An international newspaper Our mission: To inform, for Churches of Christ inspire and unite Vol. 75, No. 9 | September 2018 christianchronicle.org Can Churches of Christ be saved? IN SMALL-TOWN TEXAS, a dying IN URBAN OKLAHOMA, a growing church becomes the focus of a church makes an unlikely ministry to ‘revive us again.’ move after months of prayer.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE

KRESS, Texas TULSA, Okla. — In “Hoosiers,” one of h land of rest, for thee I sigh. Mitch Wilburn’s all-time favorite mov- When will the moment come, ies, a small-town high school basket- when I shall lay my armor by, ball team beats all odds to advance to and dwell in peace at home?” the Indiana state championship game. ‘OOn a hot, dry Sunday morning In the giant arena where the in this West Texas farming town, a Hickory Huskers will play for the small Church of Christ sings that title, coach Norman Dale checks the question, posed by hymn 482 in distances from the free-throw line to a well-worn, golden-hued copy of the goal (15 feet) and the floor to the “Songs of the Church.” basket (10 feet). It’s a question God hasn’t yet “I think you’ll find it’s the exact answered for Elmo Snelling, who just same measurements as our gym turned 104. So he waits patiently to back in Hickory,” Dale, played by “dwell in peace at home.” Patiently, Gene Hackman, assures his team. but not idly. As the church sings the “OK, let’s get dressed for practice.” chorus, the words mirror his life: But out of earshot of the awestruck We’ll work ’til Jesus comes. players, the coach allows, “This is big.” After the hymn, On a recent Sunday, Wilburn — Snelling bolts from preaching minister for The Park his pew and takes Church of Christ in Oklahoma’s his place behind a second-largest city — told his table emblazoned congregation he could identify with with the words “This Hackman’s sentiment in the 1986 do in remembrance sports film. of me.” He passes ERIK TRYGGESTAD Just off a main Tulsa highway, a trays bearing the crowd had filled the 1,800 purple- Snelling Hymnals line the pews of the Kress Church of Christ. The church, which has unleavened bread seven regular worshipers, swelled to 73 during a recent Homecoming Sunday. cushioned seats in the multipurpose that represents auditorium — with basketball goals Christ’s body, then “There was hardly an empty pew. church’s attendance has swelled from pushed toward the ceiling — where leads a prayer for The singing was beautiful,” says seven to 73 for a homecoming service the fast-growing church was assem- the fruit of the vine. Kechi Beavers, who grew up in the coordinated by Sunset International bling for the first time. “Thank you for church with her sister, Kim. Bible Institute in Lubbock. Preaching See TULSA, Page 8 this cup,” he prays, So did Tracy Thomas, whose father students from the institute, which “which is emblem- was an elder of the Kress church. His trains Christians for ministry at home atic of Christ’s shed parents raised cotton on a half-section and around the globe, are here blood on the cross.” of soil (320 acres) and managed to along with senior saints from the Kechi Beavers Snelling is one of send four kids to college. Sunset Church of Christ, where about seven remaining members who wor- In the 21st century, that’s impos- 1,200 believers worship on Sundays. ship regularly with the Kress Church sible, Thomas says. The farms are Churches of Christ have struggled of Christ in an A-frame auditorium huge, and the workers are few. to make the transition from a rural to built to hold 400 souls. The church, The children of Kress live 10 miles an urban movement. The fellowship planted in 1915, is a year younger away in Plainview or an hour away stopped growing in the 1990s and bobby ross jr. than Snelling. In the late 1960s, in Lubbock. Or farther. has been in decline since 2000, says Mitch Wilburn preaches at the new attendance often exceeded 180. But on this Sunday, the Kress See REVIVE US, Page 6 home of The Park Church of Christ. 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2018

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LCUAd_AuthenticallyChristian.indd 1 8/9/18 6:15 PM SEPTEMBER 2018 the christian chronicle 3 Our poverty Duck boat tragedy claims three church members BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Church of Christ in Indianapolis. challenges us They were together only briefly When they boarded a tourist “duck before the calm waters of Table Rock to cling to God boat” in southwest Missouri, it’s Lake turned violent in the churn of unlikely that Steve Smith and his two a fast-moving storm. The duck boat Thomazeau, Haiti children, Lance and Loren, realized capsized, and 17 of its 31 passengers thought I knew exactly they were sharing the ride with a drowned — including Steve and Lance what poverty looked like. brother in Christ, Irvin “Ray” Coleman. Smith, Coleman and eight members of I expected to see multi- The Smiths worshiped with the Coleman’s extended family. tudes of hungry children 40-member Osceola Church of Christ The tragedy came in the middle Irunning around with bald in eastern Arkansas on the banks of the of the Smith family’s annual trip to PHOTOS provided heads and large stomachs, Mississippi River. About 420 miles to the Branson, Mo. Steve Smith’s wife, Pam, Steve and Lance Smith, left, worshiped with graffiti scattered throughout northeast, Coleman served as a usher had opted to shop instead of taking the a Church of Christ in east Arkansas. Ray abandoned buildings, animals for the 500-member Kingsley Terrace See DUCK BOAT, Page 10 Coleman was a church member in Indiana. lining Inside Story unpaved streets. I expected Longtime Harding to meet people frus- theology professor trated with their quality Jack P. Lewis dies of life and eager to find BY CHELLIE ISON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Elise Miller opportunities elsewhere. PHOTO via www.wamava.com Jack P. Lewis, a biblical scholar and But from the moment I Teens pull canoes from the lake at Camp WaMaVa in Virginia, 70 miles east of Washington. founding faculty member of Harding landed in this Caribbean School of Theology in Memphis, nation of more than 10 Tenn., died July 24, 2018. He was 99. million people, it became A camp’s new mission The longtime theology professor obvious that I had taken was known for pushing his something out of the picture students hard. in my expectations — God. GONE ARE THE DAYS when most campers come from church-going homes, “Those who That became more clear director says. In one week, can counselors connect kids to lifelong faith? studied under him as we drove the streets of soon learned that he Port-au-Prince on our way BY HAMIL R. HARRIS | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE gather for worship at its Chapel in had little patience to Thomazeau, a village the Woods. There’s even a greedy for uninformed just beyond the outskirts of Linden, Va. momma bear who likes to raid the assertions, sloppy Haiti’s chaotic capital city. n a summer Saturday dumpster for leftover burgers and thinking or frothy Yes, I did see the images morning, Joe Dunlap stood on hot dogs for her cubs. She quickly sermonizing,” Lewis of poverty I had pictured in the front porch of the dining retreats at the sound of humans. said John Wilson, my mind: trash-lined streets, hall at Camp WaMaVa, giving For eight years, Dunlap has served as professor emeritus of religion at children desperate for food. out red patches and hand- director of the camp, which hosts about Pepperdine University in Malibu, But this one-dimensional Oshakes to each child as 500 children, teens and teachers over Calif. “He called his students to perception of Haiti does they headed for their the course of six weeks each summer. hard work, clear thinking and a not account for the clear parents’ cars. He and his wife, Rebecca, met here as healthy respect for facts.” evidence of God working “I’ll see you next teens and were married 11 years ago. Bruce McLarty, president of through every seemingly year,” said a first-time “We only saw each other in the sum- Harding University in Searcy, Ark., unfortunate situation. camper with a big mer,” Rebecca Dunlap recalled. “Camp remembers taking multiple classes I came here with members smile, trying to hold meant a lot to me and my spiritual walk under Lewis. The theology school of my campus ministry. back tears. with the Lord. Joe was meant to do this, is a branch of the university. We’re on a mission to love on For 62 years, the and I was meant to support him in it.” “The thing I most appreciated Dunlap See POVERTY, Page 4 camp associated with But even in the short time since the about him was the way that this Churches of Christ has brought couple wed, the camp has changed. brilliant, highly credentialed, TIPS FOR MISSION TRIPS: Longtime youngsters to Virginia’s Shenandoah It used to be that “about 75 to 80 per- universally respected scholar had missionaries and missions coordinators Valley to play sports, toss water bal- cent of the kids who came here were an absolutely child-like confidence share their top 11 tips for short-term loons, goof off during a scavenger church kids,” Joe Dunlap said. Now in the biblical text,” McLarty said. campaigns. See Currents, Pages 17-20. hunt game called “jive turkey” and See CAMP, Page 26 See LEWIS, Page 29 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY SEPTEMBER 2018 POVERTY: God’s peace helps us love more, worry less FROM PAGE 3 lead simple lives, but lives with meaning. the orphans at a facility sponsored by Hope Like us, they go to school, they work. for Haiti’s Children, a nonprofit supported And they fellowship. by Churches of Christ. We want to teach The church building is more than a house of teenagers in the Thomazeau area about how worship. It functions as an elementary school, God’s love goes above and beyond the scope as the central hang-out spot for villagers and of our imagination. as our sleeping quarters during our visit. But it has become obvious that each soul God’s presence is clear. He moves through I encounter can teach me more about the the women who lovingly hand their babies nature of God than I can possibly teach them. to strangers from Oklahoma. The people here have He moves through absolutely nothing, hymns sung in two according to the materi- languages — Creole alistic standards we use and English. He is in the United States. evidenced in the incred- But they hold to their ible communication faith as their most trea- that happens between sured possession. people of different Somehow, without air nationalities and conditioning, running cultures. water or even clothes We seem to speak on their backs, they to each other without are sustained. And they using words. fervently praise God for PHOTOS BY ELISE MILLER Americans — inside their blessings. In Pageste, Haiti, a 10-year-old takes a and outside the Each time I walk break from soccer to visit with missionaries. church — focus on outside, the mountain- insignificant aspects of side scenery of Thomazeau never fails to life while God stares us in the face, waiting amaze me. But what amazes me more are for us to notice him. In a place like Haiti, the people of a remote village here, Pageste. where materialism doesn’t even seem like a Getting there requires us to ride on hand- possibility, people must rely on the giver of made wooden boats across a river. As soon all good things. And they receive the never- as we get off the boat, two children from ending joy that can only come from God. the village greet us with hugs while the Life here is simple, and it causes us to love adults take our belongings and guide us to more, to worry less, to live one day at a time. what is, in my opinion, one of the greatest places on earth. ELISE MILLER and her family worship with the McDermott Road The Church of Christ in Pageste embodies Church of Christ in Plano, Texas. This fall she begins her sophomore what Luke writes about in Acts 2 when he year at Oklahoma Christian University, where she will serve as Playing with Haitian children, students on a mission trip paints a picture of a fellowship that “had all an intern for The Christian Chronicle. She traveled to Haiti with gather at their temporary home, the meeting place of the things in common.” The people in the village members of the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. Church of Christ in the remote village of Pageste.

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HAWAII IOWA OREGON TENNESSEE WAHIAWA — The Pearl Harbor Church MARSHALLTOWN — The Church of PORTLAND — During the recent GERMANTOWN — The Germantown of Christ is helping a small congre- Christ in Marshalltown served 350 Agape Blitz, various religious Church of Christ’s diaper ministry, gation on the island of Oahu — the families after a recent tornado. groups helped the Agape Church of started two years ago, has collected Wahiawa Church Volunteers from the congre- Christ build villages for the home- and distributed 272,000 diapers to of Christ — make gation and other Iowa churches less, minister Ron Clark said. inner-city improvements to its unloaded and distributed two Among those joining the work Memphis. preacher’s home. tractor-trailer loads full of food and were teams from The Park Church The church Pearl Harbor elder emergency supplies provided by of Christ in Tulsa, Okla., the Federal gathers the John Graham praised Nashville, Tenn.-based Churches Way Church of Christ in Washington diapers in the generosity of of Christ Disaster Relief Effort. state and Columbia Christian Schools a monthly his congregation’s “Two men with longtime connec- in Portland, which is associated with drive, then members. Arbuckle tions to our congregation decided Churches of Christ. repackages “Many have helped to be baptized after serving in the “Portland has declared houseless- them so with physical labor,” Graham wrote relief efforts with us — an answer ness a crisis, which has opened the they can’t in a Facebook post. “Your gener- to many years of prayers,” member door for collaboration to address be returned osity in giving at Pearl Harbor has Amy Harper said. this ever-growing concern,” Clark NICOLE ESTES for cash or allowed us to consider this as we Volunteers came from the Cedarloo said. “Agape Village is the first The diaper ministry exchanged, continue to support Andrew and Church of Christ in Cedar Falls, the collaboration of multiple faith serves needy families. ministry Kristen Arbuckle in their work to Hickman Road Church of Christ in congregations, businesses, schools leader Nicole minister to the congregation in Des Moines and the Center Point and individuals to partner in Estes said. In a recent month, the Wahiawa.” Road Church of Christ in Marion. building a community.” ministry helped 150 families. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION SEPTEMBER 2018 REVIVE US: Dying churches can be resources for rebirth, planters say

