Our mission: To inform, An international inspire and unite newspaper Vol. 69, No. 8 | August 2012 for Churches of Christ Heat seeker: NBA champion Black, white and Gray CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY who once challenged puts faith first Lipscomb University in court receives BY MURRAY EVANS | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE the Christian university’s highest honor. On the night before the biggest game of his basketball career — one that BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE would make his team the NBA cham- pion — Norris Cole was where he often can be found: at a Church of Christ service in Miami, worshiping God with his family and friends. Cole, a rookie guard for the Miami Heat, was a key reserve all season and MURRAY EVANS hit three big Norris Cole at NBA 3-pointers in the KRISTI JONES Finals media day in NBA Finals as Fred Gray accepts an honorary doctorate from Lipscomb University, saying he’s “honored, appreciative and humbled” by the recognition. Oklahoma City. the Heat beat the Oklahoma City NASHVILLE, Tenn. — a school that trained hundreds of bestows on an individual. Thunder in five games to win the title. orty-five years ago, civil rights future black church leaders — to David “It is not every day that you file a law- During media interview times between attorney and preacher Fred Gray Lipscomb College, a higher education suit against an institution and that institu- games, he’d chat with ESPN basketball filed a lawsuit that exposed deep institution with a history of racism. tion later sees fit to honor you,” Gray, 81, analysts and wave to reporters like divides between black and white On a recent Friday night, that same told a crowd of 500 that witnessed the they were old friends. Fmembers of Churches of Christ. Christian college — now known as ceremony in Lipscomb’s Allen Arena. But through all the hoopla, those close The 1967 lawsuit challenged the trans- Lipscomb University — presented Gray Who, Gray asked, would have thought to Cole say he’s remained grounded fer of more than $400,000 in assets from with an honorary doctorate of humane such an honor would be possible for an See NBA ROOKIE, Page 21 the closed Nashville Christian Institute letters, the highest award the university See FRED GRAY, Page 14
box 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 INSIDE CALENDAR...... 28 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...... 30 PARTNERS...... 27 Christianity in China It’s GO! time Kathmandu’s kingdom PEOPLE...... 29 Church member shares At this camp, the goal is Christians in Nepal sacrifice REVIEWS...... 32 insight from Shanghai. 25 simple: Change the world. 17 their culture for faith. 10 VIEWS...... 31 Minister reports six church members killed in Pakistan bus bombing, Page 13 | www.christianchronicle.org | (405) 425-5070 2 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 EEM Is Going To Camp This Summer.
EEM is training teams from U.S. churches of Christ and traveling to Ukraine to teach children the Bible in camps.
These are not just any camps. They are former pioneer youth camps used to indoctrinate children into Communism. Imagine a place where God and His Word were prohibited. Now, these camps are open to us and God’s message of love is being taught to the kids and camp staff. It truly is an opportunity that only God could provide.
In addition to teaching the Bible, the teams will be giving more than 10,000 Bibles and pieces of Biblical Literature to the children and staff to take home and share with their families.
The Bible. We want everyone to get it.
facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission · twitter.com/@EveryoneGetsIt · 1-800-486-1818 · www.eem.org EEM is overseen by the Prestoncrest church of Christ, Dallas, Texas. AUGUST 2012 the christian chronicle 3 Race and the Technology — old and new — spreads Gospel church: How far have we come? Hashtag to heaven: NASHVILLE, Tenn. Series combines oung scholars, meet the old warhorses. Y At the Christian sacred text, tweets Scholars Conference, young scholars presented papers BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE during a session dubbed “How Far Have We Come? SPRING HILL, Tenn. — #REDEMPTION. A Current That was the featured hashtag in the Inside Story Assessment youth group Bible class at the Spring of Race Meadows Church of Christ on a recent Relations in Wednesday night. Churches of As youth minister Scott Bond pushed Christ.” the play button on a video, he urged Then teens to take out their smartphones and the old discuss the lesson among themselves — warhorses — and thousands of other young people. who actually “Right now, there are 177 churches doing experienced this same series together,” Bond told the Bobby Ross Jr. the turbu- class. “There was a church that registered lent times today in Pearl Harbor. … If I was in Hawaii, studied — explained what I’d probably be surfing, but they’re doing really happened. the Hashtag Youth Series.” I’m exaggerating, but the Think of the Hashtag Youth Series as a riveting discussion had that high-tech version of long-popular areawide kind of feel to this journal- summer youth series. ist, born in 1967, the same But instead of driving to a sister congre- year the Nashville Christian gation, youth groups watch a recorded Institute closed (see related lesson and post responses and questions story on Page 1). Ted Parks online via Twitter. One could forgive Andrew A camera in the Gospel Broadcasting Network’s main studio in Ringgold, Ga., captures a message for “A lot of young people, in a lot of studies Hairston, the preacher for GBN’s “Focus on Faith.” Alan Pitchford, youth minister for a Church of Christ in Tennessee, speaks. that are being done today, don’t know how the predominantly black to articulate or put into words what they Simpson Street Church of believe,” Bond said. Christ in Atlanta since 1961, Georgia-based network sends timeless Tweeting — as posting on the online for his bluntness in respond- social networking site is known — gives ing to — as he put it — “the See HASHTAG, Page 23 beneficiaries of stuff we cre- truths to television sets — and iPads ated and worked on.” “Now we sit in judgment BY Ted Parks | FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE programming, according to the network’s of us,” Hairston quipped, executive director, Don Blackwell. drawing laughter from the RINGGOLD, Ga. GBN employs three full-time production standing-room-only crowd or the Gospel Broadcasting Network, personnel — all in their 20s — assisted by that filled a Lipscomb the challenge is using the latest part-time staff. The trio shares responsibil- University lecture hall. communication tools to spread the ities, switching jobs as necessary between This was not, after all, timeless truths of the Bible. lighting, preparing sets, running camera, the first time Hairston had Launched in November 2005, editing and directing. tackled the race issue in the FGBN is a 24-hour television network with “One of the things … with the work Lord’s body. studios in this north Georgia town, 17 here is to be able to wear many hats,” said The banner headline on the miles southeast of Chattanooga, Tenn. videographer Blake Kelley. “We’re capable front page of the July 5, 1968, About 20 cable providers offer GBN as of adapting to circumstances that come BOBBY ROSS JR. Christian Chronicle declared: a channel, with local on-air stations and before us.” Twitter posts by teens watching the Hashtag See RACE RELATIONS, Page 4 satellite systems also airing selected See GBN, Page 22 series appear on the screen behind Scott Bond. 4 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE INSIDE STORY AUGUST 2012 www.christianchronicle.org
Go online to find news updates, an expanded calendar, classifieds Harding University Bible Lectureship and much more. Use the barcode at right to visit our mobile site. • See family photos of Miami Heat rookie Norris Cole, a faithful Christian whose team defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals. faith for a new place & time • Breaking news: Don’t wait to read all the latest news or check out studies in joshua exclusive online features. Sept. 30 - Oct. 3, 2012 RACE RELATIONS: ‘A step in the right direction’ FROM PAGE 3 gation. That has not discouraged me.” “Atlanta Conference Studies Race: Starting in the 1940s, the Nashville Negroes, Whites Discuss Problems.” Christian Institute educated hundreds of That story noted that the first speaker future black church leaders. — Hairston — addressed “Spiritual The school allowed paternalistic Equality in Christ.” The Chronicle white supporters and passive black reported that the minister, then in his beneficiaries to pretend Churches of 30s, said Christians need to believe in one Christ enjoyed racial unity, said young church, regard racial segregation as a sin scholar Wes Crawford, who is white and realize that man is a whole being. and preaches for the Glenwood Church Royce Money, former longtime presi- of Christ in Tyler, Texas. dent of Abilene Christian University To some extent, it may be true that in Texas, moderated the recent panel blacks did not do much to fight the unjust discussion. In 1999, Money went to his- social order, Hairston acknowledged. torically black Southwestern Christian “But it’s largely true that we couldn’t do College in Terrell, Texas, to apologize anything,” he said. for ACU’s “sins of racism and discrimi- The Atlanta minister scoffed at young nation of the past.” blacks whom he said suggest they Among the young scholars was Tanya would not have ridden at the back of Smith Brice, a social work professor at any bus. “Yeah,” Hairston said, “and Baylor University and a member of the you would have been out there on a Crestview Church of Christ in Waco, tree somewhere or in a river.” Texas. Brice suggested that social and Major Boglin, who is black and cultural traditions heavily influenced serves as family life minister for the both black and white congregations. majority-white North Atlanta Church of “Not only were the white congregations Christ in Georgia, highlighted that con- silent about the Civil Rights Movement, gregation’s efforts to make its member- so were the African-American congrega- ship and leadership more diverse. tions for the most part,” said Brice, who But Hairston said white congrega- is black. “African-American members tions typically only want blacks who of the Church of Christ were largely are willing to assimilate to the white reluctant to participate in the Civil Rights culture. Gray said that for some, inte- Movement because it was led by a gration means draining potential black Baptist minister.” church leaders into white churches. Fred Gray, a longtime elder for the “Where do you see the reverse of what keynote speakers Tuskegee Church of Christ in Alabama, North Atlanta is trying?” Hairston asked. served as Baptist pastor Martin Luther “Where do you see a black church being Monte Cox King Jr.’s first civil rights attorney. integrated by white folks?” Phil Thompson “Leaders of this conference can’t Despite the challenges, Gray sees tell me that … the Church of Christ Churches of Christ as making progress. Clifton L. Ganus Jr. didn’t play a role in the Civil Rights “What we are doing here is a step in Nathan Guy Movement,” Gray said. “Fred Gray is a the right direction,” the old warhorse Scott Adair member of the Church of Christ.” told the young scholars. “At least we Yet, in a 1985 interview with the are beginning to talk about it. Racism Dale Manor Chronicle, Gray himself said, “For the is still alive. It’s wrong. And we need to Eddie Randolph most part, members of the Church of come up with a plan to do away with it.” Christ are very conservative, so neither in the white church nor in the black CONTACT [email protected]. Read The church has there been any real active Christian Chronicle’s past Dialogue interviews with Brice, participation in bringing an end to segre- Gray and Hairston at www.christianchronicle.org. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 5 CALIFORNIA spotlight SAN FRANCISCO — Two Churches of Christ have merged in an effort to “better reach out to the lost souls in San Francisco,” minister Daniel Hung said. Fire misses camp On a recent Sunday, about 130 worshipers celebrated the merger of the ALTO, N.M. — The recent Little Bear Fire predominantly black Columbia Heights scorched 44,000 acres and destroyed Church of Christ and the predominantly 254 structures, but it narrowly missed Chinese Westside Church of Christ. Mountain View Christian Camp, spon- The merged congregation will retain sored by the Sunset Church of Christ in the Columbia Heights name. Carlsbad, N.M. “Before the celebration started, 10 The church — whose previous camp, young leaders of the church bowed known as Skyridge, burned during their heads in prayer together before massive fires in 2000 — rushed to help entering the auditorium,” Hung said. the Little Bear Fire victims. “They prayed for wisdom to lead this new Mountain View camp was transformed congregation.” into a relief center, offering lodging as well as meals, food and cleaning supplies GEORGIA to fire victims. Volunteers worked up to AUGUSTA — Tired, hot, drenched-in-sweat 15 hours a day. young people from Churches of Christ pressed on with their goal of inviting 10,000 people to church, the Augusta Chronicle reported. More than 100 youths from congre- gations in Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina and Georgia knocked doors for up to six hours a day in a campaign JEREMY SMITH dubbed “Magnify Augusta.” “It’s the first time we’ve done With cookies eaten, it’s time to play at VBS anything like this,” Jeremy Hinote, Toddlers practice their train formation as they follow Vacation Bible School teacher Sesha PHOTO PROVIDED BY ELISE HALEY youth minister for the Central Church Ledbetter from snacks to games. The recent VBS, hosted by the Canal Heights Church of Christ in Water, clothes and other supplies fill the of Christ in Augusta, told the local Demopolis, Ala., drew an average of 35 children per day, church member Jeremy Smith said. camp’s relief center for fire victims. newspaper. “We do a lot of missions away. As a church, we go to Panama and other places. This is a way to that he’s leaving his ministry posi- cleaning supplies as well as rakes and When the group meets, McRay pres- minister to our own backyard.” tion. Robertson will work alongside shovels, WDIO.com reported. ents a list of people, including church his long-bearded brothers and father The East Duluth Church of Christ leaders, who need prayers. He also NORCROSS — As a domestic missionary in the family’s thriving worked to distribute the items to flood distributes names of prospects who for the Peachtree Corners Church of Duck Commander busi- victims. Ron Gerst, the church’s emer- might be reached with the Gospel. Christ, Terry Davis is reaching out to ness — the subject of the gency coordinator, said many people’s residents of a trailer park. successful A&E reality water wells were contaminated. TEXAS The church is sponsoring a 10-week series “Duck Dynasty.” “They can’t drink (from) their well, so AMARILLO — Three Churches of Christ Vacation Bible School at the trailer “I will still remain on we have 5,000 bottles of water to give came together to help the community park. Dubbed “Camp Outreach,” the as an elder and teach away,” he told WDIO.com. through “Mission in Amarillo.” VBS runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each and even preach as About 60 teens and 20 adults from the day and features a meal, tutoring and A. Robertson much as possible,” OKLAHOMA Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, activities as well as Bible study. Robertson told The MANGUM — Todd McRay believes in the the Church of Christ at the Colonies “It’s all outdoors, rain or shine,” Davis Christian Chronicle. His father — Duck POWER of prayer. and the University Church of Christ in said. “You should see the tents we Commander Phil Robertson — also McRay, who preaches for the Canyon joined together for three days operate under the rain.” serves as a White’s Ferry Road elder. Mangum Church of Christ, leads a of service projects, KVII-TV reported. prayer ministry called POWER — “As the church, we feel it is our LOUISIANA MINNESOTA which stands for Prayers of Workers calling to be of service for the people WEST MONROE — Alan Robertson DULUTH — After torrential rains caused Encouraging Results. around us,” said Matt McMahon, a describes himself as a “Jacob in a more than $100 million in damages, this A widow who told McRay she wished summer youth ministry intern for the family of Esaus.” flood-ravaged community received a she could do something but felt Central church. The clean-shaven minister, who shared welcome gift. impaired by her physical limitations The goal, he said, “was to go out and the White’s Ferry Road Church of A tractor-trailer arrived from Nashville, inspired the ministry. The minister not just say, ‘Hey, we care for people in Christ’s preaching duties with Mike Tenn.-based Churches of Christ Disaster came up with the idea of a group of poverty,’ but to actually show them that Kellett, told the congregation recently Relief Effort filled with food, water and people like the widow meeting to pray. we’re here and ... we can help.” 6 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE ACROSS THE NATION AUGUST 2012
Harding University’s Global Missions Experience
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARK YEAKLEY Some of the 226 volunteers from four states who participated in the Wichita Workcamp scrape and repaint a Kansas home. The Northside Church of Christ hosted the service camp.
