Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 69, No. 4 | April 2012 for Declining numbers, but signs of hope? NEW DIRECTORY for Churches of Christ in the U.S. shows a loss of members and congregations. At the same time, interest in non-denominational Christianity soars. Colin Sherfield, a BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE dietetics student at Lipscomb 21-year-old in Nashville, Tenn. ministry Young long for the “We’re all about the relation- student at restoration of the church they ship,” adds Sydney Hale, 19, a Lipscomb read about in the , says nursing student at Lipscomb. University Caitlyn Brick. An increasing in Nashville, They want to be number of Tenn. part of a commu- Americans seek a nity of believers relationship with similar to the one the divine outside in the second Churches of Christ, chapter of Acts according to the — a church that latest numbers helps the poor released by and breaks bread Nashville-based together “with publisher 21st glad and sincere Century Christian. hearts, praising The 2012 edition God and enjoying the favor of of “Churches of Christ in all the people.” the United States” counts They just don’t see why it 1,554,231 adherents, a number PHOTO PROVIDED BY ALAN ROBERTSON must have the words “Church that includes church members of Christ” on its building — or and their children, among the Church elder brings his ‘Duck Dynasty’ to reality TV why they need a building at all. country’s 12,447 Churches of Phil Robertson, with a black Labrador named Peggy Sue, doesn’t look like a typical church elder, but he serves as “Our generation wants more Christ. That’s a drop of more one of the shepherds for the White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ in West Monroe, La. The Duck Commander and his Jesus and not more tradi- than 23,000 souls since the family will be featured in a reality series called “Duck Dynasty,” set to premiere March 21 on the A&E Network. tion,” says Brick, a 22-year-old See NON-DENOMINATIONAL, Page 10 RELATED STORY, Page 5

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Ukraine Has Made The Right Calls. EEM Will Answer. Again.

More and more of Ukraine wants the Bible in their Public Schools. It is becoming part of their school curriculum. Two more states, Rivne and Poltava, Ukraine are asking for . Over 283,000 students in 1,494 Public Schools. We’ve been called. And we will be there. So can you. With the Bible.

April 29, 2012

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EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. APRIL 2012 the christian chronicle 3 Beyond the Christian name new presidents noise: Quiet FROM STAFF REPORTS | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE who is stepping down after Malibu, Calif., will succeed 10 years at the helm. Ken Jones, who transitioned Two universities associated with “Dr. deSteiguer is well- to the role of chancellor time with God Churches of Christ have named new known and well-respected after 18 years as president GATLINBURG, Tenn. presidents. .... giving Oklahoma of Lubbock Christian. ixty seconds. John deSteiguer, senior vice president Christian a visionary leader “I believe the future is That was Jeff Walling’s for advancement at Oklahoma Christian who possesses a strong exceedingly bright because Srequest. University in Oklahoma City, will move into appreciation and respect for of this choice and because Be quiet and listen to the president’s office this summer. deSteiguer Christian education and the Perrin God’s hand has been at God, Walling asked the At Lubbock Christian University in difference it makes,” said work in bringing Lubbock crowd at Winterfest, a Texas, Tim Perrin, a 1984 graduate, has Don Millican, chairman of the university’s Christian University just the right person three-day youth retreat that been tapped to lead his alma mater. board of trustees. for this time in our history,” Jones said. draws more DeSteiguer will succeed retiring Perrin, vice dean and professor of law Inside Story than 12,000 Oklahoma Christian President Mike O’Neal, at School of Law in INSIDE, interviews with the new presidents. See Page 6. teens and sponsors to the Great Smoky Mountains. Christian forced to close “Let me give you 60 THE CANADIAN SCHOOL could not seconds,” said Walling, sustain itself as enrollment and Bobby Ross Jr. for the donations kept falling, leaders say. Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C. BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE “It’ll feel like much longer.” It’ll feel like an eternity, t age 16, Karen Cooper lost her actually. mother to cancer. We live in a 100-mph soci- The death devastated Cooper, ety where noise, it seems, but she eventually came to view bombards us 24/7. Ivy Kristianson’s passing in a At every turn, we’re hit different light. with advertising — from “I have learned to focus on being grate- television to billboards to the ful for the 16 years and what they meant,” supermarket checkout line. said Cooper, chief operating officer for We devote countless hours Western Christian and High PHOTO PROVIDED BY WESTERN CHRISTIAN a day to technology, listening School in Regina, Saskatchewan. A view of the campus of Western Christian College and High School in Regina, Saskatchewan. to music on our MP3 play- Now, Cooper endeavors to take that ers, tweeting on our Twitter same approach as she oversees the clos- to shut down operations at the end of June. through new beginnings.” accounts and playing games ing of financially beleaguered Western “An economic crisis created by a steady Western Christian’s closure comes three on our iPhones. Christian — a pillar of decline in enrollment, donors and dona- years after the decision to shut down One in three teens sends Churches of Christ in tions over the past decade has affected in Portland, Ore. — also 100-plus text messages a Canada for 67 years. our cash flow to a point where we can a small, financially troubled, outside- day — more than 3,000 a “When I talk to no longer consider Western Christian the-Bible-Belt school associated with month, according to the people, in their heads a fiscally viable entity,” academic Churches of Christ. Pew Internet and American they understand,” she dean Bill Schwarz said in an e-mail to Rochester College in Rochester Hills, Life Project. said of the circum- The Christian Chronicle. Mich. — once known as Michigan Christian Lest we older people think stances leading to the “It is important to state that this College — also has struggled in recent we’re any less obsessed, school’s demise. “That was a logical and necessary decision,” years but has made strides to ensure its sur- 75 percent of us admit to doesn’t mean their Schwarz added. “Our goal now is to fin- vival, as the Chronicle reported last year. texting or talking on our hearts aren’t broken.” ish our history well and be God-honoring See WESTERN, Page 12 smartphones while — ew! The Western Christian in all we do, especially in dealing with — on the toilet, according to Society — a governing body made up our staff, students, vendors and creditors. MORE COVERAGE marketing agency 11Mark. of school donors who are members of Glorifying God through a necessary end- K-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TO BUY CASCADE CAMPUS...... 13 See NOISE, Page 4 Churches of Christ — recently voted 61-2 ing is just as important as glorifying him DIALOGUE: A CONVERSATION WITH DON ROSE...... 14 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY APRIL 2012 www.christianchronicle.org

Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds Bible Lectureship and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. • See video and additional photos from Winterfest. • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out faith for a new place & time exclusive online features. To sign up for e-mail news alerts, contact studies in joshua [email protected]. Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2012 NOISE: Finding time to listen to the voice of God FROM PAGE 3 God’s will for me by listening to his What is the cumulative effect of all voice rather than my own,” she added. that noise on our spiritual lives? “I hope to do this by recklessly aban- “I’m concerned that Jesus is getting doning myself and living my life as lost in the distraction,” said David worship by presenting myself to God as Kinnaman, president of the Barna a sacrifice and by praising him in the Group, a Ventura, Calif.-based mar- good and the bad times of my life.” ket research firm that specializes in Alec Michael Bissonnette, 18, a mem- the religious beliefs and behavior of ber of the Leominster Church of Christ Americans and the intersection of faith in Massachusetts, said the discipline of and culture. simplicity struck him. I first started reflecting on this dis- “I agree that ... today’s youth rely on traction in my own life a few months and use technology too much,” he said. “I ago when my friend Kent Risley, a have fasted from my cell phone and the minister for my home congregation, computer a few times already since then, preached on silence and solitude. and I am planning a fast from eating.” “In this world, we get caught up in Oliver Arevalo, 13, a member of the running the rat race of life,” Risley said Church of Christ in Falls Church, Va., in his sermon. “But that is not the race said: “I intend to focus on the discipline that God intends for us to run.” of silence. I can try to add silence to my In the , we read about life by backing off from my electronics Jesus awakening “very early in the a little to give my mind some space to morning.” Not to catch the latest sports reflect on God.” highlights on ESPN. Not to check his But young people weren’t the only Facebook messages. Not to program ones inspired to assess their emphasis his DVR. Rather, we learn in Mark 1:35: on technology. “While it was still dark, Jesus got up, Michelle Roberts, a parent who left the house and went off to a solitary attended Winterfest with a group from place, where he prayed.” the Madison Street Church of Christ Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know in Clarksville, Tenn., embarked on a that I am God.” 40-day fast from Facebook and non- We read that verse and sing that song, essential computer time. but do we slow down long enough to “Why 40 days?” Roberts wrote in a talk to God and listen to him? Facebook note explaining her planned Do we turn off the TV, take out our absence. “Jesus fasted for 40 days keynote speakers earbuds, put down our laptops, give our while in the wilderness prior to being clicking fingers a rest? tempted by Satan. Monte Cox Such questions emerged as a major “Since I am striving to be more like Phil Thompson theme of Winterfest 2012, which high- Jesus and draw closer to him, what bet- lighted spiritual disciplines such as ter example is there to follow? Please Clifton L. Ganus Jr. meditation, prayer and solitude. pray for me during this time of spiritual Nathan Guy Teens who heard the lessons said growth.” Scott Adair they hope to put them into practice. Walling suggested a simple way to “I plan to get up before school in the remember to talk to God. Dale Manor morning and spend time with God, in He urged the teens to set their Eddie Randolph solitude, studying his word and praying ringers to go off at 3:16 p.m. as a daily so that I start my day with him at the cen- reminder of this question: “Have I ter,” said Jalynn Harris, 16, a member of gotten quiet with God?” the Laurel Church of Christ in Maryland. “I hope to be more involved with CONTACT [email protected]. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 KENTUCKY spotlight SOMERSET — The Cumberland Church of Christ produced a pocket-size pamphlet that members can use to help share the Gospel. It’s titled “Heaven Awaits: Will A duck empire you be there?” WEST MONROE, La. — A bayou family lives “I thought it might be helpful for the American dream as they stay true others who want to preach the Gospel, to their family values and lifestyle. and we would like to put it in their That’s how the A&E Network bills hands,” minister Ed Bialon said. “Duck Dynasty,” a reality series that For more information, write to the premieres March 21. church at 154 Turner St., Somerset, “Ask anyone KY 42503 or email cumberlandchurch in Louisiana, and [email protected]. they’ll tell you the bayou state’s LOUISIANA favorite first MONROE — The Forsythe Church of family doesn’t Christ recently hosted a “First Steps in live in the gover- Grief Recovery” Night. nor’s mansion “This was our first time to do such but in the back- an event,” minister John Dobbs said. woods, where “Having had experience with other grief the Robertsons’ groups that were ongoing, we wanted to rags-to-riches do a one-night event to introduce people story is still to the idea of the value of grief groups.” unfolding,” an Dobbs lost his son, John Robert Dobbs, A&E promo 18, in an interstate tragedy in 2008. says. “A home- He said he hopes to encourage other grown mom- LYNN McMILLON churches to “get involved in the difficult and-pop oper- Phil Robertson is known work of serving the grieving community.” ation, Duck as the Duck Commander. Commander has MONTANA JEFF FOSTER become a sporting empire by fabricating BELGRADE — More than 150 church top-of-the-line duck calls and decoys out elders, potential elders and their wives Playful smooch for a friend of salvaged swamp wood.” met recently to network, be equipped Max, 5, offers a kiss to Unique, also 5, during a Sunday night fellowship event at the Gallup Duck Commander Phil Robertson is an and find encouragement, said Scott Church of Christ in New Mexico. Both children are residents of nearby elder for the White’s Ferry Road Church Laird, minister for the Great Falls Children’s Home, which is associated with Churches of Christ, minister Jeff Foster said. of Christ, where son Alan preaches. Church of Christ. Twenty-six congregations were repre- sented at the Shepherds Network than we could ever use,” she said. “We create a lot of dialogue. There will be UTAH event, organized by Harding School of purchase toothbrushes and toothpaste, congregations of all kinds in this area CLEARFIELD — The Wasatch Church of Theology in Memphis, Tenn. Besides usually from the local dollar stores. We who will be challenged by the fact that Christ recently celebrated 30 years with Montana, participants came from provide a different bag for moms and such a movement is at our door.” Ron White as minister. Alberta, Idaho, Oregon, Saskatchewan, dads with the appropriate deodorant.” To view the full report, search for White, 66, has conducted gospel South Dakota and Washington. A letter put inside each bag offers the “atheist” at www.christianchronicle. meetings in several Western states and “It was an event where shepherds sympathy and prayers of the church. org/blog. served as an elder for more than 15 truly shepherded fellow shepherds,” years, the Rocky Mountain Christian Laird said. TEXAS — Three years ago, Glen reported. He directs the Grand Teton DALLAS — David Lane, minister for the Markham, a member of the Northside Family Bible Encampment and the Utah NEW JERSEY Marsalis Avenue Church of Christ, Church of Christ, landed a gig with the Labor Day Weekend Family Bible Camp. SEWELL — The Pitman Church of Christ responded to a group’s plans for a bill- San Antonio Rampage. prepares “Parent Care Bags” to benefit board touting atheism in an interview When the visiting hockey team is from WYOMING mothers and fathers with children at a with a local television station. north of the U.S. border, Markham sings — Sonic? Arby’s? Wendy’s? nearby trauma hospital. “Traditionally, African-Americans the Canadian national anthem. Those fast-food chains all receive The ministry began as members come out of a tradition that is led and Markham also leads singing for air time in a video by the Cheyenne contemplated unopened toiletry items motivated by faith,” Lane told KDFW various church functions. While he’s not Church of Christ youth group. But the that many accumulate from hotel stays, Fox 4 News in Dallas. Canadian, he tired of hearing elemen- emphasis is on feeding the soul. said Katherine Cooper, wife of minister “We are where we are, and we are tary school choirs mess up “O Canada.” The video promoted a recent youth Dan Cooper. who we are, primarily because we’ve “I knew I could do a better job and rally with the theme “Soul Food.” “Many of us travel, and we have more chosen to believe in a power that’s got an audition with the club,” he said. To view it, search for “Soul Food” at tiny bottles of shampoo and body wash bigger than ourselves,” he said. “It will “I have been doing it ever since.” www.christianchronicle.org/blog. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION APRIL 2012 Nothing but net for new presidents AS THEY PREPARE TO SERVE, the sharpshooting new leaders of Lubbock Christian University and Oklahoma Christian University reflect on their families, their faith and the challenges facing Christian . Tim Perrin John deSteiguer Lubbock Christian University Oklahoma Christian University BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE BY MURRAY EVANS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE few things you might not know OKLAHOMA CITY about Tim Perrin, the newly o say February was a memorable Anamed next president of Lubbock month for John deSteiguer would Christian University in Texas: Tbe a vast understatement. • He played at Lubbock Just days after Oklahoma Christian Christian and still holds its single-season University trustees named him as the record for free-throw percentage: 89.8 university’s sixth president, he hit a near percent in 1981-82, his sophomore year. half-court shot during a halftime contest • This won’t be the first time he’s at an OC basketball game. The footage served as president at Lubbock PHOTO PROVIDED BY LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY spread across the Internet. PHOTO PROVIDED BY OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY Christian: He was student body pres- Tim Perrin, right, receives congratulations Later in the month, he celebrated his John deSteiguer reacts after OC students ident at Lubbock Christian High from LCU Chancellor Ken Jones. 50th birthday. present him with a No. 1 jersey. School in 1979-80 and at then-Lubbock The former Truman Scholar recip- Christian College in 1983-84. for many years. All of my four siblings ient at Northeastern State University to our roots,” so they returned to • His wife, Lucy, is an LCU alumnus attended LCU. My oldest brother in Tahlequah, Okla., had no connec- Tahlequah for 10 years. They have two as well. The Perrins have three chil- served on the board for a time.” tions to OC when he joined President teenage children, Joe and Abby. dren: Hannah and Sam, who attend As Perrin sees it, the 2,000-student Mike O’Neal’s staff in 2002 as senior DeSteiguer says leaders of other Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., university is “in very strong condition” vice president for advancement. universities “are so envious” when and Will, a high school student. with an excellent faculty, an experienced Now, deSteiguer says, he couldn’t they learn that OC has a daily chapel “I don’t know that this is surprising, leadership team and enrollment near an imagine serving anywhere else, as service that brings together the campus but my wife Lucy is the most remarkable all-time high. LCU has enjoyed remark- he’s fulfilling a longtime desire to be community and that 80 percent of OC’s person I know, and she will be a vital part able stability, he said, praising Chancellor involved in Christian higher education. undergraduates live on campus. of our work at LCU,” said Perrin, 50, who Ken Jones’ 18 years as president. Still, the “I am really both humbled and “That spiritually based, residential is leaving Pepperdine, where he serves university faces challenges, Perrin said. honored to be given the opportunity community, wrapped in an educational as vice dean of the law school. “One significant challenge faced by all to serve as president of Oklahoma experience that is absolutely first-rate — Perrin’s roots in Churches of Christ go private and universities is the Christian,” deSteiguer said. “There is I think that puts Oklahoma Christian in a back multiple generations. His maternal increasing regulatory environment,” he not another place in the world I would unique and very coveted position.” great grandfather, F.L. Young, preached said. “A second and related concern is rather be. This community has become He has a three-pronged vision plat- in the early part of the 20th century. affordability. LCU is fortunate that its our home, and the students, faculty and form for the 2,200-student university: Young was also the grandfather of F.W. tuition and fees have remained quite staff have become like extended family.” • “OC is home. It’s the place where Mattox, LCU’s founding president. modest. Yet we will need to continue The son of a naval aviator, deSte- you really learn well. You connect and When Perrin’s parents, Elaine and Les to increase financial assistance for iguer moved plenty as a child, living in you grow, and you’re prepared to go out Perrin, moved to Lubbock in 1959, they students as we try to limit the amount California, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia ... and make a living and make a life, but placed membership with the Vandalia of debt students have at graduation. as well as on the island of Guam. you long to return home to visit.” Village Church of Christ. His mother, 83, “Another challenge that LCU faces, His family moved to his mother’s • “OC also grows. We’re going to remains a member. His father, who died along with many of her sister schools, is hometown of Tahlequah for his high grow in our enrollment, and we’re in 2006 at age 79, served as an elder. the shrinking pool of students from the school and college years. Later educa- going to grow in our financial strength, “Lubbock Christian University holds Churches of Christ who attend Church tional travels took him around the measured by our endowment.” a very special place in my heart both of Christ universities,” he added. “The world, including Jamaica and the United • “The third thing is, ‘OC is mission.’ because my wife and I graduated from good news is that LCU experienced an Kingdom. … Our education is wrapped in this there and because of my family’s signif- increase in the percentage of students After he and his wife, Darla, gradu- personal, spiritual community. It is icant investment in the college,” Perrin from the Churches of Christ in this year’s ated from Pepperdine University’s law life-changing. Our mission is to trans- said. “Both of my parents were long- freshman class. I am committed to the school — both with honors — they form lives for Christian faith, schol- time professors at LCU. My dad was university serving the church and its settled in Dallas to live the life of “big- arship and service, and I think that’s the basketball coach at LCU for eight families. A key element of my work will city lawyering.” a mission statement not just for our years and a longtime history professor. be to maintain a healthy enrollment from But as they started their family, they students, but also for our faculty and My mom was an English professor the Churches of Christ.” decided that “we needed to return our staff. We are committed to that.” APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7 MISSIONS Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage Christian University missions. After participat- ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was capable of leading his own mission team. And he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he organized a team of HCU students to join him in his home country of Peru, where they conducted Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is planning a second trip. From being led to leading... that’s the goal of the Christian Service and campaign programs. Ramon plans to return to Peru after graduation, but he will have left a legacy of leadership... and a dream in the hearts of other students. That’s the type of missions experience you can expect from HCU. It’s our focus.