FROM PAGE 1 their history and counsel their mem- Stan Granberg, director of Kairos bers through the emotional loss while Church Planting, a ministry sup- helping them find other congrega- ported by members of Churches of tions to call home. The foundation Christ. Granberg has researched also helps churches use their funds trends among religious movements to benefit the fellowship through pro- in the U.S. He uses data from grams including church planting. American Religious Data Archives Such efforts are vital to the future and the directory “Churches of of Churches of Christ, says Granberg, Christ in the United States,” pub- vice chairman of Heritage 21. He lished by 21st Century Christian. cites research by David T. Olsen, From 2006 to 2016, about 58 con- author of “The American Church in gregations closed each year, and the Crisis.” For a church movement to overwhelming majority of churches be considered healthy, at least half of that remain are small, Granberg its congregations should be below 40 says. Average attendance among the years of age, “the age when reproduc- nation’s 11,965 Churches of Christ steve templeton photography, www.stevetempleton.com tive capacity and initiative are at their is 94, and 54 percent average just 34 Among the visitors at the Kress homecoming were 12 members of a Life Group from highest.” Only about 21 percent of people in the pews on Sundays. the Sunset Church of Christ in Lubbock, Texas. The group of about 30 senior saints Churches of Christ are in that age “It’s sad to see an old heritage dwin- shares meals and fellowship outside the church building. Group coordinator Terry range, Granberg says. dling away,” says Kim Beavers, who Hines led the closing prayer. “May we leave renewed to be ministers to our neighbors Other researchers say that a healthy worships with the Sunset church. next door,” he prayed, “and to anyone with whom we have the pleasure of contact.” movement must plant 1 percent of its That heritage will continue to total number of congregations per year fade, it seems, unless something and instructor for Sunset, tells the But membership declined dramati- just to maintain its size — and double happens to — in the words of hymn church about Mission America, the cally in the past decade, says Herb that number to experience growth. No. 446 — “Revive us again, fill each institute’s initiative to rekindle U.S. Fauth, one of the church’s three Among Churches of Christ in the U.S., heart with thy love. May each soul be evangelism through efforts including elders. The church had to rely on its “the new church-planting rate is so low rekindled with fire from above ...” church planting, minister renewal, reserve finances to meet its budget. ... that it does not register a signifi- online training, campus ministry and “We decided that the best use of the cant percentage,” Granberg says. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN DO more. As part of the effort, Sunset is existing resources that God has given “While seeing churches close has The uptick in dying congregations working with a Church of Christ in us at Mountain Avenue would be to deep sadness to it,” he says, “for is of particular concern to Truitt nearby Memphis, Texas, to plant a sell the building and use the proceeds the health of the movement more Adair, who began preaching for the Spanish-speaking congregation. to plant new churches,” Fauth says, declining and dying churches need Kress church 50 years ago at age 23. “We spend most of our time talk- “and appeal to people in a different to close. These closing churches are It was his first full-time preaching ing about things we can’t change,” way than we have in the past.” a tremendous, untapped resource job. He and his wife, Kay, adopted Swinford says. “All of our young people The church worked with Heritage for funding new churches.” one of their children leave. ... Our old members are dying. 21, a foundation estab- That’s the legacy here — and gave Well, you can’t do anything about that. lished by members members of the birth to another. A You need to focus on what you can of Churches of Christ former Mountain half-century later, do, the difference you can make. to help the nation’s Avenue church hope Adair trains minis- “How can a group of seven or dying congregations to build. From the ters as president of eight people in Kress, Texas, achieve renewal or sale of their building Sunset International change the world? Look to the secure a legacy. and other assets, Bible Institute. group of 12 — that became 11, that “While it is our the dying church As he reminisces Adair became 12 again — and that went hope that declining Granberg Hill designated funds to about his time in out and changed their world.” churches can be be used by Kairos for Kress, Adair acknowledges the infused with new life and a viable church-planting efforts in Tucson, a church’s troubling reality. A PAINFUL, HOPEFUL DECISION future, that is unfortunately not the city of more than 1 million souls that “I know the statistics, and I know To the west, 699 miles, members of most typical outcome,” says Mike includes a large homeless population. the demographics, and I know how the Mountain View Church of Christ O’Neal, chairman of the foundation’s The city routinely ranks near the much it’s changed,” he says of the in Tucson, Ariz., faced a similar quan- board of trustees and former president top of America’s “unchurched” met- community. “And I know that even dary to that of their brethren in Kress. of Oklahoma Christian University. ropolitan areas, says Andrew Hill, with churches, as with people, there Decades ago, the church had 450 When it comes to end-of-life issues, Mountain Avenue’s former minister. is a life cycle. But is it possible that we members and a thriving bus ministry too many churches don’t prepare In religious surveys, more than 90 can bring in more people, even in this that brought 200 inner-city kids to adequately, O’Neal says. Some believe percent of Tucson residents say they community? I can tell you that if that’s its building. The church was active they can sell the church’s property don’t regularly attend church. going to happen, it’s going to take on the campus of the University and simply divide the profits among Kairos currently seeks church more than seven hungry souls. It’s of Arizona. Even in recent years, the remaining members. That’s illegal. planters for the city. going to take a lot of hungry people.” the church maintained a robust Heritage 21 seeks to help closing “This place needs God,” Hill says. Chris Swinford, an administrator benevolence ministry and food pantry. churches sell their property, celebrate “It needs Jesus.” SEPTEMBER 2018 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7 When asked about the small New launches: New launches: church’s legacy, he says he hopes at the homecoming 2 percent < 1 percent it is remembered “as a God-fearing church that held true to the gospel Young (two Young (two of Christ.” to 10 years): to 10 years): For Sunset International Bible Institute, Adair says, “the question 14 percent 3 percent is: Do we help this church die grace- fully and transition this marvelous facility to something else? Or do we Established Established help them to survive, revive, maybe (11 to 40 years): (11 to 40 years): even resurrect? And it probably 36 percent 19 percent would mean that the church would ERIK TRYGGESTAD have to start over to match the Buddy Ham | preaching intern demographics in this town.” Regardless of the outcome, Adair “What do you preach? They’ve heard Mature Mature says he is committed to giving back everything!” says Ham, a student at to the church family that welcomed Sunset International Bible Institute (over 40 years): (over 40 years): his own family 50 years ago, nurtur- who spent the summer ministering 47 percent 73 percent ing and preparing them for lives of for the Kress Church of Christ. ministry — including missionary To encourage the small, struggling work in India and Nigeria, church church, he crafted sermons about planting in Phoenix and ministry passing the baton, using wisdom from Closing: Closing: training around the globe. the book of Hebrews and 2 Corinthians “Everything that we’ve done,” 4: “Though outwardly we are wasting 1 percent < 1 percent Adair says, “has been very, very away, yet inwardly we are being renewed positive, I think, because we got day by day.” our feet firmly planted in a positive Ham and his family are no strangers Healthy church movement Churches of Christ in U.S. ministry here in Kress.” to small-church ministry. He preached Corine Street remembers when for a Church of Christ of about eight GRAPHIC ADAPTED FROM RESEARCH BY STAN GRANBERG Adair came to Kress. The 83-year-old families in Fairbanks, Alaska, before worships with the church when her making the 10-day drive south to Churches of Christ: a healthy movement? health allows. She’s been here since Lubbock, Texas, to enroll at SIBI. On Stan Granberg of the Heritage 21 Foundation compared the ages of Churches of 1954. A former Baptist, she waited his cellphone, he shows a wintertime Christ in the U.S. in 2016 to benchmarks David T. Olsen suggests for a “healthy” church until her two sons said they were selfie from his former home, where movement based on research of a national database of 200,000-plus churches. ready to be baptized for the remis- temperatures once dropped to 60 sion of sins. Then she decided to join degrees below zero Fahrenheit. them. Adair baptized all three. SURVIVE, REVIVE, RESURRECT? needed here. He’s the song leader. Her daughter, Kendra, also grew Back in Kress, the Beaver sisters “I can’t afford to leave,” he says. up among the pews of the Kress talk about the days when Truitt Adair After worship, church members church before moving to Lubbock. gathered them and the other chil- gather in the fellowship hall for a Visits here can be a bit depress- dren on the front row and quizzed catered lunch of barbecue brisket ing, she says, so she’s encouraged them on the books of the Bible. and smoked sausage. They cel- by the show of support by Adair “This morning, when we drove ebrate Snelling’s 104th birthday and the Christians from Sunset. up here from Lubbock and we saw and listen as he recites his favorite Can this church be revived again? all the cars in the parking lot, it verse, Isaiah 40:31: “But they that “I don’t know,” she says. brought tears to our wait upon the Lord “Anything’s possible.” ERIK TRYGGESTAD eyes,” Kechi Beavers shall renew their After all, she just watched a Mike Talley | former minister says. “We are blessed strength; they shall 104-year-old serve communion. to be here.” mount up with wings Mike Talley preached for the Kress The Kress church as eagles; they shall church from 2004 to 2011. The feels equally blessed, run, and not be church averaged about 40 people says Ralph Skelton, weary; and they shall most Sundays. It had a small youth one of the congrega- walk, and not faint.” group and tried to launch a singles tion’s seven regulars. Skelton Bevill Jerry Bevill, ministry. Despite efforts to reach out “Maybe next week another of the seven to its community (the church had a they’ll be back?” he asks, a touch of Kress members, has written a his- computer with internet for public sorrow in his smile. tory of the congregation. He says he use), many members moved away to The 85-year-old widower has appreciates his Lubbock brethren’s bigger towns, he says. thought about moving to another desire to reinvigorate the church. His wife, Clovia, adds, “It’s great to congregation, including a Church of But he’s not sure it will be enough. ERIK TRYGGESTAD see folks here. But it’s the people who Christ 13 miles north in Tulia, which “The people just aren’t here,” he Corine Street and her daughter, Kendra, aren’t here, who’ve passed away ... has about 35 members. But he’s says of his community. celebrate with the Kress Church of Christ. that’s the hard part.” 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE across the nation SEPTEMBER 2018 TULSA: ‘When the idea surfaced, we tiptoed cautiously’

FROM PAGE 1 “Today, we find ourselves as a congregation in the midst of a big transition,” said Wilburn, pausing to express his discomfort at seeing his face flashed on two big screens behind him.

NOT LOOKING TO MOVE The church — formerly known as the Park Plaza Church of Christ — began meeting in an elementary school in 1963 and later constructed its own building in the heart of Tulsa. In recent years, even as the landlocked church outgrew its 850-seat auditorium, the congregation eschewed investing millions in a new, Wilburn larger building and moving to the suburbs. Instead, the church — one of the 10 largest Churches of Christ in the Members of The Park Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla., hold hands as they pray at the end of their first service at the new location. U.S. — expanded to two services. In 2014, it opened branch locations in Fellowship, was one of Tulsa’s largest vices, too, for Spanish speakers and two other parts of the metro area. churches in the 1980s and 1990s but the hearing impaired. Most recently, Wilburn was preach- decided to sell its property because With donations from members ing five times each Sunday morning of a declining membership in recent and the expected sales of the — two times at the original location, years, the Tulsa World reported. original and Brookside buildings, two times at the Brookside branch “This opportunity truly took us the church will maintain no build- campus and once at the Jenks branch by surprise,” said Trimble, a retired ing debt, Wilburn said. The Jenks campus. Each week, football coach who won branch met in a school. the original facility 13 state championships “So many doors drew about 1,000 wor- with Jenks High School. opened,” Trimble shipers, with roughly “We were happy where we said of the move. “We 250 each at the other were, and we weren’t look- ultimately couldn’t branches — for a total ing (to move). So when the deny that this was not average Sunday atten- idea surfaced, we tiptoed only a smart move — dance of 1,500 or so. cautiously.” it had to be what God “I never got a But after months of must want for us. ticket,” Wilburn said prayer and consideration, Trimble “The new facility of racing from site to the elders decided the will provide us with Lyndsey Perez greets members and site each Sunday. move was the right one. a launching pad to offer every visitors arriving for Sunday worship. Asked by The Third in a series The $7.5 million purchase ministry and event we could ever Christian Chronicle See previous stories at in southeast Tulsa was final- imagine,” he added. “We see it as a shiped at the Brookside branch. if he deserved one, christianchronicle.org. ized this summer. tremendous blessing from God and “It was kind of cool to have a he replied with a The complex has 175,000 a responsibility to the community.” small-church atmosphere with a chuckle, “No comment.” square feet of buildings — includ- big-church support,” the hospitality Content with the multi-site ing a worship center built in 1983, a a NEW BEGINNING ministry volunteer said. arrangement, church leaders were children’s facility built in 2000 and a On the first Sunday at the new But she added, “I’m really excited not looking for real estate when youth area built in 2001. site, church member Lyndsey Perez for this. I think it’s going to be great approached earlier this year about The move allowed The Park stood by the road, waving a sign that to have everybody back together.” buying a 50-acre complex formerly Church of Christ to consolidate all said, “SO GLAD YOU’RE HERE!” The Park church’s emphasis on owned by Grace Church, elder Allan its branches back into one, easily Perez said she, her husband, missions at home and abroad, as Trimble said. accessible location, leaders said. Charles, and their children, Delia, well as its children’s program and Grace, originally known as Grace The new property will house ser- 10, and Donovan, 8, previously wor- Wilburn’s “amazing preaching,” SEPTEMBER 2018 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9 BOSS. MBA.MAcc. Be the boss of your life, schedule, and career with a MBA or Master of Accountancy degree. OC is Home to America’s #1 best value Christian MBA program, led by real-world business leaders who treat you like a boss.

ONSITE OR ONLINE OC.EDU/BOSS GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Kim Felts, right, answers visitors’ questions at the welcome desk at the new building. drew the Perezes to the congrega- presence of Christ in the world is a tion, she said. constant theme at Park Plaza.” The entire family has traveled In his first sermon in the unfamil- with other young families from the iar surroundings, Wilburn focused church to work with the Agape on love. Church of Christ in Portland, Ore., He described, in a choking voice, where domestic missionary Ron how church members Steve and Clark serves. Hannah Craver had lost their 3-year- “We worked with the homeless old son, Eli, in a recent crash and then outreach down donated his organs there,” Perez said. to save others. While many Just a few weeks Churches of before he died, the Christ nationally smiling boy had Become the Christian leader God wants you to be. With affordable classes struggle numeri- helped his grand- just one day a week, you can get the knowledge your calling demands. cally, The Park parents Jerry church thrives. and Sarah Taylor ONSITE OR ONLINE One reason, welcome worship- GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Grady King ers to the Sunday OC.EDU/GST believes, is that assembly at the the congrega- original location. tion’s leaders are Photos by bobby ross jr. “I began to think “compelled by a Young parents and children connect to myself: Here is Christ-centered between worship time and Bible class. a small one that vision that fosters spent his days a ministry culture blessing people to inviting, preparing and setting the use their gifts. tone for others to enter worship,” “The elders are not afraid of taking Wilburn said. “And now, his loving risks, trying new things and chal- parents have made the decision to lenging their people to give of them- give their child, literally, so that oth- selves,” said King, director of church ers may live. You don’t have to look resources at Oklahoma Christian that far to see Jesus in that example.” MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING - ONSITE OR ONLINE! University in Oklahoma City. Use the new building, the MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE “People want leadership — to be preacher urged, to invite more a part of something that depends people to meet the Savior. Advance your career with an accelerated MSE or MSCS degree designed for on God’s strength and power,” he “We want everyone to know they you, the working professional. Earn your degree in less than two years while added. “Mitch’s long-term relation- can encounter the love and forgive- balancing your busy work and family schedules. ship with Park Plaza’s elders and ness of Christ in this place,” he said. the church as a visionary teacher They can “come join this imperfect OC.EDU/PRO and encourager of everyone doing group of people who follow after a ministry is significant. Being the perfect God.” 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE across the nation SEPTEMBER 2018 DUCK BOAT: ‘This is a 21st century Job situation,’ minister says FROM PAGE 3 Baptized late last year, Lance lake trip, operated by tour company Smith was about to start ninth Ride the Ducks. When she received grade at Osceola High School. He an alert about a sudden burst of had recently completed a STEM inclement weather, she called her (Science, Technology, Engineering husband to make sure he and their and Math) program and was on the children were OK. robotics team. He played soccer. “He says, ‘It’s not good, Pam,’” Steve Smith, 53, was a retired she said in an interview with CBS elementary school teacher and “a reporter Dana Jacobson. “And I told man of humility who always put him I loved him, he told me he loved everyone else ahead of himself,” me. And I asked him to take care of Hester said. “He was always thinking the kids. That was our last words.” of how he could help others. He was Loren Smith, 14, survived the a wonderful man to be around. He ordeal and was reunited with her had a compassionate heart.” mother at a nearby hospital. In the Steve and Pam Smith were married days since the tragedy, she said she for 28 years. She told CBS that her has struggled with survivor’s guilt. husband and son will be remembered “I’m thinking, ‘Why me? Why do I “for their Christian walk.” have to live?’” she told Jacobson. “We’re going to have to lean on The reporter replied, “You got to people,” Pam Smith said as she sat live to share your brother’s memory, next to her daughter. “She’s all I’ve and your father’s.” got now. So, we’ve got to take care of Her mother added, “And you have PHOTO VIA TWITTER, @danajacobson each other.” purpose. You have a purpose, Loren. Pam Smith and her daughter, Loren, who survived the Missouri lake tragedy and helped After the segment aired on “CBS You’ve got big things ahead of you. another survivor to shore, talk with reporter Dana Jacobson during an interview shown This Morning,” reporter Dana And God knows, I needed you.” on “CBS This Morning.” The women “showed true strength,” Jacobson said in a tweet, Jacobson told the show’s hosts, ”talking with me after the fatal duck boat accident which claimed half their family.” “They have their church at home ‘THE WORLD ... HAS GONE INSANE’ that’s really embraced them as well, Coleman, 76, had traveled from and her 13-year-old nephew — knows what he’s doing. He knows which I know, she told me, has Indianapolis to Branson with his survived. The Eastern Star Church, who to take, when to take them.’” helped them tremendously so far.” brother and sister-in-law, Butch where other members of the family The previous Sunday, the church Host John Dickerson added, “When and Toni Coleman, and six other attended, hosted a memorial service “identified that death is not a part of she talks about needing to lean on members of their family, including for five of the family members, God’s plan,” the minister said. “God people, thank God she has that church children ages 9, 7, 2 and 1. including Ray Coleman. doesn’t decide to bring trauma into and that they have each other.” Ray Coleman was the only “This is a 21st century Job situa- people’s lives. He doesn’t stop every member of the group who tion,” Eastern Star minister Jeffery possible situation from happening, worshiped with the Johnson Jr. told the family during but it’s not because God does not Kingsley Terrace the service, the Indianapolis Star love us or care for us … church, where he reported. “Job, like you guys, had “You’re living in a world where sin served as an usher. to deal with the death of multiple has infected the world, and people “Every Sunday he family members in the same day.” die. Things go wrong because the would stand back But, added Johnson, “If you can world is in turmoil, not because there and open the push your way through the devasta- God’s picking and choosing who doors and invite tion, you’re going to find restoration. to take out at a certain time. It’s folks in, just a quiet Hubbard God has the final say so.” because the world you’re living in man,” said Stanley J. The Kingsley Terrace Church of has gone insane.” Hubbard, ministering evangelist for Christ hosted a gathering for the the Kingsley Terrace church. Coleman family, who have been ‘THANK GOD SHE HAS THAT CHURCH’ For two decades, Ray Coleman bombarded by media in the wake of The Sunday before the tragedy, worshiped with the congregation. He the disaster, Hubbard said. Lance Smith, 15, had preached his wasn’t married and didn’t have any The congregation mourns for first sermon for the Osceola Church children, but he was a beloved part of them, he added, and for the families of Christ — a short devotional on the his church family, Hubbard told The of the other victims. importance of being a good example. Christian Chronicle. He served on a “We want to pray for them,” “I finally was able to get Lance to team of about 15 ushers and always Hubbard told the congregation on do a devotional and break out of his made sure church members knew the Sunday after the tragedy, “and shell,” said Will Hester, the church’s where Bible classes met. let me say something before I pray, minister. “He was the perfect PHOTO provided by will hester Only two of Ray Coleman’s relatives because I’m always bothered when example of humility and compas- Lance Smith preaches for the Osceola who went to Branson — Tia Coleman people say stuff like, ‘Well, the Lord sion. He cared about everyone.” Church of Christ, days before the tragedy. SEPTEMBER 2018 ACROSS THE NATION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11

