Seed & Harvest TRINITY SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY SPRING/SUMMER 2020
ON THE COVER Trinity's Library houses a collection of rare Bibles, including these, written in Somali and Arabic. Read the full story on p.14.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 1 IN THIS ISSUE Seed & Harvest 3 From the Dean and President VOLUME 42 | NUMBER 2 5 A Shared Vision, A Gospel Partnership PRODUCTION STAFF 6 The Ministry of Hospitality [email protected] 7 New Life in an Old Church Executive Editor 8 Ministry Apprenticeship: Preparing Students The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III [email protected] to Serve Their Callings General Editor 10 Trinity News Mary Lou Harju [email protected] 12 Renewal Past and Present Editing 13 Trinity and the Renewal Movement Deanna Hall 14 Trinity Library Houses Rare Collection Layout and Design Alexandra Morra 15 New Wineskins Mission Conference: A Call to Pray 16 Summer InterTerm 2020 SOLI DEO GLORIA 18 In Recognition 21 Trinity Travels 22 In Memoriam 23 A World Well Lost 24 Using Technology to Find the One Thing Necessary 25 Trinity: A Community of Formation 26 Money Follows Ministry 27 Good Giving Starts With a Good Plan Dean and President The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III 28 Alumni News [email protected]
30 From Our Bookshelf Academic Dean Dr. Erika Moore Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from [email protected] The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright Dean of Administration © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Stacey Williard Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. [email protected] Dean of Students and Proofreading by: the Rev. Geoffrey Mackey, Kim Spencer, Director of Alumni Relations Mary W. Thompson, Dr. Leslie Thyberg, and Debra Yarger, The Rev. Geoffrey Mackey using The SBL Handbook of Style, The Chicago Manual of [email protected] Style, and the Trinity School for Ministry Style Guide.
VISION STATEMENT Seed & Harvest is published biannually by Trinity School for Ministry, www.tsm.edu. Free subscriptions are available Trinity School for Ministry is an evangelical seminary in the through Trinity’s Development Office. Quantity orders of Anglican tradition. In this fractured world, we desire to be a Seed & Harvest are usually available upon request. Reprint global center for Christian formation, producing outstanding permission: Where copyright is stated, you must contact the copyright holder. In most cases, Trinity will grant per- leaders who can plant, renew, and grow churches that make mission to reprint items published here provided that they disciples of Jesus Christ. are reprinted in their entirety, credit is given to the author and to Seed & Harvest, Trinity’s web address and tele- phone number are included, and a copy of your publica- To this end we are forming Christian leaders for mission. tion is sent to the Communications Department at Trinity. All contents ©2020. 2 SEED & HARVEST From the Dean and President In this fractured world, we desire to be a global center for Christian formation, producing outstanding leaders who can plant, renew, and grow churches that make disciples of Jesus Christ.
TRINITY SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY VISION STATEMENT
The Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III Dean and President
At Trinity School for Ministry, we have always been committed to three aspects of mission and ministry. Dear Trinity Family, The first aspect addresses that which is new and has never been done before, namely the planting of new At the time of publication of this issue of Seed and churches. We form leaders who can start new work Harvest, our lives have been turned upside down by the and create a ministry where there had not been one COVID-19 pandemic. We have had to quickly identify previously. Perhaps an obvious example of new church how to work, teach, learn, play, and pray in new ways. planting is the account of Peter at Caesarea in We did not have time to rewrite this whole issue, and we Acts 10. God spoke to Cornelius, the Roman centurion, hope you will understand that we continued with the in a vision and told him to invite Peter to his house planned edition. You will see, though, that our honoring to teach. Cornelius invites friends and relatives to of our seniors this year and our June InterTerm offerings hear Peter. Peter, in the meantime, had been given his had to be addressed differently in response to the stay-at- own vision pointing him to start a church among the home orders from our governor. Gentiles, whereas prior to that moment he had been focused on Jews exclusively. When the Holy Spirit fell, We at Trinity are praying for good health, strength, and both Cornelius and Peter had been instrumental in the peace for you and your families. We are grieving the Spirit’s establishing of new work; they were church death of the police chief in Ambridge, a good friend of the planters. School's, from COVID-19. We pray for family members of faculty, staff, and students who have been hospitalized The third aspect of our vision is to recruit and train or have symptoms. We ask that you keep us in your leaders who grow churches. The assumption here is prayers as well, as through this, we continue to pursue that a local church is fundamentally healthy but in need of the energizing teaching of Holy Scripture, our mission for God’s kingdom. the breaking of bread, and the empowering life of prayer and worship to continue its path to maturity. A robustly growing church seeks to present everyone as “mature in Christ” (Col 1:28) so that “all attain to the I stared at the front seat of my Jeep. Many years of unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, wear and tear had left the leather and vinyl looking to mature manhood…” (Eph 4:13). The leaders who are dry, cracked, and worn. Just as I began wondering being trained at Trinity are being equipped to help if it was time to replace my vehicle, the attendant healthy and robust churches through strong pastoral at the service station handed me a small bottle. He leadership, effective worship planning, and thoughtful encouraged me to pour it onto the upholstery and rub biblical teaching and preaching. Our graduates will it in. I did so obediently but inwardly wondered why be filling pulpits that will be left vacant due to future I was bothering. The results were immediate, and I retirements. found myself enjoying seats that looked shiny and felt almost brand new. ...continued SPRING/SUMMER 2020 3 Were you just about to pick up the phone to tell me I Renewal in its best sense is not simply an emotional or skipped over the second key aspect? Fear not. It is this subjective experience. My definition of renewal, shaped by second component of mission and ministry to which lived experience, is this: the release of the Holy Spirit in I seek to draw our attention in this edition ofSeed & such a way as to awaken and empower the mission of God Harvest. What is renewal and why do we seek it? In in the people of God through a fresh love for God’s word, the 1970s, many of us assumed that there were enough a revitalized passion for Jesus Christ, and fresh energy to churches available, but the challenge resided in the fact serve him in a lost world. that congregations had lost their life, vitality, and sense of divine purpose. These congregations had lost sight In closing, I want to share with you an important example of the “word of the cross [that] is folly to those who of renewal at Trinity School for Ministry. A local pastor are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the approached me and shared that her congregation wanted power of God” (1 Cor 1:18). In those days we saw many to sell their church building. The fellowship of some 30 congregations come alive as the fresh outpouring of the people simply didn’t need a space that could hold 10 times Holy Spirit enlivened and reinvigorated congregations that many people. The congregation was willing to sell that had been at the point of death. at a very modest price, as long as the building could be used for ministry rather than commercial purposes. In the In this issue, Dr. Stephen Noll and Dr. William Witt share days that followed I, along with several Board members, some of their reflections looking back upon this era where alternately agonized and prayed over what to do. In the so many churches and individuals grew excited about the midst of this process, I found my prayer list from 2012 renewing work of the Spirit. I was personally touched by and suddenly realized that this church answered all seven many of these leaders who saw new love for Christ and criteria for what I had been praying for Trinity. I also his mission flourish. realized that the church had the infinite potential for the seminary’s efforts to train students both locally and from One of my friends and mentors was the Rev. Terry Fullam, afar. In so many ways, this was a renewal project that who assumed the mantle of leadership in the Connecticut would help us grow into our identity as a global center for suburb of Darien. Under his teaching, we saw the church Christian formation. explode beyond its walls and pack a school gymnasium, the only local space large enough to house the I hope you will join this chapter of renewal for Trinity reinvigorated throng of worshippers on Sunday morning. as we soon launch and minister through an ambitious That community reached out to hundreds of churches, comprehensive campaign to seek philanthropic resources asking them to invite the Spirit to renew and transform not only to renew this historic new worship space, but them as well. I was shaped by these leaders who were to empower lives locally, abroad, and online through eager to see a generation open their hearts and minds to scholarships to study and be formed as Christian leaders what God might be doing in the church. One personal who will renew the church of God. Like that old Jeep of memory was a dramatic moment on an airplane when I mine, the leather looks like new! was sitting next to a nun named Sister Briege McKenna in 1973. Halfway through the flight she arose, laid her hands O God, renew the face of the earth. Amen! on my head, started speaking in tongues, and prophesied over me. The flight attendants kept walking by, wondering In Christ, (sometimes aloud!) if I needed help. Sister Briege declared, “You will become a leader of an institution which will recruit and train many young people to know and serve the Lord.” I never quite knew what to do with that promise until Trinity’s Board Chair asked me to assume the role of Dean and President in 2016. It suddenly made sense to me, 43 years later.
