Aware Magazine | January 2017

AWARE magazine

January 2017

A Quarterly Publication of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary

Aware Magazine • January 2017 Contents 3 | Presidential Perspective:

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

4 | Preparing for a Life of Ministry: Our Newest Students 9 | Helping Others Attend Seminary 10 | Lilly Endowment Awards Two

Grants Totaling $2.25 Million In this issue of Aware, you’ll meet seven of our newest students preparing for ministry. Though their backgrounds and vocational goals are varied, each shares a commitment to share the light, love, and grace of God in everything they do.

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12 | “Evangelism for Non-Evangelists” 13 | Latest Faculty Publications 14 | In Memoriam 15 | Alum News

Aware is published quarterly by the

development office for alums and friends of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, a graduate school of theology related to The United Methodist Church.

Founded in 1853, the seminary serves more than 500 students from many denominations and various cultural backgrounds, fostering an atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. GarrettEvangelical creates bold leaders through master of divinity, master of arts, master of theological studies, doctor of philosophy, and doctor of ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alums serve church and society around the world.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary 2121 Sheridan Road | Evanston, IL 60201 800.SEMINARY | www.Garrett.edu

PRESIDENT Lallene J. Rector EDITORIAL BOARD Ceciley Akins Katharine Duke David Heetland April McGlothin-Eller Krista McNeil Shane Nichols Tasha Sargent PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Burlingham of Burlingham Productions Shane Nichols

Presidential Perspective Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord!

Grace and peace to you, Another year has come and gone, and as I write, we have entered the first week of Advent and this upon on the heels of an election season. Shortly, we will be anticipating Epiphany and a presidential inauguration – altogether odd convergences. But that’s the way our faith is, and I am grateful for it!

Whether we are of a “high church” or “low church” persuasion, the steady rhythm of our liturgical calendar helps to keep us grounded in our faith and in the call of Jesus Christ to discipleship.

Given recent events, there has been a groundswell of concern on the campus for many of our brothers and sisters who not only feel unwelcome, but also even endangered in our larger society. And so, 60 of us met in the Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful to begin a conversation about how we, as a servant seminary to the community around us, might actively collaborate with Northwestern University and Evanston Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl to “welcome” all in our city.

John the Baptist cried out: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord! Change your hearts and your lives!” I have considered this exhortation as a call, in one way, to profound hospitality that begins first by making a “welcoming” space for Jesus in our hearts. I believe that only then will we be able to more fully fulfill the commandment to love our neighbors, to make the sacrifice of giving more than has been requested, and to take action against the strong claims of our own self-interest. Our new Master of Divinity curriculum is designed to support the formation of students in this wisdom, faithfulness, and in these practices.

In this edition of Aware, you will read about the exciting resources that make it possible to accomplish our mission: two new grants from Lilly Endowment Inc., the treasure of a gifted and productive faculty, and the blessing of talented students who are clearly called to serve our Lord in ways that will change hearts and lives.

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These blessings, in addition to your own support of the seminary in so many ways, give us confidence in the work Garrett-Evangelical is doing. We remain committed to preparing spiritually articulate leaders who proclaim the Gospel effectively, who offer relevant and responsive ministry in a variety of settings, and who take their faith into the public arena working with others for the well-being of all persons and creation.

For these things, we give thanks to the One who is always near and who watches over us, neither slumbering nor sleeping. May the Lord “protect you on your journeys - whether going or coming - from now until forever” (Psalm 121: 8, CEB).

Lallene J. Rector President

To listen to the 2017 Town Hall with President Lallene J. Rector, go to www.Garrett.edu/TownHall.

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Preparing for a Life of Ministry: Our Newest Students This past September, we welcomed 91 new students to the seminary, one of the most racially and ethnically diverse entering classes we have had in recent history. They demonstrate a wide range of past experiences and future plans, and the seminary is extremely proud of their commitment to follow their call to serve God, the church, and their communities.

As they prepare for a life of ministry, these students desire to be stretched theologically, to be culturally competent and aware of their social location, and to be mentored and empowered in their practice of ministry. They seek to renew and redefine what it means to be a minister, a Christian community organizer, a chaplain, a faith-based nonprofit leader, and more.

On the following pages are the stories of seven promising students who are beginning their studies at GarrettEvangelical Theological Seminary.

Alexa Eisenbarth Degree Program: Master of Divinity Hometown: Kennewick, Washington Personal Information: I graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and theology from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In my free time, I avidly watch Netflix, drink coffee with good friends, go to museums, and read. I am always seeking out experiences to learn something new, whether it be through books, TV, movies, or peers. My favorite things to study in the realm of theology include the redemption of creation, social justice, and rituals.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? I began to discern a call to ministry while I was still in high school, participating in the youth ministry program at my home church, Kennewick First United Methodist Church.

God led me through each step of that discernment, including through my time at Whitworth University.

During that time, I discovered that I am called to the proclamation of the Word, the administration of the sacraments, and leadership (order) within the church.

