2020 Newsletter from the School of Theology

A Good Word Fall 2020

School of Theology Wa lla Walla Univ e r s ity

A Good Word

A word from the dean This last year has revealed just how uncertain are the times in which we live. While the school year began with much promise for Walla Walla University, including the largest freshman class in the last 40 years, it ended with a campus emptied of students, offices closed due to a statewide stay-at-home order, some employees furloughed, and all spring classes conducted online. The coronavirus wreaked havoc on our campus just as it did around the world taking the lives of some 400,000 people, decimating the economy, wiping out retirement accounts, shutting down schools, and leaving many people afraid and/ or angry at the state of affairs in which we find ourselves. And without a vaccine for COVID-19, there is no guarantee the virus won’t return with greater fury. And as if all this was not troubling enough, our country is in the midst of a racism crisis that has seen peaceful protests turn to rioting and looting across the nation.

As I’ve reflected on our situation, I am reminded of the surprising instructions Jesus gave His disciples after He told them the days leading up to His return would be marked by global unrest, famines, pestilence, and even persecution: “This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:13 ESV).

It is in times like these that the world needs to experience the truth of the gospel manifest in the lives of the followers of Christ. The answer to the world’s problems does not reside in political leaders, social action, legal reforms, or in the development of a vaccine. Our only hope is divine intervention in the hearts and lives of people. The devil knows this, so he wants to undermine the opportunity we have to witness by filling us with fear and anger instead.

A vivid illustration of the difference Christians can make in times like these can be seen in the response of believers during the outbreak of a devasting pandemic in

WWU School of Theology faculty Carl Cosaert, dean Early Christianity/ New Testament

Mathilde Frey Old Testament/Hebrew

Brant Berglin New Testament/Greek

Pedrito Maynard-Reid Biblical studies/missiology

Susan Bungard New Testament

Paul Dybdahl Mission/New Testament

David Thomas Practical theology/ apologetics

Jody Washburn Old Testament/Hebrew

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AD 249, which took the lives of millions of people across the Roman Empire over a period of nearly 20 years. Although no age group escaped the plague’s deadly grasp, some of the worst suffering took place among Christians. This was because Christians not only suffered due to the plague, but also because of persecution. Unable to explain the cause of the disease, many Romans believed Apollo was punishing them for turning away from their ancestral worship practices. This resulted in the persecution of Christians for a period of time.

What is surprising, however, is that the outbreak of the plague and the persecution did not decimate the church. On the contrary. It grew.

Why? According to Kyle Harper’s recent book, The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire, Christians made a conscious decision to live out the truth of their faith in their relationship to the world around them. Instead of responding in hatred and fear and looking for someone to blame, they chose to rise above the fray and to manifest love and compassion to believers and unbelievers alike, even tending to those who were sick and dying with the plague.

According to Harper, “Christianity’s sharpest advantage was its inexhaustible ability to forge kinship-like networks among perfect strangers based on an ethic of sacrificial love. The church boasted of being a “new ethnos,” a new nation, with all the implications of shared heritage and mutual obligation. Christian ethics turned the chaos of pestilence into a mission field. The vivid promise of the resurrection encouraged the faithful against the fear of death. Cyprian, in the heat of persecution and plague, pleaded with his flock to show love to the enemy. The compassion was conspicuous and consequential … . The Christian ethic was a blaring advertisement for the faith. The church was a safe harbor in the storm” (p. 156).

While I don’t know what this next year holds, my prayer is that through our witness for Christ we might be a healing presence in the world and that many would find the church to be a safe harbor in the current storm.

Carl P. Cosaert

School of Theology scholarships Students in the School of Theology are deeply grateful for the scholarships that make their education possible. This year, 33 students received scholarships from the funds listed below totaling $36,447. Thank you to our generous alumni and friends for providing these scholarships.

• DeLaine Anderson Memorial Scholarship ($7,006).

• Alice I. Bowden Memorial Scholarship ($3,812).

• Bivocational Ministry Scholarship ($4,045).

• Center for Bible, Faith, and Mission Scholarship ($2,800).

• J. Paul Grove Memorial Scholarship ($5,484).

• Richard and Dena Hammill Scholarship ($1,004).

• Paul and Frances Heubach Theology Scholarship ($1,934).

