ROGER STRONSTAD On Saturday September 24, family and friends gathered together at Summit’s Anderson Chapel to commemorate the life of Dr. Roger Stronstad. Roger had been battling a debilitating illness for the last number of years, to which he succumbed on August 29, 2022. Roger’s contribution to Summit Pacific College was inestimable, and his influence extended across at least two generations of students. We witnessed his love for God through his diligent scholarship and his personal commitment to his students. His influence extended beyond the campus to the wider Pentecostal world through his writings – most notably his landmark work, “The Charismatic Theology of St. Luke.” As well, he served in various executive roles with the Society for Pentecostal Studies, and was a guest lecturer at a number of other colleges and seminaries. Continue to keep Roger’s wife Laurel and their extended family in your prayers in the days ahead.
GRAD STUD I ES The first cohort in Summit’s new M.A. in Theology and Spiritual Leadership has begun coursework this fall. The one-year Graduate Certificate in Youth Leadership continues in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second cohort of students on the horizon. This partnership between Summit and the Global Ed Institute is equipping youth pastors from several nations in central Africa.
UPCOM I NG GRAD STUD I ES COURSES Preaching in Post-Christian Culture Dr. Mick Nelson Studies in Pauline Writings: His Gospel and Leadership Dr. Dave Demchuk Constructive Theology I Dr. Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen Visit grad.summitpacific.ca for details.
“May he rest in peace and rise in Glory”
SUMMIT CONNECTION
GIVI N G We are grateful for those whose financial gifts enable the work of Summit Pacific College to continue moving forward. If you would like to donate to Summit you can do so online at – www.summitpacific.ca/supporters.
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WINTER 2022
FROM T HE PRESIDENT
FALL NEWS
In recent months, I have found myself reflecting on the dynamic of calling – a subject we talk a lot about here at Summit. And when the subject of “calling” comes up in conversations, there are two facets of calling that we often consider.
It was a pleasure to welcome freshmen and returning students back on our campus on Labor Day. The various dynamics that the pandemic brought to routine life on campus have been eased, and the ethos of our campus feels much more familiar. Classes and chapel began that first week of September, and we are thankful to God for the sense of His presence on our campus.
There is an aspect that every Christian has been called to be a part of God’s Kingdom. That calling places us within the Body of Christ, and sees us blessed with various giftings, empowered by the Sprit to serve one another and the world. The fact that everyone has been called and gifted in this regard does not make that calling commonplace or mundane. In fact, the New Testament continually challenges us to live out the great calling we have received to be Christ’s ambassadors in the world.
REGI STRATI ON WEEK
S UMMIT AUCTION After a hiatus of two years, Summit’s annual dinner and auction returned to campus on October 29th. We welcomed 240 visitors onto our campus for a wonderful meal and entertaining evening. Thanks to the hard work of our auction committee, students, and our many donors, we raised over $110,000 for campus operations! Next year’s auction is tentatively planned for Saturday, October 28, 2023.
There is also an aspect of commissioning to a specific task – often leadership – that is evident in the Bible as well. You hear it in Paul’s words – “Paul...called as an apostle”. The apostle had an undeniable mandate from God to evangelize the Greco-Roman empire – the world of the Gentiles. This calling consumed his life, empowered his proclamation of the Gospel, and gave him strength in adversity. It too, was a grace, or gift from God. In Ephesians 4:8-16, we read of God’s provision of leadership within the church – given as gifts to lead and bring God’s church to maturity. Here at Summit, we view our mandate as developing out both senses of calling within our students. We are all called to be growing in our relationship with Christ, bringing honor to Him in every facet of our lives. That call is to serious Christian discipleship. We also come alongside our students to help them recognize, respond, and grow into God’s call for fulltime leadership within the church. History reminds us that God always calls leaders to shepherd His church through seasons of challenge and seasons of great renewal. May that call continue in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders!
Dr. Dave Demchuk
PASTORS I N RESI D ENCE For the first time ever, we have welcomed a number of pastors on to our campus through our “Pastor in Residence Program.” These pastors have been able to spend a couple of days on our campus, interact with our student body, and speak in our Monday chapel. At the conclusion of each chapel, our student body prays Colossians 1:9-14 over our visitors.