sas photography FHU scholarship memorializes duck boat victims Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn., launched the Lance and Steve Smith Excellence of Christian Character Memorial Scholarship to honor the memories of the Smiths, members of the Osceola Church of Christ in Arkansas who perished in the duck boat tragedy. The scholarship benefits incoming students “who possess a servant’s attitude and demonstrate excellent Christian character by participating in missions and community service,” university officials said. Duck boat survivor Loren Smith, her mother, Pam, and Osceola church minister Will Hester and his wife, Sarah, initiated the fund. Find links to contribute to this and other memorial funds at christianchronicle.org.

‘THIS MAY BE YOUR LAST SECOND’ Williams, a longtime minister from In Indianapolis, Hubbard urged Birmingham, England. “As a church members of the Kingsley Terrace leader among Churches of Christ in church to “take advantage of every Britain, we send our love to all who second we have,” because life is have lost loved ones, but especially uncertain. A bad decision — even to those of the household of faith. one made by May God bring someone else — you comfort could cost them through the their lives. love of the “This may brethren.” be your last In addition second,” he to the support, said. “Whatever Hubbard sees you go through, God working thank God through the you’re alive to tragedy. As go through it.” people around The congrega- PHOTO provided the world tion’s sorrow was Ray Coleman (center, light blue shirt) and watched the magnified when eight members of his family died in the story unfold, they learned that Missouri duck boat tragedy July 19. they learned two more of the about the faith lives lost were their brothers in Christ, of the victims, he said. They also Hubbard told the Chronicle. learned about the victims’ loving The incident made international church families and the comfort that headlines and brought condolences comes only through Christ. from church members overseas. Tragedies are inevitable in a fallen “This dreadful, heartbreaking world, Hubbard said, but when God’s disaster was in our British TV people are affected and answer evil news and newspapers,” said Trevor with love, “God gets the glory.” 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2018 I AM #1 0,000

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SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 spoTLIGHT ‘Old-timer’ mission EL VALLE DE ANTóN, Panama — The old adage “Guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days,” doesn’t hold true in missions, said David Carter. Even three months can be a blessing, added Carter, who serves Churches of Christ in this Central American nation along with his wife, Lisa. A longtime friend of the Carters, John Giesmann, traveled Giesmann to Panama with a mission team from the Christian Student Center at Mississippi State University. Giesmann, a recent retiree and member of the Starkville

Church of Christ, stayed after the PHOTOS via www.facebook.com/parkersinthepacific team returned home. He assem- bled bunk beds for a mission center, delivered gifts to a remote village, Micronesia meets Ant-onio and Bob — and learns of Christ’s love taught Bible classes and led worship Children on the Pacific island of Pohnpei are introduced to two friendly puppets, for the El Valle Church of Christ. Ant-onio and Bob, brought to life by brothers Spencer and Connor Parker during “I didn’t even mind when he a vacation Bible school hosted by the Madolenihmw Church of Christ. accidentally cut the cord off my “Most had never even seen puppets,” said the boys’ mother, Kristi. “We thought saw,” David Carter joked. we’d have some who were afraid, but nope — not a one!” (Find links to videos of He hopes that “other old-timers the children singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and “I’m Happy Today” along out there, who might be tempted with the puppets in the Pohnpeian language at christianchronicle.org.) to think that mission trips are only Kristi Parker serves with her husband, Wayne, in the Federated States of for young people,” will consider Micronesia. The nation of 105,000 souls, spread across 600-plus islands, has dedicating a few days — or a few small Churches of Christ in the states of Pohnpei, Chuuk and Kosrae, plus a months — to overseas work. few baptisms on the island of Yap. See www.parkersinthepacific.com.

ARGENTINA Christian psychologist who worships small-group facilitators from his teams to sing for, chat with and pray BUENOS AIRES — Abortion is illegal in with the church also planned to congregation and from the towns for patients and their families. Argentina except for victims of rape provide information on the psycho- of Makueni and Nakuru to Limuru, “One of the most touching encoun- or to save the life of the mother. logical effects of abortion. northwest of Kenya’s capital, ters had to be a Muslim mother who Recently, however, the country’s “We are fortunate to have Christian Nairobi, for the training. was weeping away while we prayed Chamber of Deputies professionals,” said The churches use small-group for her very sick son,” church approved a bill that missionary Joel ministry as part of Celebrate members wrote in a recent report. would legalize the Banks, “who can Recovery, a program offered by “Christ’s love breaks down racial, procedure through provide insight that Churches of Christ around the cultural and even religious barriers.” the first 14 weeks of young people need globe that helps people struggling pregnancy — a sign of and are asking for.” with hurt, pain and addiction. TOGO Catholicism’s declining KPALIME — “Piggery is now opera- influence in the South KENYA SINGAPORE tional,” reads the headline of the American nation, Church In this island nation, the Moulmein latest Ghana-Togo Mission news- Luque Limuru — Cheruiyot commentators said. leaders in this East Church of Christ meets in a newly letter from evangelist Willie Gley. Dr. Andy Luque, a physician African nation recently participated in a rebuilt building in a growing medical The mission purchased four pigs from Ecuador and a member of the week-long training seminar sponsored hub. Administrators at a nearby to teach preaching students in the Caballito Church of Christ in Buenos by the Restore Small Groups ministry. hospital recently asked if church West African nation a trade and “to Aires, spoke to youths recently about Charles Cheruiyot, a longtime members could meet and pray for sustain the work in the Kloto region the physical effects of abortion. A minister in Eldoret, Kenya, took their patients. The church sent two and other parts of Togo,” Gley said. 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD SEPTEMBER 2018 Prayers — and food — for Venezuela AN ECONOMIC CRISIS in the South American nation creates a flood of refugees — and opportunities to serve.

BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Rinks, a former missionary to Paraguay, as he translated for Rojas. e can’t save the “His wife is a nurse. Her salary each whole country, but month is enough to buy two kilos of we can help.” rice. ... There was a little baby at the Michael Hursey and church who developed cancer. They Russ Garner believe couldn’t get medicine. She died.” ‘Wthat fervently when they speak about Despite the hardships, the Venezuela, a place with a special Barquisimeto church stays true to connection to the congregation they its mission, sharing its food and its serve as elders, the West Broward Savior with the community, Rojas Church of Christ in Plantation, Fla. said. A small group of women The 400-member church launched launched the congregation, which an effort to raise $1 million for had 17 worshipers meeting in a Venezuela aid by the end of the year public square when they invited and plans to use the funds to help Rojas to become their minister. members of Churches of Christ About 350 people worship with the in the South American nation to church now, though many families survive — and to share food and have left, Rojas said. The church has Jesus with their neighbors. PHOTO provided by chris fry, great cities missions helped establish 35 other Churches Venezuela is in the midst of an ever- of Christ in Venezuela and experi- deepening economic crisis. Shortages Serving Venezuelans in next-door Colombia enced 410 baptisms last year. of food and medicine beset the coun- In Cúcuta, Colombia, a border city that has become the temporary home of “We work together as a team,” Rojas try’s population of 32.8 million souls thousands of Venezuelans fleeing economic turmoil in their home country, members said. We have about 100 preachers in — a number that’s declining rapidly. of the Church of Christ on Merrick Drive in Ardmore, Okla., hand out sandwiches in all different parts of the country. We An estimated 2.3 million Venezuelans a public park. The Christians worked with members of a Church of Christ planted in meet together two or three times a have fled the country since the crisis Cúcuta last year through Great Cities Missions. See christianchronicle.org to see our year, we talk about how we can start began about five years ago, the previous coverage of the church plant and find updates on Venezuela relief efforts. more and more churches.” United Nations reports. In March and April the church “The exodus of Venezuelans from sponsored gatherings for about 130 the country is one of Latin America’s shared heartbreaking stories of by the West Broward church. The preachers. largest mass-population movements rolling blackouts, waiting all day congregation also has 13 English- “People had to bring their own in history,” said William Spindler, in line for bread and leaving with speaking groups that meet in homes sleeping bags and spokesman for the U.N.’s High nothing, grandmothers in their 90s from Miami to Coral Springs and plates,” Rojas said. Commissioner for Refugees. who need medicine and disposable Fort Lauderdale, said coordinator Nonetheless, “we Most flee to other South American undergarments and can’t find either. Anthony Fischetto. A few of the studied, we ate, countries, including Brazil, Colombia And there are protests, intimida- Venezuelan immigrants have been and God provided and Ecuador, where more than tion — even death. baptized at West Broward, he added. everything.” 4,000 Venezuelans per day entered The Venezuelan Christians are angry The church spon- the country during the first week of and ashamed by their once-prosperous ‘WE STUDIED, WE ATE, AND GOD PROVIDED’ sored a recent youth August, Spindler said. country’s man-made crisis. They’re About 900 miles north of the West conference at a school Rojas Some come to the U.S. also afraid for their relatives still in Broward church, the Brentwood Hills where a church On a recent Tuesday evening, Venezuela, and they pray daily — Church of Christ in Nashville, Tenn., member serves as principal. The several of the West Broward church’s sometimes hourly — for their safety. also shares close ties to Venezuela. Christians shared what little they had. Venezuelan members took time from The church plans to use its For nearly a quarter-century the “If there was a family that had two their weekly Bible study to speak with contacts in Venezuela to ship pack- 1,500-member church has supported bags of rice, they gave one of those The Christian Chronicle about the ages of vitamins, medicine and the work of Leo Rojas, minister for bags of rice for the youth retreat,” economic crisis in their homeland. a non-perishable, high-nutrition, the Barquisimeto Church of Christ, Rojas said. “So, little by little, we got A few of the Venezuelans have yogurt-like food to members of which meets about 200 miles west of all the food together because this is worshiped with the south Florida Churches of Christ there. The Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. the future of the church. If we don’t congregation for decades. Others, Florida congregation also plans to Earlier this year, while visiting work with the young people, the including Christians in their 70s, send Spanish-language gospel tracts. Nashville, Rojas spoke to the church world is offering a lot of things that moved to the U.S. only months ago Far from home, the Venezuelans about his congregation’s history and will ruin their lives.” because of the harsh environment have found a new family in their current challenges. back home. small group, one of four Spanish- “Inflation’s been 36 thousand FIND LINKS to church-sponsored Venezuela relief One by one, the Venezuelans speaking small groups sponsored percent so far this year,” said Enoch efforts at christianchronicle.org. SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 15

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The “Macedonian Call”

A small group of Christians are sending out the “Macedonian Call” to come to warm and dry Quartzsite, Ariz., and help spread the Good News. Each year during the 2nd and 3rd week of January, approximately one million Rock and RV enthusiasts come to Quartzsite for annual events. If you are retired or can schedule your vacation for the third week of January, we pray you will join us in what is truly a unique and exciting ministry opportunity. For the past 8 years we have had a Gospel Meeting the 3rd week of January. In 2019 the Gospel Meeting is set for Jan. 20-25 and the theme is: “Any Plans for Eternity?” We hope and pray you will consider spending time in this mission field. Contact Gerald Molzahn: [email protected] quartzsitechurchofchrist.com

To find out more about Central Texas the mission work at the Children’s Home Central Texas Children’s Home or to send your resume contact: Seeking House Parents Our children need you! Ray Crowder Come and be house parents for our children who range in ages from 5-17. Executive Director Serve the Lord as you serve our children! CTCH has been operating near Austin, Texas, since 1969, caring for children who are lost and hurting. Jon O’Keefe Please help us help the children! We are looking for caring hearts and Residential Svc. Dir. minds to do mission work. You will earn a competitive salary (based on [email protected] experience), have ample time off, enjoy supportive staff, and (512) 243-1386 get other strong benefits.

