The Connection from the Office of Church Relations at Union University

UNION UNIVERSITY The Connection From the Office of Church Relations at Union University

Volume II, Issue I September 1, 2009

Southern Baptists, Evangelicals and the Future of Denominationalism Special points of Article by: Rachel Ware interest: On October 6-9, some of the Evangelicals as we prepare to Global Evangelical Future.” most respected scholars in move into the second decade of • Southern Baptists, Dr. Jerry N. Tidwell, Senior Evangelicals, & the Future Southern Baptist life will gather the 21st century.” of Denominationalism at Union University for the Vice President for the Office of Conference conference, Southern Baptists, Speakers will include Michael Church Relations, stated, “If you Evangelicals and the Future of Lindsay from Rice University, have ever wondered what has • First D. Min. Class Timothy George of Beeson set ‘Baptists’ and other underway Denominationalism. Divinity School, R. Albert Moh- ‘Evangelicals’ apart from other • Upcoming Writing The Office of Church Relations ler from the Southern Baptist denominational groups over the Seminar along with the R.C. Ryan Center Theological Seminary, Duane past 400 years. If you are curi- • Union University Chapel is hosting this conference in Litfin of Wheaton College, and ous about what qualifies a Schedule honor of the 400th anniversary Daniel L. Akin of Southeastern church to assume the title, of the Baptist Movement to Baptist Theological Seminary, “Evangelical,” this conference is address many of the issues per- among others. for you. If you question tinent to Southern Baptists to- whether there is a future for day. “Denominationalism,” this conference is for you. The speak- The conference will celebrate ers for this conference are Inside this issue: the traditions and institutions of some of the most respected and Southern Baptist life as well as sought after in their fields of the common ground found be- study.” Message from Dr. 2 tween Southern Baptists and Tidwell Evangelicals. Speakers have The conference will be held in been carefully selected to repre- the beautiful Grant Event Cen- sent and share pieces of our ter on the campus of Union D. Min. Update 2 proud history in order to form University in Jackson, TN. A full and Encourage- a better understanding of the schedule of the conference and ment connection between our rich online registration can be ac- Message from Dr. 3 history and our anticipated fu- cessed at www.uu.edu/ Fred Shackelford ture. events/baptistfuture. Union’s President Dr. Dockery In the spirit of the unity found in and faculty Ray Van Neste, The cost of the conference is Bowld Student 3 Christ, this conference will en- Harry Poe, James L. Patterson $85 which includes four meals Commons courage the hearers to cele- and Jerry Tidwell will also speak. and three continental breakfasts. brate the theological diversity A block of rooms has been that is found within orthodoxy. Topics addressed will include reserved for a discounted rate Student Spotlight 3 “Baptists and Their Relations for those involved with the Union University President, with Other Christians,” conference at the Double Tree David S. Dockery, stated, “This “Denominationalism and the Hotel just a few minutes from Writing Seminar 4 event promises to be one of the Changing Religious Landscape in Union’s campus. Pastors and most significant conferences to North America,” “Reflections lay-people alike are welcomed be found anywhere addressing on 400 Years of the Baptist to attend this event. some of the most vital issues Movement,” and Union University 4 facing Southern Baptists and “Denominationalism and a Chapel Schedule Page 2 The Connection

Message from Dr. Tidwell

I can hardly believe we are Assistant and Director of MK the brightest minds in evangeli- already in the second half of support, but we have a new cal life for this conference. 2009! We welcome this fall addition to our Church Rela- 4,050 students which includes tions staff with Rachel Ware. We are underwriting most of the largest freshmen class ever Rachel is a recent graduate of the costs for the conference at Union University. Union and her father is a pro- which allows us to keep the fessor at Southern Seminary. registration costs at $85 for all Dr. Jerry N. Tidwell, In a day when many colleges Rachel assumes the role of four days (this includes seven Senior Vice President and universities are struggling, “Coordinator of Church Rela- meals). We are expecting peo- for Church Relations we certainly do not take our tions Programs.” You will ple from all over the country, blessings for granted. I’m con- enjoy getting to know Rachel as so space will be limited. For vinced that God continues to you visit our office. more information about the bless Union’s commitment to conference, call our office at the core value of “Christ Cen- If you haven’t already, let me 731-661-6598 and ask for Ra- teredness.” encourage you to register for chel Ware or go to our web- the conference on October 6-9 site at www.uu.edu/ As far as I’m concerned, I have entitled: “Southern Baptists, churchrelations. the finest staff on this campus. Evangelicals, and the Future of Most of you know Larry Denominationalism.” Never On behalf of Dr. Dockery, our Vaughan, the Assistant Direc- has this topic been more timely faculty, staff, and students, tor of Church Relations, and for Southern Baptists than right thank you for your prayers and Lisa Morris, our Administrative now! We are hosting some of support!