While at Whitworth, I served as a ministry intern at a United Methodist church and was affirmed in and challenged to strengthen my gifts for ministry.

As time passed, I continually felt a disconnect between my tradition and my theological education, and it

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Upon visiting Garrett-Evangelical, I was struck by its hospitality, generosity, and passion for transforming the world. became increasingly clear that my heart’s desire was to cleave myself to a seminary within my own tradition.

Upon visiting Garrett-Evangelical, I was struck by its hospitality, generosity, and passion for transforming the world. One of my favorite hymns is “Spirit of the Living God,” in which the refrain begins, “melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.” I knew I would be melted, molded, filled, and used here. That expectation has been met overwhelmingly, and in a few short months, transformation is already abundant.

How has your faith been strengthened since being at Garrett-Evangelical? For some, biblical studies feel like deconstruction. There often has to be a “tearing down” of what you once believed to be true. For me, it has felt like a construction. When I learn about the truth of what the Bible says, my faith is strengthened because it is a stronger structure than what I began with. Realizing that there are texts in the Hebrew Bible that are good news for women and that reject and condemn abuse and violence is liberating and fortifying.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? I am a certified candidate on the ordination track for the Order of Elder in The United Methodist Church and see myself continuing on that path toward ordination. I understand my vocation to be in the local church, shepherding communities.

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Nander Novaes Degree Program: Master of Divinity with a concentration in music ministry

Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Personal Information: I grew up in a Christian home surrounded by the sacred music repertoire of George Frideric Handel, J. S. Bach, and Charles Wesley. Both my father and my mother were music ministers at our local Methodist church in Brazil – my dad was the choir conductor, and my mom was the organist. Church was our second home. I was about five years old when I first started being guided by my parents in the paths of music, especially church music.

From a young age, I was invited by my local pastors to visit our fellow parishioners in need, to actively participate in sharing the word of God, and to lead the community in worship through music. At that time, I had already an idea of my vocational calling toward music and pastoral ministries. However, it would take many years until I could finally start embracing my calling. At the age of 18, I was appointed music director at our local church, which would lead me to represent the Methodist Church of Brazil as a worship leader at the Conference of Latin American Evangelical Methodist Churches in Buenos Aires, Argentina. That was a life-changing missionary experience, which would bring me closer to my vocational calling.

In Brazil, I was blessed to study classical music under the guidance of its most regarded mentors, first in conservatories, and later at college in Sao Paulo. Soon after college, I married my lovely wife, Ana Cláudia, and I was invited to teach and to pursue my graduate studies in music at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? I chose to come to Garrett-Evangelical not only because of its strong theological foundation and its renowned faculty members, but also for the genuine love I felt from the very beginning of my application process. As I have recently learned in my pastoral care class, “The motive is love!” Now that I am officially a student at GarrettJanuary 2017

Evangelical, I can feel myself being equipped for ministry already, though I recognize there is a long way to go yet.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? With God’s help, together with the partnership of Garrett-Evangelical’s community members, I hope to return to my home country with my wife to keep spreading the transforming love of Jesus Christ through music and pastoral ministries.

Briona Jones Degree Program: Master of Divinity Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona Personal Information: I studied English literature at Tuskegee University. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and going to the movies. I absolutely love food and fellowship. Family, community, education, and the Sabbath are most important to me.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? I chose GarrettEvangelical because I was fascinated with its history.

The fact that a woman, Eliza Garrett, started a seminary during a time period where women were not “fit” for ministry spoke volumes to me. The community here has played a major role in my decision to attend the seminary. I also appreciated Garrett-Evangelical for seeing the very best in me, choosing to fully invest in my seminary education.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? I am enjoying the relationships with those around me, and I look forward to community meals every week. My small group in the Vocational Formation and Church Leadership Program (VFCL) has challenged me to be open and transparent.

In fact, I look forward to Wednesdays in general because of Chapel, community meal, and VFCL. I also enjoy the Center for the Church and the Black Experience as it is very similar to my experience at Tuskegee University.

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Our Newest Students (Continued) The Black faculty and staff has made my seminary journey unique and transitional. I enjoy working at the development office with a team who supports my seminary journey in distinctive ways.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? I have experienced joy, peace, rest and healing from my community, and my faith has strengthened because of that. I have been transformed from feeling like I don’t belong in seminary to seminary being the perfect fit. Courses such as Old Testament and Pastoral Care have challenged me to see God in a more justice-oriented way. At the same time, I have learned to accept the mystery of God by listening to my colleagues express their perceptions of the Trinity in the course History and Christian Thought and Practice.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? I feel called to pastoral care and counseling.

I hope that I am still on fire for more education after seminary because I am interested in the PhD program with a concentration in pastoral care. I want to explore chaplaincy and work with children and their families.

