Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 69, No. 7 | July 2012 for Churches of Christ Is your church visitor-friendly? MOST EVERY CONGREGATION characterizes itself as welcoming. Guests don’t always see it that way.
BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Too often, though, congrega- tions fail to show Christ’s love When Sarah Stirman and to strangers, said many mem- her family moved to the Dallas bers and leaders interviewed area last summer, they visited by The Christian Chronicle. half a dozen “Most congrega- congregations. tions are filled At each, their with very pleasant experience was Christians who basically the same. are so enjoying “Our family sat each other’s alone and was company that ignored before they often don’t service started. notice those who If we were lucky, visit their assem- we were greeted TERRY RUSH blies,” said Mark during ‘shake and A sign at the Memorial Drive Blackwelder, a bake,’” she said, church in Tulsa, Okla. Bible professor at KATE BOWSMAN referring to the Freed-Hardeman forced greeting period when University in Henderson, Tenn. A toothy precious moment at special-needs carnival the worship leader asks every- See VISITORS, Page 14 Luke Flanders grins as he holds a bunny at the 12th annual carnival for children with special needs organized by one to stand and welcome the Brooks Avenue Church of Christ in Raleigh, N.C. More than 800 guests, 170 volunteers and dozens of vendors those around them. MORE COVERAGE and costumed characters — including “Wolfpack” mascots from nearby North Carolina State University — made Undoubtedly, no Church of INSIDE STORY: A DISAPPOINTING VISIT...... 3 the recent carnival a huge success, said Melinda Oldham, who coordinates the church’s special-needs ministry. Christ would describe itself as ‘MYSTERY GUESTS’ ASSESS CHURCHES...... 15 “The rain held off until 15 minutes after the carnival was over,” Oldham said. “The Lord was all around.” unfriendly. MEMBERS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES ...... 30
box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 INSIDE CALENDAR...... 27 change service requested NON-PROFIT ORG. CURRENTS...... 17 U.S. POSTAGE INSIGHT...... 34 PAID INTERNATIONAL...... 8 OKLAHOMA CITY OK LETTERS...... 31 PERMIT # 276 NATIONAL...... 5 OPINION...... 29 PARTNERS...... 23 Man on a Mission After the honeymoon A day at the dump PEOPLE...... 25 Dan Bouchelle on changing How can busy, distracted Ministry serves Honduras’ REVIEWS...... 32 roles for global churches. 21 couples rekindle affection? 31 hardworking poor. 18 VIEWS...... 31 Chronicle wins seven ‘Best of the Christian Press’ awards (Page 24) | Breaking news, exclusives at www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012
Thanks A Million.
We asked Churches of Christ and interested individuals to provide Bibles and Biblical literature in 1,494 Public Schools in Rivne and Poltava, Ukraine. The $1,000,000 Sunday, for this effort, was held on April 29, 2012. Many congregations have already responded and others still plan to have The $1,000,000 Sunday later in the year. The response so far has been very encouraging and we want to say thank you to all who have participated. EEM is working diligently to print and distribute the Bibles and Biblical literature to the schools. As we near our goal for “The $1,000,000 Sunday” we wanted to share this news with you and let others know the opportunity is still open. If you haven’t participated we invite you to do so.
www.milliondollarsunday.org · 800-486-1818
facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt
EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. JULY 2012 the christian chronicle 3 Seeing church Berkeley Hackett, through eyes missionary to of an outsider Kenya, dies at 70 bout 15 minutes before the Sunday morning BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Aworship assembly started, I pulled into the Berkeley North Hackett earned the parking lot of a red-brick, nickname “Rhino” for his tenacity and tree-shaded Church of tirelessness as he served souls in the Christ in the Midwest. East African nation of Kenya. Through my ministry In 1970, the Detroit native and his with The wife, Charlotte, committed to two years Inside Story Christian of mission work in Kenya, said longtime Chronicle, I friend Vincent Doan. That two years, am blessed Doan said, became “a 42-year lifetime of to visit con- service.” gregations Berkeley Hackett died all over the PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD of a heart attack May nation. Most Jerry Rushford gets a standing ovation before he delivers his final lecture as director of the 21 in Kenya’s capital, of the time, Pepperdine Bible Lectures. The university honored Rushford for his 30 years of service to the lectures. Nairobi. He was 70. though, He attended Michigan somebody Christian College, now Bobby Ross Jr. knows I’m Rochester College, and coming, and The world comes to Malibu earned degrees from Hackett I receive a warm welcome. verlooking the gorgeous Harding University and In this case, I had the University of Alabama. In Kenya, he attended an early service Pacific coast in glamorous and his wife worked with the Church of with a different group of Malibu, Calif., Christians Christ that meets in Nairobi’s Eastleigh Christians but decided to talked about ministering to neighborhood. Seeking a way to train visit a second congregation Othe poor alongside native believers Kenyan Christians to support their min- — unannounced — before I from Haiti, Uganda and Cuba. istry, he founded the Kenya Christian flew home. Industrial Training Institute, or KCITI. I had heard great things The 69th annual Bible Lectures In 2011, he handed the reins of the about the second church at Pepperdine University included institute to Lydia Wanjiku, who grew up and even connected online speakers from more than 30 in the slums of Nairobi and was the first with the preacher. He had countries. More than 5,000 church student to enroll at KCITI. helped me a few times members attended. On the final News of the missionary’s death when I e-mailed requests generated a flood of responses on The for sources and ideas to night, attendees received a book Christian Chronicle’s news blog. my Chronicle feedback list. commemorating Jerry Rushford’s Attendees learn “A cappella songs for a new generation” “What Mr. Berkeley Hackett has done I thought it would be neat 30 years as director of the lectures. during a class in Pepperdine’s Stauffer Chapel. for my life is unforgettable,” said Martin to meet him in person and Mulimbwa, a native of the Democratic maybe even grab lunch if he Republic of Congo. “He helped so many happened to be free. Congolese refugees like me regain con- When I arrived, I noticed trol of our lives after fleeing civil wars a sign for “Guest Parking.” in our countries of origin.” “How sneaky,” I thought The missionary “gave me hope,” said with a chuckle, expect- Mulimbwa, who now lives in Canada, ing someone to greet me “and the training I received at KCITI quickly as I got out of my shaped my future. Today I have life, rental car. hope and peace because of Christ, who But I made it to the main utilized Berkeley Hackett.” door without anyone saying anything — and without A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. June anyone noticing me, even Philippe Dauner, minister in Marseilles, University President Andrew Benton presents an award to Oji 23 at the Woodson Chapel Church of Christ, 5800 See GUEST, Page 4 France, delivers a keynote address. O. Oji, minister and publisher in Nigeria, and his wife, Ngozi. Edmondson Pike, Nashville, Tenn. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY JULY 2012 www.christianchronicle.org
Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. • Visitor feedback: See more comments and ideas from readers on how to show Christian love and hospitality to people who visit your church. • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out exclusive online features. GUEST: A disappointing experience for visitor improve your serve FROM PAGE 3 He said he especially wanted the though I arrived at the same time as a visitors to know how much everyone www.harding.edu/mmin handful of members. appreciated our attendance. In fact, he Just inside, a nice, older lady handed urged us to be sure to go to the wel- me a colorful worship program. She come desk and receive a free gift. 36-HOUR, NON-THESIS DEGREE smiled but did not introduce herself. My minister friend preached an excel- I walked slowly through the foyer and lent sermon. After the service, I went • Accredited graduate courses noticed small groups of people min- up to meet him. • Online at-a-distance gling and visiting with each other. After He was talking with a member, so I • Scholarships available standing by myself for an awkward few stood beside the two of them, not want- moments, I made my way to the rest- ing to interrupt and figuring someone WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING room and then led myself on a tour of would notice me standing there. But • “The M.MIN. program has been a period of incredible growth, refresh- the church building, hoping to run into before I had a chance to say anything, ment and renewal for my life and ministry.” my minister friend. another member passed in front of me, • “This program is a great blessing! It’s rigorous yet flexible and I know Feeling a little invis- stuck out his hand to the I’m better equipped for full-time ministry!” ible, I headed into the minister and told him auditorium and grabbed how much he always • “The spiritual growth offered through these classes is amazing. Without a seat at the end of an enjoys his lessons. that growth we cannot hope to minister to others.” empty row. A family sat Once or twice, I felt down in the pew in front my minister friend glanc- MEET ONE OF OUR PROFESSORS of me but did not say ing at me, but he never Phil McKinney, adjunct professor, Fairfax, Va. anything — until another acknowledged me or family arrived and joined said anything. He just • B.A., Harding University them. The two families kept talking to the other • M.A., Harding School of Theology appeared to be wonder- person. Maybe I really • Ph.D., (ABD) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary ful friends, and they was invisible? enjoyed catching up. PHOTO PROVIDED I finally gave up and I searched my brain A guest parking lot at a different walked to my car in • Family includes wife, Angie, and three daughters: Kaylee, Taylor and Rylie and confirmed that I had church from the one visited. the visitor parking lot. • Youth & Family Minister at Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark. showered that morning I couldn’t help but feel (1995-2008) and even shaved. So it couldn’t be that pretty disappointed as I drove away. • Spiritual Formation Minister at Fairfax Church of Christ in Fairfax, Va. I was turning off fellow Christians with A few minutes later, I received a (2008-present) an unsavory odor, right? much more enthusiastic welcome. I had ironed a blue dress shirt and As I turned into an off-airport parking CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR FALL 2012 black pants and put on shiny black shoes. lot to return my rental car, a man with • Advanced Bible Study Techniques with Tim Westbrook Could it be that I looked too churchy? a big smile spotted me immediately and • Old Testament Theology for Ministry with Kevin Youngblood Just before the service started, a waved me forward. woman approached me, and I couldn’t “How was your trip, Mr. Ross?” a • Ethics in Ministry with Phil Thompson help but think that this might be my big second employee asked as he rushed to • Spiritual Formation and Discipleship with Phil McKinney moment. I was actually going to meet carry my bags to a waiting shuttle van. • Congregational Ministries with Scot Crenshaw someone. My anticipation built. “Come on in here, and we’ll get you “Are these seats taken?” the woman ready to go,” said a third employee who asked, referring to the rest of my empty poked his head outside an office door. row. Sixty seconds, and three people “No,” I said, enjoying the longest con- already had made me feel at home. versation of my visit to this 200-member Next time I’m in town, you can bet I’ll church 750 miles from home. visit again. I finally saw my minister friend when The rental car place, that is. he stepped to the pulpit to welcome everyone to the assembly. CONTACT [email protected]. