The Mustang Connection April 2021

April 2021 vol.

The

MUSTANG CONNECTION

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A PUBLICATION of THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY

MEET FIVE of OUR GRADUATING SENIORS

WELCOME to THE MUSTANG CONNECTION. ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR IS ALMOST AT AN END — CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? In this edition, we highlight members of The Master’s University’s 2021 graduating class. These five seniors and many of their classmates will walk across the stage May 7 and join many of you as members of the TMU alumni family. Also in this edition, Dr. Gregg Frazer explores Big Tech’s control over the content and flow of information on the web and social media. And keeping with the theme of personal freedoms, we caught up with an alumnus who, working as an attorney in Colorado Springs, is on the front lines of religious liberty issues. As always, we hope you’ll share The Mustang Connection with anyone who’s interested in TMU. They can sign up to receive it each month via email at masters.edu/the-mustang-connection.

If you have any questions about the school, don’t hesitate to email us at alumni@masters.edu.

CONTENTS

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Does Big Tech Have Too Much Power?

by D R. G R E G G F R A Z E R

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On the Front Lines for Religious Liberty

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Meet Five of TMU’s 2021 Graduates

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M I N I S T RY H I G H L I G H T:

Joe & Erin Penberthy

Alumni Job Board

Upcoming Events

Scholarship Highlight April

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FEATURE

by

DR. GREGG L. FRAZER

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Politically conscious Americans are concerned about unsettling developments in political communication over the last five years.

Those on the Left believe that former president Donald Trump trafficked in disinformation in his campaigns and throughout his presidency and that his war on the mainstream press was a threat to freedom of the press.

Conservatives and consistent civil libertarians complain about serious media bias that was manifested by, as liberal journalist Glenn Greenwald describes it: “the most damaging conspiracy theories and disinformation … from the most prestigious news outlets.” That bias was all directed against Trump.

The most obvious and persistent example of bias was “coverage” of the so-called “Russian collusion” narrative promulgated by those prestigious news outlets.

When story after story was proven to be false, the response was to ignore it and move to the next story or to claim that it was simply an “error” or “mistake.”

Observers from outside the mainstream press noted that all of those “mistakes” worked in the same direction: against Trump.

The fact that these “mistakes” were transmitted for years throughout the country, uncritically and without verification by news outlets, points to a significant problem: domination over the content of information by a few newspapers, news services, and news networks. As Greenwald puts it, the New York Times is becoming the Amazon of journalism.

Another, even more significant problem is control over the content and flow of information exercised by Big Tech – in particular, social media – companies.

When those companies that monopolize dissemination of information share the same content bias as the major news organizations, the result is predictably authoritarian.

The government of China censors news sources, controls access to media outlets, and prevents those of whom they disapprove from communicating any disagreeable information to the people of China. The First Amendment prevents such action by the government of the United States, but Big Tech companies

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have assumed the role of authoritarians here to censor, control, and shut down information from those with whom they disagree.

Even the president is not immune. After years of allowing false stories, disinformation, and even damaging conspiracy theories in opposition to President Trump on their platforms, the monopolistic social media platforms banned legitimate confirmed content about Hunter Biden that had relevance to the 2020 election. Television networks simply ignored the story (an often unrecognized form of media bias), while Twitter and Facebook prohibited any reporting about it on their platforms, going so far as to shut down the account of the 200-year-old New York Post. The authoritarian partners could not allow derailment or inconvenience for the candidate they openly preferred.

The presidential election was conducted under a shroud of media complicity in the cover-up and censorship of disfavored voices. Google and Facebook controlled when and if news was seen in news feed searches – and that continues to this day.

Later, for the last two weeks of his administration, the president was banned from most social media outlets entirely. In other words, a sitting president of the United States was banned, without any due process, from using his primary mode of communication to the American people.

Tweets and posts from those expressing conservative views – views of which the social media authoritarians do not approve – are routinely censored by “algorithms” that are calibrated to filter out content disfavored by those overlords. Accounts are shut down for long enough to drain followers or cripple monetization, then restored with an obviously insincere “oops” until the next breach of the authoritarians’ preferences.

Even more disturbing is the shutting down of alternatives (such as Parler) to these monopolistic platforms. Not only do they have a monopoly on social media content and distribution, they also have the ability – and use it – to deny business and consequently existence to any potential competitor.

