, I should simply remark that the amount of the masonry and concrete laid on that foundation during the past winter, under water, is equal in quantity to the entire
masonry of the Brooklyn tower visible today above the waterline” (italics added).1 The Brooklyn Bridge still stands today when many bridges built around the same time have been replaced. It has endured to serve the people of New York City for almost 150 years. Why? Because, as Gordon MacDonald explains, “the chief engineer and his construction team did their most patient and daring work where no one could see it: on the foundations of the towers below the waterline. “It is one more illustration of an ageless principle in leadership: the work done below the waterline (in a leader’s soul) is what determines whether he or she will
David McCullough, The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge, Simon and Schuster, 1972, p. 289.
TO INSPIRE right when he says, “Leaders blessed with great natural skills and charisma may be vulnerable to collapse in their character, their key relationships, and their center of belief because they never learned that one cannot (or should not) build above the waterline until there is a substantial foundation below it.”3 That’s why 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9—the primary New Testament texts describing a spiritual leader—place the emphasis, not on a leader’s skills, but squarely on a leader’s soul. Of the sixteen qualities listed in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, only two describe a leader’s ability, whereas fourteen describe a leader’s dependability. “Competence matters,” says Paul, “but character comes first and it’s not even close.” Thus Paul’s words in 1 Timothy 4:16, “Watch your life...closely.” Or as another translation puts it, “Pay attention to your soul.”
stand the test of time and challenge. This work is called worship, devotion, spiritual discipline. It’s done in quiet, where no one but God sees.”2
The New Testament Emphasis: A Leader’s Soul
I have an entire bookcase filled with leadership books—wisdom from writers like John Maxwell, Jim Collins, James Kouzes, Barry Posner, Patrick Lencioni, Peter Drucker, and John Kotter. Great stuff! I have learned about communicating vision, building healthy organizational culture, pursuing effective strategy, resolving team conflicts, and mentoring up-and-coming leaders. I’ve found their insights helpful and shared them with my students. But the longer I’m around, the more I’m convinced: if leaders focus only on what’s above the waterline, they’ll crumble in the years ahead. Gordon MacDonald is
equip a student’s hands with skills, but not many colleges call a student’s heart into a deeper obedience to Christ. Ruth Barton warns, “We set young leaders up for a fall if we encourage them to envision what they can do before they consider the kind of person they should be.” So spiritual formation is at the core of what we do. Through specific classes, weekly chapel, Life Groups, godly examples in staff and faculty, student life guidelines, Christian service opportunities, special campus emphases, and many prayers offered on their behalf, we seek to cultivate each student’s spiritual maturity. In this issue of The Ambassador, new Campus Minister Randy Gariss will sketch what a life of spiritual wholeness looks like, while Professor Peter Buckland will describe the process of cultivating spiritual maturity.
“Soul work must come before church work. The prayer closet must come before the pulpit.” Soul work must come before church work. The prayer closet must come before the pulpit, personal devotion before public ministry, deeper life with Christ before wider leadership for Christ. Without a strong interior life, a spiritual leader cannot sustain an effective, God-honoring ministry. The New Testament is clear: you cannot grow a healthy church without growing a healthy soul.
Head, Hands and Heart
Of course, it’s not a perfect process, and like all discipleship, it can be three steps forward, two steps back. Believe it or not, not every 18- to 22-year-old is always thinking first about a “strong interior life”! But every student at Ozark hears the charge: “Pay attention to your soul.” Soul work is slow, patient, and often unseen work. But the lesson from the Brooklyn Bridge: it’s worth it. Only a leader with firm foundations below the waterline will stand the test of time.
That’s part of what makes Ozark Christian College unique. Most universities fill a student’s head with information and
2 Gordon MacDonald, Building Below the Waterline: Shoring Up the Foundations of Leadership, Hendrickson, 2011, p. 1. 3
Ibid, p. 2.
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FEATURED THEME
SOUL CARE: Becoming Like Christ to Reflect Him to the World Peter Buckland
Peter Buckland has taught Christian Education and Family Ministry at OCC since 1997.
Caring for others is so deeply ingrained in us that we can easily overlook self-care. We can mistake preaching, teaching, counseling, serving, missions travel, and special events as so nutritious for our souls that we feel we don’t need any more time with the Lord. Eventually, we’ll feel empty, confused, and lonely. But with intentional soul care, we can experience thriving spiritual growth in the midst of our very busy lives.
What Is Soul Care? Soul care is the process through which we grow into Christlikeness. In Romans 8:29, Paul writes that God intends to conform our thoughts, feelings and actions to display Jesus to the world. God focuses His efforts through the renewing of our minds and our daily collaboration with the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2 and 8:12-13). But conformity to Christ, renewed minds, and cooperation with the Spirit aren’t achieved through the completion of a checklist of dos and don’ts in our faith, or through the faithful completion of ministerial duties. Instead, transforming spiritual growth is achieved through daily submission (often through struggle) to the will and work of God in our lives.
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The central feature of soul care is our devotion to God brought about through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The first commandment to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37-38) is made possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice for us. It is through His cross and resurrection that we are reconciled to God through forgiveness (2 Corinthians 5:17-20). We are made new by His work, not ours, and soul care practices put us in touch with His transforming power. This first commandment is expressed through obedience to God, not just through an emotional experience of feeling love. John stated this important truth in 1 John 5:3-4. “This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world.” Obedience is difficult at times, but for a heart devoted to God, it’s not burdensome. The result of our devotion to God is the formation of Christ’s character in us (Romans 8:29). Paul draws our attention to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control as an expression of our new Christlike identity produced by the power of the Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:2223). This new way of living continues Jesus’ ministry on earth through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Sharing the gospel and obeying everything that Jesus taught are integral features of soul care. God blesses what His heart is in, and the ongoing ministry of His Son receives His great blessings.
Nuts and Bolts of Spiritual Growth
God has woven the need for personal soul care into the very fabric of our lives. The expression of Jesus in and through our lives, a wholehearted devotion to God, the renewal of our minds, an obedient daily lifestyle empowered by the Holy Spirit, and an active participation in the Great Commission are all too difficult to achieve in our own power. Often we can feel like God requires the impossible from us. Indeed, from our perspective He does. We can cry out like the father of the demon-possessed boy in Mark 9:23-24, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” But, the seemingly impossible can become a reality through the faithful daily care of our souls. Biblical spiritual formation occurs through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. When the truths of Romans 12:2 and 8:12-13 are combined, our willingness to let God transform us (12:2) and our active obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit (8:12-13) provide the nuts and bolts of the spiritual growth process. We must be willing to let God change us. Jeremiah reminds us that our hearts are deceitful above all things and beyond cure (Jeremiah 17:9). Even as Christians, our thoughts, feelings, and actions can deceive us. Each day we must walk in humility before God, recognizing that His Word— and not our own thoughts and feelings—is the light of our lives (Micah 6:8). We must also pray throughout our day in order to walk with the Holy Spirit. The power of God is made available through prayer, not just once or twice a day, but prayer throughout the day. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul admonishes us to pray in the Spirit. This type of prayer is not mystical
TO INSPIRE
or tongues speaking. To pray in the Spirit means to pray about what the Spirit is interested in, rather than about our own interests. Also, prayer activates the indwelling Spirit to provide wisdom in an instant (James 1:5, Nehemiah 2:4-5), to guide our use of the Word (Ephesians 5:17), and to give us the strength that we need to obey in the moment (Romans 8:12-13).
