Spirit Led, Renewing the Church!
In this Issue
04 | Debt Free at Last
An update from the desk of President Millard
06 | New Doctor of Theology Program
The advanced research program welcomes its first cohort of students.
08 |Houses of Study Initiative
Equipping students around the world
10 | Making Kingdom Impact
An update from the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center
11 | Retracing the Steps of Freedom
Students connect with the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement
12 | Doing Freedom Work
Alumnus Tim Krug and student Betsy Williams help others find freedom in Christ
13 | 2024 Alumni/ae Awards
Honoring five remarkable graduates
14 | An Ongoing Heritage
An update from the Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage
16 | Fresh Wind Campaign
Moving toward the goal of $10 million
18 | Your Impact
Recognizing all who supported the Seminary in the last year
26 | News and Notes
Updates from United’s alumni/ae and faculty
34 | Stay Connected
Upcoming events and opportunities at United
Every effort has been made to prepare this publication with accuracy according to donor records from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. To report any errors, please contact:
Mandy Wood
Office of Development
United Theological Seminary
4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426
937.529.2206 • development@united.edu
A Christian seminary affiliated with The United Methodist Church, United is a community of learning and faith with representation from many ecumenical traditions.
Freedom.
It’s a powerful feeling, one bought for us by Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection that defeated sin and the grave. As Galatians 5:1 in The Passion Translation powerfully celebrates, “At last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free!”
The gift of freedom in Christ has motivated Christians and United graduates around the world to fight for the freedom of others.
Some have fought for freedom from racial injustice and oppression, remembering the famous words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who ended his “I Have a Dream” speech quoting a Negro spiritual: “Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty we are free at last.” Doctoral mentor Dr. C. Anthony Hunt and United professor Dr. Lisa M. Hess share about experiencing this vision of freedom through the “Enacting the Beloved Community” immersion experience now being offered to masters’ and doctoral students (see page 11).
United students and alumni/ae are doing freedom work as well. Master’s alumnus Rev. Tim Krug '24 is working with those who are oppressed by addiction, helping them to find freedom in Christ-centered recovery. Doctor of Ministry student Rev. Betsy Williams is tackling economic injustice through creating affordable housing (see page 12).
These are but a sampling of the areas United students and alumni/ae are working to bring freedom in the name of Jesus Christ, the source of our ultimate freedom.
At the same time, United as an organization is celebrating freedom from debt, as Dr. Kent Millard shares in his presidential update (next page). Becoming debt free plus the incredible progress of the Fresh Wind campaign allows United to invest more in scholarships so students can also experience freedom from the weight of debt.
Each of the donors listed in this report have contributed to this freedom in Christ. The generous gifts represented here have freed United financially, provided scholarships, and fueled the freedom work in Jesus’ name being carried out by students and alumni/ae. Thank you!
“At last we have freedom, for Christ has set us free!”
Callie Picardo, Vice President for Development
President’s Update
Debt Free at Last
“Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest.”
— Elisha to a poor widow, 2 Kings 4:7
Over the past eight years, we have seen a miraculous multiplication happening here at United. Just as the prophet Elisha provided a way for a poor widow to pay her debts by making her small jar of oil miraculously multiply, God has multiplied the gifts from trustees, friends and alumni/ae to such an extent that United has paid off all mortgage and endowment debts. We are now debt free at last!
By the grace of God and the selling of excess property and the gifts of many donors, United burned its $4 million mortgage at the celebration of the seminary’s 150th anniversary in October 2021, thereby eliminating all debt on the seminary’s property.
By the grace of God, the generous gifts of many donors and the estate gifts of many alumni/ae and friends, in May 2024 United made its last payment on a $3.3 million endowment debt, becoming completely debt free. Thanks be to God!
In addition to eliminating the seminary’s debt, we have been working toward reducing the educational debt of United students. Four years ago, the average student graduated with $50,0001 in educational debt and became a pastor of a congregation where the starting salary was often less than $50,000, so they were burdened with debt for decades.
This is why we launched the $10 million Fresh Wind endowment campaign to increase scholarship opportunities for students while they are in seminary, so they will graduate with less debt and greater freedom to follow God’s call on their lives.
With the increase in scholarship gifts from the Fresh Wind campaign and the reduction of United’s own debt we have significantly increased scholarship support for our students.
Two years ago, in the 2021-2022 academic year, 25 percent of our students graduated from United without incurring any debt from their seminary education.2 At the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, 43 percent of our students graduated without incurring any debt while in seminary.3 This represents a 72 percent increase in the number of students graduating without seminary debt because of gifts to the Fresh Wind campaign and United’s own debt reduction.
So far, $8.2 million has been given or committed to the Fresh Wind campaign, $4.7 million of which has already been received and invested. Our prayer is that God will provide additional scholarships for students by enabling us to reach our $10 million Fresh Wind goal by the 2024-2025 Commencement in May.
United has experienced the miracles of God countless times in the past, and we believe that “with God, all things are possible,” so we continue to pray with expectation for more miracles.
Thanks be to God!
Dr. Kent Millard, President
1 United Theological Seminary Financial Aid Office. April 2021. Data represents the average student educational debt upon graduation for 2019-2020 master’s and doctoral degree-seeking graduates. 2 The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) 2021-2022 Graduating Student Questionnaire for United Theological Seminary. TABLE 7-B: Educational Debt Incurred by All Students. n=69. 3 The Association of Theological Schools (ATS) 2023-2024 Graduating Student Questionnaire for United Theological Seminary. TABLE 7-B: Educational Debt Incurred by All Students. n=61.
2023-2024 Academic Year
595 Students
85 international students from 20 countries
Students from 35 states 58% MALE 39% Black or African
48 Denominations
$6,216 average scholarship student aid amount
* Demographic data represent those who responded. All figures rounded to the nearest whole number. Source: united.edu/ataglance2024
Introducing United’s Doctor of Theology
In summer 2024, United welcomed its inaugural cohort of Doctor of Theology (ThD) students. The new degree program is the fruit of years of dialogue and development between the faculty, staff, administration and trustees of United, and marks the first academic research doctorate in the history of the institution.
The Doctor of Theology is an advanced research degree program designed to support leading pastor-scholars, teachers and thinkers in the church, by expanding knowledge in the fields of History and Theology, Biblical Studies, and Practical Theology.
The program is competitive, admitting up to seven students per year from a pool of outstanding applicants with a demonstrated record of success in master’s work and ecclesial service. The small size allows United to offer a program that is flexible, individual and personal to our students.
Rev. Meshach Kanyion, Cincinnati, Ohio, says he was excited about “the opportunity to participate in a program that was academically demanding and would deepen my ability to serve as a pastor theologian.”
United’s ThD program is conducted primarily from a distance rather than in a more traditional residential format. It requires a total of only four weeks of in-person intensives, held annually each July at the seminary’s Dayton, Ohio campus. All other courses can be completed online.
“The first summer term intensives in the ThD program were a great experience,” reflects Rev. Joel Garrott, Florence, Ala. “It was a real gift to participate in the vital spiritual life of United in chapel and to learn from both the seminary faculty as well as peers in the program!”
Each ThD student pursues a customized plan of study suited to the student’s area of interest. This allows students to work directly with United’s faculty to develop and execute a plan of study. As a result, every student receives close mentorship in teaching, scholarship and church renewal.
The ThD program is United’s response to two major transitions in theological education. First, it is a step into the intersection of church and academy, where the future of theological education is emerging. Second, it is a further deepening of United’s capacity for partnership with network Christianity, the leading phenomenon in post-denominational Protestantism.
“I was looking for a degree that combined the academic rigor of a PhD with a strong focus on local church renewal,” says Rev. Adam Roe, Phoenix, Ariz. “The United ThD will provide a terminal degree that not only prepares me for academic service but also equips me to contribute directly to the vitality of the local church.”
At United, we are excited to say “yes” to God as we enter this critical space for the future of the church. We are committed to train the faithful and fruitful teachers necessary for making disciples of Jesus Christ in the next generation.
The Doctor of Theology program is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. The next term will begin in May 2025, with students attending two weeks of intensive classes in mid-July.
Interested individuals can learn more at united.edu/ThD, or by contacting the Office of Admissions at 937.529.2302 or admissions@united.edu.
Doctor of Theology students gather at United Theological Seminary, in July 2024. Pictured: (top right) Dr. Justus Hunter, Director of the ThD Program, (lower left) Dr. Pauline Paris Buisch, Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Houses of Study
Since United started its Houses of Study initiative in 2022, interest in these learning communities has continued to grow. This has been another exciting year for United’s Houses of Study. From the establishment of a new house of study to international contextual ministry retreats, United’s Houses of Study are equipping students around the world.
Introducing the African House of Study
United’s newest house is the African House of Study, designed for English-speaking students in Africa called to become pastors. The house welcomed its first class of students in Fall 2024.
Under the direction of Dr. Saneta Maiko, the African House of Study equips students in the context where they live and serve. Online education eliminates common challenges international students face, such as visa applications, overseas travel, isolation from family, and expenses associated with attending school abroad. Students receive in-person instruction during a required Contextual Ministry retreat.
African tracks are available through United’s Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Ministries degrees, as well as the Certificate in Service and Leadership and Certificate in Theology and Ministry programs. Contextually driven training includes instruction on evangelism styles, mission strategies, church planting, and research and innovation.
Students will graduate prepared to become leaders in churches, faith-based organizations and secular institutions, or to impact the world of academia through research and teaching.
Teaching Across Borders
This year was a milestone for the Contextual Ministries (CM) program at United. In July 2024, both the Hispanic and Korean houses of study held their inaugural Contextual Ministry retreats. The main
purpose of these retreats is the spiritual formation of students, providing a time of worship, fellowship, peer group sharing and reflection.
Dr. Jorge Ochoa, Director of the Hispanic House of Study, and Rev. Samuel Blanco, Assistant Contextual Ministries Director, led the Hispanic House of Study retreat in Lubbock, Texas, telecast to Peru, Colombia and Mexico. Students gathered in person with the peer group in their country, sharing in the plenary and worship based in Lubbock. It was a massive feat of coordination and planning on Rev. Blanco’s part.
“The faculty and staff have gone above and beyond to ensure that I and my colleagues receive a quality education and have provided a nurturing environment for personal and spiritual growth. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and inclusive academic community,” says Luis de Sousa, Georgia, USA.
2023-24 Enrollment in Houses of Study
Hispanic House of Study
Korean House of Study
Fresh Expressions House of Study
Global Methodist House of Study
Global Pentecostal House of Study
Full Gospel Baptist House of Study
AME Zion House of Study
students
students
students
students
students
students
students TOTAL HOS ENROLLMENT
students
2024 Contextual Ministry gathering for Korean House of Study at Manna Church. Pictured, (seated front row): Dr. Grace Oh, Dr. Madeline Henners, Dr. Byoung Sam Kim, Dr. Kent Millard, Dr. Yoon Sun Shin, and Dr. Seok Jae Jeon
The first Korean House of Study retreat in Seoul, Korea, was an equally ambitious endeavor. Rev. Dr. Seok Jae Jeon, Director of the Korean House of Study, and Rev. Sungkyoon Park, Assistant Contextual Ministries Director, worked with Manna Church who hosted the retreat. From July 24-26, 2024, Manna Church generously covered accommodations and meals for more than 30 students, faculty and staff. Their radical hospitality was a incredible illustration of their ministry vision and ethos.
“This spiritual retreat was an opportunity for immense spiritual growth and joyful sharing of my faith,” says Hyuntaek Oh, Seoul, South Korea. “Through uplifting lectures and small group sessions, I experienced profound spiritual enrichment and took powerful steps in my spiritual journey.”
Expanding Opportunities
The Korean House of Study marked its first anniversary in Fall 2023, and in Summer 2024 expanded its academic offerings with the addition of the Certificate in Service Leadership in Korean. The Korean House of Study empowers Korean and Korean American ministers to transform their emotional, social and spiritual lives through faith in Christ, all grounded in the biblical, theological and historical foundations of education at United.
“God has performed incredible miracles for the Korean House of Study program,” says Dr. Yoon Sun Shin, Senior Director of International Students.
During a visit to United in October 2022, Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim (DMiss '98), head of the Korean House of Study and a life member of United’s Board of Trustees, committed to hosting the annual CM retreat in South Korea, where he serves as lead pastor of Manna Church near Seoul.
During the inaugural CM retreat, President Millard presented Dr. Kim with an appreciation award in recognition of his leadership and dedication to hosting United students each year.