The social media authoritarians are gatekeepers controlling 5

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the systems and markets of digital advertising as well as what news content is allowed to be viewed. Faux “factcheckers” declare opinions to be factually inaccurate and anything that does not please them to be “misinformation.”

We now clearly see just how much power over our everyday lives, businesses, and politics these companies have. If the United States government were taking these actions, people would be outraged. The First Amendment protects us from government control over the content and flow of information, but who or what protects us from Big Tech?

So, what can be done about the Silicon Valley takeover of American social and political life?

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS: For the most part, the First Amendment is no help; it restrains the government, but not private businesses.

However, it may be possible to apply First Amendment law to requirements of content neutral practices by these companies on the grounds that they are monopoly outlets on which people rely for their constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. Bright legal minds need to ruminate on this.

Second, antitrust laws need to be applied to break up social media platforms and search engines (Twitter, Facebook, Google, etc.). Even the American Civil Liberties Union is concerned about these information monopolies. But perhaps more is needed; perhaps the monopoly in the news outlet industry should also be addressed and the power of the New York Times and the Associated Press curtailed via the use of antitrust laws.

Third, in the meantime, there must be: a) a term of service stipulation that requires platforms to tell users why their accounts are suspended or terminated and b) some sort of appeal process to remedy violations of free speech and press rights by the Big Tech monopoly. The appeal process might begin with the company and end in legal challenges.

Fourth, users must be given the choice to opt out of content algorithms entirely and, consequently, be allowed to decide for themselves what content is important or acceptable.

Fifth, there needs to be an understanding that the answer to disinformation is not censorship, but more and better information. The best response to falsehoods is to correct them. Furthermore, that is what a free society requires. Journalism schools need to teach real freedom of the press and emphasize the market of ideas.

A SHORT READING LIST

on CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Sixth, algorithmic bias in favor of a candidate must be disclosed as a campaign finance contribution.

The Peacemaker

Seventh, companies that de-platform a candidate during an election campaign must pay a hefty fine (pending Florida legislation sets the fine at $100,000 per day).

KEN SANDE

This is an authority on how to biblically resolve conflict. If you’ve never read it, you will find a great starting point for biblical conflict resolution.

Some states (Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Minnesota) are already considering several of these proposals.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the infamous Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 must be amended to remove the provisions that give immunity from liability to the social media giants and allow them authoritarian status with impunity.

They cannot be allowed the fiction of being treated merely as a conduit and not held accountable as a publisher even though they edit and ban content. Social media platforms are no longer merely pipelines for information. A pipeline does not change the consistency of what flows through it and does not pick and choose what flows through it.

Peacemaking for Families KEN SANDE

This is a companion to The Peacemaker, but it focuses primarily on marriage.

Communication and Conflict Resolution STUART SCOTT

Practically speaking, what can the average person do?

This is primarily a battle on a political and legal scale.

Concerned persons should urge their representatives to vote for political solutions and support politicians who promise to push and vote for needed reforms. But it is also an economic battle. Alternate platforms, such as Parler, should be supported when they are created, and those who are able to do so should cut their social media umbilical cords and send the companies a notice as to why they’ve done so.

Dr. Scott helps readers learn biblical communication skills that will make them better peacemakers.

From Pride to Humility STUART SCOTT

One of the best works on humility, this practical book helps readers identify sinful pride and put on biblical humility. Highly recommended.

The average Christian can pray and take the matter to the highest court.

DR. GREGG FRAZER Professor, History and Political Studies

composed by DR. GREG E. GIFFORD Assistant Professor, Biblical Counseling

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FEATURE

O N T H E F R O N T L I N E S for

Religious Liberty John Melcon’s path to the front lines of the battle for religious liberty began in 2015.

Melcon, a graduate of The Master’s University, was working for his alma mater as the director of admissions that summer when he attended a classical learning conference in Stone Mountain, Georgia. One speaker in particular caught his attention.

AS AN ATTORNEY, TMU GRAD HELPS RELIGIOUS AND NONPROFIT INSTITUTIONS NAVIGATE LEGISLATION THREATENING THEIR FREEDOMS

An attorney was discussing the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court case and its implications for Christian schools. The court found that “the reasons marriage is fundamental under the Constitution apply with equal force to same-sex couples,” a decision with far-reaching ripple effects for religious institutions.

“I thought, ‘That’s fascinating. There’s a lot that’s going to happen here. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done,’” Melcon says.