God’s Action Plan Paul tells us in Colossians 3:1-17 what action we must take to provide care for our souls. Spiritual growth does not happen by accident. Rather, it happens through the methods God has ordained. First, we are to set our minds on the truths of God (Colossians 3:1-4). Our brains naturally influence us to act on whatever we are thinking, and God desires to help make our obedience easier for us. When we focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy, we are empowered to more easily act in these ways (Philippians 4:8). But the opposite is also true: “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Second, we are to stop thinking and acting in sinful ways. Paul tells us to put to death sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lies (Colossians 3:5-9). He teaches that the Holy Spirit provides the power to “deaden” these sins (Romans 8:12-13), and Jesus Himself talks about ridding our lives of them (Luke 9:23). Third, we are to start thinking and acting in Christlike ways. Because we are so loved by God, we are to be people
who are compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, forgiving, loving, peaceable, and grateful (Colossians 3:12-17). These characteristics are what Paul meant in Romans 8:29, when he said that God wants to conform our thoughts, feelings, and actions to show the world who Jesus is.
More Steps Toward Soul Care What else can we do to care for our souls? Here are some specific steps to practice regularly.
will change you to reflect them. As you think and pray about the truth, the truth becomes a part of you. • Partner with a person of the same sex to be your spiritual journeyer and prayer advocate. • Imagine who you would be as a mature Christian, write out a description of this person, and pray that God will form you into that description.
“God has woven the need for personal soul care into the very fabric of our lives.” • Set your mind each day before getting out of bed. Thank God for his provision for you during the night, offer yourself to Him in humility to be His servant, and clothe yourself with the character of Christ. Specifically, ask God to increase the character traits of Colossians 3:12-17. Then, get up. When you are rushed, pray as you go through your morning, but work to pray soon after you rise. • Choose spiritual formation activities and spiritual disciplines that fill you with the Word of God. Biblical meditation focuses on Bible memorization and thinking about spiritual truths throughout the day. The fastest way to learn to act like Jesus under stress is to fill your mind with the truths of Scripture and pray that God
• Slow down! Take time to personally study and worship God more than on Sunday or Wednesday. Plan devotional time in the morning and build in 5-10 minutes of prayer, memorization, or thinking time at least three additional times throughout your day. Join God’s method for the care of your soul, and He will transform you, empower you, and enable you to thrive as you dedicate your life to Him. He will not fail to sustain you as you express the living Christ to the world around you.
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7.0 hours
8.0 hours 4.2 hours
How Americans spent their time in 2014
.14 hours
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.26 hours
2.02 hours
Sleep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hours Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Hours TV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Hours, 12 Minutes Online. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hours, 24 Minutes Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hours, 1 Minute Sports/Recreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Minutes Religious & Spiritual Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Minutes
2.4 hours
Crowded schedules lead to crowded hearts and minds, but the person who follows after Christ makes time for soul care. How about you? How much time do you devote each day to worship, Bible study, prayer and Christian community? *Taken from the U.S. Department of Labor’s American Time Use Survey – 2014 and Statista’s Average Daily Media Use in the United States.
NEW TESTAMENT WORDS
TO INSPIRE
Kenny Boles
WHO CARES? Kenny Boles
TRIBUTE GIFTS APRIL 1– JUNE 16, 2015 In Loving Memory: Lloyd Austin Margaret Boatman Ron Briggs Ruth Bunton
Kenny Boles taught Greek and New Testament for 45 years. Find more New Testament Words at www.occ.edu/words.
“What is there in the lives of men that the so-called ‘men-loving’ gods care about?” For one ancient Cynic quoted in Eusebius, the answer was clear: “The gods have no love at all for mankind.” And since the gods didn’t care about men, why should men care about God? In fact, why should men care—about anything? The Greek word for “care” was melei (MEL aye). It meant to weigh on the mind, to call for some kind of responsibility, to be a concern. It meant that someone was paying attention; someone cared! In the New Testament, the word is often found in a negative sense. (Perhaps the Cynic would feel vindicated in his negative view of men and gods!) A hired hand, for instance, cares nothing for the sheep and abandons them in the face of danger (John 10:13). Judas Iscariot cared nothing for the poor, and just wanted to steal money from the disciples’ shared moneybox (John 12:6). Gallio the proconsul showed no concern whatsoever when Sosthenes was beaten up in his presence (Acts 18:17). Sometimes the charge of not caring was even leveled against Jesus. In the middle of a terrifying storm on the Sea of Galilee, the disciples cried out, “Don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38). In a quieter setting, Martha said, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (Luke 10:40). In an odd and insincere compliment, the Pharisees told Jesus, “You care for no man, for you do not look upon the face” (Matt 22:16). Doesn’t anybody care? The wonderful answer is yes. Peter encourages all of us, “Cast all your anxiety on God, because He cares for you” (1 Pet 5:7). The ancient Greeks—especially the Cynics— would have thought this to be very ungodlike, but God’s great heart is tender. He cares!
M/M David A. Duncan Sharon Butler Caille Lenora Briggs M/M Orville Bailey M/M Lendon Blanchard Roberta Braxdale Kristie Bunton M/M Marty Bunton (Seed and Farm Supply) Virginia Bunton Barbara Carter Helen M. Chesnut M/M Terry Cook Lois Crowe M/M Jim Davenport M/M Steve L. Davis M/M Gary W. Fast M/M Lester Fast M/M Bob Gariss M/M Michael Giebel M/M Marion Giger Betty J. Gilkey M/M Stephen R. Gilkey Linda L. Hagins Rose F. Higgins Anna M. Hillsman M/M Lowell T. Hoffman M/M Ben C. Killion M/M Kyle Kirby (Kirby Farms) Peggy Lentz M/M Greg Little Saundra Loveall M/M Don Lucietta M/M Rocky McCulloch M/M David R. McMillin M/M Douglas Miller M/M Gail Miller M/M Darrel Morrison M/M Darren Morrison M/M Kevin D. Moyers M/M John Noyes Charlotte Palmer M/M Scott Parker M/M Jeff Phillippi M/M Mike Polston M/M Gene Proctor M/M Mark D. Proctor M/M Jack A. Purinton, Jr. M/M Eugene Robertson family M/M Steve A. Slinker M/M Donald Steen President Julie Sullivan, University of Saint Thomas, Saint Paul, MN M/M Henry A. Taffner Brad Thomas and B. Anderson, International Chemical Company, Tulsa, OK Loeta Thompson M/M Clifford E. Wert Dr. and Mrs. Woody Wilkinson Betty L. Wolf M/M Bruce Wolf Charles Wood M/M Brice C. Wurdeman
Continued on page 24
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FEATURED THEME
VITAL SIGNS:
Ten Traits of a Whole and Healthy Soul Randy Gariss the only thing that was “made in His image,” after “His kind.” To be a human being means to love Him, follow Him, pursue Him, know Him…anything else is to lose both Him and ourselves.
