The Mind
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by J. Ellsworth Kalas
Somewhere in the last century, when I was a student in seminary, one of my best classes was with an adjunct professor who was also a very effective pastor. A person of wide learning in art and literature, he stimulated thought.
One day he told us that he never used the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” This hymn was a favorite of mine then, as it is today, so I asked why. He explained that no one in a twentieth century congregation knew what was meant by “Here I raise mine Ebenezer.”
I raised a second question: Why not teach them, so they would know the Bible story and thus have a greater capacity for life in general? He chose not to answer that question and moved on to another subject.
Now, half a century later, I find myself discussing the same basic issue, but on a different front. My students often note that it seems useless to quote a literary or historical figure, “because nowadays no one recognizes the name.”
My first answer is very pragmatic. If a sentence is worth quoting it ought to be worth quoting on its own merit, no matter what the source. If a quotation’s major merit is the person who said it, its worth will be lost as soon as that person is out of fashion.
My second answer is a quite Wesleyan one. If I were in an abrupt mood (which I try to avoid) I might answer, “If they don’t know the name, it’s time they learned.” To make the point more kindly, part of our job as preachers is to broaden and deepen human minds. If we believe that we should love the Lord our God with all our minds, we should do everything we can to make our minds as good and large as possible. We’re often told that a mind is a terrible thing to waste. It’s also wicked to waste it. One of Satan’s favorite tools is to fill the mind with so much garbage that anything sane, thoughtful, beautiful and redemptive is crowded out. In our contemporary culture, Satan has developed this practice to a corrupt art.
But I said a moment ago that my answer is a Wesleyan one. Let me explain. John Wesley said, famously, that he was a man of one book. I am passionately with Wesley in his commitment to the Bible as our key book, which means to make it the filter for all else we read and hear. But I’m also impressed that for Wesley (as a secular authority has put it), “conversion had as a sequel the overcoming of illiteracy in the individual.” Thus Wesley published his own Dictionary in 1753. It dealt with only 4,600 words, but they were the words he considered “those hard words which are found in the best English writers.” He compiled an anthology of poetry, in three volumes. In 1763 he published his own edition of Milton’s Paradise Lost. He also wrote A Concise History of England.
All of this, mind you, from the man who told his preachers, “You have nothing to do but to save souls.”
That’s because it’s quite strange to save a soul and leave the mind behind. How, exactly, does one do that? In a culture that is increasingly superficial, hurried, and dull, we preachers are compelled by conscience to learn as much as we can and then to tell it as clearly, succinctly, and directly as possible. Because it’s wicked to waste a mind.Seedbed Grand Opening
Asbury Theological Seminary Announces the Launch of Seedbed
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Asbury Theological Seminary has launched a new and innovative website. Seedbed launched on January 6, 2012 after a ceremony of celebration on the Kentucky campus. President Timothy Tennent said, “We’re really excited about it. We believe this is going to change the way we learn, and the way we talk about information that we value in the church.”Seedbed is a digital publishing platform that serves the community by providing Wesleyan oriented bible studies, books, articles, sermons, and videos. The creator and visionary behind the site is Asbury Seminary’s Vice President for Community Formation, J.D. Walt. He says, “To share the gospel means to publish good news. This is Seedbed's sole aspiration. We want to gather up our richest theology, our clearest thinking, our best creativity and our sharpest technology and sow extravagantly for a great awakening.”
More than 50 members of the seminary’s staff and administration gathered to show support just before Seedbed went live. Together the group asked for God’s blessing over Seedbed and planted apple seeds to symbolize a fruitful harvest. Heartfelt and encouraging remarks were made by Jay Mansur, the Vice President For Seminary Advancement and Communications, Thomas Tumblin, the Dean of the Beeson International Center, and J.D. Walt.
Walt says the idea for the website spawned from the meaning of the term “seminary,” which actually means seedbed. “I grew up on a farm and the connection between God and agriculture always intrigued me. God farms.” What began as just an idea seven years ago has now grown into a unique opportunity to serve the church in a technology-driven age. Dr. Tennent explains, “An iPad, iPhone, or a kindle are now platforms for learning. In church people always said, ‘don’t bring your phone,’ but now your phone is your bible… The way resourcing now comes to us is very different that it used to be.” The website not only fills the need for Wesleyan resources for the church, but it also delivers it in a relevant way. “We’re trying to find a way to interact with people on their iPad. How can we bring things to them and deliver it right where they are? Seedbed is the way we do this,” explains Dr. Tennent.