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 ALABAMA BAYOU LA BATRE — Daphne German always figured that by the time she turned 70, she’d be done with hard work. “I’d walk on the beach like the old ladies with the floppy hats,” said German, a great-grandmother. Instead, she gets up every day at dawn to ready the food pantry at the Hemley Road Church of Christ, the Press-Register reported. As a founder of the nonprofit Bayou German Recovery, German believes that the restora- tion of Bayou La Batre, beaten down by Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, is far from over. Four mornings a week, folks line up at the church pantry for a box of food. A truck ministry takes food to shut-ins. NEW MEXICO ALAMOGORDO — Cuba Avenue Church of Christ members organized a recent DONNA WATSON “Read the Bible Marathon.” The reading occurred in a gazebo at ‘Bear Hugs Project’: Missouri children donate teddy bears to police Alameda Park on White Sands along Police officers Randall Hey and Jeff Loberg accept a donation of 250 teddy bears from children at the Hollister Church of Christ in Missouri. the city’s main highway. Through the “Bear Hugs Project,” the children raised money to provide bears for police to carry in their cars and give to children in crisis Volunteers took turns reading out loud, situations, member Donna Watson said. Loberg, a member of the Hollister church, thanked the children for the donation. continuing through the night for four “When we get a call where children are involved, they are often very frightened,” Loberg said, “and if we can kneel down in front of them and days, church member Elise Haley said. give them a bear to hug while telling them that everything is going to be all right, it makes a huge difference.” “Young children, grandparents, teens — those of all ages — took a turn,” Haley said. to Eastman Kodak Co. hiring hundreds relations director for Ohio Valley spotlight of African-Americans in Rochester. University. “Things looked bleak.” NEW YORK But in time, things changed, ROCHESTER — Franklin Florence, senior WASHINGTON Butterfield said, and the 120-year-old Mission-minded at 100 minister for the Central Church ABERDEEN — The Aberdeen Church of church is enjoying a revival. BRADENTON, Fla. — Nerve pain from of Christ, holds a special place in Christ traces its origins to 1944, when The congregation’s motto: “A place of postherpetic neuralgia has kept Lee Rochester’s history. a small group of Christians began new beginnings for all who come!” Watkins from attending services lately He also holds a special place in the meeting for fellowship and worship. Membership has grown to 115, with at the 53rd Street Church of Christ. hearts of many people, the Democrat The congregation recently celebrated a mix of young families and “darling But Watkins, who celebrated his and Chronicle reported. its 68th year with a homecoming, older Christians,” the minister said. 100th birthday May 4, remains vitally That was clear as said Reda Redding, wife of minister “I’ve never been happier,” he added. interested in mission more than 700 people Lawrence Redding. Former ministers work and still contrib- gathered recently for Al Robison, Melvin Byrd and Stanley WYOMING utes to his favorite a community recogni- Sherman delivered short messages. LANDER — Radio advertisements focused ministries, such as the tion dinner that featured “The afternoon was full with a potluck on marriage, parenting and God’s love Christian Home and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson meal, a memory video and a time of have helped the Lander Church of Christ Bible School in Mount Jr., D-Ill., as keynote sharing memories,” Reda Redding said. become better known in the community, Dora, Fla. speaker. “It’s humbling, the Rocky Mountain Christian reported. “His top interest Florence very humbling to have WEST VIRGINIA The ads are just one outreach is building (a radio) Watkins this kind of outpouring SISTERSVILLE — The Pursley Church approach used by the 100-member tower in Madagascar of appreciation,” Florence said. “It of Christ had diminished to about 15 church, which has added 10 people by World Christian Broadcasting,” certainly is very special.” members by the time minister Tom in the last year, evangelist Triston said his daughter Marilyn Watkins. The minister is known for leading civil Butterfield arrived in 2006. Jacobsohn told the newspaper. In his younger years, Lee Watkins rights struggles and mobilizing thou- “There were no children,” said For more information, see www. started Churches of Christ in Panama sands during prolonged battles that led Butterfield, who also serves as church landerchurchofchrist.com. and throughout south Florida. 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION JULY 2012
House Parents Arms of Hope is seeking a married couple who has a passion for today’s youth and a calling to Christian residential care. At Arms of Hope we have the unique opportunity to serve youth who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need adult leadership to help guide them educationally, emotion- ally and spiritually. It is our mission to provide these children with a therapeutic environment in which they can develop and prosper. This mission opportunity offers a very competitive REBEKAH LAZAR salary in addition to housing, food, health insurance, a retire- ment plan and generous vacation and leave time. Pennsylvania camp adds a college-age session Chelsea Anderson reads her Bible during morning quiet time at “Camp College” at Camp If interested in these positions, please visit Manatawny in Berks County, Pa., about 45 miles northwest of Philadelphia. www.ArmsofHope.org to obtain an application on the “About For more than 40 years, Manatawny, operated by members of Churches of Christ, has offered Us” page. You can also contact Allen Williams at sessions for first- through 12th-graders. The recent Camp College — the idea of Andrew Cooper, a [email protected]. deacon for the King of Prussia Church of Christ in Pennsylvania — marked Manatawny’s first-ever program specifically for college-age campers, assistant director Rebekah Lazar said. Besides enjoying games and worship, campers put faith into action through two service projects. Obama highlights journey of Missouri church member
JOPLIN, Mo. — A year after a tornado ries. Quinton woke up in a hospital bed devastated this southwestern Missouri three days later. It was then that his community, President Barack Obama sister, Grace, told him that both their highlighted the journey of high school parents had been lost to the storm.” senior Quinton Anderson. Obama described how Quinton faced Anderson, 18, attends five weeks of treatment, including the 26th and Connecticut emergency surgery, but left the Church of Christ, where hospital determined to carry on his life his father served as and be there for his sister. a deacon. Quinton’s “Over the past year, he’s been a foot- parents, Bill and Sarah, ball captain who cheered from the were among the 161 sidelines when he wasn’t able to play,” people who died. Obama said. “He worked that much “In a lot of ways, Anderson harder so he could be ready for base- Quinton’s journey has ball in the spring. He won a national been Joplin’s journey,” Obama said in scholarship as a finalist for the High a May 21 commencement address at School Football Rudy Awards, and he Joplin High School. plans to study molecular biology at “When the tornado struck, Quinton Harding University this fall. was thrown across the street from his “Quinton has said that his motto in house,” the president said. “The young life is, ‘Always take that extra step,”’ the man who found him couldn’t imagine president added, urging Quinton and all that Quinton would survive such inju- of Joplin to pursue their dreams. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7
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We’re prayerfully building JENNY GARRISON on it–rolling out exciting New Orleans children follow Jesus’ example new online teaching tools Liv Burkhardt washes the feet of Wade Rogers during a Wednesday night class at the Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ in New Orleans. “The point of the lesson was to follow the examples that for sharing Jesus. Jesus set for his disciples — show people we love them by serving them and praying for them,” said teacher Jenny Garrison, wife of minister Kirk Garrison. Also pictured are Alanna Slate, in the Will you become an Internet pink shirt, and her sister, Elaine Slate, in the white shirt with flowers. teacher today? Go to: www.worldbibleschool.net Texas church helps 450 needy families GLADEWATER, Texas — Economic woes have /teachers hit this East Texas community hard. Many people have lost jobs, and fami- lies are hurting, said Joe Chase, minister for the North Loop Church of Christ. “We had one lady who visited us who lost all she had in a robbery of her home,” Chase said. “She didn’t even World have shoes to wear.” She does now, thanks to the Bible 100-member North Loop church. School The congregation provided more than JOE CHASE 450 families with clothing, appliances, Aaron Regalado Jr. reaches for a drink after ...and that rock was Christ. bicycles and household goods through receiving a new bicycle from the church. its recent “Give Away Day.” I Corinthians 10:4 “Our church families have been need. Many of our items still had store saving up to give to people in our neigh- tags on them.” borhood,” Chase said. “We wanted to The church plans to make the give- give away high-quality gifts to people in away an annual event. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9
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Youth & Family Minister Needed
Maxwell Ave. Church of FACULTY POSITION AVAILABLE FALL 2013 Christ in Ardmore, Okla., Heritage Christian University invites applications for a full-time faculty posi- is seeking a Youth & tion in Theology and Scripture. The successful applicant will teach undergradu- Family Minister. ate and graduate courses. Course load is usually fifteen hours per academic year (alternating between three courses and two courses per semester). Our desire is to have a Competitive compensation and benefits. HCU is affiliated with the Churches of Christ; all qualified applicants must be professing Christians who are active, spiritually mature person faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and be commit- who is able and eager to ted to the training of Christian ministers. HCU is a university with an increas- work with youth and young ing focus on graduate education. The school is served by the Overton Memorial Library, which specializes in divinity resources and recently received the late families. Due to the Lord Frederick W. Danker’s collection of books and papers. Candidates should be blessing us, groundbreaking committed to the integration of scholarship with the life of faith, and they must for a new building will begin articulate a well-developed research agenda. Applicants should hold a PhD in in September 2012. Theology or a related field; however, strong ABD’s are encouraged to apply. Teaching competency in New Testament is advantageous, as is experience in administrative work. Interested persons should email the following materials to If interested, please send Edmon L. Gallagher, Chair, Faculty Search Committee ([email protected]): resume to maccfamily.org. (1) curriculum vitae, (2) names and contact information for three academic references and one spiritual-life reference, (3) a statement of teaching philoso- phy (one page), and (4) a research plan. After the initial round of application Maxwell Ave. review, we will request all transcripts of graduate and undergraduate work. Church of Christ Anticipated starting date is August 1, 2013, subject to negotiation. Review of 421 Maxwell applications will begin July 1, 2012, continuing until the position is filled. HCU does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, or disability. Applications Ardmore, OK 7340 from qualified minorities are especially encouraged. 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012
The 30-year-old WORSHIP LEADER AMEN Ministry connects Christians YOUTH AND FAMILY in the United States military with local The Morningside Drive church of churches of Christ both overseas and Christ in Alice, Texas, is searching for in the U.S. Please send name, contact information and especially e-mail a man to lead our worship and work addresses to: with our young families. Successful AMEN Ministry candidates will enthusiastically direct http://amenministry.info the singing and praise portion of our 135 Larchmont Drive worship assemblies. Additionally, he Hendersonville, NC 28791 will develop and coordinate member- Phone: (828) 891-4480 ship activities for members under 40 E-mail: [email protected] years of age. This is a full-time position, but we will consider part time employ- ment as well. Alice is located in South Texas, 45 miles northwest of Corpus Minister Needed Christi. Our church family currently is served by five elders and one preach- The Sonora church of ing minister. Compensation package Christ is seeking a full- is open. You may learn more about time minister solid in the Kentucky us by visiting our web page at www. mdchurchofchrist.org. word and ready to work Louisiana If interested, please send a resume, written philosophy of ministry, and with our 75-member Maine three references to SEARCH COMMIT- congregation to preach TEE at 1396 Morningside Drive, Alice, Maryland Texas 78332. You may also e-mail the Gospel. Interested same to [email protected]. Massachusetts candidates may submit a resume to the atten- Michigan Maplewood tion of Search Commit- Minnesota Church of Christ tee. Ed Howard Sr. or Mississippi is seeking a minister. We Barry Blaylock c/o So- average 75 in attendance nora Church of Christ, We are drawn here from every state. on Sunday morning. P.O. Box 3111, Sonora, Harding University students come from all 50 states — and Send resume to CA 95370 or call Barry from more than 50 different nations. We understand that 3530 Falling Springs Rd., Blaylock for more in- a well-rounded education includes a global perspective. Cahokia, IL formation at (209) 586- That’s why nearly half of our graduates have participated in 62206 or [email protected]. 8995. a study-abroad experience at one of our seven international campuses in Australia, Chile, England, Greece, France, Italy and Zambia. And while these locations may sound exotic to some, many of our students are right at home there.