www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 3625 Helton Drive w P.O. Box HCU , AL 35630 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012 CAMBODIA spotlight Svay Rieng — A medical mission team treated 11,430 people in impoverished villages of this Southeast Asian nation. ‘Room for Sokhom Hun, a Cambodian Christian, arranged for 20-plus the Gospel’ in Cambodian doctors to treat the patients. American church members assisted in medical, South Korea dental and vision clinics. The mission team also NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas conducted Bible classes, and — Church members gath- 60 Cambodians were baptized. ered in the Dallas-Fort Worth Newly-planted churches in metro recently to discuss eastern Cambodia will do missions in the follow-up studies with the new South. converts. The Walnut Hill South Korea, Church of Christ in Dallas that is. sponsors the work. The College Hill Church of CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC Christ hosted Bangui — An African missionary the fourth pleads for “the sound teachings annual Korean Parsley of Christ” in this country of 4.5 Mission Forum, million souls, one of the least- featuring long- developed nations in the world. time missionary Worlanyo Bor, a native of Malcolm Parsley. Ghana, works with churches PhotoS by Junriel Silva Parsley and a ministry training school in discussed the this landlocked country’s capital. Lives lost, buildings destroyed in Philippines quake ongoing work in Though the Gospel has Sandals, rubble and overturned pews are left behind after an earthquake rocked the Jimalud Church of Christ in the South Korea and spread rapidly in West Africa, Philippines’ Negros Oriental province. Church members were conducting a funeral when the quake hit, and the falling the influence of Bor said that church members debris killed an 11-year-old girl. The preacher conducting the funeral, Warmild Daleos, suffered a broken spine, and Buddhism there. Wolf should focus evangelism on his daughter also was injured. The 6.9-magnitude quake damaged church buildings across the province, said native Stephen Wolf, nations in Africa’s interior, missionary Salvador Cariaga. “Negros has one of the largest concentrations of Churches of Christ in the country,” he a member of the Fairview including the Central African said. “They have produced leaders and preachers now serving on other islands. This calamity is unique because many Heights Church of Christ in Republic, Chad and the Congo. of our brethren are affected.” For a list of ministries accepting donations for relief, see www.christianchronicle.org. Illinois who has worked in These countries need trained South Korea, spoke about future evangelists to “communicate the mission possibilities there. true news of Jesus,” Bor said. mother near the family’s home recent ferry accident in this chilly, wintertime visit to this The Asian nation of 48.9 at 3:30 p.m. on a Sunday when South Pacific nation. Eastern European nation. million souls — about 6,800 two hooded men took her by The ferry was shuttling The ladies made crafts along- miles east of Dallas — has force, said Dwight Tomkins, a people between two of the side children at three Ukrainian experienced tremendous missionary in Catacamas. nation’s islands when it sank, orphanages and gave gifts and growth among Christian The abductors released her said Jab Mesa. Some members Bibles provided by Eastern groups, Wolf said. An esti- several hours later and she of the headmaster’s extended European Mission. They hosted mated 50 percent of the coun- spent most of the night trying to family, who were onboard the tea parties for the staffers who try’s population claims some find her way home. She called ferry, are missing. take care of the children. form of Christianity as its faith. her parents at 6:30 a.m. Monday “There are families of The visitors spent time with But “the Churches of Christ Photo provided from a phone 10 miles outside members of the Lord’s church widows from a Ukrainian are still rather small, with Worlanyo Bor baptizes among fish- of town. Police interviewed her that also are missing,” he added. Church of Christ. One of the some 120 congregations scat- ing boats in the Central Africa Rep. extensively about the incident “Please pray for the families widows make regular visits tered throughout the nation,” and took her to a hospital. who lost their loved ones.” to children’s hospitals and Wolf said. HONDURAS Tomkins asked for prayers orphanages. The visitors gave “There is tremendous room CATACAMAS — Honduran minister for the Pagoada family. UKRAINE her nearly four dozen quilts for the Gospel in Korea,” he Jose Pagoada and his family DONETSK — Three Christian — made by church members added, “as many key cities still endured 15 hours of horror PAPUA NEW GUINEA women — Darlene Wiley and in Oklahoma, Texas and West do not have a local Church after one of their 19-year-old LAE — The headmaster of the GayLynne Wiley Schob of Virginia — to give to the chil- of Christ, not to mention the twin daughters was abducted. Melanesian Bible College asks Belton, Texas, and Laura Huff dren. Each quilt has a pocket opportunities that will exist in The girl was walking with her for prayers for victims of a of Maryville, Tenn., made a for a children’s Bible, Huff said. North Korea in the future.” APRIL 2012 AROUND THE WORLD THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9

Nursing Faculty Position Full-time, Tenure Track Oklahoma Christian University (OC) seeks a full-time Nursing Faculty member: Assistant /Associate Professor rank to begin on or before August 2012. A terminal degree in nursing and/or related

PHOTO PROVIDED field is strongly preferred; however a completed Master of Science More than 2,000 youths worship at Nigerian forum degree in Nursing is required. An active RN licensure in Oklahoma Youths from a Church of Christ in the town of Oron, Nigeria, pile into their congregation’s van or the ability to obtain Oklahoma licensure is required. A minimum for the trip home after the youth forum on the campus of Obong Christian High School. The of 5 years of professional teaching and /or clinical experience is youths worshiped and studied alongside more than 2,000 peers at the annual forum, said preferred. All applicants should be active members of the Church director Esang Akpanudo. Thirty-five youths were baptized during the four-day forum. of Christ and should be committed to the mission of the university. “The Obong youth forum is 25 years old,” Akpanudo said. “My prayer and hope is that this program will challenge the youth to spread the Gospel throughout the African continent.” Faculty members are expected to maintain active participation in research, scholarship, college governance, service, academic advise- ment and professional development activities. The nursing program Workshop puts Europe in spotlight at OC offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing for RNs. Cur- rent plans for the addition of an RN-BSN program are underway. SEARCY, Ark. — Churches of Christ to plan thoughtful, responsible, long- must make a renewed commitment to term strategies for church growth and OC is dedicated to superior teaching and proud of its heritage as a church planting in Eastern Europe and evangelism in Eastern Europe. continue their pledge to strengthen Several missionaries and native liberal arts institution within a Christian tradition. The candidate indigenous church leaders. workers in Europe participated, including will provide didactic and clinical/laboratory instruction for bacca- Those were among the messages Ellen Walker of Albania, Jeff Shepherd laureate students and will provide leadership in curricular review, delivered at the annual Workshop of Bulgaria, J.D. and Ashley Dargai and Eastern Europe at Gyula Sut of Hungary, design and implementation of courses, evaluation of students, out- the College Church Pete Hunt of England, comes measurement, continual improvement and full implementa- of Christ. More Corey and Sarah Keen tion of curriculum. than 170 people of the Czech Republic, attended the event, Kevin and Allison formerly known as Morrill of Albania and Interested applicants should provide a letter of application de- the Romania-Albania Vladimir and Muza scribing teaching and research interests, current vita, transcripts, Workshop. Attendees Vakhrushev of Russia. 3 letters of recommendation (one must be a source from current represented Christo Arnaudov, congregation), a writing sample, and evidence of professional Churches of Christ KENNETH MILLS a minister from from 10 U.S. states. Greg Hogue leads a prayer for current and Bulgaria, joined the teaching and clinical experience (including statement of teaching Shawn Daggett, future missionaries to Europe. conference via Skype. philosophy which specifically addresses the integration of faith director of the “The speakers chal- and learning). Please send the information electronically to Ms. Center for World Missions at Harding lenged and encouraged us,” Walker University in Searcy and organizer of said, “but mostly it was so wonderful to Linda Fly ([email protected]), or by mail to Ms. Linda Fly, Chair the event, reminded participants in his be able to talk directly to people who and Assistant Professor of Nursing, Oklahoma Christian Univer- keynote address about the dangers of have an interest in missions and ask sity, Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK, 73136. Questions may be paternalistic and short-sighted missions. them to lend their help to the Lord’s directed to Linda Fly at [email protected] or 405-425-1920. A common thread among the work in Albania.” speakers was that the mission in The Valley View Church of Christ in Oklahoma Christian University is an equal opportunity employer. Europe has not ended, participants Jonesboro, Ark., will host the Workshop said. Sending churches must continue Eastern Europe in 2013. 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT APRIL 2012 BY THE YEARS NON-DENOMINATIONAL: Young believers seek to be ‘Christians only’ 2012 Churches: 12,447 FROM PAGE 1 community churches, have more Members: 1,209,259 directory’s previous edition in than 12 million members spread Adherents: 1,554,231 2009. Since the directory’s 2003 across 35,000 congregations. edition, Churches of Christ have Among Protestant groups, they 2009 lost more than 102,000 adherents are second in number only to the Churches: 12,629 — more people than attended Southern Baptist Convention. Members: 1,224,404 this year’s Super Bowl. “These congregations have Adherents: 1,578,281 The 2012 directory also counts widely varying backgrounds,” 708 fewer Churches of Christ Royster said, “but much of their 2006 than it did nine years ago. membership has come at the Churches: 12,963 Deciding which churches to expense of the other Christian Members: 1,265,844 count is an increasingly difficult bodies, including the Churches of Adherents: 1,639,495 task. For example, many Lipscomb Christ.” students attend Ethos Church, a Renewed interest in non-denom- 2003 congregation started by a former inational Christianity should Churches: 13,155 campus minister for the university. encourage Churches of Christ, Members: 1,276,621 The church meets in the said Alan Henderson, chairman of Adherents: 1,656,717 Cannery Ballroom, a downtown the Bible department at Greater Nashville bar and music venue, ERIK TRYGGESTAD Atlanta Christian School, a school 2000 and has multiple worship ser- students Jasmine Gales, Lindsay Hartselle and Thomas associated with Churches of Churches: 13,032 vices, all with instruments. The Whisenant attend a variety of churches in the Nashville, Tenn., area. They Christ with 1,850 students in kin- Members: 1,264,152 Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in share a desire for “relationship instead of religion,” Whisenant said. dergarten through 12th grade. Adherents: 1,645,645 Brentwood, Tenn., helped fund “Churches of Christ should be the church as it began. ‘POST-CHRISTIAN’ TRENDS ‘unchurched’ really concerns me.” at the forefront of welcoming this 1997 Ethos Church is listed in the Declining numbers among The country’s “post-Christian” trend toward non-denominational Churches: 13,080 2012 edition of “Churches of Churches of Christ are part of drift also concerns Kaitlyn Longo following of Jesus,” Henderson Members: 1,255,834 Christ in the United States,” a larger trend among religious and Kayla Krontz, both 17-year- said. “After all, isn’t that what we Adherents: 1,647,078 which includes some instrumental groups in the U.S., said Carl old members of the Spring Road have worked — and prayed for — congregations associated with the Royster, data compiler for the Church of Christ in Westerville, for generations?” 1994 historically a cappella fellowship. directory. Ohio. They shed tears as they Henderson has visited Churches: 13,013 Though its adherents number Across denominational lines, remember close friends who churches in multiple faith groups Members: 1,260,838 between 300 and 400, Ethos Christian groups in America face have left their congregation of and said he has seen a renewed Adherents: 1,651,103 Church’s attendance is closer to stagnating growth or declining about 250 souls for other faith emphasis on Bible teaching, 1,500. Most are young adults — membership. groups. Some have dropped out baptism, meaningful worship and 1990 many visitors — who have not Another group with roots of church entirely. community service. Churches: 13,174 yet become members. in the , At the same time, they’re “I can’t help but applaud, Members: 1,284,056 Young Christians don’t look the instrumental Christian reminded of Bible verses that pre- endorse and affirm all of those Adherents: 1,684,872 for the name “Church of Christ” Churches/Churches of Christ, dict many will fall away from the things,” he said. when choosing a place to worship, also experienced a decline in faith in the earth’s final days. After he graduates from 1980 said Lindsay Hartselle, a 20-year- number of congregations in the “I think people view Churches Lipscomb, Sherfield plans to Churches: 12,762 old student at Lipscomb — a uni- past 10 years and a growth rate of of Christ as strict and unchang- work with the Renovo Church, Members: 1,240,820 versity associated with Churches less than 1 percent, Royster said. ing, but I don’t think that’s a bad a young congregation in Adherents: 1,601,661 of Christ — who attends Ethos. A third group, the Disciples of thing,” Longo said. “I think they Puyallup, Wash., launched with “And we’re not looking for Christ, grew in total congrega- should stick to their guns. I think support from Kairos, a church- 1948 instrumental music,” she added. tions while experiencing a steep the Church of Christ follows the planting ministry that works with Churches: 10,089 “We’re looking for how we can decline in membership. Bible pretty literally.” Churches of Christ. Members: 682,172 connect with God.” “One aspect that should truly “Renovo” is a Latin word mean- Adherents: 886,824 Colin Sherfield, a 21-year-old be of concern for all Christians in A NEW CALL FOR RESTORATION ing “renew, revive” and “repeat.” ministry student at Lipscomb, also America is the growth in the num- Though an increasing number Renewing lost souls, reviving 1926 attends Ethos. He sees his gen- bers of those that have no religious of Americans claim no religious relationships and repeating God’s Churches: 6,226 eration’s lack of “brand loyalty” affiliation whatsoever,” Royster affiliation, the country has mission are the congregation’s Members: 433,714 harkening back to the Restoration said. He cited a recent survey by experienced exponential growth goals. Attendance is about 200 to Adherents: 563,828 Movement, the 19th century the Pew Forum on Religion and in churches that statisticians 250 — no small feat in the secular religious awakening to which Public Life that shows 16 percent categorize as “independent/non- Northwest, Sherfield said. 1906 Churches of Christ trace roots. of Americans claim no religious denominational,” Royster said. “I feel like there’s a restoration Churches: 2,649 “We used to say, ‘We are group as their own. The forthcoming Religious of the Restoration Movement” Members: 159,658 Christians only but not the only “What is worse, for the Mosaic Congregations Membership among young Christians, he said. Adherents: 207,555 Christians,’” Sherfield said, quot- generation, ages 18-29, this Study, a survey of the country’s “I have hope for it — a noble SOURCE: Churches of Christ in ing a Restoration Movement slo- figure was one in four,” Royster faith landscape, reveals that cause, a movement toward unity. the United States, published by 21st Century Christian. gan. “What happened to that?” said. “This increasing number of these churches, often called I can never be opposed to that.” APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11