"My definition of renewal, shaped by lived experience, is this: the release of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to awaken and empower the mission of God in the people of God through a fresh love for God’s word, a revitalized passion for Jesus Christ, and fresh energy to serve him in a lost world."
THE VERY REV. DR. HENRY L. THOMPSON III
4 SEED & HARVEST TRINITY AND ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH A Shared Vision, A Gospel Partnership By Shannon Sims (MAR 2019)
rinity’s partnership with St. Stephen’s Church in Having grown up Southern Baptist, Clint knew the Tnearby Sewickley, PA began more than 40 years ago centrality of Scripture to Christian life. However, at when a parishioner there generously donated funds to Trinity, Clint “first caught the beauty of approaching help start the seminary. Since then, our relationship has Scripture through the lens of biblical theology, that all of continued, and the church has long-served as the site of Scripture has its focus in the person and work of Jesus our baccalaureate and commencement services. Christ.” This theological lens, he said, “has shaped not only my ministry, but also shaped my relationship with the This year, St. Stephen’s welcomed Lord, and my love for his word.” Trinity alumnus, the Rev. Clint Kerley (MDiv 2004), as its new rector. Clint thinks perhaps he was most formed at Trinity by The son and grandson of Baptist the relationships he developed. “While in Ambridge, I pastors, Clint was drawn to Christ met life-long friends and colleagues in ministry who still at an early age. While at Wheaton shape who I am as a pastor, husband, and father. Though College, Clint was attracted to “the some friends are in The Episcopal Church and some in the reverence, the mystery of holiness, the historic liturgy, Anglican Church in North America, our common bond is and the sacraments” of Anglicanism, which, in his words, a commitment to Scripture and faithfully living out the captured his heart. gospel in whatever context God has called us.”
As a Trinity student, Clint said that he was immersed As the rector at St. Stephen’s, Clint is excited by “the in Anglicanism through his classes, his relationships proximity to Trinity and the possibility of strengthening with students and professors, and his mentored ministry the partnership that has existed from Trinity’s founding, internship. Clint remembers what it was like to "experience as we work together to raise up the next generation of the breadth of Anglicanism by meeting brothers and Anglican leaders.” As Clint sees it, “if Anglicanism is sisters from around the world who were part of the going to have an impact on the world for Christ, we must Anglican family.” One of the joys of being at Trinity, he equip men and women who are assured of their identity said, was “the opportunity to get to know people from in Christ, confident in their gifts and calling, and trained different backgrounds, denominations, and cultures, and well to fulfill their call. Working in close partnership is learn from one another as we pursued Christ and our one way to ensure Anglicanism will thrive as a means for calling together.” the world to know the life-changing hope of the gospel through strong churches led by mature, well-trained men and women who love Jesus.”
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 5 The Ministry of Hospitality: Renewal in a Beaver County Community
By Mary Lou Harju, Director of Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations
Trinity alumna, Rebecca Matsco (MAR 2012), serves as chair of the Potter Township Board of Supervisors in Beaver County, PA, where Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) is developing a petrochemicals complex. Rebecca’s background is in ministry programming and non-profit management. A native of southern Michigan, she has lived in Pennsylvania for 30 years.
TRINITY: Tell me why you chose those things came at the same time. REBECCA: Working with Shell, with Trinity, and about your experience God put me in an environment of those posing environmental concerns, here. humility and learning, while I was and with residents of the region to undertaking something that could intentionally find peace with others REBECCA: I was working in a have bent very easily towards power who have a different viewpoint has ministry environment but wasn't dynamics. The renewal of that period again been very humbling, very hard, sure that my call was to ordination. in my life was of myself; it was a but really sweet because we have to Instead, I had this thirst and renovation of my person. Trinity took get to a place where we are agreeing hunger for more of God and his me to that in a way that might not to stay in relationship with one Word. Trinity’s flexible educational have happened in any other place. another when we disagree. It feels environment [between residential and like a very covenant process. We are online classes] fit the demands of my When I graduated in 2012, Shell was coming from different places, with all life. Being Presbyterian, I’m so glad on our doorstep and, in God’s timing, of our gifts and brokenness, and we that I came to a seminary that wasn’t I was being set free from studies to admit together that we want what is just like me. It was encouraging to attend to something that was going good for one another. my growth. to change me, and change the region. There was something unique at I began developing something at Attending chapel was awesome. Trinity that I did not experience in Trinity that drives me forward in It set the tone for each day at the Christian world at large at that community: What I call the theology Trinity. My professors made all time, and that was acceptance, of hospitality. For me, working in the difference in my Trinity life by support, and encouragement for community is homemaking on a demonstrating godly living beyond this political work; an understanding grand scale. What does it mean to the walls of academia. [It] was that this also is ministry. This is make a home when that home is more certainly formational. life in Christ. than my own four walls? Notions of hospitality have probably been the TRINITY: How did Trinity prepare TRINITY: How have you developed, thing that has changed our behavior you for the work you do today? restored, and sustained relationships in Potter Township. We are able to in your community as you’ve worked see our own place as someplace REBECCA: I was elected to political with Shell in their development special: to take responsibility for it office during my first semester at process? and to open it to others. We invited Trinity. It was certainly ordained that the conflict that came with being hospitable to all points of view and even welcomed a multi-national corporation with trust in knowing who we are.
Rebecca Matsco, standing in front of Trinity’s mural in the Academic Building. She feels it portrays the wash of wisdom that was passed down to her in the classroom. 6 SEED & HARVEST NEW LIFE in an Old Church By the Rev. Carolyn Poteet (DMin Student) Lead Pastor at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical Presbyterian Church
ow do you revitalize a church? A whole lot of prayer “Do not despise the day of small beginnings” (Zech 4:10 Hand a whole lot of listening. NLT)! The night is full of fun activities for elementary school kids, like dodgeball, minute-to-win-it games, and When I was called to serve at Mt. Lebanon Evangelical a Bible message. We found that so many children were Presbyterian Church (MLEPC) near Pittsburgh, PA in the asking questions during the Bible message that we opened summer of 2017, the church had been shrinking for several a new activity for them which we lovingly call “Stump the decades. What used to be the largest United Presbyterian Pastor.” My favorite moment is when a child asks when Church in the largest United Presbyterian presbytery was God was born. Infinity blows their minds every time. now a much smaller, but still faithful congregation in an enormous and aging building. As Fired Up Friday has grown, we realized that while we were reaching kids, they had a much better chance of As we began the revitalization process, we listened and growing in faith if we reached their parents, too. A year prayed constantly. We conducted interviews with dozens ago, we launched Family Fired Up Friday, for parents with of leaders and congregants, and we asked what they saw kids of all ages. This smaller outreach has given us more as strengths and weaknesses within the congregation, and time to build relationships with parents. Out of these opportunities and threats outside our walls. People saw relationships, we have been able to start a small group for us as biblically faithful, as well as effective in reaching parents, and we are seeing incredible spiritual growth in children, but we were too busy and fragmented. Though people who had never even owned a Bible before. we were having to compete against bigger suburban churches with far bigger parking lots, we discovered our We at MLEPC have a long way to go. Revitalization is a greatest opportunity was also the fastest growing marathon, not a sprint. It is different in every community demographic in our community—elementary school and every congregation, but one thing always remains the children. same: our God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine. One of the revitalization coaches from our presbytery frequently reminded us, “It is not that your church has a mission, it is that God’s mission has a church.” Once we compiled all of our data and prayed and listened more, it became clear which part of God’s mission he was giving to our church. Children needed to hear about Jesus, and we were good at ministering to children. Our new focus became reaching kids and their families for Jesus.
