The Mustang Connection April 2022

April 2022 vol.

The

MUSTANG CONNECTION

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A PUBLICATION of THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY

4 3 Y E A R S of FAI TH F U L LEADERSHIP As Dr. Paul Plew nears retirement as dean of TMU’s School of Music this summer, colleagues and alumni reflect on his remarkable legacy.

WELCOME to THE MUSTANG CONNECTION. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CALCULATE THE INFLUENCE THAT DR. PAUL PLEW (FEATURED ON THIS MONTH'S COVER) HAS HAD ON THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY – on his students, his colleagues and the programs under his leadership. His labors over the past 43 years of service to the institution have compounded and rippled out in ways that only the Lord can trace.

But as Plew retires this summer from his position as dean of the School of Music, we are eager to honor his faithfulness and tell the story of his time here the best we can. Also in this edition, you'll meet five seniors who are preparing for the next chapter of their lives after TMU's 95th annual Commencement Ceremony on May 6.

Remember that you can subscribe to the magazine at masters.edu/magazine.

C O V E R P H OT O BY M A R K F I N S T E R

CONTENTS

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Right Out of the Gate

M A S T E R’S I N M I N I S T RY:

Bora Chheang & Bunry Thav

C A M P U S N E W S:

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Nine Properties Purchased as Campus Expands O F F I C E H O U R S:

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Why Biblical Counseling and Not Psychology?

by D R. G R E G G I F F O R D

C O V E R S T O RY:

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43 Years of Faithful Leadership

S T U D E N T F O C U S:

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Meet Five Members of the Class of 2022

Alumni Job Board April

2022

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RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE

CAMPUS

HIGHLIGHTS

01 On March 30, TMU hosted its Spring

T M U ’ S S P R I N G C A R E E R FA I R WA S A G R E AT T I M E F O R S T U D E N T S T O F I N D S U M M E R E M P LOY M E N T O R W O R K

Career Fair at Oaks Pavilion. Businesses, churches, ministry organizations and K-12 schools in Southern California and beyond came to connect with prospective employees. Students had the opportunity to network with and pass along their resumes to employers eager to hire TMU students and alumni.

F O R A F T E R T H E Y G R A D U AT E .

02 The Center for Thinking Biblically, a hub of succinct video lectures designed to help people understand the world through the lens of Scripture, was recently launched.

Created by educators at The Master’s University who have a passion for exalting Christ in all things, these digital resources are designed to equip believers with a thoroughly biblical way of thinking about every aspect of life — like culture, politics and dinosaurs.

Learn more at thinkbiblically.org.

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03 This spring, TMU Theatre Arts presented “Daddy Long Legs,” a musical based on the 1912 novel

by Jean Webster. Prof. Tricia Hulet, director of the Theatre Arts program, says, “The overwhelmingly supportive audience response to the production was such a joy to see. From concept to completion, this show was so exciting to tackle and bring to life – trying many new things and completely restaging this musical from the original. The students excelled in every area, were joyful, professional, hardworking, creative, and such beautiful storytellers. The Lord truly blessed our efforts and we are so thankful to have had the opportunity.” Find out more about TMU Theatre Arts at masters.edu/theatre.

04 Earlier this month, TMU Men’s Volleyball reached the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) championship game for the first time in program history, earning an impressive five-set win over No. 2 Vanguard University in the semifinals. Despite falling to No. 3 Ottawa University Arizona in the final, it was a remarkable season for the Mustangs. Also this month, TMU senior Jack Dudeck claimed the individual title at the TMU Spring Invite golf tournament for the second-straight year. Additionally, TMU Beach Volleyball received multiple postseason honors from the GSAC, with Annett Davis named GSAC CoCoach of the Year and Kasie Spencer selected to the All-GSAC Team. Learn more at gomustangs.com.

FA C U LT Y

UPDATES

UPCOMING

EVENTS MAY 2

DR. TODD BOLEN spoke as a guest on four episodes of Digging for Truth, a TV show produced by Associates for Biblical Research focusing on biblical archaeology. In the first two episodes, Bolen discussed the excavations at Susa (the location of the story of Esther), sharing photos and insights from his firsthand experience of the site. In the second pair, he presented archaeological evidence from the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. All of these episodes (Susa, parts one and two; Jerusalem, parts one and two) are available on YouTube.

START OF FINALS WEEK

MAY 5

DR. WILLIAM VARNER has a chapter on the Church Father, Papias, published in a Zondervan volume edited by Edinburgh scholar, Paul Foster. Varner has also received word that Bloomsbury Press will publish his 18th book, “The Apostolic Fathers: Introductions and Translations.” Additionally, his recent Evangelical Theological Society paper, “Was James the First Pope?” will be published in the Southern Baptist Seminary Journal.

SPRING CONCERT

MAY 6

In February, PROF. MATTHEW BROWN presented at the California Association of Teachers of English conference with a session titled, “Warning! Graphic Content: Using Comics to Engage Students in Deep Thinking About Texts.” He also presented at the CUE (Computer Using Educators) Conference in March. This presentation was titled, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: Igniting Student Inquiry.”