Seedbed features the feed and the store. On the feed, people will find engaging and enriching articles and videos posted daily. The feed will have articles that tackle cultural issues, pieces offering ministry tips, engaging videos, and free eBooks. In the store, people can purchase bible studies, books and sermons. Seedbed launched with 10 resources including The Preaching Works of J. Ellsworth Kalas and This We Believe! By Dr. Tennent. To celebrate the launch, everything in the store is 50% off through January 13th.
Check it out at asburyseedbed.com.John Wesley Calendars and Phonathon 2012
The Where in the World is John Wesley photo contest has culminated in the release of our 2013 John Wesley Calendar.
This calendar is available with a $15 donation to the Seminary's Wesley Fund. The John Wesley Doll is still available, also for a $15 dollar donation. In addition to these amazing deals, we have A Story of Asbury Theological Seminary by Dr. Kinghorn with a $35 donation.
Phonathon 2012 is here! We have assembled our student callers. We have transformed Royal Auditorium into Phonathon Central and have spent time in prayer consecrating that space for ministry to you. The calls will run from January 7th to January 19th. We look forward to talking with you!
Return to main pageNew Alumni Publications
No Longer Silent: Doing Pastoral Ministry with Excellence and Grace
by Rev. Mike Beck (1985, MDiv)What if what you loved and felt called to do was taken from you in the prime of your career? That has been the struggle for the author of this book as his inability to speak clearly due to a rare neurological disorder forced him to go on disability in 2006. The situation has been further compounded as three other dystonias have caused spasms of the muscles in his eyes, lower face, and right hand.
Over the past twenty years, Rev. Mike (as he prefers to be called) has undergone nine surgeries, the last one being deep brain stimulation surgery at the Mayo Clinic, along with hundreds of botox injections in his throat and eyes to seek to stay in ministry. The years since going on disability have seen numerous times of frustration, isolation, and discouragement.
But throughout this ordeal, God's grace has proven sufficient, and these recent years "on the sidelines" have led to the writing of this book. The book is thought-provoking, challenging, and filled with hundreds of practical lessons learned from 25 years of effective pastoral ministry.
The book can be a great help to pastors who want to see their church's ministry become all that God wants it to be. It is also for lay leaders within the church, as the book includes a Study Guide for small group discussion. Rev. Mike hopes that the book can be especially helpful to new pastors beginning their ministry.
This book can be ordered here.
Peace in a Mad Dog World: Finding Security When My Need for Control had Failed Me
Warner Davis (1971, BD)In 2010, I completed a spiritual memoir entitled Peace in a Mad Dog World: Finding Security When My Need for Control had Failed Me. I'm an Asbury Seminary alumnus ('71) as is my father Joe Davis who's a part of my story. Moreover, the story involves a meeting with the late Dr. Frank Stanger, in his role as minister of healing, and an Asbury Seminary ministers conference.
You can learn about it through my website warnerfrancisdavis.com.
Eden's Bridge: The Marketplace in Creation and Mission
by Dave Doty (2006, MA)Eden’s Bridge: The Marketplace in Creation and Mission explores a biblically-based theology of the marketplace implicit in the creation narrative of Genesis 1–2. The thesis validates the calling and ministry of all marketplace Christians. The author invites readers to re-think and re-direct the purposes of vocation, trade, and profit toward the purposes of God’s Kingdom, as they were revealed in the beginning and are to be restored in Christ’s reign.
Eden’s Bridge is a call to bring the most pervasive institution in human history—the marketplace—under submission to God as good works that glorify our Father in Heaven. Eden’s Bridge challenges conventional marketplace views and practices, but it also encourages as it clarifies why God sees the marketplace as a field ripe for harvest and guides living into the role of being a marketplace Christian.
Eden’s Bridge is eye-opening and inviting as it explores how God is moving to reclaim the marketplace for His Kingdom, and His redeeming purposes for the world of commerce. The marketplace holds untold potential if business is conducted according to God’s plan: poverty can be eradicated, abundant living can be shared among all people, and shalom can prevail.
Eden’s Bridge offers hope for recovering from the recent collapse of the global economic system by envisioning a new view of how wealth is made and how the marketplace is yet to serve God’s purposes in His mission to the world.