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FROM PAGE 3 Students who identify with Churches of Christ in the Churches of Christ account Philadelphia area still lament for just 40 percent of Western the loss of Northeastern Christian’s total enrollment. Christian in Jason Bandura, minister for Villanova, Pa., which merged the Glen Elm Church of Christ with Ohio Valley University in in Regina, graduated from the Vienna, W.Va., in the mid-1990s. high school and earned a Bible The end of Western Christian degree through the college. will leave Great Lakes “Friendships formed through Christian High School and the school or influence spread Great Lakes Bible College — through events like the lecture- related entities in Ontario on ship or homecoming … are the eastern side of Canada — woven into the very fabric of as the nation’s our fellowship in Canada,” said only educational Bandura, who met his wife, institutions Shannon, at Western Christian. associated with PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELLE PETERSON WADE “The impact of such things may Churches of The Western Christian playground is shown during the school’s time in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. be hard to measure until long Christ. after they are gone.” “We want to a member of the Northwest demic and co-curricular options Schneider’s grandmother For Cooper, Western express our Church of Christ in Regina, that small private schools sim- worked as a dorm mother and Christian’s closing hurts on a sympathy and Saskatchewan’s capital. “I can ply cannot. All of these factors school cook. Her parents met at professional level — and a per- Cooper sadness that travel to any congregation in make parents more likely to Western Christian. She’s a 1976 sonal one, too. WCC is closing,” said Don western Canada and find peo- keep their kids at home.” graduate herself. Her father, Ivar Kristianson, Rose, chief administrator for ple there who either know my An additional factor: the “We are letting the dream of now 84, spent 28 years on Great Lakes Christian High family or went to school with changing landscape of our early Canadian Christians the school’s board — 18 as School, which is offering me or my brothers at WCC.” Churches of Christ. die,” said Schneider, a member chairman. tuition discounts and other A province nearly the size of A nation of about 34 million of the Saskatoon Church of As early as age 4 or 5, Cooper incentives to help displaced Texas but with the population people, Canada has about 150 Christ. “It is hard to see that recalls running around campus. Western Christian students. of Rhode Island, Saskatchewan Churches of Christ — many happen when our forefathers She attended youth rallies at is known for its wide-open separated by hundreds of miles. had such a vision for it.” Western Christian. In the 1980s, LITTLE SCHOOL IN THE PRAIRIES spaces — celebrated in pop Combined membership totals She’s praying for God’s she enrolled as a student. The dream of a Christian culture by the Canadian televi- about 7,000, a tiny fraction of guidance. “I just lived to go to Western,” teacher named Lillian sion sitcom “Corner Gas.” that in the United States. “My fear is that we won’t she said. Torkelson, Western Christian In the 1940s, “Whereas our fellowship have a common She spent 20 years in Ontario was founded as a residential with no high was once more sectarian, now meeting place, but trekked back west so her high school in 1945 in Radville, schools in rural most people in Churches of and we will daughters could experience Saskatchewan. areas, students Christ are open to other fel- grow further Western Christian. The school relocated in 1957 often left the lowships, and some even see apart,” she said Daughter Jessica, 20, finished to Weyburn, Saskatchewan, farms and no difference, especially when of Churches her studies in 2010. and later moved to Dauphin, moved to larger it comes to choices about of Christ in Daughter Rachel, 18, will Manitoba. It has been in cities to pursue Christian education,” Vance western Canada. graduate this spring with the Regina since 2003. Jacobs education. said. “This means that families Vance “With the cul- final senior class. “For many years, WCC “In this con- in Churches of Christ at a dis- ture today of A final homecoming week- was the hub around which text, it made perfect sense to tance from the school are more people not traveling around to end, set for March 30-April 1, Churches of Christ in western start a Christian boarding high likely to send their children other congregations to fellow- will feature alumni hockey, bas- Canada revolved,” said Shelley school,” said Kevin Vance, a to local, evangelical Christian ship, not having Western as a ketball and volleyball as well as Jacobs, who grew up on the Western Christian graduate and schools or even colleges. center will just add to the seg- reunions and class parties. Weyburn campus, where her former president. “Sixty-seven “This, coupled with the fact regation we are experiencing.” In the meantime, Cooper parents served on the staff. years later, in 2012, life on the that there are fewer families works to raise $800,000 to end “Because our congregations prairies is much different. and fewer kids in Churches of HEARTACHE AND BLESSINGS the final year in the black. were small and so well net- “Most people live in the cit- Christ in Canada, made it very Western Christian’s high “I’m done asking the ‘why’ worked through the school, ies, and the need for a private difficult to sustain the enroll- school enrollment shrunk to 74 and ‘what if’ questions,” she we had a very strong sense of Christian boarding school has ment at the school, at least this school year — down from said. “I’ve entered the phase of community and connectedness changed,” Vance said. “City from its traditional base.” a peak of 202 in 1976-77. gratitude and blessing and trust with one another. congregations are larger, often Still, for supporters such as The Bible junior college has that God means for us to be “We all knew each other have youth ministers and youth LaWanda Jacobs Schneider, the just one full-time student, with exactly where we are.” and in many ways were like ministry programs, and large decision to close is difficult to about a dozen students taking extended family,” said Jacobs, urban high schools offer aca- accept. or auditing individual courses. TO DONATE, see www.westernchristian.ca. APRIL 2012 FROM THE SECOND FRONT THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 School associated with Churches of Christ to buy Cascade campus

BY MURRAY EVANS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Northwest to attend Christian colleges. “We’re excited that they will be able PORTLAND, Ore. — Oklahoma Christian to continue to use the campus and that University and Columbia Christian Kingdom work will still move forward Schools have signed an agreement on the campus,” Goad said, noting it under which the K-12 Christian school was important for OC to continue “serv- will be able to buy the former campus of ing students from the Northwest with Cascade College in northeast Portland. everything we invested through the Neither side wanted to divulge the years. That’s the plan.” price, but the deal will allow the cam- Hunt said the ultimate goal is to move pus to remain under control of mem- the CCS high school onto the Cascade bers of Churches of Christ, as desired campus and use the current CCS build- by Portland-area church leaders. ing for just its elementary and middle- Columbia Christian Schools school students. The Cascade campus Superintendent Bill Hunt told the would return to being a place “where school’s faculty and staff members Feb. a hub of Christian ministries come 24 about the plan to buy the 11-acre together,” Hunt said. Cascade campus, which has been used The campus has been owned by OC by a handful of entities since the col- since 1994, when the university opened lege closed in spring 2009. CCS is asso- Cascade College as a branch campus. ciated with Churches of Christ. Before that, the campus was the home Columbia Christian Schools’ campus of Columbia Christian College, which borders Cascade’s campus, and CCS operated from 1956 to 1993. students use the Cascade gymna- Since Cascade closed, OC has leased sium, soccer field, cafeteria and other the campus to Bara Properties LLC, facilities. a group that includes former Cascade House Parent Position Oklahoma City-based Oklahoma maintenance director Ralph Bever, his Celebrating its 40th yearHouse in existence, theParent Albuquerque Position Christian Children’s Home provides a loving, safe home to neglected, at-risk children. The Home is located on 6 ½ Christian received an offer from outside wife Dixie Bever and his son Joe Bever. Do you have a heart for children? Come join our team! The Albuquerque Christian acres by the Historic Rio Grande River. We are looking for a mature, faithful couple to Churches of Christ to buy the campus, Bara Properties maintains and sub- Children’s Home has been providing a loving, safe home for neglected and at-risk serve as house parents. The applicants need to be members of a Church of Christ in good but CCS opted to exercise its right of leases the campus. children for over 40 years! ACCH is located on six beautiful acres by the historic Rio first refusal and is in the process of put- Groups currently operating on the standing. ACCH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We provide a nice benefit packageGrande that River includes in Albuquerque, parents quarters, New Mexico.paid home We phone, are looking paid forutilities, a devoted vehicle married for work cou - ting together a financial package. campus include another local col- use, ple,paid that leave, are longfaithful- and members short-term of a dis churchability of and Christ, medical to serve insurance. the Lord All and interested care for chil- Hunt said CCS will be able to make lege, Warner Pacific College, which partiesdren, will as send Houseparents. their resume(s) Competitive with a cover wages, letter great of interestbenefits, to [email protected] insurance, orgpaid or the purchase using proceeds from uses some classroom space for its fax (505)vacation 899 and-4341. more. All interested couples should send both of their resumes plus a the sale of land it jointly owns with adult degree completion program. A cover letter of interest to Everett White by e-mail to [email protected], or fax to the Vancouver Church of Christ in Christian counseling service calls the (505) 899-4341. You can also view this information on our website, Washington state, money raised through campus home, as does a nonprofit www.acch4kids.org or call us at (505) 898-5520. its Walk of Faith fundraising project and organization called My Father’s House, by borrowing money from a bank. which helps homeless people transition When Oklahoma Christian announced back into mainstream society. Two local three years ago that Cascade would churches and a health-care training close, OC President Mike O’Neal said group have offices on the campus, and the university had subsidized Cascade a Christian catering service uses the operations with about $4 million, thou- cafeteria. sands of administrative staff hours and “People are going to be asking us, other resources. ‘How can you afford 11 acres and build- Bill Goad, Cascade’s former president ings?’ The answer is, the leases are and Oklahoma Christian’s current supporting the campus,” Hunt said. executive vice president, said that OC “There’s still 15 to 20 percent of growth will be able to reclaim some of the debt we can gather in leases.” it incurred by operating Cascade. Hunt said the college is preparing The university will use the remain- to approach banks to see which might der of the sale proceeds to boost the offer the best deal on a loan. He said Northwest Endowment Fund, created Columbia Christian Schools plans to by Oklahoma Christian to provide close the deal with Oklahoma Christian scholarships for students in the on June 30. 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012 A conversation with Don Rose ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE LAST REMAINING Church of Christ higher ed school in Canada discusses the legacy of Western Christian.

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE WCC has served western Canada and What degree of significance should some northwestern U.S. states, and Canadians and U.S. citizens alike ith the closing of Western Christian GLCC has served eastern Canada and attach to this closing? College in Regina, Saskatchewan, there some northeastern states. It is significant. We need to bolster remains only one higher education Throughout our history, our enroll- our outposts. This requires financial W ment has been similar, and our core support but should, more significantly, institution in Canada associated with Churches support constituencies have been similar be about active, effective engagement. of Christ. On a small campus nearly 1,700 miles in size. In the past decade, we have made How can we better engage our own east of Regina, the eight full-time students of more effort to invite members of each people, attract some energetic and expe- Great Lakes Bible College prepare for ministry school to the other — to share in oppor- rienced workers from afar and win this among Canada’s 34 million souls. tunities to promote our Canadian schools highly resilient culture for the Lord? in the U.S. and to pray for and encourage I believe this closure is an indicator Don Rose is the former president of the the support of each other’s work. that this question isn’t being answered Waterloo, Ontario, college and chief admin- — at least adequately. That presents istrator of its sister institution, Great Lakes Without Western, will there be a a significant challenge to the church Christian High School in nearby Beamsville. greater drain of young Canadians to north and south of the border. The high school has 104 students, with 35 the U.S.? more in its preschool program. There has been, historically, a signifi- How important has Western been to Rose is a graduate of the high school, formerly cant drain south, but I do not believe the Canadian church? this will increase substantially in the I don’t want to overstate the importance known as Great Lakes Christian College, and wake of WCC’s closure. Having said Val Posthumus of our schools. I believe in the autono- earned a master’s from the University of Waterloo this, the few who are intent upon dedi- Don Rose has served the students of the mous nature of our congregations and in before returning to teach at his alma mater. In cating their lives to ministry or missions Great Lakes Christian schools for 15 years. the significance of the local body driving 2011 he stepped down from the presidency of all will, with one less option in Canada, the spread of the Gospel in communities. three schools and now serves as chief adminis- more likely choose to be educated in perspectives more than ever before. The However, without training within this trator for the high school and preschool. the U.S. — and many will not return. secular influences of the world are, liter- culture — which looks so much like the Our primary concern, however, ally, inescapable. This suggests to me United States but isn’t — we lose a valu- Rose preaches regularly for Churches of Christ should not be the loss of promising — especially in the majority of Canadian able contributor to the overall health of in Ontario and has taught teenagers at Omagh Christian workers to the U.S. Rather, we congregations where youth groups and churches in this country. Bible Camp for 23 years. He now directs the camp need to be more effective in stemming support are in short supply — that Chris- I wish I could quantify the value of program. He and his wife of 19 years, Corrie, the loss of promising young Christians tian education is needed more than ever. Western Christian to the Canadian have three children. to worldly lifestyles embraced at secular church with more objective data, but I In an interview with The Christian Chronicle, Canadian universities and colleges. Is this closing an indicator of the can only share my personal, anecdotal health of the Canadian church? observation. Most of the leaders in Rose talked about the impact of Western’s clos- How will the closing of Western I believe that there is a high correla- the church who I have met have some ing on Churches of Christ to the north — and impact Canadian churches? tion between the health of our schools connection to one of our schools. south — of the U.S./Canadian border. In the short term, there will seem to and the health of the Canadian Churches Sadly, fewer than half of the congrega- be little to no negative impact, save the of Christ. Recent figures produced by the tions in Ontario can support a full-time What has been the relationship sadness of the closure, but I believe that Canadian Churches of Christ periodical, preacher (and just over half across the between Western Christian College the impact in 10 to 20 years will be felt in The Gospel Herald, reveal some sobering country), but there has been a signifi- and Great Lakes Bible College? the dwindling pool of active and engaged results. Essentially, Churches of Christ cant contribution by our schools toward I am struck with the reality that the congregational members and leaders. in Canada have not grown in 30 years. the enrichment of the teaching and God-driven purpose, values, fears, hopes, Western’s college program offered Though there has been a redistribution preaching that is happening here. challenges and opportunities of the two foundational, intensive, biblical instruc- of the congregational populace, there In Ontario, fully half of our full-time schools are the same. We have been tion for leaders and servants and has been no real growth overall. preachers were educated at Great sister schools for 60 years. Western began enabled the training of workers in the Just as congregations are losing a Lakes Christian High School, Great in 1945 and Great Lakes in 1952. Like uniqueness of our Canadian context. generation of leaders, so do the schools Lakes Bible College or both. In western siblings, there have been seasons of coop- The high school provided a daily rein- lose a generation that deeply valued Canada, I have observed a similar influ- eration and competition and a number of forcement of biblical values in a world Christian education, would sacrifice ence by Western on churches there. families, staff and key figures who worked that is more aggressive and pervasive in for it and who constitute the majority I believe that Western Christian with and supported both schools. its influence than it has ever been. of supporters for it. Both the Canadian served its purpose well and that the Our journey, though, has been more In Canada, provincial curriculums church and the schools are negatively full extent of its positive influence will of a parallel one defined by geography. emphasize humanistic and atheistic impacted by these trends. reveal itself in the years after it is gone. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

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Christ is seeking a full- music and related areas, such as music theory, literature, sight-reading and Central in Shawnee, OK is seeking time minister solid in the vocal instruction. Participants a mature individual to work with word and ready to work receive, at no extra charge, our youth and families. Prefer with our 75-member one hour of college credit. experience. Must have a passion congregation to preach Directed by Dr. Cliff Ganus for the Work. the Gospel. Interested Send resume to [email protected]. candidates may submit a resume to the atten- tion of Search Commit- Congregations all over tee. Ed Howard Sr. or the world are using Harding eBibleStudy.org Barry Blaylock c/o So- for their Bible Classes! nora Church of Christ, Free 13-week teacher lesson plans on Summer various Bible books & topics. P.O. Box 3111, Sonora, Over 60,000 downloads! CA 95370 or call Barry Honoroir Blaylock for more in- cH July 15-20,niversity 2012 For more information Harding u formation at (209) 586- call 501-279-4343 or visit Go to Searcy, arkansas 8995. www.harding.edu/honorchoir. www.eBibleStudy.org 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012

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PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD Some Winterfest participants wave “light swords” during the entertainment before praise and worship begins in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Thousands attend the annual youth retreat. ‘Little youth rally’ draws 12,000

BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE zany outfits and costumes. of Christ in New York, whose youth Each teen received a special chronolog- Mix all that together. Throw in a group made an 800-mile, all-night drive to ical edition of the New Testament — with GATLINBURG, Tenn. huge dose of agape love. And you attend. “You feel refreshed and cleansed, no books, chapters or verses marked. nvision a crowd at a rock concert begin — begin — to comprehend the and it gives you a renewed energy.” “You read it like a novel,” said Dudley — a mob of frenzied fans lined up scene as 12,147 teens and sponsors The 2012 version of Winterfest focused Chancey, Winterfest director. “The idea hours early waiting for the doors from Churches of Christ in 27 states on 12 spiritual disciplines identified by is, it’s a new way to try to read the text to open. converge on this mountain resort town. author Richard J. Foster: inward disci- and get them into the text.” Picture the scene at a national The big draw: a “little youth rally” plines of meditation, prayer, fasting and Along with the Bible, each teen got Epolitical convention — a throng of party called Winterfest. study; outward disciplines of simplicity, a black wristband with “TWELVE” faithful with crazy hats and colorful signs. “Winterfest is a like a shower after a solitude, submission and service; and stamped in white letters — a reminder Imagine the audience at a “Let’s Make really long, hard day,” said Cana Moore, corporate disciplines of confession, of the disciplines studied. A Deal” game show taping — a sea of 18, a member of the Patchogue Church worship, guidance and celebration. CONTINUED 18 APRIL 2012 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 ‘One big Jesus party’ brings together Christian teens

In a dramatic skit, Emily Warnick seeks guidance from Marcus Neely, portraying her Keynote speaker Rich Little urges teens Maacah Mattu, Frank Musaraca, Alex Driscoll, Sarah Bobo and Erica Williamson sing youth minister, as she deals with a classmate who complicates her effort to fast. to practice the discipline of prayer. during Winterfest. Most of the teens are from the Laurel Church of Christ in Maryland.