Randy Gariss serves as Campus Minister and director of OCC’s new Life and Ministry Preparation Center.
Editor’s Note: In today’s church, a leader’s effectiveness is often measured by numbers— the number attending services, the number baptized, the number of dollars in the budget or square footage in the building. What if, in addition to measuring effectiveness, we also measured a leader’s wholeness? What would we use to evaluate the health of a leader’s soul? Randy Gariss offers ten spiritual vital signs every leader should check.
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Micah 6:8 says, “What does the Lord require of you?...To walk humbly with your God.” This is more than simply having daily devotions or a prayer time; it is to anchor my life to the conviction that “I am the sheep of His pasture,” and “He is my shepherd.” It is this truth that will drive every other aspect of my life.
So if I lived a whole life, what would it look like?
2. A Handful of Godly Friends. We are told to be the “companions of the wise.” Even if you are Elijah and can raise the dead and call down fire from heaven, the absence of godly companions will be part of the reason you are weeping in the desert and so discouraged you want to die. It was Elisha who played a key role in Elijah’s finishing strong. It is Jonathan and “David’s mighty men” who explain much about David.
A paraphrase of Stephen Leacock’s quote, “He rushed madly out the door and flung himself in all directions,” is the metaphor of our day. But I don’t want to live a fool’s life. I want to live the life of a wise man. I don’t want to live by crisis, I don’t want to play for the crowd, I don’t want to hop on the merry-go-round of fads. I want to hear His applause.
Needing friends is not a personality trait, but a core component. Recently in a conversation with a tired and discouraged veteran kingdom worker, I asked about his close, godly friends. The heartbreaking response was, “I thought friendships were a luxury I had to give up.” I think Jesus wept again.
The following areas appear to be the things I am accountable for in God’s sight. And each seems to be essential; that is, to leave behind even one of them would be to leave behind the life of wisdom. To leave even one behind would spoil the rest. 1. A Heart of Worship. We were made for intimacy with God. In all of creation, we are
Of course, life is fluid and there will always be change. We’ll regularly have to be giving up “these friends” for the making of new ones. But friendliness will not substitute for friends. Investing in friendship is a lifelong pursuit. 3. Faithfully Living Out Your Role in Your Family. We were born and we will die in a
family. There is both privilege and responsibility in that. Whether you are 13, 33, or 93, there are vital roles you must understand and embrace. God takes an incredibly serious view of this family thing! In Malachi, He did not accept their worship in His house because of what was happening in their houses. He called their marriages “His”; regardless of whose names are on the marriage license, the marriage covenant is with Him. Peter tells us how to stop our prayer life with God: just violate my role with my wife in my marriage. The tragedy of Eli is about far more than his sons. It’s the tragedy of one who desires to advance the kingdom, but neglects to do what is right in his own family.
“No matter how great the opportunity or high the demands…I am a fool if I long neglect the care of the whole.” 4. Take Up the Towel and Basin for the Cause of Christ. The horse wasn’t made for the stable; he was born to run—just as a man was made to serve God. Peter was told, “If you love Me, then feed My sheep.” Paul says there are “good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.” Life doesn’t have enough trinkets and bobbles to ever substitute or make up for this calling. “So send I you,” Jesus said—sent to the lost sheep, to the saved sheep, to the wounded sheep, to the little ones, to the imprisoned ones, to the least of these. It’s there, He said, you will find your life.
TO INSPIRE
5. Work Hard, and Learn to Enjoy Your Work. Work is a part of how God made us, and it precedes sin and the fall. In fact, Adam is at work even before he meets Eve. Solomon describes work as “a gift of God.” In Proverbs we are repeatedly reminded that the fool always struggles with work. There is no doubt work is an acquired taste, and one must stay at it long enough in order to discover the pleasure in it. But the wise do so and fools do not. (Like “smoke in the eyes,” the lazy are described.) When you make your list of spiritual things, sweat needs to go on the list. A question you must ask at the end of the day is, “Did I work hard?” 6. Rest. Why didn’t God design us so that 20 minutes of sleep per night would get us through the next 24 hours? But not only did He create us with the need for sleep, He even designed our week with one day of rest. Mark Buchanan, author of The Rest of God, is right when he warns that without enough rest, you can’t even care about the things you care about. A heart will lose its way in exhaustion about as easily as it does so in wickedness. In Mark 6:31, Jesus says to the disciples, “Come with Me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Rest—it, too, is part of who we are.
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7. Solitude. It plays a significant role in the making of disciples. The examples of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Paul, and others show a pattern too obvious to ignore. Notice the example of Jesus: from the 40 days of fasting, to the patterns of His mornings, to the way He spent the last year of His ministry, all these things remind us of His regular use of solitude. He teaches it as an essential for prayer. Life lived in the middle of an eight-lane highway will cause the trivial and the important to all look alike. In solitude, we are able to sort out what we believe and what we value. Without it, life is pureed and lost. 8. Stewardship of Your Body. Your soul and spirit are placed in this frail jar of clay called a body, which will house them all of the days you’re on earth. If your soul and spirit are to go anywhere on this soil, your body is the vessel that carries them, and it must last you to the end. To neglect its care is to destroy your ability to live life and do ministry. To neglect this stewardship due to a lack of self-discipline is to sabotage your future contribution to the kingdom and the people you love. 9. Stewardship of Your Possessions. Multiple texts remind us that if you can’t be faithful with temporal things, you can’t be faithful with eternal things. The trash on the floor of the car and the unrepaired
screen door are both indictments of an undisciplined life. Elisabeth Elliot, though blunt, was right: “Don’t tell me how much you’ll love and serve Jesus if you won’t discipline yourself enough to clean under your bed.” 10. Creativity. When God made us in His image, He tore off a bit of His creative nature and gave a piece to us. It explains art, music, and books, and yes, even why my father, though retired, still trains colts. It also explains the Psalms from David, and Romans from Paul…what incredible variety! Have you noticed that God left no definite liturgy for worship? It is our creative nature that prevents worship (and everything else we do) from becoming rote, routine, and mechanical. Creativity is one of His sweetest gifts to us. Can we ever “completely succeed” at any of these? Of course not, but I know these are the things I must advance today. And no matter how great the opportunity or high the demands of any one area, I am a fool if I long neglect the care of the whole. For the angry, the unsettled, the discouraged, the fearful, and the restless… perhaps there is a warning bell going off. You have left part of you behind. First published in Christian Standard, May 6, 2007.
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CAMPUS NEWS Congratulations, Class of 2015! At the conclusion of OCC’s commencement ceremony each spring, graduates dismiss—diplomas in hand—to the applause of their faculty. Last May, 136 graduates left the classroom to enter the harvest field.
Food Services Transition We’re excited to announce Teresa Baker as OCC’s new Food Services Director. Teresa has served on our food services staff since 2010, working under previous directors Danon Gale and Rita Peabody. Teresa will provide excellent leadership (and food!), with the help of Jolynn Thamert as Food Services Director Assistant. Jolynn has served at OCC since 2013.