In Fall 2024, the Korean house is serving 42 masters’ students, 12 certificate students and one non-degree graduate student. Students come from diverse locations including the U.S., Korea, Paraguay, and Pakistan. Korean missionaries worldwide have expressed interest in the program.
Finding Community
Partnerships and collaboration make it possible for students to find a community that supports their ministry focus through the Houses of Study initiative. Current houses include: African, AME Zion, Fresh Expressions, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, Global Methodist, Global Pentecostal, Hispanic and Korean.
Learn more about Houses of Study programs at united.edu/houses-of-study.
Master's student leads worship at extension site in Colombia
Making Kingdom Impact
An Update from the Innovation Center
By Rev. Dr. Sue Nilson Kibbey, Director of the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center
In summer 2024, United’s Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center celebrated the third anniversary since its launch as United’s “research and development” hub for ministry practitioners and thought leaders seeking to create and provide innovative resourcing for congregations seeking a fresh season of Kingdom impact
During the first half of 2024, the Innovation Center had already engaged 1,744 participants through 22 training events and learning experiences held both live online and at locations around the country. These events are designed to help equip leaders and congregations as they press into innovative, practical approaches, all based upon a foundation of prayer, to lean forward into what God has next.
The Innovation Center itself has continued to learn and adjust as local church and leadership needs for resourcing and delivery styles shift. One key change has been a desire expressed by potential participants
for “deep-dive interactive learning” rather than short informational workshops or recordings. This year, the Innovation Center debuts its first-ever Innovation Immersives: live, online, unique, in-depth learning sessions with practical applications to church leadership or ministry deployment, facilitated by expert trainers who will provide one or more individual coaching sessions with participants as follow-up (CEUs available). Likewise, Innovation Pilgrimages (comparable format, but held in person and on site at a relevant location around the country) are also launching this year.
Every semester more students enroll and join the Innovation Center’s growing “Open the Floodgates” doctoral focus group through United’s Doctor of Ministry program. These students share a passion for breakthrough prayer as the foundation for innovating novel church resourcing for the future. And, through its ongoing partnership with the Center for Spiritual Formation in Carlisle, Pa., the Innovation Center has just enrolled a third year of participants in its two-year “Ministry of Spiritual Direction” intensive online program.
Would you like more information, or to suggest ideas?
Check out the Center’s latest offerings listed at united.edu/innovation-center , or email director
Rev. Dr. Sue Nilson Kibbey at snkibbey@united.edu.
Retracing the Steps of Freedom
Immersion trip to Alabama offers opportunity to engage with the legacy of Civil Rights Movement
God often grows us through new experiences and faith encounters outside our comfort zones. This is why United requires all Master of Divinity students to participate in a cross-cultural immersion trip, and many of United’s Doctor of Ministry groups also offer an immersion experience. Typically, this involves a trip to another country, but post-pandemic a need emerged for a cross-cultural experience in the United States.
Now, United doctoral and master’s students get the opportunity to retrace the steps of freedom on pilgrimages to the seedbed of the Civil Rights Movement in the South through the “Enacting the Beloved Community” immersion experience led by Dr. C. Anthony Hunt, doctoral mentor, and Dr. Lisa M. Hess, Professor of Practical Theology and Contextual Ministries.
Since 2016, Dr. Hunt has led the “Enacting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Beloved Community” doctoral focus group, which offers a historical, theological and sociocultural analysis of the life and writings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with particular focus on the implications of King’s work on the contemporary church and society. These trips are a cornerstone of the curriculum for students in Hunt’s focus group.
“I am a strong believer, based on my experience of this kind of work in building community, that we model it in our focus group, but we also experience it on the ground,” says Hunt, who has been leading similar immersion trips for over 20 years.
Dr. Hess has partnered with Hunt for eight years as faculty consultant for his focus group and has seen how capacity for connection and understanding are strengthened in this kind of community awakening. In October 2022, master’s students began joining this diverse group on their immersion trip.
During the “Enacting the Beloved Community” immersion trip, Hunt and Hess lead the group through the “fertile crescent of human rights,” as Hunt describes it: three cities in Alabama central to the Civil Rights Movement. Following the path from Birmingham to Selma and on to Montgomery, the group finds connection to Dr. King and other activists who first made that journey in 1965.
“It was an opportunity to experience really deep emotions,” says master’s student Ryan Whisel, Etters, Pa. “I want to address that in a way that is continuing the movement toward healing from what was such a dark chapter in [U.S.] history.”
Coming from vastly different backgrounds, students participate in worship and discussion groups together, expanding their capacity for connection with deep listening and self-awareness. Students return from the trip changed, with perspectives widened on what it means to work for greater freedom for all people in Christ.
United group on the Spring 2024 “Enacting the Beloved Community” immersion trip
Doing Freedom Work
Alumnus Spotlight: Rev. Tim Krug ’24
Recent Master of Ministry graduate Rev. Tim Krug has had a calling to recovery ministry for more than 20 years.
“God has always led me to the broken hearted, the poor and the addicted,” explains Rev. Krug. He was drawn to recovery ministry while attending Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, and eventually became a recovery pastor there after experiencing the 12-step program for himself.
Krug began a biker ministry at Ginghamsburg, which gave him the opportunity to help other riders with addiction issues and share his faith in the Lord. Later, as Executive Director at Rides to Work, Krug ministered to the homeless and addicted, while providing affordable transportation.
“I would drive people to work in my van, talk to them and pray for them. Then on Saturday nights they were in my church,” explains Krug. “Even when I wasn’t driving, I would still go to the homeless shelter and sit, talk and pray with people.”
In 2017, Krug began his studies at United in Course of Study classes, and in 2022 he decided to continue into the Master of Ministry program. His completion of this degree opened the door for his new role as Chaplain of Upper Valley Hospital in Troy, Ohio.
“My education at United changed my life and my ministry,” he says. “I experienced a whole new level of confidence and boldness.”
Following graduation from United, Krug is also involved in recovery and prayer ministry at Tipp City GMC.
“Everything I’ve done, I’ve just said yes, Lord,” says Krug. His experiences have deepened his faith and reinforced his calling, as he witnesses the power of Christ break people free from darkness and loneliness.
Student Spotlight: Rev. Betsy Williams
Rev. Betsy Lynn Williams, a 2023 Master of Divinity alumna and current Doctor of Ministry student, is helping others experience freedom in Christ across two communities. While she lives and works in Spokane, Wash., Rev. Williams also pastors a church nearly 300 miles away in Great Falls, Mont. In these dual roles, she feels she is living into her calling.
“A powerful gift that God has given me is a servant’s heart and to love the people,” she says.
During the pandemic, God called Rev. Williams to build a community to restore the hearts of his people. This led her to Union Bethel in Great Falls, Mont., where she serves as an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She also facilitated restoration to the church building itself by the acquisition of two significant grants. “Faithfulness kept rolling in our back door,” says Williams. In Spokane, Wash., Rev. Williams works with the nonprofit Take Up the Cause to enrich the community with equitable housing, providing resources to guide tenants to a better future and encouraging them with a word from God.
“I am training people to become responsible renters and generational wealth-makers for their families, where for generations they have not known anything else except poverty,” states Williams. As she helps others work toward economic freedom, Rev. Williams is witnessing her doctoral project have a direct impact on her community.
“United is spirit-filled and challenges individuals like me to demonstrate the fruit of the spirit and develop compassion in serving others,” she explains. “Where the spirit of the Lord is there is freedom!”
"For you were called to freedom.... Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13
2024 Alumni/ae Awards
Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni/ae Award recipients who were honored on May 18 during the 2024 Commencement activities. These individuals are expanding the reach of the Kingdom of God through their ministries
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton with Bishop James Swanson at the CME Unity Summit in Dallas, Texas
Effective Ministry Award
Dr. Leroy Cothran, Rev. Dr. Charlie Stallworth, and Rev. Dr. Tim Burden in the Zimmerman Chapel
Dr. Byoung Sam Kim at United’s Doctor of Ministry intensive, August 21, 2024
Rev. Dr. Tim Burden (MDiv ’83) served as a pastor for more than 40 years before retiring from The United Methodist Church. He also has a missionary’s heart. Dr. Burden and his wife, Beth, started their ministry by serving as missionaries to Cuba, Haiti, Peru and Mexico through their non-profit ministry, Father Son Gospel Mission. Dr. Burden has led numerous mission trips and ministers to friends, family and former church members through daily devotions on Facebook and his book Fuego: Get ’Em Out of Those Pews! published in 2022.
Rev. Dr. Charlie Stallworth (DMin ’97) is a former five-term Connecticut state representative for the 126th District and former commissioner on the Bridgeport Board of Police. Currently, he serves as senior pastor of the East End Baptist Tabernacle Church in Bridgeport, and is author of the devotional series, Before You Give Up, Consider These Things. Dr. Stallworth teaches public policy and administration online at Fairfield University and is an adjunct professor at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace. He has been recognized multiple times as one of the “100 Most Influential African Americans” in the state of Connecticut.
Distinguished Alumnus/a Award
Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim (DMiss ’98) is the senior pastor of Manna Church in South Korea and a leader who has served and supported social services and ministry in Africa, Asia and North and South America. In addition, he is head of United’s Korean House of Study. Dr. Kim has drawn from his ministry experience to teach United students, orchestrating an on-campus seminar in October 2022 on “Worship & Preaching in Post-Covid 19,” hosting the Korean House of Study Contextual Ministry retreat in July 2024, and leading a plenary during the most recent Doctor of Ministry Intensive in August 2024, during which he was presented with this award.
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton (DMin’00) is the first female Bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church since its founding in 1870, and its first Ecumenical Bishop and Program Development Officer. In addition, she has served as a pastor, preacher, teacher and executive leader in religion and pastoral care. Bishop Snorton was presented with this award at the CME Unity Summit in Dallas, Texas, on September 5, 2024, by United’s Bishop-inResidence, Bishop James Swanson.
Outstanding DMin Alumnus Award
Rev. Dr. Leroy Cothran (MDiv’99, DMin’02) has led at United for over twenty years, serving as a faculty consultant and mentor in the Doctor of Ministry program and as an adjunct professor for masters’ programs. Moreover, he is deeply engaged in civic, social and ministerial organizations in the city of Dayton and beyond, seeking to improve and enhance the physical, financial, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of the community. He is senior pastor of United Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio.
The Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage
By Dr. Wendy Deichmann, Center Director and President Emerita of United
The Center for EUB Heritage inhabits a special place at United Theological Seminary. This humble organization, founded in 1979, is committed to preserving and interpreting for the seminary, church and world the Pietism that was expressed in the Evangelical United Brethren Church and its forbears, and that led to the founding of the seminary in 1871.
The Center's director since 2021, Dr. Wendy Deichmann is a member of the United faculty and president emerita. The Center's work is guided by a Council of its members and is chaired by United alumnus Dr. Gary Olin ’67.
Dr. Andy Wood serves as the Center’s archivist and maintains professionally our growing archival collection. He stands ready to accept and care for donations of EUB-related documents and other archival materials and to assist students, faculty and other researchers in exploring this important heritage. For example, Dr. Wood has been instrumental in helping students in the History of Methodism course at United learn about the Evangelical United Brethren Church and its predecessor denominations.
Among its other vital activities, the Center continues to expand the Oral History Project begun in the late 1970s, thus preserving the first-hand experiences of former EUBs. Earlier this year, papers from the 2022 Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity conference, edited by Drs. Wendy Deichmann and Scott Kisker, were published and are now available for free at place.asburyseminary.edu/academicbooks/49 or for purchase on Amazon.com. The Center hosted the second Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity conference October 23-25, 2024, and scholarly presentations from the conference will be published in the coming months. Faculty, students and alumni/ae from United as well as guest speakers from across the world participated in exploring and celebrating this wonderful spiritual heritage.
A major, new initiative from the Center launched in October 2024. The “Remembering for the Future” campaign has begun to strengthen the Center’s endowment and services for years to come. The goal of the first phase of this fundraising effort is to raise $2 million over three years, with an ultimate goal of $4 million.
The Telescope-Messenger, published twice per year, is the main vehicle for communication with members and friends of the Center. It offers articles about the Pietist and EUB heritage as well as updates on the Center's work. United Theological Seminary also provides information about the Center on its website under “EUB Heritage.” Please visit these pages to learn more about the Center and how you can participate.