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

MAY 8

DR. GREG GIFFORD recently wrote a blog post for the Biblical Counseling Coalition titled, “Mind vs. Brain: Gaining Biblical Clarity on the Difference.” In it, he examines the modern confusion between the human mind and the human brain, the dangers of this confusion, and the biblical reality of the mind and brain. Find the article at biblicalcounselingcoalition.org.

Earlier this month, DR. GRANT HORNER visited Deep Well Church in Aurora, Colorado, for a Saturday night dinner event before preaching there the next morning. He appreciated the opportunity to fellowship with a local church that has a significant ministry to the marginalized.

PROF. JOHN BLACK lectured at the Tantur Ecumenical Institute in Jerusalem in February. His lectures included an introduction to the geography of the land of the Bible and presenting evidence for the early date of the Exodus.

SEMESTER OFFICIALLY ENDS

COMMUNITY BEST OF

THE WEB VIDEO

MASTER’S IN MINISTRY

BORA CHHEANG & BUNRY THAV

Watch at masters.edu/tmu-media

LIFE AT TMU

PODCASTS

Listen at masters.edu/tmu-media

EP. 21: EP. 131: EP. 23: PROF. BETTY COMPLEMENTARIANISM AN INTERVIEW PRICE ON PRINCIPLES & HOW WOMEN BUILD WITH MEN’S OF A THRIVING UP THE CHURCH WITH VOLLEYBALL HEAD WOMEN’S MINISTRY SPECIAL GUEST COACH JARED PHILIP DE COURCY GOLDBERG

NEWS ARTICLES

Read the full stories at masters.edu/news

MONIKA - 13 MONTHS

BORA CHHEANG (TMU, ’12)

IN 2018, MY WIFE, BUNRY, AND I GOT MARRIED AND STARTED OUR MINISTRIES TOGETHER. We serve alongside our local

Robert Taylor is an ideal fit as a business professor at TMU. He held sales, marketing and management roles for 30-plus years at one of the world’s largest multinational pharmaceutical companies. And he has a heart to equip young people to serve Christ.

church in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, while also focusing heavily on translation work with Action Cambodia in developing biblical resources.

In our blog ministry, our team mainly focuses on Christian living, biblical interpretation and combating false teachings. As for our books, we

Pastor Voddie Baucham visited TMU’s campus recently to speak in chapel.

In the midst of an age of anxiety, he encouraged our community out of Exodus 2 to trust in the God who hears, remembers, sees and knows.

focus on resources for pastors, churches and lay people. Our books range from “ESV Concise Bible Atlas” to a brief introduction to the Bible, discipleship and evangelism. Please pray that the Lord will use these resources to grow the church both deep and wide.

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CAMPUS NEWS

by M A S O N N E S B I T T

Nine New Properties Purchased as TMU Campus Expands

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The Master’s University recently purchased nine properties in Placerita Canyon, expanding its housing capacity to meet record-setting enrollment growth the past two years.

The previous two fall semesters have seen TMU welcome new students at levels never before seen on its Newhall, California, campus. This has created a need for additional housing even before another large class of students is expected to arrive in fall 2022. Something had to be done.

So, TMU partnered with the MacArthur Trust to purchase nine homes, seven of which are adjacent to campus, another two within walking distance.

Dubbed “Campus Cottages,” the units will house upperclassmen beginning in fall 2022. Each Campus Cottage will be named after a Christian missionary or influential figure.

More importantly, the structures will help TMU meet a growing demand for an education committed to Christ and Scripture. In fall 2021, a record 415 new students enrolled at TMU. And later that semester a study conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education showed that TMU saw the highest rate of growth in California, and the 18th best rate nationwide, between 2019 and 2020 in terms of year-overyear changes in the number of freshmen enrolled.

TMU Vice President of Administration Todd Kostjuk credited TMU’s recent growth, first and foremost, to the

Lord’s kindness. Within that, Kostjuk said he believes people have been attracted to TMU’s unwavering doctrinal commitment and to a campus that has undergone major renovations in recent years through generous donor funding.

“At the end of the day, it’s all a blessing from the Lord,” Kostjuk says. “He gets all the credit.”

The purchase of nine homes adds roughly 12 acres to TMU’s campus — which previously encompassed 95 acres — and continues an era of transformation of the school’s grounds and buildings. Since the beginning of 2020, The Master’s University has renovated dormitories and classrooms, revamped or constructed student spaces, and greatly upgraded academic buildings. Under the Oaks and Powell Library are two examples of recent work. The school has also constructed the Pearl C. Schaffer School of Education Center, a sand volleyball complex, and a track and field training facility.

The upgrades to TMU’s infrastructure have been mirrored by the expansion of the University’s program offerings.

TMU has recently added majors in interdisciplinary studies, entrepreneurial studies, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering and sport management.

MASON NESBITT is the director of communications at The Master’s University.

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OFFICE HOURS

WHY BIB COUNS an PSYCHOL

BLICAL SELING nd NOT LOGY?

by D R . G R E G G I F F O R D

Why biblical counseling and not psychology?