That was only the beginning. The Lord having tilled his heart to work for the preservation of religious liberty, Melcon earned a law degree from the University of Virginia in May 2019. He now works as an attorney at Sherman & Howard LLC in Colorado Springs, guiding educational, religious and nonprofit institutions as they seek to navigate legislation threatening their freedoms.

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God has guided Melcon’s journey each step of the way.

After a fellow TMU alum encouraged him to look outside of California for law school, Melcon applied to the University of Virginia, the faculty of which included Douglas Laycock, a leading professor on religious liberty issues.

“It was my top choice because he was there – even though it meant moving across the country,” Melcon says. “I figured it would be worth it.”

Then, during the admissions interview, Melcon’s counselor startled him: “I’m a Christian,” the counselor said. “I read your application, I saw your transcript from Master’s, and I wish I could have taken some of these classes you took.”

Moving from Santa Clarita to Charlottesville with his wife, Kelly, and their four kids, Melcon says one of the toughest challenges was going back to school after building a career for roughly a decade. But Melcon, who received a full scholarship, had a clear purpose.

“It’s easy to go to a top-10 law school like UVA and say, ‘I have to earn these certain grades, do these certain activities to get the right kind of job and all this,’” Melcon says. “I just went into it saying, ‘I know what I’m here to do, I think God is in this, and so I’ll be faithful and trust God for the rest.’”

At law school, Melcon started looking for ways to pursue a career serving religious organizations.

During one summer, he interned in Washington D.C. for Alliance Defending Freedom, an organization that advocates for religious liberty, the sanctity of human life, freedom of speech, and marriage and family. Through connections he made there, Melcon was introduced to experienced attorneys specializing in religious liberty at Sherman & Howard. Three years later, after working as a judicial law clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (and passing the Colorado Bar exam), Melcon joined Sherman & Howard.

Melcon had long recognized that for universities like TMU, where there is “a commitment to have all the faculty and staff be aligned with the doctrinal

position and the overall mission of the school,” nondiscrimination laws could increasingly create tension.

Addressing this critical religious liberty issue is now one of Melcon’s specialties.

“When it comes to hiring and firing people in those types of jobs, the Constitution is understood to protect the religious organizations so they have autonomy,” Melcon says. “One of the things that’s happening right now in our world as attorneys is helping religious organizations craft their internal policies, job descriptions, and handbooks to best align with things that the Supreme Court says, helping these organizations flesh that out and write their documents in such a way that captures that.”

At Sherman & Howard, Melcon hopes to help analyze the status quo, establish effective policies and inform religious institutions of relevant laws and protections.

“If a religious organization cannot selectively employ people that really align with its mission, whatever that mission is, and whatever its theological positions are, then it’s just a matter of time before that organization capitulates and is no longer able to really be distinctive and do what its founders set out for it to do,” Melcon says. “That’s where I see myself fitting in.”

JOHN MELCON is a 2005 graduate of TMU. His bachelor’s degree was in history.

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FEATURE

WE ASKED GRADUATING SENIORS TO SHARE SOME OF THEIR BEST EXPERIENCES AT TMU AND TO FILL US IN ON WHERE THEY’RE GOING NEXT

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Tim Beck HOMETOWN

Santa Clarita, California

MAJOR

Computer & Information Sciences (Computer Science)

WHAT’S NEXT?

I have accepted a full-time software engineering position at Riot Games in Santa Monica, where I’ll be working on League of Legends. This involves designing and implementing software systems that support the millions of people around the world who play the game every day.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

Dr. (John) Eickemeyer gave me the resources I needed to explore areas of computer science I’m interested in and supported me a ton when I was preparing for interviews and internships. Also, as a teacher’s assistant, I was able to provide mentorship to students, something I hope to continue doing in the future.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I grew a lot in the theology and New Testament classes here, particularly under David Hegg. In his class I participated in discussions that required critical thinking, which was invaluable.

Salma C. Encarnacion Taveras HOMETOWN

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

MAJOR

Business Administration (Management, International Business, Management Information Systems)

WHAT’S NEXT?

