Dr. Fred Long, Professor of New Testament, has had his essay entitled “Roman Imperial Rule under the Authority of Jupiter-Zeus: Political-Religious Contexts and the Interpretation of ‘the Ruler of the Authority of the Air’ in Ephesians 2:2” published in The Language of the New Testament: Context, History and Development. This volume is a collection of essays that contextualize the language of the New Testament in its Hellenistic environment. Dr. Long’s essay uncovers the original context of Ephesians and seeks to better understand how evil or the Evil One works to distract and mal-influence believers and their gospel proclamation. More information about this book can be found at the Brill website and it can be purchased at Amazon.

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Wilmore, Ky. (April 30, 2013) Every Sunday morning in your community, People are getting up early. They’re going to breakfast, playing sports, or doing household chores.  But they’re not getting up for church.

Asbury Seminary alum and author Chuck Gutenson’s new book, Church Worth Getting Up For, addresses the need for renewal in churches in North America today, and will take you on a journey into the heart of your congregation. You’ll see your own assumptions about church and people in new light, and wrestle with issues lurking just beneath the surface in your church and in your life as a leader: What does humility look like? What is the meaning of ‘radical’ hospitality, (and why does it exist almost nowhere in the Church)? And what does it mean to be authentic, really?

This thoughtful and convicting book introduces ten church leaders who offer helpful insight from their own experience in churches from California to Georgia. This is not a book on church marketing. There are no tips here on how to dress up what you’ve already got, to make it more appealing. This is a book that will challenge, embolden, and equip you to make church worth getting up for, this Sunday and every Sunday.

About the Author

Dr. Charles (Chuck) Gutenson is a church consultant and former Chief Operating Officer of Sojourners. He previously served 10 years at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, most recently as the professor of Theology and Philosophy. He received a Master of Divinity from Asbury Seminary in 1995 and a Ph.D. in Philosophical Theology from Southern Methodist University in 2000. A member of the International Society of Theta Phi, an honor society for theological students, scholars in the field of religion and outstanding religious leaders, Chuck is the author of six books (one forthcoming) and numerous articles on a variety of theological and philosophical articles.

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Wilmore, Ky. (April 18, 2013)

On April 18, 2013 over 100 students, faculty, staff, friends and family gathered to celebrate the installation of Dr. Steve Gober as the Vice President of the Florida Dunnam Campus of Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Gober has served the Florida campus for  almost 3 years both as the former Director of Global and Community Formation and Director of Operations. Dr. Gober came to us after serving for 10 years as the President of the Methodist Seminary in Costa Rica (Seminario Evangélico Metodista de Costa Rica).  He was appointed Interim Vice President of the Florida Dunnam campus back in September 2012 and has shown himself to be a discerning, God-listening leader. President Tennent officiated the installation. Dr. Brian Russell, Acting Dean of the School of Urban Ministries; Bishop Palomo (who oversees the Methodist Church in Costa Rica), a member of the Asbury Seminary Board of Trustees and Dr. Gober’s father-in-law; Dr. Steve Harper, founding Vice President of the Florida Dunnam Campus; and Mr. Bill Tillman, Director of Advancement and former acting Vice President of the Florida Dunnam Campus were called upon to anoint and pray over Dr. Gober during his installation. The Florida Dunnam campus is blessed and excited for its future under the leadership of Dr. Gober.

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Dr. Ken Collins, professor of Historical Theology and Wesley Studies, taught a course in Wesleyan Theology at the Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary in Tallinn, Estonia during the first week of April.

Estonia is a state in the Baltic region of Northern Europe, and Tallin is both the capitol and largest city.  There are currently 1.29 million people living in the former Soviet Republic.  And while it ranks high in terms of economic and political freedom and education, the World Bank lists it as one of the lowest in religiosity.  75.5 percent of the population claim to be without religion.  Only 16 percent profess a belief in God.

“You can make a fairly big difference in a country like Estonia,” says Dr. Collins.  “Methodism is small, with only about 25 Methodist churches in the country.”  He says that the largest religion in Estonia is Evangelical Lutheranism.

Dr. Collins has taught the course every year except one since 1998.   He offers a 3-day intensive to both Russian and Estonian speaking students through an interpreter.

Most of the pastors in Estonia in terms of Wesleyan theology have been in his classroom at some point or another, he says.

“What I always appreciate when I teach outside the US is the chance to see the difference that the teaching makes in people’s lives in terms of their practical Christian experience.  And so I hear from students from time to time that Wesley’s theology became the means by which they’ve experienced greater freedom in their Christian walk and that they’ve come to clarity and deeper love of God, of Christ.  So that’s always rewarding and that happens on a regular basis –that people find his theology transforming, liberating.”

Dr. Collins says the Estonians are good students and take their education very seriously.  “I really love the Estonian people and I want to help spread Methodism there.”

Dr. Collins has also taught John Wesley’s theology in other countries, including Costa Rica, South Korea, Russia, and Australia.

