HERALDING NEWS FROM NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY VOL. 1, NO. 4 ■ JULY 2014

duplicate what other churches are doing, they can achieve growth. Lack of diversity in congregations has even been encouraged as churches have developed profiles of the type of person they were trying to reach.

Emphasizing that the Church is the Body of Christ, Rah referred to Douglas A. Hall’s The Cat & the Toaster, pointing out that we often try to fix our churches, which are organic, with a linear, mechanistic formula. I understood the need for cultural intuition that increases our sensitivity and awareness to other cultural expressions. We who are of the majority culture need to be willing to lay down our power. We need minority persons as our mentors and we can attend a church of an ethnicity other than our own—most of us in the historic majority have never had someone over us spiritually who was not of our own culture.

I was challenged by the idea that we who are white often live in only one cultural consciousness, while African Americans may live in a double consciousness, their dual identity in both African American and white worlds, and second generation Latinos live in a triple consciousness: a Latino world, a white world, and a world of second generation Latinos who speak English.

Until we embrace multiculturalism, our theology is incomplete. By intention, we can develop our cultural intelligence and intuition as we walk in community with others.

—John Cooke, Chair Seminary Committee, Board of Trustees, retired pastor, United Methodist Church

Cultural Consciousness Awakened Becoming Multi-Culturally Adept President Porterfield Distinguished Alumnus Legacy 150 Campaign Update Upcoming Events Community News

I WAS RECENTLY CHALLENGED TO THINK ABOUT THE RAPID DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFTS OF GLOBAL CHRISTIANITY. It was at the Seminary’s recent conference on cultural intelligence with speaker Soong-Chan Rah. He shared that while Americans decry the decline of Christianity in Western Europe

and North America, Christianity is growing rapidly in the world’s southern and eastern hemispheres. The shift in numbers does not even reflect the fact that a majority of Christians in North America are nonwhite. Sociologist R. Stephen Warner notes that the great majority of newly arrived immigrants to the United States are Christians: “This means that the new immigrants represent not the de-Christianization of American society but the de-Europeanization of American Christianity.” Contrary to popular opinion, the church is not

dying in America. It is alive and well among the immigrant and ethnic communities, even while majority white churches are declining.

Rah said that while these dramatic trends are occurring, most of us are unaware because we are so focused on our own cultural realities. Without realizing it, what we call Christianity is often dominated by white European cultural values including individualism, consumerism, materialism and racism. This brought to mind the popularity of conferences organized by leaders of well-known megachurches, yet most of the organizers and speakers tend to be white—even though most church growth in America is among ethnic minorities. People come away from these conferences believing that if only they can

World population of Christians

1900 82% Europe & N America

2005 39% Europe & N America

60% African, Asian & Latin American

2050 71% African, Asian &

Latin American (est.)

Dr. Soong-Chan Rah

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY STUDENTS IN THE CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE FOR A CHANGING WORLD CLASS continued the discussion that Dr. Soong-Chan Rah started as keynote speaker at the June Conference on Ministry. Rah spent the day following the conference as guest lecturer to dive further into the topic of culture and faith. Together with Dr. Nijay Gupta, assistant professor of biblical theology and exegesis, and lead faculty for the class, the students investigated a deeper appreciation of the cultural context of the church in North America and a sense of the implications for each one’s personal ministry setting. With an extensive reading list that included Theology in the Context of World Christianity: How the Global Church is Influencing the Way We Think About

and Discuss Theology by Timothy C. Tennent, The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity by Philip Jenkins, and From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race by Daniel Hays, students came face to face with many of the nuances of Christianity that are influenced by culture and vice versa.

Reflections and observations from the class:

On cultural expressions of theological truth… I agree that faith, to be personal, must be asserted through valued cultural practices. One of the greatest assets of faith is having Scripture translated into one’s native language. Likewise, adapting the Gospel to local culture asserts the message at a personal level. –Cynthia Mapstone, pastor of Fabius Christian Church, Fabius, N.Y.

On Christianity in America… … I do preach on the state of the culture and how that has turned against us. My hope is that we see

ourselves as counter-cultural not in a judgmental way … but in a humble way. This is how we live out the message of Christ, they will know us by our love. –Dennis Lohouse, parish deacon at St. Pius X, Rochester, N.Y.

On Global Christianity… I think Philip Jenkins’ book helps us to step back and get a global perspective of Christianity. I think it’s important for us to examine other cultures and see how they are being transformed by Christianity. –Robert Spratt, pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church, Rochester, N.Y.