This is an important question that warrants answering in each generation. 1 Just to be clear, though, it is not that The Master’s University is committed to biblical counseling per se: It is the superiority of Scripture over human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:20-21), the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:17) and the sufficiency we have in Christ that we are committed to at TMU (Col. 2:3).

The Master’s University affirms biblical counseling because we are committed to the Word of God as being authoritative truth, because the only means of authentic change begins with faith in Jesus, and because the ultimate jurisdiction of counseling falls within the church. Our commitment to biblical counseling is an outworking of our commitment to these stated truths.

When we refer to biblical counseling at TMU, we are referring to simply “the private ministry of the Word of God, tailored specifically to the individuals involved.”2 That’s it. Although there are important nuances to biblical counseling — like the qualifications to counsel, or methods of counseling — biblical counseling is simply the private ministry of the sufficient Word of God tailored to people. It is interesting because biblical counseling is a psychology in the sense that it is a “study

1 Cf. the apt response of Dr. John D. Street in the following to the same question: John MacArthur, ed., Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically (Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2005), 31-47; John MacArthur, Think Biblically!

Recovering a Christian Worldview (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2003), 203-20.

2 David Powlison, Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically, “Biblical Counseling in Recent Times.,” (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 29. Biblical counseling has been known as a nouthetic confrontation, according to Jay Adams in Competent to Counsel (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1970). John Babler provides a concise definition of biblical counseling by saying, “Biblical Counseling is a ministry of the local church whereby transformed believers in Christ (John 3:3-8) who are indwelled, empowered and led by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) minister the living and active Word of God (Heb. 4:12) to others with the goals of evangelizing the lost and teaching the saved (Matt. 28:18-20).” John Babler, “What Is Biblical Counseling?,” Theological Matters, January 3, 2012, accessed November 17, 2016, http://theologicalmatters. com/2012/01/03/what-is-biblical-counseling/. Simply put, biblical counseling is discipleship.

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of the soul” or “science of mind and behavior.”3 Like psychology, biblical counseling cares much about the soul and human behavior. Of great significance, though, biblical counseling is committed to the fact that in order to engage in psychology, one must be committed to the authority of God’s Word to articulate the nature of the soul and human behavior. This is where the psychology of biblical counseling differs from secular psychology.

Scripture as Authoritative Truth It must be said that all psychologies have an epistemology: They have some theory of knowledge and how we know what is true. The question is not in regards to the existence of an epistemology, but in regards to the existence of a biblical epistemology. The reason this is significant is because one cannot make authoritative claims of right and wrong; claims about changing human motivation and the purpose of life; or claims about what behavior should look like without having some implicit commitment to knowledge and truth.

Biblical counseling sees Scripture as being the final authority of truth and how we know truth (John 17:17). Scripture is the lens through which we view the world — including human behavior.4 This means that we are committed to God’s articulation of the soul, human motivation and human behavior as being authoritative over any form of competing truth claims 3 Cf. The American Psychological Association’s definition of psychology: “Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience—from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. In every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental healthcare services, ‘the understanding of behavior’ is the enterprise of psychologists” in “How Does the APA Define ‘Psychology?’”, accessed October 10, 2017, http://www.apa.org/support/about-apa.aspx.

4 We, too, as biblical counselors must be cognizant of our epistemological commitments. David Powlison again notes, “Biblical counselors who fail to think through carefully the nature of biblical epistemology run the danger of acting as if Scripture were exhaustive, rather than comprehensive; as if Scripture were an encyclopedic catalogue of all significant facts, rather than God’s revelation of the crucial facts, richly illustrated, that yield a world view sufficient to interpret whatever other facts we encounter; as if Scripture were the whole bag of marbles rather than the eyeglasses through which we interpret all marbles; as if our current grasp of Scripture and people were triumphant and final” in Journal of Biblical Counseling, “Critiquing Modern Integrationists,” vol. 11, no. 3 (Spring 2003), 9.

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The Master’s University affirms biblical counseling because we are committed to the Word of God as being authoritative truth, because the only means of authentic change begins with faith in Jesus, and because the ultimate jurisdiction of counseling falls within the church. about these issues. We cannot espouse another seemingly authoritative truth over human behavior, because we believe that in so doing, we elevate the wisdom of man to the truth of God (1 Cor. 1:20-21).5 When we are asked, “Why biblical counseling and not psychology?” it is because Scripture is an authoritative truth over the soul, human motivation and behavior.6 5 Furthermore, Christian integrationists have conflated seeming truths with the authority of Scripture over these truths. For instance, Stanton Jones and Richard Butman say, “If we understand God’s counsel to be truth, we will be committed to pursuing truth wherever we find it. And we may sometimes find it in the careful and insightful writings of unbelievers” Jones, Stanton, and Richard Butman, Modern Psychotherapies (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 1991), 28. This is fundamentally a misunderstanding of general revelation, and tugs at the authority of Scripture over seemingly scientific findings.