Faith, Learning and Living
Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 Searcy, Arkansas JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 11 ALBANIA spotlight BERAT — Albanian evangelist Bledi Valca and U.S. church member Bill Morgan visited five congregations in the Berat Mercy mission region of south-central Albania. “The churches in the area are to Moldova losing their financial support at the end of July,” Valca said, “and CHISINAU, Moldova — This small, we wanted to ... meet with each former Soviet country, sand- preacher and talk about the wiched between Ukraine and needs of the church (financial, Romania, is considered the emotional, physical, training, poorest nation in Europe. resources, etc.) and encourage It’s also ground zero for them to keep strong.” human trafficking on the conti- Meanwhile, 240 youths from nent, according to faith-based 12 Albanian churches attended nonprofit Justice and Mercy an annual youth rally. Kody International. Speer, youth minister for the A team of 11 women from MacArthur Park Church of Lipscomb University in Christ in San Antonio, was the Nashville, guest speaker. Tenn., trav- eled to AUSTRALIA Bill Westerberg Moldova MANSFIELD — “It’s not the End of recently to the World” was the theme for House church in Philippines yields new souls, big smiles assist an the annual Victorian Autumn Church members Emelio Macalisang, in white shirt, and Jonathan Echavez, to his right, wade and smile in the waters organiza- Camp at Lake Nillahcootie in of the Philippines with five young men they baptized — Nimrod Echavez, Perlito Gemang, Jason Torres, George tion called southeastern Australia. Jaculbe and Pepito Alinar. The baptisms followed Bible studies with a house church in Talisay City, Philippines. Beginning Fifty-eight Christians from Missionary Bill Westerberg asked Macalisang to take care of Sunday house church assemblies while Westerberg of Life. 10 Churches of Christ in five was on a two-month visit to the U.S. “I taught him and his wife how to make the communion bread,” Westerberg The orga- Australian states participated. said. “I made some Bible lesson outlines for him. ... Emelio did all of that and more. He taught and encouraged the nization, lipscomb.edu/Missions/Moldova visitors and World Bible School contacts to the point that some of them were ready to be baptized when I returned.” overseen by An all-female team INDIA Moldovan seeks to work with NEW DELHI — Sunny David Christians, Moldovan girls to ministers for a Church of the giving of the Torah in church has made a signifi- UNITED KINGDOM works in “grow as sisters in Christ in India’s predominantly Mount Sinai, the outpouring cant step toward turning their COLERAINE — The government the coun- Christ together.” Hindu capital city. He recently of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem hopes from the missionaries of this borough in Northern try’s public produced a CD with a gospel and the harvest time.” to themselves as Tanzanian Ireland — once the site of schools, speaking out about presentation, “All About the nationals,” said Charles Ngoje, deadly clashes between British the dangers of human traf- Bible,” to teach the people of TANZANIA who now works at the Nairobi troops and the Irish Republican ficking. Beginning of Life his home country about Jesus. MOSHI — The Riverside Church Great Commission School in Army — has recognized the encourages children to follow The minister plans to translate of Christ, a 45-member congre- Kenya. efforts of minister Robert their dreams without giving in the lesson into Hindi, the domi- gation that His brother, Ken, is the sole Ritchie to promote peace and to the temptations of drugs and nant language of the region. meets at the missionary still working with reconciliation. Ritchie, who prostitution. The church is constructing a foot of Mount the church. He plans to phase preaches for the Church of “Our mission is to serve new meeting place, scheduled Kilimanjaro, out of the work soon and return Christ in Coleraine, received women who have never been for completion in October. appointed its to his home in Winyo, Kenya. an award from the city’s mayor served by creating relation- first pulpit councillor, Maurice Bradley. ships with them, showing them ISRAEL minister UKRAINE the love of Christ and having JERUSALEM — Members recently. KIEV — The Obolon Church of a chance to grow as sisters of Netivyah, a Messianic Immanueli Msangi Christ in this Eastern European in Christ together,” said Alex Jewish ministry supported Laurenti capital reports numerous Shumate, a member of the by Churches of Christ, cele- Msangi will serve the 13-year- baptisms through its outreach Woodmont Hills Church of brated Pentecost (“Shavuot” old congregation, planted by to area prisons. Christ in Nashville. in Hebrew) with a cheesecake missionaries Ken and Ann “We believe that, through The team also distributed competition, minister Joseph Bolden in partnership with this plan, we see the hand of bags of food to hungry families Shulam said. The Christians Charles and Florence Ngoje, God,” said Viktor Schuka, a in Moldova. also gave food to the needy. Mark and Eunice Sure and prison minister for the church. photo provided “It is a very important biblical Ryan and Lynda Hammitt. “God will raise a pipeline of new Robert Ritchie with Coleraine see updates on the team’s blog at feast,” Shulam said, “connecting “With this appointment, the ministers to save new souls.” Mayor Councilor Maurice Bradley. lumoldovamission.blogspot.com 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD JULY 2012
PHOTOS PROVIDED Goats of joy: Texas church provides Zambian villagers with a self-sustainable source of income Church members in Mpepo, Zambia, show off the goats they received from their brothers mended that, instead of buying food, Westside members provide funds for goats, which and sisters in Christ across the ocean. The Westside Church of Christ in Texarkana, Texas, has villagers can use for milk and, eventually, income as the goats breed. The church provided supported the church since the early 1990s, when it was established by Zambians who studied funds for the goats and enough food to get the Zambians through the next harvest. Scripture through the World Bible School correspondence program. “The members of Mpepo are rejoicing that God has provided them with what they needed to Few of the church’s 24 families had enough to eat. A minister who visited the village recom- survive,” said Westside member Cherry Lloyd. “Westside was blessed with the joy of giving.” Christians in Nigeria, Greece mourn minister who died saving woman
BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Europe and the U.S. — After several studies, mourned the loss. Adesoye was baptized by Christians in Nigeria are “Debo was a faithful and Athens minister Dino Roussos. hailing minister Adebowale joyful Christian man,” said In Crete, Ajagunna worked Ajagunna as “a good shep- Eleni Melirrytos, a member of alongside Adesoye. The two herd who died at his duty post, the Omonia Church of Christ ministers shepherded a congre- guarding his sheep.” in Athens, Greece. She and gation of expatriates — mostly That’s how one Nigerian, her husband, Nigerians — in Heraklion. Modupe Aladeniyi, described minister In 2010, the Melirrytoses her countryman on The Alexander visited the church along ERIK TRYGGESTAD Christian Chronicle’s news blog. Melirrytos, with Tom and Cheryl Black, Dottie McBride and her husband, Louis, stand with daughters Rachel and Ajagunna, known as “Debo,” regularly visited missionaries in nearby Jessie at their home near Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2009. died May 1 from a gunshot Ajagunna and Bulgaria. wound. his congre- “We organized a celebratory The minister had returned gation on the dinner to share the joy and Dottie McBride dies at 67 recently from Greece to be island of Crete. success of Debo’s graduation Ajagunna with his family and was helping The Church with his doctorate degree,” CUENCA, Ecuador — Christians in Their daughter, Rachel organize a gospel campaign in of Christ that meets in Crete’s Eleni Melirrytos said. North and South America are Montesdesca, works with the the southwestern Nigerian city largest city, Heraklion, was One Nigerian who knew mourning Dottie McBride. Key Way Foundation, which of Ikare-Akoko. launched about five years ago the minister, Babalola Joseph McBride, who served with helps deal with social prob- As they made plans for the by another Nigerian immi- Oluwadamilola, described him her husband, Louis, as a lems in Ecuador “by providing event, Ajagunna and a group grant, John Adesoye. as a vibrant worship leader. missionary in Ecuador for a haven through which chil- of Christians were assaulted Adesoye, a former “He really followed the foot- more than 35 years, died from dren can receive food, shelter, by gunmen, apparently bent Pentecostal minister, first steps of our Lord Jesus Christ,” illness April 30. She was 67. medical aid and emotional and on robbery. Ajagunna was shot encountered Churches of Oluwadamilola said. A native of Nacona, Texas, spiritual support,” according to while attempting to aid a preg- Christ through a search on Eleni Melirrytos is collecting Dottie McBride attended the foundation’s website. nant woman in the line of fire. Google that led him to World funds to care for the minister’s Abilene Christian University. The woman and her baby were English Institute, a U.S.-based wife and children. She and her husband lived in Memorial contributions may be uninjured. ministry that helps people Cuenca, Ecuador, and served made to the Ecuador Fund or the Key Way A global community of improve their English using To contribute, contact Melirrytos through Churches of Christ throughout Foundation, both addressed to Nocona Church church members — in Africa, the Bible. her website, www.cookwitheleni.com. the South American nation. of Christ, 311 Cooke St, Nocona, TX 76255. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 13 120212-0412
SEpTEmbER 16 -19, 2012 FEATURED GUESTS AND ThEmE SpEAkERS • Elaine Heath Online pre-registration now open: acu.edu/summit • Walter Brueggemann • Dallas Willard 106th Annual Our 106th annual conference invites you to campus to hear • Mitch Wilburn outstanding preaching and instruction, and to experience • Collin Packer classes, concerts, performances and other art. The evocative story • Chris Goldman of the prophet Hosea’s marriage to an unfaithful woman is a • Jeff Christian metaphor for God’s steadfast love, as well as this year’s theme. • Jerry Taylor JULY 2012 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 15 ‘Mystery guests’ help assess friendliness at Tenn. church
BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE churches do not have a system of gath- ering a name and address of the guest, At his favorite coffee shop, Dale how can follow-up occur? Once you Jenkins identifies his target: the stranger have a name and contact information he’ll invite to be a “mystery guest.” from a guest, follow up.” The preacher will offer the person two Wayne Kilpatrick preaches for the $10 gift cards to visit his church that Heritage Place Church of Christ in Sunday — one card now and the other Irondale, Ala., which in eight years has when the guest reports back Monday. grown from 60 members to 210. “I tell them we are needing some help First impressions are crucial, he determining if we are a said, and extend beyond ERIK TRYGGESTAD friendly church,” said friendliness and “Wow!” In Nigeria, foreign visitors to a rural Church of Christ receive gifts of eggs and fruit. Jenkins, minister for the worship experiences. Spring Meadows Church “It is very important of Christ in Spring Hill, that the church grounds In Africa, visitors receive warm greetings — Tenn., which started are mowed and edged, with 40 to 45 people shrubbery trimmed and in words and song — from church members seven years ago and has classrooms neat, clean grown to 450 to 500. Jenkins Harrison and attractive,” Kilpatrick BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE and expressed his disappointment. He gives limited said. In Gambia, a tiny West African instructions: Keep up with how you’re Moreover, sermons require a “So Visit a church in the landlocked, nation completely surrounded by welcomed. Count how many speak to what?” aspect. West African nation of Burkina Faso, Senegal, visitors to the Kanifing you. Track where you’re greeted, be it “Preaching must be biblical and per- and you’ll likely hear this song, sung Church of Christ also hear a special the parking lot or foyer. sonal,” he said. “Those who preach need in Dagara, the local language: song, minister David Thoronka says. “I have used a form but have found to remember that we preach to instruct, Children of Christ, a visitor has come At one point in the song, members a conversation is more revealing if convert and convict, not to impress.” to our church. We greet you in the rise, seek out guests and shake hands. they will keep notes during their visit,” name of Jesus Christ! “Members always sing this song Jenkins said. “Some may think this is ‘THE ELECTRONIC VESTIBULE’ Go to them, and let’s grab them. with passion and affection,” Thoronka too gimmicky, and it may be, but it is Before ever turning into a church’s Don’t worry. “Grab” basically means says, “to let the visitors know that we so hard for us to get an honest read on parking lot, most guests will check the “shake hands,” says missionary Andy appreciate them and wish them to how we make guests feel.” congregation’s website, Jenkins said. Johnson. Visitors, especially those come back.” “It has become the electronic vesti- from nearby villages, “are treated In the southern African nation of ‘SECRET CHURCH SHOPPER’ bule,” he said. like they belong, almost like they’ve Malawi, visitors come to the front of the Thomas Harrison provides “secret That means that churches should always been there,” Johnson says. congregation, often before the Lord’s church shopper” services on a profes- make sure their website is visitor- Often, they’re given a task to help Supper, said missionary Marc Veary. sional basis. friendly, Jenkins said. ready the church for worship. Church members introduce each visitor. Presbyterians, Southern Baptists, For example, are driving directions and “How do you get a visitor to stick It’s a similar procedure at the United Methodists and others across worship times easy to find? Does the site around? Put them to work!” the Nyamue Church of Christ in Kenya, the nation hire Harrison. highlight activities such as Vacation Bible missionary says. minister David Marube says. Greeters “I evaluate every portion of the (visitor) School and Children’s Bible Hour that Across Africa, where Churches of sit in the back of the auditorium to keep experience from entering the parking lot might appeal to a family new to town? Christ have grown exponentially in the guests from leaving without a welcome. to exit from the church,” Harrison said. On Mondays, the Tennessee church past half-century, visitors are viewed After services, Marube’s wife, Bassy, Common weaknesses that he finds: follows up with “no guilt visitation” — tak- as “God-sent possible converts,” invites visitors to their home for lunch. • Clutter: “Welcome areas, offices, ing guests homemade banana nut bread says Arnold Dzah, a native of Ghana Back in Senegal, Dzah invites visi- foyer, Sunday school rooms often are and a keepsake such as a keychain or working as a missionary in the predom- tors to his office after worship for magnets for clutter. Guests will visit rest- pen featuring the church logo. inantly Muslim nation of Senegal. beverages and conversation. He gives rooms and Sunday school classes before “We don’t go in unless they insist,” In Senegal, visitors are introduced them his phone number and, some- they visit your worship space.” Jenkins said. by name during the congregation’s times, walks them back home. • Lack of signs: “Signage is neither Along with old-fashioned home visits, announcement time, “for the whole “This has brought many visitors informational or directional. Guests may the church uses cutting-edge technology congregation to wish them welcome back to the church, and some have not know where to park, which door to to connect. To each guest for whom he in unison,” Dzah says. become converts,” he says. enter or how to navigate the halls.” can find an e-mail address, the minister It’s almost an expected treatment, One former visitor now serves as a • Embarrassment: “Some churches sends a personalized, video “thank you.” the minister says. When a member of preacher for a village congregation. embarrass a guest by making them his congregation traveled to a foreign “If we open a church door for visitors stand up to identify themselves.” READ EXPANDED INTERVIEWS with Jenkins, Harrison country and wasn’t greeted in such a to come in, let’s close the other door to • Inadequate follow-up: “If and Kilpatrick at www.christianchronicle.org. manner, the visitor found a church elder keep them from going out,” he says. 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT JULY 2012 VISITORS: The average Joe Schmo is ‘usually only minimally engaged’