First D. Min. Class Underway “Preach the The Doctor of Ministry in Ex- from diverse backgrounds, they program is to my everyday word! Be ready pository Preaching program has initiated and signed a covenant, experience in ministry.” begun with a fantastic start. without the guiding of a profes- in season and sor. A few lines of the covenant One of his classmates, Steve David Olford, Union’s Stephen read: “Be fully surrendered McAlister, Senior Pastor of out of season. Olford Professor of Expository servants of our Lord and Savior First Baptist Church in Milan, Convince, Preaching, states, “We sensed Jesus Christ,” and “Be men TN, explains “not only is there the blessing of God’s sover- whose lives are mastered by an emphasis on learning ‘how rebuke, exhort, eignty in bringing the first both God and His Word.” to’ rightly divide God’s Holy group of students together. They concluded the list with Word, but a sincere effort to with all Also, there was a shared pas- the words of 2 Timothy 4:2, make sure the man delivering sion to grow in the Lord as the word of God is Holy.” longsuffering the date, and the signatures of well as to enhance personal the first men to participate in and teaching.” skills and practices related to the program. For information on how to Expository Preaching. This become a member of a future 2 Timothy 4:2 unity in the Lord and unity of Chuck Groover, Senior Pastor class, go to www.uu.edu/ purpose led to a genuine level of Victory Baptist Church in churchrelations and click on of fellowship that made times Mt. Juliet, TN is one of the men the “D. Min.” link. The site of interaction dynamic and in the class. He comments that includes overview information , meaningful.” “the greatest benefit to me as a an application packet, and a pastor is how practical this course catalogue detailing fu- Though the class includes men ture classes. Volume II, Issue I Page 3

A Prayer to be One Article by: Dr. Fred Shackelford On his way to the cross, Jesus oping meaningful relationships you step down from your tower prayed specifically for us, that we altogether. of isolation and build relational “might be one,” as He and the bridges with those around you? Father are one (John 17:20-21). God has a better way. He longs This month, open yourself up to Coming together as one, though, for us to be different. Even be- friendship and accountability does not come naturally. The old fore the Fall, in a world He oth- among a group of pastors. If you expression, “It’s lonely at the erwise branded “good,” He are in West Tennessee, you Dr. Fred M. top,” is frequently closer to the judged “it is not good for man to have a great resource for that in Shackelford, IV truth than we care to admit. Too be alone.” the West Tennessee Pastor’s Pastor, Springhill Bap- often, painful experiences in the Conference. Wherever you are, tist Church; President, Fellow servant, will you cove- West TN Pastors ministry make us hard, resistant though, be one with one an- nant with me to see the prayer Conference to the influence of others, and other, as Jesus and the Father of our Lord into reality? Will for many, lead us to avoid devel- are one.

Bowld Student Commons

This January, the Bowld Student recreational area, individual TV Residence Life, commented, “The Commons will open its doors, rooms, two full service kitchens, Bowld Student Commons will be completing the final step in the a large game room and much a magnificent addition to Union’s “We are excited campus and campus life. Students reconstruction since the tornado more. about the way in February 2008. of all demographics and interests The Residence Life Department will find small and large gathering God is going to This 28,000 square foot building has spent much time and prayer spaces for them to pursue co- will be a significant advancement over the plans for this building curricular activities in our shared use this in student life, offering state-of- and is excited about the poten- grace-filled community. We are the-art resources and equipment tial it has to greatly add to a excited about the way God is resource…” that will greatly enhance a Union student’s experience at Union. going to use this resource in the Student’s experience. The build- life of this University and the lives ing will offer a multi-purpose Ken Litscher, the Director of of each student.”