Interested individuals can learn more at united.edu/eubcenter or by contacting the EUB Center at eubcenter@united.edu
01. Ryan Bianchet and others engage in discussion
02. Laurel Lied presents electronically
03. Kent Millard listens as Scott Kisker presents
04. Participants in the conference: (left to right) Front: J.D. Landis, Harold Stockman, Norma Stockman, Sarah Blair, Rychie Breidenstein, Steve O'Malley, Wendy Deichmann, Mary Ann Tomlinson Middle: Scott Holland, Denise Kettering-Lane, Karen Garrett, Michael Hoff, Joshua Toepper, Sharon Revennaugh, Kent Millard Back: Richard Clark, George Fickley, Klaus Arnold, Andrew Kinsey, Scott Kisker, Ryan Bianchet, Brian Rhea, Mark Condy, Andrew Wood, Ken Cochrane
05. Keynote speaker Steven O'Malley presents while J.D. Landis takes notes
06. John Wesley Fellows attending the conference sponsored by a grant from A Foundation for Theological education: (left to right) Front: Joshua Toepper, Wendy Deichmann, Andrew Kinsey, Back: Richard Clark, Scott Kisker
This year's, 2024 Heirs of Pietism Conference attendees met to examine figures, networks, and organizations that have promoted Pietist religious values throughout the world. Scholarly papers explored the definition and development of Pietism within World Christianity.
Fresh Wind: Where the Spirit Takes Flight
Scholarship Endowment Campaign
By Jim Holsinger and Jim Tharp, campaign co-chairs
The efforts of all engaged in the Fresh Wind campaign have been truly remarkable! As campaign cochairs we are grateful for the generous spirit of the more than 400 campaign donors. More than $8.2 million has been donated or pledged to the campaign that will benefit United’s students for generations to come! Already more than $4.7 million of the total has been received, invested, and is being used to assist students.
As the campaign continues to move forward, we are confident that the remaining $1.8 million will be donated and the Fresh Wind campaign will exceed its goal. So far, the campaign has exceeded the level our consultants projected could be raised, and the results are already being felt by the nearly 600 students who have chosen to attend United.
Scholarships make a significant difference on a prospective student’s ability to afford a seminary education. We are excited to be part of not only the Fresh Wind campaign, but the family of individuals who call United home. We hope you will join us in supporting this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who choose to attend United — not only during our lifetimes but for all the years to come.
Increasing scholarships enables United to invest in leaders of the Church.
Reducing student debt frees graduates to follow God’s call in ministry without financial barriers.
Donor Spotlight
Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, Sr. ’06
On average, United students graduate with $50K in educational debt.*
Rev. Dr. Lance Watson, Sr. is one of the incredible mentors in the Doctor of Ministry program at United. Senior Pastor of the 8,000-member Saint Paul's Baptist Church (Richmond, Va.), Dr. Watson is sharing his wisdom through the Strategic Leadership for Black Congregations doctoral focus group that he co-leads at United with Dr. William H. Curtis.
Dr. Watson brings extensive experience, having led Saint Paul’s for nearly 40 years. The church now has three campuses with dreams on the horizon of constructing a planned community with the church at the center. They are known as “A Church for People on the Grow!”
This past year, Dr. Watson decided to take his investment in future leaders of the Church a step further by establishing the Dr. Lance and Rose Watson Scholarship through the Fresh Wind campaign. Having been able to go through seminary debt-free, he wanted to help other students do the same. When he heard about this giving opportunity, Dr. Watson described it as a “burning bush moment.” He said it felt like holy ground, and he just had to respond. “Our blessings and exposures obligate us,” says Dr. Watson.
“God blesses us so that we can bless others. My experience as a student and a mentor at United has enlarged my life in ways that I couldn’t have imagined," Dr. Watson shares. “Something special is happening at United, and I’m glad to be a part of it. My hope is that others will respond in generosity and extend this legacy of learning even further.”
A Powerful Way to Leave a Legacy
What would it look like to leave a legacy through your estate? Many people overlook that option because it seems complicated or they think it would be expensive to update their estate plan. That’s not always the case. Consider these options:
• Retirement Plans and Life Insurance – Name United as a primary or secondary beneficiary. Paperwork is typically simple, and an estate planning attorney is not necessary. Plus, traditional retirement accounts can require the recipient, if not a spouse, to pay income taxes, making it one of the highest taxed assets to leave to a loved one. Naming United as beneficiary or secondary beneficiary after spouse avoids both income and estate taxes.
• Bequests in Wills and/or Trusts – Many don’t have an estate plan in place or need to make updates. When you meet with your attorney, consider adding United as a beneficiary or contingent beneficiary to receive a fixed dollar amount or a percentage that changes with the size of your estate.
• Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA) or Charitable Trusts – If you need some additional income now, a CGA or trust can be structured to increase your income now and leave the remainder to charity. Or, with a Charitable Lead Trust, you can help charity now and leave the remainder to family. Both can help with tax savings, support your family and help you achieve your financial and charitable goals.
For more information, contact Callie Picardo, VP for Development, at kcpicardo@united.edu or 937.529.2226. If you’ve included United in your estate, we’d love to know so we can say thank you and include you in our Heritage Society recognition.
Dr. Laurence Falk ’58 Estate Gift
Dr. Laurence Falk went home to be with the Lord on April 27, 2023. After earning his MDiv at United in 1958, he served as a pastor and camp director in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. He went on to earn his PhD and taught in the Sociology/Social Work department at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.
Laurence and his wife Carol impacted many lives during their lifetime, but they also left a legacy through a planned estate gift. Their gift helped pay off the remaining balance of United’s endowment loan to become fully debt-free, allowing even more resources to go to scholarships.
We thank God for the many generous donors like Laurence and Carol Falk who have joined the Heritage Society (see page 20) over the years by including United in their estate plans.
Campaign Progress
In the midst of challenges facing the church and the world today, we need more pastors and church leaders who can lead congregations in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The goal of the Fresh Wind campaign is to add $10 million to the endowment for scholarships to support generations of students to come.
$2.5 million in Estate Commitments $1.8 million Remaining Goal of $10 million
$1 million Pledged
$4.7 million Received
Honor and Memorial Gifts
United Theological Seminary welcomes gifts “in honor of” or “in memory of” loved ones and persons who played significant roles in the lives of people. This offers the donor the opportunity not only to honor or memorialize a loved one, but also to receive a charitable deduction and support the seminary’s mission. The following are the gifts so designated and received by United during the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Gifts have been made in memory or in honor of names in bold. The donors for those gifts are listed under each name.
In Memory
Dr. Billy Abraham
The Boyd Family
David and Harriet Watson
Dr. B.S. Arnold
Rev. Dr. Keith Wagner, '86
Dr. Wayne E. Barr
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Dr. Irvin and Mrs. Doris Batdorf
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Lynn A. Bergman
Mrs. Doris E. Bergman
Mario and Carmelina Bertolo
Pete and Maria Bellini
Mamie A. Sala Bollman
Ms. Constance Cole
Sally Jo Bose
Ken Bose, '68
Elmer E. Bosworth
Marcia Bosworth Lafferre
Rev. Sylvia Bouvier
Rev. Annette Lee Dimond, '85
Bishop Emerson Colaw
David and Jill Colaw
Ms. Marilyn Jones
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Vilardo, '92
Linda (Cadarette) Cosier
Kathy (Slaughter) Cadarette, '94
Rosie Cotton
Anonymous
Teresa Daly
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Dossie Randle, '08
Rev. Robert M. Daugherty
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty
Georgianna Benroth Ferguson
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Raymond D. Flessner
Jodie Flessner, '94
Dr. George and Mrs. Romaine Frey
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Joyce Fry
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Merrell D. Geible
Ms. Katherine Geible
Rev. J. Paul Gruver, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Gruver, Jr.
Dr. Prathia A. Hall
Dr. Edith Winters Kimbrough, '96
Rev. Linda J. Hedden
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Robert E. Hefty
Mrs. Jean T. Hefty
Sue Kindschi Hembree
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Mary Alice Cox Hunnicutt Anonymous
Dr. Emma J. Justes
Barry Carnine
Bishop Hermann W. Kaebnick
Bishop Kaebnick Family
Ken Kasperek
Ms. Marilyn Kasperek, '14
Dr. John R. and Marjorie Knecht
Mr. Mark Knecht and Mrs. Joan Knecht
Matt and Barb Knecht
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Barry L. Lewis
Rev. and Mrs. Michael Christian, '66
Doris Livingston
Robert and Barbara Livingston
Father Richard McCandless
Rev. Jerry D. Adinolfi, Jr., '96
Rev. Bill McDonald
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Theodore C. Mefferd
Mrs. Esther M. Mefferd
Mrs. Lee Meyerson
Florence Buggert
Marritta Gould
Lee and Jan Slagter
Gil Williams
Robert Meyerson
Florence Buggert
Marritta Gould
Lee and Jan Slagter
Gil Williams
Ms. Dorla D. Morgan
Ms. Gail M. Habecker
Rev. Albert R. Murdoch, '31
Dr. Arthur R. Murdoch
Dr. Jim Nelson
Rev. James A. Ellison
Mr. Jeffrey Kell
Lorraine Nicewonder
Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Sauter, '72
Dr. Elmer J. O'Brien
Rev. and Mrs. James H. Cunningham, '97
David S. Morey Jr., '88
Ibidunni Onabanjo Anonymous
Charlie Painter Anonymous
Rev. Edwin and Katharine Pellett
Rev. Karen D. Pellett, '85
Bob Rae
Mr. Denis Larrick
Mike Raymo Anonymous
Dr. Won B. Roh
Mrs. Inja Roh
Mr. and Ms. Mark C. Roh
Phyllis Schaefer
Rev. Marjorie Hadley Munger, '91
Robert Batson, '86
Mr. Richard Schaefer
Rev. Katharine Schaefer, '91
Mr. Horace E. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Smith II
Rev. Dale Smith
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Gerald J. Stutzman
L. Fitzgerald Reist II, '77
Sylvia Tallentire
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Richard L. Thomas
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Dr. Donald W. Thompson Anonymous
Alta Mae Varnado Daniel and Norma
Nail Varnado Brown Fussel l
Mr. Joel L. Watts, '01
Bob Warner
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Rev. Dr. Earnest Watkins
Rev. Ellen L. File, '12
Willard and Eva Werth
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Raisch
Lida West, class of 1882
Dr. Blake and Gere Wagner Sr.
Bishop Joe and Lois Yeakel
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel
Dr. Eugene W. Matthews, '91
Kenneth T. Young
Ms. Linda Young
Rev. Russell and Lorene Youngblood
Dr. Lynn Youngblood
Joan Zeiders
The Stewartstown UMC, Stewartstown, PA
Nancy Zimmerman
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67
Richard and Nancy Zimmerman
Anonymous
Allen R. Fasnacht
Ms. Hillary Marotta
In Honor
Dr. Jorge and Cheryl Acevedo
Anonymous
Ms. Joan Campagna
Ms. Lisa Carriere
Ms. Jane Ewing
Ms. Nancy Ewing
Gary L. Feldman
Tammy and Joel Gannon
Ralph and Sandy Gates
Grace Church of Cape Coral, Cape Coral, FL
David and Marilyn Hoiles
Tom and Amy Kelley
Victor and Sarah McCloskey
Dee Nelson
Ms. Shirley Noble
Ms. Katherine Rabassi
Emerson and Linda Shank
Ms. Cathy Thacker
Ms. Cheryl Wilcox
Rev. Dr. Rolland E. Baker
Mrs. Heidi Baker
Mrs. June Barr
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, ‘67
Bishop George and Carolyn Bashore
Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann and Mr.