CONTINUED “We call it a holy high,” he said of his “They’re not allowed to buy ninja Holland Park Church of Christ in 6,000 teens just opening up and “I have studied spiritual disciplines youth group’s experience. weapons,” he said of the teens. “They Simpsonville, S.C. — a mascot born praising God together,” said Forrest before, but I feel like this year I have Winterfest began a quarter-century have to leave with as many holes as out of a joke. Park, 15, a member of the Nashua a more complete list,” said Moore, ago as a small gathering of a few they came with. They’re not allowed On the “What to Bring” list distrib- Church of Christ in New Hampshire. whose father, John, preaches for congregations at a state to get married. And we always eat uted before the trip, Holland Park “Also, the speakers are just phenom- the Patchogue church. “I intend to park. It has grown into one of the at this Mexican place called Los youth minister Charlie Sells included enal with such wisdom and knowl- follow the 40-day Bible reading plan largest — if not the largest — annual Rancheros at least once.” a “pet tiger” to make sure everyone edge that one can really learn from.” since consistency in my reading is events among Churches of Christ. was paying attention. For Park and other New England something I struggle with, and I also “It’s a little youth rally, and if you JOHN WAYNE AND CREW “Our students took it very literally teens, an anticipated 17-hour bus ride intend to fast more frequently.” want to come, come,” said Chancey, The Northeast Church of Christ in and seriously,” Sells said. “Easily half to Winterfest ended up taking 22. who directs the Gatlinburg event as Cincinnati? That’s the youth group of them came up to me shortly after “Our bus broke down halfway ‘A HOLY HIGH’ well as a separate Winterfest that gathered around the life-size poster reading this and asked questions through, so we stayed at a truck stop It’s a road trip. It’s a spiritual journey. draws about 5,000 teens and spon- of John Wayne. such as, ‘Where am I supposed to get for three hours, messed around and It’s “one big Jesus party,” as Josh sors each year to Arlington, Texas. The Friendly Avenue Church of a pet tiger?’ and ‘Do you think the sang songs in the parking lot,” said Ross, minister for the Sycamore View “We don’t advertise. It’s nuts,” A crowd lines up outside the convention center before a praise-and-worship session. Christ in Greensboro, N.C.? That’s the hotel will really let us have one?’ and Bonnie Foreman, 17, a member of Jeff Walling wears a multicolored Loudmouth Golf suit while speaking at Winterfest. Church of Christ in Memphis, Tenn., he added, reflecting on how big Signs and other symbols help youth groups stay together amid thousands of teens. youth group with the rubber chicken — no joke — ‘Can I bring a giraffe the Greater Springfield Church of He used the suit as an illustration of the cluttered lives that Christians often lead. describes the teen pilgrimage to the Winterfest has become. bobbing atop a wooden stick. instead of a tiger? That’s all I have.’” Christ in Chicopee, Mass. Great Smoky Mountains. Asked the secret to the success, tual matters,” said Larry Davenport, As Jeff Walling, minister for the The West Metro Church of Christ She wasn’t complaining, though. aspects, but I thought ‘simplicity’ was screen, then they have ownership of As thousands of Christian young Chancey — who teaches youth Challenge Youth Conference director. Providence Road Church of Christ in Hiram, Ga.? That’s the youth TEXTING JESUS “Massachusetts, being New a good place to start.” what they’re hearing, as opposed to people flock beside orange cones ministry at Oklahoma Christian Davenport, who works full time as in Charlotte, N.C., puts it, no place group with a poster featuring a Geared toward discipleship, England, it’s like really weak in In a Friday night session, Rich being preached to and not having any outside the Gatlinburg Convention University — chuckled and replied: “I director of enrollment for Heritage boasts more “awesome worship of “TNBC” peacock — a takeoff on the Winterfest features a cappella praise Christianity. There’s not many Little — one of four keynote speakers ownership or participation.” Center, Will Houghton waves a sign could be theological and say it’s God.” Christian University in Florence, Jesus and bodacious consumption of CNBC television logo. The church songs, dramatic skits, comedy Churches of Christ,” she said. “I love along with Ross, Walling and Patrick At Little’s direction, thousands of offering “Free Hugs.” Amazingly, another flood of church Ala., noted that Winterfest has been funnel cakes.” acronym, by the way, stands for sketches, high-definition videos and coming here because you meet 7,000 Mead — invites the crowd to text teens click away on their smartphones. The 17-year-old member of the vans and buses carrying teens from “maxed out” for years. The faith-based groups have helped “Teens for Nothing But Christ.” interactive sermons. other kids that are the same religion as one-line prayers to God. Their prayers appear instantly on the Central Church of Christ in Benton, Churches of Christ invades Gatlinburg “There’s obviously room for another turn this small town into a four-season In a crowd this size, staying together During the three-day retreat, you, that have the same troubles. You Little, minister for the University big screens with messages such as: Ky., sports a flashy pair of white the weekend after Winterfest. Church of Christ event,” he said. destination, said Jim Davis with the can be difficult. participants split into early and late don’t feel like you’re the only one.” Church of Christ in Malibu, Calif., said “i love you jesus.” sunglasses and a marching-band- About 9,000 teens, parents and youth A sky lift and houses perched on Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. That’s where the group-specific groups in the 6,500-seat convention Back home, Foreman cleaned out the exercise illustrates an important “Help me be more like you.” style hat with an orange flashing light ministers attend the Challenge Youth a mountainside provide a pictur- “We have some rules that have symbols come in — from a skeleton center. They assemble in a ballroom her bedroom and closet — an effort lesson about the emerging generation. “Forgiveme.” atop it. In case his attire and sign Conference, now in its 13th year. esque backdrop as teens explore grown up over the years,” said Josh head to a “Tebowing” poster to a that stretches longer than a football to remove unnecessary clutter. “They want to engage,” he said. “So, “God i want your name glorified in don’t give it away, he volunteers that “The fact that there’s 21,000-plus Gatlinburg’s carnival-like downtown Byrd, youth minister for the Church hand-carved wooden cross. field and displays the speakers’ “I am going to bring the items to a if we could find ways to have them my life.” he’s enjoying himself — and growing wanting to come tells me that there — filled with arcades, T-shirt shops, of Christ in Falls Church, Va., which Then there’s the stuffed tiger that images on nine big screens. battered women’s shelter,” she said. on stage, to have them make a public “Lord lead my life to serve you ... to closer to God. are kids who are interested in spiri- pancake houses and specialty stores. brought 15 teens and 12 adults. came with the youth group from the “It’s a powerful experience seeing “I want to be disciplined in all 12 commitment or to share a prayer on a let me live this life for you.” 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CURRENTS APRIL 2012

‘We are like seeds, and the spiritual disciplines are the way that God gets us into the ground so that he can grow us into the image of his Son.’ — Kent Mereness, artist and campus ministry director

Kent Mereness paints an acrylic image on canvas, celebrating 12 spiritual A black light hits the canvas as Winterfest worshipers pass the fruit of the vine, revealing an image of Christ disciplines, as Patrick Mead preaches during Winterfest’s Sunday finale. holding the communion elements — symbols of his body and blood. At Winterfest, artist’s painting becomes a sermon

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Mereness is director of Buffs for Christ, empty plate for fasting — that were cooperate with God in these ways, they a student ministry for the campus of West converted into large, fabric prints that would finish the weekend at the table, KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. surrounded the Winterfest stage. As the meeting with the head and the body while ent Mereness is done painting. For nearly 10 years, he has done speakers urged attendees to practice the partaking of the bread and the cup.” Now it’s American Airlines’ turn. “paint talks.” As speakers discuss disciplines, each one had a visual cue. George Hankins, a church member Sitting on the tarmac at McGhee biblical prin- On Sunday, as Colorado minister from Ohio Tyson Airport, he and his fellow ciples, he creates Patrick Mead wrapped up the study, who attended passengers watch snowflakes fall. images that illus- Mereness created an image of a rose Winterfest, KOutside, airport employees spray the tiny trate the lessons. window with 12 petals, representing the described it as plane that will take him back to Texas Winterfest’s disciplines. Using acrylic paint, he added “an impacting with coat after coat of antifreeze. coordinator, slight images of wheat and grapes. image.” The “plane painting” takes about 45 Dudley Chancey, During the Lord’s Supper, as the youths “The thought minutes — ample time for Mereness asked Mereness passed the cardboard holders with small of Jesus person- to chat about the events of eight hours to illustrate 12 cups of grape juice, a black light hit the ally overseeing earlier, 44 miles away in Gatlinburg. spiritual disci- Mereness’ image for painting, revealing an image of Christ A depiction of the dis- our communion There, as 6,000 sets of eyes watched, plines highlighted the discipline of prayer. holding a broken loaf of bread and a cup. cipline of submission. with him was he created a spiritual-themed painting in Richard J. “Foster uses the analogy that we are made into an during Sunday worship at the conclu- Foster’s book, “Celebration of Discipline: like seeds, and the spiritual disciplines effective visual,” he said. sion of Winterfest 2012. The Path to Spiritual Growth.” are the way God gets us into the ground Dawn Shipley of Baltimore said, “I Then he did it again, in front of Mereness produced images — a so that he can grow us into the image of actually got tears in my eyes. It made another 6,000 worshipers, during the baby’s face representing simplicity, his Son,” Mereness said. “It seems fitting me remember that we are with Christ in youth rally’s second service. a hand washing a foot for service, an that, as students were learning how to communion. I loved it.” APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21

George S. Benson Clifton L. Ganus Jr.

J.N. Armstrong David B. Burks presidential succession

he board of trustees of Harding University invites con- About the Presidential from mission work in China in 1936 to assume the presidency of his fidential applications and nominations for the position Succession Process: alma mater. For the next 29 years, he led the institution in achieving of president of the University. The president is the chief The board of trustees has financial stability, national recognition and academic accreditation. executive officer, reporting directly to the University’s approved a six-member Pres- Dr. Clifton L. Ganus Jr., a 1943 graduate, served as president Tboard, and is ultimately responsible for the supervision and direction idential Succession Process from 1965 to 1987. His tenure featured a significant level of of both the academic and financial operations of the institution. Committee charged with the campus improvement and expansion. The College of Nursing and The new president will succeed Dr. David B. Burks, whose responsibility of develop- the development of an international campus in Florence, , tenure has spanned 26 years. Dr. Burks announced his retirement ing the process of select- were two highlights of his leadership. The enrollment grew from effective June 30, 2013. He is only the fourth president in Harding’s ing the new president and 1,472 to 2,767. 87-year history. reviewing nominations and Upon completion of a study begun in May 1978, the board of Harding began as a senior college in 1924, when two junior col- applications. The committee trustees approved the study’s recommended change of Harding to leges, Arkansas Christian College and Harper College, merged their is chaired by Dr. John O. Sim- university status, and, on Aug. 27, 1979, the name of the institu- facilities and assets, adopted the new name of Harding College, and mons, who also is serving as tion officially became Harding University. located on the campus of Arkansas Christian in Morrilton, Ark. the current chairman of the Dr. David B. Burks became the fourth president in May 1987. Harper had been founded in 1915 in Harper, Kan., and Arkansas University’s board. The com- During his administration, six new international programs were es- Christian had been chartered in 1919. In 1934 Harding moved to mittee will begin its review tablished, and doctoral programs in education, pharmacy, physical its present site in Searcy, Ark., on the campus of a former women’s of nominations and applica- therapy and theology were developed plus master’s degree programs institution, Galloway College. tions upon receipt. However, in communication disorders, business and physician assistant. The The college was named in memory of James A. Harding, to ensure full consideration, school completed capital projects totaling more than $250 million. co-founder and first president of Nashville Bible School (now individuals should complete Today with an enrollment of 7,155 from 50 states and 53 foreign Lipscomb University) in Nashville, Tenn. James A. Harding had a their application prior to countries, Harding University is the largest in passion and enthusiasm for Christian education that remains as a June 30, 2012. Arkansas. Students study in more than 90 majors in nine colleges — significant heritage of the institution today. For detailed information Allied Health, Arts and Humanities, Bible and Ministry, Business With the merger of the two junior colleges, J.N. Armstrong, including the presidential Administration, Education, Honors, Nursing, Pharmacy and Sciences. who had served five years as Harper’s president, became president of profile and how to submit Ten undergraduate degrees are offered and 15 graduate and profes- Harding College. He had also served as president of Cordell Chris- your application or nomi- sional degrees. More than 40 percent of each graduating class has tian College in Oklahoma. Armstrong was a pioneer in the develop- nations, please visit www. participated in one of the institution’s seven international programs. ment of Christian higher education west of the Mississippi River. harding.edu/presidential For additional information about Harding University, please One of Harding’s first graduates, George S. Benson, returned successionprocess visit www.harding.edu 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012

Red Bridge Church of Christ, located in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a full- time pulpit minister. Please send resumes to: 101 W. Red Bridge Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114 or e-mail [email protected].