The springboard for this new focus has been a monthly ministry called Fired Up Friday. Our children’s minister started it because she saw one little girl in the church who didn’t have friends. She decided to have a fun evening for this girl and some other children to play and hear about Jesus. Thirteen children came to that first evening's event, Fired Up Friday is packed with activities, and also includes a Bible twenty to the second, and our highest total has been 195. message.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 7 Ministry Apprenticeship: Preparing Students to Serve Their Callings By George Schrader (MDiv Student)
calling to Word and Sacrament ministry involves While each apprenticeship is as unique as the Adrawing upon many skills in the service of God’s individuals and ministries involved, apprenticeships kingdom, only some of which can be developed in an can be broadly sorted by the kinds of ministries in academic setting in three short years. The Ministry which the students serve. Most traditional is the parish Apprenticeship Program seeks to bridge the gap ministry. Under the guidance of a parish’s clerical between the classroom and the parish, and between leadership, students in parish apprenticeships are the theoretical and the practical. engaged in all of the missions of a congregation, from worship and teaching to counseling and ministering. Created in response to the diminishing capability of parishes and national churches to support in-depth Related to traditional parish ministry, but with a curacy programs, and remodeled with the input distinct set of opportunities and challenges, are and insight of churches facing the challenges of the apprenticeships focused on church planting. By twenty-first century, Trinity’s apprenticeship program joining in ministry with these dynamic congregations, places students directly amidst the challenges of actual students engage with what it means for a church to ministry. The goal is to equip each student with the grow, and find how it will serve the mission of God in skills and experience necessary to prepare them to do a new community. the church’s work in the world, while also allowing the Trinity community to be a blessing to the ministries Chaplaincy ministry looks outside of the worshipping the students serve. community to bring comfort to the suffering. By carrying the gospel directly to those who otherwise All students at Trinity seeking to graduate with a might not hear it, but nevertheless deeply in need of Master of Divinity degree must complete a ministry its call, students in chaplaincy experience a kind of apprenticeship, with a minimum of 120 hours working ministry quite different from what is seen on Sunday in the field. Before an apprenticeship is approved, a mornings in church buildings. student must be enrolled in a homiletics class, with some coursework in pastoral care encouraged. In addition to engaging in internships during the academic year, Trinity offers students the opportunity “Prior to moving into a ministry apprenticeship, to devote their summer to an intensive internship students do a lot of soul searching to get a clear sense experience. By allowing the students to become of their call, and to evaluate their skill set so that they fully immersed in the work of the church, a unique get maximum benefit from the program,” said the opportunity is afforded for development, growth, and Rev. Dr. Jack Gabig, associate professor of practical service to the host congregation. theology and director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. The learning process for those engaged in the work of the church lasts for a lifetime, both in the academic "It is a great joy to work with Jack and the upcoming and practical context. Through Trinity’s revitalized and leaders of the church whom God is sending to improved internship program, along with the exciting Trinity," said the Rev. Canon Karen Stevenson, and diverse work of our partners across the country, ministry apprenticeship administrator. "Ministry Trinity will continue in its mission to prepare men and apprenticeships offer students an invaluable women to serve their callings in Christ’s kingdom. opportunity to learn in a parish setting."
88 SEED & HARVEST PARISH MINISTRY:
Church of the Ascension Ministry Pittsburgh, PA Church of the Nativity Apprenticeship Pittsburgh, PA Grace Anglican Church Edgeworth, PA Prince of Peace Anglican Church Partners Aliquippa, PA St. Peter’s Church Pittsburgh, PA
SUMMER INTENSIVE MINISTRY:
Christ Church Plano, TX Church of the Resurrection Baltimore, MD
St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral Tallahassee, FL Servants of Christ Anglican Church Gainesville, FL
CHURCH PLANTING MINISTRY:
Church of the Savior Ambridge, PA Redeemer North Boroughs Pittsburgh, PA Shepherd’s Heart Pittsburgh, PA
CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM:
Heritage Valley Health System Sewickley and Beaver, PA Kairos Prison Ministries International serving prisons in western PA Shepherd’s Heart Pittsburgh, PA UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) serving hospitals and senior care centers in western PA SPRING/SUMMER 2020 99 TRINITY NEWS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE By Deanna Hall, Communications Assistant
Each member of the Trinity staff is deeply dedicated to upholding the mission of the School. Because of this, each uses his or her own unique, God-given talents to do so every day, in a variety of ways.
In January, Karen Getz, our long-serving dean of administration, retired from Trinity. “It has been a profound blessing and privilege to have been part of the Trinity community for the last 17 years. My prayer is for the Lord to continue to grow the impact of Trinity for the kingdom through the ministry of our dedicated students, faculty, staff, dean and president, and board of trustees,” Karen said. Please join us in wishing her a joyful retirement. Stacey Williard Stacey Williard, Trinity’s registrar, has been named as the new dean of administration, and is humbled by the opportunity to serve in a new capacity. "We have an extraordinary staff at Trinity. As dean of administration, I will strive to foster a work environment where the staff continually feels valued for their contributions to the overall mission of the School. We continue to thank the Lord for his provision, while we pray for new students and new donors to be made known to us," Stacey said.
Working closely with Stacey will be John McCoy, our newly appointed director of accounting. “I was very fortunate to have an excellent and patient tutor in Karen Getz,” McCoy said. “Now John McCoy that she has retired, I feel honored that Trinity has entrusted me with the responsibility of operating and maintaining the system with the help of our accounting staff.”
We are pleased to welcome Scott Koskoski as our new director of development. Scott said that he feels truly blessed to be a part of the Trinity community. “We want God to work through our donors,” he said, noting that one of his goals is to reinforce the authenticity and passion that Trinity has in fulfilling our mission. “I want our donors to also feel this passion, more actively participate in the life of the School, and become actual participants in our story.”
Scott Koskoski NALS NAMES NEW PRESIDENT The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) Executive Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, to call the Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen to serve as the next president of the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS). He will be replacing the Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin, who will continue to serve as a full-time faculty member at Trinity, teaching liturgy and homiletics. “I am so thankful for having been called to serve as the president of the NALS during these six years. When the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) began, we did not have a seminary. Now, not only do we have a seminary that is orthodox, confessional, and evangelical, we are flourishing in an ecumenical environment, and we have relationships with a variety of undergraduate schools that will create a ‘pipeline’ of students who will one day serve our NALC churches and mission outposts,” Amy said.
The Rev. Dr. Eric Riesen “The future of the NALC largely depends on pastoral formation. We need men and women who are well-equipped and prepared to engage the culture with the truth of the gospel,” Eric said. “My hope, my prayer, and my commitment is to make the North American Lutheran Seminary the finest Lutheran seminary in the country. I covet your prayers as this parish pastor learns what it means to serve the church by serving the seminary community.” Riesen received his Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in Fort Wayne, Master of Arts from Fuller Theological Seminary, Master of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary, and Doctor of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
10 SEED & HARVEST TRINITY NEWS MISSION CONFERENCE
At our annual Mission Conference last November, we had the opportunity to learn from several people who have ministered in a variety of mission settings. Our keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Michael Goheen, director of theological education at the Missional Training Center in Phoenix as well as professor of missional theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis. The conference included a dinner at which faculty, staff, students, and their families shared a variety of ethnic foods, while dressed in outfits The Rev. Dr. Michael Goheen representing different cultures.