Neal E. Klopping
Dr. Peter J. Bellini
James Lambert
Dr. Sarah Blair
Caryn M. Dalton, '98, '01
Bishop Young Jin and Rev. Kiok Cho
Mr. Christopher Cho
Ms. Grace Cho
Rev. Dr. Jiyeon Kim, '24
Rev. Dr. Mikang Kim, '24
Rev. Dr. Won Lee, '24
Rev. Dr. Wongeun Lee, '24
Rev. Dr. Leo Park, '15, '24
Dr. Yoon Sun Shin, '20, '24
Rev. Bob Coleman
James and Phyllis Barnett
Curtis Hurley, '78
Ms. Kathy Stolz
Robbie Collins
Drs. Richard and Elise, '10 Eslinger
Steve and Linda Cordle
Crossroads Church, Oakdale, PA
Rev. Dr. William H. Curtis
Rev. Eric Bostick, '20
Rev. Dr. Lori D. Spears, '12
Dr. Tom Dozeman
Anonymous
Judith A. Sigmund, M.D., '03
Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Ellis
Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Sauter, '72
Drs. Richard and Elise Eslinger
Mr. Robert Matheny
Fresh Expressions House of Study
Michael Adam Beck
Dr. Harold A. Hudson
Mr. Tracy Boles
Rev. Dr. Justin M. Shamell, '19
Juanita Sheppard
Dr. Tyron Inbody
Jay E. Jones, '88
Rev. Dr. Andy Kinsey
James and Phyllis Barnett
Mr. and Mrs. John Bonsett
Faith United Methodist Church
Mount Vernon, IN
James and Nancy Johnson
Mrs. Martha Milhouse
Dr. D. Bruce Roberts
Richard A. Shuck
Ms. Kathy Stolz
Rev. Ehrhardt Lang
Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Sauter, '72
Bishop Mike and Jolynn Lowry
First Methodist Church, Winters, TX
First Methodist Church of Ballinger, Ballinger, TX
Dr. Tesia L. Mallory
Anonymous
Rev. Dr. Jonathan McReynolds
Pastor Jonathan W. Allen Sr.
Fullview M.B. Church, Bartlett, TN
Dr. Kent Millard
Drs. Richard and Elise, '10 Eslinger
Brent and Linda Hartman
Mrs. Vicki L. James and Mr. Rick L. James
Janis Stevens
Jim and Jayne Thorne
Janna and John Urbahns
Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Whitacre
Rev. Ronald A. Mowry
Mr. James Shackson
Dr. and Mrs. Martin and Pat
Nicholas
Terrell and Carol H. Rainbolt
Dr. and Mrs. Rosario and Callie
Picardo
Mr. Philip Morris and Mrs. Rebecca Morris
Pilviskiai United Methodist Church, Lithuania
Rev. Dr. J. D. Landis, '87, '93
Rev. Dr. Rudy Rasmus
Leslie Bramlett, '23
Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross
Rev. Seth Humphries, '20
Dr. Elvin Sadler
Jacqueline Dewberry
Rev. Dr. Hugh E. Hendrickson, '20
Dr. Joni Sancken
Drs. Richard and Elise, '10 Eslinger
Ted and Ginger Sauter
Mr. and Mrs. David Bayer
Ms. Kay G. Dilts
Barbara and Phil Reed
Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith
Leslie Bramlett, '23
Rev. Harold M. Stockman
Mike Miller, '17
United's commitment to diversity
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline, '02, '07 and Donald Nowak
Dr. and Mrs. David and Harriet
Watson
Anonymous
Dr. and Mrs. Lance and Rose
Watson
Trian Hammie
Heritage Society
The Heritage Society represents persons who have notified us that they have made a provision for United Theological Seminary in their estate plan or through a deferred gift. High quality theological education is made possible through a strong and growing endowment. These gifts help ensure a strong future for United.
Rev. Robert E. Airhart and Mrs. Judy Buckle Airhart
Rev. Beverly Ann Avers
Rev. Dr. Robert* and Mrs. Nancy Barnes
Mrs. Janine L. Bartram
Rev. Lowell D. Bassett*
Rev. and Mrs. Martin A. Berisford Jr.
Mrs. Dorothy K. Bosserman
Mr. and Ms. Rick and Brenda Brown
Rev. L. Norman Butler
Chaplain and Mrs. Glenn C. Calkins
Rev. Robert G.* and Mrs. Eleanor* Callihan
Rev. D. Grundy A. Couch
Rev. William J. Cowfer
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty
Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann
The Rev. E. Robert Dickerson, III
Rev. George S. Easley*
Rev. H. Stanley Eichenauer Sr.
Dr. Stephen E. Ellis
Rev. Herman A. Emmert
Dr. Laurence Falk*
Rev. and Mrs. Richard G. Felty
Rev. Timothy J. Forbess
Rev. Dr. Lois B. Fortson Kirk
Rev. Floyd Fought*
Mrs. Constance Fulmer
Rev.* and Mrs. Paul A. Fulp
Mr. Walter Gildemeister and Mrs. Gisela Gildemeister
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Mearle L. Griffith
Mr. Frederick Grimm
Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey
Mr. James R. Heinrich and Mrs. Janice E. Heinrich
Rev. and Mrs. Ronald L. Hines
Rev. Robert S. Hinrichsen* and Mrs. Helen W. Hinrichsen*
Mr. James W. Hook and Mrs. Joan Hook
Bishop and Mrs. Neil L. Irons
Rev. and Mrs. Mark W. Jacobs
Mrs. Vicki L. James and Mr. Rick L. James
Rev. Kevin A. Johnson
Ms. Winifred L. Kaebnick
Rev. and Mrs. Dennis R. Keller
Rev. and Mrs. Charles W. Keller Jr.
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Keyworth
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Knecht
Rev. and Mrs. Lawrence E. Lynch
Rev. Paula Y. Mayberry
Rev. David L. McRoberts
Rev. Beverly F. Meadows
Rev. James I. Melhorn and Mrs. Lora B. Melhorn
Dr. and Mrs. Kent Millard
Mrs. Mary L. Miller
Rev. Barbara J. Moore
Rev. and Mrs. F. Jeffrey E. Mugridge
Mrs. Rose T. Needy
Mr. James T. Neef
Mrs. Mary C. Newlin
Rev. Elmer J.* and Mrs. Betty A. O'Brien
Rev. Dr. Michael J. O'Donnell
Dr. Gary L. Olin and Rev. Saranne Nelson-Olin
Rev. Dr. Donna Osterhout
Mrs. Martha C. Page
Rev. Allen D. Pebley* and Rev. Patricia Pebley
Rev. Bruce C. Pfeiffer* and Janet Pfeiffer
Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo and Mrs. Callie Picardo
Mr. John A. Prall and Mrs. Nancy Prall
Mr. Jerry Megong Rabbu
Lt. Col. Robert E. Rae*
Dr. and Mrs. David L. Reed
Rev. Ronald P.* and Mrs. Marvalene P. Ricard
Mrs. Elva Gay Rieth
Dr. Carl B. Rife
Mrs. Jeanne B. Ringley
Rev. Dr. Donald L. Russell
Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Sauter
Mr. Richard L. Schaefer* and Rev. Katharine Schaefer
Rev. and Mrs. David E. Schar
Dr. Lowell W. Scheufler* and Mrs. Sarah H. Scheufler
Rev. Dr. J. Gordon Schleicher and Rev. Margery A. Schleicher
Rev.* and Mrs. Fred A. Schmidt Jr.
Rev. David W. Schneider
Mrs. Alice Schultz
Rev. and Mrs.* John R. Shafer
Rev. Max L. Smith
Rev. Harvey B. Smith
Mr. Douglas Spragg
Mrs. Irma W. Springman
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman
Dr.* and Mrs. Paul E. Stuckey
Steven and Cheryl Swallow
Mr. Allen Thomas
Major and Mrs. Mark E. Thompson
Robert E. Toothman*
Mrs. Susan Tressler
Rev. Carl D. Tribett and Mrs. Dona L. Tribett
Chaplain Margaret L. Turner
Rev. Dr. Reginald V. Van Stephens
Ms. Betty J. Walker
Dr. Valdrie N. Walker
Rev. Dr. Philip T. Wanck
Ms. Mary Lue O. Warner*
Rev. James T. Wenrich
Mr.* and Mrs. Leon A. Whitney II
Rev. Leslie Ann Castle Womack
Rev. John K. Wortinger
Rev. Dr. Ed and Mrs. Joan* Zeiders Jr.
Rev. and Mrs. Paul F. Zieber
Mr. Richard A. Zimmerman* and Mrs. Nancy Zimmerman*
Rev. Harriette G. Zoller
Gratitude List | 2023–2024
The following list consists of donors who gave gifts to United Theological Seminary between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. United Theological Seminary is grateful to the following who have given generously to invest in God’s work in and through the Seminary.
$100,000
Paul E. Babbitt*
Dr. Laurence L. Falk*, '58 †
Mrs. Constance Fulmer
Mrs. Vicki L. James and Mr. Rick L. James †
Mrs. Nancy Zimmerman*
$50,000 $99,999
The Boyd Family
Drs. James and Barbara Holsinger †
Lt. Col. Robert E. Rae*
Mr. and Mrs. David Sullivan
Dr. William West and Mrs. Carole W. West
$20,000 $49,999
Rev. Robert*, '57 and Mrs. Eleanor* Callihan
Mr. and Mrs. David G. Daly
Mr. Lewis Fikes and Mrs. Martha Fikes †
Rev. Dr. Laura H. Harris, '13
Rev. Robert S. Hinrichsen* and Mrs. Helen W. Hinrichsen*
Dr. and Mrs. Kent Millard †
Rev. Ron, '72 and Sue Mowry †
Betty A. O'Brien †
Bruce*, '58 and Janet Pfeiffer
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Raisch
Rev. Dr. Michael B. Slaughter, '90 and Mrs. Carolyn Slaughter †
Rev. Harvey B. Smith, '58 †
Mr. Douglas Spragg †
Mr. and Mrs. James S. Tharp †
Robert E. Toothman*
$10,000 $19,999
Mr. and Mrs. David Bayer †
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. David S. Bell †
Mrs. Janet Kalas †
Dr. Thomas Lasley †
Mr. Steve Smith and Dr. Kellye Smith
Rev. and Mrs. Harold M. Stockman, '67 †
Ms. Linda Young
$5,000–$9,999
Dr. and Mrs. Reggie Abraham
James and Phyllis Barnett
Bishop George, '58, '76 and Carolyn Bashore †
Mr. and Mrs. George S. Brooks II †
Rev. Bob Coleman, '72 †
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty
Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey †
Matt and Barb Knecht †
Robert and Barbara Livingston
Bishop Michael and Jolynn Lowry †
Rev. and Mrs. Eldon G. Nolte, '67
Dr. Gary L. Olin, '67 and Rev. Saranne Nelson-Olin, '78 †
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew S. Park †
Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo, '14 and Mrs. Callie Picardo, '24 †
Dr. and Mrs. Ted L. Sauter, '72 †
Dr. Terry Swan and Rev. Dr. Cinda L. J. Swan, '13 †
Dr. and Mrs. Jason Thorn
$2,500–$4,999
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Bauer †
Chaplain and Mrs. Larry W. Biederman, '77 †
Mr. Gregory* and Mrs. Donna Bonnell †
Ms. Catherine Clark
Kim and Kent Friedman
Mr. James R. Heinrich and Mrs. Janice E. Heinrich, '00
Rev. Warren Kirk, '06
Mrs. Esther M. Mefferd †
M. Joseph Miller, '67 †
Ms. Dorla D. Morgan*, '03
Terrell and Carol H. Rainbolt
Mrs. Marvalene P. Ricard †
Dr. and Mrs. J. Elvin and Stefanie Sadler †
Bishop and Mrs. James Swanson, Sr.