The 40-year-old House Parents Needed AMEN Ministry Happy Haven Children’s Home has a connects Christians wonderful opportunity in Cookeville, Tenn., in the United States for a Christian couple to serve in this ministry Military with local churches to girls in need. The wife would be salaried as of Christ both overseas and in the U.S. the house mother and the husband could work off campus, preach locally, etc. Please send name, email, and other contact Employment applications are available on our info to: AMEN Ministry website. Both the husband and wife must fill [email protected] out applications for consideration. Please contact us for more details: P.O. Box 353 Houston Bynum, Administrator Hebron, CT 06248 (931) 526-2052 or [email protected] (860) 372-7051 www.happyhaven.org 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2018

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BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ized skills? Learning from a missionary about what it means to hort-term mission live and serve in a different place? trips have taken Paula “I think all of those are worthy Harrington and her family reasons for shorter-term missions,” to disaster zones in the U.S. she added. “I also think there are and struggling communi- times when the money could be Sties in Third World countries. used more beneficially to create “We have cleaned local, short-term up after tornadoes, jobs surrounding done Vacation Bible the projects and Schools on the special programs streets, fed others, outside groups tradi- cleaned yards tionally lead.” and homes and Harrington, played with kids,” Morgan and Miller said Harrington, a were among 75 trip Harrington Morgan member of the Lone coordinators and Oak Church of Christ in Paducah, church leaders who responded to a Ky. “Every time the result was survey by The Christian Chronicle. learning to serve and bless our Based on all the responses, here neighbors. God allows us to see are 11 tips for making short-term the big picture on mission trips.” mission work successful: Trey Morgan, minister for the Childress Church of Christ in 1. Know your purpose. Texas, has organized numerous “Clearly define the task, both trips to help at a hilltop dump in in terms of process and expected Tegucigalpa, Honduras. outcome, in such a way that The image that sticks with him: someone unfamiliar with the “I spent the day working with a task/mission would know exactly lady in the dump, helping her what was to be done. Recruit dig through trash, sort trash and team members who are capable carry things she could recycle to of accomplishing the task. Train sell for money for her family. I was team members sufficiently to so glad when the day was over, make effectiveness a probability and I could get out of those nasty and not only a remote possibility. clothes and take a shower. It hit Go where you are invited, not me while I was cleaning up that where you have asked to go.” — the lady would rise early in the Roger McCown, Brentwood morning, put back on her filthy Oaks Church of Christ in clothes and have to do it again.” Austin, Texas Jana Miller, a missionary in Zambia, said short-term mission “The focus should not be on us trips to Mexico helped nurture her as the trip participants. God didn’t love for mission work. call us into his mission for me to “My levels of agreement with learn and grow and have my world- short-term missions vary based on view shaped. Those are definitely PHOTO PROVIDED BY JANA MILLER the type of trip,” said Miller, who is positive by-products but should not Missionary Jana Miller reads with Reuben at The Haven, which provides temporary care for sponsored by the Edmond Church be the primary focus of discussion, orphans in Zambia. Miller recalls how short-term work in Mexico opened her eyes to “the of Christ in Oklahoma. “Are you both before and after. The focus is global community worshiping the same God ... and how powerful that was. It doesn’t look going to encourage a missionary? on supporting what God is already the same or sound the same, but we’re all serving and praising the same God.” Sharing medical or other special- CONTINUED 18 SePTEMber 2018 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 ‘Go with an attitude of servitude’

ERIK TRYGGESTAD BOBBY ROSS JR. ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD ERIK TRYGGESTAD Windle Kee hands out invitations to a Student volunteers clean a neighborhood Students from Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth, Texas, sing songs with children In Antwerp, Belgium, teens on a mission In a village near Siem Reap, Cambodia, local church members perform a skit about the life of Joseph as children and campaigners from across medical clinic and Bible study in Belize. in Houston after Hurricane Harvey. in Talisay City on the island of Cebu in the Philippines during a mission trip. walk to a basketball court with immigrants. Southeast Asia watch. Coordinators of the mission, called Angkor of Faith, worked with the Cambodian congregation to arrange the event.

CONTINUED they will be very afraid of offending know. Make friends. If you are plan- “Have several meetings with the Bellefonte Church of Christ in a lesson I learned early.” — Kent “Be ready to work — you are not a ignore the counsel of the local lead- doing in that place of service, hopefully you. They should be made to feel like ning a trip and want a project for people group going to ensure communica- Harrison, Ark. Risley, Edmond Church of Christ ‘vacationary.’ Be willing to serve the ership regarding practices the team with a long-term host ministry whom you genuinely want their ideas and are to do, then ask the locals what is really tion stays open. Make them invest in in Oklahoma long-term missionaries. Plan a full should not do or places they should not you are simply there to support and open to what they believe works best needed. Empower the leadership in the trip in such a way that they have 5. But be flexible. and busy schedule. Inactivity is frus- go.” — Roger Pritchett, Sylvan Hills partner.” — Deanna Tuttle, Abilene in their own context. Listen. Listen. the local church by working through some ownership in the mission.” “If you cannot be flexible, or if you “Focus on who you are serving, trating to the campaigners.” — Mark Church of Christ in Sherwood, Ark. Christian University in Texas Listen.” — Mark Adams, Kings them instead of at cross purposes.” — Salli Page, Carter Lake Road cannot be happy when things don’t and be sensitive to their needs.” Blackwelder, Freed-Hardeman Crossing Church of Christ in — Joseph Smith, Healing Hands Church of Christ in Bowie, Texas go as planned, you need not be a part — Stephanie Rhoton, Madison University in Henderson, Tenn. “Learn some of their language. “There needs to be a clear purpose Corpus Christi, Texas International in Nashville, Tenn. of a campaign.” — Dale Jenkins, Church of Christ in Tennessee They will appreciate your effort and and schedule for the short-term “Set expectations that will help Spring Meadows Church of Christ “Have a specific goal to be achieved. respect.” — Morrisa Summers, mission group. ‘Winging it’ is not a “Have a definite program of activities 3. Involve your whole congregation. each person understand the goals of in Spring Hill, Tenn. “Remember, you are a guest. Do … Make sure that the trip isn’t just a Leavenworth Church of Christ in good idea for either organized with the receiving churches. “Do not neglect to involve the rest the mission, explore not always assume ‘vacation’ for those going out on short- Kansas the short-term group Follow their lead.” — Max Dauner, of your sending congregation. Let their personal faith, “I was once told, ‘Blessed are your way is the right term missions. Go with an attitude of or the host church. missionary in Marseille, France them be involved in preparing for the learn about culture the flexible, for they will bend but way. Be humble.” servitude. Don’t make the group so “Do not try to The short-term group trip, gathering supplies and praying and develop commu- not break.’” — Jennifer Graham, — Teresa Lewis, large that it overwhelms the people convert the people should organize and “Do not plan a trip to go where the for you as you go. Give them an nity with their team.” Mesquite Church of Christ in Mannford Church of you are trying to help. Show love, and to ‘Americanism.’” — prepare as much as locals are not ready for you to come. awesome follow-up report so they — Karen Owen, Texas Christ in Oklahoma form relationships.” — Joshua Stone, Lee R. Jamieson, they can for the host Make sure that the trip is needed, and can be blessed through the ways God Rochester Church of Rose Bud, Ark. Timberlane church. It is a lot of let the locals plan your schedule, not works through your trip. — Adams Christ in Rochester “Don’t over-organize. People need 7. Go to serve, not to Church of Christ in work for a host church, you.” — Benny Baker, Misión Para Hills, Mich. time to connect with others on the take a vacation. Tallahassee, Fla. and whatever the group can do to Cristo in Nicaragua 4. Plan carefully. field.” —Ron Clark, Agape Church “Empathetically emphasize to every 8. Respect the people and the ease that burden is very helpful.” — “Talk to someone who has gone, “All details and what ifs should be of Christ in Portland, Ore. potential worker from the begin- culture. “Prepare those who are going to be Tristan Block, Northside Church “Any trip where you can, work along- and get yourself a good packing list worked out ahead of time. Always ning that this is a work trip, and you “Absolutely do not go to change the culturally aware and sensitive. I was of Christ in Wichita, Kan. side our brothers and sisters in Christ. of essentials (like peanut butter). consider food and water supplies. 6. Be a blessing, not a burden. are not going on this trip for a fun or culture or the way the local culture embarrassed more than once by group Don’t go do something that they can do Find out what shots and meds you Always remember that the people “The purpose of a short-term enjoyable experience. That being said, does church. Let the gospel and the members who said or did insensitive, 2. Coordinate details with the for themselves, but do work with them need. Do this early. Take a crash will be looking up to you. Watch mission trip is to be a blessing, not you will have fun, and the experience work of the Holy Spirit do that. Do ‘ugly American’ things on our trips.” mission location. as equals because that is what we are in course in some of the language.” your conduct in every way. Your a burden. You don’t go to be served will bring great joy.” — Dan Cooper, not flaunt American wealth or patrio- — Mark Yeakley, Northside “Be aware of power dynamics. If they Christ’s eyes. Find out what they want — Trent Wheeler, Lake Butler speech and your dress are always but to serve. It’s surprising that Pitman Road Church of Christ in tism; we are not there to show them Church of Christ in Wichita, Kan. know you as their source of support, and need rather than assuming you Church of Christ in Florida being watched.” — Buzz Toland, many struggle with this concept. It’s Sewell, N.J. how much better we are. Do not CONTINUED 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CURRENTS SEPTEMBER 2018 ‘Look for God while you’re there ... don’t be surprised when you see him’

CONTINUED 10. Make a long-term commit- “You must not ignore the local ment to the mission location. missionaries. They “Find one place, and keep going live and work with to it year after year. The relation- the people you are ships we build are far bigger than serving and have the projects we do. The projects a better under- just open the door for us.” — Clint standing of how Brumit, Brentwood Hills Church to reach them.” — of Christ in Nashville, Tenn. Linda Griekspoor, RiverWalk Church “When churches send groups to of Christ in Wichita, Kan. locales where they already are finan- cially committed, then the group “Try to learn as much about the tends to be more place you are going before you go. encouraging and mis- Take the time to ask local people sion aligned than if about life there. Go with a spirit not. If you’re sending of learning rather than a spirit of people on a short- knowing what’s best for another term trip without people group.” — Miller being a financial part- ner otherwise, then “Don’t carry in suitcases full of just send the check. shoes, socks, clothes, etc., when those Short-term teams without long-term things can be purchased or made relationships are taking more than locally. You may actually be robbing giving. And something is askew if a local Christian of their livelihood. A the only missions spending you do is corollary: Don’t bring clothing that for your people to travel.” — Caleb is offensive in the local culture, even Borchers, The Feast: A Church if it is stylish in America.” — Ralph of Christ in Providence, R.I. Williams, Monduli Juu Church of Christ in Tanzania “Missionaries want sponsoring congregations to be involved in “Be humble. Be a servant. Realize their ministry. Sending money is that no job is ‘beneath you.’ Be adapt- important, but visiting to encourage able — I mean, really adaptable.” missionaries and see them in their — Rick Odell, West Ark Church community is very important and of Christ in Fort Smith, Ark. meaningful to them. It’s also dif- ficult to assess what needs people “Ask the question, ‘What would have without physically visiting Jesus do in this culture?’” — Gailyn with them.” — Jimmy Hinton, Van Rheenen, North Atlanta Somerset Church of Christ in Church of Christ in Georgia Pennsylvania ERIK TRYGGESTAD 9. Eat. Pray. Love. In the Central American nation of Panama, Larry Brady from the Davenport Church of 11. Open your eyes to see what “Go with an open heart. Be Christ in Alabama leads a mission team through tall grass to reach a remote village. God wants to show you. yourself, but take it seriously. The “Process the experience in real people you meet will touch you, food, anything. Be gracious, say thank “Go with the intent to form time. Begin each day with a short and the experience will shape you.” you and accept their love.” — Morgan relationships.” — Donna Griffith, devotional, and end with a time — Halee Ring, Belle Church of Mount Hope Church of Christ in to debrief and ask questions like Christ in West Virginia “Prepare to be friendly and Joplin, Mo. ‘Where did you see Jesus today?’ outgoing and talk about Jesus and ‘Where did you see the devil?’” “Spend time with the local mem- and his salvation.” — Roger “Do not reject anything offered to — Jeff Smith, Disciple Trips, a bers. Share meals, play games, Dennington, Snellville Church of you, especially food. Accept it with ministry of Sunset International and give of yourself to make their Christ in Georgia gratitude, and eat joyfully without Bible Institute in Lubbock, Texas lives better.” — Angela Ward, asking questions. Southgate Church of Christ in “Love is a universal language. A “Be gracious in all things. Saturate “Look for God while you’re there, San Angelo, Texas hug goes a long way when you don’t the whole mission with prayer from and don’t be surprised when you speak the language.” — Stachia beginning to end.” — Terrell Lee, see him. Allow this trip to change “Never turn your nose up to some- Washington, Childress Church of Reidland Church of Christ in you and your community when you thing offered to you in love — a shirt, Christ in Texas Paducah, Ky. return.” — Harrington SEPTEMBER 2018 currents THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21

FACULTY POSITIONS AVAILABLE All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christian education. Initial application should include a letter of interest and curriculum vitae. To com- plete the application, three church references, three professional references, and a transcript of the highest degree are required.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BRADY ROSS Salary and rank are determined based on credentials and experience. Evan Barker, Andrew King and Brady Ross, youth minister for the Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, work on building a house during a mission trip to Honduras. BRACKETT LIBRARY. Seeking full-time 12-month faculty member for health sciences librarian. The successful candidate must have an M.L.S. or equivalent degree, preferably from an ALA accredited library program. Preference will For father and son, mission be given to those with three or more years experience in an academic library environment or health science field. Responsibilities include liaison activities, trips made a big difference collection development and research assistance as well as developing resources and conducting instructional sessions specifically for the health sciences. n 1977, my father, mother, brother, was 9 years old when he joined me sister and I lived in Roanoke on our Oklahoma church’s annual Submit application materials to Jean Waldrop, director, at Rapids, N.C., near the Virginia spring break trip to the tiny moun- [email protected] or Box 12267, Searcy, AR 72149. state line. I was 9 years old. tain village of Aquiles, Mexico. IDad had finished his At that age, Brady wasn’t PAUL R. CARTER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION. Seeking studies the previous year at Road notes a whole lot of help with full-time nine-month faculty member beginning Spring or Fall 2019. Preference White’s Ferry Road School of the various construction will be given to a Ph.D. in a business field with at least 18 graduate hours in mar- Preaching in West Monroe, projects and Vacation Bible La. After graduation, our School skits that our group keting. Preference also will be given to those with professional experience in mar- family and two others had organized. But tossing a keting analytics, electronic marketing and/or integrated marketing management. loaded our belongings onto Frisbee with boys who spoke Submit application materials to Dr. Jim Shelton, associate dean, at U-Haul trucks and moved to a different language and [email protected] or Box 10774, Searcy, AR 72149. North Carolina to plant a new walking from our tent to an Church of Christ. outhouse in the dark made INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS. Seeking faculty/administrator for Har- Four-plus decades have Bobby Ross Jr. an impression on him. ding University in Greece (HUG). Experience in international administration dulled my memories of that “I feel like going to Mexico time. However, I still recall when is a big part of my faith story,” and teaching across a broad range of topics, including Bible and humanities, is a church youth group came that said my son, now 25 and the youth preferred. Responsibilities include directing the study abroad program in Greece, summer from Arnold, Mo. — more minister for the Crestview Church which includes but is not limited to coordinating site tours, classes and accom- than 900 miles away — to spend a of Christ in Waco, Texas. modations; providing meals for student and faculty groups of 40 plus; overseeing week with us. “Just going, seeing how the Gospel the on-site staff and maintenance of the physical plant; and full accounting re- I remember that the teens and works in a different culture, seeing ports. HUG is conducted three semesters per year. Position reports directly to the adults helped distribute pamphlets for how people lived who had so much a gospel meeting at the old nightclub less than me, it was really formational dean of international programs. The successful candidate must possess a master’s — painted all black when we arrived and was something I looked forward degree; a doctorate is preferred. The opening is anticipated for January 2019. — that my parents’ mission team had to every year,” he added. “Now I get Submit application materials to Jeff Hopper, dean, at [email protected] or transformed into a church building. so excited to continue to go on trips Box 10838, Searcy, AR 72149. But more than that, I remember and to help lead them. It’s especially the encouragement that the out-of- fun to get to watch groups come Additional openings are available in the following area: town Christians provided for our together and bond over work and to small church. Their laughter and see people on their first mission trip DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS friendly spirits made the fellowship figuring out what it’s all about.” meals a joy. Their voices provided a What is it all about? Yes, distributing Please visit harding.edu/jobs for further information on these boost as we sang familiar hymns. fliers, hammering nails and painting positions and to learn more about open staff positions. That, I suppose, was my first expo- walls are often a part of it. But mostly, Harding University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully sure to what today we call short- it’s all about the relationships. discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national or term mission trips. ethnic origin, age, sex, disability or prior military service. In 2002, my oldest son, Brady, contact: [email protected] 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2018