Jonghyun Kim Degree Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Liturgical Studies Hometown: Pusan, South Korea Personal Information: I graduated from Presbyterian College and Theological Seminary in 2012 and did part-time ministry in several local churches in Seoul, South Korea from 2007 to 2012. As a teacher and youth minister, I had the opportunity to serve several youth ministries. Through these experiences, I became interested in the relationship between liturgical practices and spiritual formation. Most of my students were not familiar with liturgical practices and ecclesial contexts. In this regard, my interest is, “How do these practices (praise, prayer, sermons…) relate to their spiritual formation?” If these practices contribute to forming their spirituality as a Christian, what kind of spirituality do they form? If not, how do I help them

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with liturgical practices? Those questions led me to the further study of Christian worship.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? I chose Garrett-Evangelical because of its flexible academic environment and its liturgical scholars: Dr. E. Byron Anderson, Dr. Ruth Duck, and Dr. Frank Senn. Reading their work provoked and challenged me. Specifically, their research is not an esoteric dialogue between only liturgical scholars but rather the research has a deep relationship with ecclesial contexts. Furthermore, Garrett-Evangelical has diverse voices from different cultures and countries. In the classes and in chapel, I can listen to their concerns and learn their thoughts, which I had not known before I came to Garrett-Evangelical.

These experiences encourage me to explore hidden voices in the liturgical practices of my ecclesial context.

How do we find/listen to the hidden voices? If I find them, then, how do we harmonize all voices in worship?

These questions are another of my research interests.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? After finishing my program, I hope to devote myself to helping people experience God in worship. Participating in their spiritual journey, I would further study the relationship between people and liturgical practices with spiritual formation.

Cody Johnson Degree Program: Master of Divinity Hometown: Houston, Texas Personal Information: I come from Houston, Texas, though I have lived all over Texas, most recently in San Antonio. After leaving my childhood home in Houston, I attended the University of Texas at Austin, where I majored in government, international relations, and European studies. After graduating, I worked at the Texas Capitol as a bill analyst during the 83rd legislative session. I enjoy reading, writing, and painting, and I am deeply motivated by my love of God and humanity to participate in social justice and create a more just world.

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I hope to continue learning and expanding my understanding of how God works in the world and how God works in the lives and ministries of those around me.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? Before coming to Garrett-Evangelical, I worked in San Antonio, Texas in fair housing advocacy, and I volunteered regularly in homelessness. I originally planned on going into social work, as my experiences in fair housing opened my eyes to the real-world effects of systemic racism and injustice that pervades our society. Almost all of my clients came from communities hit hard by the legacies of redlining and unfair lending practices from banks and were without an opportunity to escape poverty. I valued the experience for what it taught me; however, I realized my future did not lie in social work.

After attending conferences on poverty and faith and reading theologians and writers such as James Cone, Dorothy Day, Mark Van Steenwyk, and Jacques Ellul, I realized how much the Church has to offer the world in confronting injustice and how God called me to participate in that work of justice.

As I began my discernment process, my girlfriend began a career in Chicago and began attending Urban Village Church-Andersonville. Upon visiting her, I was blessed to find Garrett-Evangelical students at her church.

At their insistence, I visited Garrett-Evangelical and immediately felt at home with the seminary’s progressive theology and emphasis on social justice work.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? Now that I attend GarrettEvangelical, I enjoy the rigor, perspectives, and people at the seminary. I have met a number of individuals from all over the country and from other countries who both share and challenge my theological beliefs. I hope to continue learning and expanding my understanding of how God works in the world and how God works in the lives and ministries of those around me. I am also thankful that Garrett-Evangelical is open to suggestions of how its students can help push its public theology toward greater inclusion of marginalized perspectives.

How has your faith been strengthened since attending Garrett-Evangelical? I believe my experience at Garrett-Evangelical has strengthened January 2017

my faith by forcing me to critically look at myself and what responsibilities I have as a person of faith in a world that does not always value justice or God. Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? After seminary, I plan on becoming a deacon. I am still discerning what my ministry will be; however, I am very interested in interfaith ministry. I believe that the world needs to combat ignorance and intolerance, and I hope to create a space where both Christians and non-Christians can share their faith traditions and presence with one another, leading to greater respect and love of our neighbors.

MiKyung (Mia) Park Degree Program: Master of Divinity Hometown: BackHak, South Korea Personal Information: Growing up with five siblings and living with grandparents was a blessing, though I knew my parents had constant financial pressure to support our big family by farming. I grew up in a small town in South Korea, very close to the border between North and South Korea. There was only one Presbyterian church, one grocery market, one elementary school, and one middle school in the town. I started to go to church when I was in pre-school since it was operated by the church. I barely missed Sunday school and started reading the Bible when I was seven years old; nevertheless, none of my family went to church.

Before graduating from high school, I had a full-time job in Seoul, South Korea. Although my job was very stable, I thirsted for education. After working for three years as an administrator at a company, I left my job for college and studied social work. I loved my major from the day I applied to the school and enjoyed my job as a social worker after I graduated from college. I met my husband during college, but he wanted to study abroad.

We came to the United States in 2002 as an international student and a spouse one year into our marriage. For the last 14 years, we have enjoyed the new culture and experience.