David and Harriet Watson †
Dr. and Mrs. Lance Watson, '06
Mr. Joel L. Watts, '12
Rev. Dr. Bridget D. Weatherspoon, '12, '15 †
Mrs. Kyung Lee Yoon
Rev. Dr. Ed Zeiders, '73 †
$1,000–$2,499
Thomas A. Andrew, '21
Dr. Sandra K. Black, '20, '23
Mr. and Mrs. John Bonsett
Dr. Leslie Bramlett, '23
Edw. R. Bridgeman, CLM †
Rev. Dr. Marla Elifritz Brown, '86 †
Dr. Pauline Buisch
Ms. Susan Butts
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Mark Caldwell
Dale Rick Campbell
John R. Campbell, '63 †
Ms. Grace Cho
Ms. Yoonhee Cho
Robert Clo, '97
David and Jill Colaw
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Connolly †
Drs. Viola Devany and Glenn Feltz
Rev. Herman A. Emmert, '56 †
Rev. Penni L. Farrington, '05 †
Allen R. Fasnacht †
Mrs. Mary Kay Feller †
Rev. Dr. Patricia Friel, '23
Ms. Katherine Geible †
Lisa M. Hess and Brian D. Maguire †
Dr. and Mrs. Harold A. Hudson, '03 †
Justus and Ellen Hunter †
Bishop and Mrs. Neil L. Irons, '63 †
Dr. Seok Jae Jeon, '04 and Dr. Yoon Sun Shin, '20, '24
Rev. Douglas M. Johns, '86 and Rev. Dr. Cathy S. Johns, '84
Bishop Kaebnick Family †
Gary A. Kellner, '85
Ivan, '59 and Gloria Kurtz †
Ehrhardt, '62 and Cheryl Lang †
Mr. Denis Larrick
Chaplain Bernard Lieving, '63 †
Rev. Jerome M. and Pamela A. Lipka †
Bishop Sir Walter Lee Mack Jr., '97
Rev. Dr. Tesia L. Mallory, '12, '21 and Rev. James C. Mallory, '19 †
*deceased † given consecutively five years or more
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Maloney †
Christian Messer
Rev. and Mrs. R. Craig Miller, '76
Mrs. Carol Ann Miller
Rev. and Mrs. W. Martin Nicholas †
Bishop Bruce and Char Ough
Rev. and Mrs. William R. Patterson, '75
David and Doris* Ponitz †
Rev. Karen K. Powell, '00 †
John and Linda Price
Rev. Ronald L. Reichman, '72
Mrs. Inja Roh
Mr. and Ms. Mark C. Roh
Dr. Vance P., '15 and Rev. Bridgette Ross
Mr. John Sampson
Dr. Carolyn Scanlan-Holmes
Rev. Katharine, '91 and Mr. Richard* Schaefer †
Louise S. Schultz †
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott, '97 †
Rev. Dale R. Smith*, '68 and Mrs. Mary Alice Smith †
Bishop and Mrs. Dan E. Solomon, '73 †
Rev. and Mrs. Harlan Sorensen, '99 †
Janis Stevens
Mr. John M. Stockman †
Rev. Thomas S. Stone* '57 and Mrs. Jean M. Stone †
Steven and Cheryl Swallow †
Ms. Lisa D. Taylor, '19
Rev. Brian, '02 and Donna Thie †
Rev. Thomas L. True, '73
Janna and John Urbahns
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Michael Paul Vilardo, '92
Dr. Robert C. Walker, '95 and Dr. Mary L. Walker, '03 †
Bishop Mark and Jodi Webb
Rev. Paul, '65 and Judy Zieber †
$500–$999
Rev. Dr. Michael Adam Beck and Rev. Jill Beck
Rev. and Mrs. Kent G. Biller Jr., '77 †
Boyd Blumer
David, '64 and Velma Bradley †
Rev. Jean Moorman Brindel, '76 †
Rt. Rev. Dr. and Mrs. C. Franklin Brookhart Jr., '84
Percy D. Brown, '54
Christopher Cho Chad, '17 and KaLynn Clark
Mrs. Carolyn Rein Corretore
Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis, '05 and Rev. Dr. Elvernice Davis, '05 †
Dr. Wendy J. Deichmann and Mr. Neal E. Klopping
Joseph, '72 and Patricia Easley †
Mary Margaret Eckhardt, '78
Rev. James A. Ellison
Drs. Richard and Elise, '10 Eslinger
Rev. and Mrs. Richard G. Felty, '68 †
Tammy and Joel Gannon
Ms. Gail M. Habecker
Mrs. Jean T. Hefty
Rev. and Mrs. Charles T. Hindman, '73
Rev. Kenneth E. Hutchinson, '72 and Rev. Sandra L. Hutchinson, '74
Rev. and Mrs. G. Scott Jenkins Jr., '95 †
James and Nancy Johnson
Mr. Mark Warner and Rev. Kelly K. Warner
Rev. Dr. Charles, '84 and Della Keyworth †
Scott and Sarah Laubie
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Brian A. Law
Im Woo Lee
Ms. Hillary Marotta †
Rev. Dr. Arlys Mindt-Fogt, '96, '07 †
Rev. Ryan, '03 and Rev. Kris, '03 Mutzenberger
Rev. Arthur V Norris, '64
Rev. Dr. Jorge L. Ochoa
Bishop and Mrs. Gregory V. Palmer †
Ms. LaLonne Parish
Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Karen Payne †
Dr. Artie L. Polk, '12 †
Mr. Philip Morris and Mrs. Rebecca Morris
Rev. Louis, '72 and Joyce Rohrs †
Rev. Dr. Joni Sancken and Rev. Steven Schumm †
Mr. Joe Sciabica
Dr. and Mrs. Gene E. Sease
Mrs. Janet M. Selby †
Mr. James Shackson
Rev. John R. Shafer, '50 †
Emerson and Linda Shank
Rev. and Mrs. Andrew C. Thompson
Rev. Mary Ann Tomlinson, '03
Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Whitacre
Betsy B. Whitney †
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Williamson
$250–$499
Dr. Mark Abbott
Rev. Tom Adams, '59 †
Rev. Jerry D. Adinolfi, Jr., '96 †
Rev. Gary A. Batey, '71 †
Rev. Paul S. Beal, '69 †
Rev. Ronald J. Beistline, '68
Mrs. Anna S. Bickhart †
Rev. George S. Easley,* '53
Rev. and Mrs. Philip D. Edwards, '64 †
Ms. Nancy Ewing
Jodie Flessner, '94
Jon Flint, '88
Kathleen Genus
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey E. Greenway †
Dr. Madeline Henners, '19
Ms. Sheila Hill
Rev. & Mrs. Richard K. Hoover, '64 †
Bishop Charles JJ Jackson
Rev. Dr. Myong Sue Lee Jin, '10, '13 †
Dr. Cheryl Bridges-Johns
Jay E. Jones, '88
Ms. Marilyn Jones
Mary H. Joseph, '91 †
Chaplain William ("Jack") Kouth, '64 †
Marcia Bosworth Lafferre †
Shirley Landis, '82 †
Rev. Dr. J. D. Landis, '87, '93
Dr. Eugene W. Matthews, '91
Jim, '77 and Billie, '77 Maynard
Dr. Jonathan McReynolds, '12, '15
Rev. John E. McRoberts, '58 †
Mrs. Martha Milhouse
Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Parks
Ms. Carol Pohly
Arnold A. Porter
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Dossie Randle, '08
Rev. Francis L. Reichart †
Rev. Dr. Harley E. Roston, '94
Rev. Dr. Paul Bala Samura, '24
Rev. Margery, '80 and Rev. Gordon, '87 Schleicher †
Rev. Charles L. Shaffer, '73 †
Rev. Dr. Justin M. Shamell, '19
Mrs. Joyce D. Sohl †
Ms. Laurie Steele
Dr. James K. Wagner, '62, '78 †
Ms. Mary Lue O. Warner*
Gil Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Wood †
$100–$249
Beatrice Alghali, '21
Pastor Jonathan W. Allen Sr.
Rev. Andrew A. Allie
Rev. Dr. Rolland E. Baker, '13
Robert Batson, '86
Dr. J. Victor Bean and Rev. Kathleen Bean, '99 †
Pete and Mariuccia Bellini †
Rev. Lynn A. Bergman*, '57 and Mrs. Doris E. Bergman
Rev. Martin A. Berisford, '63 †
Harold, '63 and Karen Biederman
Mr. Nicholas Billman, '22
Rev. Wilmer T. Bloy
Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Bogan
Mr. Tracy Boles
Ken Bose, '68
Rev. Walter F. Bowers Sr.
Chaplain and Mrs. Donald W. Brenneman, '78
David, '65 and Lillian Brice
Chaplain (COL) and Mrs. W. Kermit
Brock, '59 †
Rev. Neil D. Butcher, '72
Brent and Julie Byerly
Kathy (Slaughter) Cadarette, '94
Barry Carnine
Rev. Billy Ray Carpenter, '88
Ms. Shirlita Carson
Dr. Ben-Paul Chei, '76
Ralph Ciampa, '66 †
Edward L. Clarke, '69
Kenneth and Julie Cochrane †
Ms. Constance Cole
Lewis F. Cornwell, '69
Jim and Carolyn Craig †
Judy Cramer, '09 †
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. William H. Curtis
Julie M Davis, '20
Rev. Mick Dawes, '08
Rev. Michael (Mick) Dawes, '08
Bishop Dwayne C Debnam
Ms. Kay G. Dilts
Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Dipko, '61 †
Rev. Dr. Eileen Dumire, '05
Ms. Jane Ewing
Gerald and Marcia Faust
Gary L. Feldman
Rev. John L. Ferris, '69
Rev. Ellen L. File, '12 †
Pastor Chip Freed
Rev. and Mrs. David P. Frees, '64
Mrs. Marianne L. Garrett †
Rev. Marilyn Bales Gebert, '78
Phillip Gehm*, '57 †
Rev. Dr. Olivia E. Graham, '88 †
Mr. David E. Gretencord †
Nellie Grinage
Dwight Gutridge
Rev. Edward Hardman, '69
Mr. and Mrs. David C. Harr
Rev. C. Archibald Hawkins, '79 †
Mr. Donald L. Hayashi
Bob and Jane Herbst
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Harrison Hicks, '10
Rev. Susan Hitts, '19
David, '70 and Paulette Hogg †
David and Marilyn Hoiles
Jack R. Hott, CLM
Dr. Millicent Hunter, '10
Ms. Rachel Hurley †
Curtis Hurley, '78 †
Rev. Sherri L. Jackson, '16
Mark Jacobs, '79
Tom Jacobs, '71
Rev. Dr. Xavier Johnson
Rev. Caroline Kinsler Jonah, '75
Mrs. Patricia A. Jones
Tom and Amy Kelley
Darryl Kemp
Kiboko Kiboko
Rev. Dr. Mikang Kim, '24
Rev. Dr. Jiyeon Kim, '24
Dr. Edith Winters Kimbrough, '96
Mr. Mark Knecht and Mrs. Joan Knecht
Rev. Bon Woong Koo, '74 †
Cynthia Fuller Kruesi
James Lambert
Rev. Dr. William Lasher, '91
Rev. Dr. Wongeun Lee, '24
Rev. Dr. Won Lee, '24
Summer Lee
Rev. and Mrs. Larry D. Leister, '72
Rev. Charles*, '61 and Mrs. Harriet Lightner †
Chaplain Gary D. Livesay, '80 and Valerie Vlahakis, '78
The Rev. Dr. Cassandra Y. Marcus, '15
Victor and Sarah McCloskey
Beverly Meadows, '85
Pastor Marlin A. Miller, '64 †
Mike Miller, '17
Rev. T. Irene Moore, '86
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Gene B. Moore Jr., '13 †
Nathl L. Moore, DMin '17
Rev. Marjorie Hadley Munger, '91
Dr. Arthur R. Murdoch
Rev. Dr. William Bert Neal III, '19
Dee Nelson
Mr. Thomas C. Nigh
Rev. Cynthia J. Osborn, '88 and
Rev. Richard L. Mitchell †
Rev. Dr. Leo Park, '15, '24
Rev. Ronald P. Patterson, '67
Rev. Karen D. Pellett, '85
Rev. Dr. Paul R. Peters, '84 †
Rev. Donald D. Powell, '61
Barbara and Phil Reed
L. Fitzgerald Reist II, '77
Rev. Dr. Cindy Reynolds, '78 †
Rev. Don Riker, '81 †
Dr. D. Bruce Roberts
Philip A. Roberts, Trustee, Emeritus
Rev. Dean V. Roush, '60 †
Mr. Raymond Rush
Dr. Donald L. Russell, '76, '91
Michele Cash Russo
John A. Schaefer, '81
David Schar, '66 †
David A. Sedgley, '79
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sedlacek
Mark, '95 and Heidi Shover †
The Rev. R. Thomas Slack
Dr. and Mrs. Nathan S. Smith, '77 †
Carol I. Smith, '82
Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Smith II
Rev. Floyd S. Sollenberger Jr., '70
Rev. Joe Spackman, '87
Mrs. Irma W. Springman
Mr. James D. Stahler and Rev. Katherine M. Stahler, '63 †
Rev. Paula W. Stewart, '11
Dr. Gina M. Stewart
Ms. Kathy Stolz
Sandy Stover, '62 †
Carl Synan, '69
Ms. Cathy Thacker
Rev. Dr. Norman E. Thomas
*deceased † given consecutively five years or more
Rev. James M. Thompson, '74
Jim and Jayne Thorne
Dr. Jim L. Tom, '70 †
Susan Tressler, '69 †
Dr. Blake and Gere Wagner Sr.