Youth Minister Needed

At Meadow View Church of Christ in Mesquite, TX, a suburb of Dallas

Attendance: 350; about 35 teens

If interested please send your resume, cover letter and photo to:

[email protected]

More Details at: www.meadowview.org APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES spoTLIGHT MOUNTAIN STATES CHILDREN’S HOME LONGMONT, Colo. — Readers of The Coach joins 700 club Christian Chronicle showed their gener- osity after reading about the theft of HENDERSON, Tenn. — Dale Neal, women’s $6,000 in change donated to the home. basketball coach at Freed-Hardeman Church members responded to news University, recently recorded his 700th of the lost coins by donating more than career win. $12,000, said Randy Schow, the home’s The milestone victory was Neal’s executive director. 466th with Freed-Hardeman. He’s in his “We are very grateful to our God for 42nd year of coaching how good he is,” Schow said, “and yet and his 18th season at we are saddened because of the loss Freed-Hardeman. (after) so many worked hard at saving The Lady Lions have their change to help children.” competed in every NAIA national tournament for the past 15 years. EDUCATION MINISTRY An alumnus of Harding University in Neal CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Searcy, Ark., Neal was BELTON, Texas — The association held converted to Christ after receiving an its recent 51st annual conference at a athletic scholarship to in retreat center near Belton. Sixty-eight DON CLAUSSEN Nebraska, then a junior college. people attended. He later coached the men’s basketball Outgoing association President Lipscomb’s adoption program is a slam-dunk team at York for 11 years before going Steven Yeakley scheduled the confer- Aphiwe Harston, 11, with his adoptive parents Buddy and Julie Harston, waves to the crowd to Freed-Hardeman. ence at a retreat center to allow at a Lipscomb University men’s basketball game in Nashville, Tenn. Lipscomb’s new “Adoption Neal and his wife, Kathy, have four attendees to connect with each other Rally” program helps families defray adoption costs while filling the stands at . This children and 13 grandchildren. They and with experts in children’s educa- season, Lipscomb is giving 100 percent of men’s basketball gate revenues to the program. attend the Henderson Church of Christ. tion, adult education and leadership. Dewey Howard, education minister for the Green Lawn Church of Christ in for the Joe A. and Wanda Hall Johnson HARDING UNIVERSITY Lubbock, Texas, served as chairman of honor housing project. SEARCY, Ark. — Harding has launched the conference and received the 2012 The college plans to construct two a website to accept applications and Holbert Rideout Excellence in Christian honor housing triplexes initially, each recommendations for its next president. Education Award. housing a married couple in one apart- President David Burks plans to retire ment and four single students in the at the end of the 2012-13 academic year other two. after 26 years at the helm. HIGHER EDUCATION To offer feedback, see www.harding. edu/presidentialsuccessionprocess. AUSTIN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Faulkner is initiating AUSTIN, Texas — “Psalmfest 2012,” jointly a technology initiative dubbed “Eagle ROCHESTER COLLEGE sponsored by the graduate school and iAdvantage.” ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — Rochester is the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Starting this fall, all traditional producing a new, daily audio devotional AMANDA BALDWIN drew a crowd of about 200. students on the Montgomery campus for friends and alumni. Colis and Dolores Campbell enjoy a Hall of The recent event celebrated the will receive an iPad equipped with The short inspirational message, called Fame induction ceremony at York last fall. Psalms with songs, readings and medi- university-provided general and disci- “Directions,” is designed to provide daily tations. Singing groups presented selec- pline-specific apps. encouragement and direction for living. and Dolores Campbell, who served the tions from “Timeless: Ancient Psalms Faulkner also plans to adopt as many A variety of Rochester College college in a number of capacities from for the Church Today, Volume One,” e-texts as possible across all disciplines personnel, including , 1958 to 1975. A donor who requested to published by ACU Press. Speakers with the intention of saving hundreds of Garth Pleasant, Tom Rellinger, Sara remain anonymous will fund the project, included Andrew Dearman, Jack Reese dollars in textbook costs for students, Barton, Mark Love, Lora Hutson and estimated to cost more than $1 million. and David Worley. “Timeless” is a President Billy D. Hilyer said. others, will record the messages. “With recent enrollment growth, combination psalter and commentary “We want our students to enter To receive a daily e-mail with the audio our capacity to serve the needs of our on Psalms by Mark Shipp, a professor the workforce prepared to meet the link, see www.rc.edu. student body has been stretched to the at Austin Graduate School of Theology. expanding demands of technology, limit,” President Steve Eckman said. and the use of iPads, apps and e-texts YORK COLLEGE The multipurpose facility will include CROWLEY’S RIDGE COLLEGE are just a few of the tools in our Eagle YORK, Neb. — York plans to build a an athletic court that can be used for PARAGOULD, Ark. — The college recently iAdvantage technology initiative,” 15,600-square-foot activity center on banquets and other large gatherings hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Hilyer said. campus and name it in honor of Colis such as chapel. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS APRIL 2012

TIPTON HOME

“helping children in need” PHOTO PROVIDED BY U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE on OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM Religious liberty touted at U.S. House hearing HOUSE PARENTS Allison Garrett, Oklahoma Christian University’s senior vice president for academic affairs, defends faith-based universities’ religious liberty in recent testimony before a U.S. House Due to our recent growth, Tipton Home is accepting committee. For the full story, search for “Allison Garrett” at www.christianchronicle.org/blog. applications for stable, energetic, Christian couples to serve as house parents. ACU revises long-held policy Beginning salary $48,000 Family health & dental insurance fully paid. Additional benefits include housing, transportation, prohibiting dancing at events food, and retirement plan participation. ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Christian students to show appropriate conduct University has revised its long-held in social settings where dancing is policy of prohibiting dancing at events taking place,” Thompson said. “We For more information about this rewarding ministry hosted by official student organizations. also believe the change will enhance in Christian Child Care, contact Susie Boyd at “This is part of an effort on our part the experience our stu- [email protected] or 1-580-667-5221 to be more real with our students dents have while on our who are young adults,” said Jean-Noel campus. www.tiptonhome.com Thompson, ACU’s vice president for “In making this change, student life and dean of students. we’re acting to make sure In the past, ACU’s students have been students can participate Employment Opportunity allowed to participate in university- in this activity in a safe, sponsored events in which dance is a supervised environment cultural expression or public perfor- Thompson — one that gives us the mance. Student-sponsored organiza- opportunity to proactively Minister of Church Life needed tions that want to have dancing at their influence them in modeling appropriate on- or off-campus events will now need Christian behavior,” he added. North Boulevard Church of Christ in Murfreesboro, Tenn., is seeking an to gain approval of their venue and Thompson also noted that there was extroverted Christian with a bachelor’s degree in Bible or ministry and music list. Staff advisers also must be no blanket statement regarding the type present at the event. of music or dance genre that will be will be considered if successful experience in bringing people to Christ can Thompson said the decision to revise accepted, only that the dance form “hon- beseven proven. years The experience Minister in of ministry. Church Life Candidates will lead without in one-on-one these qualifications evangelism, the policy came after several years of ors us, those around them and God.” will coordinate small groups and will preach on Sunday nights. A detailed discussion and research of policies Dozens of readers commented on job description is available online at northboulevardfamily.com. Please at nearly 80 faith-based colleges and the policy change on The Christian submit questions or send resumes to Don Daniel (donaldgloria@comcast. universities. Chronicle’s news blog, with some praising net), Steve Laws ([email protected]), or David Young (dyoung@nblvd. “We’ve found compelling reasons to the decision and others questioning it. provide appropriate venues for danc- org). This position becomes available in the spring of 2012. ing on our campus for two reasons: EXPANDED COVERAGE: To read the full story, search for It helps us influence or encourage “dancing” at www.christianchronicle.org/blog. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25

The 30-year-old AMEN Ministry connects Christians in the United States military with local churches of Christ both overseas and in the U.S. Please send name, contact information and especially e-mail addresses to: AMEN Ministry http://amenministry.info 135 Larchmont Drive Hendersonville, NC 28791 Phone: (828) 891-4480 E-mail: [email protected]

Caretakers Needed to live on-site at Copper Basin Bible Camp in the cool pines at Prescott, Arizona. Seeking mature couples/families for property oversight and facili- ties management. Compensation is residence and utilities. Apply to [email protected]

The department of Language and Literature at Oklahoma chapter, an annual faith-based speakers series, a strong Christian University invites applications for an Assistant student/faculty connection, increasing TEFL and writing YOUTH MINISTER Professor position to begin Fall 2012. internships, and successful placement of graduates. We seek an engaged candidate whose specific expertise will NEEDED Candidates should emphasize their ability to teach further develop our growing TEFL program. composition, courses related to the Teaching English as Faith Village Church a Foreign Language [TEFL] degree, and basic-inter- Oklahoma Christian University is a liberal arts university mediate language courses corresponding either affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Applicants of Christ in Wichita to one of the university’s overseas programs should be active members of the Churches of Falls, Texas, is seeking a — German, Japanese, Chinese — or to one of Christ and have a personal life that reflects the the department’s current language offerings: teachings, example, and love of Jesus Christ. Youth Minister. Desired French, Spanish. attributes include that Applicants should send curriculum vita, Applicants with a Ph.D. or ABD are preferred, teaching philosophy, statement of faith, and of a mature individual but other qualified applicants will also be writing sample related to the particular who is experienced in considered. specialization to Dr. Cami Agan, Chair of the department of Language and working with youth Course load for the position is 4/4 with Literature at the following e-mail and their families. English courses in Linguistics, Structure of the address: [email protected]. English Language, and/or Teaching English as a Foreign Congregation size is Language, and Composition, and courses in the appropriate Electronic attachments and cover letters preferred. The approximately 600 language. search will continue through Spring 2012 or until a suit- able candidate is found. (Sunday a.m. atten- As a department committed to the integration of faith and dance). If interested, learning, Language and Literature is a dynamic commu- Oklahoma Christian University is an equal nity that serves 100 majors/minors and boasts a variety of opportunity employer. please send resume to academic successes: an active honors society [email protected]. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS APRIL 2012 60 years of Herald of Truth ‘HIS WORD FOR HIS WORLD’: Texas-based radio ministry looks to modern methods to spread an unchanging message.

BY LORETTA FULTON | ABILENE REPORTER-NEWS can be accessed globally, is beginning its 61st year. The fact that Herald of ABILENE, Texas Truth quickly adapted to the Internet he microphone used in the first and social media doesn’t come as a sur- Herald of Truth radio broadcast, prise to Brant, whose knowledge of the Tnow firmly mounted on a plaque ministry dates back to the 1960s. housed in a display case, tells where “The Herald of Truth has always been the ministry started. the gold standard of media utilization, A large globe and offices filled with both nationally and internationally,” people typing on computers and hand- Brant said. held devices tell where it’s going. In fact, the ministry came about when The venerable radio program first two smaller programs in the Midwest aired Feb. 10, 1952. Originating from merged in Abilene. the old Fair Park Auditorium, the The history dates to 1947 when a program aired recent graduate of on 31 American then-Abilene Christian Broadcasting Co. College, James Walter stations. Nichols, was attending Today, it reaches a graduate school in global audience with Iowa and preaching websites and through at a local Church of social media such as Christ. YouTube, Facebook He also had a and Twitter. Old- weekly local radio pro- timers most likely gram named Herald of would giggle at hear- Truth. Another man, ing “Herald of Truth” James Willeford, had a PHOTOS BY JOY LEWIS, ABILENE REPORTER-NEWS and “Twitter” in the similar radio program The microphone used in the first Herald of Truth broadcast is on display in Abilene, Texas. same sentence. in Madison, Wis., Even the current and the two formed when Herald of Truth offered to film our fellowship knew who he was.” president, Bill Brant, a regional network. its TV program on location if a host Despite Baxter’s desire to stay out defers to Tim Archer Nichols believed the church would pay the expenses. of the limelight, Brant said he was the — Herald of Truth’s programming could A trip to the Hillsboro Church of voice and face of Herald of Truth until Spanish-speaking go national, and he Christ in Nashville, Tenn., in 1959 his death in 1982. ministries director — approached the elders resulted in the addition of a familiar The Herald of Truth made another when the subject of of Highland Avenue name to Herald of Truth programming. major move in 1964 when an evangelist social media comes Bill Brant, president and CEO of Herald for support. The minister of the church was from Spain, Juan Antonio Monroy, up. of Truth, works to spread the Gospel. The elders agreed , whose father, joined the team. “He tweets,” said to take on Herald of , was named the sixth In 1985, Monroy became the first Brant, who has been president of the Truth as an outreach ministry, and the president of Abilene Christian College Church of Christ minister allowed into ministry since 2007. radio program was off and running. in 1924. Batsell Barrett Baxter was him- Cuba since the revolution that put Fidel While Brant may not tweet himself, It could be heard alongside Billy self an ACC graduate. Castro in power. he has a vast knowledge of the history Graham’s Hour of Decision, founded The response to Baxter’s presence on The ministry may have expanded to of the radio program and its direction. in 1950, and programming from The the Herald of Truth television program Facebook and Twitter, Brant said, but The programming started as a ministry Lutheran Hour, which began in 1930. was so overwhelmingly positive that the original message, “His Word for His of Highland Avenue Church of Christ in In 1954, Herald of Truth expanded he was asked to become a primary pre- World. Every Day,” is unchanged. 1952, before the Abilene church dropped to television. By the 1970s, it could be senter on the television show. the word “Avenue” from its name. seen on 152 television stations. “He became the first Church of Christ FOR MORE INFORMATION, see the Herald of Truth website This year the program, which now A high- water mark came in 1959 superstar,” Brant joked. “Everybody in at www.heraldoftruth.org. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27

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Criminal Justice Faculty Position Available, Fall 2012

Qualifications include willingness to uphold the values of Lubbock Christian University as an active member in a congregation of Churches of Christ; earned doctorate in field (JD accepted), but master’s degree essential; and The WindSong Church of Christ (formerly the 6th and Izard Church) of Little relevant college-, police academy-, or military police-level teaching experi- Rock, Arkansas will be celebrating their one hundred year anniversary dur- ence. Extensive law enforcement or legal experience in the criminal justice ing the month of May. The festivities will include special Bible classes, song system could be considered. services, and times of fellowship. Each Sunday morning during the month, the following guest speakers will address the congregation on these topics: Responsibilities include directing CJ program, teaching twelve hours per May 06th - Dr. Howard Norton - “Looking Back” semester in the program, recruiting, advising, and mentoring students, (Homecoming & Singing) committee assignments, and other related duties. Preferred applicants will May 13th - John Gipson - “Mothers and Children” be interested in developing the CJ program into a stand-alone department. May 20th - Dr. Bruce McLarty - “Our Youth” May 27th - Larry Roberts - “Our Seniors” Submit resume to Dr. Jill Fuller, Chair of the Department of Social Work Everyone is invited to come celebrate with us at #3 WindSong and Criminal Justice, by mail at LCU, 5601 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407. Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72113; www.windsongchurch.org 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE APRIL 2012 Newsmakers We express sincere gratitude to these who have NAMED: Otha Thornton, president-elect of the National Parent-Teacher committed themselves to continue The Christian Organization. Thornton is a member of the West End Chronicle’s mission to inform, inspire and unite Church of Christ in Atlanta. Travis McNeal, director of Churches of Christ worldwide. Camp Tahkodah in Floral, Ark.

