Historic Milestone Events (March 26, 2020)

1985 Early initiatives to try to get a Phoenix based satellite campuses from Talbot and Dallas Theological Seminaries failed. Talks continued with .

1987 “In August 12 Pastors and Christian leaders from gathered to discuss the need for a Phoenix-based seminary. There was a strong sense that God had blessed the Phoenix area with a vital, growing Christian Community in need of residential seminary…For years the Christian community in Phoenix has sent it’s brightest and best to Portland, Dallas, Denver or Southern Ca. for seminary training…serving God in a new location…their home church suffers the loss of their leaving. These students also give up a substantial base of support as they relocate…”

A Steering committee later formed and made a formal request October 28th to the Western Seminary Board to consider offering seminary in Phoenix. Committee members were: David Michelson (Grace Community Church), Sandy Mason (Camelback Church), John Lynch (Open Door Fellowship), Steve Johnson (Scottsdale Bible Church), Dr. Rick Efird (Desert Springs Bible Church), Jerry Leatherwood (Scottsdale Bible Church), Keith Thompson, (Scottsdale Baptist Church), Bill Thrall (Open Door Fellowship), Dr. Bill Yarger (Scottsdale Bible church), Lou Lawton (Bethany Bible Church), Dr. Mike Tucker (Bethany Community Church), John Peterson (Palmcroft Baptist Church), Don Ekstrand (Mentor/Author), Dr. Leonard Fleming (Arizona College of the Bible), Wesley Olson (Southwestern College).

On November 4th, Western Seminary in Portland, entered into partnership with the churches of Phoenix to establish an extension site. Below is a meeting of both Steering committee members, future faculty and administrators of Western Seminary, Phoenix.

Back Row (left to right): Jerry Leatherwood (steering com.), Dr. Grant Howard (faculty), David Michelson (steering com.), Dr. Bill Yarger (steering com./faculty), Dr. Rick Efird (steering com./admin.), Rock Stewart , Unknown, Dr. Earl Radmacher (faculty). Front Row (left to right): Sandy Mason (steering com.), Lou Lawton (steering com.), Mabel Pittman (admin.), Ed Mitchell (unknown).

1988 In September orientation and registration began and 82 students signed up for classes. 17 registered for Masters in Christian Leadership (MCL) the rest being Master of Divinity and continuing education classes. The Budget for the first year was $214,000.

Drs. Earl Ra dmacher & Bill Yarger Dr. Bill two of our Yarger first faculty stands at the pose next to Western the Western Seminary Seminary Phoenix Phoenix sign display and seminary during an office at the orientation SBC youth for the first building at classes. 7601 E. Shea Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ.

A new Perspective student students (possibly discuss Mitch seminary life Miller—a after an initial 2010 orientation graduate), meetings at registers Western for new Seminary classes the Phoenix. fall of 1988.

10 original D r. Earl students Ra dmacher, pose for a taught an photo… original Doug Western Childress, Seminary Jodi Phoenix Humber, class with a and Dale green chalk Micetic are board. No the 1st three high tech in front left on 1988. the front row.

Mitch Miller, 2nd from the left, back row poses with other original fall 1988 students. Mitch has been part of the library staff since August 1999.

Fall 1989 140 students enrolled

Jan. 1990 The seminary held its 1st fund raising banquet, with Larry Wright as the key note speaker.

Larry was in radio broadcasting for 26 years and became Arizona's leading disc jockey in the 1960s under the name Lucky Lawrence. After giving his life to Jesus, he started, Abundant Life, a non-denominational outreach directed primarily to unchurched businessmen was formed. From the original 18 that attended at the Phoenix Country Club Bible study, Abundant Life grew to multiple Bible studies throughout the Valley…Having a deep desire to be used to save and enhance marriages through God's plan, Larry and his wife Sue spoke often at marriage seminars both locally and nationally. Larry passed away in 2001.

Mar. 1990 Drs. Yarger and Radmacher fly to Portland to submit proposal for greater autonomy for Western Seminary, Phoenix. A proposal for eventual organizational independence was unanimously approved by Western’s administration.

Apr. 1990 Bill Stewart (Youth leadership), Dr. Kem Oberholtzer (Bible Survey) joined the resident faculty and Dr. Don Sunukjian (Homiletics) and Dr. Dennis Wretlind (Hebrew/Greek) became adjunct faculty.

Oct. 1990 171 were enrolled with 116 being credit and the rest enrichment. Phoenix Seminary wanted to seek independence from Western but were told to wait until a new Western President was selected.