Serial entrepreneur David Doty, an independent organizational management consultant, has thirty years combined small business ownership, management, and institutional administrative experience across multiple industries. He received an M.A. degree in World Mission and Evangelism from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2006.
Order this book through Wipf & Stock Publishers.
Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary
by Vic Hamilton (1967, MDiv)Baker Academic Books (Grand Rapids, MI) has just published Vic Hamilton's "Exodus: An Exegetical Commentary." It is an approximately 725 page commentary, each section of which has three parts: (1) my own translation of the Hebrew text; (2) more technical grammatical and lexical notes that will be of interest primarily to those working with the original language; (3) the actual commentary on the portion of the Exodus text under examination.
Vic taught for thirty-six years as professor of Old Testament studies at Asbury College (now, Asbury University). He is currently in the fifth and final year of a scholar-in-residence appointment at Asbury University. Five professors at Asbury Theological Seminary (Kentucky campus) are among his former students at Asbury: Professors Bill Arnold, Mike Peterson, Steve Stratton, Lawson Stone and Tom Tublin. Order here.
Developing Ears to Hear: Listening in Pastoral Ministry, the Spiritual Life, and Theology
edited by Aaron Perry (2005, MA)This is a book about listening. It is about active, engaged listening which discovers, in the process, redemptive moments which can bring healing, hope, and a renewed sense of direction and purpose in relationships. The authors are all practiced in listening, whether it be listening in worship, listening to those we are discipling, or really listening to the Word of God through the practice of lectio divina. This collection of essays is a prescription for a new period of health and vitality for the church.
Several Asburians including Timothy Furry, Nathan Crawford, David Higle, Kenneth Gavel, and Aaron Perry. participated in the writing of this book. Drs. Gatobu and Pasquarello, Asbury professors, are also featured. Pick up your copy here.
He Ascended Into Heaven: Learning to Live an Ascension-Shaped Life
by Tim Perry and Aaron PerryWhy do you stand looking up toward heaven? That's what the angels said to the baffled disciples who had just experienced the Ascension of Jesus Christ. Peter, James, John, and the others stood there, squinty into the sky, trying to make sense of it all.
Tim and Aaron Perry confess to being baffled, too. For centuries, Christians have confessed "He ascended into heaven" in their creeds - but what do these words actually mean? The Perrys offer a probing look at this unfamiliar doctrine, and offer new insight into how the actual event can shape the life of a follower of Jesus.
"Theologians have long made the bold claim that we need to work the Ascension into our theology. They claim, in fact, that without the Ascension our theology is weak. The cry of the Church has been 'Why?' and "Show me!' Theologians have yet to answer that pressing question and answer that claim. Until right now. In your hands is one of the only books written that makes the Ascension a part of the Christian life, and I hope you read and devour this insightful study and become and Ascensional follower of Jesus." - Scot McKnight, author of The Jesus Creed and 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
Get your copy here.
Hidden Epidemic
by Dr. D. Craig Rikard (1980, MDiv)Dr. Rikard had his first book "Hidden Epidemic" published by Tiger Iron Press. He was awarded the Georgia Writers Association Writer of the Year in category of memoir. The book is a powerful memoir of children growing up in homes of parental addiction to prescription drugs.
Although many books deal with the problem of addiction -- how to get help, the harm it can do, and useful treatments -- few books discuss the tragic implications for the children. Yet these children can be robbed of their childhoods, isolated, abused, confused as to what is happening, and deprived of their own feelings of self-esteem and worth. In fact, the child of an addicted parent may grow up with more difficulties and hidden wounds than the addicted parent.
"Hidden Epidemic" deals with just such children and points out the pervasiveness of this problem, and what to do about it. Dr. Craig Rikards story is not only one of medicine, therapy, psychology and prayer, it is also the very personal story of his own childhood living in a pretty home in suburbia, where no one could hear the screams. slaps, and abusive language. In spite of such a serious subject, the book is fascinating, the journey hard, and yet there is hope and light for those caught within the grasp of addictive parents or caretakers. Order here.
Salvation Means Creation Healed
by Dr. Howard A. Snyder (1996, MDiv; 1976, DDiv)The Bible promises the renewal of all creation—a new heaven and earth—based on the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For centuries this promise has been sidelined or misunderstood because of the church's failure to grasp the full meaning of biblical teachings on creation and new creation.