JULY 1 MARKED DR. DEANA PORTERFIELD’S FIRST OFFICIAL DAY as president of Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary. As the third president of the Seminary, Dr. Porterfield offers a diverse set of skills and experiences to both institutions. She has been vocal about her shared mission and commitment to the vision and core values of Roberts and Northeastern. Within her first two weeks as president she met with Northeastern faculty and staff and has created a campus-wide “listening tour” in which faculty and staff will share their hopes and dreams for the institution as well as their insights for clarifying a vision.

Dean Doug Cullum, who served on the presidential selection team, describes her this way: “There is a sincere openness to creativity and a passion that will bring a new level of excitement and energy to the

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mission of NES. Her natural tendency as an encourager and her experience in enrollment management and adult education work in tandem to instill hope.

Two initial areas of focus will be on securing a vice president for enrollment management and facilitating the Legacy 150 Campaign. When asked about her first impressions of the Seminary and College community she highlighted the willingness of the people on and off campus to lend a hand and to provide such a welcoming experience for her and her family. She said she expected to feel welcomed, but that the authenticity of the hospitality in the Northeastern and Roberts community has been beyond expectation.

Dr. Porterfield’s historic presidential inauguration will be held Friday, September 26, as a kick-off to Homecoming 2014. Get more information about the inauguration and homecoming.

Want to know more about Dr. Porterfield? Visit her blog or catch her on Twitter @robertspres and Instagram @DeanaPorterfield.

ON TUESDAY, JUNE 17 THE HONORABLE ROY WHEATLY KING WAS AWARDED the 2014 Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award. King is a retired County Court judge, longstanding community leader, educator for the Greater Rochester area, and 2004 M.A. graduate. He continues to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary in addition to his role as assistant pastor at New Progressive Cathedral Church.

When presenting the award, Dean Doug Cullum recalled, “Although Judge King’s list of accomplishments attests to his incomparable work ethic, it also reflects his great desire to share the love of Christ in everything he takes on. Throughout his experiences as a judge and pastor Roy W. King has held Matthew 5:16 as a personal anthem and inspiration: ‘Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.’”

The Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2009 to recognize graduates of Northeastern Seminary who exemplify faithful service in ministry. Recipients demonstrate such characteristics as innovative approaches to ministry, engagement of their cultural context, perseverance in the face of challenges, excellence in biblical preaching and worship, equipping others to serve, and transformation of self and others through spiritual formation.

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Dr. Deana Porterfield

Judge Roy King and his wife Lucille King

Sunday, Aug. 3-6 Kingdom Bound Wednesday, Sept. 17 Faculty Book Launch: The Cross and Gendercide, Elizabeth Gerhardt Friday, Oct. 3-4 All Seminary Retreat Wednesday, Oct. 22 Conference on Ministry: Kingdom Conspiracy, Scot McKnight

Once again students will enjoy scholarships provided through the generosity of some very special individuals—this year totaling more than $30,000. These endowed and annually given funds are awarded in addition to the need-based and merit-based scholarships that support our seminarians. As determined by the donor some scholarships are earmarked for individuals with disabilities or those of African-American or Hispanic descent. Others recognize such qualities as preparing for ministry overseas, in the Rochester area, in higher education, or in a particular denomination. Every eligible student who completed the application process received awards as part of this year’s distribution. If you are interested in supporting seminarians through scholarships please contact Max McGinnis in our advancement office at mcginnis_max@roberts.edu or 585.594.6409.

Start Date Evangelism & Discipleship 8/25/14 Biblical Theology of Leadership 8/25/14 Theology of the City 8/25/14 Sacramental & Liturgical Theology 9/29/14 Worship Leadership 9/29/14 Strategic Planning for Churches 9/29/14 & Non-Profit Organizations Life & Theology of Martin Luther 11/10/14 Calling and Vocation 11/10/14 I & II Thessalonians 11/10/14

For audit ($150) or credit ($468/credit hour)contact sharp_faith@nes.edu or 585.594.6623.

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August 3-6, 2014

For the fourth year the Rock Talk Pavilion at Kingdom Bound Festival in Darien, N.Y. will be the home base for youth ministry seminars presented by Northeastern.

Centered on the theme “The Messiness of Ministry,” the seminars are designed to equip pastors and lay leaders to engage scripture in ways that inform their ministry. Sessions are offered daily at 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.

Ministering to the Whole Family Monday, 8.4.14

Kyle Sullivan, C33, MAT In the strong currents of culture, ministry leaders are called upon to help families navigate. Determine your compass for seeing potential dangers and providing insight for pushing upstream to counter the culture.