• Oland F. Hubbs Memorial Theology Scholarship ($1,252).

• Mary E. Marker Memorial Theology Scholarship ($3,736).

• Daniel A. Ochs Memorial Scholarship ($464).

• Gayle L. Saxby Memorial Scholarship ($1,095).

• Theology Dean’s Award ($2,912).

• Eva Stratton Vliet and Jess Vliet Scholarship ($903).

If you would like to contribute to the work of the School of Theology, contact Alumni and Advancement Services at (800) 377-2586.

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A Good Word

Ministerial internships Theology students benefit from new opportunity to minister in the NPUC

The School of Theology has partnered with the North Pacific Union Conference to offer new internships for theology majors through the NPUC Summer Ministerial Internship program. In the program, theology majors who have completed their sophomore or junior year spend 10 weeks during the summer gaining full-time practical ministerial experience at a church in the NPUC. The program takes place during the summer, which gives students the opportunity to focus on full-time ministry without the additional responsibility of work or classes.

“This new program gives students more of an immersion experience,” says Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology. “They will have a better chance to see what full-time ministry feels like. Plus, it allows them to work in a variety of different situations around the North Pacific Union.”

This summer, two WWU students are serving in the NPUC. Matthais Bernard, junior theology and biblical languages double major, is working with the Kent Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Washington Conference, and Rachel Santee, junior theology major, is working with the Eastgate Seventh-day Adventist Church in Upper Columbia Conference.

Through these internships, students can build relationships with local conferences that may open doors to full-time employment following their graduation. Students also earn a $5,000 scholarship and have room and board provided.

“We are really excited about the rewarding experience that this summer internship program offers to our students,” Cosaert said. “The School of Theology is especially thankful to César De León, NPUC ministerial director, who had the vision for this program and helped make it a reality. We believe this program will play a significant role in helping to provide the church with very capable men and women who will be able to serve as pastors in the years to come.”

Are We Tripping?

InTents meetings move to podcast format for 2020

Walla Walla University students who organized the annual student-run series of evangelistic meetings called InTents met the challenges of COVID-19 restrictions by moving the meetings to a podcast format. Two episodes of the podcast were released each week beginning May 11 for three weeks.

For 28 years, the Public Evangelism class taught by Pedrito Maynard-Reid, professor of biblical studies and missiology, has conducted this series of meetings in a large, colorful tent that is pitched on campus.

The theme for 2020—Are We Tripping?—focused on individual journeys with Christ. Student speakers for the event were Briana Hernandez, senior religion major; John Aitken, junior theology major; Jared Frost, senior theology major; Ryan Bing, senior theology and business administration major; Emily Ellis, senior theology major; and Kraig Davis, senior theology major.

The podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Music.

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School of Theology meets challenges of online classes At the end of winter quarter, Walla Walla University responded to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic by moving final exams for winter quarter and classes for spring quarter to an online format. These changes brought unforeseen challenges, but also blessings in disguise as faculty and students faced difficulties together.

Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology, said, “It took a huge amount of work for the teachers in the School of Theology to get their online classes up and running with only about a week’s notice. Even though this meant they didn’t have a break between winter and spring, I was impressed that they did their job well and even in good spirits.”

While studying from home, many students dealt with poor internet connections, shared home computers, and caring for younger siblings or family members with COVID-19. For students and faculty alike, the lack of community and face-to-face interaction were the greatest difficulties.

Jody Washburn, assistant professor of biblical studies, said, “I realized that the days I spent a few hours interacting with students online, the rest of the day just seemed to go better. It was a reminder of how much we rely on interpersonal connection for our overall well-being.”

Washburn said that while some students thrived on the opportunity for more quiet time during online classes, others found it difficult to engage with class material without discussing it with others in a normal classroom setting.

WWU started fall quarter with a limited number of students living on campus and classes offered in person and via distance learning and dual-modality.

A Bible verse that held a lot of meaning for Cosaert during spring quarter is Luke 5:1: “And it came to pass … .” “Why?” he asks. “Because it reminded me that the current challenges we face will not remain forever! They come to pass!”