Mr. and Mrs. J. Wallace Johnson, Clanton, AL; Ms. Mary G. Guthery, Cullman, AL; Mr. and Mrs. John S. Brolund, Dothan, AL; Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson ANNIVERSARIES: 65th: Leslie and Joan Barker, Sr., Hoover, AL;Bob and Jeannie Aldred, Mobile, AL; Mr. and Mrs. George E. Peaden, Mobile, AL; Mr. and Mrs. J. Wiley Cutts, Montgomery, AL; Mr. and Mrs. Thornton Doyle Springer, Montgomery, AL; Mr. Leon Jackson, Beebe, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Mark K. Bradley, Cabot, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Archie L. Lantz, Clarksville, AR; Ms. Bethany, Okla. Frances S. Goodson, El Dorado, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Jack McNutt, El Dorado, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Webb, El Dorado, AR; Ms. Janet Small, Fairfield Bay, AR; Mr. Don R. Wilkerson, Fayetteville, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Earl S. Flood, Fort Smith, AR; Mr. and Mrs. H. Jarrell Gibbs, Hot Springs, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Leslie L. Nichols, BIRTHDAYS: 100th: Herman Holmes, Hot Springs, AR; Ms. Wilma F. Dingler, Kirby, AR; Mrs. Mary L. Button, Little Rock, AR; Dr. and Mrs. Wesley C. Hamilton, Little Rock, AR; Ms. Grace L. Kenser, Little Rock, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Eddie W. Shields, Little Rock, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Sloan, Little Rock, AR; Mr. T. W. Cooper, Maumelle, AR; Dr. and Mrs. Indianapolis. 97th: Lloyd Nealeigh, Hastings, Austin Emery, Mena, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Greg Kinser, Paragould, AR; Mattie Dale, Russellville, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Don C. Gibson, Searcy, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Tom Neb. 90th: Wanita White, Lafayette, Ind. Martin, Searcy, AR; Dr. and Mrs. Carl G. Mitchell, Searcy, AR; Ms. Fayetta C. Murray, Searcy, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Kent Rollmann, Searcy, AR; Clarence T. and Patricia L. Wilson, Searcy, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Earnhart, Shirley, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph L. Sills, Subiaco, AR; Mr. and Mrs. Art L. Searles, Golden Valley, PASSAGES: Hubert W. Adams, 87, Jan. 29, AZ; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald DeVore, Peoria, AZ; Mr. and Mrs. Don E. Fries, Peoria, AZ; Ms. Billie M. Brister, Phoenix, AZ; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Trimble, member of the Stone Mountain, Ga., church, Scottsdale, AZ; Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Neill, Sun City, AZ; Mr. and Mrs. Walter W. Hunnicutt, Vail, AZ; Mrs. Elmeda Stinson, Atwater, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. Pease, Bakersfield, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Harvill, Coto De Caza, CA; Mrs. Etheldean Dodd, Dinuba, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard D. McKinzie, Fresno, Army veteran and longtime CA; Mr. and Mrs. George R. House Jr., Hughson, CA; Ms. Susan K. Giboney, Malibu, CA; Ms. Esther Godfrey, Merced, CA; Mrs. Leona M. White, Orosi, CA; Bill elder in Atlanta-area churches. and Judy Opel, Pasadena, CA; Ms. Karen Morrison, Rancho Cordova, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Hartford Smith, Roseville, CA; Mrs. Dorothy M. Bills, Sacramento, CA; Stanford Broussard, 82, Feb. Blanch M. Roark, , CA; Mr. Loren H. Evans, San Marcos, CA; Ms. Ida James, Torrance, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Duane Jenkins, Turlock, CA; Mr. and Mrs. 3, minister for 60 years at Michael P. Burkel, Valley Center, CA; Mr. and Mrs. David M. Douglass, Arvada, CO; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Hendrick, Centennial, CO; Mrs. Elizabeth H. the Bayou Jacque Church Moore, Colorado Springs, CO; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Weatherly, Littleton, CO; Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Clark, Pueblo, CO; Mr. George F. Hambidge, Danbury, CT; of Christ, Plaucheville, La. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Saucier, Dover, DE; Raylene T. Larsen, Brandon, FL; Mr. and Mrs. Brent Buchanan, Deland, FL; Ms. Laurie R. Philpot, Gainesville, FL; Mr. and Mrs. V. F. Abercrombie Jr., Haines City, FL; Ms. Betty D. Downing, High Springs, FL; Mr. and Mrs. Joel H. Chapman, III, Lynn Haven, FL; Ned and Bernard Buterbaugh, 87, Jan. Lavella McMillan, West Melbourne, FL; Charlene North, Winter Garden, FL; Mr. and Mrs. Luther McCain Jr., Albany, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Neal C. Sirmons Sr., 19, Indiana, Pa., Army vet- Coolidge, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Tom A. Tabor, Duluth, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Sam A. Mankin, Lilburn, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Finis R. Stewart, Loganville, GA; Mr. Joel H. eran and elder of the Indiana Adams Heard, Macon, GA; Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thomas Jr., Mcdonough, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Victor L. Reed, Norcross, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Keown, Ringgold, GA; Church of Christ. James Casey Mrs. Marjorie H. Adams, Savannah, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis M. Stewart, Statesboro, GA; Ms. Louise Alston, Thomasville, GA; Mr. and Mrs. John T. Walker, Jr., 89, Jan. 22, Air Force veteran and longtime Valdosta, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. McCaughan, Warner Robins, GA; Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Blair, Cleghorn, IA; Mr. and Mrs. James L. Presson, Iowa City, IA; West Side Church of Christ, Oelwein, IA; Mr. and Mrs. Kent Rude, Dalton Gardens, ID; Mr. and Mrs. John C. Free, Meridian, ID; Mr. and Mrs. Kent L. Hamilton, elder at the Missouri Street church, Baytown, Weiser, ID; Mr. and Mrs. David Davenport, Centralia, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Alan E. Bain, Chicago, IL; Mr. and Mrs. James E. Lankford, Dekalb, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Texas. Joe Cook, 48, Jan. 20, minister for the Ronnie Gulley, Dongola, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Lind, Fairview Heights, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Gene H. Muehring, Morton, IL; Ms. Mary L. Larson, West Chicago, IL; Oak Harbor, Wash., Church of Christ. Betsy Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Hackman, Bloomington, IN; Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Bohan, Brownsburg, IN; Mr. and Mrs. Bob H. Cole, Indianapolis, IN; Ms. Wanita Gilliland, 80, Jan. 12, retired educator and I. White, Lafayette, IN; Mr. and Mrs. Leland LeMaster, Portland, IN; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Lord, Remington, IN; Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Swensen Jr., West Lafayette, IN; member of the Bright Angel Church of Chris, Mrs. Laura A. Walker, Clearwater, KS; Ms. Ruth Barber, Harper, KS; Mr. and Mrs. Lance Morrisett, Haven, KS; Ms. Betty Jean Keeler, Hutchinson, KS; Mr. Kenneth P. Callicott, Lawrence, KS; Mr. and Mrs. Leon R. Tabor, Liberal, KS; Mr. Larry Sullivan, Manhattan, KS; Ms. Rosalee M. Armstrong, Medicine Lodge, Las Vegas, for 65 years. Howard H. Haynes, 97, KS; Ms. Joetta Riley, Minneola, KS; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Brensing, Mullinville, KS; Mrs. LeeRoy Lambert, Newton, KS; Mr. and Mrs. Curtis K. Williams, Olathe, Feb. 15, member of the Memorial Road Church KS; Mr. and Mrs. George E. Anderson, Pratt, KS; Mr. Larry R. Coffey, Louisville, KY; Mr. and Mrs. William R. Simpson, Paducah, KY; Mr. and Mrs. Spike James, of Christ in Edmond, Okla. Goldie L. Jackson, Baton Rouge, LA; David and Holly Kent, Covington, LA; Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Belanger, Billerica, MA; Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Kreide, Lexington, MA; Mr. 93, January 15, member of the Easton, Md., and Mrs. Roger E. Kondrup, Salisbury, MD; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Turner, Cass City, MI; Mr. and Mrs. Pat Evans, Comins, MI; Mr. and Mrs. David Harvill, church. Bill Jones, 82, Feb. 17, Edmond, Okla., Farmington Hills, MI; Ms. Cynthia D. Gomez, Mount Clemens, MI; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bergdahl, Skandia, MI; Mrs. Geneva S. Jones, Sterling Heights, MI; longtime professor at Oklahoma Christian Mr. and Mrs. Bruce M. Foulk, Wayne, MI; Mr. and Mrs. Dale E. Norris, Westland, MI; Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Ogren, Buhl, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Gene J. Waletzko, Chisholm, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce W. Goodwin, Eden Prairie, MN; Mr. and Mrs. David M. May Sr., Inver Grove Heights, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. University and minister for the Britton Road McEndree, Minnetonka. MN; Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Hogan, Bismarck, MO; Mr. and Mrs. Anthony B. West, Bridgeton, MO; Mr. Al Christian, Buffalo, MO; and Central churches. Wendell Mitchell, 71, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Dennis, Independence, MO; Mr. and Mrs. James Swiggart, Kansas City, MO; Mr. and Mrs. J. Michael Campbell, Lamar, MO; Dr. and Mrs. Feb. 10, member of the Vaughn Park Church of Eugene A. Miekley, Purdy, MO; Mr. and Mrs. Richardson Lynn, Raymore, MO; Jim and Lyn Gattis, Springfield, MO; Mr. and Mrs. Herman D. Herndon, Christ, Montgomery, Ala., Faulkner Law Dean Springfield, MO; Mr. and Mrs. Gary D. Johns, Steele, MO; Mr. and Mrs. David M. Franklin, Olive Branch, MS; Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Choate, Winona, MS; Mr. Emeritus, university trustee, professor and and Mrs. Jeff A. Lair, Billings, MT; Mr. and Mrs. Clinton Brazle, Bozeman, MT; Mr. and Mrs. Cody Danielson, Helena, MT; Mr. and Mrs. DeWayne W. Prinkki, Red Lodge, MT; Mr. and Mrs. Walter R. Hamilton, Charlotte, NC; Mr. and Mrs. Everett D. Hinton, Hastings, NE; Mr. and Mrs. Keith L. Arterburn, McCook, NE; former Alabama legislator. Glenn Olbricht, 82, Mr. and Mrs. William J. Cutts, Tabernacle, NJ; Mr. and Mrs. Paul V. Herring, Albuquerque, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Rose, Albuquerque, NM; Edith Lois Priest, Feb. 9, Syracuse, NY, long- Clayton, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hedgpeth, Jal, NM; Mr. Clifford Cone, Lovington, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Self, Portales, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Browning, time missionary to Germany Roswell, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Tommy T. Crawford, Springer, NM; Mr. and Mrs. Allen Gauthier, Battle Mountain, NV; Mr. and Mrs. John D. White, Islip, NY; Mr. and church planter in the and Mrs. Warren Whitelaw, Anna, OH; Mr. and Mrs. S. Frank Chappell, III; Columbus, OH; Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Short, Franklin, OH; Mr. Clyde C. Weger, Huber Northeastern US. Ted Stewart, Heights, OH; Mr. Wilford Culler, Lisbon, OH; Mr. and Mrs. Karl Konigsberger, Mogadore, OH; Mr. and Mrs. James D. Feldman, Munroe Falls, OH; Ms. Estelle 77, Feb. 22, Lubbock, Texas, M. Coriell, Portsmouth, OH; Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Cooper, Wadsworth, OH; Mr. Fred L. Carnes, Ada, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Johnson, Ada, OK; Mr. Robert Passmore, Ada, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Donald K. Thomason, Ardmore, OK; Dr. and Mrs. Virgil R. Trout, Ardmore, OK; Ms. Mary Jo Bagnetto, Bartlesville, member of 1961 mission OK; Mr. Earle Hoover, Beaver, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Leslie T. Barber, Bethany, OK; Mr. Joe L. Gatz, Broken Arrow, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Ed L. Nix, Broken Arrow, OK; team to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Williamson, Broken Arrow, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd, Chandler, OK; Ms. Wanda E. Asper, Chickasha, OK; Coryne Staton, Chickasha, longtime instructor at Sunset OK; Mrs. Wanda G. Lutz, Collinsville, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Don Witten, Collinsville, OK; Mrs. Bert Reeves, Commerce; OK; Mrs. Jeane McWhirter, Del City, OK; International Bible Institute. Stewart Mr. and Mrs. Jack B. Rains, Del City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. James Moss, Duncan; OK; Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Anderson, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Randall Chitwood, Louis Tandy, 90, Jan. 1, Edmond, OK; Mark and Cindy Coleman, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Duncan, Edmond, OK; Ms. Marilyn R. Fisher, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Ford, Edmond, OK; Mrs. Carol Ann Gaither, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Gordon, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Terry J. Hale, Edmond, OK; Mr. Howard Wichita, Kansas, served as minister of Northside H. Hayes, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hild Jr., Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. John Kerley, Edmond, OK; Dr. and Mrs. Robert Lamb, Edmond, OK; Church of Christ and speaker on the “Know Your Bible” television program. Carl Thompson, 80, continued on next page Dec. 25, retired music teacher and longtime song leader of the Smyrna, Tenn. church. APRIL 2012 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 29