Mar. 1991 When Dr. Norm Wakefield was added to the faculty, credit students had risen to about 128 but enrichment dropped to 32 totaling approximately 160 students.

Apr. 27, 1991 Western Seminary, Phoenix put on its first Picnic.

May 5, 1991 Western Seminary, Phoenix’s first Graduation

The first and only graduate in 1991, Paul Madson stands with his wife Lisa and Dr. Earl Rodmacher. Paul was a local pastor in Phoenix for 25 years and then founded the Global Training Network. “He and his wife Lisa felt God’s compelling call to help equip and encourage the younger generation of pastors and leaders in those parts of the world that have the least access to biblical and theological training”—photo and quote from web page at: https://globaltrainingnetwork.org/who/paul-and-lisa-madson

In June 2019 Paul donated some 3100 volumes of his personal collection of books (in new condition) to Phoenix Seminary. More than 1/3 of these volumes have been added to library while the remainder were given to the students of the seminary.

Fall 1991 Western had enrolled 217 students: 100 were Master of Divinity; 28 were Master of Christian Leadership; 15 were Doctor of Ministry, 25 were non-degree and 70 were non-credit.

Dec. 1991 The new President, Dr. John Vawter asks Phoenix to wait on pursuing independence and schedules meetings for January 1992 to discuss combined ministry of the seminary.

Jan. 1992 Dr. Vawter concludes that it was in the best interest of Western and Phoenix for Phoenix to become independent. Dr. Vawter encouraged Phoenix to make such a request to the board.

Feb. 1992 Dennis Wretlind was added as full-time faculty.

Apr. 1992 Dr. Vawter informed Phoenix that the financial crisis in Portland threatened the future of the Phoenix campus. Phoenix submitted a letter to Western requesting independence.

May 1992 The Phoenix council unanimously requested independence. The board of Western Seminary approved independence for Phoenix by July 1, 1993.

Dec. 1992 The board of Western Seminary voted to extend the timetable for independence to July 1, 1994.

Jan. 1993 Don Baugher (very bottom left 1994 photo) joined Western Seminary, Phoenix as Director of Church Services and Administration. Andy Neillie (in 2003 graduation photo below) became the Director of Student Services and Public Relations.

Andy Neillie, his wife and Scottsdale Bible Church Senior Pastor Darryl DelHousaye celebrate Andy’s Doctorate in Ministry. Also pictured is key note speaker for the graduation event was Chuck Colson, once Special Counsel to President Nixon also Prison Fellowship Ministries founder and daily Christian radio commentator for “Breakpoint.”

Aug. 1993 The board of Western Seminary voted unanimously to affirm its support of Phoenix in achieving accreditation and independence.

Oct. 1993 Dr. Radmacher asked the faculty and council to reconsider independence, however the faculty and council reaffirmed their desire for independence.

July 1994 After several years of a growing ministry, the local leadership of Western Seminary, Phoenix saw the benefits of becoming a fully independent, nondenominational seminary. With the approval of the board of Western Seminary, Phoenix Seminary became independent on July 1, 1994 and Rick Efird became the Interim President (below right).

Far left photo, Don Baugher, sporting a tie, Roger Fankhauser (Admin./c. ’95) and fellow students, Ted Wueste (c. ’03) & Joe Page (c. ’96) yuk it up in front of pink partitions that will become the location of the very first library. Inside 10 oak shelves will house approx. 500

books & two desks.

Jan. 1995 Doug Olbert, a retired Air Force flight and staff officer begins a work study program with the newly independent Phoenix Seminary. He will begin his MDiv program and begin researching how to build a fully accredited library.

July 1995 Dr. John Vawter, the past President of Western Seminary becomes Phoenix Seminary’s first official President on July 1st, but resigns June 30th 1997 to become the senior pastor of Bethany Community Church.

Fall 1995 As a small seminary, regularly the staff and faculty would send out signed prayer cards indicating they would be praying for the students. The prayer card was an initiative borrowed from Bethany Community Church and reinstituted at Phoenix Seminary by interim President Dr. Rick Efird during his one year term. As a new student, and on a work-study program (receiving credit for hours worked) Doug Olbert, the Library Director received this prayer card, which in the mind of many was a very welcomed message of sincere loving care.

May 1996 Scottsdale Bible Church leased the 4,500 sq. ft. property near the SBC Chapel to Phoenix Seminary as offices and additional space for a new 1000 sq. ft. library with built-in shelving.