Maynard-Reid receives Distinguished Service Award Pedrito Maynard-Reid, professor of biblical studies and missiology and assistant to the president for diversity, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Oakwood University Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council at the PELC 40th anniversary celebration in Huntsville, Alabama, in December 2019.

Throughout his career, Maynard-Reid has worked to pass on his passion for evangelism to his students through his classes at WWU and by involving them in the work of the PELC. Each year since 1992 he has taken WWU theology students to the PELC conference where they can experience firsthand the work and vision of the Council.

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A Good Word Frey receives Adventist Excellence in Theological Teaching Award Mathilde Frey, professor of biblical studies, is the first recipient of the Adventist Excellence in Theological Teaching Award. This annual award recognizes members of the School of Theology whose dedication as Seventh-day Adventist scholars is exhibited in their teaching both on and off the WWU campus.

“I think it is very appropriate that Dr. Frey is the first recipient of this award. She is a beloved teacher who is known not only for the rich content of her Old Testament classes on our campus, but also for her willingness to share her knowledge as a teacher in local Bible study groups, in Theology Sabbath School, and in other meetings and presentations. Dr. Frey is a blessing to both our campus and our wider community,” said Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology.

Frey has a bachelor’s degree from Seminar Marienhöhe in Darmstadt, Germany, and a doctor of philosophy degree in Old Testament from Andrews University.

Her academic interest is focused on close reading of the Hebrew Bible. She has written articles and book chapters on the Sabbath, authored the Deuteronomy commentary for the Andrews Study Bible, and is writing a commentary on the book of Judges for the Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary.

Her international experience combined with pastoral ministry and academic work enriches her teaching in the classroom and her other contributions at WWU.

Third book in series on world religions to be released in 2020 The third in a series of three books coauthored by Paul Dybdahl, professor of mission and New Testament, was released this summer. Hinduism: Conversations, Contrasts, and Commonalities follows the release of Islam: Facts, Fictions, and Familiarities in 2018 and Buddhism: Stumbling Blocks and Stepping Stones in 2019. The series grew out of Dybdahl’s 2017 book Before We Call Them Strangers: What Adventists Ought to Know about Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus.

Each of the three new volumes includes excerpts from the original book with additional content provided by a coauthor. Dybdahl collaborated with Gabriela Phillips, coordinator for Adventist-Muslim relations for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, on the book about Islam; with Scott Griswold, director of Reach the World Next Door, on the book about Buddhism; and with Clifmond Shameerudeen, director of the Center for South Asian Religions at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, on the book about Hinduism.

“My contribution to each book is an overview of the beliefs and practices of each religion, interviews with two followers of each religion, and then a reflection on what I appreciate about that way of life,” said Dybdahl. “My coauthors then write a section that addresses practical suggestions for engagement and sharing. They are all directly engaged in ongoing work among people of that religion, so their perspective is both fresh and credible. It’s been a joy to work with them.”

The process of writing his original book has led to an invitation for Dybdahl to work on another book project that is in the early planning stages.

Dybdahl’s books are available at AdventSource.org.

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Thomas to speak for Distinguished Faculty Lecture Dave Thomas, professor of practical theology and apologetics, will speak for the 2020 Distinguished Faculty Lecture on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. The Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is a WWU faculty member who is respected for leadership, teaching, and scholarship, and who is involved in governance, church life, and community service.

Thomas served as dean of the School of Theology from 2001 to 2018. He is now focused on full-time teaching and writing. His classes in Systematic Theology and Issues of God and Faith have helped students grapple with some of the most challenging questions about God and have reached the needs of many who are exploring questions of faith.

Prior to joining the WWU faculty, Thomas spent 24 years in pastoral work in New England and in Washington. He has served on many administrative committees at conference, union, and institutional levels and has been a member of the WWU Board of Trustees. A frequent speaker in churches and at seminars, Thomas’s interests are primarily in theology, apologetics, and pastoral life and function. He has written numerous articles and papers, and is currently submitting book manuscripts for publication.

Watch the lecture via livestream at wallawalla.edu/DFL.

Washburn explores intersection of theology and psychology Jody Washburn, associate professor of biblical studies, participated in a two-week seminar, TheoPsych: Restoring Human Nature, at Fuller Theological Seminary this summer. The seminar explored insights about human nature when theology and psychological science are brought together.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection between how our minds work and how we engage with God and other people,” said Washburn. “This program captured my interest because exploring psychological science under the direction of experts in that field in conversation with other theologians sounded like an incredible way to gain the tools I need for next steps in my teaching and writing.”