September 27-30, 2012 Paint, sweat and cheers The World Mission Workshop transformed into a hands-on learning event Summertime brings picnics, triple- www.globalmissionsexperience.com digit temperatures ... and hundreds of teens from Churches of Christ spread-
ing joy through hard work and sweat. Across the nation, many church youth groups take time away from dips in the swimming pool and late-night devotionals to show God’s love during work camps. Young people painted homes and performed other manual labor during recent work camps in
Do you have a heart for children? places such as Decatur, Ala.; Mem- MARK PARKER HOUSEPARENTS wanted phis, Tenn.; Parkersburg, W.Va.; San Lela Page, 90, helps during the Mid-Ohio Antonio; and Wichita, Kan. Valley Work Camp in Parkersburg, W.Va. … to join our ministry of providing Homes for children.
Salary, housing, utilities, groceries, and benefits included. Medical insurance fully paid.
The New Mexico Christian Children’s Home (Portales, NM) has an opportunity for full-time ministry available.
Great rewards result from serving the Lord by taking care of children!
Call David Stine at (575) 356-5372 or (575) 749-0785. Visit our web page www.nmcch.org or email [email protected].
BRADY ROSS Teens paint a house during the San Antonio Work Camp. About 170 students participated in the three days of work projects, said Kody Speer, youth minister for the MacArthur Park church. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 7
GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES
· MA Biblical Interpretation · MS Bible & Ministry · MS Youth & Family Ministry · MS Christian Ministry · MS Family Ministry · Masters of Divinity Associate member, Association of Theological Schools
For more information contact Donna Taylor [email protected] or 806.720.7662
PREACHER WANTED The Blairsville church of Christ, located in the picturesque North Georgia Mountains, is seeking a full-time pulpit minister. The congregation has approximately 130 members, of which about one-third are high school age or younger. Currently there are two elders and three deacons who serve the congregation. information, resumes, CDs of sermonsQualified orpreachers other pertinent should submitdocu-
mentation of theirElders qualifications to: Blairsville church of Christ P.O. Box 1665 Blairsville, GA 30514 Or send e-mail to [email protected]. Visit our website at BlairsvillechurchofChrist.com 8 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 AUSTRALIA spotlight Crikvenica — More than 90 youths from the Australian states of Queensland, Victoria, Kenyan criminals New South Wales and the island of Tasmania attended the find hope in Christ annual Cataract Camp, hosted by the Southwest Church of Kericho, Kenya — Thieves. Christ in Ambarvale, Australia. Murderers. Anti-government “You are God’s field” was rebels. Brothers in Christ. the theme, and participants Thirty-eight inmates at a were challenged to share their maximum-security prison in faith and serve their churches. this western Kenyan town Speakers included Graham were immersed into Christ Wall, Roberto Quintanilla, recently, said David Tonui, Tristan Grant and Joel Gough. principal of the Nairobi Great Commission School. It was BRAZIL the first time the prison, Candeias — Adriano Freire and established in 1945, allowed his wife, Karol, have planted a baptisms, Tonui said. Church of Christ in Candeias, Heavily armed guards a community south of Recife. surrounded the inmates as Freire, 25, is a graduate of a they walked to a brightly ministry training school in CHRIS Du preez painted outdoor baptistery, Recife overseen by missionary built with funds from the Randy New life and Good Hope: South Africa campaign yields souls Springtown Church of Christ Short. With a heavenly dose of enthusiasm, minister Sizwe Gqotile leads singing and invites people forward to be baptized in Texas. The during a two-week gospel campaign near the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Eleven people were baptized “After baptism, a number church during the campaign, said Chris du Preez, a minister and lecturer at the Eastern Cape Bible College in East London, of them took the podium to plant uses a South Africa. Gqotile is a student at the college and minister for a church that meets in his father’s home. confess their evil activities,” “School of An ex-offender who was baptized after being paroled, Gqotile “has diligently applied himself and has done very Tonui said. “Some of them had the Bible” well,” du Preez said. “Sizwe is an exciting gospel preacher and evangelist and often gets invited to speak in the border- served outside the country of method, area congregations.” Kenya with anti-government Short said. militia groups. Each of them Members of is remorseful and accepts Photo provided the commu- does not allow evangelism, get more and more wanting to Timothy Johnson, a former that they are in prison for the Adriano and Karol nity are said Paul Renganathan, a participate,” church members missionary to Ukraine. wrong that they did.” Freire in Candeias. invited to minister in Chennai, India, who said in a recent bulletin. Alumni of the Great take free has worked with Singh. “So ZIMBABWE Commission School — Isamel courses on the Bible and are converts from Bhutan come to UKRAINE MARANDURE — Three years Sang, minister for the Kericho invited to worship with the this border congregation every KIEV — New Christians in this ago a Church of Christ in Church of Christ, and Eric congregation. Sunday for worship.” Eastern European nation are this southern African town Chepkwony — taught the Bible Short preached for the church Singh’s son, James, has coor- going from prison to the pulpit. launched its inaugural service at the prison. After the baptisms, recently and found that “the little dinated work in northeastern Ukrainian Mission Work, with an attendance of 18. administrators at another prison building they are using is filled India since his father’s death. a ministry of the Westworth “Now we in the Kenyan city of Nakuru to standing room only,” he said. Church of Christ in Fort are more than contacted Chepkwony and NEW ZEALAND Worth, Texas, recently 225, thanks to asked him to bring the Gospel INDIA Tauranga — LTC is coming announced plans to partner World Bible to their facility, Tonui said. Kolkata — Christians in this to NZ. The Tauranga Church with the Obolon Church of School,” said northeastern Indian city are of Christ will host its first Christ in Kiev and Jeremiah’s minister Godwin carrying on the work of Daniel Leadership Training for Christ Hope, a church-supported Tawanda. The Singh, who died earlier this convention on Oct. 13. ministry, to plant congrega- minister praised year. Singh, a school prin- The church-sponsored tions in rural Ukraine. Tawanda the Texas-based cipal, became a Christian after training program, which The new work primarily uses Bible corre- completing World Bible School features drama skits, Bible Christians who were converted spondence ministry, which has correspondence lessons. He quizzes and song leading, through prison ministries. assisted in thousands of conver- helped establish 16 congrega- draws thousands of youths to “We believe we are standing sions in sub-Saharan Africa. tions in northeastern India and 10 venues in the U.S. each year. on the brink of opening the To celebrate its third anniver- several more in Nepal. “New Zealand Leadership eyes of many people who have sary, the church spent a day PHOTO PROVIDED “One congregation is at Training for Christ is not previously had the oppor- in prayer, fasting, singing and Isamel Sang baptizes a new the border of Bhutan,” which progressing right along as we tunity to hear the Gospel,” said Bible lessons, the minister said. believer near the Kericho prison. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 9
acu.edu
College of Arts and Sciences pursuing or interested in pursuing a doctoral degree will through workshops and other innovative initiatives that Dr. Gregory Straughn, Interim Dean 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 School of Nursing students for Christian service and leadership and Educational Technology throughout the world. Dr. Becky Hammack, 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 a tenure-track position 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
110324-0812 10 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AROUND THE WORLD AUGUST 2012 AUGUST 2012 AROUND THE WORLD the christian chronicle 11
enough money to buy a New Testament in his language. “I read it and was really touched by the message,” he says. He shared the message with any who would listen. That got him in trouble with Nepali authorities, then opposed to public evangelism by “that cow- eating religion” from the West. He spent three years in a jail near the pagoda where he once worshiped Taleju. In 1971 he was released, undeterred. Soon he met missionaries from Churches of Christ and was baptized. “I don’t want more. I don’t want less,” he says. “I just want the Church of Christ.”