FROM PAGE 1 as maintenance but growth.” Michael Ray, minister for the Laurel • Second, leaders must overtly Church of Christ in Maryland, said exhort members to approach others. churches like to talk about how friendly “This is a function of communication. they are. “What they really mean is that The members need to hear from the they’re friendly to each other. But guests? leadership that we can do better and Not so much,” said Ray, who urges why it is important.” members to observe a “two-minute • Third, specific actions must rule” after the closing prayer and be enacted to ensure contact. “This talk only to people they don’t can include the usual greeters and know before seeking out friends. ‘goodbyers,’ but it needs to extend John Scott spent 19 years as beyond that. Inviting guests to sit minister for the Saturn Road with you, expressing genuine interest Church of Christ in Garland, in the visitor through more extended Texas, before going to work personal conversations and invita- for Christian Care Centers tions to lunch, pizza, coffee, etc., are last year. Scott and his wife, examples of specific actions.” Teresa, have visited about 30 Blackwelder stressed that such congregations in the past 15 strategies primarily affect transfer months — often with him as growth. the guest preacher. “Most people who are not already “We have been dismayed members of Churches of Christ by the rampant self-delusion are unlikely to be comfortable of local congregations about visiting church services anyway,” their perceptions of them- he said. “Growth among the selves,” he said. “Sure, folks unchurched or denominational are friendly and gregarious sectors generally comes through — to the people they know. personal contact away from “But the poor Joe Schmo the building. However, that that wanders in not knowing important transition from non- anyone is usually only mini- Christian to new Christian ... mally engaged by the congrega- can be heavily influenced by tion despite our fancy ‘welcome the church’s friendliness and a centers’ or coffee bars.” growing number of meaningful relationships with members.” ALL ALONE ON A PEW After their Dallas-area visits, It happened years ago. Stirman, her husband, Troy, and COPYRIGHT MEDIA EMBASSY LLC, USED BY PERMISSION Still, Laura Tokosh remembers being a their two teenage children chose the young mother with an infant and visiting she added, stressing that she was Estes Church of Christ. He described Greenville Oaks Church of Christ in a church where no one spoke to her. speaking in general terms and not moving to a rural community years ago. Allen, Texas. “We landed at a church “It left such an impression on me about her home congregation. The community had two mid-sized where we knew a few folks and were that I always try to reach out to oth- Nonetheless, such stories abound. churches. Blackwelder and his wife, greeted warmly,” she said. ers, whether I’m a visitor or not,” said Steven Hunter, minister for the Dana, decided to visit both. Hebrews 13:2 says: “Do not forget to Tokosh, an Ohio resident who worships Tompkinsville Church of Christ in The first church had a nice building show hospitality to strangers, for by so with the Ravenna Church of Christ on Kentucky, won’t ever forget one church and an appearance of prosperity and doing some people have shown hospi- Sundays and teaches a Wednesday night where he spoke. progress, he said. But only one person tality to angels without knowing.” class at the Kent Church of Christ. The preacher who invited Hunter besides the preacher greeted the couple. The experience of Stirman’s family Two decades ago, Laura Leach was greeted him but excused himself to The second church met in an older has heightened her awareness of poten- the “new girl” at church who came in take care of a class situation. facility in a less-affluent part of town. tial angels. late, sat in the back and left early. “When left to myself, not one person “We were warmly greeted by many, “When we wear the name of Christ, it Now, her husband, Rick Leach, acknowledged me,” Hunter said. “I and one of the families invited us to their is our responsibility to be hospitable to preaches for the Central Church of often wonder what they thought after I house for lunch,” Blackwelder said. “You those who walk into the building where Christ in Bedford, Ind., and she makes was introduced and got up to speak. I can guess which church we chose.” we worship,” she said. “Granted, some greeting visitors a priority. told my wife that if I had been a visitor Blackwelder, who presents seminars on Sundays we need the love and comfort of “The first 10 minutes someone steps looking for a church home, they would church growth, recommends three spe- our church family to surround us more in your building will determine if they have been ruled out.” cific strategies to reach out to visitors: than we can be the hands and feet of ever return,” Laura Leach said. • First, the church’s culture must be Christ to others. But if each of us took “Too often, churches are stuck in STRATEGIES FOR CONNECTING shaped to focus on others. “An outreach this simple action seriously, each visitor cliques and cannot get past their few Besides teaching at Freed-Hardeman, mentality should be developed so that would be welcomed every time they friends to say hello to any new folks,” Blackwelder serves as a minister for the Christians see their primary function not walked into the building.” 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012
prepare to serve www.harding.edu/CAMT/bmin.html undergraduate degree in residence full-tuition scholarships for qualified students
MINISTER NEEDED More than a million hits per year
Greater Springfield Church of Christ is seeking a full-time pulpit minister/evangelist. Specifically looking for an experienced outreach evangelist. There is a need for a focus in youth ministry in our church of about 75 mem- bers. At the present time there are Criminal Justice Faculty Position Available, Fall 2012 two elders and three deacons in the leadership positions. We are Qualifications include willingness to uphold the values of Lubbock Christian looking for a minister who has University as an active member in a congregation of Churches of Christ; the desire to grow with us spiritu- earned doctorate in field (JD accepted), but master’s degree essential; and ally and numerically. The Greater relevant college-, police academy-, or military police-level teaching experi- Springfield Church of Christ is lo- Youth & Family Minister ence. Extensive law enforcement or legal experience in the criminal justice cated in Chicopee, Massachusetts, system could be considered. which borders Springfield. Please Southside Church of Christ in send resumes and references to: Lawrence, KS is seeking a Responsibilities include directing CJ program, teaching twelve hours per Church of Christ full-time Youth and Family semester in the program, recruiting, advising, and mentoring students, Minister with a strong desire to 284 Montgomery Street committee assignments, and other related duties. Preferred applicants will Chicopee, Massachusetts 01020. evangelize to serve the families in be interested in developing the CJ program into a stand-alone department. our congregation and community. or e-mail questions/resumes to [email protected]. Submit resume to Dr. Jill Fuller, Chair of the Department of Social Work Tapes or CD’s of sermons will also Send resumes to and Criminal Justice, by mail at LCU, 5601 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407. be accepted. [email protected] JULY 2012 the christian chronicle 17
Portraits painted by Roy Leandro, a Costa Rican Christian and artist, show the smiling faces of seniors at assisted-living facilities. Leandro painted the portraits during a 2011 visit to the U.S. Christian artist paints portraits of ministry
COSTA RICAN CHURCH MEMBER finds ‘better blessings’ as he serves seniors
BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE residents and started sketching cigarettes and beer. He worked in them. a call center, thinking of it as a way LA FORTUNA, Costa Rica “It was my vacation, but it was to help people while improving oy Leandro has an iPad not like a vacation,” he says. his English. full of wrinkles and It was better. Then came the Sweden trip. smiles. “I was able to use art to serve At the nursing home, “I was Taking a brief respite people. It was a great way to using my time to do something during a gospel lecture- encourage the residents.” very effective,” Leandro says. Rship in this Central American Leandro’s commitment to art Last summer, he cobbled resort town, he flips through — and to God — was born out together funds to fly to the U.S. a collection of portraits on his of boredom. His mother was a Staying with church members tablet computer. Each repre- strict disciplinarian, determined and friends, he traveled to six sents an old soul — a resident that her son would not get into states, painting portraits at of a nursing home visited by the trouble like many of his peers. assisted-living facilities. Costa Rican artist last summer. As a teenager, he was “Roy did a great job here “What I want to do is make grounded multiple times. Art in Chattanooga,” said Rachel them feel happy and comfortable was a form of expression that Cortez, who served with with their own image,” he says. didn’t require him to leave the her husband, Hector, as a “I want them to know, ‘You are a house. missionary in Costa Rica and piece of art.’” Nonetheless, the groundings now lives in Tennessee. Portrait painting, on its surface, seemed eternal. He pleaded with “God has obviously given him doesn’t seem an obvious way to his mother, who said, “The only a heart for the elderly and a very help the elderly. It didn’t seem way you can go outside is if you artistic gift,” she says. “He has that way to Leandro, either. go to church with me.” chosen to use both for God’s Leandro, 34, is a member of He started attending services glory. I’m impressed with his the Sabanilla Church of Christ and sensed that the Lord was dedication and sincere care for near Costa Rica’s capital, San changing his heart. A few years each person he meets.” Jose. He says the idea for his later, a girl he dated introduced Leandro plans to return to unique ministry came during a him to the Church of Christ. the U.S. this fall, traveling from trip to visit his sister in Sweden. There, church members New York to Kansas, painting “I told her I was not inter- convinced him “to commit portraits at eight nursing homes. ested in doing tourist stuff,” myself to the Bible — not the He will host art shows at each Leandro says. Instead, he things a preacher or a pastor one and donate the portraits. wanted a chance to serve others or anyone is talking about — He seeks support to expand — perhaps volunteering at a the things God can show me the work and encourages other nursing home. He envisioned through the Word.” Christian artists to use their gifts busing tables and sweeping After his baptism about 10 years for ministry. ERIK TRYGGESTAD floors, but workers at the home ago, he interned at an adver- “If I am serving other people,” Roy Leandro uses his iPad to show portraits he painted. The church were fascinated by his art. tising agency, but he disliked the he says, “the one who is receiving member hopes one day to use his talents to help the needy in Africa. He spent time with the home’s prospect of creating posters for the better blessings is me.” 18 JULY 2012 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Showing Christ in a Honduran dump THE HARDWORKING POOR in this Central American nation receive food, funds and faith from a Christian ministry
Trey Morgan, minister for the Childress Church of Christ in Texas, pulls plastic bottles from the trash at the dump. Lourdes Alvarez provides shade for missionary Marc Tindall as they take a break at the Honduran dump. James Gillim searches for pieces of cardboard. His sister, Christina, is an intern at Casa de Esperanza, a children’s home near Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
STORY, PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD to those in need. single mothers, explains Melissa On the streets, they meet men to help the people at the dump, and join the line of Hondurans — bulldozer arrives to shovel the pile relief work near the dump and “We were just shocked at what the truck, and there was fighting THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Now, he’s a regular at the Rivera, a 22-year-old Honduran who promise them money and providing meals, showers and waiting for the next garbage truck. into the back of the landfill, they asked about the mass of people we saw,” Terri Tindall says. They and pushing. It was very chaotic. dump. Shouts of “Marco! Christian who works with security. They know it’s probably education through their ministry, retreat to their “stations” near the they saw headed up the hill returned a few days later with “It was hard being able to look TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras Marco!” greet him as he passes. Tindall. Born into poverty, they a lie, but “when you have nothing, Honduras Hope. DUMP CULTURE dump’s entrance, sorting their toward the landfill. beans and bread. in their eyes,” she adds, “seeing ou smell it before you As the U.S. Christians crest are forced from their homes as you go,” Rivera says. Within a year, Christians in the U.S. are A few Hondurans grin at the wares until the next truck arrives. Don’t go up there, the Honduran “I was scared to death,” she the hopelessness and despair.” see it. the hill and arrive at the landfill, teens when their mothers can’t they are pregnant and abandoned. involved, including Trey Morgan, sight of the tall gringos picking Nearby, small trucks wait to Christians advised. It’s dangerous. recalls. “I just sat and prayed all Despite the negative experi- The scent of rotting at least 70 Hondurans are here afford to feed them. The Tindalls do what they can minister for the Childress through the trash but gladly receive the recyclables. Their They went anyway. the way. And they just swarmed ence, the Tindalls didn’t quit. garbage wafts down from already — clad head to toe in Church of Christ in Texas. accept the help. They caution drivers give the hardworking They returned with more food. a hilltop dump in this hoodies, gloves and stocking Morgan sponsors an online the newcomers to stand back as poor a few lempiras, Honduran Now their ministry makes twice- CentralY American capital. caps, driven by need to sort “Dump Day” fundraiser. The the massive dump trucks empty currency, in return. weekly visits to feed the workers. On a Wednesday morning, through other people’s garbage. latest one yielded more than their contents. There’s civility — even camara- The Tindalls also got to know Marc Tindall and a small group They work side by side with $40,000, with help from Bread They are professionals, and derie — among the Hondurans. the people. They help with child- of Christians from the U.S. walk vultures. As the birds circle over- for a Hungry World, a church- they have a system. When a When the Hoduras Hope food care and baby formula for the the winding path that leads to head, diving for scraps of rotting supported nonprofit. garbage truck arrives, two or truck arrives, they form two single mothers who work here. the landfill, past tiny, clapboard food, the Hondurans search for Though he’s been here many three scamper to the top and orderly lines as the Tindalls’ Marc Tindall tells them he doesn’t homes infiltrated by the odor. scraps of metal, cardboard, plastic times — handing out food and throw the largest pieces of card- coworkers shovel out bowls of want to see children at the dump. The people who live here don’t bottles — anything they can sell to setting up chairs for a “Jesus board to their compatriots below. steaming beans, rice and tortillas. When the bulldozer acci- seem to mind. recyclers to support their families. Banquet” at Christmastime — As the truck ejects its cargo, one It wasn’t always this way, says dentally ran over a young boy Neither does Tindall, a retired One woman, spotting a pair of Morgan has never experienced Honduran “surfs” the wave of Terri Tindall, who first visited collecting trash, Honduras Hope executive for the U.S. snack giant toddler-sized blue jeans, carefully the day-to-day life of the people trash as it slides to the ground. the dump with her husband on paid for the surgery that kept the Nabisco. He and his wife, Terri, folds them and places them in who work at the dump. The workers then take their their daughter’s birthday — Feb. boy from losing his leg. moved to Honduras about five a bag, separate from the green So, on this Wednesday morning, places around the pile, tossing 19, 2008. The Tindalls, who Recently, the ministry completed years ago to oversee a children’s bottles she’s collecting. Morgan and his fellow U.S. their finds into old dog food bags oversee Casa de Esperanza in a bathroom and shower facility home and serve as missionaries Many of the women here are Christian, age 11, digs through the garbage at the Honduran dump. Christians pull on work gloves or garbage sacks. When the nearby Santa Ana, were doing Honduran Christians prepare a free lunch for workers at the garbage dump. CONTINUED 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CURRENTS JULY 2012