Rev. Dr. Keith Wagner, '86
Reverend Patrick J. Walker
Ms. Sarah Walters-Maher †
Dr. Lisa Weah
Rev. Karen K. Weaver, '81
David and Laura Weber †
The Rev. Thomas L. Weeks, '73
Howard, '63 and Ann Weisz
Ms. Cheryl Wilcox
Rev. Ronald J. Williams, '67
Rev. Particio Wilson
Al Wofford
Dr. Lynn Youngblood
$1–$99
Blanca N. Baker, '14 †
Kelvin Barnes
Rev. Larry O. Bechtol, '63
Dr. Sarah Blair †
Rev. Eric Bostick, '20
Rev. Wayne Botkin
Ms. Lilllian Boyd
Rev. Melissa Bradley
Rev. and Mrs. Gordon S. Brown, '78
Florence Buggert
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Burger
Ms. Joan Campagna
Ms. Bianca Canley
Ms. Ann Marie Carley
Mr. Kahlil Carmichael
Lisa Carriere
Anwar Carter, '22
C. Carter, '15
Ms. Evelynn S. Caterson
Dr. Tellis Chapman, '21, '24
Demetria Childs
Rev. and Mrs. Michael Christian, '66 †
Rev. Eda L. Clarke
Rev. Dr. Charlie Coleman, '24
Rev. Dr. Darlene D. Cook, '22
Mr. Darryl Crooms
Ms. Colette Cummings
Rev. and Mrs. James H. Cunningham, '97
Rev. David Cunningham
Ms. Denise Cunningham-Doggett
Rev. Michael Cyr
Caryn M. Dalton, '98, '01 †
Mr. Adrian Davis
Jacqueline Dewberry
Ron, '65 and Cathie Dietrich
Rev. Annette Lee Dimond, '85
Rev. Dr. Nonito "Nitos", '17, '21 and Rhee Joyce "Apple" Dobles
Rev. Harold J. Dom, '66
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Duffy
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett, '20
Eric Falker, '19
Rev. Derrick Fields, '22
Rev. Dr. Janet L. Flanagan, '06
Mr. Michael Flowers
Mr. Steven Floyd
Rev. Dr. Adunnola Waterman French, '23
Ralph and Sandy Gates
Mr. Thomas Goodwin
Marritta Gould
Ms. Debra Graham
Mr. Alfred Graham
Ms. Theresa Grant
Rev. Henry Gregory, III, '21
Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Gruver Jr* †
Mrs. Kimberly Hamby
Trian Hammie
Mr. and Mrs. Leon R. Harris
Ms. Tracie Harris
Carla Harrison
Brent and Linda Hartman
Rev. Dr. Hugh E. Hendrickson, '20
Rev. Dr. Donald Hilliard Jr., '90
Ms. Chaena Hollist, '23
Kelsey Hopson
Rev. Damon Horton
Rev. and Mrs. Eugene R. Hostetter, '62 †
Ms. Melissa Hughes
Rev. Seth Humphries, '20
Dr. C. Anthony Hunt
Rev. Tonya Jackson
Alaine Jackson
Charles Jackson
Rev. Phillip Charles Jerman Jr., '94
Mr. Christopher Jones
Mr. Roderick Josey
Ms. Marilyn Kasperek, '14
Mr. Jeffrey Kell
Hyo Jin Kim
Dr. Felicia H. LaBoy
Dr. Carol M. Lange †
Dan Larkin Jr
Rachel Latimer, '21
Rev. Dr. Peter W. LeValley, '98 and Mrs. Bonnie LeValley, '95
Ms. Pamela Looney
Ms. Beth Ann Madaras
Mr. Robert Matheny
Robin McAuley-Joseph
Mr. Randy McCall
Rev. Dr. Kelly McCuaig, '24
Ms. Pamela McDavid
Rev. Dr. Michelle McGhee, '24
Mr. Steven McNeal
Rev. Dr. Walter E. McNutt, '97
Dr. Mary McWilliams, '18, '22
Ms. Anna Merlo, '18
Senator Patricia L. Miller
Ms. Mary Anna Montgomery
Rev. Kenneth A. Moody-Arndt, '82 and Rev. Kathryn R. Moody-Arndt, '77
David S. Morey Jr., '88 †
Lawrence Morris
Chaplain and Mrs. Jack D. Moyer, '64
Rev. Allen C. Myers*, '70 and Mrs. Janice E. Myers †
Ms. Shirley Noble
Rev. Dr. Jacqueline, '02, '07 and Donald Nowak
Ms. Sylvia Jo Oglesby
Phillip Oliver
Mr. Todd Outcalt
David and Marcia Parsons
Rev. Dr. Donald L. Perryman, '07
Mrs. Jean S. Peterson
Ms. Vickie Powell-Bass
Rev. Lynn L. Pries
Ms. Katherine Rabassi
Rev. Katherine J. Riley, '78
Rev. Leon Rodgers, '23
Rev. Marian Royston, '22
Dr. Doris Sanders
Rev. John W. Schildt
Ms. M’lilian Scott
Ms. Joyce Shaw
Mr. Vernon Shazier
Juanita Sheppard
Mr. Leonard N. Sheridan
Judith A. Sigmund, M.D., '03 †
Rev. Marcus Singleton
Lee and Jan Slagter
Charles R. Slaybaugh Jr., '68
Mr. Jermaine Smith
Rev. Dr. Carl Solomon, '14
Rev. Dr. Lori D. Spears, '12
Rev. David R. Stains, '74
Mozell Starks
The Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan Jr., '93
Derrick Lee Tanyhill
Rev. Victor Tate
Rev. Dr. Kevin Taylor, '14
Rev. Donald Trigg, '80
Ms. Helen Walker
Dr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Walker, '04
Sra. Blanca Weinberg
Mrs. Yolanda LaSha White
Crystal White
Rev. Mark L. Williams, '61
Rev. Jackie Williams, '20
Rev. Terrick Williams, '22
Ms. Juliet Lavon Wilson
Churches, Foundations, Trusts, Businesses and Organizations
$100,000
Community Foundation of Elkhart County, Elkhart, IN
General Board of Higher Education & Ministry, Nashville, TN †
$50,000-$99,999
The Oklahoma Conference, Oklahoma City, OK
$20,000-$49,999
Daejeon Mustard Seed Church, Daejeon, South Korea
The Columbus Foundation, Columbus, OH
Where He Leads Me Inc., Columbia, KY
$10,000-$19,999
Crossroads Church, Oakdale, PA
Evergreen Global Ministries Inc., Claremont, CA
Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, OH †
The Foundation for Evangelism, Lake Junaluska, NC
The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI
$5,000-$9,999
Faithlife, Bellingham, WA
Iowa United Methodist Foundation, Des Moines, IA
The North Naples UMC, Naples, FL
$2,500-$4,999
Faith United Methodist Church, Mount Vernon, IN
Grace Church of Cape Coral, Cape Coral, FL
Reynoldsburg Community Church, Reynoldsburg, OH
The Heinrich Family Foundation, St. Marys, OH
The Philadelphia Foundation, Philadelphia, PA †
$1,000-$2,499
Concord Dayton Hotel II, LLC, Dayton, OH
Fullview M.B. Church, Bartlett, TN
Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Saint Paul Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC †
The Stewartstown UMC, Stewartstown, PA
The United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, PA †
$500-$999
Last Chance Community Church, Woodrow, CO
Richfield UMC, Richfield, PA †
United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia, Inc., Charleston, WV
$250-$499
First Methodist Church of Ballinger, Ballinger, TX
$100-$249
First Methodist Church, Winters, TX Spirit and Word Christian Church, Durham, NC
$1-$99
The Centre for Prophetic Activism, Inc., Lexington, KY
The Scarritt Bennett Center, Nashville, TN
NEWS AND NOTES Faculty and Staff Updates and Publications
Wendy Deichmann, Professor of History and Theology and Director of the Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage, co-hosted the Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity 2 Conference, held at United in October 2024. She offered a presentation on the topic, “Who were the Women among the 18th Century Precursors and Founders of the United Brethren in Christ?”
Madeline C. Henners, Assistant Professor in the Practice of Contextual Ministries and Director of Contextual Ministries, contributed a chapter called “Reconstructing a Spirit-Led Movement” to the book Reconstructing Methodism: Crucial Issues Facing the Global Methodist Church (Francis Asbury Press, 2024). Dr. Henners oversaw United's first international Contextual Ministry retreats, held in Summer 2024, and traveled to South Korea for the inaugural retreat of the Korean House of Study.
Lisa M. Hess, Professor of Practical Theology and Contextual Ministries, anticipates the arrival of her forthcoming book, Living on the Other Side: Sacred Bewilderment, Holy Rage, and a Freedom Beyond Forgiveness (Cascade, 2025), which offers potential theological redress of today's rage in a renewing trinitarianism, known in the return to the body in the Body of Humanity able to honor the gifts and challenges of diverse wisdom traditions. She has also accepted the invitation to serve as President-Elect in the Academy of Religious Leadership (ARL) with its Journal of Religious Leadership, for which she's served on the editorial board. Along with this year's ARL President and JRL Editor, she is co-leading several listening sessions toward a pilot-project in emergentleadership governance for a guild of practitionerscholars. She has also been asked to serve another term on the editorial board of Spiritus, the journal of the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality.
Publications
Justus Hunter, Associate Professor of Church History and Director of the Doctor of Theology Program, is the current president of the Wesleyan Theological Society. He is also organizing the Holiness Conference, to be held at United in August 2025 (see Upcoming Events on page 34).
Cheryl Bridges Johns, Director of the Global Pentecostal House of Study, was the featured speaker at the 2024 Holy Spirit Seminar. She taught on the theme, “Deep Calls to Deep: Groaning, Sighing, Longing for the Glory of the New Creation,” an exploration of the calling of a Spirit-filled life as described in Romans 8:18-27.
Xavier Johnson, Assistant Professor in the Practice of Preaching and Black Church Studies, hosted the 2024 Preaching Seminar held at United Theological Seminary on October 9 and 10, with special guest Rev. Dr. Leah D. Schade from Lexington Theological Seminary. He led a presentation, “To Improve the Ministry, To Improve the People: Pietism and Education in the Life and Ministry of Daniel Alexander Payne,” at the Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity 2 Conference.
Bridget Weatherspoon, Vice President for Enrollment, was honored at the third annual celebration of Black Women in Ministries as a recipient of the distinguished “Trailblazers and Unsung She-Roes Award” for her ministry and leadership at United Theological Seminary.
Andrew Wood, Archivist, Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage, presented “Flowers in the Family Garden: The EUB Traditions and the Church of the Nazarene, 1908-1968” at the Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity 2 Conference.
Wendy Deichmann, Director of the Center for the EUB Heritage, and Scott Kisker, Professor of the History of Christianity, are co-editors of the recently published Heirs of Pietism in World Christianity: The 19th to the 21st Centuries (First Fruits Press, March 2024). Developed out of the Heirs of Pietism Conference held at United Theological Seminary in 2022, this collection of essays examines the influence of Pietism across the centuries and continents. Peter Bellini, Professor of Church Renewal and Evangelization in the Heisel Chair, contributed a chapter to this publication.
Rememb ering Dr. Donald B. Ro gers
Oct. 17, 1931 - Nov. 20, 2024
Dr. Donald B. Rogers, Professor Emeritus of Christian Education, died on Nov. 20, 2024, at the age of 93. Dr. Rogers spent the majority of his teaching career at United Theological Seminary, joining the faculty in 1969 and retiring in 2001 as Colonel Robert E. Cowden Professor of Christian Education. A true educator, he continued teaching at United and in other venues following his retirement.
During his tenure at United, Dr. Rogers deeply influenced many students. He taught courses on Christian formation and education, led a Doctor of Ministry cohort and mentored those preparing for Christian education ministries. He was widely respected by students and peers alike. An outstanding teacher, one colleague described his teaching style as “mesmerizing.”
He established a pottery ministry and a Christian Education Resource Center at United. In October 2001, he delivered the Showers Lectures at United, presenting two lectures on Christian education.
Dr. Rogers also served as Academic Director of the Diaconal Certification Program at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, offered in partnership with United Theological Seminary from 1988 through 1997. In his retirement, he continued to participate in the Scarritt Bennett Center until 2019 by leading an annual spiritual retreat, co-leading training workshops and serving on the board of directors for the Blessing Center (now Blessing Center Collaborative).
Dr. Rogers’ published a variety of works on Christian education, including Teachable Moments with Kay Kupper Berg (Discipleship Resources), The Way of the Teacher: For Those Who Teach or Think They Might (Discipleship Resources), Urban Church Education (Religious Education Press), In Praise of Learning (Abingdon Press, originally published in 1980; revised and updated with Jacqueline J. Nowak in 2007) and Echoes of Mercy, Whispers of Love: Meditations written by the faculty and staff of United Theological Seminary, edited by Donald B. Rogers 1990-91.