Student Spotlight Article by: Renae Matz “Love isn’t an action where we across America in order to get weeks, Bethany pedaled 3,472 don’t get messy. It’s doing some- sponsors and advertisement for miles from Long Beach, CA to thing difficult for someone you the program. The money that Capenlopen, DE. She looks for- care about. It’s when I break her team raised went to the ward to the opportunity of re- myself to force myself into a Marsabit village in Kenya where joining the company next summer place of need.” Bethany Stallings, girls and women cannot go to as a team leader who can plan Junior Applied Linguistics major school because their days are future trips. She also hopes that and missionary kid, recounts one occupied with repetitively walk- by sharing her experiences, more of the many lessons she learned ing to a clean water source to people will become involved in while a part of the Ride Well provide some for their families. the Blood: Water Mission. Tour this summer. Photo courtesy of She admits, “There were morn- Statistics show it takes $1 for 1 Casey Elia Ride Well partners with Blood: ings when I realized that I could person to have clean water for 1 Water Mission and is dedicated quit today. But then I would year. She has suggested to many to bringing healthy water and remember that they don’t get of her friends that they give up hygiene education to the people that option to quit.” She and drinking their daily coffee or coke in Africa. Bethany, along with the her team held fast to the words for one week and donate that rest of her team, rode bikes of 1 John 3:16-18. Over eight money instead. UNION UNIVERSITY Linking Pastors Together Toward Christ

Church Relations Writing Seminar Union University Luther Hall welcomes esteemed variety of topics. more than 1500 magazine arti- 1050 Union University Dr authors Denise George and cles. Carolyn Tomlin has au- Jackson, TN 38305 Carolyn Tomlin to lead a writing Attendees will learn how to find thored 8 books and more than seminar on Saturday, Septem- good article ideas, research the 3600 magazine articles. ber 12 from 9:00-4:00. Open magazine marketplace, approach to all interested in learning more a magazine editor in a profes- The cost of the seminar is $99, about writing magazine articles sional way, write popular arti- lunch not provided. For more for both Christian and secular cles, and design a professional information or to register, Phone: 731-661-5160 magazines, the seminar will give query letter. Denise George is email Denise George at Fax: 731-661-5950 knowledge and tools about a the author of 24 books and [email protected]. Visit us Online at www.uu.edu/ UU Chapel Schedule churchrelations August Fri, 28th: Convocation: David Dockery, President, Union University

September Wed, 2nd: George H. Guthrie, Benjamin W. Perry Professor of Bible, Union University Fri, 4th: Chuck Lawless, Dean, The Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism; The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—Louisville, KY Would you like to receive Wed, 9th: Bryan Loritts, Lead Pastor, Fellowship Memphis, TN “The Connection” via email? Fri, 11th: Adam Dooley, Senior Pastor, Red Bank Baptist Church—Chattanooga, TN Send your name, church, and Mon, 14th: GO Week: Russ Pflasterer, Pastor, City Fellowship—Jackson, TN email address to : Wed, 16th: GO Week: Steve Booth, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament and Greek, [email protected] Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and College—Cochrane, Alberta, Canada Fri, 18th: Preview Day/GO Week, Steve Booth Wed, 23rd: Steve Gaines, Senior Pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church—Cordova, TN Fri, 25th: Paul Jackson, Professor of Christian Studies, Union University Mon, 28th: The Century Men, Southern Baptist Convention—Nashville, TN Wed, 30th: Frank Lewis, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church—Nashville, TN

October Fri, 2nd: Shawn Parker, Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church—Columbus, MS Wed, 7th*: Timothy George, Dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University—Birmingham, AL Wed, 7th*: 7:00 p.m.: Robert Smith, Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School—Birmingham, AL Thurs, 8th*: 10:00 a.m. Grant Events Center: Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theo- logical Seminary—Wake Forest, NC Thurs, 8th*: 7:00 p.m. Grant Events Center, David S. Dockery, President, Union University Fri, 9th*: Albert Mohler, President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary—Louisville, KY Wed, 14th: Gregory A. Thornbury, Dean, School of Christian Studies, Union University Wed, 21st—Fri, 23rd: Faith in Practice, David Platt, Senior Pastor, The Church at Brook Hills— Birmingham, AL Wed, 28th: Roland Porter, Associate Professor of Business, Union University Fri, 30th: Gene Fant, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Union University

November Wed, 4th: Campus and Community: A Day of Remembrance and Service Fri, 6th: Homecoming: Justin Wainscott, Pastor for Teaching, First Baptist Church—Paducah, KY Committed to keeping pastors Wed, 11th: Richard Wells, Dean of the Chapel, Union University linked together in Christ, the Fri, 13th: Preview Day: Johnathan Newman, Pastor, Koinos Christian Fellowship—Troy, OH Word, and Fellow Believers Wed, 18th: Jeff Iorg, President, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary—Mill Valley, CA Fri, 20th: David L. Olford, Stephen Olford Professor of Expository Preaching, Union University

December Wed, 2nd: Roc Collins, Senior Pastor, Indian Springs Baptist Church—Kingsport, TN

* Southern Baptists, Evangelicals, and the Future of Denominationalism * *All chapels are held 10:00 a.m. in the Savage Chapel unless otherwise noted