NEW FOCUS in the STM Program! Starting in the 2020-2021 academic year, Trinity School for Ministry will be offering a new focus within the STM program: Anglican Studies Course offerings include: Anglican Ecumenical Documents History of Anglican Biblical Interpretation Non-Western Anglican Theology The Figural Hermeneutics of John Donne Anglican Missiology Contact our Academic Dean, Dr. Erika Moore, at [email protected] for more information.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 11 Faculty Page RENEWAL PAST AND PRESENT By Dr. William G. Witt Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics
hy renewal? Because the Chris- at a local evangelical liberal arts college. My evangelical Wtian church has been around upbringing gave me a spirituality that focused on a for over 2,000 years, renewal becomes personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a knowledge of necessary as each generation must and love for the Bible, and a way of responding to certain once again claim the faith for itself, types of worship. Hymns like “Amazing Grace” still move but also must address the changes me. and challenges of a surrounding cul- ture that may or may not be sympa- A second renewal movement took place during the thetic to the Christian gospel. As the twentieth century in the area of academic theology. The upcoming generation encounters the challenges of its own Reformed theologian Karl Barth introduced a Trinitarian culture, it has to be faithful not only to what has come and Christocentrist focus into systematic theology. In before, but also to address new challenges in new ways. biblical studies, the biblical theology movement corrected a one-sided emphasis on historical-critical readings with A renewal movement took place in the Episcopal demands for a theological reading of Scripture. Historical Church in the 1970s that had its roots in the charismatic theology brought fresh readings of significant theological movement that began in the 1960s, characterized by figures such as the church fathers, medieval theologians the experience in mainline Protestant denominations of like Anselm and Thomas Aquinas, and the Protestant charismatic gifts that earlier had been characteristic of Reformers. A liturgical renewal movement studied Pentecostalism. The renewal emphasized an experience of the history of worship, produced liturgical theologies the presence of the Holy Spirit in worship that had been influenced by the new developments in biblical, historical, lacking in mainline denominations. and systematic theology, and created new worship texts in mainline denominations. In the area of Christian ethics, This renewal movement has continued to have an there was a focus on the distinctively biblical foundations influence on the contemporary church. Many previous of ethics, as well as a rediscovery of virtue ethics. church leaders got their starts or came to faith then. Charismatic renewal had a significant effect on styles Some excellent faculty at the college I attended introduced of (contemporary) worship music. Within Anglican and me to what were then new areas of study for evangelicals, Episcopal circles, charismatics are regularly included as particularly in biblical theology, historical, and systematic one of the three streams of conservative Anglicanism theology. When I graduated, I was certain that my identified as not only evangelical and catholic, but now vocation to Christian ministry was a vocation to study also charismatic. and teach systematic theology, and to share what I learned as my own teachers had shared their knowledge with me. While this renewal movement of the 1970s played a significant role in bringing revitalization within the I came across the third area of renewal while studying mainline churches, it was only one of several renewal for my Master’s degree, when I read a series of essays movements of the previous century. In what follows, I will discussing “The Chicago Call” in a book entitledThe mention three other renewal movements, and how they Orthodox Evangelicals, edited by Donald Bloesch and led me to become an Anglican. Robert Webber. The “Call” was primarily for evangelicals to recover their “full Christian heritage,” not only in Contemporaneous with charismatic renewal was the Scripture and the Protestant Reformers, but also in the rise of Evangelicalism (as distinct from Fundamentalism) pre-Reformation church. Through my studies, I came to in denominations that were predominantly baptistic realize that I needed to belong to a church that was not or revivalist—born again Christianity. Evangelicalism only rooted in Scripture and the Protestant Reformation, likely reached its cultural high point when Newsweek but that understood itself in continuity with the pre- recognized the election of Jimmy Carter as president by Reformation church, was creedal, worshipped liturgically, designating 1976 as the “Year of the Evangelical.” and celebrated the Eucharist weekly. Shortly after, a friend of mine invited me to attend an evening Eucharist During my high school and college undergraduate years, at the local Episcopal cathedral. The bishop, William my family were members of an evangelical megachurch Frey, described himself as “evangelical,” “catholic,” and with a large youth group that became the center of my “charismatic.” He celebrated that evening in corduroys social circle. While other teenagers went to prom or and a turtle neck sweater, wearing a stole as his only played high school sports, I spent my time with my church liturgical garment. The handful of us present gathered in friends. It was through this youth group that I became a circle in the choir area of the cathedral, shared the host, convinced that I had a vocation to some kind of Christian and handed the chalice from one to another. (It was not a ministry, and I ended up doing my undergraduate studies typical service.) A year later, Bishop Frey confirmed me,
12 SEED & HARVEST and I had become what Robert Webber would describe on campus and in each other’s homes. They willingly join later as an “Evangelical on the Canterbury Trail.” A few in the worship and community of local churches, and take months after my confirmation, Bishop Frey moved to courses in church planting. Trinity’s students form deep Ambridge, PA, where he became the dean and president friendships with fellow students and faculty that continue of Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. I moved to South after they graduate. I have every reason to believe that Bend, IN, to study for my doctorate at the University of this current generation of students will be the leaders of Notre Dame. a new renewal movement in the church that may look somewhat different from the renewal movements of my It has been four decades since the charismatic and own generation, but I pray will be the needed missional evangelical renewal movements of the 1970s. I now teach response in the presence of a now increasingly secular and systematic theology at Trinity School for Ministry, and post-Christian culture. I regularly walk by Bishop Frey’s portrait in a line of photographs of past dean presidents on a wall across from the Library. My identity as a teacher has largely been formed by those three theological renewal movements that I encountered in my young adulthood: the evangelical movement, the academic theology movement, and the “Canterbury trail” movement that led so many evangelicals to find themselves in liturgical churches. TRINITY AND There is a focus on spiritual formation and worship at Trinity now that echoes the spiritual seriousness of the earlier charismatic and evangelical renewal movements, THE RENEWAL although the approach is perhaps more distinctly Anglican. Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and weekly MOVEMENT Eucharist are at the center of the School’s worship life. Trinity’s faculty find themselves among successors to that By the Rev. Dr. Stephen Noll earlier movement in academic theology: biblical studies center on biblical theology; systematic theology and church history focus on the creedal core of Trinitarian he Episcopal renewal movement took off in the late theology, christology, and the church as not only sixties and early seventies. I was part of it–converted regenerated individuals, but the corporate community of T the body of Christ gathered to worship the triune God in as a college student in 1966, baptized in the Spirit in 1970 Word and sacrament. Trinity carries on the “Chicago Call” at seminary in Berkeley, CA, and began my ministry at by hosting “The Robert E. Webber Center for an Ancient Truro Church in Fairfax just as the renewal arrived there. Evangelical Future.” As is well-known, this renewal had several strands and The current crop of students were not yet born at the leaders—the charismatic, with Dennis Bennett, Terry height of the charismatic and evangelical renewal Fullam, and Michael Harper, among others; the evangeli- movements of the 1970s, and many of them were raised cal, with John Guest, Peter Moore, and John Stott; and the in evangelical homes where what once was renewal is Anglo-Catholic, with Robert Terwilliger, Keith Ackerman, now just the way things have always been done. While and Michael Marshall. the renewal movements of the 1970s were in some ways responses to the cultural uncertainties of the 1960s, the counter-cultural youth movement, and too placid mainline Each of these strands of renewal had its trademarks: glos- churches, the generation that attends seminary now faces solalia, expository preaching, solemn high folk masses. a very different culture characterized by post-modern But all had a sense that God was doing something new: pluralism, the prevalence of social media, and a dominant “Behold, I make all things new,” seemed to be God’s pro- secularism in which skepticism about religious faith is a phetic word to us. In a series of conferences in the early given assumption. seventies, renewal folk came together to enjoy worship and fellowship. And in 1974 at the conference in Atlanta, What form renewal will take for the current generation John Guest announced the beginning of a new seminary, is not evident. While today’s students are not dismissive and was greeted with wild hallelujahs. of the charismatic and evangelical renewal movements of their parents’ generation, many come to seminary with Alfred Stanway, Trinity’s first dean and president, com- what is perhaps more of a concern for spiritual and theological depth. Some of our students come to us after bined the radicality of the gospel (he had served for thirty doing undergraduate work at such evangelical strongholds years in the East African Revival) with the maturity of a as Moody Bible Institute or Wheaton College, and they are bishop and the godliness of a saint. John Rodgers, who looking for a liturgical church more rooted in the church’s took the torch next in 1978, combined jolliness in the Lord tradition. Students express keen interest in biblical with a deep love of the Anglican Articles. languages and theological exegesis. They write theses on the church fathers. They enthusiastically participate in the seminary’s liturgical life, and they pray for one another Continued on page 22
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 13 TRINITY LIBRARY HOUSES RARE COLLECTION
By Susanah Hanson Library Director Director of the MAR Program
he Trinity Library doesn’t often see dramatic changes, Tand it remains much the same from year to year. However, there are a couple of areas in the Library which have recently seen a renewal.
The first space is the Marjorie Stanway Africa Room. While the contents of the room have not changed, the room itself has been re-arranged, new shelving has been installed, and a beautiful Oriental rug has been placed in the room, in addition to a donated couch. Recent visitors to the room remarked that it looks much more inviting and accessible. Future planned improvements include an updated ceiling and lighting.
“Trinity School for Ministry has (surprisingly, for a seminary in western PA) deep South African roots,” said the Rt. Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand, director of the Stanway Institute and professor of mission. “Our first dean and president, Alf Stanway, and his wife Marjorie, were missionaries in East Africa for four decades. Trinity has hosted, trained, and learned from successive waves of African students. The Marjorie Stanway African Bible collection is a small, but significant, symbol of partnership with Anglicans in Africa.”
The Library now also has a new focused collection within the circulating collection for the North American Lutheran Seminary (NALS), thanks to a generous donation from our Professor of Systematic Theology and Ethics, Dr. David Yeago. The number of books is too large to incorporate into the general circulating collection, and the new section is a more concentrated area for the ease of use for NALS students. Its focus is on Lutheran liturgy, the works of Karl Barth, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and other theologians. Anyone interested in donating to this collection should contact the NALS for guidelines on what they need and will accept.
Future planned areas of renewal include the removal of some under-used study carrels to make room for another range of shelves on the Administrative Building side of the circulating collection, in addition to another range of shelves in the Rare Book Room to accommodate the growing collection.