Pulpit Minister - Valliant, Okla. Full-time Youth Ministry Opportunity The Valliant Church of Christ in beautiful CALENDAR southeast Oklahoma is seeking a pulpit Southwest Church of Christ in Pueblo, Colo., is seeking a full-time youth minister. Both full and part-time options are minister with a loving and supportive wife to minister to a youth group of Sept. 7-9 Annual Prayer Workshop available. Compensation is negotiable. 25+/-. Qualified individuals should possess a Bible degree (youth ministry and Homecoming. Calhoun Contact Tracy Mussett at: preferred). Applicants with a degree in another area of study will be considered Church of Christ in Louisiana. See (405) 999-6543 if they have significant field-related work experience. The candidate should Calhounchurch.org/pw.html. possess strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and organizational [email protected] Sept. 13 Eastern European skills. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate Biblical soundness, spiritual maturity, Send resume and references to: and an obvious love for children/youth. Email resumes to: Mission’s Tyler Event. Bushman’s Valliant Church of Christ Celebration Center, Bullard, Texas. 1001 N. Dalton Ave. / PO Box 252 [email protected] See eem.org/events. Valliant, OK 74764 [email protected] Sept. 13-14 New Day Conference. North Boulevard Church of Christ, Murfreesboro, Tenn. See Oregon Youth Minister Full-Time Children’s Minister Associate Minister - Denver, Colo. northboulevard.com. The Southwest Church of Christ in Tigard, Seeking an energetic and experienced Children’s Min- We are seeking an associate minister to Sept. 16-19 Summit 2018. Abilene Ore., is seeking a man with ministry experience. ister who has the ability to educate, lead and is willing work with the senior minister and elders, We are a congregation of 500, in a suburb of to work with and assist the deacon over the children’s with the intention of transitioning to our full- Christian University in Texas. See Portland. We have an active youth group of education ministry and other team members. Minister around 50 teens (grades 7-12). Deep faith in will help coordinate, organize, and implement the time minister. Responsibilities include blogs.acu.edu/summit. the Lord and ability to communicate the Savior’s ministry serving children from birth through 6th grade. preaching and other ministerial work in sup- Sept. 30-Oct. 1 Moser Ministry port of the church mission. Bachelor degree love for all is a must, as well as proven skills in Cabot Church of Christ, cabotchurch.com Conference. Lubbock Christian organization of classes, camps, activities, and 500 N Second St, Cabot, AR 72023 in theology, graduate of a Bible school or mission travel. Beautiful Pacific Northwest, 90 Approx. 550 members, nine elders training work, or the equivalent preaching University in Texas. See lcu.edu. minutes from the ocean and 90 minutes from Youth Ministry Attendance: 60+ experience. If interested, mail resume to: Sept. 30-Oct. 1 One Voice/ the mountains! Salary will be commensurate Children’s Ministry Attendance: 100+ with experience. Please email a resume to: Contact: Minister Search Team South Fulton Street Church of Christ Ministry Equipping Day. Oklahoma Attention: Elders [email protected] [email protected] Christian University, Oklahoma City. 1035 S Fulton St, Denver, CO 80247 Attention: Youth Minister Search Looking to have position filled by early Fall 2018. See oc.edu. Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Harding University Bible Lectureship. Searcy, Ark. See Youth and Family Minister FULL-TIME PULPIT MINISTER Assistant Director www.harding.edu/events/lectureship. The Fairview Road Church of Christ in Experienced, full-time minister needed for a Camp Wyldewood, a Christian Oct. 4-7 CenterPeace (e3) Columbia, Mo., is seeking a Youth and Family congregation of 120+. The candidate we are summer camp and retreat facility, is Minister. The primary focus of this minister's seeking will be a strong communicator, have Conference. Highland Oaks Church, work will be with teenagers (6th – 12th grade) two years Biblical studies, a Bachelor’s degree seeking a full-time assistant director. Dallas. See centerpeace.net. and their families. The overall goal is to grow in Bible or Ministry (preferred), and married. The assistant director is responsible Oct. 9-12 Abundant Living Salary is negotiable. Send resume and CD or for the day-to-day operations of teens individually and as a group toward the Branson Retreat. Branson, Mo. likeness of Christ with a family-based youth link to sermon to: the summer camp, marketing the ministry perspective in conjunction with overall Lapeer Church of Christ summer camp and retreat facility, See abundantlivingseniors.com. goals of the congregation. Salary is commensu- 1680 N. Lapeer Rd, Lapeer, MI 48446 and helping the executive director Oct. 24 Renew: A Gathering for rate with education and experience. For more Church office: (810) 664-1611 fundraise. Applicants should send a Church Leaders. Nashville, Tenn. See information, please contact: resume to: renew.org. Dee Vanderburg www.lapeercoc.com [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Nov. 5-11 Pan American Lectureship. Majesty of the Seas Cruise, Havana, Cuba. See lectureship. org. MINISTER NEEDED FOR LOVING CHURCH Family & Youth Minister The Liberty, Mo., Church of Christ, Nov. 9-11 PeacePrints Parent The Briarwood Church of Christ in Natchez, Miss., is searching for a a congregation that averaged 258 in Retreat. Watchtower Ranch, Texas. minister to preach, teach and serve in the community. This is church family 2017, is seeking a Family & Youth See centerpeace.net/parents. of about 60 members, averages about the same in worship. The emphasis is Minister. For a detailed description Jan. 20-25 Gospel Meeting. on involvement in the lives of the members and the community. This unique of the position and instructions on Quartzsite Church of Christ. congregation has much to offer and will be an encouragement to anyone who how to apply, please follow the link Quartzsite, Ariz. See will love them. If interested, please email: [email protected]. Give us to our website: quartzsitechurchofchrist.com. your contact information, and someone will follow-up with the desired quali- http://www.libertychurchof FULL CALENDAR: www.christianchronicle.org. fications and expectations, a request for a resume and further exchange of christ.org/who-we-are/our- To include your event for $25, contact thoughts and attitudes. staff/family-youth-minister/ . [email protected]. SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 after a year at the helm of Freed-Hardeman, David Shannon reflects on his move from pulpit to presidency Keeping Christian education on mission

BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Is Christian higher education worth the cost? avid R. Shannon remembers the day Most definitely! Our mission is for when E. Claude Gardner walked into our students to grow in their faith and the sawmill near Centerville, Tenn., expand their love for God and others where Shannon was working and while receiving an excellent education and having fun along the way. Dasked him to attend Freed-Hardeman College. Here it is possible for a student to “It changed my life,” Shannon recalled. begin their young adult life away from But he never dreamed he would one day fill home in a godly environment. They Gardner’s shoes as president of the Henderson, have the opportunity to enjoy and to Tenn., school, now a 2,000 student university grow by gaining an education that that prepares students to serve Churches of will serve them well, to form Christian Christ — from the pulpit and in the pews. friendships that will last for a lifetime. We also value Christian spouses. Since age 14, Shannon had preached for I was 18 years old and thought small Churches of Christ in Middle Tennessee. Freed-Hardeman was expen- After graduating from Freed-Hardeman in 1989, sive. But even at 18, I knew that he and his new bride, Tracie, moved to New York if I found a Christian wife here, it to work with the Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch. would be a good investment. A long preaching career followed, including We are often a student’s first home eight years with the East Gadsden Church of away from home. It is here students photo provided by freed-hardeman university will begin to form adult habits. Christ in Gadsden, Ala., and 18 with the Mt. David Shannon snaps a selfie with a Freed-Hardeman student during a fall event. Consider habits and choices many of Juliet Church of Christ in Tennessee. our 19- to 22-year-olds develop who are He has served on the board of Heritage education to stay on mission. If I How does FHU maintain its high not attending a Christian university. University in Florence, Ala., and has participated could have an impact on FHU’s percentage of students from In a survey of graduates of one in mission work in El Salvador. John Law, future in helping students love the Churches of Christ? year out (most of them 23 years chairman of FHU’s board of trustees, described Lord and his church even more Our board mandates that we keep old), we asked them several spiri- him as “an expert communicator, collaborator, when they graduated than when enrollment at 75 percent members tual questions. One of them was they enrolled, I was willing to serve. of the Church of Christ. We place a multiple-choice question: “How team builder, motivator and encourager.” a concentrated effort on going to often do you go to church?” Of This year, Shannon and his wife celebrate their After a year in the presidency, where these high school students about 80 percent who came to us as 30th anniversary along with their four children how do you find the challenges live, worship and learn. members of Churches of Christ, 98 and two grandchildren. to be different from ministry? We know where the majority of percent said they attend most of the First, the university’s almost 2,000 high school students who will enroll time while 90 percent attend every What motivated you to leave a students and more than 400 full- and in FHU are on Sunday mornings and time the doors are open. long preaching career to become part-time employees cannot wait for Wednesday nights. Church visits are I could give many examples of daily, a college president? the new president to catch on. The important for this reason. Reaching weekly and semester-long experi- One of the hardest decisions university needs decisions today. out and showing up at youth retreats, ences that add to the value of Christian Tracie and I have ever had to make Second, the difference in the church camps and youth rallies also education. The cost of Christian educa- was whether or not to leave the ministry and the presidency is the give us contact with these youth. tion at a university that will grow Mt. Juliet church to accept another simple reality that the buck stops We want youths who already are the student closer to Christ and his opportunity to serve in the Lord’s here. As a preacher, it stopped with investing their lives in the Lord to church is an excellent value. kingdom as president of FHU. the elders; as a president, it stops know of a place where they will be As we worked through this deci- in this office. given the opportunity to grow deeper Why should people support sion-making process, we continu- Third, the present culture of higher in their faith and expand their abili- Christian higher education? ally considered the powerful influ- education is volatile. The student ties to serve while preparing academi- If I am concerned about the future ence FHU has had on the Lord’s demographic is changing. The cally for the career of their dreams. of the church, I should be concerned church and upon Christian fami- marketplace demands more from All of this will be strengthened as they about whether or not she can retain lies for over a century. Perhaps we universities — as do the students. are surrounded by friends who will and attract young people in their 20s. all have observed how difficult it is Perhaps there has never been a time become as close as family and who FHU is a successful option. for Christian institutions of higher when education is more competitive. also love the Lord and his church. See SHANNON, Page 24 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE DIALOGUE SEPTEMBER 2018 SHANNON: Who will produce future preachers?

FROM PAGE 23 We recently named “Mr. FHU” as part of our annual awards. The young man who received the award mentioned in his speech that he was leaving FHU as a faithful Christian College of Arts and Sciences but did not enroll as one. Dr. Gregory Straughn, Dean, ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 The academics are worth supporting. At Freed-Hardeman, 100 The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for a full-time, percent of our classes are taught by tenure-track faculty member to join six colleagues in an ACEJMC-accredited program in a state-of-the-art members of the Lord’s church, with facility. About 150 students are enrolled in advertising/public relations, convergence journalism or multimedia a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. Our majors within the department or in an interdisciplinary graphic design/advertising major. Students in the instructors are dedicated to the Lord, advertising/PR major spend two semesters working at Morris+Mitchell, a student-run agency. The ideal to FHU and to their field of study. candidate will have academic credentials and professional experience for teaching public relations courses in This has translated into 100 the ad/PR major. Though not required, applicants who bring a second area of interest in sports communication, percent acceptance into law, social media or film are particularly encouraged to apply. A terminal degree is strongly preferred, but optometry, epidemiology and applicants who are ABD will be considered. Research and service expectations support the university’s status several other professional schools. as a premier comprehensive university. Information about the department is available at acu.edu/jmc. Employers are impressed with not College of Education and Human Services only the academic preparedness, but Dr. Jennifer Shewmaker, Dean, ACU Box 28276, Abilene, Texas 79699-8276 also with character and work ethic. Another reason to support The Department of Teacher Education invites applications for a tenure track faculty position as assistant Christian education is the fact that, or associate professor. An earned doctorate in the field of education with an emphasis in one or more of in the United States, many of our the following areas is required: special education, reading and/or ESL. Must provide evidence of exemplary preachers are trained in our Christian practice in K-12 settings. Applicants should demonstrate a strong background in effective teaching strategies universities. Who will produce the next for diverse populations; ability to create and enhance collaborative partnerships with public school personnel; generation of preachers in your home and strong potential for continued professional service and scholarship. Commitment to the mission of congregation? preparing Christian teachers to serve in diverse settings is fundamental. Information about the department Our Bible department offers can be found at acu.edu/education. classes to every student. If we do not support them, where will our School of Information Technology and Computing future scholars, educators, researchers Dr. John Homer, Director, ACU Box 29304, Abilene, Texas 79699-9304 and writers be produced? Our The School of Information Technology and Computing (SITC) invites applications for an open-rank congregations want them, but often position in any of the following fields: computer science, information technology and information systems. the absence of their financial support Start date is Spring 2019, or when the best candidate is available. Preferred applicants will have a Ph.D. and makes one wonder if they think they ability to teach in one of the foregoing fields, or a master’s degree with significant industry and teaching just fall out of the heavens. experience. Primary responsibilities will include teaching undergraduate students in the SITC, mentoring students, service assignments, and research. Rank, tenure eligibility and salary will be determined based Why is FHU’s annual lectureship upon qualifications and experience. Information about the SITC can be found at blogs.acu.edu/sitc. continuing to thrive as so many others are losing attendance? If I knew the answer to this, I would be a highly sought-after See acu.edu/academics/provost/positions for complete descriptions of these positions. In a letter to the lectureship consultant! But what I appropriate dean or chair, applicants should address their qualifications for the position. They should include observe at FHU is that the lecture- in the application a statement of how faith informs their teaching; a discussion of their spiritual journey; ship is like a reunion. Attendees a curriculum vitae; transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone know they are going to see many numbers of five references. Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue Christians they already know until the position is filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified women and love. The expectation of well- and minorities are especially encouraged. ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the prepared lessons from God’s word Churches of Christ. All applicants must be professing Christians and be active, faithful is honored. members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and deeply committed to service I have noticed through the years in Christian higher education. The mission of ACU is to educate students for Christian in preaching and teaching that if you service and leadership throughout the world. ACU does not unlawfully discriminate feed God’s children well, they tend in employment opportunities. to come back for another spiritual feast. It truly is a spiritual feast and fellowship, causing us at the end of 180309-0918 the week to begin to look forward to the next one. SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES AGAPE CHILD & FAMILY SERVICES MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Youth groups from three Churches of Christ were among volunteers who helped Agape Child & Family Services this summer. Teams from the Highland Church of Christ in Cordova, Tenn., the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tenn., and the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City painted, cleaned up and beautified areas in which Agape provides services to needy chil- dren and families.