Student Asst. Robbie Brooks, Accountant Kevin Royer, Director of Student Services Roma Royer, Admin. Assistant Kay Dubois, Registrar Stephanie Johnson, appear amongst the office cubicles in the new Phoenix Seminary administrative building adjacent to the Chapel.

The new Vice President (and previous Western Seminary Graduate) Doug Childress appears with student, John DelHousaye in the new seminary library.

Phoenix Seminary was allowed to share the Scottsdale Bible Church Chapel from May 1996 to April 2000. During that time the seminary enjoy both worship and orientation events in the chapel. SBC also hosted weddings, celebrations and funerals as well.

June ’96-’97 See the below Phoenix Seminary Year in Review that hallmarks significant events in the growth of the seminary: accreditation; enrollment; facilities; library; finances; visibility; development, and leadership changes.

July 1997 Dr. Darryl Del Housaye took on two roles, Current Pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church and President of Phoenix Seminary.

Fall 1998 Mark Upton became the next Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Dec. 1998 The Seminary purchased a 36,000 vol. library from Arizona College of the Bible (ACB) for $70,000 when the school dissolved. ACB graciously returned the check when their property was sold for a substantial profit. Phoenix Seminary students, administrative and library staff helped to clear ACB’s library shelves of all resources and pack them into approximately 900 well marked boxes. Director Doug Olbert and volunteer Jerry Leatherwood directed storage of all boxes and furniture in two air conditioned 12x12x9ft. storage rooms. A student loaned the seminary a tractor trailer to move all boxes and some furniture. Tables, shelves, and library equipment was stored in Mobile Mini insulated metal storage containers for about 17 months. Many reference items, periodicals and a several shelves were used to fill the center of the library.

Phoenix Seminary Faculty and Staff Christmas Card December 1998 First Row (left to right): Kay Dubois, Administrative Assistant; Mark Upton, Administrative V.P.; Steve Griffith, Director of Development; Kristin Smith, Records Associate; Dr. Norm Wakefield, Professor of Pastoral Theology. Second Row: Roma Royer, Director of Student Services; Dr. Kem Oberholtzer, V.P. of Academic Affairs/Professor of Biblical Literature; Cathy Shadt, Teaching Assistant; Sharon Sullivan, Receptionist & Faculty Secretary. Third Row: Priscilla Lagier, Head Cataloger-Library; Kristin Beasley; Director of Women’s Ministry; Dr. Dennis Wretlind; Professor of Biblical Languages; Dr. Grant Howard; Director of Faculty Enrichment; Dr. Darryl DelHousaye, President. Fourth Row: Kevin Royer, Accountant; Jerry Leatherwood, Development; Dr. Steve Tracy, Associate Professor of Theology & Ethics; Kent DelHousaye; Associate Director of Public Relations; Dr. Fred Chay, Associate Professor of Theology & Biblical Literature; John DelHousaye, Teaching Assistant.

Jan. 1999

Feb. 3, 1999 Association of Theological Schools (ATS) site visit

Fall 1999 Mark Upton, as a former Commercial Real-estate Broker began searching the Scottsdale/Phoenix area for a new home for Phoenix Seminary. He began showing plans for a potential site to the Library Director. A company named School Craft, introduced their high quality 18 gage Montel steel shelving to Doug and he ordered hundreds of case shelves to accommodate the current resources plus the addition of the boxed Arizona College of the Bible collection that would be assembled in the designated 3,500 sq ft space.

Dec. 8, 1999 ATS site visit

The Faculty and Staff of Phoenix Seminary join together in the SBC Chapel for another Christmas Card Photo. Two new staff, Paul Herr, T.A. (seated far left) and Mitch Miller, Librarian Assistant, join the Seminary team in 1999.

Jan., 2000 Accepted into Candidacy Status by ATS

April 2000 The seminary moved to the new 10,800 sq. ft. premises at 13402 N. Scottsdale Road just south of Thunderbird. The location promised the needed room to for our first classroom (not in a local church), plenty of office space for our growing faculty and administrative staff; and room for the new library.

2000-2001

The new seminary building on Scottsdale Rd. (Suite B- 185) soon displayed our official bell tower logo on the blue-green tile strip that surrounded the building. Pictured below in center photo is Paul Wegner our new Associate Professor of Old Testament. He greets one of our volunteer receptionists.