6 Heath Lambert expresses this in his “95 Theses for an Authentically Christian Commitment to Counseling”: “18. One evidence of the sufficiency and authority of Scripture for counseling is that it is a sufficient and an authoritative guide to sanctification, which is theological language expressing the change pursued in counseling (Phil 2:12).” Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, accessed October 10, 2017, https://biblicalcounseling.com/ninety-five/.

Centrality of Jesus Christ in Authentic Change

Jurisdiction of the Care of Souls

Another reason we affirm biblical counseling is because we affirm the centrality of Jesus Christ in any authentic change in human motivation or human behavior.

It is true that “when the problems of a person and situation are conceived vis-à-vis God, then Christ as the Bible presents Him offers the only sufficient and logical solution. Understand the specifics of the human condition rightly, and the specifics of the person and work of Jesus are the only key that fits the lock.” 7

Finally, we affirm biblical counseling because of jurisdiction. Secular psychology has encroached upon the jurisdiction of soul care.9 Ed Welch lectured to Ph.D. students in clinical psychology and said this: “All psychology practitioners are dispensing a world view, a set of fundamental beliefs about the nature of people.

Your theories are heavy with assumptions about who we are, why we do the things we do, and where we are going. This is clergy turf [emphasis added].”10

Secular psychology is intimately concerned with change and propagating various goals and methods for change.

Gerald Corey, a secular psychologist, illustrates this by saying, “Psychotherapy is a process of engagement between two persons, both of whom are bound to change through the therapeutic venture. … Therapists are not in the business to change clients, to give them quick advice or solve their problems for them. Therapists heal through a process of genuine dialogue with their clients [emphasis added].”8 Whether we call it “change” or “healing,” secular psychologists are offering goals and methods for change.

Welch is right. The jurisdiction of counseling is and has historically been a work of the church, primarily of pastors.11 Secular psychology is rapidly encroaching on this domain. Secular psychology “is simply the attempt to do face-to-face pastoral work in service to different gods, different ideals, different diagnoses, a different gospel. Secular psychotherapy is ‘pastoral work’ done by ‘secular pastoral workers’ … .”12 However, biblical counseling recognizes this to only occur within the jurisdictional domain of the church.

The difficulty that we have with this statement and statements like these is that authentic change can only come through the work of Jesus Christ in a person’s life. We see Scripture teach that not only are we incapable of change on our own, but that we are dead in our sins until Christ makes us alive (Eph. 2:1-5). To tell a dead man to change apart from Christ brings with it impossible expectations.

Secular psychology, therefore, hinders the change process by leaving out the very centerpiece to change. Faith in Jesus is the beginning of all authentic change. So, to speak of change one must speak of Jesus Christ and his centrality in all authentic change (John 15:5).

One of the reasons this is true is because “true soul study cannot be done by unbelievers.”13 How can a person who does not believe in Jesus, the soul, or the goal of change help another person authentically change? How can those who are blinded to spiritual realities help 9 John Street noted “The answer must necessarily be that the Word of God reigns supreme in the jurisdictional domain of the soul where psychology trespasses and seeks to usurp authority” (Street, Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically, 46).

10 Ed Welch, “A Discussion Among Clergy: Pastoral Counseling Talks with Secular Psychology,” The Journal of Biblical Counseling, vol. 13, no.

2 (Winter 1995): 24. Although the author would not agree to all of Welch’s doctrinal positions, his understanding of the jurisdiction of counseling is correct.

11 Cf. my article in The Journal of Biblical Soul Care entitled, “Introduction, Purpose, and Overview,” vol. 1, no. 1 (Fall 2017): 11-12.

7 Eric L. Johnson and Stanton Jones, eds., Psychology and Christianity: Four Views (IVP Academic: Downer’s Grove, IL, 2000), 221.

12 Eric L. Johnson and Stanton Jones, eds., Psychology and Christianity: Four Views (IVP Academic: Downer’s Grove, IL, 2000), 213. O.H. Mowrer, a secular psychologist, stated that Freud was seeking to do the work of a secular theologian. Cf. O.H. Mowrer, “Sigmund Freud: Psychopathologist or ‘Theologian’?” Psychiatry Digest (June 1965): 37-49.

8 Gerald Corey, Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning, 2001), 5.

13 John MacArthur, ed., Counseling: How To Counsel Biblically (Nashville, TN: Nelson), 7.

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others with spiritual realities (2 Cor. 4:4)?

Secular psychologies have encroached upon the jurisdictional domain of the church by offering counter philosophies to that of the gospel (Col. 2:89) and usurping pastoral authority (Heb. 13:17).14 The true domain of counseling will always be within the jurisdiction of the church, despite the encroachment of other theories and methodologies upon this jurisdiction.

A SHORT READING LIST

on MARRIAGE & FAMILY Marriage and the Family: Biblical Essentials

Final Thoughts

ANDREAS KOSTENBERGER Dr. Kostenberger offers an overview of what the entire Bible teaches on different aspects of the family. It’s a great, easy read but thoroughly biblical.

As a top theologian in this area, Kostenberger’s work should be on your reading list.