Welcome, New Staff
Gregg (attended) and SuSan (91) Murdock will serve as residence directors in Williamson Hall. Married for 26 years, the Murdocks have six children: Jordan (24), Caleb (23), Malachi (21), Keilah (19), Noah (17) and Padon (14). Malachi and Keilah are current students at OCC. Gregg is the CEO of College Press Publishing where he has served for 28 years. SuSan works at College Heights Christian Church, where Gregg also serves as an elder. Living in Joplin since 1989, Gregg and SuSan have worked with a variety of ministries, including Blackbox International, Life Choices, Neighborhood Life House, God’s Resort and Stained Glass Theatre Joplin. In addition, for the past 15 years, they have operated their own Christian karate school (Gregg is a second-degree black belt and SuSan is also a black belt). Gregg has co-taught OCC’s seminar, “The Life and Legacy of C.S. Lewis,” since 2004. The Murdocks are expecting their first grandchild in November.
Grace Jones (03) has been hired as College Relations Administrative Assistant. Grace and her husband, Adam (01), have ministered for the past nine years in Georgetown, OH. During that time, Grace volunteered in the church and worked as an office manager for a local attorney. The Joneses’ son, Andrew, is ten years old.
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CAMPUS NEWS
TO INFORM
Fall VIPs
Soccer Field Improved
Missionaries Rob (06) and Jody will serve on campus as our Visiting Intercultural Professors (VIPs) this fall. (For their protection overseas, we’re withholding their last name and picture in publications.) Rob and Jody have worked in Northern Africa since 2007, where Rob has trained foreign workers and local believers in discipleship, church planting and evangelism. The couple has three children: Avery (8), Anna (7) and Ashton (2).
We’re excited to have made great improvements to the OCC soccer field this summer, complete with a newly-graded field, new sod and a scoreboard. In past seasons, due to the field’s poor conditions, the Ambassadors have played off campus. This fall, they’re excited to come home. “This soccer field will finally give our soccer team a quality field to play on that they can call their own,” says OCC Athletic Director Chris Lahm. “It will be a great convenience for our fans and student body to be able to watch the matches on campus and always know what the score is and how much time is left.” Ozark is especially grateful to Schuber Mitchell Homes of Webb City, who generously purchased and donated the scoreboard. Kevin Greer, men’s coach for three years, writes, “Soccer is a beautiful game, and it will be fantastic to play it on a beautiful home field this fall.” In addition to the improved playing field, Ozark also added a practice field and sand volleyball pit, located in the field near Dennis Hall.
Tuesday Tours High school juniors, seniors, and transfer students…join us for a Tuesday Tour and receive a $500 OCC scholarship! You must reserve your place through the Admissions office by the Friday before you plan to visit. Read details and registration information at www.occ.edu/tuesdaytour.
Fall 2015 Tuesday Tours: September 8 September 15 (Missions Emphasis) September 29 (Co-Op Emphasis) October 6 October 20 (Preaching Emphasis) October 27 November 3 November 10 (Co-Op Emphasis) November 17 December 3 (Tuesday Tour on a Thursday)
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CAMPUS NEWS OCC Camp Teams
Professors Honored
This summer, Ozark sent out six teams—24 students—to over 50 weeks of summer camps and conferences in 15 different states. Their training began last spring, when camp team members learned recruitment techniques, basic first aid, team-building activities and more. For more information or to request a team at a high school or middle school camp next year, visit www.occ.edu/campteams. Camp team requests are accepted from September through February 1.
Last spring, long-time professors Kenny Boles and Woody Wilkinson concluded their years of full-time teaching at OCC. Both were honored in chapel in May, where President Matt Proctor and Executive Vice President Damien Spikereit presented them with plaques to express our deepest thanks.
Dally Evangelism Award Congratulations to Daniel Finch (pictured below) and Logan Justice, who received the 2015 Irv Dally Evangelism Award last May. Each year, the Alumni Association award is selected by a vote of the senior class and presented to a student who exhibits excellence in evangelism. This year’s vote ended in a tie. Congratulations, Daniel and Logan!
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To Kenny Boles in gratitude for your forty-five years of service as Professor of Greek and New Testament at Ozark Christian College. Your commitment to correctly handling the word of truth, equipping students to read God’s Word carefully, teaching and preaching with clarity and conviction, and your example of faithful Christ-centered ministry are greatly appreciated. Thank you for training the next generation of men and women for Christian service. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:21)
To Woody Wilkinson in gratitude for your twenty-two years of service as Professor of Bible and Philosophy at Ozark Christian College. Your example of lifelong learning, commitment to teaching God’s Word, personal encouragement to students, and tireless preaching in the local church are greatly appreciated. Thank you for training the next generation of men and women for Christian service. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:21)
HEARD IN CHAPEL Our college family continues to be challenged by outstanding messages in Chapel each Tuesday. Listen to the messages at www.OCC.edu/media, or watch the messages on Ozark’s YouTube channel. Here’s a taste of what we’ve heard recently.
“Oh, Christian, why would you want
“Jesus doesn’t notice me because
to play the harlot when you have a
I am prominent. He notices me
Savior like Jesus?”
because I am dependent.”
Dr. Chris DeWelt, 3.3.15 God’s Love: Forgives the Unfaithful www.OCC.edu/media
Jim Dalrymple, 3.31.15 Hard Sayings of Jesus: “Go, Sell All You Have…”
“You cannot follow Jesus without stirring up a little bit of dust.” Kenny Boles, 5.7.15 You Are Sent
WHY WE EXIST
Soon-to-be grads Erin Wickenkamp, Sammi Shultz, Ayla Thomas and Amanda Klein are all smiles before OCC’s 2015 Baccalaureate service on May 15. Last spring, Ozark sent out another 136 workers into the harvest field.
2016 Preaching-Teaching Convention
2015
LEADING THE MULTI-GENERATIONAL CHURCH
FEB. 22-24
SEPT. 19 BEN MEROLD
BRIAN JOBE
Rusty George
Dave Stone
Cam Huxford
Michael DeFazio
Jordan Rice
Shepherd of the Hills Worship Band
Danny Curry
Dudley Rutherford
MEET YOUR OCC FAMILY
TO INFORM
Getting to know the people of Ozark Christian College
MATT STAFFORD, THE PSALMIST’S HEART When Matt Stafford attended Ozark in the 1980s, little did he know he’d someday serve as Chapel minister, Frontline director, Worship Arts faculty, and coordinator for OCC’s Campus Ministry and Worship Production majors. Growing up in Minnesota, Colorado and Texas, Matt was 16 years old when he heard the call to ministry. In high school, he toured with the original Highest Praise team, and as an Ozark student, he traveled with Impact Brass and Singers.
As part of OCC’s Worship Arts faculty, Matt teaches a course on the Book of Psalms. “My favorite passage is Psalm 1,” he says, “because it is wisdom for living a blessed life.”