Vultures take flight as Hondurans pick through the garbage at the Tegucigalpa dump, looking for cardboard, metal, plastic and other materials they can sell to nearby recyclers. next to the dump for the BIG DREAMS AND BIBLE STUDIES to finish school — and become shift sorting station. After serving the Hondurans workers to use, free of charge. Among the hardest-working a lawyer. Morgan and the other U.S. lunch, Morgan and the other As a result, the culture here souls in the dump is an 11-year- Marc Tindall wants more Christians help her separate U.S. Christians change clothes, has changed, Terri Tindall old boy named Christian. Honduran children to have big clear plastic bottles from green, discarding the ones they wore says. Now her husband “can He started coming to here dreams for their lives — on and metal from cardboard. at the dump, and eat lunch at call them by name, and they about a month ago to help earth and in the hereafter. The On a good day, she can earn Marc Tindall’s favorite restau- can call him by name.” feed his 10-member family. He ministry has opened doors for 200 to 250 lempiras ($10 to $13) rant in Tegucigalpa — the The Tindalls’ daughter, says he doesn’t mind sorting the Gospel, he says. for her work. She’s here as often same one that provides food for Nicole Fitzgerald, and her through the trash, but he When workers express as six days a week, walking two the Jesus Banquet. husband, Matt, also work with dreams of someday becoming an interest, local preachers hours each way, to support her “We’re officially done with the ministry. The couple plans a bricklayer. journey to the dump and 18-month old daughter, Meilyn, our day at the dump, but to open a new children’s home, Julio Lobo also is here, but conduct Bible studies. In the her handicapped sister and not Lourdes,” Morgan says. similar to Casa de Esperanza, he’s not working. He’s on a small community below the her mother. Honduras Hope Sometime later today she’ll walk in the next year. break from school and came to dump, Honduras Hope plans to provides formula for the baby. two miles back to her home Meanwhile, they help with the dump to say hi to his U.S. construct a feeding center and Despite her severe need, and change her clothes. In the the feeding program at the friends. church building. Alvarez spends part of her time morning she’ll put those same dump. Lobo, 15, left the dump and at the dump helping others. nasty, stinking, filthy clothes “I’m to the point where I enrolled in school, thanks to a ONE MOTHER’S FIGHT TO SURVIVE When another trash truck back on and go do it all again. don’t see the dump or notice scholarship program provided On a break between trash arrives, she stops scavenging “That breaks my heart.” the smell,” Matt Fitzgerald says by Honduras Hope. trucks, Marc Tindall finds to help a fellow Honduran pull as he drives the food truck Crouching on a trash pile, Lourdes Alvarez, a 22-year-old a splinter from his hand. She To support ministries that serve between two feeding sites. careful not to get his jeans single mother. She has set up a has worked at the annual Jesus people at the Honduran dump, see www. “I see the people.” dirty, Julio talks about his plans broken car bumper as a make- Banquet, Morgan says. givebread.org or treymorgan.net. JUly 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 21
BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE message of Jesus out and planting new churches in every community. hurches of Christ do a lot of things well in In other countries, the focus does not global missions. seem to be on being successful as an Dan Bouchelle wants to make sure that institution but rather on the expansion of C the Kingdom through investment in new they benefit from each other’s wisdom — and churches. I’ve seen churches that don’t stay focused on Christ’s commission to “go and complete their own buildings because make disciples of every nation.” so much of their money and energy is For the past two years, he has served going into gospel planting. They are as executive director of Missions Resource not burdened with the need to validate Network, established in 1998 “to discover how themselves as much as make sure the mission efforts of Churches of Christ could everyone has an opportunity to learn ‘Rather than trying to the freeing truth about Jesus. be improved without violating the autonomy teach the international of the local church,” according to the Texas- church to be like us, we need Are there any domestic mission based ministry’s website. to learn from them.’ efforts that you find exciting? Bouchelle, who started preaching in his early — Dan Bouchelle What thrills me is when I see teens, seemed an unusual choice for MRN, churches selflessly pouring themselves known mostly for its foreign mission work. He WAYNE STEEL into their community. I love to see didn’t spend years “on the field” in Tanzania Dan Bouchelle speaks at Missions Resource Network’s offices in Bedford, Texas. churches continuing what Jesus “did or Brazil. Instead, he served for nine years as and taught” (Acts 1:1). senior minister for the Central Church of Christ The growth of ministries of compas- A conversation with sion, investment in the poor, speaking up in Amarillo, Texas. Before that, he ministered for for those with no voice, loving the hard- churches in Norman, Okla., and Abilene, Texas. to-love, speaking against injustice, etc., is But Bouchelle doesn’t see a divide between very exciting and long needed. However, foreign and domestic work. Through his role it must be done in the name of Jesus and with MRN, he hopes to help churches obtain a as a demonstration of God’s heart. We Dan Bouchelle need to be thinking of planting churches global view of their mission — whether they’re working around the corner or across the ocean. MISSIONS RESOURCE NETWORK director discusses the changing roles of the global church. among those in need as well as inviting “There just isn’t as much difference between them to join the churches we have. Lubbock, Los Angeles, Lagos and Luxembourg moving to the last two stages. This is We offer practical resources on difficult because it means releasing our website, provide missionary care Since U.S. churches often are as there used to be,” Bouchelle says. control and trusting national leaders services and have become a one-stop- inwardly focused, how can they be Bouchelle has authored three books — to do things in their cultural context shop for missions in Churches of Christ. encouraged to evangelize? “The Gospel Unleashed” and “The Gospel instead of in an American way. I don’t have the answers. Perhaps Unhindered” by College Press and “When God Too often, Americans think of the What is MRN doing to promote some of the problem is a matter of Seems Absent” by Hillcrest Press. He and his U.S. church as the “adult church.” The more active evangelistic efforts at confusing membership recruitment wife, Amy, have three children. explosion of the Christian movement in home and missions efforts abroad? and disciple making. In an age of great the Global South illustrates the poten- The key is to encourage churches to distrust of all institutions, the church is What time is it now in the develop- tial of mature, indigenous-led evange- think and act like missionaries instead viewed with suspicion. Christians may ment of global missions? What is listic efforts to produce movements of of just supporting missionaries. value the role the church plays in their the proper role for the American churches that plant churches. We have church-equipping workshops life, but we should not expect people far church in global work? Rather than trying to teach the inter- we do on location. Some will soon be from God to find it as attractive. There are four stages in taking the national church to be like us, we need online to help churches rediscover the We need to encourage our people to Gospel to any culture or country: to learn from them. God of mission, the mission of God, develop relationships with people who 1. Sending workers (pioneer God’s process of making disciples and are far from God. We need to free up our missionaries). How does Missions Resource then set a course to live on mission. people from so many church activities so 2. Training workers (schools for Network help churches in missions? We help churches think through how they have more time to invest in relation- national church leaders). We help church leaders develop a to make everything they do grow out ships with non-believers and equip them 3. Equipping local designers of common understanding of who they of their God-shaped mission — so that to serve people far from God. mission (turn the responsibility over are in God’s mission and how they can what they do locally is a fit with what If we are making disciples, the church to nationals to make it better fit their more effectively advance the Kingdom. they do globally. will emerge on its own in a variety of culture). We help connect them to partner forms. But if we are only investing in 4. Network and resource mature churches and ministries with whom they Globally, what are the most exciting church growth or membership recruit- national churches with the global can jointly accomplish God’s mission. projects or congregational efforts ment, we will have a hard time getting church (share learning and resources). We help them screen their potential you’ve witnessed in missions? people to follow us in this era when In most parts of the world, the first missionaries, equip them to be excellent I have witnessed outward-thinking many do not trust church. We need to two stages are completed or are well sending churches, and train them in how churches on several continents. These get the focus off of building up our insti- underway. The challenge today is to disengage from a mission effort well. churches are obsessed with getting the tutions and focus on making disciples. 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012
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Monte Cox Phil Thompson Clifton L. Ganus Jr. Nathan Guy Scott Adair Dale Manor Eddie Randolph JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 23 BIBLE CAMPS spoRTS GANDER BROOK CHRISTIAN CAMP RAYMOND, Maine — Gander Brook plans Best 18 holes ever a memorial service at 4 p.m. June 24 — the Sunday of its annual Work and OKLAHOMA CITY — Former Oklahoma Worship Week — to celebrate the life of Christian University golfer Rhein Cecil Perkins. Gibson shot a 55 on May 12 at River A beloved figure to generations of Oaks Golf Club, tying for the lowest campers, Perkins died Jan. 9 at age 58. known 18-hole score in history. He was a member of the White Station Gibson, a native of Linsmore, Church of Christ in Memphis, Tenn. Australia, shot 16-under-par, making 12 For more information, e-mail birdies, two eagles and four pars. He [email protected] or call had only 19 putts in the round. (603) 623-5559. The Edmond, Okla., resident was a four-time first-team NAIA All-American while at Oklahoma Christian from CAMPUS MINISTRY 2005 to 2008. He plays on the Golfweek National Pro Tour, a development tour. EKKLESIA CAMPUS MINISTRY KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — The Kirksville Church of Christ’s Ekklesia campus ministry recently marked the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s sinking with a party at Truman State University. At the Saturday event, partygoers received first-, second- or third-class tickets and competed for seats on a life- KRISTI JONES boat, church elder Barry Poyner said. That Sunday at church, students Lipscomb graduates 26 Malagasy students studied the biblical account of Paul’s Joel Randrianasolomamonjy receives his degree May 5 from Randy Lowry, president of Lipscomb OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY shipwreck, Poyner said. University in Nashville, Tenn. The graduate is one of 26 students from Madagascar who spent the Rhein Gibson enjoyed a dream day on the last four years at Lipscomb and earned a college degree paid for by the Malagasy government. golf course, shooting a record-tying 55. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES of Hope was formed in 2009 with the us,” said Mark Hamilton from ACU’s and outreach to Oklahoma Christian’s ARMS OF HOPE consolidation of Medina Children’s Graduate School of Theology. Texas alumni. MEDINA, Texas — Kevin McDonald, Home and Boles Children’s Home, 40 Other attendees included Jerry Alumnus Alan Phillips will lead the president and CEO of Arms of Hope, miles northeast of Dallas. Since the Taylor and Chris Hudson from the office as the university’s new vice presi- resigned effective June 1. consolidation, the ministry has added Department of Bible, Missions and dent for Texas operations. McDonald and his wife, Nathalie, two urban programs in the Dallas area. Ministry and Carisse Berryhill from recently moved to Houston to care for “This has been a very difficult decision the Brown Library. their infant daughter Marlie Ruth, who is because I dearly love serving socially K-12 CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS undergoing treatment for brain cancer. disadvantaged children through Arms of HARDING UNIVERSITY Under McDonald’s leadership, Arms Hope,” McDonald said. SEARCY, Ark. — Harding will begin offering CHRISTIAN HERITAGE SCHOOL scholarships to incoming freshmen SAN ANTONIO — By any standard, Christian who have attained the highest levels in Heritage’s Class of 2012 had an uncon- HIGHER EDUCATION scouting programs in the U.S. ventional senior year. Jim Carr, executive vice president, When the 180-student school lost its ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY announced the $1,000-a-year schol- lease a year ago, many were crushed ABILENE, Texas — Four ACU professors arships at the recent annual board to see it close. But an agreement with attended a special White House briefing meeting for Members of Churches of an area private school allowed eight on “Advancing the Common Good at Christ for Scouting. seniors to finish their studies in what Home and Abroad.” they affectionately dubbed their “one- The recent event, hosted by the Office OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY room school,” the San Antonio Express- of Faith-Based and Neighborhood OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Christian is News reported. Partnerships, focused on topics impor- opening a Texas office in the Dallas area. Christian Heritage recently held tant to the faith community. The office on the sixth floor of Las its final graduation ceremony at the PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEVIN MCDONALD “It is important that as religious Colinas Tower One in Irving, Texas, MacArthur Park Church of Christ, Marlie Ruth McDonald, who is undergoing educators we hear from government will serve as a local hub for student where the school opened the doors of treatment for brain cancer, with her mother. policymakers and that they hear from recruiting, church relations, fundraising its first site 34 years ago. 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PARTNERS JULY 2012
URGENT NEED!