I began the article by stating that we do not affirm biblical counseling per se. We affirm the biblical care of people as represented in the counseling system known as biblical counseling. Our commitment to biblical counseling is undergirded by our commitment to the authoritative Word of God, faith in Jesus to authentically change, and the jurisdiction of the church. Thus, we cannot espouse any counseling system that would denigrate the authority of the Word of God, faith in Jesus to change, or the importance of the church. We do believe, as stated

by Dr. John MacArthur, “Biblical counseling is the only valid kind of counseling there is.”15

Recovering Biblical Manhood & Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism JOHN PIPER AND WAYNE GRUDEM Drs. Grudem and Piper provide a culture-shaping work in this resource. Originally published in the 90s, but updated since, this book has literally shaped the conversation of marriage, family, masculinity/ femininity and parenting. Written by experts in the field, this is a great text and a must read.

Biblical Manhood: Masculinity, Leadership and Decision Making

14 Of note, it is pastors who are charged to “keep watch over your souls” and not that of secular psychologists. Although a psychologist may have genuine desires to help another person, those desires do not legitimize their authority. Biblical counseling must take place within the jurisdiction of the church and pastoral authority to truly be biblical.

STUART SCOTT Our very own Dr. Scott has written an excellent resource on the biblical principles of manhood.

It’s a great tool for fathers, pastors and young men looking for biblical equipping. In a time culturally where we need godly men to rise up, this book is an excellent resource.

15 John MacArthur, The Master’s University, “Question and Answer,” Chapel Message on April 26, 2017.

This story appeared on masters.edu in Feb. 2018 as "The Argument for Biblical Counseling Over Psychology."

DR. GREG GIFFORD Associate Professor, Biblical Counseling

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composed by DR. GREG GIFFORD Associate Professor, Biblical Counseling

COVER STORY

4 LE

by M A S O N N E S B I T T

3 YE A R S of FAI T HFU L ADERSHIP Dr. Paul Plew has had a profound impact on TMU. And even after he retires as dean of the School of Music this summer, he plans to continue serving the school.

By now, you’ve likely heard: After 43 years of leading the music department at The Master’s University, Dr. Paul Plew is set to retire.

While true, this doesn’t tell the whole story.

This summer, Plew is retiring as the dean of the School of Music. He is not, however, leaving TMU. In fact, he plans to continue in roles such as conducting The Master’s Chorale and The University Singers, two of the school’s most prominent performance ensembles.

This means Plew will continue to do many of the things that have so endeared him to TMU’s community over the past four decades. He’ll make Christ-honoring, soulstirring music. He’ll remind college students of their daily need of God’s Word. He’ll radiate endless joy and energy, rooted in a deep love for his Savior.

“ TH E STUD E NT S LOV E H IM B E CAU SE HE ’S LIKE ONE O F TH E M . HE’S ALWAY S UP, ALWAYS PR O JE CTING A CH R ISTIAN TE STIM O NY TH AT ’S FULL O F JOY.”

In other words, he’ll continue to be Paul Plew. *** The following is not an exaggeration: Paul Plew has come to be synonymous with music at The Master’s University. His influence, both inside and outside the classroom, has been that profound.

As a professor, Plew has taught everything from Music History to Advanced Conducting to Worship & Songs of the Church.

As an administrator, he’s hired a long list of distinguished faculty members; overseen the department’s move from a relatively small one-story building into the spacious Music Center; and, in 2007, helped TMU receive accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Music.

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and the country.

Plew’s University Singers have often performed major works at Forest Lawn to rave reviews. And during annual summer tours, Plew and The Chorale have visited roughly 40 states and 15 countries, singing in small-town churches and prestigious venues like New York City’s Carnegie Hall, alike.

Impressive, yes. But none of the above can fully define Plew’s legacy. For that, you’d have to examine the spiritual influence he’s had on hundreds of students over the years.

Then there’s the ensembles.

The music department’s mantra spells out Plew’s mission: God, Family, Craft. The word order is by design. In a discipline that requires so much time and focus, Plew reminds students that their musical abilities are foundationally a means of glorifying Christ. Music is not an end unto itself.

For more than three decades, Plew trained Majesty — a small, highly skilled singing group that traveled on weekends to bless Sunday gatherings across the state

Plew practices what he preaches. He often asks students where they’ve been in God’s Word in the past 24 hours.

And his door is open for unscheduled talks about

The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

theology, classes or relationships.

Taylor Arnone, a 2014 TMU graduate, says Plew has been one of the most influential men in his life.

Specifically, Arnone says he’s watched Plew’s example in the areas of music, marriage, fatherhood, church service and love for Scripture.

“When you’d see him read a passage, you could see in his eyes that he believes what he reads — and he cares that you do, too,” says Arnone, who as an alumnus still drops by unannounced for chats with Plew.

This is not an isolated incident. Few figures in TMU history have earned as dedicated a following of alumni as Plew. To many, he feels like family.

“Once you’re a student of his, you’re always a part of his life if you want to be,” Enloe says. “Every time I've interacted with him after graduation, he's shown a vested interest in my life and told me he's been praying for me.”

Plew’s influence extends beyond the music department, says TMU Chancellor John MacArthur.