Matt’s favorite way to spend a day is by doing just about anything outdoors with his family—camping, hiking, backpacking, or astronomy—or by reading a good book.
One Impact Brass concert was especially poignant: after attending that performance, his future wife, Joy Zimmerman, accepted Christ. Matt and Joy met nine months later, and were married in 1986. As a junior at Ozark, Matt began serving with Missouri Southern State University’s campus ministry, Koinonia. From there, Matt and Joy moved to Indiana. They both earned MA degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages at Ball State University, and served at the Christian Campus House as campus ministers. The Staffords returned to Ozark in 2004. They have two sons, Aaron and Ethan.
A memento from Frontline’s 2009 summer tour, Matt’s 15-pound tape ball is made from all the gaff tape used in every concert that year. In eleven years, Matt has traveled over 120,000 miles with Frontline, reaching both east and west coasts and including three mission trips to Mexico and two to Jamaica.
Matt has made 17 trips to Juarez, Mexico, leading teams of college students in building houses with Casas por Cristo. He has served on the Casas board of directors since 2004.
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COMING SOON Upcoming events at OCC
Volunteer Expo: August 18 The Community Volunteer Expo welcomes exhibitors from churches, ministries and nonprofits in Joplin and the surrounding area. Led by Ozark’s Ministry Center, the Expo presents OCC students with volunteer opportunities, internships and paid positions. To be involved in future Expos or for more Christian service opportunities, contact the Ministry Center at 417.626.1234 ext. 2019 or stroud.krystin@occ.edu.
Getaway: September 11-12 “If everything is ‘awesome,’ then nothing is!” Sixth through eighth graders will encounter our truly awesome God, with speakers Jayson French (Christ In Youth, Joplin) and Andy Jones (South Rock Christian Church, Derby, KS) and worship leaders Isaac Schade, Elijah Dally and Brad Barmore (Christ’s Church of Oronogo). www.occ.edu/gaw
Team Leadership: September 19 Team Leadership is a one-day conference to inspire and equip ministry teams in leading the church. Bring your elders, deacons, staff and volunteers as Ben Merold and Brian Jobe present “Leading the Multi-Generational Church.” www.occ.edu/team Ben Merold
Brian Jobe
Faith Forum: September 22-23 Faith Forum is an annual on-campus lectureship that hosts leading thinkers in theology, philosophy and apologetics. This year’s speaker will be best-selling author, Dr. Leonard Sweet. Faith Forum is a free event, open to the public. Watch www.occ.edu/faithforum for session topics and times.
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Dr. Leonard Sweet
COMING SOON
TO INFORM
Upcoming events at OCC
Fall Celebration: October 19 Attention, adults 55+! Join us for a great Monday of encouragement and fellowship, as OCC’s Greg Hafer and Randy and Julie Gariss show us we’re “Still Made for Adventure!” The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and includes lunch. Register online at www.occ.edu/fcd or by phone at 417.626.1234 ext. 2100. Register before October 12 for $10, or after October 12 for $15. Greg Hafer
Randy Gariss
Julie Gariss
Preaching Emphasis Day: October 29 OCC welcomes Dr. Bryan Chapell to this fall’s Preaching Emphasis Day—a day set aside to focus on the high call of preaching. Dr. Chapell preaches at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL, and is the former president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. Contact Dr. Mark Scott at scott.mark@occ.edu or 417.626.1234 ext. 2723 for more information.
Dr. Bryan Chapell
“The Away Team”: October 29-November 1 The 2015 International Conference on Missions will be held in Richmond, VA, under the direction of conference president Jim Tune. “The Away Team” illustrates that, while the church once had “home field advantage” as a majority, today we must adopt strategies that reflect our position as visitors to our own culture. Visit OCC at ICOM Booth #1139. www.theicom.org
The Event: November 13-14 In OCC’s fall conference for high schoolers, worship leader Jon-Michael Bontrager (Carterville Christian Church) and speaker Jason Epperson (Calvary Christian Church, Bellevue, NE) will explore students’ “Defining Image”—that no matter how much the world seeks to redefine their identity, they have been created in God’s image and transformed into Christ’s image. www.occ.edu/theevent
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HERE’S AN IDEA
Practical tips for your life and ministry
TEN QUESTIONS TO DIAGNOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH Are you spiritually healthy, or just spiritually busy? One of Jesus’ most effective teaching techniques was His use of questions.1 He asked a multitude of questions to various audiences for a variety of reasons.2 Jesus asked questions so that through the formulation of the answer, or the grappling with it, the person would discover truth that would be remembered more deeply than if they were simply given information. Questions can help us evaluate our spiritual health. One of the books I encouraged my Christian Life students to read contained ten probing questions to help you look beyond your spiritual activity to assess the true state of your Dru Ashwell is Vice President spiritual health.3 The crux of the matter—the theme that flows throughout the book—is this: is your character of Alumni Relations and becoming more like Christ’s? Here are the questions to ask prayerfully in the presence of God: editor of The Ambassador.
Are you more loving?
Do you thirst for God? Are you governed increasingly by God’s Word?
Do you delight in the Bride of Christ?
Are you more sensitive to God’s presence?
Do you yearn for heaven and to be with Jesus?
Do you still grieve over sin? Are the spiritual disciplines increasingly important to you?
Do you have a growing concern for the temporal and spiritual needs of others?
Are you quicker to extend forgiveness?
Zuck, Roy B. Teaching As Jesus Taught, Baker, 1995. Jesus’ first recorded words were two questions addressed to His anxious parents. In all, He asked 225 different questions. Because a number of questions are cited by more than one Gospel writer, the total number recorded is 304. [Matthew=90; Mark=67; Luke=96; John=51] pgs. 237-238.
1
Jesus asked His questions to a variety of people, including the disciples (64), individuals/small groups (62), adversaries (50) and the crowds (49). Zuck lists 15 different purposes for Jesus’ questions. p. 241.
2
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3
Donald S. Whitney, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, NavPress, 2002.
TO CONNECT
6th-8th Grade
Defining Image
November 13-14, 2015 High School SPEAKER
Jason Epperson WORSHIP
Jon-Michael Bontrager
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Don’t miss OCC’s 2015-2016 events for your students! Visit www.occ.edu/events for details and more upcoming events.
YOUR PARTNERSHIP Helpful tools for Christian stewardship
FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED… innie: “Can I come to your office and G talk with you?” Me: “Sure, what’s the topic?” Ginnie: “I want you to tell me how much money I can give away!” David Duncan serves as OCC’s Planned Giving Specialist.
Wow! That was the first time that has happened. In fact, for 20+ years, I’ve been the guy asking people to consider giving to one project or another. So she came, and we looked at Ginnie’s entire estate—her people (individuals and ministries), the property God had entrusted to her to manage, and the plans she had to distribute the property to the people and ministries.