A COUNTER-CULTURAL FAITH The Himalayas poke above the clouds, as seen from the window of a flight between Kathmandu, Nepal, and New Delhi. The mountain range includes the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. It’s not that Nepalis are opposed to Christianity, says A MONARCHY NO MORE, the mountainous nation of Nepal wrestles with its future as a small Church of Christ struggles to serve Susanna Phoboo, one of Gopal’s three daughters, sitting in the upper-story living room A 12-foot high statue of Bhairav, a six-armed manifestation of the Hindu god Shiva, symbolizing annihilation, stands in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. of the family’s home, near the Citycentre mall. baptized. He took the statues of became a Christian 26 years good soldier of Christ Jesus.” “I learned the truth and the “On Dec. 25, all the malls his former gods and cast them ago, he answers quickly. The 25 souls in the small real life in Christianity and a real The (other) kingdom in Kathmandu of Kathmandu are lined with into the river near his home. “Because I wanted to save room, like Gopal and his fam- God,” says Panta, a taxi driver. Christmas trees,” she says. But To his father-in-law’s relief, my spirit,” he says. ily, have suffered for their faith. Now he and his wife, Sabitri, are during a Hindu holy month, cel- nothing happened. Soon the Suraj Bahadur Basnet, who members of the church. STORY AND PHOTOS BY ERIK TRYGGESTAD unit after a drug overdose. He ens of churches across Nepal — historic Durbar Square, he Today the palace is a museum ebrated with animal sacrifices, whole family was baptized, FROM MAO TO CHRIST leads the Bible study, grew up Their son, Bimal, grew up in THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE talks with a nurse to make sure in Kathmandu and the remote points to a large pagoda with and the 239-year-old monarchy “the streets are awash in blood.” including Ichabod Shrestha, Below the family’s living in a Hindu family. He knew that the congregation. the patient is improving. villages in the Himalayas. elaborate carvings of the multi- is history, swept away in 2008 Outsiders mistakenly think of Gopal’s brother-in-law. room, the Kamal Pokhari leaving the faith would alienate “I have spent so much time KATHMANDU, Nepal For 41 years, Gopal has “My two passions are trek- armed goddess. He used to after a decade-long insurrection Nepalis as Hindu or Buddhist, Shrestha now works with Church of Christ gathers for him from his parents, but as here since my childhood,” the rishna Gopal steps out preached, conducted Bible king and preaching,” he says. sleep in the temple as his par- by Maoist rebels. The Maoists, Phoboo says. Most are both a small Church of Christ in Wednesday night Bible study. he studied Scripture, “slowly, 21-year-old says after leading in faith — every time he studies at kitchen tables and sat An ethnic Newar — an ents participated in weeklong bearing the iconic hammer and — incorporating elements of Chakhu, a village near Nepal’s The Christians pour over slowly I accepted that there is a the closing prayer after the crosses the street. at the bedsides of the sick in indigenous people of the ceremonies dedicated to Taleju, sickle of the the two faiths — and have no border with the Tibet region 2 Timothy 2, in which the apos- Savior, there is Bible lesson. “Society here is so On a Wednesday after- this nation of 29.8 million souls, Kathmandu valley — he grew known as Durga in India. Soviet Union, problem including Christian of China. When asked why he tle Paul urges his apprentice to a God,” he says. different from the people I am Knoon, the minister wades into home to the world’s highest up like most of his people, wor- Much has changed since the are part of the principles into their pantheon went against his culture and “join with me in suffering, like a Now he spends friends with. Most of my friends a dusty road near his home in peak, Mount Everest. He and shiping the god Taleju. days when Nepal’s king lived in country’s new of belief. weekends and are worldly people. They say, this Asian capital, choked with his coworkers have planted doz- Walking through the city’s a grand palace near the pagoda. government, “Really living like a Christian vacations from ‘You are my best friend, but fast-moving mopeds, rickshaws which struggles — that’s a problem,” she says. his job to preach don’t try to preach to me.’” and the occasional cow. to write a new Believers don’t participate in Nepal’s rural Increasingly, Nepali society He passes a merchant selling constitution. in the rituals or eat meat villages. reflects the West — from tiny tomatoes from a basket on Gopal’s life Gopal sacrificed to idols. They must When she’s Ghimire movies to clothing, he says. his bicycle. Across the street, at also has changed exclude themselves from their not studying Modern Kathmandu faces new the multi-story Citycentre mall, since the days when he slept in people’s culture — often a the Bible, Bimala Shrestha forms of idolatry, including movie posters boast the latest the temple near the royal pal- source of friction in Nepal’s Ghimire goes from house to money and self-indulgence. Bollywood imports from neigh- ace. As a young man, he found tight-knit families. house, checking on people Big-city problems accompany boring India — plus James a pamphlet that told him about a When Gopal and his wife, who have visited the church these idols — including petty Cameron’s “Avatar” in 3D. different, eternal kingdom. Kamala, became Christians, his and inviting them back. Her crime and drug overdoses. Gopal, 63, dodges his way “I was worshiping a dead father-in-law refused to eat in husband is not a Christian but Despite the temptations, through the dizzying mix of god,” he realized after reading the same room with them. The accepts her beliefs. Bimal Panta and Susanna antique and modern, fast and it. “I need a living God.” couple had become “untouch- “The brothers and sisters Phoboo say they remain loyal slow, and arrives at a red-brick He searched for a Bible able,” the minister says. here, their love makes me to the eternal kingdom for hospital. A member of the and found only one shop Patiently, Gopal tried to raise stronger,” she says. which their parents sacrificed. congregation he shepherds, in Kathmandu that carried his family with Christian beliefs. Kamal Panta was a Maoist “Going to another religion is the Kamal Pokhari Church of them. He swept the floors of Eventually, his example bore before he met Gopal and stud- not an option,” Phoboo says. Christ, is in the intensive care Members of the Kamal Pokhari Church of Christ gather for Wednesday night Bible study in Kathmandu, Nepal. the shop for a month to earn fruit, and his father-in-law was Downtown Kathmandu is a bustling mix of the antique and the modern. ied the Bible. “There is only one truth.” 12 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012
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Find out More at www.ovu.edu 1 Campus View Drive | Vienna, WV 26105-8000 | 877.446.8668 14 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE FRONT AUGUST 2012 AUGUST 2012 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 15 FRED GRAY: Lipscomb honors civil rights attorney
KRISTI JONES KRISTI JONES KRISTI JONES KRISTI JONES Tanya Smith Brice, social work professor at Baylor University and member of the Crestview At the ceremony are Norma Burgess, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Arts and Sciences; Fred Gray, center, flashes a smile during a panel discussion on racial relations in Churches of Christ. At left is Andrew Hairston, longtime Fred Gray receives congratulations from the Church of Christ in Waco, Texas, presents a paper on racial reconciliation in Churches of Christ. Lipscomb President Randy Lowry; Fred Gray; and David Fleer, scholars conference director. minister for the Simpson Street Church of Christ in Atlanta. At right is Doug Foster, church history professor at Abilene Christian University. crowd as he accepts the honorary degree.
FROM PAGE 1 Christian Scholars Conference, focused Today, African-American students tered for over 40 years,” Crawford wrote. Lipscomb. In the Gospel Advocate, Keeble HEALING OLD WOUNDS ture series and hosted a reception for he said. “Well, when you get bitten, and Alabama boy who grew up in a shotgun on the theme “Reconciliation: At the make up 8 percent of Lipscomb’s under- Given that history, Crawford character- outlined reasons for the closing: shrink- David Jones Jr., a 1958 Nashville Nashville Christian Institute alumni. The you get bitten time after time after time, house with no running water? Intersection of Scholarship and Practice.” graduate enrollment. In the last school ized the tribute to Gray as “monumental.” ing enrollment following the integration Christian Institute graduate, has university plans to host another recep- it takes you a while to believe, ‘I can For a boy who rode segregated buses In honoring Gray, Lipscomb sought year, 216 black students received $1.6 “The fact that Lipscomb University, of Nashville schools, the threat of losing preached for the predominantly black tion over Labor Day weekend. trust what’s being said here.’” and witnessed the frequent mistreat- to underscore its commitment to racial million in institutional financial aid. of all places, granted Dr. Gray such an accreditation, the difficulty of retaining Schrader Lane Church of Christ in Lowry and Nashville Mayor Karl That attitude is just fine with Lowry, ment of black people? reconciliation. Nonetheless, suspicion has lingered esteemed honor certainly indicates we teachers on their low salaries and the Nashville for nearly 50 years. Dean presented Jones with an award who said he did not grow up in the For a boy who, before he became The conference highlighted the among some black church members, have come a long way,” Crawford said. overwhelming need for updated facilities. When he started in 1963, 140 people given by Lipscomb to individuals who South and does not pretend to under- a lawyer determined to “destroy importance of apologies and forgive- much of it tied to the handling of the But Tanya Smith Brice, who is But many blacks who had sacrificed to comprised the church. The congrega- are “tireless servants of God.” stand its history. everything segregated” he could find, ness in allowing both sides of a conflict Nashville Christian Institute’s closing. black and presented a paper titled keep the school going felt betrayed and tion has grown tenfold, topping 1,450 The award recognized Jones’ lead- “My sense in coming to Lipscomb performed manual labor in the yards of to move forward, Lipscomb President Wes Crawford, minister for the “Race Relations in Churches of Christ: filed a lawsuit. Gray represented plaintiffs members. Asked recently to describe ing role in the Schrader Lane church’s was that there was no speech I could Lipscomb professors? Randy Lowry said. Glenwood Church of Christ in Tyler, Strategies Towards Reconciliation,” identified in court papers as “Negro Lipscomb’s relationship with black growth and its “tremendous efforts to give that would have the right words, “If each of us would be really honest “But the part that leaves me a bit Texas, examined the closing as part of voiced skepticism. members of the Church of Christ and churches over the years, Jones replied serve the community.” the right oratory … that would have the ... we would say that we never thought unsettled is the sense that we could gloss his Vanderbilt University “We, as a body, have kept a friendly alumni, patrons and students of NCI.” simply, “It hasn’t been healthy.” Lipscomb’s intentional African-American community believe it this would be possible,” Gray said of over that particular moment and move doctoral dissertation distance from each other,” said Brice, a “Negro brethren are convinced that Giving the Nashville Christian efforts “to correct some would be any different,” he said. “And the Lipscomb honor. back into a life that was the same as the in church history and social work professor at Baylor University the ‘takeover’ was morally question- Institute’s assets to Lipscomb upset of those misfires or delib- so what I try to say humbly and quietly However, he was quick to add, “We moment before,” said Lowry, Lipscomb’s homiletics. and a member of the Crestview Church able,” Jack Evans, longtime president of black members who “had in many erate actions” of the past is, ‘Just watch us.’” serve a God with whom all things are president since 2005. “It seems to me From the end of the of Christ in Waco, Texas. “We have paral- Southwestern Christian College, said in cases raised a lot of the money by — as Jones describes Gray said he accepted the Lipscomb possible. Notwithstanding whatever our that the remedy for history, well, it is 19th century until the lel structures — one that is white and one a 1968 Christian Chronicle story. doing all kinds of little things with their them — impress the honor on behalf of all the Nashville adversaries may have been, things can forgiveness, but it is also attempting to be late 1960s, most black that is African-American. We pretend as if The Chronicle portrayed the lawsuit as meager incomes,” Jones said. longtime minister. Christian Institute students who could be different. Individuals can change. reconciled, and it is also commitment to members of Churches we are one body, but we are not.” a sign that “many of the 100,000 people The board placed the money in a “They have a leader not attend the university because of the And so can institutions.” move forward in a different way.” of Christ acquiesced to who make up a Negro brotherhood, scholarship fund for black students at there now who is deter- color of their skin. Crawford Jones In the audience was Harold Hazelip, white-imposed segrega- ONE OF MARSHALL KEEBLE’S ‘BOY PREACHERS’ separated from the white brotherhood by Lipscomb. Black church leaders argued mined that he’s going to “In my opinion, I think the Lipscomb THE REMEDY FOR HISTORY who served as Lipscomb’s president from tion, paternalism and racism out of From 1943 to 1948, Gray attended scars far deeper than the railroad tracks that black students would be reluctant lead them into a more inclusive direc- family should know that not only do I A longtime elder for the Tuskegee 1987 to 1997 and later as chancellor. necessity, Crawford reported in a paper the Nashville Christian Institute, an in Terrell, Texas, are ready to exchange to attend Lipscomb because of its long tion,” Jones said, referring to Lowry. appreciate you for what you are doing Church of Christ in Alabama, Gray In 2001, Lowry noted, Hazelip trav- titled “Shattering the Illusion of Unity: elementary and secondary school. servility and dependence for indepen- history of segregation and its “only Still, healing old wounds takes time. here tonight,” he said in his speech, “but served as the first civil rights attorney eled with then-President Steve Flatt to The Closing of the Nashville Christian He traveled with longtime school dence and, if need be, estrangement.” tokenly integrated” status at that time. Explaining why, Jones shared a that the African-American brotherhood for Martin Luther King Jr. historically black Southwestern Christian Institute.” President Marshall Keeble as one of the The black church members lost “That has been a sticking point for story from his childhood: As he rode of the Church of Christ appreciates you He’s perhaps best known for represent- College in Terrell, Texas, “to make this But the institute’s closing “brought influential black evangelist’s famed “boy the lawsuit, but Gray said they never years,” Jones said of the lingering con- his bicycle and delivered newspapers for what you are doing here tonight. ing Rosa Parks, the black seamstress university’s formal apology to our African- their feelings of resentment to the sur- preachers.” Before his death in 1968, expected to prevail in a Southern city cerns over how the closing was handled, before school, a dog bit him. “I believe that this is simply the who refused to give up her Montgomery, American brothers and sisters for the face,” the white minister said. Keeble baptized thousands. with powerful white Christians. “and nobody was willing to talk about it.” “I love dogs, but I’m very careful beginning of something much greater Ala., bus seat to a white man in 1955. horror, the terror, the disappointment, “The board’s decision to close NCI and In 1967, the white-controlled board of “We simply felt that a wrong had But last year, Lipscomb invited Jones around dogs, primarily because I to come. I don’t know what it is. We Lipscomb recognized Gray during the sorrow and the shameful history that the subsequent lawsuit created a deep the Nashville Christian Institute voted to occurred,” he said, “and that we should at to be one of the keynote speakers for remember the pain and the surprise of don’t know what the Lord has in store. the 32nd annual Thomas H. Olbricht we have had as a segregated institution.” wound in Churches of Christ that has fes- close the school and transfer its assets to least attempt to do something about it.” its annual Summer Celebration lec- this dog running out and biting me,” But at least it’s a beginning.” 16 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012