Christopher Enloe, a 2018 TMU grad, echoes Arnone.

“Dr. Plew’s exceptional leadership has touched every

“Dr. Plew demonstrated what it looks like to love music but love the Lord more,” says Enloe, who in 2020 witnessed Plew’s care for students and alumni in an especially concrete way.

staff member, faculty and student who has ever been a part of the University through his mastery of music, which is such a universal part of Christian community,” MacArthur says. “He has truly been a gift from the Lord to all of us.”

Enloe and his now-wife, Becky, were scheduled to get married in Romania, Becky’s home country. But shortly before the wedding, COVID travel restrictions forced them to plan an improvised ceremony in Santa Clarita.

“We were thinking, ‘Who is someone who knows both of us, who we love and respect and know would do a good job?’” With only a few weeks’ notice, Plew agreed to officiate the wedding.

Plew’s colleagues would agree.

Members of the music department’s faculty and staff, past and present, describe Plew as warm and welcoming.

“You aren’t a stranger with him for very long,” says Dr. Ken Mays, a longtime piano professor. Plew provides constant encouragement, regularly shining the spotlight on others, and, even as dean, he refuses to micromanage. Instead, he defers to his colleagues’ expertise and empowers them to pursue new ideas.

“He never left you feeling wishy-washy about whether he supported you,” says Dr. Kimberlyn Jones, TMU’s director of vocal studies from 1986 to 2017. Jones remembers a conversation she had with Plew shortly after she arrived at what was then The Master’s College.

“He told me, ‘As far as I’m concerned, anytime there’s a question about voice, you’re the expert, you’ll do the answering.’ I liked the sound of that.”

Plew’s approach hasn’t changed, either.

OVER THE YEARS, THE MASTER’S CHORALE HAS VISITED ROUGHLY 40 STATES AND 15 COUNTRIES DURING ITS SUMMER TOURS.

“Dr. Plew has trusted me, stood up for me and given

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his mid-30s,” says one of Plew’s former students. Says another, “He’s a force of nature.”

This is essential during the holidays, when Plew conducts The Chorale and The University Singers at TMU’s Christmas concerts. In recent years, this consists of three shows in roughly 24 hours, followed by another performance Sunday morning at Grace Community Church. Plew has been known to cap the weekend by leading worship Sunday night at Santa Clarita Baptist Church, where he has served as music pastor since 1991.

A HIGHLIGHT OF EVERY TMU BASKETBALL SEASON IS WHEN PLEW AND THE CHORALE PERFORM “THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER.”

me opportunities that have shaped my path,” says Sarah Dixon, a former student of Plew’s and TMU’s current director of vocal studies. ***

much.”

Students find his enthusiasm inspiring.

“I think the students love him because he’s like one of them,” says Dr. John Stead, TMU’s executive vice president. “He’s always up, always projecting a Christian testimony that’s full of joy.”

Years ago, Plew and his wife, Pamela, would load their three young children into a Chevy Malibu station wagon and set off across the country, sometimes traveling as far as Florida or New York.

The best part? It’s authentic. No matter where Plew finds himself – school, church, home — he’s the same.

Joyful. Energetic. Positive. And humorous.

Along the way, Plew often pulled over to look at animals, mountain ranges or anything out of the ordinary, like a store with a car displayed on its roof. “He's always up for an adventure,” says his daughter, Janelle. “Every little thing is so interesting to him.”

Plew is known for catchphrases like, “Now, folks,” or “You’re good people.” But Enloe, the 2018 graduate, says his favorite Plewism was uttered during a particularly powerful piece of music. “Loosen my suspenders and let me go,” Plew said. Translation: The music had so

That sense of curiosity has not waned. If Plew learns something peculiar about a student, he wants to know all about it. Who? What? When? Where? Why? For instance, one student’s parents owned a river rafting company in Colorado. Plew peppered him with questions. Then Plew took his family to Colorado to river raft. Because, why not?

“ H E NE V E R LEF T YOU FE E LING WISHY-WASHY AB OUT WHE THER HE SUPPO RTED YOU .”

The fact is, Plew never seems to run out of energy.

His idea of downtime is cruising around on his Honda Shadow motorcycle. “The man walks around like he’s in

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Plew wouldn’t have it any other way. “I say, ‘Don’t tell anyone, but I get paid to do this,’” he says. “I enjoy it so

The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

inspired Plew that he was ready to meet the Lord.

Jones, the longtime vocal director, says Plew once asked her to sing a duet at a faculty recital. Jones picked Duetto buffo di due gatti — “Comic Duet for Two Cats.”

The only lyric, if you can call it that, was “meow.”

“It was hysterically funny,” Jones says. “He was all in for that.”

Says Plew, “I take the craft seriously. But I don’t take myself seriously.” ***

As vocal director, Jones remembers Plew keeping a group of altos on their toes. One by one, he’d ask singers to perform a line of music he’d assigned. They each needed to be ready. And it wasn’t just the altos.

“No one was left out,” Jones says, laughing. “And they wished they were.”

There was always a purpose, though — something that Enloe, now a doctoral student at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, understands well.