14 SEED & HARVEST New Wineskins Mission Conference: A Call to Pray By the Rt. Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand Professor of Mission Director of the Stanway Institute for Mission and Evangelism
rinity School for Ministry has been a partner with For the first time, pre-conferences on everything from Tthe New Wineskins Missionary Network since its church planting to global theological education were held inception. Walter and Louise Hannum cemented the close before the main event began. Participants came from 60 relationship between New Wineskins and Trinity years different countries. ago when they moved the organization from California to Ambridge. Sharon Steinmiller (née Stockdale) continued We were reminded of the Bible’s mandate to the church the close connection. When Jenny Noyes became the to be involved in God’s mission in the world. We were new executive director of New Wineskins, the office was presented with the reality that so many individuals and moved from Ambridge to Virginia where Jenny lives—but people groups have never heard the good news of Jesus. the association with Trinity has been undiminished. We were confronted powerfully by stories of sisters and brothers who have been persecuted for their faith in The most public the name of Jesus. We were humbled by the knowledge ‘work’ that New that around the world the church is following Jesus by Wineskins does doing humble acts of mercy, advocating for justice for happens every three the oppressed, and presenting the message of the gospel years. This is when in places where Jesus’ name is welcomed and in places the New Wineskins where it is reviled. Most of all, perhaps, we were called Network brings to pray: to pray for peace and justice, to pray for those together cross- suffering for Jesus, to pray for more to hear and to receive cultural the good news, to pray for the kingdom of God to come, missionaries, on earth as it is in heaven. majority world church leaders, Trinity students had many positive responses to the mission agency Conference. One mentioned that it was “a joy to be with personnel, sisters and brothers from around the world who share the supporters, and, of same faith in Jesus.” Another mentioned how moving it course, virtually was to hear from Christians who were persecuted, and to A Trinity Sock Sighting at the the entire Trinity have an extended opportunity to pray for them and with New Wineskins Conference School for Ministry them. Several said that it was helpful to be able to talk to community missionaries and Christians from the majority world and (students, faculty, and staff) for several days of talking and to explore the possibility of living and working in another listening, praying and singing. Attendees are introduced culture. We now have quite a number of Trinity students to the work of God and the church around the world seriously contemplating how God might be calling them (especially its Anglican manifestation) and are challenged to be involved in cross-cultural mission. to a deeper commitment and involvement. Trinity was active throughout the event. A Trinity dinner The 2019 New Wineskins for Global Mission Conference brought together alumni, students, staff, faculty, and those which was held in September 2019 at the Ridgecrest interested in Trinity’s involvement in mission. Trinity Conference Center in North Carolina was the largest New students, staff, and faculty acted as volunteers helping Wineskins gathering yet. One thousand, one hundred and as ushers, organizing and leading in worship, running twenty-five people attended. They heard from 18 plenary the bookstore, speaking, and in umpteen other ways. For speakers and 7 short mission moment speakers. There some of us there was some hard work involved—but we were 120 MAP talks (a “MAP talk” is a Mission Awareness are looking forward to the next one. Presentation, modeled on the famous “TED talks”).
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 15 SUMMER INTERTERM 2020
WEEK ONE | JUNE 1-5, 2020
DM900 Listening and Trusting NT627/927 The Book of Mark (DMin Only) The Rt. Rev. Dr. Grant LeMarquand The Rev. Dr. Jack Gabig This course will examine the Gospel of An orientation course that integrates theolo- Mark, probably the earliest of our four gy, spirituality, and missiology, and gives gospels. We will pay attention to historical attention to the practical application of the issues (the world "behind" the text), literary coursework to the needs of ministerial context of the questions (the shape of the text itself), and hermeneutical individual student. The course will also serve to build a questions (the world "in front of" the text—that is: what community of learning among the students of the enter- does the text mean for us? How can it be applied?) ing DMin class.
CH680/980 Theology and Writings of Martin Luther (Lutheran Track) The Rev. Dr. Mark Mattes A course on the life, theology, ministry, and spirituality of Martin Luther. Primary focus will be upon the thematic reading, discus- sion, and evaluation of selected writings of Luther.
TWO-WEEK COURSES
NT700 Greek Exegesis (2 Weeks) OT700 Hebrew Exegesis (2 Weeks) The Rev. Dr. Wesley Hill The Rev. Dr. Don Collett An intermediate course in New Tes- Extensive translation work in various tament exegesis, offering students the genres of the Old Testament including opportunity to increase their skills in historical narrative, prophetic speech, reading, interpreting, and applying the and poetry. Students are taught how to text of the Greek New Testament. The course in- use the standard reference grammars and advanced cludes a focus on selected features of New Testament lexicons. The course is designed to prepare students Greek, introduction to exegetical skills, and extensive for further exegetical work in the Old Testament. practice exegeting actual passages.
ST550 Lutheran Confessions (Lutheran Track) (2 weeks, 1/2 day each) Prerequisite: ST540 The Rev. Dr. Maurice Lee This course is a close study of the confessional writings of the Lutheran Church as gathered in the Book of Concord. The course will focus on the role of the Confessions as public doctrine of the Lutheran Church. The major theological topics in the Confessions will be studied in relation to the wider Christian tradition with an eye to their ecumenical and pastoral implications. Classic and contemporary Lu- theran theologians will be consulted for insight into what it means to be a "confessional Lutheran" in particu- lar places and times.
16 SEED & HARVEST SUMMER INTERTERM 2020
WEEK TWO | JUNE 8-12, 2020
ME900 Ministry in the Missiological PT725/975 Next Generation Perspective (DMin Only) Discipleship: Reaching Adolescents Dr. Bill Taylor through the Church The Rev. Dr. Steven Tighe Surveys contemporary missiology for con- cepts and insights useful for ministry in a The evangelization and discipleship of ad- variety of contexts. Social science and other cross cultural olescents is critical to the future of the church as well as materials will be included which hold promise for ministry important for healthy growing congregations. At the same in urban, multi-class, lifestyle enclave, ethnic, internation- time, adolescents are notoriously hard to connect with al, and other types of communities. and program for. This course will examine the theological, cultural, missiological, and biological issues that make PT701/901 Principles and Practices of adolescents such a challenge for the church and introduce Catechesis (Catechesis 2) effective tools and oversight principals for next generation Dr. Leslie Thyberg discipleship. This course is designed for future clergy who will need to understand, implement, and oversee programs This course provides an introduction to the for teenagers, as well as those who aspire to thriving theological and pedagogical principles un- church ministries to adolescents. dergirding the ministry of catechesis by providing a blend of both theoretical and practical skills for cradle to grave discipleship. Coursework will expose the student to a wide variety of readings in the Christian tradition as well as an examination of current and past examples of praxis as we examine a number of different models of catechetical formation.
INTRODUCTION TO ANGLICAN CANON LAW
The Rev. Canon Phil Ashey 2-Day Course | June 8 & 9 | Cost: $100
Audit a Master's Level Course | $300
To register, visit: www.tsm.edu/interterms
SPRING/SUMMER16 2020 17 In Recognition Although we are canceling Commencement this year due to COVID-19, we want to honor our students who will be going out into the world to begin their ministries. Please join us in praying for them.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY
William Boyce Richard Crocker Anthony Clark
MASTER OF DIVINITY
Stephen Abbott Shannon Ames Fuller Chip Bateson Jessica Bennett Josh Bennett
Bill Clarkson Marisa Crofts Lawrence Deihle Adam Gadomski Tom Hample
Christina Hyland Jeff Jacobs Chris Kirkland Vince Latz Abigail Opal
Aaron Pelot Taylor Rister Greg Sparks Landon Thomasmeyer Kirk Wadsack
Davíd Zamora
18 SEED & HARVEST MASTER OF SACRED THEOLOGY
Shadrack Owuor Aaron Rowley
MASTER OF ARTS (RELIGION)
Isaiah Brooms Ethan Bryan Steven Cannizarro Joshua Coblentz Suzy Cook
Mathew Court Samson Covatch Justin Devantier Brian Goodwin Preston Hansen
Ron Howes Michael Jun Dan Omar Ryan Paskey Randall Scott Phillips
Dean Simmer Donna Steckline Kyle Stoltzfus Kim Wadsack
CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED PASTORAL LEADERSHIP
Robert Baker Justin Baldwin Phyllis Bartle Rory Harris John Heidengren
Thomas Ribar
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 19 CHECK OUT WHERE OUR PODCAST LISTENERS ARE TUNING IN FROM!
Podcasts are available on the Trinity App, on our website at tsmcast.buzzsprout.com/591313 and several popular platforms.
CHECK OUT THE TRINITY APP
Our app has been updated with several great new features. You can:
Listen to Podcasts Watch Weekly Chapel Sermons Watch Video of Special Events Read Lent and Advent Devotionals Register for Classes .and more!