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An op Please send a cover letter with your resumes to Everett White, [email protected]. Check out our Home on our website acch4kids.org AUGUST 2012 the christian chronicle 17 PHOTOS BY BOBBY ROSS JR. AND KEATON ROSS Young people hold hands as they pray during GO! Camp at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn. The camp mixes interactive labs and service projects with fun and activities. Hey, campers: Let’s GO! change the world BY BOBBY ROSS JR. | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE Morgan, 18, a member of the West do but also shows you how.” Campers chatted live via Skype — an Seventh Church of Christ in Columbia, Here in rural West Tennessee, Morgan online video service — with mission- HENDERSON, Tenn. Tenn., decided to make that message joined more than 350 young people from aries around the world, including an assidy Morgan is unlikely to permanent after attending last year’s 25 Churches of Christ in eight states at American who arranges free heart forget what she learned at GO! inaugural GO! Camp. the recent second annual GO! Camp. surgeries for children in war-torn Iraq. Camp, a weeklong service camp “It’s been different from any other The camp mixed fun — such as The teens donated more than 3,000 at Freed-Hardeman University. camp I’ve ever been to,” the recent high frequent Twitter updates, a homemade, bottles of water to an Arkansas-based After all, the camp motto is school graduate said. “I’ve grown up James Bond-style movie and big-screen homeless outreach unit called The Van. tattooed on her left arm. in the church, and I’ve been a part of a videos recounting each day’s hijinks — One night, all the students and coun- KLove God. Love your neighbor. ton of camps, but I’ve never been to one with manual labor and “idea labs with selors drove to nearby Jackson, Tenn., Change the world. that not only talks about what you can world changers.” CONTINUED 18 AUGUST 2012 CURRENTS THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 19 Let’s GO! change the world Students Lauren Martinez and Kathleen Childress make their mark on The Van, a Kassidy Morgan shows off the camp Student and musician Randall Turner, a member of the Wood Avenue Church of Christ Chuck Morris, with his twin daughters, mobile homeless outreach unit that visited the camp. motto, tattooed on her left arm. in Florence, Ala., provides a special soundtrack as the campers pack meals. Katie and Claire, both 13. CONTINUED vegetables, soy and chicken. Tennessee, decided to host a benefit Smallwood, who attends the The banquet raised $25,000. said Beth Haley, a Freed-Hardeman and cheered at a baseball game Campers would measure the bulk banquet at their church. Jacksonburg Church of Christ in In all, GO! Camp supporters graduate. “They find their purpose.” played by children with special needs. supplies into smaller meal packets, Their initial goal: $500. Florence, Ala., performed. collected nearly $52,000 for the food Haley found her purpose as the For many youth groups, Bible camp then box the packets and ship them to Church deacon Lonnie Miller “Our idea just sparked and blew up,” project. At Freed-Hardeman, campers founder of Exile International, which means swimming in creeks, bunking destinations such as Haiti and Africa. encouraged them to dream bigger. said Clausel, 16. “It just gave everyone packed 139,968 meals — enough to provides art and expressive therapy in rustic cabins and singing praises to Via Facebook and Twitter, word of With help from other teens and ... a chance to give something.” feed 384 children for a year. to former child soldiers and war- God around campfires. the project spread. adults, Ellison and Clausel sold “Our church came together, and “You see the kids come to life when affected children. A member of the Other teens sleep in Christian univer- Jenna Ellison and Kelli Clausel, banquet tickets, accepted donations our community came together,” they realize they can live beyond Otter Creek Church of Christ in sity dormitories and eat in campus youth group members at the and conducted a silent auction. said Ellison, 17. “I don’t know what themselves and get involved in Brentwood, Tenn., Haley shared her dining halls as they flock to leadership Savannah Church of Christ in Aspiring country singer Savanna happened. God happened.” something bigger than they are,” experiences with the campers. and service camps with names such “I’m really excited to talk to the kids as Cornerstone, Encounter, Genesis, about what they can do, in big ways Horizons, Impact, Kadesh, Soul Quest and small ways,” said Haley, who and Zenith. had just returned from Rwanda and GO! Camp teaches young people the Democratic Republic of Congo. Young people pack meals for poor countries during GO! Camp. Campers and other supporters raised $50,000 to buy bulk how to recognize needs in their own “That’s how you change the world, in supplies of rice, vegetables, soy and chicken. The campers measure the items and place them into smaller meal packets. community and take action, director big ways and small ways.” Brad Montague said. collection boxes at their school. “I think these kids really get the right with God,’” she said. “That’s a “Everything is about, ‘How can I SALT AND LIGHT Hundreds of donations later, Katie message of Christ — I want you to great thing, but this camp is more take this home? What does this look After GO! Camp last year, Katie and Claire remain committed to be salt and light — and they’re not about ‘you get God, and then you go like there?’” said Montague, a former and Claire Morris decided to gather the cause, said their father, Chuck satisfied with letting the lights hang and take him to everybody else.’” youth minister. “That’s the big push.” eyeglasses to send to poor countries. Morris, a Bible teacher at Jackson in a church building and letting the Morgan got her tattoo on April 7, The twin sisters, now 13, dubbed Christian School and youth minister salt sit in a shaker,” he added. “They her birthday. DREAMING BIGGER their project “Blind But Now I See.” for the Crosswinds Church of Christ want to be out making a difference.” “I planned it for a while because I Months ago, GO! Camp organizers “I was thinking, ‘I wear glasses in Three Way, Tenn. Ellison, who made a difference by knew it was something that I wanted set a goal of raising $30,000 to feed and contacts. What would it be like “So many times our camps are very organizing the benefit banquet in a constant reminder of,” she said. starving children. without them?’” Katie said. “That introspective as to my relationship Savannah, agreed. “It’s very simple, but it means a lot.” The idea was that the funds would Kelli Clausel and Jenna Ellison hoped to raise $500 to help feed starving children. With Students at GO! Camp paint messages on The Van, a vehicle used by an Arkansas inspired me to start it.” with God, my spiritual growth. This is “Other camps I have been to, it’s Love God. Love your neighbor. be used to buy bulk quantities of rice, support from their church and community, they far exceeded their goal. couple to deliver food, water and supplies to homeless people. The girls designed a logo and placed almost the next step,” Morris said. all about changing your life, like ‘get Change the world. 20 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 Campus Minister wanted for the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton, Texas, for a mis- Vice President for Student Services sion field of more than All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christ-centered Liberal Arts education and Christian service. 50,000 students Faulkner University is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as Vice President for Student Services. This person serves as a (UNT/TWU/NCTC). member of the President’s Cabinet with executive responsibility for the planning, management, and evaluation of Student Services. Please see our website for Areas within Student Services include: Dean of Students; Student Life/Activities; Residence Life; Career Services; Campus Security; more information: Student Counseling; and Health Services. This position reports directly to the University President. www.singingoaks.org This successful candidate will serve as a chief advocate for student welfare and interests by assuming leadership and responsibility for establishing an environment which promotes respect for students, faculty, and staff as well as recognizing initiative and excellence. The candidate will possess a strong commitment to student development, be supportive of student diversity, and work to sustain and advance the University’s institutional values. Congregations all over the world are using This is a full-time, 12-month position. This position is funded and will begin as soon as the qualified candidate has been found. eBibleStudy.org Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The review of applications will begin immediately. for their Bible Classes! Qualifications: Doctorate from a regionally accredited institution required; Degree(s) must be in a field appropriate for the position; Free 13-week teacher lesson plans on Minimum 5 years of increasingly responsible management experience in an educational institution; Experience with an emphasis in the various Bible books & topics. student services area preferred. Over 60,000 downloads! Additional details regarding this position, including application requirements, are available on Faulkner’s website: www.faulkner.edu Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory background check and verification of work authorization through E-Verify. Go to Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36109 www.eBibleStudy.org Training for Eternity House Parents Request for Applicants – President & CEO Arms of Hope is seeking a married couple who has a passion for today’s youth and a calling to Christian residential care. At MTCS’s President operates as the chief fundraising officer and is responsible for Arms of Hope we have the unique opportunity to serve youth effectively communicating the school’s vision to the community. The President also who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and need adult serves as the school’s Chief Executive Officer with final responsibility for operations leadership to help guide them educationally, emotionally and and the budget. spiritually. It is our mission to provide these children with a therapeutic environment in which they can develop and prosper. MTCS offers education for PK3‐12th grade and is affiliated with Churches of Christ. The This mission opportunity offers a very competitive salary in institution recently celebrated 50 years of providing quality Christian education. addition to housing, food, health insurance, a retirement plan Persons interested in applying for the position should submit a letter of interest and and generous vacation and leave time. resume to [email protected] or: MTCS Search Committee If interested in these positions, please visit P.O. Box 11669 www.ArmsofHope.org to obtain an application on the Murfreesboro, TN 37129 “About Us” page. You can also contact Allen Williams at [email protected]. Resumes should be submitted by July 9th. AUGUST 2012 FROM THE FRONT the christian chronicle 21 NBA rookie: ‘Seeing him serving the Lord’s church, it spoke volumes’ FROM PAGE 1 avoiding the temptation of and faithful to the principles using Cole’s fame. taught to him by his parents, “You talk about leading by Norris Sr. and Diane Cole, and example,” Nelson said. “Norris reinforced by the brethren at led a prayer one evening. The the Webster Street Church young men know who he is, and of Christ in Dayton, Ohio, seeing him in the congregation, and more recently, the Miami seeing him serving in the Lord’s Gardens Church of Christ in church, it spoke volumes. suburban Miami. “To see him as a brother, they “A lot of people have grown realize it’s not a show. The Lord up and decided not to keep the is no respecter of persons. He’s Christian faith, but you have to a brother who is willing and separate yourself,” Cole said able to work in the church.” before the opening game of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City. WINNING THE PRIZE “It’s like being in the NBA,” The frenetic NBA schedule he said. “Not everybody can sometimes prevents Cole from play in the NBA. You have to being at church services, but discipline yourself so that you he’s determined to remain can sustain and that you can focused on his faith. make it. The same thing goes Michael Laughlin, South Florida Sun Sentinel “It can be very tough,” Cole for Christianity.” Norris Cole takes a shot in front of Thunder forward Nick Collison during Game 5 of the NBA Finals in Miami. said. “But what I do is, every sermon that I miss, the Miami MISSING PRACTICE FOR BIBLE STUDY Cole — during a key stretch of “I always wanted to know of Miami’s 66 regular-season Gardens church gives me a Faith always has been a prior- the Heat’s Eastern Conference where he was, but I realized games, tied for tops on the DVD so I can go back and ity for Cole, who while growing Finals series against the Boston that he had team. He started twice and watch. My mother, she gives up attended the 60-member Celtics — made sure to contact to go to Bible averaged 6.8 points per game. me a daily Scripture reading Webster Street church every close family friend Rachel study with his He played in 19 of the Heat’s and devotional for every day. Sunday and Wednesday with Melson Blanks in early June grandmother, 23 playoff games. In Game 4 They help me stay spiritually his parents and two older sis- after she had to undergo an so he had to of the Finals, he hit a 3-pointer minded and keep me on task.” ters. Cole gave devotional talks, emergency Caesarean section. miss practice late in the first quarter and Those in Cole’s church family led singing and represented the “He has a million things to with the team,” another early in the second back in Dayton cite Matthew congregation worry about, and Cook said. “We quarter to start a 16-0 run by 6:33 and call him an example in an annual he took time out respected that. Cook the Heat after they had fallen of how God will bless a person Bible Bowl to ask how I was We knew that. behind by 17 points. Miami who seeks the Lord first. event hosted by doing and the baby Basketball was just an extra- went on to win the game, as “He learned early on that the Northridge was doing,” Blanks curricular activity for him.” well as the series clincher two you put God first and things Church of Christ said, holding her nights later, in which Cole had will work out,” said Richard in Dayton. new daughter. LEADING BY EXAMPLE — IN THE PEWS another 3-pointer. Melson, the minister at the “We come “That speaks to Cole received only one One of his priorities upon Webster Street church. “He from the vil- his character. He NCAA Division I basketball arriving in south Florida was is an intelligent young man. lage mentality,” is just a superior scholarship offer, from little- finding a church home where He is recognized around the Diane Cole said. individual, not just known Cleveland State. he could just be a regular per- city, not just as a basketball “It takes a vil- on the court but In 2009, he led the Vikings son and not a celebrity. player but as a very positive lage. We had a off the court. He to their first NCAA tourna- “When I first met him, he influence among his peers. He lot of support is loyal, faithful ment berth in 23 years. He was had walked into Bible study has always been the right kind with our kids, and honest. He named the Horizon League’s class, and he has that baby of example in faith, purity and and we were always puts other player of the year and defen- face,” said Gale Nelson, the love, like Paul talks about.” open and recep- people in front of sive player of the year in 2011. Miami Gardens minister. “I Cole now has won the prize of tive to that sup- Dan anthony, dananthonyphotos.com himself.” In last year’s NBA draft, he thought he was a teenager, which thousands of basketball port. We have a Norris Cole celebrates during a His peers in was taken 28th overall in the and I addressed him as ‘young players dream. But he hasn’t very close-knit victory parade in Miami. high school first round by the Chicago man.’ I didn’t realize he was a forgotten where he came from church and noticed. Cole Bulls, then traded twice on draft basketball player. There was or what got him where he is. family. At a church like that, played alongside current night — first to the Minnesota no ego with him. That’s a sign “I love them back at Western you can grow up and do things Thunder guard Daequan Cook Timberwolves, then to the Heat. of good parenting.” Street,” he said. “I have a and have a good time and fun at Dunbar High School in After landing a roster spot Nelson said Cole Sr. told pretty good following at home. together, so they have friend- Dayton, and Cook used to won- alongside superstars LeBron him to put Cole to work, and They take care of me. That’s ships that will last a lifetime.” der why Cole never showed up James, Dwyane Wade and that’s what the Miami Gardens why I like going back, so I can So close, in fact, that Norris for Wednesday night practices. Chris Bosh, Cole played in 65 church has tried to do, while take care of them.” 22 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE FROM THE SECOND FRONT AUGUST 2012 AUGUST 2012 FROM THE SECOND FRONT the christian chronicle 23 GBN: Network has a place in history of TV outreach among Churches of Christ HASHTAG: ‘So excited to be saved!’ teen tweets FROM PAGE 3 FROM PAGE 3 ing the audience is difficult. them a creative outlet to do so, he said. A part of the production Users on five continents have “And they have to do it in under 140 charac- team’s responsibilities is help- accessed the GBN website, ters,” he added. “Short and simple. It’s really ing speakers adjust to the Blackwell said. amazing.” studio environment. Owners of Apple devices “Our job … is to make the in 50 countries downloaded SMALL START, SURPRISING SUCCESS transition as comfortable as the GBN app the first day it The Spring Meadows church launched the possible,” Kelley said. became available, the execu- Hashtag Youth Series as a 12-week, high- Alan Pitchford, youth minis- tive director added, surprised definition video series featuring different ter at Chattanooga’s East Ridge that China ranked second in speakers from Churches of Christ. Church of Christ, recently vis- downloads behind the U.S. For those unfamiliar with Twitter, a hashtag is a ited GBN to record lessons for Blackwell credits GBN with special symbol used to mark keywords or topics the “Focus on Faith” show. the potential to reach half a bil- in a tweet. Everyone using the same hashtag — Speaking about how the Old lion “outlets,” or devices capa- or searching for it — can follow the conversation. BOBBY ROSS JR. Testament sheds light on the ble of receiving the network Tackling topics such as #RESCUE, Spring Meadows Church of Christ members pray New, it was the youth minis- or its shows. He bases the #RELATIONSHIP and #RECONCILIATION, after the baptism of Monica Cope, in the yellow shirt. ter’s first time to proclaim the figure on hundreds of millions the speakers recorded lessons in a makeshift Gospel in a TV studio. of mobile devices in the world studio at the church south of Nashville. vides study materials, links to “tweets of the As Pitchford spoke, his image capable of running GBN apps, Series coordinator Bond said he initially week” and speaker biographies. — echoing on the screen in along with viewers who watch expected a dozen churches — the speakers’ The lessons also are available — for free — on varied camera angles — illu- on television and computers. home congregations — to participate. Internet channels such as YouTube and Vimeo. minated a large monitor in the “It started out really small, but it has grown A church could begin the series at any time or darkened GBN control room. HISTORY OF ‘PREACHING THE GOSPEL’ to so much more than we could have imag- start in the middle — to allow live interaction — Adam Vaughn sat directing at GBN forms a recent episode ined,” said Bond, pointing to registrations and then go back and catch the lessons missed, the console, in the decades- by churches in 27 states and 10 countries. Spring Meadows minister Dale Jenkins said. behind him a long story of “Churches of Christ are actually starting to “We kill our youth ministers in the summer,” “peanut gal- How to watch the Gospel radio and tele- be evened out by the number of Baptists and Jenkins said. “Scott has been gone on a youth lery” for guests, Broadcasting Network vision outreach Methodists and Presbyterians.” mission and a work camp and a camp itself. Kelley said. in Churches of Memorabilia from the early days of broadcasting in Churches of Christ — including books by and about well- GBN’s Adam Vaughn directs a segment for “Focus on Faith” from the On this night, the featured speaker was And then we do Vacation Bible School.” Pitchford Instead of feeding its signal to an antenna, Christ. known television and radio speaker Batsell Barrett Baxter — adorn a GBN display case. console in the network’s production control room. Joseph Horton, youth and family minister for With everything else going on, Hashtag pointed out as local TV channels do, GBN broadcasts via Herald the Winchester Church of Christ in Tennessee. means the youth minister does not have to pre- the contrast C-band satellite. Some cable systems pick up of Truth speaker Batsell Barrett Baxter. of the Southaven Church of teaching the Bible. Among according to the GBN website. Teske said audiences quickly During Horton’s lesson, Spring Meadows pare another lesson, he said. between the the GBN satellite feed and offer the entire Ministries, Nearby is a relic from a Christ in Mississippi, GBN the network’s own shows are Three times a week, the notice the GBN difference. member Lacey Paige Barr, 16, tweeted: “We’re Andrew Thompson, youth and family minister void beyond the GBN lineup as a channel. Limited local which began bygone broadcasting age, a recently announced acquisi- “Searching the Scriptures” network airs “In Search of Not asking viewers for funds all slaves to sin. Jesus can set us free! #redemption for the Priceville Church of Christ in Alabama, studio lights stations, as well as satellite providers, air in radio and 16 millimeter film can for a tion of a new facility closer to and “Thy Word is Truth.” the Lord’s Way,” perhaps the is “really making us distinct #gospelhashtag” learned of the series through Facebook. and a Sunday stand-alone shows. The GBN website streams expanded to 29-minute black-and-white the Southaven church. The Congregations in Texas best-known television program from a viewer’s perspective,” After class, Barr described the series as “I saw this as a great opportunity to evan- auditorium full the network’s 24-hour, seven-day lineup live. television, show for Herald of Truth titled Highland Church of Christ in produce “According to the among Churches of Christ. Teske said. “From an evan- “really uplifting.” gelize not only to the youth group but to their of faces. Viewers can also watch the live stream on recently cele- “The Christian Businessman.” Dalton, Ga., initially directed Scriptures” and “Give Me the Blackwell acknowledged the gelistic perspective, it goes a “It’s really cool to know that other people across friends in a way that would be appealing to “I kind of their smartphones and tablet computers. brated 50 years Close to the Baxter materi- the outreach. Bible.” And struggles of taking the good long ways to showing people the world ... are watching the same thing and them,” Thompson said. “We live in a society feed off the on the air. als is a commemorative plate In addition “Getting to news non-stop to the world’s we’re interested in souls, not believe the same thing that you do,” she said. today that is all about social media and technol- conversational Ways to watch GBN: Though from the “Amazing Grace Bible to its own Know Your televisions, computers and pocketbooks.” ogy, and Hashtag incorporates them both.” aspect of • As a channel on your local cable provider, the Gospel Class,” a television program programs, Bible” comes smartphones. Whatever the challenges, PLANTING HIGH-TECH SEEDS About 20 Priceville teens are getting speaking,” he if available. Broadcasting that began in the 1970s featur- the network from a studio “We are living in a very diffi- for GBN, the ministry’s staff More than 150 miles away, Lacey Wood, 17, together each week to watch the series, which said. “Looking • With a Roku streaming player. GBN is a Network has ing Ira North, longtime minis- airs content in Tennessee. cult economy,” Blackwell said. remains focused on the net- a member of the Midway Church of Christ in Thompson said is a “truly amazing” number for at the camera, Roku “Spiritual” channel. no ties to the ter for the Madison Church of from con- Among GBN “Funding the work is probably work’s mission — to persuade Jasper, Ala., boiled down the lesson this way: the 100-member congregation. speaking, you • On gbntv.org, the network’s website. Herald of Christ in Tennessee. Adorning gregations shows with a one of the greatest challenges a skeptical world that God “Prison+Price+Person=Redemption #redemption “This has opened up the kids’ comfort zone, don’t know • On your smart phone or tablet via the free Truth, early the plate are pictures of North and smaller different for- that we face.” exists, teach people the Bible #gospelhashtag” and they are inviting people,” he said. “We are … if there’s a Apple or Android app. materials from and song leader Ray Walker. studios. mat is “Digger The executive director and encourage congregations Wood describes her passions as painting, planting the seed and asking God to give the thousand eyes • On Dish Network and DIRECTV, which air the ministry Further down the row Contributed Doug’s Under- called attention to GBN’s to remain faithful to Scriptural singing and “getting as many souls to heaven increase.” “Preaching the Gospel” Sunday mornings on looking back at — in display of cases is a poster from programming ground,” a approach to fundraising, one patterns of worship and divine as possible.” She said 30 to 40 teens in her At the Spring Meadows church, members the Christian Television Network channel. you. Or a mil- cases in GBN’s “Preaching the Gospel,” GBN’s must mea- children’s that stands out in the broader principles for living. county meet each week at a different church gathered before class to witness the baptism of lion. Or four. lobby — detail flagship program. Beside the sure up to PHOTOS BY TED PARKS program. “On world of religious broadcast- “There’s not a lot of bells building and watch the series. Monica Cope, a high school sophomore. “You sow the seed a little the history of gospel television poster is a collection of ser- network tech- A prop for a GBN children’s show the Lord’s ing. GBN never solicits money and whistles. … It’s the gospel “For me, I have had many signs of catching Cope, who began visiting on Wednesday more blindly, and you hope that production. mons from the show’s speaker, nical stan- Day” features on the air. being preached,” said Vern people’s attention,” Wood said of her tweets. nights a few months ago, decided to confess her … God uses that in some way.” In the cases, a copy of the evangelist James Watkins. dards as well as communicate recorded worship, including While the website accepts Schrimsher, an elder for “I’ve had retweets, and even others have sins and be immersed after watching the first two Because viewers can watch New Testament in multiple “sound, true, biblically faithful services from the Brown Trail online gifts, the network Southaven church. “I just pray responded by writing notes like ‘You have Hashtag lessons. GBN in multiple ways — translations bears the handwrit- ‘SOULS, NOT POCKETBOOKS’ material,” Blackwell said. Church of Christ in Bedford, requests that only members of that everybody will have that amazing tweets’ and ‘I’ll definitely go check That afternoon, she tweeted: “Getting baptized including cable TV, Internet, ten name — dated June 1968 — Today, GBN produces about The titles in the lineup sug- Texas and the Forest Hill Churches of Christ donate. opportunity to hear it at least Hashtag out.’” tonight. :-) #gospelhashtag today too. So excited to even smartphones — measur- of pioneering Herald of Truth 25 shows. Under the oversight gest GBN’s commitment to Church of Christ in Memphis, Director of operations Mark once.” A website — hashtagyouthseries.com — pro- be saved!” 24 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 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 AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 25 eredith Rodriguez keeps her bags What is the general attitude toward packed, waiting for the next travel the Christian faith in China? opportunity to present itself. The There’s a reason Christianity is growing M so fast here. Chinese are starting from a 28-year-old is a polyglot, speaking English, clean slate, not only in terms of not having Spanish and Mandarin. to be converted from another religion, Along with her two sisters and two broth- but also they are not obstructed by some ers, she was raised as a missionary kid in of the scars and unnecessary baggage of Puebla, Mexico. Later the family moved back our 2,000-year Christian history. to California, where as a teen she attended Many Christian values, like honoring the Conejo Valley Church of Christ and Sunday your parents and submitting to authority, coincide with traditional Chinese values service at the Hollywood Church of Christ, and are easy for Chinese to accept. where her father Dan, a professor at nearby Also, while many modern, educated Pepperdine University, preached. She spent her Chinese maintain that faith is simply summers traveling on “Religions of the World” a crutch for the weak, some promi- tours through China, Japan and India along- nent Chinese scholars have recently side her father, who taught the class. A conversation with concluded that Christianity is the reason In 2007, she graduated from Pepperdine, the West has been so successful. where she served as a reporter and editor of Meredith Rodriguez Under what conditions are churches various university publications. She finished allowed to exist? her English major in London, where she JOURNALIST, MISSIONARY KID discusses family life It is not illegal to be a Christian in interned at a publishing house. and Christianity’s growth in China. China. However, certain forms of evan- Hired by the Kansas City Star, she attended gelism (handing out tracts, preaching on seminars and conferences for minority journal- BY LYNN McMILLON | THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE a street corner) are illegal, and mainland ists and used her Spanish to write stories about Christians are supposed to worship in one the Hispanic and immigrant communities in of the government-sanctioned Three-Self churches. These official churches are the area. She left the newspaper in September growing, but cannot support or account 2010 to learn Mandarin in Shanghai. for the growth that is mostly happening She has taught English to engineering stu- through unofficial house churches. dents. She also has tried her hand at traditional The extreme persecution under which Chinese dishes — with help from her students. Monica Rodriguez Christianity grew before and during She has written freelance articles for China Meredith Rodriguez’s home, Shanghai, is China’s most populous city