“He knew what we’d be up against outside of Master’s,” he says, “and he didn’t want to leave us unprepared.”

To be clear, Plew takes his craft very seriously. He is passionate about the pursuit of excellence because Christ, he believes, deserves nothing less.

***

Growing up, Janelle grew comfortable around her father’s ensembles. When she graduated high school and officially joined The Chorale, however, her viewpoint quickly changed. “Once I got to rehearsal, I was like, ‘Oh, this is no joke. We’re serious about this.’”

He’s thrived for 40-plus years on the strength the Lord has provided through daily times of prayer and Bible study. Says Jones, “One of Dr. Plew’s strongest suits has been his own commitment to making sure he’s right with the Lord every single day before he comes to school to deal with whatever God brings his way.”

She adds, “If he senses his choir can do better, he’s going to push for better. So rehearsals can be really intense.”

Plew’s success certainly has not come as a solo act.

Plew says he’s benefitted from the support of colleagues like Jones and Mays and many others. But none more so than his wife, Pamela, who, in addition to providing a listening ear and unconditional support at home, served as the music department secretary for 25 years.

Says Plew, “Behind every good man is a better woman.

That’s Pamela.”

Plew says he’s also thankful for the support of Dr. John MacArthur. “He could have had anyone lead music,” Plew says, “but he believed in us.”

That faith was well-placed.

WHEN IT COMES TO ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE DURING A PERFORMANCE, NO ONE DOES IT QUITE LIKE DR. PLEW.

MASON NESBITT is the director of communications at The Master’s University.

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STUDENT FOCUS

SENIORS SHARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR TIME AT TMU AND PROVIDE A SNAPSHOT OF WHAT’S NEXT.

Reflections

AND THE

ROAD AHEAD P H OT O S BY E Z R A M O O R E

Owen PARLO HOMETOWN

Durango, Colorado

MAJOR

Communication/Cinema & Digital Arts

WHAT’S NEXT?

I will be moving to Atlanta, Georgia, to be a director of photography for Gospel Partners Media. They have produced shows such as Wretched, Road Trip to Truth, and Transformed.

Katelyn SAULOG

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

I am so grateful for how much Prof. Matt Green and Prof. Jeff Henson have poured into not only my career preparation, but my personal life as well. They have been incredible mentors and have helped me grow in more ways than I can count. They have equipped me with resources, helped me make connections in the film industry, and have provided me with amazing opportunities.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I cannot take for granted the fact that every class here is taught from a biblical worldview.

As Christians, we are called to glorify Christ in everything we do, and having professors who understand this and strive to live it out in their own careers is a valuable resource.

HOMETOWN

Los Alamitos, California

MAJOR

Kinesiology/Pre-Physical Therapy

WHAT’S NEXT?

I have been accepted to attend the Entry-Level Master’s of Science in Nursing at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. I plan to attend its program for 27 months before continuing into PLU’s doctorate program. My goal is to become a nurse practitioner.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

From classes to meetings and simple conversations, Prof. Dave Larsen has been incredibly helpful and resourceful in laying out my future plans after school.

He went above and beyond to help research schools and programs, believing I could continue my education at a high level.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I have formed many lifelong relationships with my friends and teammates over the past four years.

They have challenged me to grow in my faith and helped me learn to be humble and selfless in my service to others.

April

2022

22

Carlos Felipe MORENO SIERRA HOMETOWN

Bogota, Colombia

MAJOR

Business Administration/Finance & Mathematics/Applied Mathematics

WHAT’S NEXT?

My first job will be as a project coordinator for Lavi Industries, the leading manufacturer of queue management technologies and customer flow solutions in North America.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

My professors, coaches, teammates and friends at TMU cultivated in me the desire to glorify God by using the knowledge I gain and the skills I develop. I was challenged to pursue every task, game, or project as a way to glorify God.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

I have spiritually matured in a number of ways during my time at TMU. I feel a deep commitment and passion to advance the kingdom of God to the ends of the Earth. No matter where God puts me or what I do, I now trust He can use me to glorify Him.

Ellie MILLER HOMETOWN

Mt. Angel, Oregon

MAJOR

Classical Liberal Arts

WHAT’S NEXT?

I plan to teach literature and history at Veritas School in Richmond, Virginia. During my time at TMU, Dr. Grant Horner connected me with a paid internship at Trinity Classical Academy, which gave me the experience and skills I needed to receive job offers.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

Joining the Classical Liberal Arts program was one of the best decisions I have made in my career at Master's. It taught me to love learning for the sake of learning and the true meaning of education, which must be founded upon Scripture for it to have any eternal value.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

My time on resident life staff was a huge push that I didn't know I needed, because it urged me to know the Lord better so that I could lead others in knowing Him. Those two years prepared me for teaching this year, as it taught me the burden of leading others excellently.

Micah VANDER WIEL HOMETOWN

SENIORS SHARE THEIR PL ANS FOR THE FUTURE

A New

CHAPTER

Los Alamos, New Mexico

MAJOR

Biological Science/Pre-Medical

WHAT’S NEXT?