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Our Newest Students (Continued) Evens Paul

The highlight of seminary is participating in fellowship with one another, as sisters and brothers in Christ, sharing meals, studying together, and praying for one another.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? I applied to three seminaries, but I wasn’t too sure that I would be able to attend seminary. I came to visit Garrett-Evangelical when my husband had to participate in a conference in Chicago in late April of 2016. My heart was “strangely warmed” as I walked into the building. It was a gorgeous day, and one of the admission’s office staff told me weather in Evanston was always beautiful. I knew how severe the winters get in Chicago by being surrounded by the lake; however, I thought I wouldn’t be lonely and cold around such wonderful and caring people at Garrett-Evangelical. I was also able to sit in one class, Introduction to the New Testament, for one hour, and it was an eye-opening moment.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? My husband is serving as an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon and taking care of our two beautiful daughters: Grace (10) and Gloria (6). I live at Loder Hall and will be on campus next semester too. I am experiencing a cultural shock again from changing my role as a pastor’s wife and a mom to full-time seminarian. I enjoy all the classes and lectures.

Although the academic experience is a challenge, it’s a blessing for me to grow in many ways. I enjoy participating in the choirs (Korean, gospel, and hand bell), and many other activities on campus. The highlight of seminary is participating in fellowship with one another, as sisters and brothers in Christ, sharing meals, studying together, and praying for one another.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? I would like to reside in a community where I can serve as a pastor and a social worker.

To hear from more students who are currently studying at Garrett-Evangelical, go to www.Garrett.edu/StudentStories

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Degree Program: Master of Christian Education

Hometown: La Victoire, Haiti

Personal Information: I was born and raised in Haiti in a town called La Victoire situated in the north side of the island. I did my undergraduate studies in agricultural science and ministerial studies. I love being at Garrett-Evangelical where I feel that I am getting an exceptional education that will help me better serve my brothers and sisters in Christ in Haiti. I love playing music and love worship. I also love travelling with my lovely wife and daughter and being with family and friends.

Why did you decide to attend seminary and Garrett-Evangelical in particular? Before I came to Garrett-Evangelical, I was already serving in ministry with Sustainable Action International (SAI)–Haiti. SAI is a ministry based in Mount Prospect, Illinois, that empowers people and enriches lives through Christ. As part of its sustainable agricultural project, SAI teaches farmers in Haiti the technical skills they need to get good production from their gardens so that they can provide their own food for their families.

Since I was a child, I have always loved God. My community knew that I was going to be a pastor. I came to Garrett-Evangelical so that I could learn more and go back with my family to serve my country, Haiti.

What are you enjoying most about your seminary experience so far? One of the things I love about Garrett-Evangelical is the sense of community that exists between the seminarians and the professors.

After being here for one year, I feel like I have more knowledge than when I came, and I feel more confident to preach the Gospel to others. The cultural differences among my classmates and the diversity make me feel comfortable to be at Garrett-Evangelical.

Where do you see Christ leading you after seminary? My goal is to go back and be a full-time missionary on the ground in Haiti and continue to lead this nation to God’s kingdom.

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Helping Others Attend Seminary When Reverend John Paul Jones, Jr. (ETS 1948) learned how much money it cost to attend seminary, he knew that the price tag would be a challenge for many students wanting to heed God’s call to the ministry.

“I thought to myself, I could never have afforded that, and so I decided, if I can help some young person go to school, I’m going to do it,” he remembers. “I’m going to establish a scholarship.”

In the summer of 1998, Jones and his wife established the J. Paul Jones Family Scholarship to provide financial assistance to seminary students interested in becoming ministers.

The scholarship honors the memory of his father, J. Paul Jones, Sr. (who also attended Evangelical Theological Seminary) and his mother, Mary Voelker Jones. It also honors the life and ministry of Jones and his late first wife, Jean Zeiher Jones.

To Jones, the thought process was straightforward. “If you believe in the Gospel, and you want the Gospel preached, then you’re going to need preachers to do it,” he reasons.

“And they have to have money to go to school.”

Through the years, Jones has added to the scholarship fund. He has also included the scholarship in his estate plans. Between the outright gifts and the gift through his estate, this scholarship will become one of the seminary’s leadership scholarships.

“Helping students finance their theological education is one of the most critical challenges facing the seminary today,” says David Heetland, vice president for development at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. “We need people like Reverend Jones who will help make quality seminary education affordable for all.”

Jones received his call to the ministry while in high school. “I felt God pulling my heart,” he says. “I wanted to be a preacher of the Gospel because that is what God wanted me to be.” He started to preach at a local Presbyterian church even before he finished his undergraduate degree from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

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Following in his father’s footsteps, he went to Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, Illinois, where he received a master of divinity degree. Jones says that he had a wonderful experience at seminary, and that it broadened his horizons. He returned to Ohio and started preaching at a church in Columbus. There he learned the importance of pastoral calling. In addition to preaching at the Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening services, he also called on his parishioners in their own homes.

“Attendance went up at every church where I preached,” he says. “I think part of the reason was, I went to their homes to call on them and let them know they were important.”