Seminar presenters included a neuroscientist and two psychologists and their presentations focused on how the brain works, and on virtues such as forgiveness and gratitude. The twenty seminar participants were primarily theologians and philosophers and breakout groups interspersed with presentations allowed for conversation about how a deeper understanding of research in psychological science can enrich theological scholarship. Washburn anticipates being able to apply what she learned in a variety of ways in her teaching, and is particularly looking forward to integrating material from the seminar into a class on compassion and spirituality that she is currently developing.

Reflecting on highlights of the seminar experience, Washburn said, “It was amazing to meet so many other young professionals—people navigating similar seasons of life, juggling parenting young children, early career research, and teaching, etc. And I now have resources and ideas for further research to keep me busy for years!”

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A Good Word

Faculty contribute to new commentary

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arl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology and professor of biblical studies, and Pedrito Maynard-Reid, assistant to the president for diversity and professor of biblical studies and missiology, are authors of two of the newest volumes in the new Seventh-day Adventist International Bible Commentary.

Cosaert has been working on his section on 1 and 2 Timothy since 2012 and recently finished the final touches. Maynard-Reid’s section on James, which is currently at the press, has been in the works, in many ways, for years, as he has written multiple works about the book and has continued his research for this new commentary.

The first Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary was written from 1953 to 1957 and was revised in 1980. It expressed a multitude of different views within the Adventist church without attribution to the authors. Until recently, it was the only Adventist commentary.

The new International Bible Commentary will have roughly 66 individual volumes that are each about 200 pages. The first volume on Genesis was published in 2016.

Each volume has its own release date for digitally and print. Unlike the first Adventist Bible Commentary, the author’s name will be attributed, making it easier to research each author’s views, other writings, and updates to their theological views.

The International Bible Commentary is being written by Adventist scholars from around the world and will provide a more international outlook on the Adventist church than did the first Adventist Bible Commentary, which was primarily written

by American scholars.

Maynard-Reid contributes commentary on James Maynard-Reid wanted to highlight the international nature of the commentary as a whole while writing his section on the book of James. “Over 90% of the church is from overseas, so their worldviews, in many instances, are different,” Maynard-Reid said. “I found that as I wrote I had to be thinking of those worlds.”

The peer-review process for the new commentaries has involved an international group of scholars. During the review process, Maynard-Reid fielded a lot of ques-

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tions about his choices of phrases or illustrations that weren’t readily understood by readers from nonAmerican cultures. “I had to explain that that’s the very problem that former commentaries had,” he said. “They were using American worldviews and American illustrations that the rest of the world didn’t understand.”

Looking for illustrations to demonstrate points within the book of James to readers outside of the United States was something Maynard-Reid enjoyed Pedrito Maynard-Reid during the writing process. “When an African picks up the commentary and they read a particular passage and see that I’ve used a proverb from Ghana, I’m sure it will put a smile on their face and they’ll say, ‘Aha, this commentary is for me, too,’” said Maynard-Reid.

Cosaert addresses complexities of 1 and 2 Timothy Cosaert’s commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy was a long time in the making. “It has been a long and exciting journey,” said Cosaert. “It involved hours of study, writing, and revising. You can’t just skip verses you don’t understand. For it to be a commentary, every single verse has to be understood and fit into the entire flow of the book.”

In order to gain a complete understanding of the author’s argument, Cosaert dove in to read 1 and 2 Timothy in the original Greek language. While it was a difficult process, he now says that he has a greater appreciation for the books. “These two books are full of such spiritually enriching material. It encouraged me spiritually,” Cosaert said.

When originally asked to write a commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy, Cosaert admits that he was not super enthused by the idea. “It wasn’t that I didn’t like these two letters, I just knew that 1 Timothy contained some challenging passages that would not be easy to work through and that no matter what position I took, I would have people not happy with me.”

1 Timothy, chapter 2, is a passage that is directly tied with the question of whether or not women should be ordained for pastoral ministry. “When I began the commentary, I was not necessarily in favor of the ordination of women—I was more ambivalent about it,” Cosaert said. He added that while he was growing up in the Midwest, there weren’t many women in ministry, so having women in those roles seemed strange to him.