I will be working as a sales representative for a marketing company called Vital Acquisitions in Irvine, California. I also intend to start an MBA program next year.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

I enjoyed working on the marketing team for the student-led short film “Reckoning” in January. This opportunity (where I was web project manager) allowed me to learn how to work well with others to achieve a common goal and how to be an effective leader.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I learned the importance of holding Scripture as the ultimate truth, and I saw my need of the local church for spiritual growth and encouragement. It is a blessing to be able to listen to sound biblical teaching every chapel and Bible class. Also, the training I’ve had as a resident assistant has allowed me to learn and practice biblical counseling.

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Angelina Korotkyi HOMETOWN Ashkelon, Israel

MAJOR

Music (Biblical Studies)

WHAT’S NEXT?

After I graduate, I would love to work alongside and support missionaries. I will most likely go home to Israel and serve there.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

I’ve been part of The Master’s Chorale since my first semester. I loved it when we went on tour in the U.S. and other countries. We visited great churches and met awesome people.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

At TMU, God has taught me to trust Him. At times, I worried about upcoming exams. Other times, I wondered whether I would receive the scholarship I needed in order to stay. I also had to leave TMU for one semester because of a car accident that nearly took my life. In each situation, God was so gracious.

He taught me to remain faithful in my studies. He provided a scholarship from gracious donors. He restored my health, and here I am, graduating.

Alejandro Alcala Jr. HOMETOWN

Azusa, California

MAJOR

Communication (Journalism)

WHAT’S NEXT?

I’m looking for a job in the field of communication after building my resume this semester during an internship with Emmy-winning sports anchor Curt Sandoval.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

The communication department provides its students with great opportunities, like working on a film set, contributing to a newspaper, and studying under a big-time sports reporter like Curt Sandoval.

Professor (Robert) Dickson has made me a better journalist. He has experience in the journalism world, and he cares a lot about his students.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I grew the most during my time on Chapel Band.

I used to really struggle when it came to pride in my bass skills. It was all about other people seeing me up on stage. But the people around me on Chapel Band would stress that what we do is for God’s glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 became one of my favorite verses.

Madi Hull

2021 GRADS SHARE THEIR PL ANS FOR THE FUTURE

HOMETOWN

Hopewell, Oregon

MAJOR

Kinesiology (Exercise Science)

WHAT’S NEXT?

I’ve been accepted to graduate school at Oregon State University for its two-year athletic training program.

I plan to apply for the NFL apprenticeship program after the first year there, with hopes of working as an athletic trainer in pro football for a few years. I’m also considering coming back for the one-year Bible program at TMU.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

My most impactful learning experiences took place in the athletic training room. I was on the women’s basketball team, and whenever I came in for treatment with (Head Athletic Trainer) Dave Larsen, he would talk me through some of the exercises or joint mobilizations he had me do because he knew that’s what I was studying.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I learned to put Christ at the center of everything.

My professors and coaches set an example of what that looks like.

CAMERON BANDSTRA HOMETOWN: Ludington, Michigan MAJOR: Business Administration (Accounting & Finance) WHAT’S NEXT? I have a job lined up working as an audit associate for the accounting firm KPMG LLP in Seattle, Washington.

CHRISTINE MAHONEY HOMETOWN: Placerville, California MAJOR: Geoscience (Environmental Science) WHAT’S NEXT? In May, I leave for Florida to train with an organization called ECHO, a non-profit that teaches agriculture techniques to people living in difficult climates across the world so that they can be self-sustaining. After a year, I’ll receive a graduatelevel certificate in tropical agricultural development from Dallas International University.

CYDNEY FITZER HOMETOWN: Dayton, Nevada MAJOR: Biblical Studies (Biblical Counseling) WHAT’S NEXT? My plan after school is to work in a crisis

pregnancy center. I want to utilize my biblical counseling major to bring the hope of the gospel to both mothers and fathers.

RUSSELL VITTRUP HOMETOWN: Fort Worth, Texas MAJOR: Biological Science (Pre-Medical) WHAT’S NEXT? I’m planning to attend medical school, where I’ll apply lessons I learned in my science classes here. I’ve loved learning about the incredible complexity in the way God has designed us.

Classes like Biochemistry and Medical Physiology have driven that idea home.