20 SEED & HARVEST TRINITY TRAVELS
ETHIOPIA A week-long conference at the Gambella Anglican Center in Ethiopia culminated with this striking photo. Pictured are students at St. Frumentius Theological College, Gambella- area clergy and lay readers, and a team from Trinity. The people groups represented are Nuer, Anuak, Po, Jum Jum, Mabaan, Murle, Jieng, Nuba, Darfur, and Shurma.
Photo credit: Sameul Ferguson (MDiv student)
MEXICO
The Rev. Dr. Amy Schifrin with the Rev. Hector Trejo, whose three Anglican churches in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico open their doors for migrants and asylum-seekers. Students purchased some basic food supplies for these and other shelters.
Photo credit: Jessica Talbot (MDiv student)
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 21 IN MEMORIAM
Bishop Andy Fairfield (May 31, 1943–February 16, 2020) The Rt. Rev. Andrew Fairfield, a good friend of Trinity School for Ministry, served as the diocesan bishop of North Dakota from 1989 to 2003. He was known for his love for Native Americans, his integrity, and courageous stand for orthodox Christian belief amidst heterodox assaults. We ask God's peace and healing touch for his wife Sally, his brothers Les Bishop Andy Fairfield (professor emeritus of Trinity), John, and Peter; daughters Bess and Hannah; sons-in-law (Photo from Gethsemane Stew and Steven; and his four granddaughters Maggie, Luella, Sally, and Sadie. May he go Cathedral, Fargo, ND) from strength to strength in the presence of our Lord.
Admiral B. Bruce Newell, Jr. (July 31, 1932 – April 9, 2020) Admiral B. Bruce Newell, 87, died on Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020 at his home in New Holland, PA. Bruce served for six years as Trinity's dean of operations and development. We ask God's peace and healing touch for his wife Dr. Theresa Newell, four children, four stepchildren, 34 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a brother, Captain John W. Admiral B. Bruce Newell Newell.
Trinity and The Renewal Movement (continued from page 13)
A strong sense of community was ments. We prayed for accreditation, In the early days, many of us thought part of Trinity’s identity. Some of us and the day after it came in 1985, God the renewal would sweep through were communitarians, many of us surprised us with a miracle: a stiff the whole Episcopal Church. This did were cash-poor and kid-rich. More wind blew the two-story high flames not happen. We learned that renew- importantly, we shared the conviction from the adjoining box factory away al must be accompanied by reform. that we were one in the Spirit. Chapel from our main building (twice in ten However, Trinity was able to speak worship was blended and reflected days!). We took that as a sign to build a prophetic word into the chaos of the three strands. John Rollinson and bloom where we were planted in the nineties, and its graduates and caused a furor by placing a small Ambridge. friends formed the nucleus of the Joseph statue in the chancel on the realignment of the Anglican Church saint’s day; debates over ashes on Another outbreak of the Spirit came in North America and global Ash Wednesday were sober and around 1990, when the independent Anglicanism. annual; Bob Schuyler broke forth mission societies decided to move with gorgeous baritone prophecies in to Ambridge, and Trinity revised its “The Spirit blows where he wills,” tongues; Robert Mbinda was healed program to make a stronger mission Jesus said. Revivals wax and wane. of a heart condition after we laid on emphasis for all students. We began Pioneer days come only once. The im- hands and prayed. the tradition of closing down for a portant thing both then and now is to week to go with Walter and Lou- “hear what the Spirit is saying to the One common characteristic of renew- ise Hannum to the New Wineskins churches.” My hope is that the Trinity al at Trinity, I think, was expectancy. Conference. For me and my wife community will continue expectant to In the early days, we prayed daily for Peggy personally, this outbreak came hear and heed God’s lively word and God’s financial provision and kept to a surprising head in 1999, when to be agents of renewal for Christ and a tally of incoming contributions we sensed God calling us to move to his church. outside the chapel. We prayed for Uganda to help establish a university students to find bishops and place- there.
22 SEED & HARVEST A World Well Lost The Eclipse of Old Testament Consciousness By the Rev. Dr. Don Collett Associate Professor of Old Testament Director of the MDiv Program
Following is an excerpt from the Rev. Dr. Don Collett’s new book, Figural Reading and the Old Testament: Theology and Practice, published by Baker Academic Press.
n the classes I teach on Old Testament for first-year students, I often like to point out that “the IOld Testament got there first.” Understood as a chronological claim about the Old Testament’s temporal priority in relation to the New Testament, this statement is little more than a truism. Yet it is a truism that typically underwrites approaches to the Old Testament—approaches this book intends to challenge. No shortage of introductions to the Old Testament view it as a historical introduction or prolegomena to the New Testament. In this approach, the New Testament is typically construed in terms of a theological witness that provides the exegetical underpinning for crucial doctrines in the Christian tradition, while the Old Testament serves as a sort of preparatio evangelica that never quite addresses these doctrines, let alone authorizes them in any unique or foundational sense.
More provocative and controversial is the claim that the Old Testament “got there first,” not merely in the chronological or historical sense I’ve just described but also in a theological sense. The Old Testament provides the basic theological grammar for the church’s confession on creation, providence, figuration, the nature of biblical inspiration, authorship, Trinity, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology. The Old Testament’s unique contribution to these doctrines does not simply anticipate or duplicate the New Testament’s own witness to the same. Rather, the Old Testament renders its witness to these teachings in its own language and on its own terms. These Old Testament terms shape the New Testament’s exegetical grammar and theological outlook, rather than themselves being derived either from the New Testament in the first instance or from an external imposition and “hard reading” of the New Testament’s historical experiences, theological concepts, and semantics back into the Old Testament.
The operative premise of this book is that the loss of an Old Testament consciousness with respect to the theological issues just mentioned lies at the heart of many of the Christian church’s problems in our day, in both its mainline and evangelical expressions, especially the culture of Bible reading that is deeply embedded within these groups. With a few notable exceptions, the interpretive implications of the character and identity of God, creation, Figural providence, and figural logic in the Old Testament have been eclipsed in the name of a so-called biblical theology of the two testaments that is little more than New Testament theology. The irony involved in this top-heavy view of Reading the New Testament is all too evident when one considers the fact that the New Testament simply assumes the Old Testament’s doctrine of God, creation, and and the Old providence, rather than reinventing the wheel on these issues.
What can be done, and what should be done to address these issues? Authors Testament with different backgrounds no doubt assess these problems from different frames of reference. That said, surely no one can deny that the Old Testament’s Theology and Practice status as Christian Scripture remains a crucial issue for late modern Christianity. The decisions we make regarding the Old Testament’s character tend to shape many other decisions, whether theological, ecclesial, or ethical. For these reasons, it is worth considering whether the resources for overcoming DON C. COLLETT the loss of Old Testament consciousness in our day may be found in the Old Testament itself.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 23 Using Technology to Find the One Thing Necessary By Russell Vincent Warren, Director of Online Education
ducation is normally conceived of as getting us started (when we are young) or giving us a Enew beginning (maybe due to a career change). One aspect that often gets short shrift is that education can be about renewal as well: we might not be seeking a new path, or getting started on our vocation; rather, we are looking for growth, for encouragement, or to satisfy a curiosity that might have gotten pushed aside by the hustle-and-bustle of life.
I’m reminded of the story about Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). When engaging in the good work of hospitality, Martha becomes overwhelmed and distracted from the guest she is seeking to serve. Our Lord gently provides the renewal she needs by inviting her to join her sister at his feet, listening to his life-giving teaching, the one thing necessary. Like other stories in the gospels, this one ends without telling us the conclusion—we don’t know how Martha responded. Maybe this is the artistry of Luke coming through, asking us if we are distracted from much serving—even serving our Lord!—and need to attend to theone thing necessary, learning from Jesus himself.
How might we find this renewal in our frenetic, anxious world? Here’s where we can leverage some modern technology for this ancient task: auditing an online class here at Trinity is an easy, low-risk way to sit at the feet of teachers who are seeking to present our Lord and his teaching faithfully. With a few clicks, you can be immersed in the Scriptures, church history, systematic theology, or missions, taking a few moments each day to practice the one thing necessary.
I often respond like Martha, asking our Lord why others aren’t rushing around like me. Each time he gently, patiently reminds me that my good is in him, inviting me once more to sit at his feet and learn the humble way of the cross. I’d love to share that time with you, as we serve him together.
For more information about auditing an online class, or about our other online offerings, please contact Russell Warren at [email protected] or call (724) 266-3838.