HIGHER EDUCATION Wrestling coast Greg Smith, right, and basketball coaches Kory Slaughter and Tree Burks help beautify the campus. ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY ABILENE, Texas — Megeste Pierre plans to use his ACU education to help in Giving York ‘a touch of TLC’ his homeland of Haiti. Pierre, 31, recently completed YORK, Neb. — Faculty and staff members his master of divinity degree of York College pitched in during the to go along with his bachelor’s recent Alumni and Friends Workdays on degree in biblical studies and campus minors in political science and For 10 years, alumni and friends led by business administration. Scott and Lisa Eckman of Cedar Rapids, After the 2010 earthquake Pierre Iowa, have shown love to students by that devastated Haiti, Pierre’s spending several days in service before family established The Goodness of God the fall semester begins. Orphanage. He’ll use the knowledge gained in This year, a crew of 70 volunteers his ACU studies to run the school and minister striped parking lots, spread mulch and to those he serves. pulled weeds. His mother died when he was young, and he The volunteers “gave all of campus a lived in an orphanage for a while. touch of TLC before student move-in,” York spokeswoman Chrystal Houston said. MINISTRY TRAINING Groups from two Iowa congregations PHOTOs BY STEDDON SIKES — the Harland Church of Christ and the Nikki Bahler, part of a group from the Clear Lake Church of BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE INTERNATIONAL Clear Lake Church of Christ — “were Christ in Iowa, pulls a fistful of weeds during the recent 10th DENVER — Bear Valley Bible Institute’s 19 instrumental in this work,” Houston said. annual York College Alumni and Friends Workdays. incoming freshmen this fall include students from Argentina, China, Ghana and Uganda as well as Arkansas, California, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia and Wyoming. In all, the school has 58 students this semester, 35 enrolled full time, Bear Valley Church of Christ MICHAEL HITE minister Neal Pollard Bear Valley freshmen and said. Since 1965, the family members. institute has trained “preachers of the gospel, evangelists with a precious message to share with a lost and Some of the volunteers from the Clear Lake Church of Christ in Iowa take a break from working to pose for a photo. dying world,” according to its website. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE partners SEPTEMBER 2018 WAMAVA: Despite its appeal, ‘this camp is not a church’

FROM PAGE 3 only about two-thirds come from church-going homes, he said, “and that trend will continue as millennial parents send their children to camp (even though) they are not in the church anymore.” For example, the camp’s fourth week included at least five campers whose parents had once been campers themselves and had grown up in Churches of Christ, Joe Dunlap said. But they no longer worship with a congregation in the fellowship. “That is something that I am praying about,” he said. “What is camp doing that connects well with them, and how can we take that back to our churches?” He’s happy that campers come from diverse backgrounds — including the kids of Lamica Hembry, his neighbor in Herndon, Va. Hembry, a bartender, worships with a Baptist church. She said she PHOTO via www.wamava.com likes bringing her kids to camp Joe Dunlap gives new campers an orientation before some outdoor games and devotionals at Camp WaMaVa. because “it’s just good wholesome fun. People come from all over.” the rest of my life here,” he said. As the friends ate breakfast, they fist- strated by a recent “blindfold devo- Despite its appeal and spiritual “Our goal is to try to make every kid bumped nearly every kid that walked tional.” With covered eyes, campers focus, “this camp is not a church,” feel like they are appreciated and by. They knew them all by name. had to listen for the speaker’s voice to Joe Dunlap said. “We need to work they are loved.” • A place of reunion and salva- find the location of the devotional. better with the churches so that this He remembers the advice he tion: Wayne Wold, 43, lives in West “Meanwhile, there were other is not a ‘one week on, 51 weeks off’ received from his former counselor: Virginia and grew up in the Church voices intended to distract and throw kind of thing.” “If you want to yell at a kid, they are of Christ where his dad preached. He the campers off the trail,” Decker probably getting yelled at at home. now attends a Catholic church, but said. “The point is that there are ‘IT’S ALL FAMILY’ You want to give them something brings his two daughters to WaMaVa. many voices telling us what to do, To understand the connections different.” “It’s more than a camp; it’s part of but we have to choose whether we made at camps associated with • No racial barriers: On the my soul,” he said from the back of listen to God’s voice or man’s voice.” Churches of Christ, final day of week a tractor as he deposited gravel in At another devo- The Christian four, Furman shared front of the dining hall. tional, each camper Chronicle spoke breakfast with Sonny He loves the openness about faith received a glow stick to students, coun- Simpson, 44, of he sees here, he said. “If that can save but wasn’t allowed selors and parents at Laurel, Md. Simpson one kid’s life and bring them back to to “snap” the sticks, WaMaVa, which takes has been coming to Christ, the whole summer is worth it.” causing the chemicals its name from the WaMaVa since he was The camp also allows kids “to inside to glow, until nearby locales it was a child. He has been mingle with other cultures,” Wold someone performed designed to serve — an instructor at camp said. “We are out in West Virginia, an act of kindness for Furman Simpson Decker Washington, D.C., for years, but on this and I don’t see anybody. People from them. Maryland and Virginia. day he came just for the fellowship. Deanwood (a neighborhood in north- Decker urged the campers to hold • Let them know they’re loved: “It’s all family,” he said. “I drove east Washington) come down here. on to their faith and continue to let “I grew up here,” said Manny up here this morning just to have They don’t ever see trees! their light shine — even after they Furman, who has served as a coun- breakfast with Manny.” “This is an awesome place.” return home. selor at WaMaVa for eight years. He met Furman years ago — as he • Learning to live by the light: “Let your light shine. Don’t hide “Over the course of the year I fished the future counselor’s glasses The camp’s assistant director, Joshua it under a bushel,” Decker told the prepare to come,” said Furman, who out of the lake, Simpson recalled Decker, wants children to experience campers, quoting the lyrics to a graduated from Lipscomb University with a laugh. Immediately, the two spirituality in a way that goes beyond popular kids’ song. in Nashville, Tenn., in the spring and were like family. “It didn’t register sitting and listening to adults preach. “And don’t let Satan blow it out.” came back to the camp for the summer. to me that he was black and I was Even walking to hear a sermon can “I make friends that I will have for white,” Simpson said. be a learning opportunity, as demon- WEBSITE: www.wamava.com SEPTEMBER 2018 PARTNERS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27 Christian campers celebrate a Baltic baptism In the European nation of Lithuania, Christians congratulate their new sister in Christ, Arina, during the annual Baltic Family Camp. The camp, in its seventh year, brought together 110 members of Churches of Christ and friends from across Europe, including Arina’s homeland, Estonia, plus believers from the U.S., Russia and India. The camp’s goal is to help European ministers, missionaries and their families get to know their counterparts in other nations, said Ilia Amosov, who ministers for a Church of Christ in Klaipeda, Lithuania. “It has become a great tradition now,” added Danny Dodd, a former missionary to Lithuania who helped launch the camp and baptized Arina. Dodd ministers for the Levy Church of Christ in North Little Rock, Ark., which sponsors the camp. Speakers included Curt Niccum, a Bible professor at Abilene Christian University in Texas, who spoke on the book of Ephesians. His wife, Deborah, taught classes for women. Alan and Sherry Pogue, licensed professional counselors from Ilia Amosov Sherwood, Ark., worked with the families. JOEL PETTY ‘This is heaven on earth, the way it should be’ A CAMP FOR SPECIAL-NEEDS KIDS, once featured on ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’ helps volunteers from Churches of Christ grow — perhaps in a more lasting way than other missions, one youth minister says.

BY Kelly Walden | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Deep bonds developed between worked as a staff member for the missionaries and campers. second year at Barnabas. PURDY, Mo. The Southwest church brought 15 Cason Walden, a member of the ouths from four Churches students to volunteer at the camp, Reidland church, was recently hired of Christ committed to a including a male and a female intern. as an intern at Barnabas after work- week of dying to self as they The same week, additional workers ing as camp staff for four summers. served at Camp Barnabas, came from the Southern Hills Church Jason Allen, youth minister for which provides summer of Christ in Abilene, Texas; The Hills the Golf Course Road Church of adventuresY for special-needs chil- Church of Christ in North Richland Christ in Midland, Texas, has taken dren and young adults. Hills, Texas; and the Reidland Church students to Barnabas for 10 years. “I’m so thankful to see how these of Christ in Paducah, Ky. He also leads the youth group on kids are treated and celebrated,” said At least three other Churches of PHOTO PROVIDED by Elizabeth Eckstein various mission trips. Abbey Cartwright, a youth minister Christ brought groups to serve at Elizabeth Eckstein, right, spends “Each of the mission trips is really for the Southwest Church of Christ Camp Barnabas on different weeks. time with friends at Camp Barnabas. great in different ways,” he said, in Jonesboro, Ark. “This is heaven on The camp, which is not associated “but the life transformation I have earth, the way it should be.” with Churches of Christ, gained The national exposure led to more seen at Camp Barnabas seems to be Volunteers called Barnstormers, national recognition a decade ago donations and more camper applica- more lasting. They learn sacrifice ages 13 to 15, spent long hours when the reality show “Extreme tions. In addition to the Teas Trail and selflessness on a completely serving meals, washing dishes and Makeover: Home Edition,” featur- location, Camp Barnabas now oper- different level. ... I think they truly cleaning bathhouses at the campsite, ing carpenter and philanthropist Ty ates a facility on a peninsula of Table see God in a more visible way when called Teas Trail. Pennington, rebuilt the camp found- Rock Lake in southwest Missouri they are encouraged to love the The work was hard, they said, but ers’ home. that offers water sports. campers to such an extreme.” the music was loud and the spirited Seeing the joyous enthusiasm This year, Barnabas served a His co-youth minister, Elizabeth singing was energizing. of the campers and volunteers, record 2,000 campers. Eckstein, added that the volunteers Volunteers ages 16 to 29, called Pennington and his squad added a Kara Corley from the Southern at Barnabas “are learning a lifestyle Missionaries, worked one-on-one 40-bed bunkhouse to the project to Hills church and Jeff and Michelle of service. They learn to put them- with campers, pushing wheelchairs house volunteers. They also created Mastick from The Hills came to selves second in a real way. It is or helping them walk, participating a media room to be used on rainy serve alongside their children. All more than a service project; it is a in whatever the campers wanted to days and adapted a ropes course three volunteered as cabin parents. week that teaches them to love.” do and helping them with eating and and zip line so they could be used Natalie Frederick, a student at bathing if necessary. by special-needs campers. Harding University in Searcy, Ark., WEBSITE: www.campbarnabas.org 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE september 2018 Newsmakers Showcasing the moments of your life Milestones and the lives of loved ones. Births snow storm keeping them from service. credit manager for Lewers & Cooke, Ltd. At their wedding 60 years ago, Herchel In January 1972, Al and June moved and Diane could scarcely have imagined how from Hawaii to Dallas, where he has been Bennett Tyler Ross the Lord would bless them. They have three a resident for 46 years. He worked five August 2, 2018 children, 10 grandchildren, and the number years as the credit manager at Miller Bros. of grandchildren just keeps growing. Industries (Adam Hats) and then ended his Many of you reading this will certainly career after 20 years as credit manager with recognize them from a specific congrega- Dallas Handbag Co., retiring in 1995. tion, college lectureship, or Sunday night Al turned 96 years of age this January and PHOTO PROVIDED bY BRENT LANSDEN singing service. Let’s all congratulate them was still self-sufficient in his Dallas home. David Glasscock was honored by on their anniversary and all the years of He took a great interest in politics and the Oklahoma EMT Association. service they have given and continue to governmental affairs and frequently wrote give to the Lord and His people! letters to the editor sharing his daily obser- AWARDED: David Glasscock, vations and research. Al was a committed preacher for the Beaver Church of Bobby and Tamie Ross are the proud 60th: Wayne and Glenna Bailey, Aug. Christian and a longtime member of the Christ in Oklahoma, with the “EMT of grandparents of Bennett Tyler Ross. Bennett 23, Urbana, Ill. Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, the Year” prize by the Oklahoma EMT was born at 9:42 a.m. Aug. 2. He weighed Texas, where he served as an elder, a Bible Association. Glasscock first worked 6 pounds and 9 ounces and was 19 inches Memorial class teacher, a song leader, and an ESL as an emergency medical technician long. Bennett and his parents, Brady and English teacher to Chinese students. in Kansas and has served as Beaver Mary Ross, live in the Waco, Texas, area, County EMS director since 1994. where Brady is the youth minister for the Al Stathopulo We Remember Crestview Church of Christ. 1922 — 2018 NEW MINISTER: Aaron Lewis, Congratulations to the Ross family! Arnelious Crenshaw Jr. Jacksboro Church of Christ in Texas. Elbert “Al” Almon Stathopulo was Birthdays born in Oklahoma City on Jan. 16, 1922, “Oh, Don Vito Corleone, godfather, NAMED: Jeff Dimick, as chief to Christ and Iona Stathopulo. He fell it’s so hard to believe a whole year has operations officer, Gary Jones, as 92nd: Richard Taylor Sr., Sept. 11, asleep in the Lord on June 18, 2018, after passed since your departure. We’ve never assistant dean of students, and Florence, Ala. a series of falls and complications. Al was known this present world without you, but Bill Goad, as chief analytics and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, are thankful for the memories. Mom and planning officer, for Oklahoma Anniversaries great-grandfather and a friend to all who Dad were our first and best teachers about Christian University in Oklahoma knew him. His lovely wife June passed right and wrong, love, City. Jeremy Daggett, as as director away 14 years earlier. Al is survived by his and having joy and peace of the Latin American international Herchel and Diane two sons, David (Sandi) of North Richland always in Christ Jesus, studies program, for McKamey — 60 years Hills, Texas, and Chris (Linda) of Dallas; but, dear brother, as your Harding University four grandchildren, Michael, John, James, faith and knowledge of in Searcy, Ark. David On Sept.13, 1958, Herchel and Diane and Kathyrn; and four God’s Word grew, ours Srygley, as chief McKamey were wed in matrimony in the great-grandchildren, did too! You were always academic officer, for Cloverdale Church of Christ in Indiana. Jesse, Rhema, Thea, eager to share your reve- NationsUniversity in They began their joyous lives together in and Jerry. lations from God’s Word, New Orleans. the church and they continued serving the Al joined the and we were excited to learn them. Thank members of the Church of Christ in many Marine Corps at the you for being the greatest storyteller of all HONORED: Laura Srygley ways. They loved being with many of you age of 18 in 1940, time. As you made so vivid the Godfather LaChappelle, a during worship and developing friendships after graduating from trilogy, you did even greater with the Holy member of the during all of those pot luck dinners. They high school. In June Scriptures, lifting them right off the page Covington Church still enjoy worshiping with other Christians 1942, he survived and implanting them directly on our hearts of Christ in Georgia, and continue to do so in Phoenix, Ariz., the decisive naval battle of Midway. He — Proverbs 3:1-8. as the Georgia where they do not have to worry about a served with honor for 20 years, retiring We love you always, Bud, always!” — History Teacher of from the Marines with the rank of First sisters Gwen, Rosalind, Lutricia, Valerie the Year. The award Sergeant (E8). His last duty stations were and Ruthie was given by the in Jacksonville, N.C.; Falls Church, Va. Gilder Lehrman (The Pentagon), and Key West, Fla. After Institute of LaChappelle retiring he and his family moved to Kailua, American History. Hawaii, for 12 years. In Hawaii he worked Allan Trimble, an elder of The Park as a credit manager at Honolulu Electrical Church of Christ in Tulsa, Okla., Supply Company and later as corporate with induction into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. Trimble won Submit your wedding announcements, birth announcements, memorials or tributes to 13 state football championships as [email protected] or call (405) 425-5071. Submissions start at $25. head coach at Jenks High School in the Tulsa area. SEPTEMBER 2018 PEOPLE THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29