He held a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado (1955) and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary (1958, 1967). Prior to joining the United faculty, Dr. Rogers taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, Westminster Choir College and Texas Christian University. He also served as a pastor and educator in the American Baptist Church, Disciples of Christ, and other congregations. He pastored Mt. Auburn Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 31 years, making him the longest serving pastor in the church's history.
He was preceded in death by his wife Constance Claire Cornwell. He is survived by his three sons Scot (Nancee), Gregory, Carl (Kum Dan); two grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Callie Picardo, Vice President for Development, and Rosario “Roz” Picardo ’14, published Healthy Money, a guided journey into the emotional and spiritual roots of the reader’s financial mindset and behaviors. With Invite Resources, Callie and Roz also produced The Healthy Money All Church Themed Kit, which includes additional resources for church leaders to engage their congregations in a movement toward faithful generosity. Tesia Mallory, Dean of the Chapel, contributed worship resources to this kit.
NEWS AND NOTES
Updates, Anniversaries, Births, Deaths
Class of 1960
Rev. Dean Roush has been blessed by two great-grandchildren.
Class of 1964
Rev. Donald Zechman and his wife, Faye, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 26 by going on a trip to a favorite location, Williamsburg, VA. They were married at Derry St. United Methodist Church (Harrisburg, PA) by the groom's father, Dr. Harry W. Zechman, and the District Superintendent, Warren Mentzer. In retirement they live at Moravian Manor in Lititz, PA.
Class of 1965
Rev. Paul F. Zieber and his wife, Judy, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on August 20. In May they attended graduation ceremonies for two grandchildren at Pitt University: one with bachelor’s degrees in finance and business information systems and one with master’s degrees in public health and genetic counseling. They remain active in Mount Zion United Methodist Church (Enola, PA).
Class of 1969
Rev. Gottfried Krauss serves his church by preaching in Sunday services. His wife passed away on December 23, 2024. He is grateful for their four children and four grandchildren.
David Thomas (Attended 1969-1970) became fluent in Spanish while serving for 11 ½ years as a mission coworker in Mexico with Presbyterian Church (USA) and is now a volunteer interpreter and reader in the Spanish mass at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Estes Park, CO). He also tutors both English and Spanish as second languages. He
and his wife recently traveled to Monteverde, Costa Rica, as part of a Sister Cities delegation. In 2022, they acquired a second home in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, where they spend about five months each year and regularly attend mass at Catedral Santiago Apóstol.
Class of 1972
Rev. Joseph Easley lives with his wife, Patti, in a large senior development in Walnut Creek, CA, near their sons and grandchildren, where he is active in groups promoting diversity, antiracism, interfaith understanding, and political dialogue. He also assists the pastor and leads a Bible study nearby at Lafayette United Methodist Church. They also attend St. Agnes Catholic Church in the Height Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, where Joe has given reflections in worship.
Class of 1977
Rev. Kent Biller is retiring from World Missionary Press after 25 years serving in extension ministry producing God's Word in scripture booklet form in over 350 languages. Prior to this work, he served 23 years in pastoral ministry in Indiana. He and his wife, Diane, celebrated 52 years of marriage this year.
Class of 1981
Rev. Jeffrey Popson retired from the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2019. In 2021 he served three small United Methodist churches and The Bedford Somerset cooperative parish in 2022. He is currently serving as senior pastor of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church (Stahlstown, PA).
Class of 1986
Rev. Todd Goddard retired this year after 38 years of parish ministry. He has become a full-time volunteer supporting campus ministries, the disability community, and a large not-for-profit addiction and mental health agency.
Class of 1987
Rev. Kenneth McDonald lost his son, Jordan Allen McDonald, who died on July 26, 2024. Jordan was born on October 3, 1996, and was their youngest child and only son. He and his wife, Kim, and their two daughters, Brooke and Bethany, ask for prayers for peace as their hearts are forever broken.
Class of 1988
Rev. Jay E. Jones retired from the Susquehanna Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church after 26 years under full-time appointment. Jay is living in a 55+ community in the central PA area.
Class of 1990
Rev. Jeffrey L. Barker celebrated on July 23 his 31st year of ordination into the United Church of Christ, Washington/North Idaho Conference, and now serves an American Baptist Church in Seattle, WA. He was the first black pastor ordained in the conference.
Rev. Sandra H. Rogers is working on the book of her life currently titled The Long Journey Home: a Journey toward Healing and Wholeness that will be published by Bookwifery once it is finished.
Class of 1994
Rev. Sally Carpenter began working as a library associate this year at the Moorpark City Library in Moorpark, CA.
Class of 1994 and 1998
Rev. Dr. Thom Bower has been called as Pastor and Teacher to the Church of the Three Crosses in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. This progressive congregation is part of both the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ (the church of his adolescence and the church of his ordination). Continuing a legacy of social justice action, there are visions for strengthening, growing and expanding the ways peace, justice and wisdom are manifest.
Class of 1997
Rev. Dr. Robert Charles Scott was elected Second Vice President of Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention in Memphis, TN, on August 15, 2024. He is also the Vice President of the Hampton University Ministers Conference for 2024-26.
Class of 1998
Rev. Darrell J. Wesley has been appointed as the First African American Pastor of Redlands First United Methodist Church in its 157-year history. He has published Toward a Postmodern Ethic of Radical Freedom (Cascade Books, September 2023).
Class of 2010
Rev. Keith Lawrence Collins was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in March 2024 at the Youngstown District of the North Ohio Annual Conference. He is currently in Charlotte, NC, to be inducted in the American Martial Arts Alliance Hall
of Fame / Hall of Honors. He is also being recognized as an International Best-Selling Co-Author of Elite Martial Artists in America book.
Class of 2012
Rev. Dr. Curtis E. Williams experienced a powerful testament to God's saving and healing power. After spending nearly three weeks in ICU, enduring four surgeries in four days, coding twice, and surviving three bacterial infections and blood clots, he was given just a 10 percent chance to live. Pronounced by a physician as moribund, Curtis’ recovery is nothing short of miraculous. Through the power of prayer and the skilled hands of Northside Medical-Gwinnett's staff, God brought him through to continue His work. Curtis is now completing his autobiography, From Moribund to the Impossibility of Limitation
Class of 2014
Rev. Crystal Walker has just finished a one-year residency program with Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, and has become the Chaplain of the Indiana State Women’s Prison.
Class of 2017
Rev. Dr. Al Kennon authored and published The Jesus Model of Leadership, Volume One, a leadership book that utilizes Jesus’ 1st century discipleship as a model for 21st century Kingdom leadership.
Dr. Pierre Omeler has been elected as a General Vice President of
the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Prior to this role, he served as president of the denomination’s Atlantic Union Conference (20212024), secretary of the Atlantic Union Conference (2016-2021), and vice president of the Atlantic Union Conference (2011-2016). He also held the position of Director of Haitian Ministries (2008-2011) and Senior Pastor (1991-2008) in the Northeastern Conference.
Class of 2018
Rev. Diana McHenry has served as a bivocational church and nonprofit leader for over 18 years. She has served across denominations, including the United Methodist Church, the Episcopal Church USA and the United Church of Christ. Additionally, Diana served in spiritual care at the Hospice of Cincinnati, as a running buddy with Girls on the Run, and in development with a local food pantry. She has been an advocate for people of color and LGBTIA+ persons and has worked with individuals, including clergy, struggling with mental illness, helping them find care and support. In recent years, Diana has retired / is on sabbatical from church leadership and enjoys spending time with her family, focusing on wellness. She is periodically called upon to assist in starting new ministries and helping with experiential worship, outreach and mission.
Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber ’01 has been elected President of the National Baptist Convention, USA. A member since 1977, he joined the NBCUSA at the age of 17, two years after he began preaching. Christian education is important to Rev. Dr. Kimber, who completed his Doctor of Ministry at United under the mentorship of Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker, chief of staff for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Our Convention was built upon mission and evangelism, and mission and evangelism to me equals Christian education,” says Dr. Kimber. “We [must] talk about the doctrine of Christian education and what Christian education means to the black church.”
Other major issues Dr. Kimber will be focusing on during his five-year term as President are economics, crime, prison re-entry and injustice. In addition to his new role, Dr. Kimber remains senior pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church in New Haven, CT, where he has served in ministry for nearly four decades.
Class of 2020
Rev. Dr. Douglas Fox is the Presiding Elder for New Church Starts in the Mid-Texas Conference of the Global Methodist Church. He and his wife, Jana, are helping to start McKinney GMC (McKinney, TX). Jana was a lay delegate to the GMC Convening Conference in Costa Rica, and Doug was part of the prayer team.
Class of 2021
Rev. Dr. Matthew Scott was ordained an elder in the Global Methodist Church on August 9, 2024.
Class of 2022
Rev. Rentonia Moore traveled to Georgetown, Guyana, where she preached for a women’s conference. She also teaches classes at the Guyana Bible College which, she says, “is a rewarding experience because she is truly sharing the gospel with other parts of the world.” She will be traveling to South Africa in April to preach during Passover.
Class of 2023
Rev. Dr. Patricia Friel authored BE HOLY: A Command not a Suggestion
Rev. Karen Moore was ordained an itinerant deacon by the New Jersey Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on April 6, 2024. She serves Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Lawnside as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship and Outreach.
Rev. David Seitz has been named the Assistant to the Pastor and leads the contemporary service called The Gathering at his church.
Class of 2024
Rev. Dr. Eshakhia Sobukwe is giving back to her community by actively participating in community events and, along with her sisters, knitting scarves and caps, crocheting stuffed animals and sewing decorative scarves and colorful wraps for fall and winter.
Rev. Dr. Susan Agbenoto is happy to announce the publication of two books: Restore Me! But Privately, Please (Westbow Press, May 2024); and New Wine (Christian Faith
Publishing, August 2024). Restore Me identifies the fatigue and brokenness that leaders go through and offers steps to climb out of the fog to receive inner healing and strength. New Wine looks at the process of becoming a conduit of revival, being refreshed and renewed in the process!
Rev. Dr. Jason Stanley was appointed as the Director for Call and Candidacy for the Virginia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Celebrations
Rev. Jeffrey L. Barker ’90 celebrated on July 23 his 31st year of ordination into the United Church of Christ, Washington/North Idaho, Conference.
Rev. Kent Biller ’77 and his wife, Diane, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary.
Rev. Donald Zechman ’64 and his wife, Faye, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 26.
Rev. Paul F. Zieber ’65 and his wife, Judy, celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on August 20.
Retirements
Rev. Kent Biller ’77 Osceola, IN
Rev. Todd Goddard ’86 Rush NY
Rev. Jay E. Jones ’88 Tyrone, PA
Rev. William Ramsdale ’14 Rock Island, IL
Passages
Our prayers are with the families of:
Rev. Janice Anderson ’00, who died August 28, 2024. She was a resident of Kerrville, TX.
Rev. Dr. Almon D. Baird ’89, who died November 3, 2024. He was a resident of Julian, PA.
Rev. Lowell D. Bassett ’57, who died March 20, 2024. He was a resident of Columbus, OH.
Mr. Gregory Bonnell, friend of United, who died January 6, 2024. He was a resident of Estero, FL.
Rev. Sylvia Ann Bouvier ’85, who died August 6, 2023. She was a resident of Columbus, OH.
Rev. Cecelia W. Bryant, alumna, who died September 26, 2024. She was a resident of Baltimore, MD.
Dr. Gloria Byrd ’02, who died January 19, 2024. She was a resident of Cincinnati, OH.
Rev. Dr. Gerald Chinchar ’92, who died October 28, 2023. He was a resident of Dayton, OH.
Rev. Violet Davidson ’05, who died November 26, 2023. She was a resident of Jamestown, NY.
Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar, friend of United, who died July 18, 2023. He was a resident of Lawrence, MA.
Rev. Dr. T. Mark Dove ’91, who died September 21, 2024. He was a resident of Dublin, OH.
Rev. Susan E. Duker ’92, who died September 9, 2024. She was a resident of Cincinnati, OH.
Rev. George S. Easley ’53, who died August 25, 2024. He was a resident of Tucson, AZ.
Rev. Joyce Fry ’71, who died May 13, 2024. She was a resident of Dublin, OH.
Rev. Roland Garvin ’54, who died November 12, 2024. He was a resident of York, PA.
Rev. Phillip Gehm ’57, who died January 29, 2024. He was a resident of Alliance, OH.