His biggest church was in Findlay, Ohio, and when he arrived, he decided he would call on everyone in the church in his first year. “Between hospital and home visits, I made 1,400 calls in the first year. After that, I made about a 1,000 a year,” he says.

“People need to know that you love them and care about them,” he continues. After serving for 40 years full time in Ohio and 15 years part time in Missouri, Jones retired, but he continues to call on people even today in his senior lifestyle community in Lebanon, Ohio.

In addition to serving his churches well, Jones has also invested his money well. Realizing he would never have a large salary, he learned to invest wisely. Happily, he says, this ability has allowed him to establish a scholarship at Garrett-Evangelical and help others – an act he hopes will inspire others to do the same thing.

If you share Jones’s commitment to help someone attend Garrett-Evangelical, we invite your participation in the seminary’s Forging Our Future campaign. Outright gifts, pledges, and planned gift commitments are all welcome. For more information, contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at david.heetland@garrett.edu or 847.866.3970.

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Lilly Endowment Awards Two Grants Totaling $2.25 Million Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary is excited to announce that it received two grants in November totaling $2.25 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. Based in Indianapolis, the Endowment exists to support the causes of religion, education, and community development. Lilly Endowment’s religion grant-making is designed specifically to deepen and enrich the religious lives of American Christians.

Holy Yearnings, Holy Listening, Holy Partnerships: A Peer-to-Peer Young Adult Ministry Initiative The seminary received $1.5 million to help churches launch new ministries that will attract young adults – a population that congregations today are struggling to reach. The grant is part of Lilly Endowment’s newly announced Young Adult Initiative 2016.

With this financial support from Lilly Endowment, Garrett-Evangelical becomes one of 12 innovation hubs around the country that will help churches create meaningful ministries that appeal to millennials.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Lilly Endowment,” said Garrett-Evangelical President Lallene Rector. “There may be nothing more important for the future of the church now than the capacity for relevant and responsive outreach to and support of young adults.”

The newly established Garrett-Evangelical Innovation Hub has four objectives: 1) to help congregations design and launch new ministries that will nourish the Christian faith of young adults, 2) to offer a context for new learning, connection, and relationship building, 3) to provide a space for young adults to put their faith into action in local and surrounding areas, and 4) to invite widening networks of congregations to adapt holy yearnings/holy listening/holy partnership methodologies for their own contexts.

The seminary’s five-year program will have three phases. In the first phase, Garrett-Evangelical will identify 8-10 Mentor Congregations (congregations who are already reaching young adults well) and 10-12 Launching Congregations who seek to strengthen their young adult ministries. One representative young adult from each Mentor Congregation will participate in

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ethnographic research and will interview young adults in their contexts. Additionally, Garrett-Evangelical will host a young adult consultation gathering to gather the wisdom and insight of leaders researching and working with young adults and to hear the voices of young adults.

The second phase is dedicated to working with the Mentoring and Launching Congregations. Through coaching, mentoring, and assessment, GarrettEvangelical will help the congregations better understand their own congregation’s attitudes toward young people, as well as the interests, concerns, and yearnings of young adults. During this phase, GarrettEvangelical will help the Mentoring and Launching Congregations implement and assess a young adult ministry project, participate in cluster peer team coaching groups, and host a pre-young adult ministry conference. Representatives from Launching and Mentoring Congregations will also attend a young adult education course at Garrett-Evangelical.

In the third phase, Garrett-Evangelical will host a postyoung adult ministry conference to share the findings from the congregations. The seminary will also produce an edited volume of articles, reflecting on the learned outcomes from the project and any recommendations that might help other congregations reach young adults.

Leading Vibrant Congregations: A Collaboration of Faith and Finance Garrett-Evangelical also received a $750,000 grant to help pastors obtain the education and business skills they need to be financially literate and address the economic challenges facing congregations today.

This grant is part of the Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Address Economic Challenges Facing Pastoral Leaders.

To help pastors meet these economic challenges, Garrett-Evangelical has created a far-reaching program, “Leading Vibrant Congregations: A Collaboration of Faith and Finance,” that has four progressive and interrelated parts.

First, Garrett-Evangelical will create and provide online courses that give clergy the opportunity to learn theologically grounded financial practices in their own homes or churches. Some of the course topics will include: the importance of financial planning for churches, interpreting and using financial statements, January 2017

and creating a culture of generosity. In addition to these courses, Garrett-Evangelical will sponsor a series of free, live webinars that will reinforce the online curriculum and allow pastors to ask questions.

Second, the faculty from Garrett-Evangelical and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management will offer in-person, one-day seminars that will help clergy implement what they have learned thus far and become effective leaders in their congregations. These seminars will be centrally located to enable maximum clergy participation.

The grant also enables Garrett-Evangelical to expand its partnership with the Kellogg School of Management. For the past eight years, the faculty from Garrett-Evangelical has teamed up with the faculty from Kellogg’s Center for Nonprofit Management to offer courses that teach theologically sound financial practices. Currently doctoral students at GarrettEvangelical have the opportunity to receive seven out of 30 credit hours for coursework taken through Kellogg’s Center for Nonprofit Management.