TRIBUTE GIFTS
APRIL 1 – JUNE 16, 2015 Continued from page 9 In Loving Memory: Suzanne Bunton Harold Compton Jerry Compton Wray Graham Dorothy Harris Irwin Harris Maurice & Ruby Hinds Eileen Johnson Kent E. Johnson Judy Lanham Bob & Janet Livingston Connie Mieir Ronald Nelson
Ginnie answered two questions: 1. How much is enough to live the life God has called me to live? and 2. Why has He allowed me to manage any more than that? After a telephone call to her financial adviser, who enthusiastically endorsed her plan, Ginnie was as happy as I’ve ever seen a giver. Within days she had written checks—large checks—and she delivered them to two of her favorite ministries. We talked several times over the next few months. Her joy was lasting and her happiness was real. I don’t know exactly what prompted Ginnie to call me, but I’m thankful that God let me be part of the team that put her desires into action. She has gone to be with Jesus now, and I’m confident she knows the reality of the apostle’s words, “…God loves a cheerful giver.” Tribute Gift Form In Loving Memory Of…
PLEASE PRINT
In Honor Of… Name
Given By:
H. Dean Price Michael, Marilyn & Baby Quinn Mildred Roper Patricia M. Austin Tom Ross Connie Ross Betty St. Clair Dr. and Mrs. Paul T. Butler Charles & Dorothy M/M David Wittenborn Wittenborn Louise York M/M Robert Hernandez M/M Darrell Shepherd M/M Charles Watkins
Enclosed is my gift of:
In Honor Of:
Name Address City/State/Zip
Please send acknowledgement to: Name Address City/State/Zip Use separate paper for additional names.
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Virginia Bunton Faye Compton Faye Compton M/M Charles B. Mayes Donald Harris Donald Harris Gina M. Hinds M/M Gary W. Gregory M/M Byron Hobbs Dr. Patrick H. Johnson M/M Gary W. Gregory M/M Byron Hobbs Dr. Patrick H. Johnson David Mark Lanham Dr. and Mrs. Paul T. Butler William Mieir, Sr. M/M Dru Ashwell M/M David A. Duncan M/M Virgil G. Eubanks M/M Edward M. Hahn M/M David R. McMillin M/M Doug Miller M/M Chris M. Richardson M/M Randell Russell Lyla Trotter M/M Owen R. Wallis M/M Jerry E. Wamsley M/M Jeff D. White Dr. and Mrs. Woody Wilkinson Barbara W. Price M/M Ark Quinn, Jr.
Harvey & Nancy Bacus Kenny & Linda Boles Herbert Casteel Randy & Julie Gariss Woody Wilkinson
M/M George Roane Sharon Butler Caille M/M Jordan Casteel M/M Larry Catron Donna J. Baker Mound City Christian Church, Mound City, KS Parkview Christian Church, Chickasha, OK
Woody & Rose Wilkinson M/M Tony G. Blades M/M Donald E. Kimsey M/M Mike Nauman M/M Dallas Vernon, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Mark A. White
ALUMNI NEWS
TO CONNECT
Joplin-area Alums Pray for Ozark Graduates
Last April, thousands of graduates’ names lined the “Alumni Prayer Walk” inside the MPB.
Students Emily Umphreys and Jarod Boyer, along with Andy Storms (97/current staff), pray for our alumni.
On Our Way to Our Alumni Project Goal! Let’s finish strong and complete the needed classroom upgrades this year! Will you please consider a generous gift that can be given in monthly increments? To set-up recurring donations, go to www.occ.edu/donate. Fill in your contact information, and under Category & Funds, select Alumni Fund - Classroom Upgrades. Under Donation Frequency, select Recurring Donation. Thank you for your generous support of this worthy investment!
Alumni Reception Well-attended at NACC
Dru Ashwell is well-protected between Captains Rhoades and Ramey.
Casey Scott and Bryan Morrow share a laugh.
John Caldwell, David Strange, and Shan Rutherford catch up.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Andrew (07) and Stephanie Schwarz on the birth of Cohen Tyler on April 28 in Wichita, KS.
Steve (13) and Dani Eynon on the birth of Jeremiah Steve on May 23 in Phoenix, AZ. Steve is serving as neighborhood pastor on the Peoria campus of Christ’s Church of the Valley. Travis (attended) and Marianne Altheide on the birth of Seamus Cooper on May 15 in Lexington, KY. Daniel (13) and Jordan Reinhardt (13) Baker on the birth of Juddson Daniel on June 23. Daniel serves as worship and programming pastor with the Refinery CC in Goodyear, AZ. Phillip (14) and Cassandra Thomas (14) Burnette on the arrival of Janessa Abigail on June 16 in Joplin. Kevin (07) and Courtney Sigars (09) Cott on the arrival of Nathanael Hoover on June 5 in Springfield, MO. Stephen (05) and Sara Buchan (08) Fluharty on the birth of Sadie Kate on March 6 in Bartlesville, OK. Adam (06) and Alicia Schoelzel (attended) Gordon welcomed Henry Lynn to their home in Winona, MO, on May 25.
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Daniel (09) and Kelsie Sorlein (07) Koch on the birth of Canaan Jasper on April 17 in Tulsa, OK. Daniel serves as the adult education and discipleship minister, and Kelsie as the children’s ministry director with Northside CC in Broken Arrow, OK. Tim (06) and Shauna Thomure (04) Casey on the birth of Truett Hope on April 2 in Joplin. Tim teaches at College Heights Christian School. Phil (07) and Tara Christian on the birth of Isaac Carter on July 5 in Denver, CO. Phil serves as director of children and family ministries at Mountainview Community CC in Denver. Philip and Sheri Medlock (attended) Cornett on the birth of Peter Ronald on April 10 in Joplin. Miles (attended) and Ashley Eubanks on the birth of Harper Reece on May 23 in Prairie Grove, AR. Caleb (14) and Kaci Facculyn-Gous on the birth of Knight Parker on May 20 in Joplin. Tony (06) and Shanda Cavaness (attended) Nichols on the arrival of Owen Ezekiel on April 25. The Nichols family lives in Champaign, IL, where Tony works at a Residential Training Center at Cunningham Children’s Home in Urbana. In 2013, Tony earned a Master of Divinity from Lincoln Christian University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling last May, also from LCU.
Ronald ‘Hobie’ (01) and Rachel Brown on the birth of Hannah Elizabeth on May 6 in Kansas City, MO.
Jason and Jessica Dalton (05) Anderson on the birth of Iris Grace on March 11 in Peoria, IL. C.J. (03) and Hayley Green on the birth of Hudson Parker on May 5 in Joplin. Jordan (08) and Megan Moore (attended) Howerton on the birth of Duke Elliott on May 29 in Joplin. Jordan continues to lead the Jordan Howerton Band and also serves on the staff of Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ. Jon (06/current faculty) and April Ake (06) Kehrer on the birth of Rowan Jonathan on May 1 in Joplin. Shane (05) and Kady Reed (05) Land on the birth of Elsy Mae on April 7 in Leavenworth, WA. Jordan (12) and Hannah Randolph (12) Magelssen on the birth of Reuben Foster on May 8 in Joplin. Jordan serves as associate worship minister and Hannah works with the college age ministry at College Heights CC.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
TO CONNECT
CONGRATULATIONS CONTINUED: Jeff (96) and Jennifer Baker (attended) Oakes on the birth of Asher Ray on June 29 in Boston, MA. Jeff serves as pastor/ director of community life with Harbor of Hope CC. Jeff (95) and Heather Christiansen (05) Randleman on the arrival of Mercy Dawn on February 12 in Cabool, MO. Jeff serves as lead pastor with the Cabool CC.