Carl Cosaert

“As I worked my way through 1 Timothy, I was forced to consider the theological arguments for and against the ordination of women in ministry,” said Cosaert. “As I carefully considered all the arguments, I found that the arguments favoring women in ministry were, in my opinion, far more compelling than those against it.”

Not only was his view on women’s ordination changed by his work on this commentary, he also was invited to share his position at the General Conference Theology of Ordination Committees in 2013 and 2014 as well as with delegates at Annual Council in 2014.

Cosaert said that he hopes readers will also gain a new perspective and appreciation on the books, just as he did. “I hope the individuals who read my commentaries will discover the beauty and importance of 1 and 2 Timothy,” he said. “They may not be as popular as Paul’s letters to the Romans or Galatians, but they have just as an important contribution to play in our understanding of God’s love for us and what it means to be a follower of Christ.”

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A Good Word

Alden Thompson Celebrating 50 years of teaching and service at Walla Walla University

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ince joining the faculty at Walla Walla University in 1970, Alden Thompson has been a devoted voice of reason and faith for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, for his colleagues in the WWU School of Theology, and for his students. Over five decades he has shared his knowledge and understanding of the Old Testament and the subject of inspiration and revelation in the classroom and in books and published works that have been distributed around the world. He has taught thousands of students and touched countless lives.

Many WWU students, faculty, and staff have worshiped God and sung hymns with Thompson around the piano at morning worship in Heubach Chapel and have enjoyed his teaching in Sabbath School classes in the School of Theology and Chan Shun classes. Others recall conversations while weeding with him in his garden or playing racquetball.

Rachel Davies, 2007 theology graduate, said, “I was blessed with many good instructors at Walla Walla, but some combination of intellectual curiosity, spiritual devotion, and intense concern for the well-being of others made Alden a model for me of everything I wanted to become in life. Alden modeled what it means to seek God and the well-being of others as one and the same thing. He is part of a small handful of people whose impact on my life has been eternal.”

Aman J. Grant, 1997 theology graduate, said, “During summer classes of ’93 Alden invited me to come weed his garden. I didn’t mind working for money, but when he kneeled down beside me, weeded with me, answered my questions with words I had never heard of before like ‘constituency,’ and then paid me! He has endeared my heart to his for life.”

Jodi Wagner, 1992 mass communication graduate, said: “I will never forget the moment Alden leaned over the lectern during a class and peered at us, his reading glasses at the end of his nose. ‘We Adventists are a kooky bunch,’ he said. And I was hooked. I was an Adventist when I entered his class, but I became an Adventist because of his class—the questions, the prodding, the way he presented things so realistically all had significant influence on who I am today. And he made it clear that our imperfect church could evolve enough for us all to be in it.”

Scholarly work In addition to his many years as a professor of biblical studies at WWU, Thompson has been a prolific writer. Triggered by the Desmond Ford crisis, he wrote the seven-part Sinai-Golgotha series, published in the Adventist Review (December 1981 and July 1982) and Westwind (Winter 1982). A four-part series in the Adventist Review in September 1985 led to the book, Inspiration: Hard Questions, Honest Answers, published by Review and Herald in 1991. A 25th anniversary edition was published by Energion in 2016.

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Theology faculty in 1976.

Thompson during a flag football game.

Other books in print by Thompson include: Who’s Afraid of the Old Testament God?, Escape from the Flames: How Ellen White Grew from Fear to Joy—and Helped Me to Do it Too, and Beyond Common Ground: Why Liberals and Conservatives Need Each Other.

From 1985 to 1994, his monthly column, Windows on God’s Word, appeared in Signs Thompson teaching of the Times. From 1987 to 1999 he wrote a in the Kretschmar twice-monthly column for the North Pacific Physics Lecture Hall.

Union Conference Gleaner, and since 1993 he has contributed a regular quarterly column to the print-edition of Adventist Today. His favorite themes for church seminars include the Bible (especially the Old Testament), Ellen White studies, biblical inspiration and revelation, and Seventhday Adventist history.