TRINITY KNEELERS After defeating Southern Seminary, United Lutheran Seminary, and The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, the Kneelers faced off against rival Virginia Theological Seminary in the championship game in Gettysburg last October. Despite a few minor injuries and a muddy field, the Kneelers shut out VTS, and brought the Book of Concord trophy back to Ambridge! 24 SEED & HARVEST TRINITY: A COMMUNITY OF FORMATION By Joshua Misner (MDiv Student)
ost of Trinity’s residential students come from various My knowledge of the breadth of the Anglican tradition, Mparts of the country (and the world) to study in let alone of the other traditions represented in our student Ambridge, PA. One such student, Josh Misner (Middler, MDiv) body, has expanded dramatically by coming to Trinity and and his wife Emily, moved here from Missoula, MT—leaving through worshipping in the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. good paying jobs, their families, and a vibrant, supportive Trinity has pressed me to see the diversity of sacramental, church community behind for this rigorous, three-year evangelical, and charismatic piety and to not only respect, commitment. It was most certainly a difficult decision to but to love what each way offers to the others. make. So we asked, Why Trinity? THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO DEEPEN AT TRINITY, STUDENTS RECEIVE FORMATION, AND AND BROADEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE THE DEGREE IS A BYPRODUCT. LORD, AND TO STRENGTHEN SEMINARIANS’ RELATIONSHIPS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE. Josh: We are provided with numerous opportunities to be formed, in both more traditional avenues, and in more Josh: The most significant of these organic ones. Whether it is going to Morning Prayer and opportunities for me has become hearing the word of God read and preached, or having a our Quiet Days. Each semester, we conversation with a neighbor who is mourning the loss of engage in the practices of silence, a loved one, all of these experiences shape us as students of contemplation, and worship as a the gospel. student body. Our day begins with brief devotions, setting aside books Where we put ourselves has everything to do with how and meetings for the sake of our we will be formed. My wife and I truly agonized over the Josh and Emily Misner souls. Personally, I have found these decision to move to Ambridge. But we recognized that in moments exactly what I have needed at each juncture in the order to be formed into the role to which God is calling each semester. Not only are they a healthy practice as students, of us, we needed to place ourselves in the right context. We Quiet Days instill in us the need for concerted times of put ourselves, body and soul, into the crucible of seminary sabbath and devotion to our Lord for our own sake, and life, with all of its services, due dates, meals with friends, impress upon us a habit which will benefit us in our future and worship in new and different contexts, to take seriously ministries. the call of Jesus to drop our earthly cares and come follow him. FACULTY PROVIDE NOT ONLY A THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION, BUT ALSO HELP STUDENTS TO STUDENTS ARE PUT TOGETHER IN CLOSE BETTER WORSHIP THE LORD WITH THEIR MINDS. FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHERS FROM MANY DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS. Josh: Our faculty’s collegiality is remarkable and makes for a positive learning environment which is simultaneously Josh: One of the greatest strengths of formation is the challenging and encouraging. I have received an excellent recognition that we are simultaneously individuals and education which has laid a solid foundation for learning the a corporate body. As a student is personally formed, he/ nuts and bolts of pastoral ministry. I have been challenged she encounters the community and transforms it by what to consider pastoral ministry from all angles—personal, God has done in his/her life. It’s that moment when the theological, historical, scriptural, etc. Trinity values the community says, “We cannot imagine a time when you intellect as an essential part of ministry and the person, were not here.” The life of the group is forever changed. seeing it as holistically connected to the other aspects of our Yet, the community also exerts its formative power on the life in Christ. student and affects his/her own transformation.
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 25 ne of the words the early Ochurch used to refer to those who ministered in the church was oikonomos. The steward referred to the primary household servant responsible for administering the master’s possessions. Entrusted with the master’s work, the steward took care of purchasing goods, allocating resources, and managing financial affairs. What MONEY the steward did not assume, however, was responsibility for the things belonging to the steward himself, but rather the things belonging to his master. In a similar vein, we invite FOLLOWS donors to participate in spiritual renewal by stewarding financial blessings which flow from God, not which belong MINISTRY to us alone. By Scott Koskoski Part of Trinity School for Ministry's values statement reads: “We believe that ‘money follows ministry,’ and therefore Director of Development are accountable to our partners in ministry for careful stewardship of God’s money. We prayerfully rely on God’s provision and the generosity of his people in providing quality theological education at a reasonable cost for this and future generations.”
I have reflected a great deal over the realities of God’s faithfulness, and our need to be actively faithful stewards of the resources God entrusts to us. We cannot deny the reality that money is necessary to operate Trinity. We read frequently, throughout the New Testament, of many instances where Jesus himself speaks about financial stewardship.
Why is the commitment to stewardship so important?
We seek and invite donors to give prayerfully and joyfully, out of trust in the faithfulness of God, doing so in the belief that money follows ministry.
We can, and must, sow the seeds of trust in God’s faithfulness, and renew our commitments to God as faithful stewards and servants in the Lord’s harvest.
Friends, your financial commitments are not merely to support Trinity’s annual operating budget, scholarships, or facilities upkeep. Your financial commitments strengthen the influence and ministry of God’s work through this School. Your financial commitments allow you to experience authentic and vital spiritual renewal through financial giving. Most importantly, your financial commitments allow us to deepen our trust in the faithfulness of the triune God and renew ourselves to be faithful stewards of God’s mission, which is both profoundly theological and deeply spiritual.
And always, to God we give the glory.
26 SEED & HARVEST Good Giving Starts With a Good Plan By Catlin Cade
Catlin Cade, husband of Board of Trustee member Fran Cade, is a Certified Public Accountant in Birmingham, AL. He was the founder and president of Cade, Crenshaw and Associates. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Vanderbilt University, and a Master of Tax Accounting degree from the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa).
he type of planned gifts that are best for individuals or by the donor; however, at the end of the gift time period, Ttheir families depends on their financial circumstances, whatever property is left in the CRT goes to Trinity. their need for an income stream to pay for living expenses, and their desire to honor to God and provide for PLANNED GIVING AFTER A DONOR’S DEATH loved ones. Planned giving is often used to provide endowments and PLANNED GIFTS DURING A DONOR’S LIFETIME scholarships for schools like Trinity, which is extremely important for the long-term success of the School and its In the short term, schools like Trinity depend upon students. faithful, generous supporters making annual gifts—our daily bread—for daily operating expenses. But in lieu of Gifting an IRA at death to Trinity is an excellent tax traditional giving from current income, what are other savings idea. IRAs do not receive a step-up in income tax ways to support Trinity through planned gifts during a basis as common stocks and other assets do at death. The donor’s lifetime? beneficiaries of an IRA (except Roth IRAs) have to pay income tax on inherited IRA payments they receive during One method of planned giving for older individuals is their lifetime. So it is better, if financial circumstances to make gifts to Trinity from an Individual Retirement permit, to name Trinity as beneficiary of an IRA leaving Account (IRA). For IRA owners who reach the age of a percentage, or all of, the IRA to Trinity, leaving other 70 ½ in 2020, the first required minimum distribution types of assets to family members and other heirs. (RMD) must start by April 1 of the year after you reach age 72. You can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from Leaving a certain sum of money, specific stocks, or real your IRA to Trinity and count it as part of, or all of, your estate to Trinity in one’s will is a simple method to annual RMD. The contribution to Trinity from an IRA in provide financial resources after death. If the individual this case will not be taxed on your income tax returns, has a taxable estate, this method of planned giving will in effect saving income taxes, whether you itemize save estate taxes. deductions or not. Additionally, a life insurance policy can be purchased and Individuals in need of an income stream, even in the act of given to Trinity. In this model, Trinity is named the owner giving have a few choices. and the beneficiary of a policy, while the donor is the insured on the policy and pays the premiums, which are A Charitable Gift Annuity is a common planned gift deductible for income tax purposes. vehicle, and can be easily and quickly established by transferring property (usually cash) to Trinity to purchase Individuals age 40 and up may want to give a whole life an annuity that pays a regular payment to you, or your insurance policy to Trinity. The value of this gift is also tax spouse, for the balance of your lifetime in exchange. The deductible and will reduce an individual’s tax bill in the excess of the money, or value of the property, transferred year of the gift. to Trinity over the fair market value of the Annuity (usually a lower amount) is deductible for income tax A CLT or CRT, or in combination, can also be funded by purposes. a donor’s estate after death, leaving an income stream to a spouse or other loved one while leaving a significant Less commonly, a Charitable Lead Trust or a Charitable income stream to Trinity. The value of the funds paid to Remainder Trust can be established with Trinity in mind. Trinity reduces the donor’s estate, saving estate taxes for taxable estates. A Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) is funded by the donor. The CLT makes a series of payments to Trinity over a For more information, please contact Trinity's set period of time, as decided by the donor. Like a CLT, a Development Department at (724) 266-3838. Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) is also funded directly
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 27 Alumni News MOVES AND TRANSITIONS As of January 2020
The Rev.James Russell (MDiv) and the Rev. 1983 Canon Teresa Russell (MDiv) were instituted as the rectors of Trinity Church, Washington, PA on The Rev. Dr.Dan Lacich (MDiv) is currently September 14, 2019 by the Rt. Rev. James Hobby, serving as lead pastor at Oviedo City Church near bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. Orlando, FL. His new book, Provocative Joy, was recently released by Higher Life Publishing. 2010 1992 The Rev.Craig Stephens (MDiv) had his third book, To Be Silent: The Too Busy Church, published The Rev.Daniel K. Olsen (MDiv) has announced by Church Media. his intention to retire, effective June 2020. He has served as the fifteenth rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oaks, PA, since 1995. 2013 The Rev.Katherine Noel Collins (MDiv; STM 1994 2016) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Zimmerman, bishop of the Anglican Diocese Ralph Clatworthy (MAR) now lives in Sapporo, of the Southwest, on Friday, November 1, 2019 in Japan with his wife, Miho. They continue to Albuquerque, NM. minister with OMF International in a wide variety of ministries. 1996 Dr. Theresa Newell (MAR; DMin 2005) now serves as director of communications for CMJ USA (The Church’s Ministry Among Jewish People). 1997 The Very Rev.John Mikita (MDiv), rector of Ascension Orthodox Church, Mt. Pleasant, PA, Trinity students, alumni, and friends at the ordination of was made an archpriest by the Holy Synod of the the Revs. Katherine Collins and Gregory Pfeifer in Orthodox Church in America on June 16, 2019. Albuquerque, NM
The Rev.Gregory Pfeifer (MDiv) was ordained to 2009 the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Zimmerman, bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Southwest, on The Rev.Nathaniel Jung-Chul Lee (MDiv) has November 1, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM. been named rector of All Angels’ Episcopal Church, New York, NY.