The library staff from 2000- 2001 had to figure out a way to incorporate both a 12,000 volume digitally circulated collection into a 36,000 volume manually circulated collection. Many options and costs were considered. First we pared down and sold off or gave away about 11,000 items like home school curriculums, old general ed. And magazine sets. We rejected using private companies to MARC catalogue our remaining collection at a cost of up to $75,000 with OCLC. With volunteers, and unique library software, and the library staff we cataloged, processed and integrated in- house 23,000 volumes in one year so all volumes could be accessed via electronic catalog. Picture at right is the library staff (top row left to right) Mitch Miller, Jim Santeford, Doug Olbert and Dr. Bob Miller, Librarian Assistant. (bottom row left to right) is Janet Oliver and Vel LeRoy, our 32 hour a week volunteers. Ann Bergstrom, Librarian Assistant.

2001-2002 PS Staff -- Left going back then around the table: Mark Upton— Executive V.P.; Jim Santeford, Technical Services Librarian, Doug Olbert, Director of Library Services; Kathy Thompson, Bookkeeper; Joe Lindner, Volunteer Grant Writer; Roma Royer, Director of Student Services, Leala Danniger, Advancement Program Coordinator; Michelle Milliron, Registrar; Mitch Miller, Reference Librarian; Kay Debois, Administrative Services Coordinator, and Rick Sharpe, Director of Business & Finance.

Faulty (bottom left to right): Dr. Norm Wakefield, Professor, Pastoral Theology; Dr. Paul Wegner, Professor, O.T.; Dr. Wayne Grudem, Research Professor, Bible & Theology; Kristin Beasley, Instructor, Women’s Ministry (top left to right) Malcolm Hartnell, Instructor, Missions & Evangelism; Dr. Steve Tracy, Academic Dean & Associate Professor, Theology & Ethics; Dr. Fred Chay, Associate Professor, Theology & Bible; John DelHousaye, Special Adjunct Faculty, Instructor, N.T.

Our new professor, Dr. Wayne Grudem, meets with new students at a New Student Orientation function

2002-2003

The Phoenix Seminary Board of Directors: Supplying wisdom, direction and authority in decision making. Front row left to right: Chairperson, Dr. Jacqueline Chadwick, Vice Dean for Phoenix Programs, College of Medicine, U of A.; Mrs. Christine Clouse, Director of Social Services, Christian Family Care Agency; Miss Carol Taylor, Education Dept. Chairman, Southwestern College.; Mrs. Naomi Rhode, V.P., SmartPractice; Secretary, Mrs. Donna Otto, Speaker & Author; Second row, left to right: Rev. Derek Quan, Associate Pastor, Greater Phoenix Chinese Christian

Church; Mr. Jack Nietzel, Director of Marketing, Pulitzer Broadcasting; Mr. David Harowitz, Estate Planning Attorney, David J. Harowitz, P.C.; Mr. Allen C. Mayer, Retired, Oscar Meyer & Co.; Mr. Randy Garcia, Agent, American Family Insurance; Vice Chairperson, Rev. Rick Efird, Senior Pastor, Desert Springs Bible Church; Bill Thrall, Founding Pastor, Open Door Fellowship.

After a successful site visit by the Association of Theological Schools in the Spring of 2002, Phoenix Seminary was given a five year accreditation. A celebration event was hosted at the house of John and Diane Lang??? Many awards were given to those who ran committees or contributed to the success of the site visit. Doug Olbert received an award from our President, Darryl DelHousaye, but he also rewarded his entire library staff for their untiring work in helping him to get the print library collection viewable online and ready for the ATS visit.

Vision of Faith Banquets were the source of major gifts to the seminary for a number of years. The glamorous and expanded event was the “brainchild” of John Lang. The event included a venue like the Arizona Biltmore Resort, a full orchestra from Scottsdale Bible Church, key note speakers/entertainers like Dr. Bill Bennet/Helen Jones (2000); John MacArthur/Wintley Phipps (2001); Dr. Joseph Stowell, Steve Green (2002); No info (2003); Alan Keyes/Wayne Watson (2004); J.C. Watts/Steve Amerson (2005); Dr. Steven Mansfield/Steve Amerson (2006) Dennis Prager/Steve Amerson (2007); General Georges Sada/Steve Amerson & Laurie Gayle (2008); General Georges Sada/Twila Paris (2009); Dr. Michael Guillen/Mark Harris (2010). Seminary Board member Mrs. Naomi Rhode was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the 2001 event (and many others) and enjoyed a special moment with recording artist Wintley Phipps. John MacArthur Jr. and Darryl DelHousaye presented a lifetime achievement award to John Jr’s father, Pastor John MacArthur Sr.