These in-person seminars will also be used to encourage interested pastors to pursue a doctor of ministry (DMin) degree in a leadership track at GarrettEvangelical. To be certain that all pastors are able to pursue a doctoral degree, the seminary will now provide scholarship support to Black and Latino/a students pursuing a DMin degree in either the Strategic Leadership in Black Congregations Track (2017 cohort) or the Congregational Leadership Track (2018

cohort). Up to 12 students in the 2017 cohort and up to 12 students in the 2018 cohort will receive a 50 percent scholarship, making up the third part of the program.

Finally, Garrett-Evangelical will broaden the academic writing on the economic and financial management challenges facing pastoral leadership today by bringing together faculty from Garrett-Evangelical, the Kellogg School of Management, and other seminaries. These faculty will publish articles with other academics and church leaders, addressing the themes of stewardship, generosity, gratitude, material well-being, and the role of faith in managing debt, budget building, and fundraising. ”We are also delighted to receive this grant from the Lilly Endowment,” said Rector. “It will not only further strengthen our collaboration with the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, but it will also allow us to expand educational offerings that support the development of effective congregational leadership for the church. We are convinced pastoral leadership skills that include financial literacy and understanding are critical to the vitality of a congregation’s ministry.”

“These two generous grants from Lilly Endowment will not only provide valuable ministry resources to students, alumni, pastors, congregations, and community, but they will also help Garrett-Evangelical contribute new research to the academy,” Rector continued.

Work on both grants has begun, and the seminary will be sharing more about these projects in the days ahead.

DMin in Strategic Leadership for Black Congregations Applications for the doctor of ministry (DMin) in Strategic Leadership for Black Congregations are now being accepted. Through this innovative program, you will earn both a DMin from Garrett-Evangelical and a certificate from the Center for Nonprofit Management, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. You will get the best of leadership training and theological education from two renowned institutions through a set of prescribed and elective courses.

Financial aid, including a 50 percent tuition scholarship, is available.

The application deadline is April 1, 2017, and classes begin June 19, 2017. To apply today and to learn more, go to:

Garrett.edu/DMinSLBC January 2017

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“Evangelism for Non-Evangelists” Dr. Mark Teasdale loves to teach evangelism. As the E. Stanley Jones associate professor of evangelism, he has frequent opportunities to do so. However, Teasdale began to see patterns of resistance to the study of evangelism in the seminarians in his classes. What he realized was not that they didn’t want to share the transforming love of Jesus Christ, but that traditional models of evangelism were limiting their ability to witness to the goodness of God in Christ.

Teasdale’s new book, Evangelism for Non-Evangelists: Sharing the Gospel Authentically, is his answer to hesitations in would-be evangelists and is an excellent tool for individuals and congregations to share their faith in meaningful and authentic ways.

What prompted you to write this book? My teaching at Garrett-Evangelical. I have often found that students are struggling to articulate what they believe in a coherent and winsome way. They also struggle with being told to take evangelism when they have had very negative experiences of being evangelized. The book undermines the standing stereotypes of evangelism and helps students overcome their pain around evangelism while giving them the tools to become evangelists.

How is this book different than other books that teach evangelism? Most evangelism starts with doctrine – who is Jesus, what is salvation, and why must you believe in Jesus to be saved. But instead, this book helps readers claim what they authentically believe is the Good News, what authentic good comes from being a follower of Christ. That becomes the starting place from which people can share their faith.

What challenges do people/congregations face when engaging in evangelism? We live in a very individualistic culture, and we begin to think that evangelism begins and ends with our actions. We start feeling guilty about what we are doing or not doing. To that, I say clearly that the Great Commission is not your responsibility alone. We are all part of the larger witness of Christ in the world. If we begin seeing just our small part in the redemptive work of Christ, then it becomes manageable. We become a Means of Grace to those we encounter, and we can trust that God keeps the work going through our actions and the actions of others.

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What impact do you hope your book will have on those who read it? I hope this book accomplishes four things: 1) overcome stereotypes about what evangelism is, 2) help Christians at all levels of faith development and across the theological spectrum articulate their faith, 3) bring people’s personal articulations of faith into conversation with the Christian Tradition and with specific theological traditions, and 4) inspire people to develop creative practices driven from their own passion through which they will share their faith with others.

How does this book fit into your larger scholarly/ ministerial career? The book has pushed me to live more fully into the practice of evangelism as the evangelism professor. I have always tried to do this in the past, but I am more intentional about it now.

The book has also allowed me to serve The United Methodist Church (UMC) more directly. I have been especially excited to see how many people within the denomination have found the material in this book to be useful. Dr. Heather Lear, an alum of the DMin program at Garrett-Evangelical who now serves as the director of evangelism for the UMC, was one of the first to encourage me on this point. Through her support, we are now running a series of free webinars hosted by UMC Discipleship Ministries to help congregations develop evangelistic strategies with the teaching in the book as the centerpiece. We had about 50 register for our first set of webinars, and we already have 40 lined up for our next set in March 2017. We welcome GarrettEvangelical alumni and friends to participate.