28 SEED & HARVEST The Rev.William Klauber (MDiv) was ordained to 2014 the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, bishop of South Carolina, on December 7, 2019 at St. John’s Jason Wilson (MAR) was commissioned as lay Parish, Johns Island, SC. pastor of the Village Church, Ambridge, PA, on December 15, 2019. The Rev.Newman Lawrence (MDiv) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, bishop of South Carolina, on December 12, 2019 at 2016 the Church of Our Savior, Johns Island, SC. The Rev.Judith Malionek (MDiv) has been called to The Rev.Corey Prescott (MDiv) was ordained to the serve as rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Troy, priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, bishop NY. of South Carolina, on December 8, 2019 at St. John’s Church, Florence, SC. 2017 The Rev.Ben Wulpi (MDiv) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. James Hobby, bishop of the The Rev. CanonWesley Jagoe (MDiv) has been Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh, on October 12, 2019 named Canon for Worship at St. Peter’s Cathedral, at Christ Church Fox Chapel, Pittsburgh, PA. Tallahassee, FL.
REQUIEM 2018 Isaiah Erb-White, 15, son of Norman (MDiv 2005) The Rev.Robert Osborne (MDiv) was united in and Deborah (DBCS 2005) Erb-White, died on marriage to the Rev. Caroline Joy Miller on October October 10, 2019 in Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh, 5, 2019 at Grace Church, Ocala, FL. PA.
The Rev. Canon Dr.Walter “Duke” Vipperman (MDiv 1983; DMin 2007) passed away of cancer on 2019 January 3, 2020. The Rev.Steven Douglas Braun (MDiv) was ordained to the diaconate by the Rt. Rev. Eric Menees, bishop of San Joaquin, on October 12, 2019 at Trinity Anglican Church, Bakersfield, CA, where he serves as assistant rector.
The Rev.Lucas Deman (MDiv) was ordained to the priesthood by the Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence, bishop of South Carolina, on December 5, 2019 at St. Timothy’s KEEP IN TOUCH! Church, Summerville, SC. Let us know about your moves and transitions. Janessa Fisk (MAR) is now the director of We want to know how the Lord is working admissions and recruitment at Trinity School for in your lives, and share it with the rest of our Ministry. community. Send emails to [email protected] The Rev. Dr. Sandra B. Kerner (DMin) began serving and written correspondence to: as chaplain and director of the Prayer Center at St. Christopher Camp and Conference Center, Seabrook Trinity School for Ministry - Alumni Island, SC, on November 1, 2019. 311 Eleventh St. Ambridge, PA 15003
SPRING/SUMMER 2020 29 FROM OUR BOOKSHELF
By the Very Rev. Dr. Henry L. Thompson III, Dean and President
A Born Again Episcopalian: Johnathan Edwards on the The Evangelical Witness of Experience of Beauty Charles Pettit McIlvaine by Dr. Louis J. Mitchell by Thomas Garrett Isham The reprint of the work by one of our I wish that I had read this book during adjunct professors is a treasure, and my studies at General Seminary in 1978- it brings the complexity of Jonathan 1979. Bishop McIlvaine was negatively Edwards’ writing on the subject of caricatured by many of my classmates as beauty to an accessible place. Originally one who was trivial in his enforcement of the Prayer Book this work was done in collaboration with Richard R. and worship rubrics. This wonderful biography depicts a Niebuhr, and also got the endorsement of Skip Stout, the strong and complex man whose evangelical convictions director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale. Mitchell began with his response to a revival message, followed by points out that for Edwards, beauty is not so much a thing theological formation alongside of men such as Charles or an idea, as it is a divine person in relation. Thus he Hodge at Princeton Seminary. As chaplain to the cadets writes, “All beauties are derived from and point to God, at West Point, he led many to faith in Christ including who, in very being, specifically in the person of the Holy Leonidas Polk, and then did the same at St. Anne’s in Spirit, is proportion, consent, love, and beauty” (p. 12). Brooklyn. Ultimately he became the second bishop of Mitchell also connects Edwards’ ideas of beauty with the Ohio and president of Kenyon College. As the Civil War sermons he preached during the Northampton revivals erupted, Lincoln asked him to be an ambassador in London of 1734 and 1735, wherein he showed that “there meet in at a crucial juncture of history. Diligent and faithful as a Jesus Christ infinite justice and infinite grace. Christ is churchman to his dying day, this biography depicts why judge towards sinners, but he is also a gracious savior” he is pictured on the mural outside of Trinity's Library as (p. 35). an icon of Anglican evangelical leadership during the apex of the movement in the Episcopal Church.
30 SEED & HARVEST un seminario evangélico en la tradición anglicana
Formación teológica online ¡en español!
Join in Trinity's vision by encouraging your Spanish-speaking sisters and brothers to inquire and apply.
Diplomado en Ministerio Cristiano Diplomado en Estudios Anglicanos (Diploma in Christian Ministry) (Diploma in Anglican Studies) Es un currículo de ocho cursos Es un currículo, de siete cursos, que trata con profun- introductorios a las áreas de estudios bíblicos, didad los aspectos históricos, teológicos, misionales y teología sistemática, y formación espiritual. pastorales, distintivos de la tradición anglicana.
Formación Integral Flexible Accesible $ Integral Formation Flexible dable
Para obtener más información, For more information comuníquese con David Zamora contact David Zamora SPRING/SUMMER 2020 [email protected] [email protected] Trinity School for Ministry 311 Eleventh Street | Ambridge, PA 15003 phone: 1-800-874-8754 or 724-266-3838 fax: 724-266-4617 | www.tsm.edu
WHY TRINITY? See what our students are saying!
Rotshak Lar (MAR Student) Modeling out by living it out, is key to teaching in Nigeria. Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, my bishop, lives a life worth emulating. When I came into ministry, aside from the Bible, he was all I desired to follow. One area of his life I coveted was his academic prowess. When he informed me that I was offered admission at Trinity, I felt I was in heaven; I was going to the same school that formed my bishop largely. The evangelical faith, biblical emphasis, and missional focus of Trinity endeared me to Trinity School for Ministry.
Travis (MDiv Student) and Kelsey Wilson I know that God has called me to make Christ known to people in the midst of the joys, sor- rows, and even mundane moments of life. While that calling is clear, I realized that there was a depth of spirituality and maturity that I needed the Lord to cultivate in me in order to sustain a lifetime of ministry. My wife Kelsey and I are beyond blessed that God has called us to be formed here as God prepares our hearts, minds, bodies, and souls for the work of advancing his kingdom through ordained ministry.
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Thursday, September 17, 2020 For more information, visit Dates subject Tuesday, October 20, 2020 www. tsm.edu/visit to change Monday, November 16, 2020