The Bible tells the story of the broken and restored relationship between God, people, and land, not just God and people. This is the full gospel, and it has the power to heal the church's long theological divorce between earth and heaven. Jesus' resurrection in the power of the Holy Spirit is the key, and the church as Christ's body is the primary means by which God is reconciling all things through Jesus Christ. Jesus' ultimate healing of all creation is the great hope and promise of the gospel, and he calls the church to be his healing community now through evangelism, discipleship, and prophetic mission.
You can order this book here.
Return to main pageAsbury Seminary 1974 Alumnus, Robert Biddulph Receives Distinguished Alumni Award
Asbury Theological Seminary’s Director of Alumni and Church Relations, Tammy Cessna, announces Robert Biddulph '74 as the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award.
Bob and Sydney Biddulph have been missionaries to Spain with One Mission Society since 1977. Through evangelism, discipleship and counseling, they have assisted in establishing several churches.
Bob serves as pastor of counseling and cell groups at the Chamartín Churchin Madrid. Together with Sydney, they coordinate Marriage Encounter, a ministry that seeks to strengthen family relationships and provides effective evangelistic opportunities.
The Biddulphs were not strangers to missionary activity when they arrived in Spain. Bob’s parents, Burt and Bernardine Biddulph, gave leadership to OMS in Colombia, Ecuador and Spain. Sydney’s mother, Margaret Bonnette, was a long-time missionary nurse to Haiti.
Both Bob and Sydney are graduates of Asbury College. Bob earned an M.A. in religion with an emphasis in counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary. Sydney holds an M.A. in history from Eastern Kentucky University.
The couple have three adult children—Allison, Philip and Audrey.
Return to main pageAlumni Obituaries
ALLISON - Ronald Gene (1967, MDiv) age 79, of Porterville died Wednesday November 2, 2011. He was a minister. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy.
BAKER - Reverend Donald R. (1951, BD) age 84, of Lancaster went home to be with the Lord Monday, November 7th, 2011. He and his wife, Betty L. Baker, celebrated 63 years of marriage in September. Born in Maplecrest, NY, he was the son of the late Walter C. and Dorotha Vining Baker. He spent his entire professional life as an ordained minister for the Free Methodist denomination serving 6 churches in Pennsylvania and New York over 41 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of activities including gardening, fishing, hunting, bowling, playing his guitar, watching and participating in all types of sports, and spending time mentoring his church youth. In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly missed by his three daughters: Louann Butch, wife of Jeffrey of Lancaster, Lynette Huggler, wife of Leonard of Beach Lake, PA, Lavonne Johnston, wife of Mark of Lancaster, PA; and a son, Larry Baker, husband of Cyndi of Noxen, PA; 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Harold, husband of June Baker, Clifford, husband of Elvamae Baker, and Jere husband of Diane Baker, and a sister, Jean Bechtle wife of Stan.
FRALEY – Robert O. “Bob” (1949, MDiv) age 91, President of Development Association for Christian Institutions, went to his new home in Heaven Friday morning, November 18, 2011 in Tulsa. He was united in marriage to Leola Savage on June 6, 1944 in Minneapolis. He pastored Methodist churches in Greenwood Minnesota, Glenwood Indiana, Orange Indiana, and Falmouth Indiana. He was Vice President of Asbury Seminary for several years. In 1965 he and his family moved to Tulsa where he was Vice President of Development at Oral Roberts University. In 1969, he left ORU and started Development Association for Christian Institutions. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church for 46 years where he also served as a volunteer lay minister. He enjoyed being a minister and caring for people in time of need. He also loved visiting with people about living a healthy life. He had a soft spot in his heart for animals as well.
HINKLE - Steven E. (1982, MAR) 54 of Jacksonville, FL died October 6, 2011 in a local hospital. Mr. Hinkle was a native of Kentucky and a resident of Jacksonville since 1984. He is survived by his wife of 26 years Kathy Hinkle, one sister Rhonda Hinkle, three aunts, one uncle and several cousins.
OWSLEY – Clarence Torry (1946, BD) Clarence was a senior in high school when he fully committed himself to Christ. A few months later, he was called to preach and became licensed as a local preacher. He graduated from Adams State College, Alamosa, Colorado, August 1943, and from Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky, May 1946. Clarence married Elizabeth Good in June 1947.