What are the benefits of the webinars and how do individuals or congregations sign up? We have free study guides and teaching resources that complement what people will learn through the book and the webinars. Those who participate will have a support system that coaches and encourages them through this innovative way of engaging in evangelism. This process won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it!

To learn more about Dr. Mark Teasdale, Evangelism for NonEvangelists, and Evangelism Online, a free five-week online course hosted by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, go to www.markteasdale.net.

January 2017

Latest Faculty Publications In her newest commentary, Dr. Nancy Bedford, Georgia Harkness professor of applied theology explores Paul’s letter to the Galatians as it addresses pressing issues in the earliest Christian churches. Bedford’s commentary, Galatians, is part of “Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible,” a fresh series that “focuses less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the texts.” Bedford sees that equality in Christ in the oft-cited verse Galatians 3:28 does not erase differences but instead breaks down hierarchical relationships among many different people groups. Bedford provides a unique theological-interpretive approach that is sure to be beneficial for preachers, teachers, and practitioners of faith. Galatians is published by Westminster John Knox.

Awake to the Moment: An Introduction to Theology is the fruit of more than a decade of collaboration by the Workgroup on Constructive Theology, a gathering of 40+ theologians. Dr. Stephen G. Ray, Neal F. and Ila A. Fisher professor of systematic theology, contributed to and served as co-editor of this book on constructive theology, which seeks to bring the liberationist theological tradition into creative encounter with lived human experience.

Ray says, “The hope for this text is that it will introduce a new generation of emerging religious scholars, practitioners, and a generally literate audience to the work of constructive theology.” While more than 40 theologians contributed, Ray says the book speaks with one voice to the notion that theological ideas have “legs” in religious communities and in the public square. Ray was inspired and influenced by the Garrett-Evangelical students in his Introduction to Theology courses while working on this project. Awake to the Moment is published by Westminster John Knox.

To read an interview with Ray about this publication, go to www.garrett.edu/awake.

Dr. Brent Waters, Jerre and Mary Joy Stead professor of Christian social ethics, recently published Just Capitalism: A Christian Ethic of Economic Globalization. In Just Capitalism, Waters makes a Christian moral defense of economic globalization as a system capable of “exercising a preferential option for the poor.” While noting the problems of globalization and capitalism, Waters cautions readers to avoid sweeping generalizations and instead encourages Christians to think about how to morally navigate globalization and capitalism in order to address these challenges. In his own words: “You need both the destructive and creative aspects of dynamic markets to create opportunities to benefit an expansive range of people. I now believe that in most respects both globalization and capitalism are good news for the poor, or at least can be when properly ordered.” Waters asserts that globalization must be reoriented toward koinonia–human community–as the global economy’s primary goal in order to actualize human flourishing. Just Capitalism is published by Westminster John Knox To read an interview with Waters about this publication, go to www.garrett.edu/justcapitalism.

January 2017

Aware Magazine

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In Memoriam Our Christian sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the following alums who have died in Christ.

1940s Esther Gruneich, ETS 1945, Sioux Falls, SD, died November 3, 2016.

James Herbst, ETS 1946, Aurora, OH, died October 14, 2016.

William Pyles, GBI 1948, Brooklyn, NY, died November 6, 2016.

Donald Williams, GBI 1948, Concord, MA, died October 7, 2016.

1950s Robert Sachs, ETS 1950, Whiteland, IN, died June 27, 2016.

Earl Cogan, GBI 1952, Bowling Green, KY, died August 26, 2016.

Emerson Colaw, GBI 1953, Cincinnati, OH, died October 11, 2016.

Duane Dennis, ETS 1953, Basel, Switzerland, died October 5, 2016.

Robert E. Horton, ETS 1955, Grand Rapids, MI, died October 10, 2016.

Dwight Kemling, GBI 1956, Lincoln, NE, died October 14, 2016.

Donald R. Young, GBI 1956, Austin, TX, died in November of 2016.

Darld Black, ETS 1957, Spring Lake, MI, died October 6, 2016.

Marshall Esty, GBI 1959, Sun City, AZ, died December 4, 2016.

Weldon Whitenack, GBI 1959, Washington, IA, died November 26, 2016.

1960s

Warren St. Clair Webb, GBI 1961, Apple Valley, MN, died November 14, 2016.

Louia Gransee, ETS 1967, San Marcos, CA, died August 13, 2016.

Robert Bedford, GTS 1969, Minneapolis, MN, died May 29, 2010.

1970s Wilbur Courter, GTS 1970, Kalamazoo, MI, died November 19, 2016.

Jack Hayes, G-ETS 1977, West Dundee, IL, died November 25, 2016.

1980s Robert R. Lesher, G-ETS 1982, Concord, CA, died January 2017.