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FEATURE

MASTER’S IN MINISTRY

JOE & ERIN PENBERTHY

JOE (TMU, ’00; TMS, ’07) ERIN (TMU, ’01)

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JOE & ERIN PENBERTHY DREW (14) DRAKE (12) JAXON (10) GRACE (7)

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Redemption Hill Bible Church

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Crossroads Bible Church

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Living Hope Bible Church

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Canyon Hills Community Church

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Adventure Community Church

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Snoqualmie Valley Bible Church

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Eastridge Baptist Church

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Crossway Fellowship

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Ravensdale Bible Church

14224 Bel-Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007 Joe Penberthy, Lead Pastor

15815 SE 37th Street, Bellevue, WA 98006 Tom Bell, Adult Ministries Pastor

205 Mt Park Blvd SW, Issaguah, WA 98027 Joe Lum, Senior Pastor

22-27 17th Ave SE, Bothell, WA 98021 Mark Wilson, Pastor of the School of Discipleship Joe Miller, Pastor of Biblical Counseling

26632 NE Stella St., Duvall, WA 98019 Roger Snyder, Lay-Leader

32615 NE 45th Street, Carnation, WA 98014 Aaron Stogner, Pastor

12520 SE 240th St., Kent, WA 98064 John Le Prohon, Senior Pastor Ryan Trzeciak, Associate Pastor

6328 180th Street SW, Lynnwood, WA 98037 Sean Harrelson, Pastor-Teacher

27402 SE Kent Kangley, Ravensdale, WA 98051 Tony Jaime, Pastor-Teacher

10 Grace Evangelical Church

1411 N. Wieldraayer Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277 Keith McFaul, Pastor-Teacher

11 Faith Bible Church

7914 112th Street E, Puyallup, WA 98375 Timothy Atkins, Reverend

12 Grace Bible Church

I N 2 0 1 7 , T H E LO R D C A L L E D O U R FA M I LY TO BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON, TO PLANT A G O S P E L - C E N T E R E D, B I B L E - T E A C H I N G C H U R C H . With one other family, Redemption Hill Bible Church was launched to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in a region that desperately needs the truth.

God has blessed us with an enormous opportunity to be a light in a spiritually dark city. Please pray for us as we aim to please Christ in our lives and in our church

8521 67th Ave. NE, Marysville, WA 98270 John Zimmer, Pastor-Teacher

13 Cornerstone Bible Church

15533 75th St. NE, Lake Stevens, WA 98258 Cary Green, Pastor-Teacher

14 Trinity Evangel Church

12012 51st Ave NE, Marysville, WA 98271

15 Pilgrim Bible Church

2301 Worthington Street, Steilacoom, WA 98388 Thomas Shuck, Pastor-Teacher

16 First Baptist Church of Arlington

426 North French Avenue, Arlington, WA 98223 Hans Kaufman, Senior Pastor Stephen Duwe, Associate Pastor

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JOB BOARD

TMU ALUMNI

JOB BOARD

Director of Operations A P P LY N O W

Junior Software Engineer A P P LY N O W

Accounts Payable Specialist A P P LY N O W

Marketing Media Professor A P P LY N O W

Financial Planning Associate A P P LY N O W

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UPCOMING

EVENTS TMU is hosting its first-ever Student Research Conference on April 26 and 27. Leading up to the conference, students in TMU’s School of Science, Mathematics, Technology & Health composed abstracts and submitted them for review. If the abstract was accepted, the students designed posters consisting of original student research. Faculty members will judge the students on their posters and oral presentations. Check masters.edu/news in the coming weeks for a story recapping the event.

The Master’s University music department is hosting its Handbell Spring Concert on May 1 in the Music Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available here. The event will be live streamed here.

The Master’s University men’s and women’s track and field teams will be sending athletes to the NAIA Outdoor National Championships next month. The championships are May 26-28 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. You can watch live here.

The Care of Souls Conference is scheduled for June 11-12 at the newly renovated Placerita Bible Church, adjacent to TMU’s campus. In partnership with TMU’s Department of Biblical Counseling, the conference aims to present a system of biblical truth that brings together people, their problems, Scripture and the living God. You can find a full list of speakers and register for the conference at careofsoulsconference.org.

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SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT

THE MASTER’S GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP The Master’s Global Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to deserving students showing reasonable progress toward the completion of a degree at The Master’s University.

THE SCHOLARSHIP IS MEANT TO AID: International students with a proven affiliation to TMU through Grace Ministries International, The Master’s Academy International, Grace to You, or The Master’s Seminary.

Students originating from churches with long-standing relationships with TMUS, especially churches led by pastors from TMS, members of The Master’s Fellowship, or the TMUS Board.

Students who are children of TMU alumni.

To learn more, click here.