In 1948, after serving a four-point Methodist circuit, the Owsleys entered missionary service under OMS (at that time the ”Oriental Missionary Society”) in September 1948. When the doors to Colombia closed, they served in Haiti for 16 months before beginning ministry in Brazil. In 1958, they applied to serve under Free Methodist World Missions, and upon acceptance Clarence wrote, “We are rejoicing greatly and are anticipating joining heart and hand in the labors awaiting us there with fellow-missionaries.”
The Owsleys were engaged in evangelism and education ministries throughout Brazil. Clarence participated in preaching – sometimes as many as four times on Sunday, pastoral visitation, church and home services and extension evangelism. He helped start a number of churches. His pastoral ministry included teaching personal evangelism to local church workers to better equip them for evangelistic outreach. He also conducted Christian education seminars. At one point, the Owsleys were maintaining four children’s Bible clubs.
While the Owsleys returned to the U.S. in the early 1980s to care for Elizabeth’s mother, they pastored the Arcola, Illinois, FMC. They returned to Brazil for a short-term assignment, teaching and ministering in the seminary. Clarence worked with pastors and local churches in evangelism. In addition, he was supervisor and counselor for the men’s dorm and found time to assist with maintenance work. Their last formal appointment was at Hillsdale FMC in Michigan where Clarence served as minister of visitation. They retired in 1991, but retirement didn’t mean they stopped serving. Clarence and Elizabeth put their Portuguese language skills to work translating numerous letters between Brazilian children sponsored through International Child Care Ministries and their sponsors. They also made several short-term trips to Brazil.
“Clarence Owsley was my missionary colleague in Brazil. He sought God quietly and lived out God’s truth visibly. His relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ was evident in all areas of his life – marriage, family, pastoral ministry and times of relaxation. He shunned any hint of intrigue. He was simply a humble follower of Jesus – a servant of God who demonstrated leadership through servanthood. Clarence, I salute you, a man of God who visibly demonstrated the character of the Lord Jesus in all avenues of life. You are now with Jesus, and even now I can hear your exclamation, Gloria a Deus! And with you, I cry out, Glory to God!” - Clancy J. ThompsonSHEETS - Carl R. (1962, BD) 73, of Ballwin, Mo., formerly of Decatur, died Friday (Jan. 14, 2011) in St. John's Hospital, St. Louis, Mo. Services were held in Shrader Funeral Home, Ballwin. Carl was born Aug. 8, 1937, in Decatur, the son of Carl E. and Flossye Sheets. He retired from 3M after 33 years of service. He married Joann in December 1997. Surviving are his wife; son, David (Robin) Sheets; daughters, Janet (Eric) Sherman; Lorie; Leslie (Byron) Neese; Erin (Jeff); sister, Nelda (Robert) Strahle; 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Sheets and Dale Sheets; and daughter, Debbie
YATES – Betty F. (Wife of Norman, MDiv, 1978) "Funeral Services for Betty Ann Flowers Yates, age 64, were held at First United Methodist Church. Betty Ann was born October 14, 1946 in Kings Mountain, NC. She was the daughter of Betty Sue Morgan and Marion B. Flowers. She was the granddaughter of Sara Jarvis and Paul Morgan of Bessemer City, NC and Stella Baity and Thomas H. Flowers of Kings Mountain, NC. Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father, two brothers, Marion Jr. and Michael B. Flowers, and grandparents. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Dublin, GA where she was active for many years and served in various capacities. Betty Ann also served for more than 20 years as an executive administrative assistant in multiple locations, including the University of Kentuckys School of Dentistry, Island Creek Coal Company, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum Corporation in Lexington, KY, and Bankers Trust Company in Columbia, SC. Betty Ann moved to Dublin, GA in 1981 with her husband and shortly afterward began her educational endeavors at Georgia College & State University where she graduated in 1988. She was employed with the Laurens County School System and was a dedicated educator for more than 20 years. She was selected Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008 at East Laurens Elementary School. She loved her school children with a passion, and saw each students God given potentials, helping each of her students to strive for excellence. Betty is survived by her husband of 46 years, Norman Gene Yates, her daughter Elizabeth Yates Fletcher and son-in-law, Erik H. Fletcher, of Brunswick, GA, and several aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers were Taylor Fletcher, Dr. Blake Walker, Dr. Mike Karoly, David Carr, Jason Carr, and Bert Willis. Honorary Escorts were the East Laurens Elementary School teachers and staff the she worked with and loved dearly.