Your Theology is Showing Tuesday 8.5.14

Doug Milne, M.Div., 10 Just as adults ponder the complexities and mysteries of this world so do teens. Ensure that your theology of youth ministry clarifies theological rocks and tasks that are the foundation for a meaningful and timeless journey

The Social Complexities of Ministry in an Oversexualized Culture Wednesday 8.6.14 Prof. Beth Gerhardt and Niki Brodeur M.Div., 11 A close look at the biblical context for promoting the dignity of each person frames our Christian response to hyper-sexualized messages. Discuss ministry practices and suggestions for “what to do” when working with teens

Register for the festival, which includes seminars, online at: www.kingdombound.org .

Dr. Neil Plantinga

Legacy 150 CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Thanks to the many who have already participated, the Seminary Scholarship Fund has reached 76% of its $1 million goal for the Legacy 150 Campaign! The campaign continues to the end of 2015 so we will continue to build on the $760,000 already raised. All donations to this fund makes an NES education more affordable and accessible to students who would not otherwise be able to enroll. To give electronically and find out more about Legacy 150 visit the campaign’s website or view the video. We are grateful for the many ways you support Northeastern Seminary—every prayer and pledge makes a difference as we work for God’s provision for our students.

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Sunday, Aug. 3-6 Kingdom Bound Wednesday, Sept. 17 Faculty Book Launch: The Cross and Gendercide, Elizabeth Gerhardt Friday, Oct. 3-4 All Seminary Retreat Wednesday, Oct. 22 Conference on Ministry: Kingdom Conspiracy, Scot McKnight

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Nurturing the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy With Others October 3-4, 2014

Mark your calendars now for Nurturing the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy with Others, with Dr. Neil Plantinga. This seminary-wide gathering will be held Saturday, October 4, at

Notre Dame Retreat Center in Canandaigua, N.Y. A special overnight option at the retreat center includes a Friday evening presentation, vespers service, and accommodations— registration and details.

Kingdom Conspiracy: Reclaiming the Radical Mission of the Church in the World October 22, 2014

How does wrestling with the current dispositions on “the Kingdom of God” and the troubling question of why so many people receive Jesus into their hearts but do not live

for Christ lead to the statement: “I am not here to make the world a better place?”

Scot McKnight explores how the misuse of the concept of kingdom not only distracts us from the mission of God but is at odds with the Bible and offers a clarifying definition: Kingdom is a society—the Church—in which God’s will is done as a result of redemption. He outlines five elements of the Kingdom as expressed in the Bible, positing that every one of them must be present before we are adequately talking about Kingdom.

He addresses what the local church is graced to be: “where God's will is done, where the kingdom has come, where the incarnation is continued, where God's future is happening, now!”

In this one day conference McKnight offers: ■ a biblical corrective and a fiercely radical

vision for the role of the local church in the kingdom of God

■ a much-needed clarification as to what 'kingdom of God' means—and doesn't mean—and how it relates to the church’s mission

■ a scriptural and theological text for those who have heard the word so often but failed to think through its meaning

■ a topic that may ruffle some feathers but that is biblically grounded and instills a great, powerful hope in Jesus.

Syracuse Thursday, Sept. 11 4:30—6:00 pm Onondaga Community College, Syracuse Rochester Thursday, Sept. 18 6:00—7:30 pm 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester Syracuse Thursday, Oct. 23 4:30—6:00 pm Onondaga Community College, Syracuse

Dr. Neil Plantinga

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messiness Untangling Untangling Untangling thethethe

youth leader seminar series

Reclaiming the Radical Mission of the Church Reclaiming the Radical Mission of the Church Reclaiming the Radical Mission of the Church

in the Worldin the Worldin the World

Kingdom ConspiracyKingdom ConspiracyKingdom Conspiracy

With Scot McKnight

October 22, 2014

Dr. Scot McKnight

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Alumni News

This spring Allison Coventry (C10) became associate pastor at First Free Methodist Church in Seattle, Wash. Through this ministry she focuses on engaging and equipping people for missional living in the greater Seattle area as well as globally.

Bishop Reginald McGill (C15), the 2013 distinguished alumnus, celebrated his 30th pastoral anniversary at New Life Fellowship on July 18. Celebrations included guest speakers and fellow Northeastern graduate Dr. Fred Johnson (C9) and former employee Bishop Greg Parris. Watch a news report about the event from WHEC Rochester.