2003

The April 2003 issue of Christianity Today Magazine listed Phoenix Seminary as a “First Place” winner in their “The Best Christian Places To Work” contest among Small Colleges, Universities and Seminaries. Each faculty and staff member was required to fill out a survey questionnaire that was gathered and submitted to Christianity Today. From 2003 to 2011, Phoenix Seminary won “First Place,” “First Place Finalist” or “Best Christian Workplace” awards—9 in total until the CT Magazine eventually stopped having the contest.

2005

In the summer of 2005 Mark Upton reserved a bus and took the staff of Phoenix Seminary on a tour of the future non-remodeled seminary offices at 4222 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix. After the event, the staff enjoyed a meal at Fazoli’s Italian eatery nearby. Pictured above in the panoramic photo (left to right back area) is Janet Oliver, Librarian Asst.; Cindy Moore, Development Asst.; Kay DuBois, Mentoring Asst.; Mitch Miller, Reference Librarian; Derek Resler, Enrollment Counselor; Jerry Leatherwood, Library Vol.; Roma Royer, Director of Student Services; Sandy Leach, Faculty Asst.; South Smith, Senior Development Officer; Rick Sharpe, Director of Business and Finance; John Bockelman, Registrar; Mark Upton, Executive Vice President; Jim Santeford, Tech. Services Librarian. Pictured (left to right front area) is Jack Nietzel, Director of Marketing; Therese Kilgore, Teaching Asst./1st Licensed Counseling Grad.; Sarah Walker, Receptionist; Debra Dial, Executive Asst., Kathy Thompson, Bookkeeper.

This was the third move the Library Director coordinated with the amazing help of the library staff and volunteers. The second move to Joan de Arc and Scottsdale Road was done with some 900 carefully labeled boxes and took what the Director liked to sarcastically say “40 days and 40 nights.” This move was done with plywood carts and rolling plastic containers. It took 1 week from start to finish to move all staff, faculty, library shelving, furniture, equipment and books to be ready for the fall semester, the first week in September. Mitch Miller is seen here pushing a loaded plywood cart (300-500lbs) to be shrink wrapped, then loaded on the truck. 2006

After the Seminary received ATS Accreditation in 2002, under the direction of Dr. Bing Hunter, the Seminary consultant, The Library Director, Doug Olbert was highly encouraged to get an advance degree in Library and Information Science. Following Dr. Hunter’s recommendation and Dr. Darryl DelHousaye’s encouragement, Doug (and Tech. Services Librarian, Jim Santeford) began their library studies at the University of AZ. Eventually, he took two internships at , one at Arizona Historical Foundation at the Hayden Library and the other at the Noble Science and Engineering Library. Doug and Jim Graduated from SIRLS in June 2007. A 2006 In 2002 the seminary began a Graduate Diploma in Christian Counseling in cooperation with ’s MA in Counseling. Dr. Gloria Gabler from Southwestern College taught this program as an adjunct professor, espousing a philosophy of Christian Counseling involving integration. Eventually after many interviews Dr. Justin Smith was hired in July as assistant professor. Under his leadership students could eventually receive totally in- house a “Master of Arts in Counseling” designed to equip students for a professional vocation as licensed counselors.

Gloria Gabler, Ph.D.

2007 Justin Smith, Ph.D. Faculty enjoy the 2007 Graduation at Bethany Bible Church

Faculty Pictured First Row (Left to right): Dr. Roger Ball, D.Min. Program; Mr. Mark Upton, Executive Vice President; Dr. Paul Wegner, Professor, O.T.; Dr. Norm Wakefield, Professor Emeritus, Pastoral Theology; Dr. Darryl DelHousaye, President; Dr. Wayne Grudem, Research Professor, Bible and Theology; Miss Roma Royer, Director of Student Services; Second Row (Left to right) Mrs. Barbara Uhlmann, Board Chair; Sheila Webster, Dean of Women; Dr. Malcolm Hartnell, Instructor, Intercultural Studies; Maj. Douglas R. Olbert, Director of Library Services; Mr. Ed Clavell, Dean of Students; Mr. John DelHousaye, Instructor, N.T.; Dr. Fred Chay, Associate Professor, Theology and Bible; Dr. Justin Smith, Assistant Professor, Counseling.

An elevator carried the seminary to the 4th floor where Sharon Sullivan, our long-time beloved receptionist and seminary assistant, greeted and helped students, faculty, volunteers and the faith community. From the 4th floor community room, one could look to the east toward the majestic McDowell Buttes.

End of Part One see Part Two