Rev. G. Edward Grove ’67, who died June 4, 2024. He was a resident of Shepherdstown, WV.
Mr. J. Paul Gruver, friend of United, who died August 17, 2024. He was a resident of Falling Waters, WV.
Rev. Linda J. Hedden ’92 who died May 15, 2024. She was a resident of Troy, OH.
Dr. Charles W. Howe, friend of United, who died March 3, 2024. He was a resident of Boulder, CO.
Rev. Dr. Zachery Hudson ’92, who died May 1, 2024. He was a resident of Tampa, FL.
Rev. Kenneth L. Jenkins ’63, who died September 2, 2024. He was a resident of Pearland, TX.
Rev. James Johnson ’81, who died March 21, 2024. He was a resident of Springfield, IL.
Rev. Jack E. Johnston ’77, who died February 28, 2024. He was a resident of Williston, MD.
Rev. William Kidwell ’62, who died September 13, 2024. He was a resident of Greenville, OH.
Rev. William Kinsey ’57, who died October 7, 2023. He was a resident of Morgantown, WV.
Rev. Roger Kronholm ’66, who died December 17, 2023. He was a resident of Omaha, NE.
Rev. Charles Lightner ’61, who died August 28, 2023. He was a resident of Machias, ME
Rev. Dr. Melvin Lindberg ’90, who died May 23, 2024. He was a resident of North Canton, OH.
Rev. Henry Marksberry ’80, who died September 9, 2024. He was a resident of Fort Thomas, KY.
Rev. Sara Merle ’00, who died August 1, 2024. She was a resident of Kendal, NY.
Mrs. Lee Meyerson, who died January 3, 2024. She was a resident of Sarasota, FL.
Rev. Gary Moore ’78, who died September 8, 2024. He was a resident of Vero Beach, FL.
Rev. Jean Moyer ’67, who died October 10, 2024. She was a resident of Williamsport, PA.
Rev. Cindy Murphy ’11, who died May 22, 2024. She was a resident of Shinnston, WV.
Rev. Darwyn J. “Darby” Nace ’73, who died October 22, 2024. He was a resident of Mount Wolf, PA.
Evelyn Norris, wife of Rev. Arthur Norris ’64, who died July 7, 2024. She was a resident of Hemlock, MI.
Rev. Kenneth Overmyer ’55, who died May 15, 2024. He was a resident of Middlebury, IN.
Rev. Margaret “Peggy” Peary ’90, who died November 18, 2024. She was a resident of Horseheads, NY.
Mrs. Carol Pohl, former trustee, who died September 21, 2023. She was a resident of Dayton, OH.
Mr. David Purdue ’87, who died April 6, 2024. He was a resident of Owosso, MI.
Robert W. Ray, husband of Randa Ray ’95, who died November 14, 2024. He was a resident of Desert Hot Springs, CA.
Rev Arnold Rhodes ’68, who died January 26, 2024. He was a resident of Clarion, PA.
Rev. Robert Riggs ’57, who died February 16, 2024. He was a resident of Brownstown, IN.
Mr. Dick Robinson, friend of United, who died July 11, 2023. He was a resident of Naples, FL.
Rev. William Schmid ’65, who died March 20, 2024. He was a resident of York, PA.
Rev. Dale R. Smith ’68, who died March 12, 2024. He was a resident of Troy, OH.
Rev. Jeffrey Snyder ’75, who died March 12, 2024. He was a resident of Fresno, CA.
Dr. Paul E. Stambach ’55, who died July 12, 2024. He was a resident of York, PA.
Sylvia J. Tallentire, wife of Rev. Howard Tallentire ’62, who died July 2, 2023. She was a resident of Columbus, OH.
Rev. Richard Thomas ’74, who died July 12, 2023. He was a resident of Reynoldsburg, OH.
Rev. Douglas J. Upton ’92, who died February 18, 2024. He was a resident of Logansport, IN.
Mr. Robert Ward, friend of United, who died April 21, 2024. He was a resident of Urbana, OH.
Dr. Earnest Watkins ’04, who died October 24, 2023. He was a resident of Morgantown, WV
Rev. O. Gene Wells ’61, who died March 26, 2024. He was a resident of Mason, OH.
Rev. E. Sharon West ’00, who died April 5, 2024. She was a resident of Ireland, WV.
Rev. Dr. Gloria Williams ’68, who died July 21, 2024. She was a resident of Antelope, CA.
Laurie Williams ’21, who died July 24, 2023. She was a resident of Portage, MI.
Rev. Paul H. Woelfle ’55, who died November 24, 2023. He was a resident of Longmont, CO.
Board of Trustees
Officers
Dr. James W. Holsinger, Jr. Chair
Board Members
Rev. Dr. Michael A. Beck
Pastor, Wildwood UMC Cultivator of Fresh Expressions Wildwood, FL
Mr. Michael Boyd ‡ Private Investor Parkville, MO
Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr., ’07 ‡ National Executive Director, Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century Humble, TX
Dr. Robert Childress, ’97 ‡ Senior Pastor, Covenant Glen GMC Richmond, TX
Rev. Robert P. Coleman, ’72
Retired Elder, Indiana Conference of The UMC Franklin, IN
Mr. Phillip F. Connolly Senior Consultant, Connolly Construction Co. Marysville, OH
Dr. William H. Curtis
Senior Pastor, Mount Ararat Baptist Church Pittsburg, PA
Rev. Dr. Cynthia D. Davis, ’05
Retired Elder, Memphis Conference of The UMC Memphis, TN
Rev. Warren “Chip” Freed, Jr.
Lead Pastor, Garfield Memorial Church Pepper Pike, OH
Dr. Laura Harris, ’13 ‡ Owner and Financial VP, Shoreline Communications Columbia, KY
Dr. Cinda Swan, ’13 First Vice Chair
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung ‡
Bishop, The Ohio Episcopal Area of The UMC
Worthington & North Canton, OH
Dr. James W. Holsinger, Jr.
Retired, University of Kentucky College of Public Health Lexington, KY
Dr. Thomas J. Lasley II Director, Policy and Advocacy, Montgomery Co. Educational Service Center and Professor and Dean Emeritus, University of Dayton Centerville, OH
Mr. Scott M. Laubie Principal, Woodard Development Englewood, OH
Rev. Brian A. Law
Lead Pastor, Christ Kettering UMC Springboro, OH
Bishop Emeritus J. Michael Lowry, Martinsburg, WV
Rev. Dr. Sir Walter Lee Mack, Jr., ’97 Senior Pastor, Union Baptist Church Winston-Salem, NC
Rev. William M. Nicholas Retired Elder, Texas Conference of the UMC
Sugar Land, TX
Sister Judy Niday
Sister of the Precious Blood Dayton, OH
Bishop Bruce Ough ‡ Retired Bishop, Minnesota-Dakotas Episcopal Area of The UMC Oconomowoc, WI
Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross, ’15
Discipleship Pastor, Impact United Methodist Church Atlanta, GA
Dr. Thomas J. Lasley II Second Vice Chair
Rev. Dr. Ted L. Sauter, ’72 Retired Elder, Florida Conference of The UMC Marietta, GA
Rev. Dr. Robert C. Scott, ‘97 Senior Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church Charlotte, NC
Rev. Dr. Michael B. Slaughter, ’90 Retired Elder, West Ohio Conference of The UMC Cincinnati, OH
Mr. Steven R. Smith Retired Tontitown, AR
Dr. Cinda Swan, ’13 Retired Faculty, Lindsey Wilson College Campbellsville, KY
Bishop James E. Swanson
Retired Bishop, Mississippi Conference of The UMC Acworth, GA
Rev. Andrew C. Thompson
Lead Pastor, First Methodist Church Tulsa, OK
Mrs. Sarah Walters-Maher Director of Operations, Dixie Veterinary Clinic
Englewood, OH
Bishop Lisa Weah
Senior Pastor, New Bethlehem Baptist Church
Baltimore, MD
Bishop Mark J. Webb
Bishop, The Global Methodist Church Lititz, PA
‡ United welcomed six new trustees during the past academic year. Thanks to our new trustees and to all of our trustees for their service to United.
Life and Honorary Trustees
Mr. Donald F. Aldrich
Mr. E. Lynn App
Bishop George W. Bashore
Rev. Dr. David S. Bell
Dr. Charles S. Brown
Rev. Dr. Marla Elifritz Brown
Mrs. Ruth A. Daugherty
Dr. James K. Davis
Mr. James A. Dyer
Rev. H. Stanley Eichenauer
Mrs. Mary Kay Feller
Mr. L. Craig Fulmer*
Rev. Dr. Jeffrey E. Greenway
Mr. James R. Heinrich
Rev. Dr. Byoung Sam Kim
Mr. Geoffrey R. Lorenz
Mr. William T. Maddock
Mr. John E. Moore
Rev. Gary L. Olin
Rev. Saranne Nelson-Olin
Ms. Karen H. Painter
Mrs. Marjorie H. Putman
Rev. Christopher S. Roberts
Dr. Philip A. Roberts
Corporate/Administrative Officers
President
David Watson Senior Vice President, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean
Picardo Vice President for Development
Steven Swallow Vice President for Finance and Administration, Board Treasurer
Mr. Richard M. Roediger
Mr. Charles E. Smith II
Rev. Harvey B. Smith
Rev. Harold M. Stockman
Mrs. Norma K. Stockman
Mr. James S. Tharp
Mr. Ron C. Thie*
Mrs. Leon A. Whitney II*
Mr. Richard A. Zimmerman*
Mrs. Nancy C. Zimmerman*
Vice President for Enrollment
Destini Edmond Executive Assistant to The President, Board Secretary
Kent Millard
Callie
Bridget Weatherspoon
Happenings at United
For more information scan the QR code or visit www.united.edu/events or contact United: 937.529.2201
2024 Laity Leadership Institute | Course Four: Leadership Excellence
December 14, 2024
Provided by the Black Methodists for Church Renewal Advocacy Committee (BMCR) in partnership with the Bishop Bruce Ough Innovation Center, this course will explore the skills, competencies and practices that can assist laity in leading the church forward in these uncertain times. This course can be completed as a standalone, previous courses not required. Learn more and register: united.edu/innovation-center
Doctoral Intensive: 21st Century Kingdom Stewardship — Flourishing through Congregation, Community, and Economic Development
Jan. 27-31, 2025
Worship service and plenaries are open to the public. No registration required, more information at united.edu/doctoral-intensive
Doctor of Ministry Open House
January 29, 2025
Are you or someone you know considering a Doctor of Ministry? The DMin Open House offers a firsthand experience of the doctoral program, held during the Spring 2025 DMin Intensive. Learn more and register: united.edu/dmin-open-house
The X-Seminar
May 2, 2025
We are excited to welcome Dr. Mark Chironna as instructor for the 2025 X-Seminar. The X-Seminar is a one-day comprehensive course in deliverance and healing ministry. All clergy and laity, experienced and inexperienced, are invited. Certification will be offered at the conclusion of the seminar. Learn more and register: united.edu/x-seminar
Holiness Conference
August 8, 2025
Featuring Frank Macchia as keynote speaker, along with presenters Justus Hunter, Alan Mostrom, Laura Garverick, Cheryl Bridges Johns.
Stay tuned for more information!
Voyages of Paul
October 15-26, 2025
Join United and friends aboard a Celebrity Infinity cruise and experience the New Testament come to life as you travel through Athens, Santorini, Kusadasi, Mykonos, Volos, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Philippi, Corinth, and much more! Register by January 15, 2025, for $100 off: united.edu/voyages-of-paul
01. Bishop James Swanson teaching at the 2023 Holy Spirit Seminar. Bishop Swanson is bishop-inresidence at United and received the honorary Doctor of Divinity at 2024 Commencement.
02. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, is joined by President Millard at 2024-25 Opening Convocation.
03. Students gather before chapel services during a Summer 2024 master’s intensive.
04. Students share in giving and receiving communion during chapel.
05. Doctoral graduates celebrate with a photo backstage at commencement, held May 18, 2024.
06. Master’s graduates line up to process at 2024 Commencement.
07. Mr. James “Jim” Tharp receives the Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his faithful leadership as board chair (2014-2023).
08. Rev. Dr. John McGill (DMin ’23) is guest presenter during the “Leadership in Ministry” master’s intensive, Summer 2024.
09. 2023-24 student award recipients are recognized at commencement.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Luke 4:18-19
May you experience the freedom of Christ in abundance this Christmas and always. With gratitude from the administration, faculty, staff and students of United Theological Seminary.