March 5-8 Faulkner University Lectureship. Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala. “Christ Above All. (Studies from Hebrews).” Contact cmay@ Keepers of the Chronicle faulkner.edu. March 6 Eastern European Mission continued from previous page Dinner. “Exciting ‘Million Dollar Sunday’ Mr. and Mrs. Mike Maple, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Charles McFarland, Edmond, OK, Ms. Neva S. McRay, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Jerald D. Parker, News.” Marriott Oklahoma City. Contact Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Patton, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Patrick H. Sheehan, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. William Skaggs, Edmond, OK; Mr. (800) 486-1818, or www.eem.org. and Mrs. Ron Stangeland, Edmond, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Thomas, Edmond, OK; Drs. Steve and Beth Walker, Edmond, OK; Sue S. Wiley, Edmond, OK; March 7-10 Lipscomb University Mr. and Mrs. Herman Zeller, Edmond, OK; Mrs. Margaret Jenkinson, Enid, OK; Mr. William E. Rohde Jr., Grove, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Honeycutt, Guthrie, Conference on Family Wellness. OK; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bailey, Kingston, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Freeman, Kingston, OK; Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Howell, Lawton, OK; Ms. Carmelita Weabe, Mc Alester, OK; Ms. Patsy Rodden, McAlester, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Dale Swain, Midwest City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Nelson, Muskogee, OK; Mr. and Mrs. James Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. L. Bell, Mustang, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Dwight D. Herron, Newcastle, OK; Ms. Tamara S. Ward, Newcastle, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Ottis F. Sharp, Norman, OK; Mr. and Contact (615) 966-5729 or john.conger@ Mrs. Gerd Fecht, Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Bennie R. Jacobs, Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Jetton Jr., Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Don lipscomb.edu. E. Porter, Oklahoma City, OK; Aileen Sheets, Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Worcester, Oklahoma City, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Cavin, Porter, OK; March 16-18 LAUNCH Christian Mr. and Mrs. Homer E. Weathers, Sand Springs, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Edsel H. Barton, Sayre, OK; Mr. Herbert O. Minor, Tahlequah, OK; Mr. Marvin M. McKissick, Singles Retreat. Central Florida Bible Tulsa, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry McNickle, Tulsa, OK; Eleanor J. Miller, Tulsa, OK; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Webb, Tulsa, OK; Dr. and Mrs. John M. Huser Jr., Weatherford, OK; Mr. Don Finley, Yukon, OK; Gene and Helen Hinds, Tigard, OR; Greg and Kari Shewmaker, Troutdale, OR; Ms. Margaret M. Moore, Camp, Eustis, Fla. Contact cfbc@cfbible- Hermitage,PA; Ms. Jane L. Zeigler, Somerset, PA; Mr. and Mrs. Darwin J. Cranmer, Wellsboro, PA; Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Wilcox, Wellsboro, PA; Mr. Carl E. camp.org. Lancaster, Greenville, SC; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne D. Plylar, Spartanburg, SC; Mr. Omer F. Carroll, Williston, SC; Ms. Dorothy B. Burns, Bartlett, TN; Mr. and Mrs. March 20-25 Seminar in Dan K. Shappard, Bartlett, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Mark Brewer, Brentwood, TN; Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Duncan, Brentwood, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Stanley C. Knott, Congregation Shepherding and Brentwood, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Bernard L. Lee, Chattanooga, TN; George M. Rawlins, III, Clarksville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Steve A. Burford, Collierville, TN; Mr. Leadership. Harding School of Theology, and Mrs. Leon B. Sanderson, Collierville, TN; Mr. Tim Anderson, Columbia, TN; Miss Betty Derryberry, Columbia, TN; Mr. and Mrs. John Simmons, Columbia, Memphis, Tenn. Contact (901) 432-7724. TN; Mr. and Mrs. Bill W. Flatt, Cookeville, TN; Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Keys, Cookeville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Mike McBride, Cordova, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Shanklin, Cordova, TN; Mr. Robert S. Straw, Cordova, TN; Mrs. Sharon Barnhill, Franklin, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Roe, Franklin, TN; Mr. and Mrs. O’Neal March 21-24 The Tulsa Workshop. Huffines, Gainesboro, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Ferrell Haile, Gallatin, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Barry Chapman, Germantown, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Metcalf, Goodlettsville, Tulsa, Okla., EXPO Center. Contact tulsa- TN; Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Lyle, Hendersonville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry W. Stewart, Hermitage, TN; Gale L. Hearn, Lebanon, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Bryant, workshop.org. Louisville, TN; Miss Barbara A. Bradley, Madison, TN; Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Elliott, Madison, TN; Mr. and Mrs. James A. Dillon Jr., McMinnville, TN; Mr. Ernest April 6-8 Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes W. Green, Memphis, TN; Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Vermillion, Murfreesboro, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Weaver, Murfreesboro, TN; Mr. Pete Barnes, Nashville, TN; National Convention. For cities and more Mrs. John W. Beckloff, Nashville, TNl Ms. Sue Bonner, Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Castleman, Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. C. Oakley, Christian, Nashville, TN; Mrs. Maxine Hunter, Nashville, TN; Roy and Mary Lou Jackson, Nashville, TN; Mr. George R. McIntosh, Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Phelps, information, see www.lads-to-leaders.org. Nashville, TN; Mr. and Mrs. James J. Nash, Norris, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Don McAlister, Old Hickory, TN; Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Miller Jr., Paris, TN; Mr. and Mrs. April 15-18 Crowley’s Ridge College Thomas Tryggestad, Spring Hill, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Venton E. Beach, Tullahoma, TN; Mr. and Mrs. Carthon Campbell, Woodbury, TN; Ms. Dorothy Miller, 12th Annual Bible Lectureship. Woodbury, TN; Dr. Douglas A. Foster, Abilene, TX; Bob and Shirley Hunter, Abilene, TX; Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Montrose, Abilene, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Crowley’s Ridge College, Paragould, Ark. Nelson, Abilene, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Roy R. Parks, Abilene, TX; Ms. Earline Perry, Abilene, TX; Nelda D. Roberson, Abilene, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Dick C. Johnston, “Psalms: The Songbook of Israel.” Contact Alice, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Lester M. Balcom, Allen, TX; Mrs. Louise M. Gray, Amarillo, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Billy D. Womack, Anson, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Davey R. crc.edu. Jones, Arlington, TX; Mrs. Maxine A. Sickles, Arlington, TX; Ms. Mary Nell Kemper, Austin, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn E. Organ, Bay City, TX; Mr. and Mrs. John M. Murphy, Burleson, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Julian K. Peel, Canton, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Burgess, Cedar Creek, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Don C. Bottoms, Cedar April 22 Centennial Homecoming for Hill, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Ronny K. Geddie, Cedar Hill, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Gary L. Wagner, Cedar Park, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Evans Jr., Celina, TX; Mr. Bill the Everman Church of Christ. Everman, Waldron, Centerville, TX; Ms. Joyce Allen, Channelview, TX; Bill and Barbara Brandt, Childress, TX; Dr. and Mrs. John C. Bailey, Colleyville, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Texas. Contact (817) 478-5122 or leopit- John C. Meredith, Conroe, TX; Clarence T. Baker, Dallas, TX; Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Burton, Dallas, TX; Mr. and Mrs. James E. Griffin, Dallas, TX; Mr. and Mrs. [email protected]. B. G. Harrison, Dallas, TX; Kelly and Jay Lawrence, Dallas, TX; Mrs. Imogene B. Hutchinson, Del Rio, TX; Dr. and Mrs. L. G. Taylor, Del Rio, TX; Ms. Nellie H. April 29 50th Anniversary Celebration Saringer, Denton, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Chant, Eden, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Josh W. Davis Sr., Fort Worth, TX; Ms. Shelia L. Dawson, Fort Worth, TX; Mr. and Mrs. James R. Keyes, Fort Worth, TX; Ms. Sylvia L. Rhoden, Friendswood, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bandy, Friona, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Robins, Fritch, TX; of the Bear Valley Church of Christ. Bear Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Timpa, Garland, TX; Mrs. John C. Spencer Jr., Gilmer, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Raymond B. Rice, Granbury, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dreher Valley church, . Contact kl.watson@ Jr., Grapeland, TX; Bobbie J. Rachel, Greenville, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Gibson, Groesbeck, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Davidson, Hamilton, TX; Laverne Clemons, hotmail.com Houston, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Garrett, Houston, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Hilton Merritt, Houston, TX; Mr. and Mrs. John O. Norsworthy, Houston, TX; C. Elaine May 6 WindSong Church of Christ Pate, Houston, TX; Mr. and Mrs. J. Ray Scott, Houston, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Price, Huntsville, TX; Mr. and Mrs. John Fredrick Sr., Irving, TX; Mr. Stephen Centennial Celebration. North Little Hillier, Irving, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Poe, Katy, TX; Dr. Lawrence R. Smith, Kerrville, TX; Ms. Anita T. Frazier, Kingwood, TX; Mrs. Maxine H. Placke, La Rock, Ark. Contact windsongchurch.org. Grange, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Rick Roe, Lakeway, TX; Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Chenault, Lubbock, TX; Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Rhodes, Lubbock, TX; Ms. LaVerne B. Thomas, McKinney, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. McClendon, Mesquite, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Cornett, Midland, TX; Mr. and Mrs. James E. Eakin, Midland, May 16-20 Camp College. Camp TX; Ms. LaVerne Foster, Midland, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Willie A. Goudeau, Midland, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Harold R. Harris, Midland, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Jimmie L. Manatawny, Douglassville, Pa. Contact Britt, Missouri City, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Giffin Sr., Missouri City, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Liniel Click, Mullin, TX; Don and Melba Dolezalek, Nash, TX; Ms. www. manatawny.org/campcollege.htm. Elizabeth R. Guarnere, Nederland, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Karl Southward, Nemo, TX; Mrs. Mary N. Gold, Odessa, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lowe, Palestine, TX; Mr. May 17-19 23rd Annual Area-Wide and Mrs. Richard L. Peace, Paris, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Balch, Pasadena, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hasty, Pasadena, TX; Ron and Raylene Cozort, Pottsboro, Men’s Retreat. “Rise Up.” C-N Camp, TX; Mr. Duane B. Verner, Richardson, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Oliver R. Spiller, Rockwall, TX; Frances M. Straughan, Rockwall, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Mart Buchanan, San Angelo, TX; Maj. and Mrs. Paul R. White, San Angelo, TX; Margaret Reaves, San Antonio, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert A. Smith, San Antonio, TX; Mr. and Augusta, Mont. Contact alfredfamily@ Mrs. Richard I. Taylor, San Antonio, TX; Ms. Rudine G. Vickery, San Antonio, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Baker, Scroggins, TX; Dr. and Mrs. Terry W. Nelson, hotmail.com Shallowater, TX; Dr. and Mrs. Charles E. Graham, Southmayd TX, Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Miller, Spring, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Sutphen, Spring, TX; Mr. June 28-July 1 Spiritual Growth and Mrs. Clint Stamper, Stephenville, TX; Mr. Benny Handley, Tahoka, TX; Mrs. Durward Boggs, Waco, TX; Mr. and Mrs. James B. Smith, Waller, TX; Mr. and Workshop. “Not Ashamed.” Rosen Centre Mrs. H. Larry Royal, Weatherford, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Dale G. Brown, Wharton, TX; Mr. David A. Kimbell, Wichita Falls, TX; Mrs. W. P. Patterson, Wichita Falls, Hotel, Orlando, Fla. Contact www.spiritual- TX; Mr. and Mrs. W. Eugene Thilsted, Wylie, TX; Mr. and Mrs. Harry R. Fox Jr., Orem, UT; Mr. and Mrs. William J. Baker, Riverton, UT; Ms. Rose M. Paden, growthworkshop.com Colonial Heights, VA; Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Gabbard, Salem, VA; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon A. Rampy, Warrenton, VA; Mr. and Mrs. Worley B. King, Waynesboro, VA; Mr. and Mrs. Todd W. Coulter, Bellevue, WA; Mr. and Mrs. David S. Latham, Port Orchard, WA; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel M. Grow, Spokane Valley, WA; Mr. and June 29-July 1 Houston-Gulf Coast Mrs. Ralph D. Bever, Vancouver, WA; Mrs. Flowayne Drew, Vancouver, WA; Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Lawson, Wenatchee, WA; Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bringman, Women of Wisdom Conference. Barron, WI; Mr. and Mrs. Michael Peters, Madison, WI; Mr. and Ms. Troy D. Jensen, Sussex, WI; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Franklin, Amherstdale, WV; Mr. and Mrs. “Metamorphosis: Emerging, Improving, Chuck Greiner, Parkersburg, WV; Miss Nancy L. Warner, Vienna, WV; John W. Brakebill, Weirton, WV; and many generous Anonymous Donors. and Unleashing for God’s Purpose.” Westin Houston-Memorial City. Contact www. Become a Keeper! Call (405) 425-5070 wowc2012.com. or e-mail [email protected] Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012

editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins Our non-denominational legacy lives t’s hard to hear, standing in Christian Chronicle’s blog. Some was that we were about 100 a sea of teenage Christians readers said that churches’ strict years ahead of our time. spanning as far as the eye adherence to doctrinal issues The idea of simple, Bible- can see. But it’s easy to be has cost them members. based Christianity is gaining encouraged. “I am almost certain that we momentum in the 21st century IMore than 12,000 Christian have loved Scriptures — over — especially among young teens and sponsors packed the people in the pews — to a Christians. quaint, tiny Gatlinburg, Tenn., fault,” wrote Dave Bendickson, Perhaps it is part of our for this year’s Winterfest, the who ministered for Churches of legacy for the religious world. mother of all youth rallies. Christ for 30 years and now lives We should rejoice. One weekend later, about 9,000 in Iowa. “Evangelism is talked As we consider the future more came for the Challenge about but never experienced. — and whether or not the Youth Conference, also associ- ... In continually defending our non-denominational churches ated with Churches of Christ. doctrines, joy has been sucked of tomorrow will be called A few weekends before that, out of our people, and they have “Churches of Christ” — we about 5,000 rallied in Arlington, no story to share with others.” consider the blog comment Texas, Winterfest’s other venue. Other readers said that posted by Don Yelton, a That’s 26,000 youths and adult churches have catered too ministry leader in North leaders, coming together from much to their own members, Carolina and longtime friend of “We can help. We’re carpenter ants.” across the nation, joining their focusing on producing enter- the Chronicle. voices to worship our Father, taining worship and youth “Let’s listen to one another learning how they can better events instead of evangelism. and work to keep our fellow- TO OUR READERS serve him. Praise God! In truth, Churches of Christ ship together, but we should Our coverage of these youth are part of a larger trend among not think we have all the truth,” events stands in stark contrast religious groups in the U.S. Yelton said. “Only God has all to another story in this issue — Most established Christian the truth. Trying to be like Be in the know, on the blog the shrinking number of men, groups in America face declining Jesus — and all that means — is ave you visited The stories online now at www. women and children in the pews membership. more than enough to lead the Christian Chronicle’s christianchronicle.org/ of our congregations, as reported However, community churches, lost to Jesus.” Hnews blog lately? You’ll blog: in the latest edition of “Churches identified in statistical surveys Amen. find up-to-the-minute news • Five creative approaches of Christ in the United States.” as independent and non-denomi- While we lament those who and updates, plus videos by to community outreach In the past three years, national, are experiencing expo- have left our fellowship in the the Chronicle staff, church • Video: Arkansas minister Churches of Christ have lost nential growth. past three years, watching our ministries and secular news helps neighbors who ‘fall nearly as many adherents as Non-denominational? Didn’t teenagers carry on the pursuit outlets. You’ll also find through the cracks’ the combined attendance of the that term used to describe us? of simple, biblical Christianity personal accounts from • Stuck in the mud: The youth rallies. A wise church member once renews our faith. our reporters and our new rest of the Kenya story News of the decline gener- postulated that the biggest We see 26,000 reasons to be “Fabulous Five” feature. • Five links that just might ated a wave of comments on The problem of Churches of Christ optimistic about the future. Here are a few exclusive make you chuckle

Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] constitute endorsement by the edi- [email protected] tors, the staff, the Board of Trustees of Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Christian University. Circulation Manager: Lynda Sheehan discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or less www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments to The Christian Chronicle® is published Associate Editor: Joy McMillon the print or online editions are considered to be letters to monthly and is served by a national Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] the editor and may be published. Please include name, Board of Trustees that is charged with P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford city and state of residence, as well as home congregation. the responsibility for policy and Delivery: 2801 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] governance. All trustees, editors and Editor, President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon Administrative Assistant: Virginia Ware The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal staff are active members of the Churches of Christ. [email protected] [email protected] publication, but a newspaper with news and opinion Administrative Assistant: Tonya Patton content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. [email protected] reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. National, Partners news: [email protected] Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch • Dwain Chaffin Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad TO SUBSCRIBE: Advertising contains commercial messages from those Bill Davis • W. L. Fletcher III • Ralph Harvey • Emily Lemley International news, features: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Woody Loden Jr. • James Moore • Robert Oglesby Sr. Advertising Director: Tamie Ross e-mail [email protected] opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and Mike O’Neal • Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. advertising do not necessarily represent the views of or Harold Redd • Harry Risinger • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor APRIL 2012 opinion the christian chronicle 31 Extra! Walk-on role in controversial TV show letters Illegal immigration demonstrates the need for Christians to shine draws mixed responses Praise God for Bobby Lawson and his past summer, I was on the study is worth it, and wishing the musical That’s when another extra, Allison, his ministry to illegal immigrants break that the Highland Church of orphans I had planned on would show spoke up. She had heard that I was a and their families in the Chicago TChrist gives me. I knew I was going up. Then a couple of my new friends preacher and was intrigued by the fact area (Page 1, March). And praise to do a sermon series on minor charac- reminded me that this is background that I was doing this — particularly this God for Bobby Ross Jr., who wrote ters in the Bible, using the metaphor of work. You are there as furniture. You show. Allison had been married before, this powerful report. “extras.” So I decided to go to Hollywood are a blur; you won’t be getting a line, to a Jewish man. She was vilified by the Lawson’s work with two Catholic and try and be an extra in a movie. and you aren’t going to be in any scene Christian people whom she had grown up nuns in the service of “the least of You know, normal preacher stuff. directly. You are just there for ambiance. with. They saw her marriage as a mixed these” reminds me of another coura- After many attempts, I got into a Then the assistant director told us marriage, and instead of engaging her, geous Christian who also teamed up scene from what I thought that they needed five working- they kept her at arm’s length. with two Catholic nuns to selflessly was a new “Annie” movie with Views class guys to sit at the table Allison made the point that the show serve the victims — mainly black and Christian Bale. I was accepted that actress Leslie Bibb (from we were filming hit pretty close to home poor — of the Nashville cholera epi- to play a working class restau- “Taledega Nights,” “Zookeeper,” for her. She had been wounded by demic in the early 1870s. That coura- rant patron. “Law Abiding Citizen”) was church — and church people. When she geous Christian was . When I got to the Disney going to serve. thought about Christians, she thought Richard T. Hughes | Grantham, Pa. studios, I discovered that the I sank down in my seat and about the American Families Values film wasn’t a new “Annie,” hoped that five other guys Association, the very association that had How can we justify breaking the law featuring Christian Bale as would volunteer. But Derrick, a boycotted the show we were working on. in order to assist the poor? We can Daddy Warbucks. It was, guy I had just met, spoke up. Then she said, “I don’t know a lot and we do help others across borders, instead, a TV show called “Good Jonathan Storment “Here’s your fifth guy,” he about organized religion anymore, but and I think that is the best way to Christian Belles” that had said, pointing to me. “He’s I just want you to know I think it’s cool assist people from different countries. been booked by a friend as a favor to a working class.” that you are here doing this.” While many of us have jobs that woman named Annie. Next thing I know, I’m on a set that’s And after that, I did too. insulate us from the employment inse- It’s cool though. I can roll with the all smoke and mirrors. Inside, it felt I think Christians should be involved curities the poor feel, we are forget- punches. like an authentic Texas-style restau- in the entertainment industry — even ting that they are losing their jobs to I was sent to the basement, where they rant. If it weren’t for the hundreds of when we’re not in control of the story- illegals due to “under the table” wages were holding the extras. I learned that thousands of dollars worth of cameras line. Hollywood needs sincere Jesus- and jobs acquired with stolen Social the best way to start conversations with and the people walking around yelling followers, ones who aren’t judgmental Security numbers. them is to ask about what work they directions, you might have actually and pretentious. It needs people who Kenneth Morvant | Anna, Texas were the most proud of, what sets they thought that those understand that holi- enjoyed working on the most and to tell appetizers in front ‘I think Christians should be ness isn’t withdrawing Unfortunately, this is not an easy them that it was my first time ever to do of you were edible. from the world, but issue. Be that as it may, Deuteronomy this. People seemed to take me under We got our involved in the entertainment being different from it. is clear on how God expected Israel their wing and tell me their stories. instructions. Leslie industry — even when we’re There’s not enough to treat the foreigners and aliens. The problem came when they wanted Bibb would walk holiness in the world, Praise God for Bobby Lawson, who to hear mine. I guess most preachers over to our table, not in control of the storyline. but the Light has shined is striving to be faithful to Jesus! don’t do this in their off time — espe- and about halfway Hollywood needs sincere Jesus in the darkness — and K. Rex Butts | Columbia, Md. cially considering the show we were through the scene the darkness will not working on. we would start followers, ones who aren’t overcome it. That’s what We are Mexican-American since The assistant director informed us that chanting “Amanda, judgmental and pretentious.’ Jesus’ followers believe, birth, and we have seen and believe “Good Christian Belles” — even before Amanda!” One of us and the world could use both sides of the issue as we minis- a single episode had been shot — had would pay her money for us trying to live that out. ter to the Hispanic members of the been banned by the American Family our food and beverages. When the show premiers March 4 on church. Values Association. The show’s name has Then it got even more complicated. ABC, it will be controversial. It satiri- We believe in Romans 13 and also since been changed to “GCB” and the The producers thought I would be cally portrays some Christians as people believe in Jesus’ teachings on mercy previews insinuate that the “B” stands perfect to hand Amanda the money who are not genuine. But this show will after the disciples could have been for something much worse than “Belles.” and say a line, “Thanks and here you unknowingly begin its opening scene found guilty under the law. (Remember, I thought this was “Annie.”) go.” She would say, “Wow! Thank you!” with a preacher from a church in West Jesus said: “If you understand As more and more details came out, I Then the scene would go on, and Leslie Texas, sitting at a pretend bar, eating mercy, you would not condemn the learned that the scene we were shooting would have the main conversation pretend chicken wings and having innocent” (referring to the ones wasn’t in a restaurant but in a bar, one somewhere across the restaurant. subversive conversations that, hopefully, that indeed had broken the law of modeled after a restaurant that is famous After a few hours on the set, I had gave Jesus a better name. Moses). We always teach to do your for demeaning women and serving good come to grips with the reality of what best to follow the law of the land, but chicken wings — or so I’ve been told. was going on. I was sitting in the Jonathan Storment preaches for the Highland we know that there are some cases So I start wondering about whether holding area, daydreaming about worst- Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. He blogs at www. where we need to be merciful. this whole “method preaching” approach case scenarios. stormented.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Stormented. Elmer Pacheco | Silver Spring, Md. 32 the Christian chronicle reviews APRIL 2012 New Bible translations’ strengths also are weaknesses