Nathan (attended) and Rachelle Stewart (attended) Shaver on the birth of Luke Owen on June 9 in Indianapolis, IN. Nathan serves as lead pastor/planter of Christ Community Church in Speedway, IN. Ben and Jaymi Cook (08) Penfold on the arrival of Titus on May 12 in Dallas, TX.
Austin (12) and Melea Cook (12) Weece on the birth of Sadie Katherine on April 20 in Joplin. Austin serves as student minister with the Carterville CC in Carterville, MO.
Lanning and Monica Stetler (attended) Turner on the arrival of Paul Hudson on June 3 in Oviedo, FL.
Tony (04) and Angel Hastings (08) Otero on the birth of Judah Hastings on April 25 in Joplin.
Drew (attended) and Jessica Tanner (08) Pommert on the birth of Claire Renee on July 2 in Joplin.
John and LaVern Cunningham Newman (62) celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 27. The Newmans live in Redwood City, CA. Congratulations to Dr. Woody (68/current staff) and Rose Weece (61/62/former staff) Wilkinson, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on July 16. Best wishes to Kenny (68/former faculty) and Linda Boatman (82) Boles on the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary on July 16.
1970s:
Nathaniel Carroll (attended) passed away on April 25 in Galesburg, IL. We send our condolences to his family in this time of loss. Following a short illness, Virginia Carrolla (65) passed away on April 22 in Rolla, MO. Ginnie, as she was known to family and friends, will be greatly missed, and we pray for them as they mourn her passing. Dan Wilson (73) died of a heart attack on July 2. Dan served as executive pastor with the Oakwood CC in Enid, OK. Pray for his wife, children, family and friends as they adjust to this unexpected loss.
Dan was the life of the party at this year’s Senior Adult Conference in Branson.
CLASS NOTES 1960s:
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY:
1980s:
Tamy Powell Lay (81) was named Teacher of the Year for Conway Elementary School where she teaches, as well as Teacher of the Year for the Ladue school system in Saint Louis County, MO. Tamy teaches Spanish and will now go on to compete for National Teacher of the Year. Lee Petty (81) has been the minister of the Northland CC in Kansas City, MO, since January 2015. Doug Lay (82) was named the Professor of the Year at Saint Louis Christian College, where he teaches English and Linguistics.
Jon (74) and Rita Hughes (attended) Hantsbarger recently celebrated 18 years of ministry with the First CC in Pompano Beach, FL.
On April 18, Kirk Roelfsema (83) received the Missouri Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Since June 2006, Kirk has been employed by Crowder College in Neosho, MO, as an automotive instructor.
Tim Worstell (77) and Jeanie Ivanhoff Parish were married on April 18 in Macon, MO. Tim serves as the part-time senior adult minister with the Crossroads CC in Macon and is also the part-time camp manager of Shelby County Christian Assembly in Clarence, MO.
Jeff (85) and Mary Alt (attended) Brown are celebrating their 25th year with Christ’s Mission Church in St. Robert, MO, where Jeff serves as preaching minister. The church is located just outside of Fort Leonard Wood and ministers to the military personnel stationed there.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CLASS NOTES: 1980s, continued:
Roger (86) and Bonnie Shutz (86) Henady have recently joined the staff of Cookson Hills Christian Ministries in Kansas, OK, where they will serve as relief house parents and in other areas as needed. Brian Metzger (87) earned a Master of Ministry degree from St. Stephen’s University in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, on April 25. Brian serves as lead pastor of the Raleigh Vineyard Church in Raleigh, NC.
1990s:
In September 2014, Chaplain David Rozanek (95) finished a two-year assignment as the Principal Chaplain on an aircraft carrier stationed on the West Coast. In October 2014, he began a new three-year assignment as the base chaplain at Pensacola, FL, ministering to thousands of sailors, including the Navy Blue Angels squadron and over 1,000 Air Force personnel. Matt Duncan (96) earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Walters State Community College in Morristown, IN. Matt has closed his ministry with the Morristown church and will be working as a nurse at Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System. Brian (99) and Heidi Henson Rotert (99) have closed out their ten-year ministry in Ancona, Italy, and returned to Rockford, IL, where Brian will serve as connections minister with Central CC in Rockford.
2000s:
Jared Altic (01) marks 15 years as preaching minister with the Wyandotte County CC in Kansas City, KS, in August. Adam Jones (01) has been called to serve as preaching minister with the CC of Carl Junction, Carl Junction, MO, leaving a ministry in Georgetown, OH. Jack Wieland (01) was awarded a Master of Arts in General Ministry from Cincinnati Christian University last May. He serves as senior pastor with St. Paul’s Church in Napoleon, MO. In April 2015, Rebecca Dremann (03) finished a tour onboard the U.S.S. Maine. She has now accepted a new tour as an operational logistics intern in Washington, D.C., at the Pentagon.
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Rob Petersen (03) has left his ministry in Illinois to relocate to the Joplin area to be near family. He will be the interim pastor of the Diamond Community CC in Fort Scott, KS. Steve Anderson (05) earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering Technology from MSSU this May. He lives with his family in Joplin. Jacob Breedlove (05) is serving as preaching minister with the Medora CC in Medora, IN. Kyle Duncan (05) and Kim Fish (07) were married on May 23. Kyle serves as equipping pastor with Westside CC in Wichita, KS. James Manuel (05) and Emily Gill were married in Jennings, LA, on May 7. They live in Denver, CO, where he serves as lead pastor of the Green Mountain CC in Lakewood, CO. Joseph (06) and Maria Burhart (07) Roth have relocated to St. Peters, MO. Joseph began working with the children of Harvester CC in May this year, leaving an eight-year ministry at Central CC in Beloit, WI. Kevin Berry (08) earned a Master of Divinity in Practical Ministries and Pastoral Leadership from Cincinnati Christian Seminary in May. Kevin ministers with the Amoret CC in Amoret, MO. Dan Hamel (08) and Keren Henderson were married in Lexington, KY, on May 29. Dan serves as teaching pastor with Southland CC. Melissa Scott (08) and Alberto Pantoja were married on May 8 in Santa Lucia. They are making their home in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she serves with Mission Caribe.
2010s:
Michael Halstead (10) earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from MSSU last May. He lives with his family in Joplin, and works at Tamko Industries as the HRIS Manager. Curtis Prunty (11) has been called to serve as preaching minister with the Mount Hope C of C in Webb City, MO. Curtis earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University in May.
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS Jim Landis (12) is serving as student pastor with the Boulevard CC in Muskogee, OK, leaving a similar position in Washington, MO. Chelsea Sneed (12) and Daniel Ware were married on May 9 in Carl Junction, MO. Matt Herlihy (13) and Kristie Livingston (14) were married in Colorado Springs, CO, on May 23, and are making their home in Overland Park, KS.