Two weeks after graduation, I will take the Medical College Admission Test and work toward being enrolled in a medical school program by fall 2023.

In the coming year, I will continue working at Los Alamos National Laboratory and transition from a student intern to a post-bachelor's position. I’ll also be shadowing in orthopedic surgery at a local hospital.

EDUCATIONAL HIGHLIGHT AT TMU?

Dr. Matthew Ingle was certainly a highlight of organismic and cell biology. I also really enjoyed the immunology class and lab with Dr. Joe Francis.

PRICE ANDERSON HOMETOWN: Tyler, Texas MAJOR: Political Studies/Political Theory & Constitutional Law WHAT’S NEXT? I’ve been accepted to Gonzaga University and the University of Wyoming for law school. I’m still deciding which school to attend as I take the next step toward my goal of becoming an attorney. I hope to eventually gain a judgeship.

ALYSSA FRALEY HOMETOWN: Tulare, California MAJOR: Music/Vocal Performance WHAT’S NEXT? I will be working as a program producer and audio engineer for RK Media, a production and media company in Thousand Oaks, California. It’s especially exciting for me because I heard some of the ministries RK Media serves as a child on the radio growing up, and now I’m working on them.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH AT TMU?

Every year it has been helpful to look back through my journal, church and chapel notes to see what the Lord has taught me. This semester, I joined the Friday evangelism team going into downtown Newhall. This has been an incredible opportunity, and I have seen great growth in my own spiritual walk.

CALEB WALSH HOMETOWN: Roscommon, Ireland MAJOR: English WHAT’S NEXT? I plan to pursue graduate education in the

United Kingdom with the long-term goal of teaching Bible and humanities. While I had been planning to study at a secular graduate school, recently the Lord has been leading me to pursue seminary and dedicate my life to studying and teaching His Word in an academic setting.

EMMA HOPKINS HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, Nevada MAJOR: Business Administration/Finance WHAT’S NEXT? I have accepted a full-time position as an

accounting and administrative specialist at ImpactOrtho in Phoenix, Arizona.

April

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CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS of 2022!

Trust in Yahweh with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

PROVERBS 3:5-6, LSB

M A S T E R S.E D U/G R A D U AT I O N

JUST CATCHING UP

woody & noreen swenson children Sam | Heidi | Kari | Sara (with the Lord since 2011)

tmu connection Woody graduated in 1979 with a degree in biblical studies. Noreen (maiden name Oda) graduated in 1980, having majored in music theory and piano accompaniment.

where they're at

elijah & breanna paniagua

Fallon, Nevada

on the job

tmu connection

Woody has served as a pastor at Parkside Bible Fellowship since 1996. Noreen has worked at Numa Elementary School for 20 years as the school counselor.

Breanna (maiden name McManis) graduated in 2015, and Elijah graduated in 2017, both with a degree in English.

favorite memory of tmu

where they’re at

Woody’s favorite memories from TMU include meeting Noreen and many lifelong friends, outreach trips, and Bible studies with Dr. John Stead. Noreen fondly remembers singing in multiple music groups and living in the dorms.

how can the tmu community pray for you?

Please pray Philippians 2:14-16 for all of us living “in the midst of a crooked and twisted (perverse) generation,” that we would shine as lights all for the Lord’s glory while we continue to hold forth the Word of life! To God be the glory. We also thank the Lord for the joy of having 11 grandchildren!

San Jose, California

on the job Elijah serves as an account executive at Polly, a mortgage capital markets software firm. Breanna is a managing editor at With All Wisdom Publications.

favorite memory of tmu We met each other at TMU when I (Elijah) was a freshman and Breanna was a junior. The time spent with one another and our friends easily makes up our best memories at TMU. Going to classes and chapels together and just hanging out were some of the best times of our lives, and we often reminisce about those days fondly.

how can the tmu community pray for you?

We're still getting adjusted to a new area, having relocated from L.A. County in December 2021, so you can be praying that we settle in well and find ways to effectively serve the local church and be lights for Christ in a new town.

April

2022

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COMMUNITY

ALUMNI

JOB BOARD Server and Cloud Administrator A P P LY N O W

Audit Senior A P P LY N O W

Elementary/MS Teacher A P P LY N O W

Executive Director - Administration A P P LY N O W

Youth Pastor A P P LY N O W

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The M U S T A N G C O N N E C T I O N

MASTER’S CONNECT This is where you’ll find a monthly alumni newsletter, a church directory, a job board, and the opportunity to network with other members of the TMU family.

All in one place. stay connected at masters.edu/alumni

The Care of Souls Conference intends to challenge and encourage the church to hold securely to the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture in addressing every spiritual problem believers face, while also exposing the error and harm of all other approaches.

L E A R N M O R E AT CAREOFSOULSCONFERENCE.ORG

SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT

THE PAUL AND PAMELA PLEW ENDOWED MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP The Paul and Pamela Plew Endowed Music Scholarship exists to provide sustainable funding for deserving and in-need students majoring in music, with special consideration to those in a choir.

To contribute, visit masters.edu/give/give-to-music.