By C. Michael Moss | FOR The Christian Chronicle a world-recognized New Testament scholar who ranslating the Bible into brings his study to the English is a never-ending task, translation. due to changes in the English Another new trans- language, scholars clarifying the lation is unfortunately use of Greek and Hebrew words flawed by its transla- Tand the discovery of new manuscripts. tors’ interpretations. The English-speaking world has been “The Voice Bible: blessed with many translations — all of Step into the Story of which have strengths and weaknesses. Scripture” began as a Recently, three new translations came project of Chris Seay, a on the market. One is “The Kingdom leader in the Emergent New Testament: A Contemporary Church movement. This Translation” by N.T. Wright. Wright, will cause many to ques- a respected New Testament scholar, tion the work. “The says of his translation, “I have taken a Voice: New Testament” particular view on point after point of and “The Voice: Psalms” interpretation, and my understanding were published in 2008 of the many controversial passages in and 2009. According to HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH the New Testament shows up, naturally this volume’s introduc- N.T. Wright. The Kingdom New The Voice Bible: Step into the Common English Bible. enough, in the translation as well.” tion, the translation team Testament: A Contemporary Story of Scripture. Nashville, Nashville, Tenn.: Common This both strengthens and weakens included an “award- Translation. New York: HarperOne, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson, 2012. English Bible, 2011. 1,264 pages, the translation. “The Kingdom New winning fiction writer, an 2011. 544 pages, $25.99. 1,760 pages, $39.99. $14.95 (softcover). Testament” often employs pleasing, acclaimed poet, a pastor, informal language, with some fresh Greek and Hebrew authorities and is rendered not LORD as it is in most “insulting the Spirit” (Matthew 12:31). word choices, which make for engaging biblical scholars.” modern translations, but “Eternal One.” “Insulting” is too weak. In 1 John, the reading. Unfortunately, its flaws should The beauty and difficulty with this “The Voice” has much in its favor but phrase pleasingly natural, “God’s seed,” prevent it from being one’s primary translation is in its formatting. Italics also some important weaknesses. The is replaced by the strangely scien- study Bible. are used for words not directly tied to real advantage of the translation is that tific “God’s DNA.” In the beatitudes, Perhaps the most troubling transla- a dynamic translation of the original it can easily be adapted for a dramatic “Blessed” is translated as “happy,” trivi- tions are due to Wright’s being a propo- language. These words or sentences presentation or skit — with minor alizing the term. “The poor in spirit” is nent of women’s ordination. On these supposedly contain information that changes due to translation concerns. rendered “hopeless,” which is not the occasions, his translation is not faithful would have been obvious to those origi- The third work, “The Common meaning of the expression. to the original text. nally addressed English Bible,” is a much more tradi- There are places where interpretive The most glaring The Bible: there’s an app for that in the Gospel or tional committee work, making a serious decisions do not even produce a nota- error is 1 Tim 2:11- Not since the invention of the printing letter. effort to use the language of the people. tion. In Romans 3:25, the Common 15. While verse 11 press has the Bible been so suddenly Outlined boxes The group that sponsored this trans- English Bible tells us that Christ’s sacri- should read “Let a prolific. The Christian Chronicle asked delineate mate- lation and publication effort is a collab- fice is “through his faithfulness,” rather woman learn quietly readers to recommend their favorite rial that expands oration of the Disciples of Christ, than “to be received by faith,” as the with submissive- Bible software and mobile apps. See on the theme, Presbyterian Church, Episcopal English Standard Version reads. Christ ness,” Wright trans- their list of recommendations online at not taken directly Church, United Church of Christ and made the sacrifice, but we must accept lates it thus: “They www.christianchronicle.org/blog. from the orig- the United Methodist Church. it, and this verse omits that life-saving must study undis- inal language. A It is written on a seventh-grade truth. Thus, this translation can offer turbed, in full submission to God.” screenplay format is used for dialogue, reading level. (In comparison, the New insights into certain denominations’ In verse 12, the text should read, “I perhaps inspiring readers to imagine Revised Standard Version is written faulty views of important texts. do not permit a woman to teach or to the characters’ voices and actions. on an 11th grade level.) Four years in As a whole, however, the Common exercise authority over a man; rather, There are some unusual translation the making, the Religion Newswriters English Bible is a serviceable transla- she is to remain quiet.” Here Wright decisions made here. In John 1, Jesus is Association named its release one of the tion as long as one is aware of its weak- does not even paraphrase — but radi- not the Word, but the Voice. Messiah/ top 10 stories of last year. nesses. One can easily read it alongside cally alters — the meaning: “I’m not Christ is rendered “Liberating King.” The Common English Bible avoids his English Standard Version or New saying that women should teach men, “Baptized” is rendered “ritually cleansed.” traditional language. John the Baptist American Standard Bible and find, at or try to dictate to them; rather they In the creation story, at the end of does not say, “Repent,” but “Change times, significant insights and simplifi- should be left undisturbed.” Genesis 1:2, the translation adds, “Then your hearts and lives” (Matthew 3:2). cation of the language. No matter one’s position, the translator there was the voice of God,” making “Son of Man” is translated as “Human must allow the text to speak for itself. a connection to John 1:1 where Word One,” and “Behold” as “Look.” C. Michael Moss is dean of the College of Nevertheless, if a reader keeps a is rendered “Voice.” This is a connec- Other attempts at so-called “common Biblical Studies and Behavioral Studies at Ohio Valley close eye out for these biases, this book tion one might make but is clearly not English” result in inaccurate language. University in Vienna, W.Va. He has taught Bible at the can be enlightening, as it is the work of in the text. In the Psalms, “Yahweh” “Blasphemy against the Spirit” becomes college level for nearly 30 years. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33

acu.edu

College of Arts and Sciences Relations and Comparative Politics, and a peace and social desirable. Excellent presentation, communication and justice minor. It hosts the Jack Pope Fellows Program, negotiation skills are essential, as well as a demonstrated ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 oversees the university’s criminal justice program and ability to manage organizational efficiency and change Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is actively engaged in ACU's new interdisciplinary Core in a team-oriented environment. Responsibilities include The Department of Agricultural and Environmental courses. Information about the department is available collaborating to enhance the outcomes of ACU faculty Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position at acu.edu/politicalscience. teaching and student learning through planning faculty as assistant professor of animal science. It is seeking College of Education and Human Services development opportunities; cultivating entrepreneurial a visionary animal scientist with the earned Ph.D., faculty initiatives; guiding faculty research on learning Ph.D. / D.V.M. or D.V.M. (from an AVMA-accredited Dr. Malesa Breeding, Dean theories and teaching practices; coordinating teaching institution with M.S. in animal sciences or closely related ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 innovation in relationship to educational technology by field). A master’s degree is required; a terminal degree or School of Social Work leading university planning for classroom and online ABD status is preferred. The successful candidate is expected The ACU School of Social Work invites applications for learning environments; identifying opportunities for to become an exceptional teacher who values mentoring a tenure-track position as assistant/associate professor of faculty innovation with teaching technologies; and and advising students, and is expected to engage in service social work beginning Fall 2012. Applicants should have an cultivating widespread and effective faculty use of mobile and scholarly activity with interest in continued growth and M.S.W. and an earned doctorate in social work or related devices in the classroom, partly through development of enhancement of the department’s participation in ACU’s field. A Ph.D. or related doctoral degree is preferred, but the mobile-learning fellows program. The director also undergraduate research program. Information about the applicants who are ABD will be considered. Responsibilities will provide vision and leadership in course development, department is available at acu.edu/agenv. include teaching social work courses at both the B.S.S.W. instructional design, and learning assessment for Music and M.S.S.W. levels, pursuing scholarly research, and undergraduate and graduate online teaching by overseeing The Department of Music invites applications for performing service for the university, profession and the work of the Adams Center’s instructional design team, the position of department chair beginning June 1, 2012. community. Applicants should have experience in diverse promoting collaboration among academic and operational Applicants should have a doctorate in music (D.M.A. areas of social work practice, be able to teach across the leaders to develop online programs, and providing or Ph.D.) with demonstrated significant achievement curriculum, and engage the broader community in which leadership in the application of new media and online in an academic or performance discipline that would the school partners. Information about the school is learning to hybrid, on-campus instruction at ACU. He/she qualify the applicant for appointment at the rank of available at acu.edu/socialwork. will have the opportunity to teach one course per semester associate professor or professor. An academic background in the academic department of his/her training. Library Services and Information about the Adams Center is available in music history and/or music theory is preferred, as well as Educational Technology previous administrative experience. The chair oversees all at acu.edu/adamscenter. operations of the department, including the management Dr. John B. Weaver, Dean of Library Services and of budgets, supervising and assigning teaching and Educational Technology In a letter to the appropriate dean, applicants non-teaching responsibilities of faculty and staff, faculty ACU Box 29208 Abilene, Texas 79699-9208 should address their qualifications for the position. and staff evaluations, curriculum and accreditation matters, Adams Center for Teaching and Learning They should include in the application a statement of and works with various campus offices (Admissions, Alumni ACU invites applications for a director to lead the how faith informs their teaching and/or administration; Relations, Advancement) to advance departmental and Adams Center for Teaching and Learning. Reporting to a discussion of their spiritual journey; a curriculum vita; university objectives. The chair will represent and be an the dean of library services and educational technology, transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; and advocate for the department within the university and this tenure-track faculty position is responsible for the names, addresses and phone numbers of five references. to the greater public, as well as promote a focused vision management of the Adams Center in order to fulfill its Review of applicants will begin immediately and mission to provide resources and services that empower for the department and its future. The position is divided continue until the position is filled. Nominations equally between administrative and teaching duties. faculty to meet the educational needs of learners at ACU. of and applications from qualified women and Information about the department is available A doctoral degree is required, preferably in education, minorities are especially encouraged. at acu.edu/music. instructional design, instructional technology, curriculum ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Political Science development or a related field; or, extensive professional experience in one of these fields, and a doctorate in an Churches of Christ. All applicants must be professing The Department of Political Science invites applications academic discipline taught at ACU. Applicants should have Christians and be active, faithful members of a for a tenure-track position as assistant professor of political at least five years of faculty teaching experience in higher congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply science beginning Fall 2012. Applicants should have a Ph.D. education, with management experience involving multiple committed to service in Christian higher education. (or have completed the Ph.D. by August 2012). Those from faculty or professional staff, and demonstrated expertise in The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian all areas of the discipline are invited to apply, and the learning theory and the application of best practices and service and leadership throughout the world. successful candidate must have a commitment to teaching innovative technologies to teaching in university learning ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in in an undergraduate environment and demonstrated environments. Experience with instructional design for employment opportunities. potential for professional development and/or research online courses is strongly preferred. Successful experience activities. Political science is a dynamic department with with academic publication and not-for-profit fundraising is a strong pre-law program, Certificate in International

110324-0412 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION APRIL 2012 More than a history lesson, communion is a deeply personal experience with Jesus

am really thankful that I grew up in and all our being, we must recognize churches that observed the Lord’s the body, blood and divinity of Jesus. ISupper every Sunday. Paul’s instructions to the Corinthians I admit that, on some Sundays, I am should be on our minds as we go not fully engaged in the mental and through every communion service. We spiritual demands of communion, but are proclaiming the Lord’s death until most Sundays my life is renewed by that he comes, and “whoever important remembrance — and renewal Insight eats the bread or drinks strengthens my spiritual grounding. the cup of the Lord in I frequently complain that we rush an unworthy manner through the process so rapidly that its will be guilty of sinning importance to our spiritual lives has against the body and little impact. blood of the Lord.” (1 We all know the events of that evening Corinthians 11:27) when Jesus celebrates the last Passover When we share with his apostles. Communion services communion as a time often begin with the reading of these of self-examination, we events from the Gospels. Paul’s direc- Bailey McBride are forced to measure Kentucky tions to the Corinthian church also effec- ourselves against the tively introduce communion. At times ideal of Jesus Christ. Such an examina- Louisiana the person leading the service will read tion always makes me humble: I have Maine an account of the crucifixion. I have even far too many weaknesses and failures to heard the leader of communion retell have been on this path for so long. Maryland the story of the first Passover in Egypt, Some people refrain from communion when the children of Israel prepared to because of their sin, but our sin only Massachusetts leave slavery. They killed the lamb for proves how much we need the spiri- their meal and marked their door posts tual nourishment that comes through Michigan and lintels with the lamb’s blood. our communing with God. Thoughtful The intimacy of the last Passover meal self-examination helps us see our needs Minnesota Jesus shares with the Apostles, espe- and our weaknesses more clearly. We Mississippi cially in John’s account (chapters 13 come away from such an activity with through 17), reveals the timeless love a greater awareness of what we must Jesus has for the disciples and future do to draw closer to God. The Christ followers. The crucifixion accounts becomes our strength as we deal with We are drawn here from every state. powerfully communicate the gore and human frailties and progress to a new the suffering Jesus endured to bring stage of spiritual devotion. Harding University students come from all 50 states — and grace and redemption to mankind. Recognizing the body of the Lord from more than 50 different nations. We understand that Although the bloody, beaten body becomes our challenge because Paul a well-rounded education includes a global perspective. nailed to the cross evokes pity and warns that if we do not recognize the That’s why nearly half of our graduates have participated in compassion, the bloody Christ touches body of the Lord, we bring judgment a study-abroad experience at one of our seven international the heart for a limited time. Eventually on ourselves. He equates that judg- the participants in the Communion ment with discipline, making it clear campuses in Australia, , England, Greece, France, Italy must develop a deeper understanding this is part of learning to see ourselves and Zambia. And while these locations may sound exotic to of Christ’s death and how the church always in a relationship with Jesus. But some, many of our students are right at home there. shares in this special remembrance to we also have to remember that Paul bind us together as the Body of Christ. has compared the church to the body The history of the Passover meal, of Christ. Therefore, in communion we from the days of slavery, shows the recognize the crucified body of Christ consistency of God’s planning for the and we also recognize the group of spiritual redemption of the creation believers we are with as the body, the fashioned in his image. church, of the Lord. Faith, Learning and Living The communion meal must be more I want my communion and the church’s than the history of Jesus’ last Passover, communion to be a source of renewal Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 the bloody body on the cross or the and strength, for if we are not recog- Searcy, Arkansas symbol of historical Israel’s freedom nizing the body of Christ we are doomed from slavery. Our communion must be to be weak and sick, as Paul warns. a deeply personal experience with our Lord and Savior. With all our senses COntact [email protected]. APRIL 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35

Ask our graduates. (They’re your neighbors!) any people are convinced that only big-name secular universities can offer quality education that enables students Mto get good jobs. Do some investigating for yourself. Ask our graduates—who are successful leaders in business, medicine, law, education, communication, counseling, ministry and every other field—what kind of education they received from a Christian university.

hey’ll tell you they received an excellent education, equal to any college or university. But in addition, they also had professors Twho cared about them personally, who mentored and nurtured them. But the best part is, research has shown that our graduates are more successful in family and spiritual life. We believe that any other education is just half an education. It’s time to challenge conventional wisdom. Consider Christian higher education, the true open mindedness.

Abilene Christian University Freed-Hardeman University Ohio Valley University Harding University Oklahoma Christian University Austin Graduate School of Theology Heritage Christian University Pepperdine University Crowley’s Ridge College Lipscomb University Southwestern Christian College Faulkner University Lubbock Christian University York College 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE APRIL 2012