LEWIS: ‘A scholar for the Churches of Christ’ Minister Needed FULL-TIME MINISTER WANTED FROM PAGE 3 Harding School of Theology, and Is there a congregation ready The Chatham Church of Christ is looking for a “I carry in my heart to this day the was eventually named professor to send a minister to work in full-time minister. We are a small congre- blessing of having had such a teacher.” emeritus of that institution. gation in northern New Jersey. Preferred south-central Pennsylvania? qualifications include: master’s degree; strong Lewis was born in Midlothian, “As we look back over his long preaching, teaching, evangelism and inter- Texas, and grew up in a farm family career, we can see that he was more Small church needs a sponsored worker for a growing community. personal skills; 5-10 years of experience; during the Great Depression. Those than a scholar in the Churches of See online ad for more info. and willing to make a long-term commitment. who knew him say the lessons he Christ; he was a scholar for the Send resume and other relevant information Chambersburg Church of Christ learned in that era served him well in Churches of Christ,” Wilson said. to: PO Box 221 [email protected] his professional life. A lifelong student “He raised the bar for all those Chambersburg, PA 17201 Chatham Church of Christ of the Bible, Lewis was known to say, thousands of his students who (717) 261-0835 (leave msg) “The best translation of the Bible is wanted to be preachers or teachers 382 Fairmount Ave [email protected] Chatham, NJ 07928 the one that you’ll read and live by.” of the Word. He wanted them to www.christianchronicle.org/classifieds In 1953, Lewis completed a Ph.D. jump higher and further than they (973) 635-6810 in New Testament from Harvard had ever thought they could.” University. In 1962, he added a Ph.D. Lewis served as a Bible class in Old Testament from Hebrew teacher and elder of the Church of Full-Time Minister - Missouri MOUNTAIN Union College to his credentials. Christ at White Station in Memphis. In 1958, Lewis was a part of He attended Sunday morning Malden Church of Christ seeks COMMUNITY the founding faculty of Harding services with the assistance of care- a full-time minister. Rural congre- OPPORTUNITY Graduate School of Religion, now givers until the last months of his life. gation, 50-60 faithful members, led by the Lord and two elders. Tiny congregation looking for sound Compensation commensurate Christian leadership. Retirement or Beloved professor Harvey Floyd dies at 87 other support needed. with qualifications and experience. Church of Christ NASHVILLE, Tenn. — He was a man of was named Bachelor of Ugliness Contact: humble stature and a quiet nature, and his future wife, Virginia Austin, Attn: Billy McCarty but Harvey Floyd had a powerful was crowned Miss Lipscomb during Rod Dill at (573) 281-8625 PO Box 487, Reserve, NM 87830 impact on generations of Lipscomb the same year. They both graduated Jerry Reaves at (573) 276-8071 (575) 533-6574 University students. The renowned on June 1, 1953. They were married Bible professor died four days later. Aug. 7 at age 87. From 1955 to 2010, Harvey Floyd A native of taught at Lipscomb. He also taught Grenada, Miss., Japanese students at Harpeth Hills Floyd was legendary Church of Christ for 40 years. Minister for his Greek, Holy He is the author of “Is the Holy Spirit and Romans Spirit for Me?” classes among “In a time when we generally We are seeking a minister to work with our current pulpit minister with the intention others. He earned Floyd lacked the language and the will- of transitioning into the full-time minister position. This minister will work with our a bachelor’s from ingness to talk about the Spirit, Dr. current pulpit minister and elders to serve the West Olive Church of Christ by providing Lipscomb, a master’s in Bible Floyd’s book and classes on the a balanced ministry of preaching, teaching and assisting the elders in implementing our at Harding School of Theology Holy Spirit began to help us break vision to help the congregation grow to its full potential in membership and spiritual and a doctorate from Vanderbilt through that narrow silence,” said growth in Christ. We are a congregation of 450 members in a growing community west University in classical Greek. Leonard Allen, dean of Lipscomb’s of Phoenix, Ariz. While a student at Lipscomb, he College of Bible and Ministry. General Requirements: The ideal candidate should be a married, middle-aged man with at least ten years of experience. He should be of strong personal faith and be doctrinally Former Crossroads minister Lucas dies sound and well grounded in the Scriptures. He should have an evangelistic heart to share the Gospel with those who are lost. Thomasville, Ga. — Longtime minister with the Crossroads Church of Christ Charles Howard “Chuck” Lucas died in Gainesville, Fla., from 1967 to 1985, Principal Responsibilities: Responsibilities of this position include preaching, teaching Aug 9 at age 79. where he was involved in campus and participation in the life of our church family. Born in Mobile, Ala., ministry. The discipling methods How to Apply: he earned a bachelor’s he helped develop became part of Those interested in applying should mail a copy of their resume with picture and at in Bible from Harding the Crossroads Movement, later least three references to the attention of: University in Searcy, called the Boston Movement, now the Ark. and graduate International Churches of Christ. In West Olive Church of Christ degrees in history and the early 1990s, the ICOC formally split Attn: Elders mental health coun- from the mainline Churches of Christ 10935 W Olive Ave seling from Mississippi Lucas as the movement’s top-down hierarchy College and Florida and discipling techniques drew criti- Peoria, AZ 85345 State University, respectively. cism. In 2002, leaders of the move- He was best known for his work ment apologized for past behaviors. SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29