Donald Bowman, GBI 1961, Tempe, AZ, died October 1, 2016.

In Memoriam: William J. Lawson, Life Trustee Mr. William “Bill” J. Lawson, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary life trustee, died on October 20, 2016. Lawson joined Garrett-Evangelical’s board of trustees in 1997, served as chair of the committee on trusteeship from 2000-2003, and was named a life trustee in 2010. He also helped establish the Lawson Family Scholarship at GarrettEvangelical in 1997.

A native of Virginia, Lawson received a bachelor of science degree from Virginia Tech, his CLU designation from the Society of Financial Service Professionals in 1969, and a master of science degree in business administration from Indiana University.

Lawson’s involvement with church and community activities was extensive. While living in Green Bay, Wisconsin, he was the chairman of Partners in Education and a trustee at First United Methodist Church. He also served on boards for the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the University of Wisconsin Medical School, and the Boy Scouts of America, Bay Lakes Council. In Indianapolis, Indiana, Lawson was a life board member of the Boy Scouts of America and Crossroads Council and was actively involved with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, the Indiana Board of Commerce, Associated Banc-Corp, and Health Insurance Association of America.

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January 2017

Alum News 1950s

2000s

William “Bill” Ping (ETS 1955) was presented with the 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 103rd Annual Owensville Watermelon Festival in July 2016.

Additionally, after agreeing to come out of retirement for one year to serve Stewartsville and Cynthiana United Methodist Churches in Indiana, Ping is retiring (again) after 28 years of dedicated service to these two churches and 64 total years of ministry.

Felicia LaBoy (G-ETS 2001 and 2010) has been promoted to associate professor of Black church studies at Louisville Seminary. LaBoy also serves as associate dean of Black church studies and advanced learning and has been highly praised for her work redesigning the seminary’s Black church studies program, mentoring students, and serving the church.

1960s Roy W. Trueblood (GBI 1961 and 1972) has coauthored two books, Managing from the Heart, published by Dell Publishing, and Partners in Ministry: Clergy and Laity, published by Abingdon Press.

1970s Terry K. Olthoff (G-ETS 1976) earned his doctor of ministry degree on December 9, 2016. Olthoff and his wife Renee live in Sun City, Arizona.

1980s Patrick S. Cunningham (G-ETS 1984) has been named the new director of outreach and engagement at Funeral Consumers Alliance of Arizona. Cunningham is a nationally recognized death and dying authority and grieving expert.

Glenn M. Wagner (G-ETS 1986) has published a book titled, God Incidents: Real Life Stories to Strengthen and Restore Your Faith. The book’s aim is to help persons who have lost faith, are losing faith, or are struggling with faith issues.

1990s Ventra Asana (G-ETS 1999 and 2000) was named creation care coordinator for Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, a not-for-profit seeking to equip people of faith to exercise stewardship of and love for all creation.

STAY IN TOUCH

Need to update your contact information? Want to share your latest news? We want to hear from you. Visit us online at www.Garrett.edu/update.

Eric Myers (G-ETS 2006) is joining the faculty at Wesley Theological Seminary as visiting professor of worship. Already popular with students as an adjunct professor, Myers is returning to the classroom eager to bring years of practical experience to the next generation of worship leaders.

Arionne Williams (G-ETS 2008) was named associate chaplain at the University of Indiana in September 2016.

In addition, her recent iSlay online bible study series, which draws upon scripture and pop culture themes to empower women in leadership and business, has garnered more than 7,000 online views.

Kentina Washington (G-ETS 2013) was named director of programs for reproductive justice and sexuality education at the Religion Institute in Westport, Connecticut. Washington is based in Philadelphia and will be working with clergy, faculty, and others working in faith-based settings. She recently held a sexual ethics workshop for students at Garrett-Evangelical.

2010s Eric Weed (G-ETS 2015) has a new book titled, The Religion of White Supremacy in America, forthcoming in 2017 from Lexington Press. The book will trace the legacy of race in the United States to show how race is defined by more than beliefs or acts of injustice and reveals how White supremacy is in many ways a religion in the United States.

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IRA Charitable Rollover is Available in 2017 and Beyond The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 made tax-free distributions from IRA accounts—up to $100,000 a year—to qualified charitable organizations permanent for eligible individuals. Here is a recap of the IRA charitable rollover rules. You can make a direct transfer if: 1. You are 70.5 or older on the day of the gift.

2. You transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to one or more qualified charities.

This opportunity applies only to IRAs and not to other types of retirement plans.

3. You pay no income tax on the gift. The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions.

4. The gift can satisfy all or part of the required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year.

5. The gift is not used to fund a gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, donor advised fund, or private foundation.

6. You do not receive any goods or services in return for the rollover gift in order to qualify for tax-free treatment.

This legislation does not have an expiration date. You can make gifts from your IRA in 2017 and in future years.

Check with your IRA administrator or tax advisor for more information. You can also contact David Heetland, vice president for development, at david.heetland@garrett.edu or 847.866.3970, if you have further questions.