Doug Milne (C19) was named lead pastor at Grace Church of the Nazarene, North Chili, N.Y. Doug is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene and also serves as an adjunct professor of religion at Roberts Wesleyan College.

Earlier this month Craig W. Douglass (C21) was appointed as presiding elder of the Rochester-Syracuse District of the Western New York Annual Conference of the A.M.E Zion Church.

Desjamebra J. Robinson (C23) was guest speaker at the Transitioning Relationships for a Kingdom Purpose event on July 20, held at New Destiny Church in Rochester.

On June 8, Dwan Hobbs (C28), Darrell Franklin (C22), and Catherine Wilson (C30) celebrated their ordination at Elim Christian Fellowship in Rochester, N.Y.

Check out the ever-changing list of job opportunities at the career services website . Positions include wor-ship leader, senior pastor, chaplain, and more. Also view a list of recent postings around upstate N.Y. here . See if they are a good fit for you.

Brenden Hobbs (C28) assumed a new position as a child visitation worker for Monroe County.

Recent M.A. graduate Kevin Eccles (C28) was appointed senior pastor of the Free Methodist Church in Monroe, Mich. Kevin and his family made the moved to Michigan shortly after his ordination as an elder in the Free Methodist Church.

This spring David Peelle (C27), Calvin Smith (C29), and Eric Ware (C24) were commissioned and ordained for work as elders on May 29, within the Free Methodist Genesis Conference. Marsha Rivers (C5) was also nominated as a ministerial candidate within the Free Methodist Genesis Conference.

Faculty and Staff News

Long-time guest lecturer, Bishop Donald N. Bastian, received the prestigious Word Guild award for his most recent book, The Pastor’s First Love: And Other Essays on a High and Holy Calling.” Read more about this honor on Bishop Bastian’s blog Just Call Me Pastor. Dr. Beth Gerhardt examines the atrocities of global violence against women and girls and forms a theologically grounded response to this grave sin in her new book, “The Cross and Gendercide: A Theological Response to

Allison Coventry

Doug Milne and his wife Kristen Milne

Bishop Donald N. Bastian

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Global Violence Against Women and Girls.” Since the release of this book through Intervarsity Press she has been featured on radio talk shows from around the country. Read reviews or watch a live Pathos Book Club

discussion on Dr. Gerhardt’s book. A formal book launch is scheduled for September 17 at the Gerhardt Community Center in Rochester. N.Y. and will include readings and a book signing. Event details will be available soon at www.nes.edu. J. Richard Middleton, professor of biblical worldview and exegesis, presented the presidential address titled, “A Vision for the Future of CETA” at the Canadian Evangelical Theological Association’s annual meeting held at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ont. You can also read his most recent published article titled, “The Role of Human Beings in the Cosmic Temple: The Intersection of Worldview in Psalms 8 and 104” in the Canadian Theological Review. Dr. Barry Hamilton’s review of a new book of essays titled, “The New Evangelical Social Engagement” was published in the July issue of CHOICE Magazine.

Dr. Rebecca S. Letterman spent two weeks in Scotland this July at the historic Iona Abbey.

Dr. Letterman’s journey led her to times of prayer and worship in communion with the Iona community. She was able to meet people from all over the word and enjoyed the hospitality of the Scottish people.

Northeastern Seminary welcomes Caleb Matthews (C21) to the role of Director of Admissions. As a Seminary alumnus he offers prospective students an authentic understanding of the challenges, successes, and transformation that they will experience as they pursue their seminary education. He also brings an understanding of the application of theological education to the ministry context having served in the pastoral role at Penfield Wesleyan Church in Penfield, N.Y. for eight years. When asked about this opportunity to serve his alma mater he stated, “I believe strongly in the mission of the Seminary and especially appreciate the holistic approach in its educational model.” Please join us as we welcome Caleb to the team!

Athletic zip-ups (new) $35 ▪ Polos $20 ▪ Ball caps $15 ▪ T-shirts $12 ▪ Ceramic Mugs $12 Note Cubes $3 ▪ Window clings $2

To order contact the Seminary at 585.594.6800 or seminary@nes.edu . Give your name, email or phone number, quantity, and size, as needed. Pick up and pay for your order at the Seminary reception desk (Rochester campus) or arrange for delivery options.

Northeastern Seminary 2265 Westside Drive Rochester, N.Y. 14624 585.594.6800 seminary@nes.edu www.nes.edu

Bishop Donald N. Bastian

Dr. Beth Gerhardt

Caleb Matthews

Iona Abbey, Scotland