30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE SEPTEMBER 2018 A rare show of love and unity editorial Churches shouldn’t wait A SERIOUS INJURY at a youth rally brings out the best in African believers. to have end-of-life talks Do not withhold good from those to whom it operation but could not leave the hospital. Her is due, when it is in your power to act. parents were working to find a way to bring hree years ago, in response to your requests, — Proverbs 3:27, New International Version her to Nairobi without causing her more pain we launched a series called “Blessed be the on the rough roads through public transport. Caregivers.” We talked to countless Christians NAIROBI, Kenya Church members set up a group on who sacrifice their time and resources to be hen she saw that her son, In the Word the smartphone program WhatsApp TJesus to the aging and the disabled among us. Maximillian, was calling at 2 to help mobilize funds to airlift Margie Many of you shared stories of the difficult but necessary a.m., the boy’s mother was from Eldoret to Nairobi. Within three conversations you’ve had with your families about end-of- tempted not to answer. He days, the group had raised enough life issues. We appreciate your honesty and forthrightness. Wprobably only wanted to say that the money for two air tickets — one for Now we must have those same, difficult conversa- youth conference he was attending in Margie and the other for her brother. tions with our churches. Eldoret was going well, and cell time Christians in Eldoret helped her to Our Page 1 coverage, part of our “Big Questions” in Kenya costs by the minute. move from the hospital to the airport. series, asks “Can Churches of Christ be saved?” We tell Max was persistent, dialing again From there, the siblings took their the stories of three congregations — one thriving, but when she didn’t pick up. So his Nyabuto Marube first-ever air flight to Jomo Kenyatta two others dying. We know there are thousands more mother received the call, intending to International Airport. Margie said across the U.S. in danger of closing. scold him. But her son was frantic. His sister, she forgot her pain for a moment when she Churches, like people, have life cycles. Some survive Margie, her daughter, had fallen in the school boarded the Kenya Airways JamboJet flight. well past 100 years. Some revive. We’ve written about compound and badly fractured her leg during Her parents waited with a taxi to take their many of these churches and want to share more. Please the Church of Christ youth conference. The children to their home in Kibera district. send us your church’s stories of renewal. coordinators had rushed “Thank you for the But we know that many congregations do not her to the hospital. sacrifice you made to revive. Mike O’Neal, board chair of the Heritage 21 Though her parents ensure that I came back Foundation, warns of “an avalanche of congrega- immediately longed to to Nairobi comfort- tions whose life-cycle is nearing the end but who are be with their daughter, ably,” Margie said in woefully unprepared.” The foundation is one ministry the cost of traveling a message to all who mentioned in this month’s coverage that is dedicated to see her in Eldoret helped her, relayed to helping dying churches. was prohibitively high through Christopher “The all-too-frequent outcome of declining congrega- — and there would be Opondo, minister for the tions is that resources that could be used for church other trips necessary, Kibera Church of Christ. planting and other kingdom purposes are often just dete- including one to bring “Many of you have never riorating or are being taken over by other groups with a Margie back to Nairobi boarded an aircraft, different spiritual ethos or are being sold and the proceeds after she was released but you generously being used illegally for personal purposes,” says O’Neal, from the hospital. gave to help me. We sat who also serves on this publication’s board of trustees. What could they do? right behind a cabinet “If there is any message we want our brotherhood Our God provided. minister who was trav- to hear,” O’Neal says, “it is that all congregations, What followed was a rare eling to the city.” particularly those with 100 or fewer members, need show of love and unity Margie missed one to take preventive action while decision-making is less amongst Christians from term of schooling (the emotional and all options can be evaluated objectively all parts of Kenya. The second term of what we and in view of what is best for the Lord’s kingdom. teachers at the confer- call Form 3) because of “The tragedy unfolding in our fellowship is not that ence (preachers and the injury. We prayed congregations are reaching the end of their life-cycle. elders of Churches of that she would recover It is clear from Ecclesiastes that sometimes it is ‘time Christ) appointed one of PHOTO PROVIDED BY NYABUTO MARUBE quickly so she wouldn’t to die.’ What is tragic is that many congregations are the youths as treasurer Workers at the airport in Eldoret, Kenya, help have to repeat. The doing so without dignity and good stewardship.” and began a collection. Margie board a plane bound for her home city, youths from the confer- It’s too easy for us to close our ears to this message Though not wealthy, the Nairobi, after surgery to repair her leg. ence planned to meet or to lash out in anger and indignity at the messenger. believers raised enough with her for a thanks- That won’t change anything or bless anyone. to help with the initial expenses for Margie giving service with the Kibera church. Can Churches of Christ be saved? Of course. With and her caretaker at the hospital. Let us keep the fire burning and share our God all things are possible. Let us do what we can She was taken into the surgical theater and success stories. with what we have to provide for a divine legacy. doctors fixed her fractured femur for healing. Thankfully, her father’s insurance covered the NYABUTO MARUBE is a longtime minister and ministry leader FOr more information, see www.heritage21.org. Find additional bill. She was discharged four days after the among Churches of Christ in Nairobi, Kenya. links and other resources at christianchronicle.org. SEPTEMBER 2018 OPINION THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 31 We can and should remain together from our readers Should Christians help CHURCHES OF CHRIST don’t need more division but vision focused on Christ’s call for unity those here illegally? s a lad, I remember Churches The movement’s followers sought Some ideas for fostering unity: of Christ having nearly iden- to foster the mission of spreading the • We can agree that Churches I imagine that your article tical orders of worship. Gospel. They wanted Christian denom- of Christ, even with this broad regarding illegal immigrants (“At We sang from hymnals and inations to join together in evangelistic spectrum among us, are worth the border, a prayer for ‘forgotten Astudied from the quarterlies of but a efforts based on their shared core preserving as a great brotherhood. people,’” Page 1, August) has few publishers. Women wore hats on beliefs. And they refused to allow divi- • We can stand strong for the garnered some different sorts of Sunday mornings (never slacks), and sive issues to interfere principle of autonomy. responses. men were always in suits and ties. with fellowship. • We can reexamine Certainly, you caused me to Truth was defended Alas, this cooperation the principles of our think about what is the duty that in debates with “the Views was never achieved. Restoration heritage. a Christian has to his country denominations” and The mission was • We can avoid being (following its laws as Jesus did among ourselves hindered then — as it harsh with our brethren and as the apostles taught us to in when threats to our is now — by the lack of who have held to the the New Testament) and how it harmony arose. unity for which Jesus old paths or who have affects his concern about helping I have witnessed prayed in John 17. reached new under- others in need — even if they are the passing of this Churches of Christ standings. We need not illegally present in this country. uniformity over my have inherited the tarnish each other with I asked myself what I would do eight decades in divisive tendencies hurtful language. if a Christian brother and a citizen our fellowship. The Wayne Newland that developed later in Find additional coverage at • We can study the of this country who had broken current diversity is the 19th century from www.christianchronicle.org. long-held positions that the law asked me to help him clear to readers of this newspaper’s the desire to restore others have reexamined evade arrest. Without question, recent articles that ask the ques- detailed traits perceived in the epis- so that we may better understand I would tell him to turn himself tion, “In 2018, what is a Church of tles. This resulted in split after split those who have reached different over to authorities, even if he Christ?” (Page 1, March) — Disciples of Christ, Independent understandings of the Word. protested that he was innocent. I Though an admitted oversimplifi- Christian Churches, non-institu- • We can refocus on soul-winning, would trust that the system works cation, “conservative” folks among tional churches, one-cup congrega- disciple-making and building faith in and that he would be acquitted. us remain very close in beliefs and tions, the International Churches of non-believers. It’s hard, but possible. Then I thought about the many worship practices to the churches of Christ and so many more. • We can join with our brethren in black defendants convicted my youth, while “progressives” have Our fellowship grew for more service projects. In 2005, I spent 10 erroneously in years past in reexamined our traditional under- than a century, but mostly from days in Louisiana after Hurricane Texas. When DNA evidence was standings and have adopted some persuading believers in denomina- Katrina along with many wonderful presented, many of them were new worship practices and attitudes tions to accept our inferences and brothers and sisters from all over released. Would I have hidden toward other faith groups. deductions and less from building the country — and from across the these men from the authorities Some believe that progressives faith in non-believers. We’re caught in brotherhood spectrum. We worked if I knew they were being put in have abandoned the authority of constant controversy as to what God together in Jesus’ name, focusing on prison because of their race? the Scriptures and are no longer requires of us, what is permissible. the work to be done. The issue of millions of members of the church. When you’re sure you are right, • We can agree on fundamentals of non-citizens here illegally, Progressives, it’s not easy to the Gospel and not allow perfect and earning a living and at least meanwhile, may ‘When you’re sure you are seek unity. We complete agreement on all issues to paying sales tax, is not simple. see their conser- right, it’s not easy to seek need to recognize be the enemy of unity and fellowship. Nor can it be compared to vative brethren our differences • We can remember that not one racism against U.S. citizens. as short-sighted, unity. We need to recognize our and live with each of us deserves salvation. We are As a Christian, I should tell unwilling to differences and live with each other or else. reckoned righteous by grace through someone here illegally that he study. Many have other — or else. Or else we will Or else we will faith. Wherever God has children, we is wrong to disobey our laws. I decided that they fragment further, have brothers and sisters. should not abet his disobedience. can’t let such fragment further, becoming becoming merely A long-departed hero of mine used If he is in danger in his country brethren hold merely sects or splinter groups sects or splinter to say that we may consider those of origin, we have asylum them back from groups that once who disagree with us as “erring regulations that can protect him. making changes. that once were part of a were part of a brethren.” Then he would ask, “Is Otherwise, he should go home. Some editors, vibrant, noble movement.’ vibrant, noble there any other kind?” After all, Christians who preachers and movement. Are we not all erring? So, let us are U.S. citizens pour billions writers seem bent I believe we love and accept one another — or into other countries — on division. Sadly, this development can and should remain together. the “or else” will surely come true. feeding and clothing, digging stands in stark contrast to the ideals Conservatives in our fellowship wells, inoculating, providing of our shared heritage — the Stone- may consider this view heretical. WAYNE NEWLAND is a writer, a retired educator medical and dental care, Campbell American Restoration Progressives may consider it naive. and a member of the Greater Portland Church of providing shelter, teaching Movement of the early 1800s. Maybe they’re both right. Or neither. Christ in South Portland, Maine. See READERS, Page 32 32 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE opinion SEPTEMBER 2018 READERS: Thoughts on borders south and north Full-Time Pulpit Preacher NOT EVERY HILL FROM PAGE 31 articles. You have an ability to The Annapolis Church of Christ in Maryland is and training people to be able to make a reader feel like he is IS CALVARY! looking for a well-rounded preacher who is support themselves. We are not where you are, listening in to your This 40 page analysis of capable of inspiring members of the church unsympathetic or selfish. conversations and interviews. PATTERN/CENI/SILENCE and the community around them. The church But we shouldn’t be abetting Neil Capper | Mobile, Ala. offers an alternative hermeneutic. has elders and deacons. Interested men should lawbreakers, especially if we call it mail or email a letter of introduction, resume, Also available: “ministry.” recent sermons, and examples of recent Nora B. Vincent | Quitman, Texas “JUDGE NOT ANOTHER’S classes taught. Go to annapolischurch.org/ Don’t pass up chance SERVANT” (12 pp) preacher for full job description. The Broadening Spectrum in I keep thinking back to Leviticus to learn from other faiths Churches of Christ Today John Lewis, (443) 977-6124 19:33-34 while reading this article: [email protected] “When a stranger sojourns with you I see you were in Utah recently “LOVE GOD AND DO AS in your land, you shall not do him at a conference at Brigham Young YOU PLEASE” (16 pp) wrong. You shall treat the stranger who University (Inside Story, Page 3, Three Phases of Spiritual Growth sojourns with you as the native among August). I so appreciate your accep- (from law-living to grace-living) Evangelist Search you, and you shall love him as yourself, tance of that invitation and your inter- Church of Christ in Meadville, Pa., is looking for for you were strangers in the land of actions with those of other faiths. $3.00 each, postage paid. an evangelist to work with us. We are a small Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” We tend to close off any contact like Order now. Send check to the author: congregation of about 35, located in Northwest Caesar didn’t allow people to that, I suppose in some kind of fear Wayne I. Newland, Box 121 Pennsylvania with an eldership in place and worship God or even call themselves that we might become contaminated 190 US Route 1 looking to grow the Lord’s body in this rural Christians. His advisers would tell somehow. Or we don’t want to hear Falmouth, ME 04105 community. We are committed to sound doc- him it was OK to kill the Christians other viewpoints. However, these For more information: trine. If you are interested in being a part of this because they were breaking the law. people are human beings, made in [email protected] great work, please send a resume with a cover The laws of God tell us to love one the image of God and loved by God. letter explaining your interest and needs to: "Newland offers a number of challenging another and to care for those who We visited Salt Lake City this observations regarding the interpretation North Meadville Church of Christ are strangers in our land. summer on vacation and toured of Scriptures among Restorationists." Attn: Elders TIA DUGAN | New York Temple Square. We even got the Tom Olbricht PO Box 1356, Meadville, PA 16335 “grand tour” with the help of a couple of missionaries. At the end, Canada coverage was we got an invitation to become Mormons. While we did not accept great on details — not the invitation, I had to wonder when so much on geography the last time was that I offered an Pulpit Minister invitation to come to Christ. I just received the latest Christian Jay Plank | Wichita, Kan. Chronicle. The caption under The Church of Christ in Champions located in Houston, Texas, seeks to hire a full-time the large picture of Montreal’s Story on race meeting minister who will provide a balanced ministry of preaching, teaching, visiting, and Olympic Stadium (Page 17, August), assisting the elders in implementing our vision of the church as we grow to full unfortunately, states that Montreal gave a clear, pictorial view potential in membership and spiritual growth in Christ. We are a congregation of 465 is Quebec’s capital. Of course, it’s members with new facilities and significant room to grow. The ideal candidate should Quebec City. (Editor’s note: We have This letter is to commend you for be a married, middle-aged man with at least 10 years experience as a minister. corrected this in our online edition the publication of the July Christian A Biblical education equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or a graduate of a Biblical col- and apologize for the error.) Chronicle article “We still have two lege or institute is required. He should be of strong personal faith and be doctrinally I’m a Montrealer, emigrating to the brotherhoods” (Page 3). U.S. In 1975. V.P. Black, who baptized I am impressed with the effort sound and well grounded in the Scriptures. We seek an applicant with an evangelistic my wife, and I led a gospel meeting to just present the story factu- heart to share the gospel with the lost. Responsibilities include preaching, teaching at the now-closed Lachine Church ally, historically and correctly. You and active participation in the life of the church family. of Christ in 1989. Lachine and the left readers with the clear pictorial Those who are interested in applying should email a copy of their resume with picture, Verdun congregations were the only view of how the church sought to a link and/or attachment of one or two recent sermons, and at least three references to: active congregations at the time. address the race issue 50 years ago Brother Gary Hampton, now the in that meeting of willing church [email protected] pulpit minister at Siwell Roac Church leaders while allowing the reader to of Christ in Jackson, Miss., and I compare history with the present. Any other inquiries please contact either: went back to lead another meeting at Thanks for the publication, and Britt Jones (281) 381-4446, [email protected] Lachine in 1991. His wife and mine let us continue to watch and work Wes Arnold (281) 586-9801, [email protected] conducted an evening Vacation Bible together in development of our future. School during the week. ANDREW J. HAIRSTON | Atlanta Other contacts: Church office (281) 440-9898 Then, like now, immigrants www.championschurch.org Facebook: @championschurchofchrist formed the majority of the faithful in CORRECTION: A story on Page 3 of the August issue both congregations. misidentified Randy Lowry, president of Lipscomb I so appreciate your wonderful University in Nashville, Tenn. We regret the error. SEPTEMBER 2018 REVIEWS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 Novelization of Hannah’s life Minister uses down-to-earth, ‘aha!’ moments reveals a real, relatable soul as he ponders a deeper understanding of God indulge in all kinds of books, but I especially love Christian fiction based on Scripture. hin Place: Glimpses Up There in half the time. It was as if he wanted to list all One of my favorite authors is Jill Eileen Smith, from Down Here” is an engaging the possibilities available. (His treatment of Al who has written many books on women in the book written as stand-alone vignettes Gore and the “god of the environment” just felt IBible. She takes the stories we grew up reading in loosely tied together. It appears to be like one illustration too many.) God’s Word and makes them an emotional experience. ‘Tdesigned as an anam cara, or “spiri- I also was uncomfortable with As a result, I feel like I can relate to these women tual friend” to help the reader navigate In Print Duncan’s treatment of the “name of and what God wants me to learn from their lives. the deeper questions of life. Jesus.” This seems to be a throw- Smith does extensive research on how Author Duncan Campbell, student back to 1990’s deliverance theology. What we're women lived in Old Testament times life minister for the New Braunfels He places emphasis upon saying the reading and presents it in line with Scripture. Church of Christ in Texas, uses the old name “Jesus” as a means by which one The latest in her Daughters of Celtic concept of thin places — places can overcome “aggressive spiritual the Promised Land series, “A where the veil separating heaven and attack.” He references Philippians 2:10- Passionate Hope: Hannah’s earth was so thin one could experi- 11, calling the name of Jesus the name Story” does not disappoint. ence a deeper spiritual mystery — above every name. Smith retells the story found in to describe events and experiences Darryl Willis There are two problems with this view the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel in one’s life where a deeper under- of the Philippians text. First, “the name about a childless couple’s struggle. standing of God and his will could be discov- of Jesus” is better understood as “the name that “All we really know about Hannah ered. (Someone unfamiliar with the concept belongs to Jesus.” That name is “Lord.” In the Melinda Wilson is that she was married to a man of might call it a spiritual “aha!” moment.) Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Ephraim from the tribe of Levi, who “Thin Place” represents Campbell’s desire word “Lord” was used as a euphemism for the had two wives,” Smith said in an interview. “One, to embrace the mystery found in big ques- covenant name of God (YHWH). Peninnah, bore him many children, while Hannah tions about “design, The second problem is had none. Whenever we see women asking God for purpose, and destiny.” an apparent magical view a child, it shows us that God cares about this cry of He begins this task well. of Jesus’ name. Duncan their heart. Hannah’s story is also one of heartache His descriptions of Waffle attempts to avoid the in the midst of her hope. She is bitterly opposed by House short-order cooks, problem with a disclaimer, her sister-wife, who makes it her mission to keep popular movies and child- but it falls flat. One Hannah’s life miser- hood memories quickly pull wonders if the seven sons able. The amazing thing you in, inviting you to sit for of Sceva (Acts 19) would about Hannah is that a spell and visit. His style agree with him. she continually takes is rather homey — almost Spiritual warfare is not her struggles to God. as if these are not words on about verbalizing names. I Though years pass with a page but a conversation suggest God defeats satanic no answers to her prayers, over a cup of coffee. power through unselfish she never gives up. And Admirably, Duncan lives devoted to loving him God rewards her for her avoids glib answers and and loving people, whether faithfulness.” platitudes. He attempts to the name “Jesus” is ever In reading this book, lead readers to discover said out loud in an effort to I learned that God their own answers. He ward off what we perceive can restore the most points to the importance as a satanic attack. broken relationships. of meaningful presence As with most books, Like Hannah, God wants in the journey, writing, “Thin Place” demonstrates Jill Eileen Smith. A me to be a woman who “Is an answer what we strengths and weaknesses. Passionate Hope: prays and doesn’t give really need? A fact? A The strength of the book Hannah’s Story. Ada, up. At times in my life statistic? A truth? No. We is its narrative approach. Mich.: Revell, 2018: 368 I’ve prayed about some- need someone to be with Rather than a dry lecture pages. $15.99. thing until I’ve felt like I us. Someone who knows. Duncan Campbell. Thin Place: Glimpses on spiritual disciplines just can’t pray about it any Who’s been there.” Up There from Down Here. Long Beach, and mystery, Campbell more. Maybe, during those times, I can go to God I enjoyed his down-to- N.Y.: Palette Press, 2016. 212 pages. $15.99. engages us with story- with Hannah’s prayer: “God, this is my heart’s desire, earth humor. Although telling. His voice is not but help me be accepting of your will above all.” there is an undercurrent of the heartbreak and stilted and theoretical; it is fresh and inviting. If you enjoy Christian fiction based on biblical sadness of growing up between divorced parents, It should be popular among young adults who characters, you will enjoy this book. I couldn’t help but smile at Duncan’s childlike enjoy reading devotional-style literature. On a reasoning when contrasting households. scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 7. MELINDA WILSON is an administrative assistant for The Christian Chronicle. There are a few weaknesses to the book. She worships with the Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. In some places he goes too long. Chapter 14 darryl willis is education director for Eastern European addresses the important issue of contemporary Mission, a nonprofit associated with Churches of Christ. Find links What are you reading? Send submissions to [email protected]. idolatry, but he could have gotten to his point to more of his writing at darrylwillis.wordpress.com. 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION SEPTEMBER 2018

MEMORIAL ROAD CHURCH OF CHRIST The Christian Chronicle is searching Lynn and Joy McMillon have served The Christian Chronicle since the mid-1980s. for a new Chief Executive Officer. Chronicle thanks Lynn and Joy After 22 years of exceptional service, Dr. Lynn McMillon has announced that he will be stepping down as the President and McMillon for decades of devotion CEO of The Christian Chronicle by May 31, 2019. n 22 years with The Christian Lynn assisted Oklahoma Christian The Board of Trustees seeks a highly qualified candidate for the Chronicle, Lynn McMillon has University’s executive committee in Iaccrued a wonderful list of building a dedicated board for the role of President and CEO to oversee and manage the accomplishments. Chronicle. He led us through day-to-day operations of the newspaper and work in harmony After his many years of To our readers the emergence of our online with its award-winning staff. service, Lynn has notified the publication and has grown the Chronicle’s board of trustees readership of our print edition. For full details of the role and job description, visit: that it is time to begin a We are aware of the transition for leadership of challenge of running a the publication. publication and media www.christianchronicle.org Over the next nine months, nonprofit in today’s world, If you know of someone qualified for and potentially interested Lynn will step down from his and we thank Lynn for his role as president and chief steadfast perseverance in in this important role, please forward this information to him executive officer as the board Deon Fair ensuring the Chronicle is not or her and send your nomination to us at the address below. seeks an individual to take only solvent, but also thriving. the Chronicle to the next level, using Among Lynn’s achievements is Individuals interested in the role are strongly encouraged to Lynn’s tremendous contributions as the excellent team of reporters and submit a resume and cover letter by Dec. 15, 2018, to: a strong foundation. staffers he has helped build. He joined the staff of this He has taken the Chronicle from publication in 1996 as general more than $800,000 in debt to sound [email protected] manager alongside publisher J. financial footing. Terry Johnson and editor Bailey Lynn’s wife, Joy, deserves our or McBride. In 2006, he took on the profound thanks, not only for role of president and editor while supporting him in this work, but also The Christian Chronicle continuing his full-time roles as chair for serving the Chronicle since 1982 c/o CEO Search Committee and Distinguished Professor of Bible in a variety of roles — managing at Oklahoma Christian University editor, correspondent, administrative PO Box 11000 and as an elder of the Memorial Road assistant — and helping with Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. whatever needs to be done. Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 He stayed in the role of president We know that for both McMillons, as Erik Tryggestad became editor of the Chronicle is a labor of love. The Trustees and staff appreciate your prayers for this search process the paper in 2013. Please join us in thanking Lynn and for the mission of the Chronicle to inform, inspire and unite. We on the Chronicle’s board and Joy for their exceptional service are deeply appreciative of Lynn’s to the Chronicle and the fellowship service. He has brought the of the Churches of Christ. publication through financial crisis and has stewarded the growth of deon fair is chairman of The Christian our donor base and advertisers, to Chronicle’s board of trustees. He worships with whom we owe great gratitude for Christians at Richardson East (CareChurch), a believing in our mission. Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. SEPTEMBER 2018 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 Keeping Christian INSIDE education on mission CALENDAR...... 22 OPINION...... 30 Freed-Hardeman’s David CURRENTS...... 17 PARTNERS...... 25 Shannon reflects on his INSIDE STORY...... 3 PEOPLE...... 28 INTERNATIONAL.....13 REVIEWS...... 33 move from the pulpit to LETTERS...... 31 STAFF INFO...... 4 Vol. 75, No. 9 | September 2018 | christianchronicle.org the presidency. 23 NATIONAL...... 5 TO OUR READERS....34

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