Thompson has also been a regular host and contributor to the Good Word broadcast, a weekly recorded discussion supplementing the Adventist adult Sabbath School quarterly that airs on KGTS Positive Life Radio and is available on the School of Theology website and Apple Podcasts.

“Alden has changed minds and touched hearts with his writing, speaking, and teaching. He has been a public figure, but also has a profound interest in people.

He will write for a wide audience, but then spend hours in thoughtful correspondence with a single struggling soul,” said Paul Dybdahl, 1992 theology graduate.

Education, career, and family Thompson graduated from Walla Walla College in 1965 with a bachelor of arts degree with majors in theology and biblical studies. He graduated from Andrews University with a master of arts degree in 1966, and a bachelor of divinity degree (equivalent to a master of divinity degree) in 1967. From 1967 to 1970, he served as a pastor in southeastern California, first for the Redlands Adventist Church and then for the Fontana Adventist Church. In 1970 he joined the faculty in the WWU School of Theology. From 1972 to 1974 he attended the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where he completed his doctor of philosophy degree in Old Testament and Judaic studies. In 1980–81 Thompson was an exchange teacher at Marienhöhe Seminary in Darmstadt, Germany. From 1986 to 1990 he served as vice president for academic administration at WWU, and in 1990 he returned to full-time teaching in the WWU School of Theology.

Thompson has been married to Wanda Hoffman since 1965. Their older daughter, Karin, is married to Thomas Wehtje and is on the music faculty at Andrews University. Their younger daughter, Krista, lives with her husband, Steve Smith, in Bassano del Grappa, Italy.

Thompson retired in June 2020 and joined a distinguished list of WWU professor emeriti. He says that the word gratitude best sums up his 50 years at WWU. “As I look back on my experience at WWC/WWU, I find myself nearly overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude—first to my teachers when I was here as a student (1961–65), then to my colleagues and students from 1970 on. This is a community where we seek to trust one another and where we live in hope of a better world—while seeking to make this world as much like that new world while we wait. I hope and pray that we can work together to keep that vision alive.”

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A Good Word School of Theology

2020 graduates We are pleased to introduce the 2020 graduates of the WWU School of Theology.

Emily Ellis, major in theology

What will you miss about WWU: There is so much to miss about WWU. I can walk across campus and say hello to so many people! What I will miss most is the family that I have gained there. The relationships that have been formed with students and faculty are irreplaceable. I am a better person because I have been surrounded by the most incredible people for the last four years.

Plans after graduation: I will be pastoring at the Pleasant Valley SDA Church in Happy Valley, Oregon! I am so excited to be pastoring and feel so blessed.

Favorite passage from scripture: Recently, I have been claiming 2 Corinthians 1:8–9, which encourages me to rely on God. “… This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.”

Corey Bom, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: The loving community of students, pastors, and professors that we get to learn from and be with at WWU. Plans after graduation: Enter into the pastoral workforce and serve however I can.

Favorite passage from scripture: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, … I will be joyful in God my Savior” Habakkuk 3:17–19.

Viktoria (Vixie) Bailey Schaber, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss the opportunity to interact with the theology staff, especially Heather. Everyone in the department has been a wonderful resource for me, and I will miss everyone.

Plans after graduation: I will be working for the Upper Columbia Conference as an associate pastor for the Pasco Riverview SDA Church.

Favorite passage from scripture: I enjoy Romans 8:31–39. It summarizes God’s love for us, which nothing can separate us from. It’s the basis of theology as I see it. “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

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Daria Harrison, major in religion What will you miss about WWU: I will miss the community at WWU that I have found in students, faculty, and staff, and my church family.

Plans after graduation: Eventually, I would like to become a professor in some area of religion/ theology.

Favorite passage from scripture: One of my favorite passages is Ephesians 3:16–21. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory … .”

Coleman Dietrich, major in religion What will you miss about WWU: My friends and the community. I started to appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of WWU more and more through my time there, and I will miss all of the worship options available.

I will also miss all of my religion and theology courses. They were truly some of the best experiences I had at WWU. Plans after graduation: I am getting married this summer. My fiancée and I are both accepted into Loma Linda University School of Medicine, but will defer for one year and do humanitarian work.

Favorite passage from scripture: For a long time now I have really enjoyed Job 35. “… Look up at the heavens and see; gaze at the clouds so high above you.”