Return to main pageUpcoming Events
Oasis Day at Canterbury
January 16Seminary Faculty, Dr. Steve Harper (1973, MDiv) To Lead
On Monday, January 16th, Steve Harper will lead a retreat day focused on Richard Foster's new book, Sanctuary of the Soul. The retreat begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. The retreat will combine silence and conversation. You do not have to have read the book in order to attend, but it would be all the better if you can do so. At least purchase the book and bring it with you, so you can have the text to work with during the day. Cost for the day is $45.00, and this includes lunch.
To register contact sue@canterburyretreat.org, or call her at 407-365-5571. Canterbury Retreat Center is located at 1601 Alafaya Trail, Oviedo, FL 32765.
Weekend of Spiritual Encouragement and Renewal
February 19-21, Griffin, GA
Speaker: Dr. Ellsworth KalasSunday, Feb. 19
11a - Preaching
3p - Pastor Training Event
7p – Revival
Monday, Feb 20
12p – Informal lunch with Dr. Kalas
7p – Revival
Tuesday, Feb 21
7p – RevivalGriffin First UMC
1401 Maple Drive
Griffin, GA 30224
Contact Kevin Lobello (kevin@griffin-fumc.org) or Kevin Barnes (kevin.barnes@griffin-fumc.org) at 770-228-3020.
Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar
June 4-28, WilmoreAsbury Theological Seminary and Asbury University announce their second annual Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar to be held June 2012. This seminar has been established to develop and support academic research, writing and publication in the broad field of Wesleyan studies. The seminar will promote the work of serious North American and International researchers in the following ways:
1. Making the scholarly resources of Asbury Seminary and Asbury University available to each participant.
2. Fostering dialog between researchers and the faculty of Asbury Seminary and University who have expertise in the researcher’s field.
3. Creating an environment for conversation, study and networking among scholars in the field of Wesleyan studies.The Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar is designed to include up to ten scholars who are working on articles, dissertations, and book length manuscripts in the field of Wesleyan studies. Applicants will be matched with specific Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury University faculty members who have expertise in the areas of interest of the researchers.
There are no tuition charges for the seminars, and participants will have access with full privileges not only to the B.L. Fisher and Kinlaw libraries (including significant electronic databases) but also to their special collection holdings in Wesleyan and Methodist studies. The staff of the Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar will also help to make arrangements for free housing at the Asbury Inn for each participant throughout the seminar. Beyond this, all other personal expenses (travel and food for example) will be the responsibility of the researchers, though scholarships for the airfare of international researchers will be available and a meal will be provided for everyone on the evening of each seminar at no cost.
The second Wesleyan Studies Summer Seminar will take place from June 4th through June 28, 2012. Seminar sessions will normally be held on Monday and Thursday afternoons.
Applications must be received by January 16, 2012. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by March 16, 2012. Visit our website for a copy of the application and further information.
Return to main pageA New Start
by J. Ellsworth Kalas
If I had lived in the eighteenth century, I would have devoted myself to gaining three friends: John and Charles Wesley and Samuel Johnson. Especially Samuel Johnson.
That may sound like heresy in light of my heart-commitment to Methodism. Perhaps I should put it this way: I would go to hear John Wesley preach, I would join Charles Wesley for a long round of hymn singing, and then I’d go to a pub with Samuel Johnson for a ploughman’s plate and a pot of tea and time to talk.
Samuel Johnson could talk on any subject and fascinate me, because he knew how to cast a sentence with wit and perception; Boswell’s great biography of Johnson is full proof of that. But I’d want especially to talk with Johnson about his faith and his lifelong pursuit of better Christian living.
Johnson repented constantly of his shortcomings, especially his poor use of time. For him, each birthday was a chance to start again, with new resolve. So, too, with each New Year’s Day, which he saw as everybody’s birthday, a time for beginning anew. And sometimes Easter, or the anniversary of his wife Tetty’s death.
I am currently reading -- with great profit! -- many of Johnson’s prayers and excerpts from his journal. On his 55th birthday he wrote, “I have now spent fifty-five years in resolving, having from the earliest time almost that I can remember been forming schemes of a better life. I have done nothing; the need of doing therefore is pressing, since the time of doing is short.” Mind you, at this point he was known throughout the English speaking world as the editor of the first dictionary of the English language, and was almost surely the most respected writer of his generation. But he wasn’t satisfied with the state of his soul.