PHOTO PROVIDED Nigerian Christian school celebrates 25 years Public officials and administrators at Obong Christian High School in southern Nigeria cut a Sunset has Accepted cake celebrating the school’s “Silver Jubilee.” Principal Essang Akpanudo stands at center. To his right are his parents and the school’s founders, Moses and Jessie Akpanudo. The school 50+ provides Christian education for about 1,000 students in grades seven to 12. Recently, a team of students from the school won first place in a science competition, besting students from 62 Students this Year. other schools in their state. The Mount Morris Church of Christ in Michigan supports the work. Chronicle wins seven ‘Best of THEY NEED the Christian Press’ awards YOUR HELP!!! CHICAGO — The Christian Chronicle won • First Place, News Story, for seven awards — including top honors “Arizona shooting victim was a hero to in five categories — in the annual “Best his church family,” by Bobby Ross Jr. of the Christian Press” contest spon- • First Place, Feature Article, Find out more at sored by the Associated for “Suicide: Healing a Church Press. wounded town,” by Ross. http://www.sibi.cc/50fund The national awards, • First Place, recognizing work produced Biographical Profile, in 2011, were presented at for “Air Force chaplain or 1-800-658-9553 the religious press asso- welcomes the fallen home,” ciation’s recent annual by Tryggestad. convention. • First Place, “These awards are one Newspaper Design, indication of the journal- Spread or Story, for istic quality that we are “Currents: Latin America,” committed to bringing ERIK TRYGGESTAD by Tryggestad. readers in print and online,” said • Second Place, Convention or Lynn McMillon, the Chronicle’s editor, Meeting Coverage, for “Saving Sin president and CEO. City,” by Ross. Winning entries included: • Third Place, Best in Class, 1962 - 2012 • First Place, In-Depth Coverage, National or International for “The Gospel in South Sudan,” by Newspaper, for The Christian Erik Tryggestad. Chronicle. JULY 2012 PEOPLE THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25
PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAMELA STEWART There was no shortage of preachers when Benjamin Skinness and Valari Stewart married. Their grandfathers, from left, are Bill Stewart, Doug Hall, Larry Treadwell and Jerry Skinness. A bride, a groom and four preachers
BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE wanted to perform the wedding cere- director of development and recruiting mony: all four of their grandfathers. for Bear Valley Bible Institute. hen Benjamin Skinness “We decided that if all of them were • Jerry and Dona Skinness, who and Valari Stewart were willing, we could not pass on an oppor- live in Akeley, Minn., and have been dating, he took her to hear tunity to be united by all four pillars of married for 51 years. A graduate of his grandfather Larry our two families,” said Benjamin, 24, York College in Nebraska, he retired Treadwell preach at the son of Brian and Stacey Skinness of from a secular job and preached for WBeebe Church of Christ in Arkansas. Nevis, Minn. the Kandiyohi Church of Christ in “The conversation started about The couple’s grandparents are: Minnesota for five years. preachers in the family,” said Valari, 24, • Doug and Helen Hall, who live in • Larry and Sharon Treadwell, daughter of Murray and Keli Stewart of Vernon, Texas, and have been married who live in Beebe, Ark., and have been Kearney, Mo. for 62 years. A graduate of Bear Valley married for 46 years. He attended Sunset There was certainly plenty to talk about. Bible Institute in Denver, he preached International Bible Institute in Lubbock, The couple’s four minister grandfathers for 47 years. Texas, and has preached for 41 years. boast a combined total of 130 years of • Bill and Pamela Stewart, who live Benjamin and Valari met at Harding pulpit experience in Churches of Christ. in Denver and have been married for University in Searcy, Ark. They married JENNIFERMILLERMEDIA.COM, USED BY PERMISSION When Benjamin and Valari decided to 51 years. He has preached for 37 years April 28 and attend the Westport Road Benjamin and Valari, who met at Harding marry, they knew exactly whom they and serves as an instructor and regional Church of Christ in Louisville, Ky. University, pose for a wedding photo. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE PEOPLE JULY 2012 Newsmakers
NAMED: Alfred Branch, Lynn Mitchell and Dwayne Simmons, the board of trustees, and Risa Forrester, vice president for admis- sions and marketing, Oklahoma Christian University, Oklahoma City. Marie Byers, librar- ian, NationsUniversity, a church-supported, distance- learning program head- quartered in Brentwood, Tenn. Jonathan Sheahen, principal, Lipscomb Academy Elementary Forrester School, Nashville, Tenn. Bert Alexander, chaplain for the Farmers Branch, Texas, fire department. David Smith, chair- man of the board for Mars Hill Bible School, Florence, Ala.
HONORED: Meg Woodard, Midland, Texas, High School senior, by the Midland Downtown Lions Club.
NEW MINISTER: Charlton Taylor, Trenton, Mich. church.
ANNIVERSARIES: 70th: John and Minnie Kooiker, Minneapolis. 65th: Clifford and Reba Reeve, Okmulgee, Okla. 64th: Al and Mary Jolly, Hilltop Lakes, Texas; Seth and Vonna Ragan, Stratton, Neb.
BIRTHDAYS: 93rd: Grace Dempsey, Altus, Okla. 90th: Eugene Perry, Beamsville, Ontario. Boyd Taylor, Dallas.
PASSAGES: John W. Anders, 90, March 23, member of the West Erwin church, Tyler, Texas, and a minister for more than 60 years. Ray B. Ballard, 76, April 24, Keller, Texas, Army veteran and elder of Keller church. Kenneth R. Bowers, 79, May 7, longtime member of Laurel church, Knoxville, Tenn. Cheryl Frost, 60, March 17, longtime member of Trenton, Mich. church and co-founder and director of Anders Children’s Outreach Detroit, Mich. James W. Hutson, 77, April 25, former elder of the Knight Arnold church in Memphis, Tenn., and the Karns church in Knoxville, Tenn. Comfort Osei-Hwedie, 62, March 13, minister’s wife in Kumasi, Ghana, worked Osei-Hwedie with churches in the region and the Kumasi Care Center, providing coun- seling services for Ghanaians. JULY 2012 CALENDAR the christian chronicle 27
June 11-14 EldersConnect. Retreat for elders and wives. Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala. Contact slong@ faulkner.edu. June 15 Acappella concert, special guests Deltacapella and TurningPoint. Christian Brothers High School, Memphis, Tenn. Proceeds benefit African evangelist of and cancer patient Abiodun Adegoroye. Certificate Contact [email protected]. June 20-23 Eighth annual Omonia Church of Christ family retreat. “In CompletionONLINE Spirit and in Truth.” Kalamaki Beach Hotel, Corinth, Greece. Contact [email protected]. Harding University’s certificate of June 22-24 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend. “Solid Foundation, completion is designed to provide Bright Future.” Grandville, Mich., church. continuing education opportunities Contact 616.534.8884 or grandvillecoc.org. June 24-29 Lads to Leaders/ in Biblical Studies and Christian Leaderettes 2012 Leadership Camp. Ministry. It is an accredited, Faulkner University, Montgomery, Ala. affordable and meaningful way to Contact [email protected]. June 28-July 1 Spiritual Growth increase your biblical knowledge. Workshop. “Not Ashamed.” Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando, Fla. Contact www.spiritual- growthworkshop.com. 501-279-4448 June 29-July 1 Houston-Gulf Coast [email protected] Women of Wisdom Conference. Westin Houston-Memorial City. Contact www. wowc2012.com. www.harding.edu/distancebible July 20-21 Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop. “Creating a Legacy of Faith.” Cameron Road church, Austin, Texas. Contact or crccaustin.org/ctbtw.html. July 26-29 Lads to Leaders/ Leaderettes 2012 Leadership Camp. Freed-Hardeman University. Contact [email protected]. July 26-29 National Campus Ministries Seminar. “God on Campus.” Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. Contact campuscrosswalk.org. Aug. 4-8 Campaign for Christ. George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston. Contact houstonchurchesofchrist.org. Aug. 11-12 50th anniversary, East Park church. Danville, Ill. Contact (217) 442-2386. Sept. 9 50th anniversary, Center Road church (formerly Alto Road church), Kokomo, Ind. Contact 765.453.1448 [email protected]. Sept. 21-22 Global Leadership Summit and French World Mission Workshop. Laurel, Md., church. Contact [email protected]. Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Harding Lectureship. “Faith for a New Place & Time: Studies in Joshua.” Harding University, Searcy, Ark. Contact 501.279.5123, Lectureship@ harding.edu or harding.edu/lectureship. Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012
Youth & Fa m i l y [ integration ] Minister
Are you ready to try a new approach to youth ministry? Has God blessed you with a passion for youth? Are you frustrated by the tremendous number of youth that we lose to the world after high school?
Davis Park ChurCh of Christ in Modesto, Ca, a congregation of 350, is looking for an experienced youth and family minister, who is a team player and has a servant’s heart, to partner with us as we MISSIONS redesign our approach to developing deep, Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage Christian University missions. After participat- lasting faith in our youth, children and their ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was families. We believe that numerous authen- capable of leading his own mission team. And he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he tic, enduring, cross-generational relation- organized a team of HCU students to join him in his home country of Peru, where they conducted Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an ships between youth and the rest of the HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is planning a second trip. From congregation, incorporating youth into the being led to leading... that’s the goal of the Christian Service and campaign work of the church, and equipping families programs. Ramon plans to return to Peru after are keys to lasting faith. in addition to devel- graduation, but he will have left a legacy oping programs to achieve these and related of leadership... and a dream in the hearts of goals, we expect that our new minister will other students. That’s the type of missions experience you can share in pulpit duties as needed. expect from HCU. It’s our focus. learn more at www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 3625 Helton Drive w P.O. Box HCU www.dpcoc.com Florence, AL 35630 JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 29
editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins A stress-free vacation — with God oing on vacation this times the price you agreed to pay. scooting out the back door. summer? Stressful indeed. Vacations give us opportu- Don’t forget to pack In a recent poll, half of nities to fellowship with our your Bible. Americans said they were more brothers and sisters from across That may sound awfully exhausted after going on vacation the country. Find a church and G“preachy,” but hear us out. than before they left, according stay after services to meet the We’re trying to make your trip to Dr. Edward T. Creagan, who members. Bless each other’s less stressful. writes the “Stress Blog” for lives with your stories of faith. Vacations, at their best, include the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. (On an admittedly selfish elements of the quiet, reflective (That’s right. Stress has a blog.) note, local church members can periods we read about in the “Seems that relaxing is hard be invaluable sources of advice Bible. Scripture offers us many work,” Creagan writes. “What for the best places to eat.) examples of Jesus retreating to can you do?” • Stay where you are: Why solitary places, away from the We offer a few suggestions: must we be on the road to be on crowds that followed him every- • Shift your focus to vacation? where. Read Mark 1:35, Mark include service: Many of us Take time off from work and 6:32 or Luke 4:42. participate in mission trips, but find things to do in your home- Jesus spent countless hours in have you considered ways to town. There likely are museums prayer, speaking with his divine turn your vacation into an oppor- or attractions nearby that your father, sorting out his priorities. tunity to serve? friends from out of town have “It’s an awareness ribbon for the sickness of sin.” Is that the kind of vacation Take time to look at the needs visited, but you haven’t. you’re taking this summer? and ministries in the places you Avoid the temptation to turn Not likely. intend to visit. You your “stay-cation” into an around- TO OUR READERS If anything, ‘If anything, the might be surprised the-house work camp. Sure, the vacations we vacations we subject how putting others there are projects at home that subject ourselves first in your mind need doing, but they can wait. The more directories, the merrier and our families ourselves and our reduces the pres- Regardless of where you to these days sure to assemble spend the coming weeks, here’s still time to church members deployed induce more families to these days the “world’s greatest remember that each new day add members of your overseas. Send us their AE stress than they induce more stress vacation.” is a gift from God — and an Tchurch to The Christian or AP addresses and their alleviate. • Make worship opportunity to glorify his name. Chronicle’s subscriber list — length of deployment. Stand in an than they alleviate.’ a part of your May we all find time this free of charge. Send directories to The airport security plans: Christians summer to relax, refresh and Add the members of Christian Chronicle, P.O. Box line for five minutes if you want who live in towns near beach recharge our batteries. Most your congregation in bulk. 11000, Oklahoma City, OK proof. Or listen to a rental car resorts have told us that they importantly, let us refocus on There’s no obligation, and we 73136-1100. For more infor- agent describe the five types find it irksome when vaca- the work God has called us to promise to keep all names mation, e-mail joy.mcmillon@ of additional insurance offered tioners use their churches as a do — proclaiming the good and addresses confidential. christianchronicle.org or by the company — for only five place to take communion before news of his kingdom. We also extend this offer to call (405) 425-5070.
Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. McBride LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: [email protected] constitute endorsement by the edi- [email protected] tors, the staff, the Board of Trustees of Reviews Editor: Kimberly Mauck The Christian Chronicle® welcomes and encourages The Christian Chronicle or Oklahoma [email protected] feedback that promotes thoughtful and respectful Christian University. Administrative Assistant: Lynda Sheehan discussion. Letters/comments should be 150 words or less www.christianchronicle.org [email protected] and may be edited for length and clarity. Comments to The Christian Chronicle® is published Administrative Assistant: Tonya Patton the print or online editions are considered to be letters to monthly and is served by a national Phone: (405) 425-5070; Fax (405) 425-5076 [email protected] the editor and may be published. Please include name, Board of Trustees that is charged with P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100 Administrative Assistant: Tonda Stafford city and state of residence, as well as home congregation. the responsibility for policy and Delivery: 2801 E. Memorial Road, Edmond, OK 73013 [email protected] governance. All trustees, editors and Editor, President and CEO: Lynn A McMillon Administrative Assistant: Joy McMillon The Christian Chronicle® is not a teaching or doctrinal staff are active members of the Churches of Christ. [email protected] [email protected] publication, but a newspaper with news and opinion content in sections clearly labeled. Signed columns and Trustees: Deon Fair, chairman Managing Editor: Bobby Ross Jr. reviews reflect the opinions of the authors. National, Partners news: [email protected] TO SUBSCRIBE: Ed Biggers • Sylvia Branch • Dwain Chaffin Assistant Managing Editor: Erik Tryggestad See www.christianchronicle.org Advertising contains commercial messages from those W. L. Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore International news, features: [email protected] e-mail [email protected] who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal Advertising Director: Tamie Ross or call (405) 425-5070. opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd [email protected] advertising do not necessarily represent the views of or Harry Risinger • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION JULY 2012 Church visitors: Members share ideas, experiences
eaders of The Christian Chronicle We have a very loving congregation offer thoughts and insights on at the Central Church of Christ. No Rchurch visitors: visitor comes in without a friendly hello and welcome. We love visitors! At the Walled Lake Church of Christ, Laurie Reeves Barbee | Davenport, Iowa we have tried a number of programs with varied but not long-term success. We have an “official greeter” assigned What is working right now is the in the bulletin. This person is tasked elders and deacons making sure they are with handing out bulletins, sermon reaching out to visitors and then reintro- outline sheets and newcomer letters. ducing them to others. If leaders are not Second, one of the elders or deacons setting the example, it won’t happen. stays in the foyer during services. I do not meet with folks on church busi- Unfortunately, this is as much a secu- ness between Bible class and worship rity issue due to the neighborhood in so that I am in the lobby greeting and which we live and some things we’ve meeting. This seems to be catching on. experienced, but it also ensures any Roger Woods | Walled Lake, Mich. latecomer gets greeted by someone. Third, the elders and deacons meet We have several ministries aimed at the foyer after the sermon in order at helping guests and members feel to ensure that no one gets out without welcome. having someone greet them and talk The first is a “valet parking” ministry with them. Funny story — the first time where volunteers park cars for the elderly TAMIE ROSS we did that, all the elders and deacons and those who have trouble walking. A greeter opens the door and welcomes those gathering for worship at the Dalton Gardens walked back to the foyer with me right The volunteers also help everyone when Church of Christ in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The photo was taken on a fall day in the mountains. after the invitation. Several people, the weather’s bad, and they help people including the elders’ wives, thought carry in food dishes and other items. We they were angry with me and wanted also have a greeters ministry. treatment or anything. But if you can and flinch when they hear all our to know what I had said or done during These ministries are definitely not make a full-time minister — dressed bravado about our “church family.” the sermon that was so serious! perfect as sometimes a guest can like everyone else in your congregation, It’s foolish to blather on about evan- Jay Kelley | Levelland, Texas slip through the cracks. But when who knows church lingo and can guess gelism when we can’t even find the it’s working, a guest will get several where the auditorium is — feel out of energy or will to smother our guests We attend the North Jackson Church “touches” during his or her visit. place, imagine what people who might with Christ-like warmth and interest. of Christ. We have around 700 in atten- Mark Yeakley | Wichita, Kan. not know much about your congregation Jim Bullock | Coal Hill, Ark. dance and are always growing. We are or the church at all might be thinking. very visitor-friendly and try to make In Hawaii, we’re unique in that we’re Paddy Flanagan | Brentwood, Tenn. Our congregation is small, so if you everyone feel welcome. U.S. but also a unique culture. We give visit you stand out like a sore thumb. We moved here nine years ago and leis to each first time guest. Leis are used Believe me, if you are a 30-year-old, We have always done well greeting tried another congregation where we here to honor or cele- single woman with no children, you people. Our men are were not even spoken to by anyone. We brate, and we consider it can easily visit a church, and no one doing better at greeting couldn’t wait to get out and leave! both an honor and a cele- will notice you. and spending time Sherry Ellen Carwile | Jackson, Tenn. bration when guests visit Name withheld by request | Norman, Okla. talking to people, some- with us. thing we have not always When my husband moved to town, he Because of our loca- We are small in number but big in done well. In the past visited a congregation that spoke about tion, we don’t get heart. You come here as a visitor, and you we have spoken and fellowship with visitors during Sunday many off-island guests are always given the royal treatment. returned to our friends school. When he left the Sunday school (tourists). We mainly Raymond Coats | Rio Vista, Calif. for conversation. class, no one acknowledged him, and get island residents whom we call Some years ago, a young man who he wasn’t greeted before or after the kama’aina (of the land). We treat them My solution would be to identify a was here in the Navy visited with us for worship service. Talk about irony! all the same. We show plenty of aloha. half-dozen of those gifted with warmth quite some time, and one of our men He then left and went to the current David Cady | Waipahu, Hawaii and gregariousness — “never met a spoke to him on three different occa- congregation where he and I now have stranger” kind of folks. Form a wolf pack sions, greeting him as though they were worshiped for about four years due to There is a congregation that I have and turn them loose on Sundays just to meeting for the first time. The third time how we were greeted the first time we visited for the past five years while on nose out visitors and engage them. this happened, the young man spoke walked in the door. I consider those vacation. Not once has anyone said That would be their ministry, just directly to him, letting him know that he people my family now just because I anything to me — except a girl in the meeting, greeting and connecting had been attending for so many weeks. was so warmly greeted when I first youth group who once ran up and gave people with people. Nothing fancy. We only have one opportunity to make started going to church with my me a hug thinking I was someone else. Far too many lonely, wounded people a first impression. husband. It does make a difference. I don’t feel like I need any special stagger through our doors each Sunday Charlie Harrison | Brunswick, Maine Stephanie Hart | Louisville, Ky. JULY 2012 opinion the christian chronicle 31 After the honeymoon: Can exhausted, distracted letters parents rekindle the newlywed spirit of affection? Advice from Brazil missionary lauded y sister is getting married in we’re exhausted parents or retired couch in the near future. July. Not two years separate us empty-nesters. Our first group date was to the Sand Being a longtime “short-term” mis- Min age, but I sometimes feel like When I catch myself being cynical Bass Festival in Madill, Okla. That sionary, I really connected with Cris we live on different planets. of my sister’s eyelash-batting at festival still happens every summer, Carpenter (Dialogue, Page 25, June). A doctorate-holding Views her fiancé, I always remember and a dual stroller won’t stop us I am a married woman, and my hus- psychology professional, she the episodes of “Everybody from having another mullet-counting band completely supports the mission lives and works in a major Loves Raymond” when Robert contest (the haircut, not the fish). in Ukraine. I have been working in metropolitan area. She spends and Amy were newlyweds. Ray While we were engaged, we went Ukraine almost every year since 1997. her days at her desk, in meet- and Deborah would roll their to an excellent production of “Fiddler Cris’ insights into short-term mis- ings and on conference calls. eyes at their brother and sister- on the Roof” at our local college. (My sions was spot on. I hope she inspires Her meals are usually cooked in-law’s obvious enjoyment of husband did stand up at intermission many other woman to boldly enter the for her, either by a restaurant being in each other’s presence. and say, “Well that was a good show,” mission field. or her fiancé. Like with most jokes, it’s but he still says he really enjoyed that Jackie Aguilar | Mesquite, Texas A hundred miles away, I live Kimberly Mauck funny because it’s true. But I play.) in a small town and juggle don’t think it should be. We This summer, the main production at Appreciation for Secret cooking, cleaning and caring for shouldn’t scoff or envy them their our college is “Romeo and Juliet.” Just our three kids with teaching college basking in the glow of their love. We last night, I mentioned to my husband Sisters’ talent, faith students, editing a newspaper page should reclaim it for our own. that we haven’t gone to see a play and writing magazine articles. Can we really travel back to that since Fiddler, and he said, “It’s not Thank you for the story of the Secret As she chooses flowers and cake strange world that seems because I haven’t wanted to.” Sisters — very motivating (Page 3, frostings, I decide between diaper eons away — the world We’re not star-crossed June). Yes, we continue to praise God brands and applesauce flavors. While of newlyweds? Can lovers, and honestly, I for the talents he has given us. she plans for a honeymoon week on we erase the years don’t want to be. Nor Praise be to God. the beach, I hope for a movie night between, filled would I want to Nancy Sailo | Suva, Fiji with my husband. with all those erase eight years And, perhaps most importantly, while memories, of learning to love There are those in the church who she spends her evenings with the love some bitter each other more will give these ladies a hard time for of her life — dining at urban restau- and lonely? honestly and contributing anything to Hollywood. rants, laughing and chatting, making It’s impos- selflessly. They have done it to others over the dessert and coffee together — my sible to start But those years, and so Christians have been dis- husband and I are lucky to enjoy five a love over, early years couraged from pursuing those careers. minutes talking on the couch before we with a clean were a time As a result, Hollywood has mostly been both sink into an exhausted stupor. slate — when we had influenced by those of little or no faith, During this season of expressing vows isn’t it? Yet one thing much to the detriment of our society. of lifelong love, it’s easy to reflect on when we sin, exactly right: we We should be encouraging these sis- those carefree newlywed days. It’s also God doesn’t were each other’s ters and others to enter into the mission startling. How did we get from there to secret those favorite source of field of the music and movie industries. here? Can we ever reclaim the ability to trespasses away, human companion- Perhaps they can influence many to enjoy being together, just the two of us, waiting to wield ship. And that’s the turn to the truth or at least to influence day after day, week after week? them against us. way it should be. those in those industries to show some The truth is, we will have to in 20 No, he flings them So maybe these summer respect to those who follow Christ. years or so. For many years after our “as far as the east is from date nights will be a huge produc- Lowell White | Santa Rosa de Copan, Honduras “cell phone couple” wedding caKe children leave the house, Lord willing, the west” (Psalm 103:12). topper BY www.beau-coup.com. tion of babysitters, strollers or we will have only each other. So This summer, I commit just hanging out when we should Chronicle helps give making our kids the center of our lives to making my love for my husband as be working in our home offices. is a mistake. Giving them every ounce pure and new as my sister’s wedding Or maybe they’ll help move our rela- Africa’s martyrs a voice of my energy and leaving nothing for dress. Here’s how we’ll celebrate our tionship back to the center, where my husband is failing in my duties as first years this summer, when the kids, jobs and hobbies have replaced it I am thrilled to see this article pub- a wife. embossed invitations and dreamy-eyed during these last hectic years. lished (“In Nigeria, anti-Christian vio- The husband has a certain amount vows make me nostalgic for young Maybe they’ll help us remember lence on rise,” Page 3, June) as I work at of “affection due him,” and so does love. those flowers, that cake, that dress, Voice of the Martyrs, www.persecution. the wife. See 1 Corinthians 7:3: “The Our first movie date was to see the and most importantly, our vows. com. Our mission is to be the “voice” of husband should fulfill his marital duty live-action “Scooby-Doo” in 2002. That our persecuted brothers and sisters. to his wife, and likewise the wife to her movie is now one of our five-year- kimberly mauck is Reviews Editor for The Christian I so appreciate The Christian husband.” old’s favorites in our DVD cabinet, Chronicle. She and her husband, Jay, have three Chronicle in being the “voice” as well. So this summer, let’s be inspired and my husband makes a mean bowl daughters. They are active members of the Northwest Thank you. by these newlyweds, whether of popcorn. I see a date night on our Church of Christ in Durant, Okla. Brenda Matlock | Bartlesville, Okla. 32 the Christian chronicle reviews JULY 2012 Connecting Sunday to Monday: Books urge workplace faith