with 23 million souls. the Cultural Revolution is largely gone. Daily and CNNGo and is a business columnist for Most unofficial churches can meet the nation, which can be seen in areas I was raised in Mexico, which I think in peace as long as they steer clear Shanghai Family magazine. like spoiled only-children losing tradi- my California-native parents didn’t of politically sensitive topics and split “I think my siblings and I are not only adapt- tional Chinese values of respecting the realize would forever dispose their chil- before growing intimidatingly large. able, but we feel more comfortable overseas,” elderly. Also, China suffers from rising dren to move to far-off places. House churches and their leaders she said. divorce rates, strangers ignoring help- My older brothers fell in love with encounter occasional interference, less accident and crime victims on the China after moving here in 2003, which however, most often through a complaint Describe the religious scene in China. street, government officials getting rich piqued my interest. Then they became from an irritated neighbor, a landlord who A young professional Chinese Chris- through corruption and companies that fluent in Mandarin, which encouraged breaks a lease for fear of potential reper- tian told me that anything you say about somehow get away with distributing me that I could too. cussions or a local official who decides China can be true and at the same time toxic food to the public to save a buck. My Spanish skills gave me an edge to detour from the pragmatic position of false. It is such a huge, diverse, rapidly As people lose faith in everything else, in my first journalism job, and I figured “one eye open, one eye shut.” This reality changing and often-contradictory place. many are turning to religion. There is learning Mandarin in China would only often creates a culture of fear, distrust and However, it is safe to say that the some return to the Eastern religions add to my resume and increase my isolation among Christians here. god of the Chinese is money. Money is that were wiped out during the Cultural multicultural awareness. acknowledged as the best guarantee of Revolution, particularly Buddhism. In September 2010, after almost three Do you have long-term plans for security, respect, freedom and happi- Other religions like Islam also are years at a rewarding but grinding entry- yourself in China? ness. Everyone here seems to have an growing, but the most notable growth level newspaper reporting position, I Many foreigners declare plans to stay entrepreneurial plan, trying to cash in is in Christianity, which has reached 14 decided to join my family in Shanghai, “one more year.” Ten years later they’re on China’s rapid economic growth. million Chinese, according to govern- where my dad was the faculty parent for still here. The learning curve that Amidst all this urbanization and ment figures, but by some estimates has Pepperdine’s international program for comes with moving to China is over- modernization, though, there is an grown to more than 90 million. eight months and where my brothers whelming, but the more you invest, the undercurrent of anxiety. It comes up and their wives would be for the year. more rewards you reap. often in discussions and the local news What attracted you to China? We were excited to be together again There is so much to learn and reflect media. People are wringing their hands It was a mix between my family back- in a foreign country, as if trying to relive on here, I often despair that I will never at what they call the “moral decline” of ground and my journalism profession. a bit of the old days in Mexico. have enough time. 26 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 Lower School & Upper School Principal Lower School Principal is primarily responsible for K – 5 and the Upper School Principal for 6 – 12. Each Principal is responsible to interpret and implement the mission of Clarksville Christian School in his/her respective grade levels. Each principal is the chief instructional officer and visionary leader and serves as manager of all personnel, programs, facilities, and resources related to the assigned grade level. Positions report to the Board of Directors. Interested improve your serve candidates for this position should possess: www.harding.edu/mmin • A Master’s Degree in Education in Administration and Supervision. • Administrative experience in an academic setting, ideally in target grade levels. 36-HOUR, NON-THESIS DEGREE • Administrative License or Certification required. • Accredited graduate courses • Experience in developing or coordinating respective grade level curricula. • • Online at-a-distance Strong interpersonal skills with a sense of calm authority. • • Scholarships available Proficient speaking and writing skills. • A breadth of knowledge and a passion for implementing educational best WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING practices and technology across the curriculum. • Must demonstrate a passion for Christian education and be an active • “The M.MIN. program has been a period of incredible growth, refresh- member of the church of Christ. ment and renewal for my life and ministry.” • “This program is a great blessing! It’s rigorous yet flexible and I know Send resume to [email protected]. See I’m better equipped for full-time ministry!” www.clarksvillechristianschool.org for more information about CCS. • “The spiritual growth offered through these classes is amazing. Without that growth we cannot hope to minister to others.” MEET ONE OF OUR PROFESSORS Phil McKinney, adjunct professor, Fairfax, Va. • B.A., Harding University • M.A., Harding School of Theology FACULTY POSITION AVAILABLE FALL 2013 • Ph.D., (ABD) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Heritage Christian University invites applications for a full-time faculty posi- tion in Theology and Scripture. The successful applicant will teach undergradu- • Family includes wife, Angie, and three daughters: Kaylee, Taylor and Rylie ate and graduate courses. Course load is usually fifteen hours per academic • Youth & Family Minister at Downtown Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark. year (alternating between three courses and two courses per semester). (1995-2008) Competitive compensation and benefits. HCU is affiliated with the Churches • Spiritual Formation Minister at Fairfax Church of Christ in Fairfax, Va. of Christ; all qualified applicants must be professing Christians who are active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and be commit- (2008-present) ted to the training of Christian ministers. HCU is a university with an increas- ing focus on graduate education. The school is served by the Overton Memorial CLASSES SCHEDULED FOR FALL 2012 Library, which specializes in divinity resources and recently received the late Frederick W. Danker’s collection of books and papers. Candidates should be • Advanced Bible Study Techniques with Tim Westbrook committed to the integration of scholarship with the life of faith, and they must • Old Testament Theology for Ministry with Kevin Youngblood articulate a well-developed research agenda. Applicants should hold a PhD in • Ethics in Ministry with Phil Thompson Theology or a related field; however, strong ABD’s are encouraged to apply. • Spiritual Formation and Discipleship with Phil McKinney Teaching competency in New Testament is advantageous, as is experience in • Congregational Ministries with Scot Crenshaw administrative work. Interested persons should email the following materials to Edmon L. Gallagher, Chair, Faculty Search Committee ([email protected]): (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 review, we will request all transcripts of graduate and undergraduate work. Anticipated starting date is August 1, 2013, subject to negotiation. Review of 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 from qualified minorities are especially encouraged. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 27 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES spoTLIGHT CITY OF CHILDREN ENSENADA, Mexico — The children’s home State of higher ed dedicated its new Learning Center and Creative Arts Center, designed to give NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Are colleges and children “an ideal after-school study universities associated with Churches environment.” of Christ reaching as many students as The facilities include a computer lab, possible within the fellowship? space for private tutors, an art studio, a Five presidents tackled that question dance studio and a music room. Children and other challenges facing Christian who live at the City of Children will use higher education during the recent the center for extracurricular activities. Christian Scholars Conference. Panelists “Private instructors and professionals were Abilene Christian University’s Phil from around Ensenada as well as visiting Schubert, Lipscomb University’s Randy Americans will come and teach those Lowry, Harding University’s David children hungry to discover their talents Burks, Oklahoma Christian University’s and gifts,” the home’s newsletter said. John deSteiguer and Lubbock Christian University’s Tim Perrin. ORPHAN’S LIFELINE INTERNATIONAL KISUMU, Kenya — A children’s home in this East African nation specializes in helping the deaf and hearing-impaired. It’s producing scholars and atheletes. Children from the home, supported by Kalispell, Mont.-based Orphans Lifeline International, recently competed in a regional track event in PHOTO PROVIDED BY YORK COLLEGE Kisumu. Four children qualified for nationals in Nairobi. Churches of Christ Campers ‘Ignite’ at York’s Soul Quest support Orphans Lifeline International, Campers show their enthusiasm during Soul Quest at York College in Nebraska. The weeklong KRISTI JONES online at www.orphanslifeline.org. camp for middle and high school students features high-energy worship times, challenging Bible Presidents Phil Schubert, Randy Lowry, classes and fun and activities, organizers said. The theme was “Ignite,” based on Jeremiah 20:9. David Burks, John deSteiguer and Tim Perrin. HIGHER EDUCATION Speakers included archaeologists to connect teens with domestic and Tennessee and Alabama. He has FAULKNER UNIVERSITY and New Testament scholars from international mission opportuni- conducted more than 400 gospel MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Twenty-five boys Austria, New Zealand and various parts ties. Christian students apply for the meetings. attended Faulkner’s first Vanguard of the United States. They presented program — with the approval of their In his last nine years at Freed- Preaching Camp this summer. They papers ranging from recent archaeolog- parents and recommendation of their Hardeman, he preached for the Bethel learned skills ranging from impromptu ical discoveries in Ephesus to cultural church’s leadership — and complete an Springs Church of Christ. speaking to the mechanics of baptizing. features connected with Ephesus that online training program before leaving Most recently, he worked with “At every session, seeds were planted illuminate elements of early Christianity. on a mission trip. The Sunset church the Sycamore Church of Christ in to generate a desire to work in God’s oversees the work. This year the Cookeville, Tenn. kingdom,” said G. Scott Gleaves, Bible ministry coordinated two mission trips college associate dean. The univer- MINISTRY training to Honduras. For more information, see sity hopes to offer the camp again next discipletrips.com MEDICAL MISSIONS summer and increase the number of DISCIPLETRIPS participants. LUBBOCK, Texas — EAST TENNESSEE SCHOOL OF PREACHING VILLAGE OF HOPE Jeff Smith, student KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — David FETTEH, Ghana — Medical personnel at HARDING SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY minister for the Lipe, a former Bible and Hope Community Clinic, a ministry MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Richard Oster’s recent Sunset Church of philosophy professor of the Village of Hope, performed two 65th birthday drew quite a crowd — for Christ in Lubbock, at Freed-Hardeman hernia repairs recently — the first a scholarly discussion on “Ephesus As a has launched a University in Henderson, surgeries to be performed entirely at Religious Center under the Principate.” ministry “to make Tenn., has been the clinic. More than 200 people gathered in it possible for any named director of East “Both patients are doing very well,” honor of Oster, who has taught New Church of Christ treymorgan.net Tennessee School of coordinator Araba M.A. Hammond Testament at Harding School of Theology teen — 16 years or A coin bearing the Preaching and Missions. Lipe reported. “We are hopeful that we will since 1978. He has focused much of his older — to take a logo of DiscipleTrips. In 45 years of be able to acquire more equipment in academic energies and publishing on mission trip.” preaching, Lipe has worked with order to provide much-needed services materials related to Ephesus. The ministry, DiscipleTrips, seeks Churches of Christ in Mississippi, in Fetteh and its environs.” 28 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE CALENDAR AUGUST 2012 July 20-21 Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop. “Creating a Legacy of Faith.” Cameron Road church, Austin, Texas. Contact crccaustin.org/ctbtw.html. July 25-29 Global Reunion – Camp for TCKs and Parents. Oklahoma Christian MISSIONS University, Oklahoma City. Contact Nancy Ramon Gonzalez defines the concept of Heritage Hartman at [email protected] or Christian University missions. After participat- (405) 425-5388. ing in the HCU campaign program each semester as a part of his curriculum, he knew that he was July 26-29 Lads to Leaders/ capable of leading his own mission team. And Leaderettes 2012 Leadership Camp. he knew just where to take them. In 2009, he Freed-Hardeman University. Contact organized a team of HCU students to join him in his home country of Peru, where they conducted [email protected]. Bible studies and did outreach. Now, as an July 26-29 National Campus HCU alumnus and graduate student, he is Ministries Seminar. “God on Campus.” planning a second trip. From Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas. being led to leading... that’s the goal of the Christian Service and campaign Contact campuscrosswalk.org. programs. Ramon plans July 28 York Bible Teachers Workshop. to return to Peru after York College, York, Neb. Contact york. graduation, but he edu or Rick Eldred at [email protected] or will have left a legacy of leadership... and a (402) 363-5642. dream in the hearts of July 29-Aug. 3 North MacArthur other students. That’s Preacher Training Camp. North the type of missions experience you can MacArthur church, Oklahoma City. Contact expect from HCU. northmac.org, (405) 621-5962 or Mel It’s our focus. Latorre Jr. at [email protected]. Aug. 4-8 Campaign for Christ. George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston. www.hcu.edu w 256.766.6610 w 800.367.3565 3625 Helton Drive w P.O. Box HCU Contact houstonchurchesofchrist.org. Florence, AL 35630 Aug. 11-12 50th anniversary, East Park church. Danville, Ill. Contact (217) 442-2386. Aug. 17-23 Polishing the Pulpit 2012. Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville, Tenn. FULL-TIME MINISTER NEEDED Events Center. Contact polishingthepulpit. The North Heights Church of Christ, located in beautiful Batesville, Arkansas in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, com or 877.338.3397. is actively seeking a full-time pulpit minister for our growing congregation. Our progressive community boasts a population Aug 23-25 European Christian of over 10,000 and is a trade center for a 5 county area. We have two colleges and a large, regional health care center. Workshop. “Jesus Touches the Unclean.” Lancaster University, United Kingdom. We’re located on the banks of the beautiful White River and offer multiple outdoor recreational opportunities. Contact europeanchristianworkshop.com. Sept. 9 50th anniversary, Center Our congregation has a regular Sunday attendance of nearly 350 and boasts a rapidly growing younger segment. We have Road church (formerly Alto Road church), an excellent youth program with a full-time Youth Minister. We have beautiful, upgraded facilities with an annex that contains Kokomo, Ind. Contact (765) 453-1448 an indoor basketball court, video room and coffee bar. [email protected]. Sept. 16-19 ACU Summit. “Intimacy: Our Eldership is made up of 5 solid Christian men with a tremendous zeal for the Lord and a desire to continue our growth Return to God.” Abilene Christian and influence. We are extremely mission minded, giving nearly 25% of our annual budget to various local and international University, Abilene, Texas. Contact acu. mission works. edu/summit or [email protected] or 325.674.3750. We are a forward looking, moderate, yet strongly grounded congregation that is seeking an energetic minister to help lead Sept. 21-22 Global Leadership Summit and French World Mission our work. Workshop. Laurel, Md., church. Contact [email protected]. We prefer a man with previous pulpit experience but see the value of youth as well. We’re looking for a man that desires Sept. 30-Oct. 3 Harding Lectureship. to plant some roots for his family and grow with us. A strong biblical background is a must and the minimum of a bachelors “Faith for a New Place & Time: Studies degree in Biblical Studies from a reputable University is required. in Joshua.” Harding University, Searcy, Ark. Contact 501.279.5123, Lectureship@ If you think North Heights may be the place for you and your family, we encourage you to contact our Search Committee harding.edu or harding.edu/lectureship. for further information and to discuss the opportunity. Oct. 5-6 Michigan Church of Christ Conference. Brighton, Mich., church. Mark Skelton • Search Committee Chair • (870) 200-1114 Contact (810) 229-7051. Complete CALENDAR at www.christianchronicle.org AUGUST 2012 PEOPLE the christian chronicle 29 Newsmakers NAMED: Floyd Coppedge, interim president, Oklahoma Christian Academy, Edmond, Okla. Michael Winegart, director of global learning at Lipscomb University, Nashville, Tenn. Cadet Micah Charles Ables of commissioned as a second Certificate lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He is a member of the Copperas Cove, Texas, church. CompletionONLINE Ables HONORED: James Moore, Harding University’s certificate of 2012 Educator of the Year at the Lake County, Fla. completion is designed to provide Community Service Awards. continuing education opportunities Juan Monroy as Man of The Year 2011 by the University in Biblical Studies and Christian of Salamanca, Spain. Klint Ministry. It is an accredited, Pleasant, 2012 Coach of affordable and meaningful way to Character by the NAIA. increase your biblical knowledge. Monroy Pleasant is head basketball coach for Rochester College in Rochester Hills, Mich. Andy Little, assistant pro- fessor of business law, 2011-12 teacher of the 501-279-4448 year by Abilene Christian University in Texas. [email protected] NEW MINISTER: Preston Hammitt, Stafford, Texas, church. www.harding.edu/distancebible ANNIVERSARIES: 71st: Hugh and Freda Bowie, Abilene, Texas. 61st: Dick and Detta Wright, Hastings, Neb. 60th: Phillip and Lucy Steyn, Fort Collins, Colo. Sherwood and Myrtie Foster’s Home for Children BIRTHDAYS: 90th: Boyd Taylor, Dallas, Texas. 86th: Clyde Schinnerer, Edmond, Okla. Ever wished you could be in ministry full time? Praying about making a difference? Dreamed about living out church every day while being part of a healing community? Have you heard the call of Christ to be in the world, but not of it? Have an overwhelming need to sow seed for the king- PASSAGES: Doyle E. Chilcoat, 88, Dec 24, and dom that has all kinds of future possibilities? Evelyn Chilcoat, 89, April 17, Houston, long- time members of the Northside church, Temple, Then you have been thinking about US! Texas. Wilford Culler, 84, Feb. 27, Lisbon, Ohio, served as treasurer for Beaver Street church in Foster’s Home for Children would like to offer you the opportunity to realize your spiritual passion for Christ and His Kingdom. We are inviting Lisbon. George Dumas, 78, June 15, Bradenton, applications from couples who want to serve the Lord by not only providing a home for children, but a Sanctuary. Our caregivers live out our mis- Fla., a missionary in the Mediterranean, long- sion constantly: time minister and Navy veteran. Ronald Hill, 74, Feb 27, minister and elder of the Hidden To provide a *Safe environment to grow. Valley church, Houston. Beulah Little, 102, June 11, To provide an avenue for *Emotional management. Edmond, Okla., member To provide a way to mourn the *Loss of significant events and people. of Memorial Road church, To provide a solution focused *Future. Oklahoma City, Floyd Lord, April 12, Remington, Ind., minister for congregations If you think you can live in a culture that offers open communication, growth and change, social responsibility, non-violence, and social learning in San Antonio, Toronto, and to a child, and extends to them hope to begin again, we would love to work with you. Please call Derrick Bam, Vice President of Children’s Ser- California. Iva Jean Taylor, 84, Waugh vices, 254-968-2143 X 284 or e-mail [email protected]. May 27, Norman, Okla., mem- ber of the Noble, Okla. church. Charles Waugh, 78, June 14, Tipton, Okla., an Army veteran, ‘Healing the Wounds of Troubled Children and Families’ a minister for churches in Chattanooga and Warren, Okla. as well as house parents for the Tipton Children’s Home. 30 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012 editorial Ever-Laughing Life by Jonny Hawkins Responding to a rising tide of need t’s prayer request time. suffering — where do we begin? We do our best to report If you’ve ever taken part Imagine how we feel at The these stories, but we simply in a small-group Bible study, Christian Chronicle. As an inter- don’t have the resources to fit you’re familiar with the national newspaper for Churches all of them into our pages. process. At the conclusion of Christ, we receive requests We humbly request that Iof the lesson, one member of for prayers and financial support Christians use online resources, the group searches for a piece from around the globe. The including Facebook and of paper and a pen. Then the world’s current economic woes Caringbridge.org. Both provide requests come — in a trickle that have increased those requests. the means of informing and soon becomes a cascade. We could share countless updating thousands of Christians We relate stories of family and stories: about specific needs. Please friends in the hospital, on a trans- • A mission team to El send us links to these pages. plant list, battling a recurrence of Salvador encountered a 1-year- Unfortunately, our fallen world cancer, unable to old boy with a heart has dishonest people who prey get well, nearly ‘We want to show defect. He needs on the goodness of others. We out of money, not Christ’s love to those surgery in the U.S. recommend that when funds sure how they’ll to live. are requested for a medical make ends meet. who are sick, but • A church need they be collected through It’s easy to get with a page full of member in the a sponsoring congregation overwhelmed by southwestern U.S. and not sent directly to an The original Facebook the amount of prayer requests — a went into kidney individual. need — spiritual seemingly unending failure just as he Churches should take respon- and financial — was dropped from sibility for verifying the authen- TO OUR READERS on our prayer sea of suffering — his health insur- ticity of the needs around them. lists. It’s not ance for reasons Looking at our global prayer that we question where do we begin?’ out of his control. list, we hope that our inability to how a good God • A young solve all of the world’s problems Drive for directories ongoing can allow so much suffering. Christian mother with multiple will not keep us from serving ach month we eagerly this offer to church members We know that we live in a fallen sclerosis could receive surgery those we can. add new names to our deployed overseas. Send us world, and we understand that — only available in another As we ponder the best way to Esubscriber list. In an era their AE or AP addresses and physical hardship is part of life. country — that will vastly bring more of these requests to when many newspapers are their length of deployment. (See Bailey McBride’s Insight improve her life. The treatment light, we ask God for wisdom, cutting back circulation, Send directories to The on Page 34 for thoughts on is experimental and expensive. patience and the spirit of endur- we’re expanding. We praise Christian Chronicle, P.O. Box dealing with spiritual doubt.) In addition to these health- ance professed by Paul in God for the opportunity. 11000, Oklahoma City, OK We want to show Christ’s love related requests, we also receive Romans 8:18: “I consider that Add the members of your 73136-1100. For more infor- to those who are sick, but with countless appeals for financial our present sufferings are not congregation. We promise to mation, e-mail joy.mcmillon@ a page full of prayer requests support from ministries and worth comparing with the glory keep all names and addresses christianchronicle.org or — a seemingly unending sea of missionaries worldwide. that will be revealed in us.” confidential. We also extend call (405) 425-5070. Editor Emeritus: Bailey B. 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Fletcher III • Emily Lemley • James Moore International news, features: [email protected] See www.christianchronicle.org who purchase the advertising space. News coverage, Robert Oglesby Sr. • Mike O’Neal Advertising Director: Tamie Ross e-mail [email protected] opinion columns, reviews, letters to the editor and Barry Packer • Kevin Ramsey • Harold Redd [email protected] or call (405) 425-5070. advertising do not necessarily represent the views of or Harry Risinger • Milton Sewell • Gary Tabor AUGUST 2012 opinion the christian chronicle 31 The Gospel and cancer: Wife’s diagnosis leads letters to spiritual conversations, chances to glorify God Thoughts on visitor- friendly churches t’s cancer,” said the cardiotho- minister and bring glory to him. The love of the school and commu- racic surgeon, still clad in her teal Attendance that morning was nity where we have lived and minis- I want to send a hearty “Amen” to ‘Isurgical garb, who had just biop- greater than it had been, and the tered for 14 years has meant much the pieces this month about churches sied my wife’s lung. “And it’s not early, effect of Lori’s diagnosis for good was to us. But more has been the love, being visitor-friendly (Pages 1 and 3, as it’s spread to her lymph immediately apparent. One prayers, and support from our July). My husband and I have moved nodes.” Views sister, young in her faith, told brothers and sisters all over the four times in 10 years and are about to “Does she know?” I asked, me after worship that she had country. move again. This means we have had to shock numbing me. never realized what it meant All this is humbling. To date, we find a new church home every time. The surgeon shook her head. before this that the church have 138 cards filled with Scripture, We have had the exact same experienc- “I’ll call you in when she wakes was a family and that every words of encouragement and notes es with churches being very unfriendly up and tell her then.” part of the body hurt when about how our handling of our ordeal — and sometimes downright rude — all Twenty minutes later, I one part did. has inspired them. Five are from just the while professing how friendly their approached Lori’s bedside in The best, however, was one lovely sister we have never met congregation is. the recovery area, hating that I seeing an older sister, who had from Alabama. Some represent whole We have both grown up in the had knowledge that she didn’t harbored bitterness toward congregations praying for us. One Church of Christ and have been of the biggest challenge that Douglas Kashorek God for her dying 10-year-old informed us of a prayer service they extremely disheartened by the unwel- would face us in our 19 years of grandson, walk through the held just for us. coming atmosphere in a lot of church- marriage. door for the first time in nine months. If you are facing a challenge like es. Thank you for highlighting this I thought of our children — ages 18, Several had visited, counseled and had this, know that God is in control and need and providing some suggestions 16 and 13 — and desperately wanted lengthy Scripture-filled chats with her always works for good. on ways for churches to work on it. to know what this all would mean for during that time, but nothing could Others are watching. Your Sarah Walker | Gilbert, Ariz. our future, our kids’ futures. bring her back except that response is the Gospel you Lying there in blissful ignorance, she we trusted God — no speak. I think it’s important to note that didn’t yet need to writhe in anguish of matter the outcome. Those struggling visitors also need to take some respon- the unknown. I have counseled many I spoke that are all around sibility in making themselves available in these situations to trust God and evening on a you. You have — through their time and demeanor have faith. But could I counsel myself? Christian’s been given — to be greeted and proactively greet This was not supposed to happen to response to great power members. Too often visitors come late me — to us! bad news, to encourage and leave early (sometimes even before In a small mission church, my wife and she was just by your the service has ended), leaving no is the minister to the minister, the one in the pews, prayers and opportunity to be greeted. I don’t want who keeps me balanced, my rock … where she a simple to diminish at all the importance of hav- outside of Christ. Her reaction would has been card. ing members be welcoming, but the mean everything. ever since. We have visitors shouldn’t take a passive role. Her faith helped. “I’m not particu- Our teen- endured six Matthew Boydstun | Oklahoma City larly attached to this life,” she said agers’ reac- weeks of later that evening. “If not for the kids’ tions have radiation and It seems a lot of people are putting or your sakes, I’m ready to go home. given us three rare the blame on church leaders and mem- We don’t know God’s plan, but it is opportunity allergic reac- bers for not producing a welcoming good.” Our prayer from that first for deeper tions to two church atmosphere, yet no one has con- night was that God would be glorified spiritual conver- common chemo sidered another possibility for this — through this. sations. Family drugs before the dynamics of a large congregation. That was Friday. By Sunday, Lori and friends have finding something As a congregation gets larger in size, and I realized from our never-ceasing cried much until they that Lori’s system individual members become less and phone calls and the overwhelming have spent time with would tolerate in the just less involved with the group as a whole. flood from most of our social media us and experienced Teri McAuliffe over three months “Cell groups” and “zones” become the contacts that God had placed us in a what we have called The Kashorek family at the Plattsburgh since her diagnosis. means for involvement as well as for unique position. our “faith-filled Church of Christ in New York. The outcome of welcoming newcomers. People, many who had never obeyed optimism.” this chapter of our In a large group, the potential for the Gospel, were watching to see Fueling this has been the over- lives is still unknown, but this has not members to see someone new and how the preacher and his wife would whelming outpouring from well- diminished our faith-filled optimism reason, “In a church this size, I’m sure handle this test. wishers. The messages, calls and visits when we sing “God is so good.” someone is reaching out to them” only We prayed we would pass. (often from friends bearing groceries increases. Maybe it’s time for church We also soon realized that many who and home-cooked meals) continue to DOUGLAS KASHOREK, has ministered for the leaders to rethink the “bigger is better” were coming to comfort us were really remind us that this is not about the Plattsburgh, N.Y., Church of Christ since 1998. strategy and reach the world via many seeking reassurance themselves. God clay but the potter who is molding us He is the author of “Kin of Cain.” Contact him at smaller congregations. was using our faith in a new way to for his perfect purpose. www.douglaskashorek.com. James Isenberg | Chino Valley, Ariz. 32 the Christian chronicle reviews august 2012 Spiritual reasons for physical health NEW AND NOTEWORTHY SPIRITUALITY By Sophia M. Clanton | FOR The Christian Chronicle saying by our actions is, ‘My life doesn’t Tired of watching people die from health Ravi Zacharias. really matter.’ But because of the ability of issues that could be reversed through Why Jesus? t’s common for Christians to reflect God to work powerfully in any repentant proper fitness and nutrition, Willis urges Rediscovering His on the dangers related to the sinner’s life, every body does matter.” Christians to see that God desires for us Truth in an Age of so-called “seven deadly sins.” Thomas opens his book with teach- to live a healthy and vibrant life. Mass-Marketed Sermons frequently hammer home ings from the Bible that stir up convic- He cites Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“So Spirituality. the harmful tion in us to address our whether you eat or drink or whatever you Nashville, Tenn.: Inature of lust, greed, health. He balances this do, do it all for the glory of God”) and FaithWords, 2012. 304 pages, $21.99. sloth and pride. Less with inspiring stories of indi- Romans 12:1 (“Offer your bodies as living often does anyone viduals who have overcome sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this New Age teachings that prolif- address the sinful- physical battles, including a is your spiritual act of worship”). erate in the age of Chopra and ness of gluttony. 300-pound pastor who real- Willis provides practical, biblically Oprah are confronted head-on in Let’s face it, that ized his obesity was harming based steps for readers to transform this book by one of today’s favorite kind of sermon his ministry and a divorced their health habits. Some helpful steps he conservative Christian teachers. would be uncom- woman who trained and ran covers include making up your mind to Tracing the impact of popular fortable — in part a marathon. be different, being a positive example in culture on American religion, he because we can Thomas’ writing is fluid and health for your family, finding others to shows why Jesus’ resurrection be greedy without conversational but enlight- hold you accountable and provide support overcomes beliefs of reincarnation, our fellow congre- ening and convicting enough and being smart about nutrition, knowing humans being their own gods, gant knowing; but to make me feel the need to where your food comes from. truth being relative and more. carrying extra weight put the book down and reflect This book would be appropriate reading around isn’t exactly before reading on. for a small group, as it has thought- MEMOIR a private affair. We In the author’s effort to provoking discussion questions at the end Carolyn Weber. wear our gluttony. make the task of of each chapter. Surprised by With the Centers getting healthy Both of these Oxford: A Memoir. for Disease Control’s more manage- books are chal- Grand Rapids, Mich.: recent study indi- HHHHH able, he shares lenging — some- Thomas Nelson, cating one out of Gary Thomas. Every Body stories of those times uncomfort- 2011. 480 pages, three American Matters: Strengthening Your who have learned ably so. But because $16.99. adults is overweight, Body to Strengthen Your Soul. to strengthen they both tackle one it’s easy to recog- Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan. their bodies and of America’s most With the poetic touch of a lover nize our nation 256 pages, $14.99. their souls at the urgent problems of literature, this English profes- has a steep hill to same time. He with godly wisdom, sor recalls a double romance that climb. And, sadly, according to a 2010 aims to help us retrain our I can heartily recom- changed her life. While studying Northwestern University study, people thought processes so that we, mend them both. at Oxford, she fell in love with who participate frequently in religious too, can approach the task of If a sound God and with the man who shared activities are more likely to be wearing eating right and exercising as Scriptural argument the Gospel with her. Anglophiles extra weight than non-religious people. a matter of Christian disciple- would be most effec- will appreciate her references to The task of losing weight, not to mention ship and obedience. tive to get you moti- British literature and descriptions managing it, can be overwhelming. But We should listen to our vated, then Thomas’ of the famed English college. two new books give us a fresh sense of hunger, Thomas says, but we book is the best for vigor toward our often-daunting health shouldn’t let it enslave us. you. But, if present- APOLOGETICS goals by applying biblical teachings to If your church is not HHHHH day personal stories Alister McGrath. modern-day fitness and nutrition. addressing physical health, Steve Willis. Winning the Food are more likely to Mere Apologetics: In Gary Thomas’ book “Every Body or if you think you’ve tried Fight: Victory in the Physical get you moving, How to Help Matters: Strengthening Your Body everything to lose weight and Spiritual Battle for Good Willis’ would be Seekers and to Strengthen Your Soul,” we are without success, then I Food and a Healthy Lifestyle. more effective. Skeptics Find the reminded that we should fine-tune our suggest Thomas’ book. You Ventura, Calif.: Regal Books, If we are to carry Faith. Grand Rapids, bodies just like we focus on spiritually will have Scriptural encour- 2011. 224 pages, $19.99. out God’s work as Mich.: Baker Books, developing our souls. agement and reasons to be Christian believers, 2012. 208 pages, Thomas emphasizes this point disciplined in your health. we must address this issue. Let’s $16.99. throughout his book by reminding us In “Winning the Food Fight,” minister improve our health and the wellbeing of This author, a theologian and for- of Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 2:21 — Steve Willis provides more personalized our church family so that we all can be mer atheist like C.S. Lewis, pays every body is an “instrument for noble stories of his church’s weight struggles ready to do God’s work on earth. homage to “Mere Christianity” in purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and experience with the ABC show “Food this book’s title and in his learned, and prepared to do any good work.” Revolution,” which came to his hometown, SOPHIA M. CLANTON is a personal trainer and yoga and respectful appeals to reason. This In Thomas’ words, “Christians who Huntington, W.Va., after the Centers for Pilates instructor at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. practical guide seeks to educate don’t take their health seriously don’t Disease Control and Prevention named it She and her husband Caleb, a professor of philosophy modern Christians on how to be take their mission seriously. What we’re the unhealthiest city in the nation. at Pepperdine, attend the University Church of Christ in evangelists in their daily lives. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 33 Firm Foundation Preservation Project I am electronically scanning all issues of the Firm Foundation (1884- 2010) to preserve them for students of the Restoration Movement. I need old issues or bound volumes. Do you want to sell your old issues or bound volumes? Volumes older than 1955 are needed. Give me a call, maybe we can work something out. (409) 920-0667. Would you like to contribute your old issues? Please help by sending your old journals to: Barry Jones, 704 Red Oak Drive, Orange, Texas 77632. Multiple Faculty Positions Kentucky All candidates must be active members of the church of Christ and committed to Christ-centered Liberal Arts education and Christian service. Louisiana Faulkner University continually seeks talented, high-energy individuals to help us Maine succeed in these times of growth and we are excited to announce the following open positions. Faulkner University anticipates continuing our recruitment activities in the Maryland near future and we invite you to visit www.faulkner.edu for updated information. Massachusetts Available Fall 2012 Chair, Fine Arts • Communications • Counseling Michigan —————————————— Minnesota Available Fall 2013 Humanities Mississippi The University is seeking individuals who will be dedicated to the development of these disciplines at Faulkner University. Academic rank for faculty positions will be based upon education and experiential qualifications according to University policy. We are drawn here from every state. Additional details regarding these positions, including application Harding University students come from all 50 states — and requirements, are available on Faulkner’s website: www.faulkner.edu from more than 50 different nations. We understand that Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory background check and verification of work a well-rounded education includes a global perspective. authorization through E-Verify. That’s why nearly half of our graduates have participated in Faulkner University 5345 Atlanta Hwy Montgomery, AL 36109 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 More than a million hits per year Youth & Family Minister some, many of our students are right at home there. Visit Our Website DownloaDable aDvanceD bible StuDieS Southside Church of Christ in & a cappella Singing Lawrence, KS is seeking a full-time Youth and Family Minister with a strong desire to Faith, Learning and Living evangelize to serve the families in our congregation and community. Harding.edu | 800-477-4407 Send resumes to Searcy, Arkansas [email protected] www.mainstreet–churchofchrist.com 34 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE OPINION AUGUST 2012 The 30-year-old Dealing with doubt: Scripture, quiet AMEN Ministry Maplewood connects Christians Church of Christ in the United States space and close friends reaffirm faith military with local is seeking a minister. We churches of Christ both overseas and envy people who never once have career, or my church family also allows in the U.S. Please send name, average 75 in attendance had a moment of doubt about God doubts to arise. contact information and especially on Sunday morning. Iand his work in this world. My first step in dealing with doubt e-mail addresses to: Even though I have had great experi- is to create quiet space and time when AMEN Ministry Send resume to ences with God and his people, some- I can think through what is going on. http://amenministry.info 3530 Falling Springs Rd., thing about the way my mind works Since my thinking and my fingers 135 Larchmont Drive allows questions and doubts to creep seems to work together, Hendersonville, NC 28791 Cahokia, IL into my thinking at times. Insight I try writing out my feel- Phone: (828) 891-4480 E-mail: [email protected] 62206 or [email protected]. My mother — who taught me to know ings, my concerns, my God and believe all that the Bible and thoughts to see if the an orderly universe revealed about him problem is more than a — never had a single moment of doubt, passing concern. even when her poor health had made At times the issue will her a total invalid with a sharp mind. be clear and I under- My wife is totally accepting of the stand how to combat the existence of an all powerful and all wise doubt. At other times I God. Doubt is never an experience for have no real insight. her. Bailey McBride My second step is I am blessed to be a firm believer to read the Gospel of who knows in my heart that God exists Mark through a couple of times. Fixing and has great love for his creation, my attention on the deeds and teach- especially mankind for whom he ings of Jesus has great power over my gave his only son to redeem from the thinking. The sense of eternal wisdom clutches of Satan and sin. and purpose comes through in Mark’s prepare to serve But every now and then, “What if simple, direct narrative. …” creeps in. The death of a precious, My next step is to visit with one of my www.harding.edu/CAMT/bmin.html innocent 5-year-old, the malignant brain friends who seems never to have doubt. tumor of a young doctor who had been I am fortunate to have strong believers undergraduate degree a history professor and in his early 30s from many different generations with felt called to become a physician, the whom total honesty is possible. The in residence man who needed a kidney transplant objective thinking of another person often full-tuition scholarships for qualified students and, after having a successful trans- reveals the basic issues in my doubt. plant, had a series of issues resulting in During times of doubt, I write out my his death seven months later. prayers so that I can be very thoughtful. Any apparent injustice or irrational During greatest doubt, I have relied on event can trigger that questioning. very simple prayers — “Lord, help me I have lived long enough to know that believe without question,” “Lord, forgive my faith rises and retreats like ocean me for doubt,” “Lord, have mercy on tides. I have faith to face most things in me,” “Lord, I believe: help my unbelief.” life. In fact, the main experience of my Continuing to pray in times of doubt life is marked by a high tide of faith. is very important. Our prayers affirm But I have learned that, at times, that we know God is there and shows the tide will retreat, leaving me with our expectation that he will hear us. uncertainties. My life experiences have When uncertainty is working in my Minister Needed allowed me to assess the causes of my mind, I find it really important to use The Sonora church of Christ is seeking a full-time doubts and to develop strategies for as much time as possible to study my addressing them. Bible. The usual 30 minutes I spend minister solid in the word and ready to work with our I have come to realize that my doubts with Scripture each day is not nearly 75-member congregation to preach the Gospel. increase when I take my eyes off Jesus enough. Spending three or four hours — just like Peter when he was begin- a day in the Word can do wonders for Interested candidates may submit a resume to the ning to walk on the water. When I am too my faith and help me see clearly how attention of Search Committee. Ed Howard Sr. or obsessed with what I want (the recovery foolish my doubts have been, of health for a dear friend or family When doubts arise, take action to Barry Blaylock c/o Sonora Church of Christ, P.O. Box member) or when I am so busy that each reconnect your life and heart to God. 3111, Sonora, CA 95370 or call Barry Blaylock for hour of the day is scheduled with work The tide will rise and bring renewed more information at (209) 586-8995. and events, I become a prey to doubt. peace to your life. Failure to succeed in something really important for my family, my COntact [email protected]. AUGUST 2012 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE 35 “Let us tell you what to think.” hat’s essentially the message from many universities today. And for many, Christianity and Jesus are frowned upon or Topenly ridiculed. The atheists and agnostics declare that they alone are wise and sophisticated. Some Christian students buy into that arrogance and lose their faith. But what are people to do? It can’t be helped if students want a “quality education,” can it? Ask the hundreds of thousands of successful professionals who were educated at our Christian institutions! any “prestigious” universities pressure students to conform to their secular agenda and offer only temporal ideas and Mworld views. Ironically, Christian schools are now the truly “open” places where students are offered choices in thought. It’s time to challenge conventional preconceptions. Investigate Christian higher education, the true open mindedness. Abilene Christian University Freed-Hardeman University Oklahoma Christian University Amridge University Harding University Pepperdine University Austin Graduate School of Theology Heritage Christian University Rochester College Crowley’s Ridge College Lipscomb University Southwestern Christian College Faulkner University Lubbock Christian University York College Ohio Valley University 36 THE CHRISTIAN CHRONICLE AUGUST 2012