So on that birthday he made a list of goals, including: “To study the Scriptures. I hope in the original Languages. Six hundred and forty verses every Sunday will nearly comprise the Scriptures in a year. To read good books. To study Theology. To drive out vain scruples. To treasure in my mind passages for recollection. To rise early. Not later than six if I can, I hope sooner, but as soon as I can. To take care of my health, by such means as I have designed, as washing, etc. To set down at night some plans for the morrow.” Some six months later, at Easter, as he prepared to “partake of the Blessed Sacrament,” he mourned that he had fallen so far short of his previous prayers.
I tell you this because we are at the doorway of another year, which is a highly appropriate time to repent of any poor performance in the year just ending and to search our hearts and our patterns of life to see how we might do better in 2012. Samuel Johnson knew the value of time, and was painfully conscious that he was inclined to waste it. I submit that it would be good for both you and me to take inventory of how we’ve been using our time, then follow Dr. Johnson in making a list of how we would like to improve in the year to come -- especially, his rule to “set down at night some plans for the morrow.” If we don’t, distractions and minutiae will set them for us.
And here’s to a new start!
Return to main pageFaculty Has Book Written in His Honor
This photo depicts Dr. Laurence W. Wood (1966, BD), ATS faculty, being presented with a special gift by Provost Leslie Andrews at the plenary faculty meeting on Monday, November 28, 2011, for 35 years of service to Asbury Theological Seminary and was congratulated for the book written in his honor entitled, The Continuing Relevance of Wesleyan Theology, Essays in Honor of Laurence W. Wood (Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publications, 2011).
The writings and theology of Dr. Laurence W. Wood were featured in this recent book entitled, The Continuing Relevance of Wesleyan Theology, Essays in Honor of Laurence W. Wood (Eugene, Oregon:Wipf & Stock 2011). The book was edited by an Asbury Theological Seminary alumnus, Dr. Nathan Crawford. Many of the chapters were contributed by Asbury Theological Seminary faculty and alumni, including the following:
(1) Dr. Christopher Bounds, “Augustine’s Interpretation of Romans 7:14-25, His Ordo Salutis and His Consistent Belief in a Christian Victory over Sin”;
(2) Dr. Steven O’Malley, “Exploring the Background for the Pentecost Connection in Early Methodism”;
(3) Dr. Barry Callen, “Heart of a Radical Reform: Christology and the Church of God Movement (Anderson)”;
(4) Dr. Bill Faupel, “John Fletcher’s Influence on the 19th Century American Holiness Movement’s Worldview”;
(5) Dr. William Abraham, “The End of Wesleyan Theology”;
(6) Dr. Nathan Crawford, “Sketching a Fundamental Wesleyan Theology: Pursuing a Hermeneutic of Love with Agustine’s De Doctrina Christian”;
(7) Dr. Kevin Kinghorn, “Pusing the Mystery Button: The Limits of Logic and Language”;
(8) Dr. Michael Peterson, “Evolution and the Deep Resonances between Science and Theology”;
(9) Dr. Bradford McCall, “Kenosis and Emergence: A Wesleyan Perspective”;
(10) Dr. Graham McFarlane, “Revisiting the Day of Atonement”;
(11) Rev. Aaron Perry, “Bind Us Together? A Sketch of Shame and Violence in the Day of Atonement and Communion”;
(12) Dr. Don Thorsen, “Prima Gratia, Prima Fide, and Prima Scriptura: Reforming Protestant Principles”;
(13) Dr. Joel B. Green, “Theological Interpretation and Wesley”;
(14) Dr. Michael Pasquarello, “Preaching and Practicing Wisdom”;
(15) Dr. Tony Richie, “From Suspicion to Synthesis: Toward a Shared Wesleyan and Pentecostal Theology of Spirituality.” Dr. Stanley Hauewas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor of Theological Ethics of Duke Divinity School, contributed the “Foreword.”FLETCHER ESSAY
Dr. Laurence Wood contributed an essay to a recent book entitled, Religion, Gender, and Industry: Exploring Church and Methodism in a Local Setting, edited by Geordan Hammond and Peter Forsaith (Eugene, Oregon: Pickwick Publication, 2011). Dr. Wood’s essay was entitled, “John Fletcher as the Theologian of Early American Methodism.” This essay was based on an earlier paper delivered at a conference on the life and theology of John and Mary Fletcher at the University of Wolverhampton, Telford, UK. The theme of Dr. Wood’s essay was to show that the Doctrines and Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church (containing the proceedings of the founding conference in 1784) cited Fletcher’s writings along with John Wesley’s as the bases of their distinctive beliefs. On the other hand, the Articles of Religion were adopted to show that Methodists believe what is common to all Protestants. Fletcher’s writings were reprinted over 174 times throughout the 19th century. Fletcher’s influence has been largely forgotten by contemporary Wesleyans, but he served as Wesley’s virtual equal as an doctrinal authority. Bishop Asbury placed Fletcher’s writing in the Conference Course of Study where they remained until they were removed at the end of the 19th century when theological liberalism began to sweep throughout Methodist seminaries. As the Methodist Magazine and Quarterly Review in 1832 noted, Methodism was guided “first and principally by the Bible, and next after it by the standard works of Methodism--those of Wesley and Fletcher in particular.”