TO CONNECT
Morgan Fankhauser French (15) will continue to work at Watered Gardens (homeless outreach ministry) in Joplin as the Director of Neighborhood Connect. Zac Hill (15) earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from MSSU on May 9. He plans to attend Evangel University to pursue a master’s degree in education, and will continue as youth minister with Lake Hills Church in Ozark, MO.
Zach (13) and Rachel Crockett (15) Pittman are living in Hillsboro, MO, where he is serving as worship minister at Hillsboro CC.
Logan (15) and Leah Erickson (13) Justice were married in Joplin on June 6. Logan preaches at the First CC in Quapaw, OK.
Madison Shields (13) and Taylor Miller were married on May 2 in Oronogo, MO.
Jory Mertens (15) and Brianna Davis (15) were married in Cabool, MO, on May 30. They will make their home in Joplin while pursuing cross-cultural ministry.
Joel (14) and Bayli Gibson (13) Harney have left a ministry in Baxter Springs, KS, to live in Dallas, TX, where he will be the student minister with Valley View CC. Bayli earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MSSU in May.
Eliysha Spangler Mircetic (15) earned a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from MSSU on May 9. She lives with her husband Marko (14) in Webb City, MO.
Seth Hart (14) earned a Master of Strategic Ministry from the School of Congregational Ministry at Johnson University this past May. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in theological studies a Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Julianne Privett (15) and Robert Jackson (attended) were married in Bella Vista, AR, on May 4.
Rachel Watson (14) earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from MSSU last May. Nathan Brands (15) is serving as the family life minister with the Clay Center CC in Clay Center, NE. Zach Davies (15) and Chelsea Polastri (15) were married in Joplin on March 13. They will both participate in the residency program through Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ.
Scott Reed (15) is serving as minister of the Monroe CC in Monroe, MI. Chris Songer (15) is serving as worship minister with the Parkview CC in Findlay, OH.
Cassandra DeFazio (15) and Philip Lowe (current student) were married in Joplin on April 26. They plan to live in Joplin, where Cassandra serves as youth pastor at Joplin Calvary Church of the Nazarene and Philip will continue his classes at OCC.
Tim Umphreys (15) and Jennifer Larsson (15) were married on June 6 and are making their home in Council Bluffs, IA, where Tim is serving a one-year internship with First CC.
Ashton Edwards (15) and Taylor Ast (15) were married in Joplin on June 27. Ashton will continue to serve as the high school ministry associate at College Heights CC in Joplin.
Kendall Wingert (15) and Elizabeth Cogdill (14) were married on May 23 in Nixa, MO, and are making their home in Springfield, MO. Kendall serves as worship minister with Lake Hills Church in Ozark, MO.
Kourtney Ellis (15) is doing the World Race through Adventures in Missions. She left in January and will be serving through November. The team of 48 will visit eleven countries.
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ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
CLASS NOTES: Attended:
Faculty/Staff:
Steve and Sheila Skiles Altheide are living in Maryville, MO, where he serves as leadership pastor with the Countryside CC.
Congratulations to Helen Hahn (former staff) who received a Senior Service Award from Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder. The award was presented to Helen during a banquet at the state capitol in Jefferson City on May 6. Helen lives with her husband Ed (72) in Joplin.
Charissa Stephenson Belleville recently wrote that she is a home care aide and is active in the Vineyard Church in Buffalo, NY. Audrey Buckland graduated on May 19 from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, with a Master of Science in International Public Health. She plans to work in the Baltimore area. Ty Curry has moved to Poteau, OK, to plant a new church. Until finances and a team are in place, he will be helping the Kiamichi Mountain Mission churches. Ciara Gibson earned a Bachelor of Arts in French from MSSU this spring. Lyndall and Aldena Dillman Jordan celebrated 60 years of marriage on June 20, with a reception hosted by their four children in Webb City, MO. Leanna Rierson earned a Master of Arts in Religion, Biblical Studies and New Testament from Cincinnati Christian Seminary this spring. She lives in Wichita, KS. Missy Shabazz finished her Ph.D. in Mathematics this spring at the University of Arkansas, and has accepted a teaching position at the University of Kansas in Lawrence.
Best wishes to Meredith (former staff) and Heather Williams (former staff) on their 50th wedding anniversary on July 31. On July 26, they celebrated with a reception hosted by their three sons and families in Joplin. Congratulations to Jeaneane Chaney Phillips (attended/former staff), who married Robert Phillips on May 12 at Webb City CC.
Articles: Christian Standard June “To All Generations?” by Dr. Gary Zustiak (current faculty) “College Age Meets Middle Age” by Dr. Chris DeWelt (current faculty) The Lookout May 31 “Church v. Hollywood” by Tyler Edwards (07) June 28 “Finding Rest in the City That Never Sleeps” by Nathan Winstead (07) July 19 “Judges: the Repeating Cycle” by Victor Knowles (former faculty)
We want to keep in touch with you! Please help us update your alumni file.
Send your information to: alumni@OCC.edu.
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Books:
Lead Your Family by Brian Jennings (98). Published by College Press Publishing. www.leadyourfamily.net
Through the generosity of churches and individual partners like Rebekah Moyers
(top), the Ponders (center), and the Wittes (bottom), we reached our goal for the Difference annual fund. Thank you for investing in the next generation of servant leaders!
Want to be the difference in 2015-2016? The goal once again is to raise $2 million, and we need friends like you to reach it! Visit occ.edu/donate.
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ONE MORE THING
A final thought from our assistant editor
AROUND HIS TABLE
Amy Storms is a wife, mom, writer and dorm mom in Strong Hall.
Meals aren’t always about food. I learned that fact one evening in our home a few years ago, when all three of my kids had had a rough day. One was at odds with a friend, the second felt left out, and the third was worried about math. The kids brought heavy hearts to the dinner table that night—heavy and anxious and sad. Slowly at first, then a little more, each unpacked their day with stories that made the tears flow. My husband and I listened a lot and advised a little. We encouraged with our own “I’ve been there” stories, and prayed together and talked until laughter replaced the tears. We ended the meal with the strength to face it all again tomorrow.
That day had broken my kids a little, but around the table, we put them back together. Around the table, they had more than dinner. Around the table, their souls were fed. “What if we hadn’t eaten together tonight?” I asked my husband later—because with five busy schedules, we don’t always share the meal. What if we’d missed the chance to look into our kids’ eyes and speak to their hearts? Later that week, during my morning devotions, the Lord brought that night to mind. I was seated at the same table—not to eat dinner, but to feast on His Word. I had come with a heavy heart to unpack the hurts in the presence of my Father. Through prayer and Scripture, He listened a lot and advised a
little. His Spirit encouraged mine, until I had His strength to face it all again. “Lord,” I asked, “what if we hadn’t eaten together?” Even worse, what if we make a habit of not coming to His table? What if you and I don’t feast on His Word? What if we only come to Scripture to write a lesson or win an argument? What if we don’t eat regularly with the Father? Because meals aren’t always about food. Around His table, our souls are fed.