By Ralph Williams | FOR The Christian Chronicle message. Written for young professional women by a he average Christian professional businesswoman, spends a few hours this book narrates Paddison’s a week in church. experience as a Christian However, most spend woman in “C-suite” positions roughly 40 hours a (CEO, CFO, etc.). Tweek at wage-earning jobs. This book is also designed Three new books suggest for individual or group study, that we should be glorifying with discussion questions and God and building his kingdom a wealth of resources. in our work. Since Paddison spent much “We haven’t done a good job of her career in executive- helping people connect Sunday level positions, some of her to Monday,” says Amy Sherman, experiences may not resonate a director of Sagamore with the average worker. Yet Institute’s Center on Faith in she provides good advice for Communities in Indianapolis. dealing with common issues, Her new book, “Kingdom without seeming “preachy.” Calling: Vocational Steward- HHHHH HHHHH HHHHH Her advice is partly about ship for the Common Good,” Amy L. Sherman. Kingdom Tom Nelson. Work Matters: Diane Paddison. Work, Love, how to succeed in the busi- provides a rich theological back- Calling: Vocational Stewardship Connecting Sunday Worship Pray: Practical Wisdom for ness world and partly about ground for emphasizing voca- for the Common Good. to Monday Work. Wheaton, Young Professional Christian how to be a faithful Christian tion as ministry. Her theology Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Ill.: Crossway Books, 2011. 221 Women. Grand Rapids, Mich.: while in business. It transcends looks for ways to participate Press, 2011. 271 pages, $16. pages, $15.99. Zondervan. 256 pages, $14.99. her primary audience; men in God’s work of renewal, of may find this book as useful as bringing justice and “shalom” to find ways to serve God through “created with work in mind.” calling to God’s work in their women. our communities. their work. She outlines paths “Humans were designed secular jobs. These are stories Unlike the other two books She starts with Proverbs for churches to encourage by God to exercise proper of people who chose a career in this review, “Work, Love, 11:10: “When the righteous vocational ministry. dominion over creation,” Nelson because of life experiences Pray” takes for granted a divi- prosper, the city rejoices.” The She uses Christ Community writes. Mankind was “designed that led them to God or who sion between sacred and righteous, or Hebrew “tsad- Church in Leawood, Kan., as by God to be his image-bearers, designed their business as secular. Paddison does not see diqim,” are more than “good” an example. Its pastors make to uniquely reflect who God is platforms for ministry or who her work as an extension of people, Sherman writes. They a conscious effort to bridge in his good world.” found ways to use their profes- her faith. Rather, she expresses are completely committed to the gap between worship and Nelson writes about the sional skills to help others. a need to nurture one’s indi- the Kingdom of God. They work. Tom Nelson, who serves changes Christ Community “Work Matters” is a practical vidual faith and to establish focus their “vocational power,” as senior pastor of the church, Church made — in practice book, intended for individual boundaries that keep faith and the prosperity is the author and in its choice of language — or group study. It is rich in work in balance. and influence ‘“Work Matters” is a of “Work to connect ministry and work. theology, but even its theology “Kingdom Calling” will equip afforded through Matters: Nelson and the ministry staff is expressed in a practical, church leaders as they look for their jobs, for the call to view our full- Connecting at emphasize the sanctity of work-a-day way. ways to encourage vocational common good. time work as full-time Sunday work, as epitomized by culti- “Work Matters” may be the ministry. Sherman’s Worship vating the garden of Eden, or most personally challenging “Work Matters” is a work- primary audi- ministry. (The author) to Monday the work of a carpenter, fish- of the books reviewed here book, challenging all Christians ence is preachers challenges the notion of Work.” erman or tentmaker. — and the most oriented to to adopt a new paradigm of and church “Work They celebrate diversity of change within a congregation. ministry that transcends the leaders, trying a distinction between Matters” is a vocation, making a conscious It could be used as a study Sunday/Monday gap. to overcome the sacred and secular work.’ call to view effort to develop Christians to book for a Bible class or small And “Work, Pray, Love” will secular-sacred our full-time be faithful within their voca- group. inspire Christians to do well divide from the work as full- tion. They eliminate language Both “Kingdom Calling” and — and to do good — in the top down, but she recognizes time ministry. Nelson chal- that distinguishes “secular “Work Matters” are excellent workplace that, in many cases, the real lenges the notion of a distinc- work” from “ministry,” “clergy” books in their own right, but leadership in this area comes tion between sacred and from “laity” and “church staff” they are a complementary pair, RALPH WILLIAMS is an adult Bible class from members, not ministers. secular work. In this approach, from “members.” better together than alone. teacher and a communication adviser for a Christians in the workplace are Nelson and Sherman have In Nelson’s view, all godly “Work, Love, Pray: Fortune 500 corporation. He is a member finding ways to be missional in much in common. work should be considered Practical Wisdom for Young of the White Station Church of Christ in their approach to their work. Nelson’s theology is based ministry. Each chapter ends Professional Christian Memphis, Tenn., and a former missionary Sherman points out ways that in the creation narrative. with a first-person narrative by Women” by Diane Paddison to Ukraine and among the First Nations the church can aid members to He points out that man was Christians who have found a provides a motivational People of Canada. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33
acu.edu
College of Arts and Sciences be considered. Applicants from a variety of increase student engagement and enhance academic ACU Box 29210, Abilene, Texas 79699-9210 nursing sub-specialties (medical-surgical, pediatrics, quality. This position reports to the public services Agricultural and Environmental Sciences obstetrics, critical care, community health, and nursing librarian who reports to the associate dean for library administration), and with advanced practice credentials services. The successful candidate is expected to be The Department of Agricultural and Environmental are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate is an effective leader with a master’s degree from an Sciences invites applications for a tenure-track position expected to work collaboratively in shared governance ALA-accredited program (additional master’s degree as assistant professor of animal science. It is seeking with faculty of the nursing school to work toward the from an accredited university is preferred), demonstrated a visionary animal scientist with the earned Ph.D., Christian mission of the university. The School of Nursing experience with information literacy instruction and Ph.D. / D.V.M. or D.V.M. (from an AVMA-accredited encourages applicants who are willing to facilitate instructional design, successful experience promoting institution with M.S. in animal sciences or closely related exceptional student learning environments, value and marketing library programs and services, field). A master’s degree is required; a terminal degree mentoring and advising students, and are willing to demonstrated experience with best practices in or ABD status is preferred. The successful candidate is engage in service for the university, profession and library service assessment and evaluation methods, expected to become an exceptional teacher who values community. Applicants will be expected to pursue fluency with information and communication mentoring and advising students, and is expected to scholarly interests, and engage students in these technologies, demonstrated familiarity and innovation engage in service and scholarly activity with interest in activities. Information about the school is available with emerging technologies, and a demonstrated continued growth and enhancement of the department’s at acu.edu/nursing. appreciation for ACU’s academic and Christian participation in ACU’s undergraduate research program. mission. Information about Brown Library is Information about the department is available at School of Social Work available at acu.edu/library. acu.edu/agenv. Dr. Stephanie Hamm, Director Political Science ACU Box 27866, Abilene, Texas 79699-7866 The Department of Political Science invites The ACU School of Social Work invites applications In a letter to the appropriate dean, applicants applications for a tenure-track position as assistant for a tenure-track position as assistant/associate should address their qualifications for the position. professor of political science beginning Fall 2012. professor of social work beginning Fall 2012. Applicants They should include in the application a statement Applicants should have a Ph.D. (or have completed should have an M.S.W. and an earned doctorate in social of how faith informs their teaching and/or the Ph.D. by August 2012). Those from all areas of work or related field. A Ph.D. or related doctoral degree administration; a discussion of their spiritual journey; the discipline are invited to apply, and the successful is preferred, but applicants who are ABD will be a curriculum vita; transcripts of all undergraduate candidate must have a commitment to teaching in an considered. Responsibilities include teaching social and graduate work; and names, addresses and phone undergraduate environment and demonstrated potential work courses at both the B.S.S.W. and M.S.S.W. levels, numbers of five references. Review of applicants will for professional development and/or research activities. pursuing scholarly research, and performing service for begin immediately and continue until the position is Political science is a dynamic department with the university, profession and community. Applicants filled. Nominations of and applications from qualified a strong pre-law program, Certificate in International should have experience in diverse areas of social work women and minorities are especially encouraged. Relations and Comparative Politics, and a peace and practice, be able to teach across the curriculum, and ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of social justice minor. It hosts the Jack Pope Fellows engage the broader community in which the school the Churches of Christ. All applicants must be Program, oversees the university’s criminal justice partners. Information about the school is available professing Christians and be active, faithful members program and is actively engaged in ACU's new at acu.edu/socialwork. of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and interdisciplinary Core courses. Information about the Library deeply committed to service in Christian higher department is available at acu.edu/politicalscience. education. The mission of ACU is to educate Dr. John B. Weaver, Dean of Library Services students for Christian service and leadership School of Nursing and Educational Technology throughout the world. Dr. Susan Kehl, Associate Professor ACU Box 29208, Abilene, Texas 79699-9208 ACU does not unlawfully discriminate in ACU Box 29103, Abilene, Texas 79699-9103 The Margaret and Herman Brown Library employment opportunities. The ACU School of Nursing invites applications invites applications for a tenure-track position as for two tenure-track positions as assistant/associate instruction and outreach librarian beginning Fall 2012. professor of nursing beginning Fall 2012 or Spring 2013. The Instruction and Outreach Librarian will lead the Applicants should maintain an active nursing license, be library’s instruction and information literacy program eligible for R.N. licensing in the state of Texas, and have for undergraduate and graduate students using best a M.S.N. A Ph.D., D.N.P. or related doctoral degree is practices in face-to-face, hybrid, and online teaching and preferred, and experienced, qualified applicants currently learning. This faculty member also promotes the library pursuing or interested in pursuing a doctoral degree will through workshops and other innovative initiatives that
110324-0712 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION juLY 2012 Parents and grandparents: Urge your children to pursue Christian education have devoted at least one column try harder because we want our gradu- When Someone every two years to encouraging ates to excel when they go on to grad- Leaves the Church, Iparents and grandparents to promote uate schools or into professions. Most Christian education for their children faculty members think of themselves as It’s Important to and grandchildren. mentors of the whole student — intel- Find Out … Sixty years ago this August, I moved lectual, spiritual and social. They give to Bartlesville, Okla., to re-enter college of their time in and out after dropping out of my hometown Insight of class so that they can university when I found myself unchal- have meaningful rela- lenged in all the courses except Spanish, tions with students. which was to be my major. I dreamed of Christian universities Why They Left learning Spanish and going to Mexico usually have smaller Prominent church statistician Flavil to work as a missionary, but I soon real- classes, especially for ized I could not hear or make some upper division students, Yeakley describes why members are of the sounds. My entrance to Central and that arrangement leaving churches of Christ. His research New From Christian College was a life-changing allows faculty to know through surveys and essay questions event. I met a professor who would be students better. provides an opportunity for dialogue GOSPEL my lifelong friend and mentor, Stafford Bailey McBride At a time when Bible about ways to keep members faithful and ADVOCATE North. I was also inspired to be a knowledge seems to help them understand their differences. A TRUSTED NAME SINCE 1855 serious Bible student by Roy Lanier Sr. be decreasing with each generation, and Hugo McCord. James O. Baird, the Christian universities offer students the G55931 $18.99 To Order dean, became the source of inspiration opportunity to learn with outstanding 1-800-251-8446 for many of my life goals. I made friends scholars of the Word and to learn not www.gospeladvocate.com who have gone around the world for the only how to study the Bible but also sake of Christ. Because the college was what the Bible teaches. They understand new and had no reputation, the entire that no question is off limits, and so with faculty worked extremely hard to make dedicated teachers they search for fuller courses strong and challenging. understanding of eternal truths. Since Lower School & Upper School Principal Four years later, Joyce and I returned the religious world seems extremely to Central Christian where I would confused about what is most important, Lower School Principal is primarily have my first experience as an English the great Bible teachers of Christian responsible for K – 5 and the Upper School teacher. Even though I was a novice, I universities are keys to the next genera- Principal for 6 – 12. Each Principal is think I made a difference in the lives tion’s intellectual and spiritual growth. responsible to interpret and implement the of many students who are still good The environment of student life at mission of Clarksville Christian School in friends as they continue their jour- Christian universities offers great oppor- his/her respective grade levels. Each principal neys of faith. After two years I returned tunities to serve, to develop leadership is the chief instructional officer and visionary to graduate school as the college skills, to begin lives of scholarship and leader and serves as manager of all personnel, moved to Oklahoma City and became to make friends. No one at Christian programs, facilities, and resources related to Oklahoma Christian College and then universities is perfect, but most come the assigned grade level. Positions report to the Board of Directors. Interested University. I completed a doctorate and seeking to find a place where spiritu- candidates for this position should possess: taught at two other major universities ality is valued and where doing the where I realized the unique place of right thing is the commonly accepted • A Master’s Degree in Education in Administration and Supervision. Christian education. I returned to OC standard. Students lead mission orga- • Administrative experience in an academic setting, ideally in target grade in 1966 where I have had a wonderful nizations, group Bible studies, tuto- levels. career as professor and chief academic rial sessions for other students, student • Administrative License or Certification required. officer. I had a chance to know the government, club organizations, profes- • Experience in developing or coordinating respective grade level curricula. people at other Christian universities sional organizations and humanitarian • Strong interpersonal skills with a sense of calm authority. and their dedication to lives of faith efforts. The environment of Christian • Proficient speaking and writing skills. and service for themselves and their universities is right for helping students • A breadth of knowledge and a passion for implementing educational best students. The Christian education mature in many ways. Perhaps the practices and technology across the curriculum. communities are all different but united greatest value is making friends with • Must demonstrate a passion for Christian education and be an active in this effort. good men and women who will be life- member of the church of Christ. I believe Christian institutions offer time friends and encouragers. quality education that is superior to the Christian universities can help fami- Send resume to [email protected]. See education of typical secular institutions. lies prepare their children for dedicated www.clarksvillechristianschool.org for more information about CCS. That superiority grows from a desire of service to God and mankind. the Christian faculty members to offer interesting and challenging classes. We COntact [email protected]. JULY 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35
How can we best assure the next generation of Christian leaders?
housands of universities across the nation want to train the next generation of America’s leaders. But only our TChristian universities and colleges are equipped to train students for success in both their chosen field and in life— in the contexts of faith and family.
n addition to the tremendous advantage of teaching and mentoring from a Biblical worldview—assuring that Ifaith is strengthened and not undermined—our Christian educational institutions compare very well academically and athletically. This is done not merely to compete or “keep up” with other institutions, but to glorify God in everything they do! The existence of the next generation of Christian leaders is up to us. It’s time to challenge conventional (and worldly) wisdom. Consider Christian higher education, the true open mindedness.
Abilene Christian University Freed-Hardeman University Ohio Valley University Amridge University Harding University Oklahoma Christian University Austin Graduate School of Theology Heritage Christian University Pepperdine University Crowley’s Ridge College Lipscomb University Southwestern Christian College Faulkner University Lubbock Christian University York College 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE JULY 2012