Return to main pageThe Church And The Mentally Ill
by John M. Crowe (1983, MDiv; 2001, DMin)
At its best, the Church offers people meaning for living beyond the daily grind of life. Second, it teaches and reflects God’s unconditional love for all people. Third, it lifts people up with dignity and self-respect based upon God creating all of us in his image so that we can know God. Fourth, it offers Christian fellowship through its small groups that brings stability into a person’s life along with reducing the feeling of isolation, loneliness and being forgotten. Fifth, it challenges people with a faith worth living for and dying for that is bigger than ourselves. In very general terms, this is what the Christian Church has to offer all people and in particular those with a mental illness.
For a mentally ill person to know God’s unconditional love by experiencing it in a local church sets one free from the idea of having to earn God’s love. Christianity’s emphasis on the worth and dignity of each person offers someone with a mental illness a sense of self worth and being valued which is not based upon the world’s view of worth and dignity based upon what one does, how much one earns, the amount of influence and/or power one has over others, etc.
Howard C. Shade wrote “While the ministry of the Church is for all persons…., those who are mentally and emotionally disturbed or those who are in a crisis, have the first claim upon the ministry” (Maves, Paul B., ed. The Church And Mental Health, Charles Scribner’s Sons: New York, 1952). The previous quote was a radical statement in its day and one that merits saying often today.
Obviously, an unloving church, an unloving pastor, and Christian truth, which is not spoken in love, is unhealthy for a person with a mentally ill person as it is for others. Wise words, true words meant as a healing tool, used wrongly are just plain cruel. This also happens when the Bible is proclaimed in an out of balance manner that only adds to the anxiety, the depression, the sense of isolation, etc. of someone with a mental illness.
While death and sickness of all kinds entered the world because of sin, it is not sound biblical reasoning to apply that truth to mean that mental illness is the result of some sin in a person’s life; a lack of faith; or being possessed by a demon. If anything, loving Christian clergy and churches recognize this as well as that having a mental illness often makes Christian discipleship more difficult.
Because preaching is truth through the personality of the preacher, the Church can help those with a mental illness by first having seminaries focus more on preparing the emotional maturity and spiritual health of that person’s personality and not focus quite as much on preparing them in ministry functions.
Spiritual and mentally harmful as well as ineffective preaching and teaching comes to a large degree from the unhealthy personality of the preacher, chaplain, etc. For example, the person's unresolved hostility, distorted guilt, personal insecurity, and/or emotional immaturity are land mines of both self-destruction and unhealthy impact upon those who hear him or her. The same can be said about church members and in particular laity in positions of lay leadership. Clergy and laity who are healthy, becoming healthier, staying healthy as well as intentionally seeking to be healthier are the most helpful Christian people in ministry to and with people who are mentally ill and their families.
Therefore, spiritual and emotional health must be the focus of congregational life as a whole for the sake of the church having a healthy ministry. Using various programs, copying the examples of others, which worked, and the creative ideas for news ways of ministry are great, but ineffective and even harmful without authentic, healthy Christian people who reflect the love of Jesus Christ that caused the early followers of Christ to be called Christians as stated in the book of Acts. The health of a church and its clergy cannot be an end in itself, but the foundation of effective, wholesome ministry to all and in particular, to those who have a mental illness and their families.
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