Natalia Perry, major in religion What will you miss about WWU: I will miss the people most of all. Walla Walla has an amazing community.

Plans after graduation: My plan is to be a high school chaplain/Bible teacher.

Favorite passage from scripture: My favorite verses are Ephesians 3:16–19. “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ … .”

Briana Hernandez, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss interacting with friends and professors on campus.

I loved the community aspect that WWU brought to my life and I will miss that most.

Plans after graduation: During the summer, I will be working at Sunset Lake camp; then I will be pursuing a career in chaplaincy.

Favorite passage from scripture: I love Psalm 139:14.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” [continued on page 14]

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A Good Word [continued from page 13]

Cameron Fitzgerald, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss the community of WWU the most. The connections that I’ve made with other students and professors are ones I plan on keeping forever. I think Walla Walla is very unique in this way, so I will miss it greatly.

Plans after graduation: I am pastoring in the Southern California Conference in Thousand Oaks and also got married in June.

Favorite passage from scripture: Revelation 5:13. “‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’”

Katelynn Wagner, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss WWU’s friendly atmosphere. I feel so blessed to have been a part of the campus community and especially a part of the theology department.

Plans after graduation: I will be working as a hospital chaplain for Adventist Health.

Favorite passage from scripture: Deuteronomy 31:6 has been a favorite text for many years because it has guided and encouraged me. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Kraig Davis, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss my friends from WWU. Plans after graduation: I will be working in my family’s business.

Favorite passage from scripture: 1 John 3:19–20. “This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

Kelsey Turner, major in theology What will you miss about WWU: I will miss the sense of community and support that I have found at WWU, especially in the theology department.

Plans after graduation: I plan to move to Kettering, Ohio, to work for Kettering Health Network.

Favorite passage from scripture: The passage closest to my heart is Romans 8:28–31. “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

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Colloquium series Guest speakers enhance student experience and enrich local community

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he 2019–20 School of Theology colloquium series covered a variety of topics related to the mission of the School of Theology.

“The colloquia series fulfills our mission of providing our majors with a theological education that deepens their understanding of Scripture, encourages them in the development of their spiritual life, and exposes them to different career options in ministry,” said Carl Cosaert, dean of the School of Theology.

Ty Gibson

The first two speakers focused on two fundamental theological pillars for Adventists: the Sonship of Christ and the doctrine of the heavenly sanctuary. In October, Ty Gibson, codirector and speaker for Light Bearers Ministry and pastor of the Storyline Adventist Church in Eugene, Oregon, spoke on “The Sonship of Christ: Why It Matters,” a theme focused on the nature of Jesus and His relationship with God. Felix Cortez, associate professor of New Testament at Andrews University, spoke in February on “The Sanctuary: Does it Still Matter in Adventism?,” which highlighted the history of the sanctuary and its importance as a pillar of the Seventh-day Adventist church.

Felix Cortez

Gibson and Cortez each presented additional talks on Sabbath afternoon that were well attended and well received by local community members.

Alex Bryan, administrative director of mission identity for Adventist Health, spoke in January on the history of Seventh-day Adventist health care and ministerial job opportunities for students to consider.

The series concluded in April via Zoom with presentations Alex Bryan

by Troy Wallace, pastor for the Crosspoint Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hillsboro, Oregon; and Jonny Moor, associate pastor at the Meadow Glade Seventh-day Adventist Fellowship in Battle Ground, Washington. As recent graduates of the WWU School of Theology, Wallace and Moor each shared their experience about what it is like to pastor.

The School of Theology requires students majoring in theology or religion to attend 12 colloquia before graduation—six during their freshman and sophomore years and six during their junior and senior years.

The 2019–20 school year marked a shift in format for the series. “We wanted to create opportunities where nearly our Troy Wallace entire department would be able to gather together for prayer and worship,” said Cosaert. “We also wanted to enhance our student’s educational experience by addressing theological topics that we might want to address more fully as a group and/or to expose our students to ministerial career opportunities they may want to consider for future employment.

“In addition, we wanted to invite some speakers whose experience would not only benefit our students, but who could also provide a seminar that would encourage and enrich the experience of individuals within our local faith community,” he added.

Jonny Moor

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