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Wilmore, Ky. (April 15, 2013) Asbury Theological Seminary faculty members, Dr. Leslie Andrews and Mr. Paul Tippey, will be facilitators and keynote speakers at The Asia Theological Association (ATA) workshop, Learning in the Twenty-First Century, in the Philippines on April 22-26.

ATA represents 270 institutions in 32 countries.  Both Andrews and Tippey will be assisting ATA in developing a vision for online education.

The workshop will look at what online education has to offer, how it influences pedagogy, and how culture influences distance learning.  Attendees will explore different technologies that can be used to enhance distance learning including social media, e-libraries and online journal databases, as well as audio-conferencing and podcasting.  They will discuss how to manage the delivery of distance learning programs so that students get both academic and pastoral support, and advice in managing the course development process.

Provost Doug Matthews sees tremendous value in the opportunity to collaborate with ATA.  “Asbury Theological Seminary is extremely grateful for the opportunity to facilitate dialog, dream together, and to contribute very experienced leadership to the upcoming Asia Theological Association Seminar on Theological Education. This is a very significant event as it addresses distance learning (including on-line learning), which comprises one of the major mega-trends impacting theological education around the globe. Our hopes and prayers certainly will be with this great event and two of our faculty who will serve as keynote speakers and facilitators for this important gathering of international leaders,” he said.

Dr. Mark Royster, Asbury Seminary’s Director of Global Partnerships, “This may be one of the most important developments in our global initiatives so far.  For Asbury to be in on the ground floor of this is very significant.”

For more information on the workshop, visit www.ataasia.com.  For more information on Asbury Seminary, contact jo.brosius@asburyseminary.edu or visit the website at www.asburyseminary.edu.

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Wilmore, Ky. (April 15, 2013) Do science and the Bible contradict each other? Are contemporary astro-physical developments supportive of or hostile to faith? How do Christians reconcile the idea of an ancient universe with Scripture? Dr. Hugh Ross will dialog concerning his perspective on these critical and timely issues at Asbury Theological Seminary on April 23, 2013.

Dr. Hugh Ross, an astronomer and President of Reasons to Believe, is one of the leading evangelical voices calling for the integration of faith and science, and the use of contemporary science to advance the gospel and impact the culture for Christ.

Ross will speak to the Seminary community in Estes Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on “Cosmic Reasons to Believe in Christ”, followed by a talk-back session in the student center, Cordelia Thomas Dining Room A&B.  At 3:30 he will give a lecture entitled “Genesis and Science: Enemies or Allies?” in Beeson Center Room 157.

At age 17, Ross became the youngest person ever to serve as director of observations for Vancouver’s Royal Astronomical Society. He has an undergraduate degree in physics from the University of British Columbia, and graduate degrees in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He then completed post-doctoral studies at Caltech, where he researched quasi-stellar objects, or “quasars,” some of the most distant and ancient objects in the universe.

His study of world religions and “holy books” led him to discover that only one book proved scientifically and historically accurate:  the Bible.  Starting at religious “ground zero”, Ross says his faith journey is based on scientific and historical reality-testing, and is surprised that many people believe or disbelieve without ever checking the evidence.

Asbury Seminary Provost Doug Matthews says the Seminary is looking forward to interacting with Dr. Ross concerning his perspective, and reflecting with him on differences and synergies between his views and Wesleyan approaches to faith, science and biblical interpretation.

“Hugh Ross is one of the leading evangelical scholars today addressing faith, science, creation and apologetic issues. This will be a great opportunity to hear Dr. Ross present scientific discoveries that have sparked faith and science dialog in the church and academy while influencing thousands to follow Christ, ” said Matthews.

Dr. Craig Keener, professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, says, “Dr. Ross intriguingly challenges the long-standing divide between faith and reason and between the Bible and science by addressing the relevant, cutting-edge questions of our day. Expect to find your mind challenged, your faith encouraged, and your ability to witness strengthened….”

Dr. Ross recently received the Trotter Prize from Texas A&M university (2012), joining the list of distinguished recipients that include: Nobel Prize winners Francis Crick, Stephen Weinberg, and Charles Townes; John Polkinghorne (Templeton Prize); Francis Collins (the leader of the Human Genome Project); and the world renowned originator of the inflationary universe theory, Alan Guth. Ross delivered the 2012 Trotter Lecture, which “seeks to reveal connections between science and religion, often viewed in academia as non-overlapping, if not rival, worldviews.”

Dr. Ross regularly interacts with evangelical and world-class scientists and organizations, and has debated Lewis Wolpert (Royal Society and the University of London), Michael Shermer (Publisher of Skeptic Magazine), Jerry Coyne (U. of Chicago atheist), Victor Stenger (particle physicist and atheist), and Peter Ward (U. of Chicago paleontologist).

For more information contact Jo Brosius at 859.858.2309 or jo.brosius@asburyseminary.edu.

About Asbury Theological Seminary:                                                                

With multiple campuses, Asbury Theological Seminary is an interdenominational graduate school of theology committed to teaching the unchanging truth of historic Wesleyan Christianity through the most dynamic means available. Asbury Seminary offers a variety of degrees, including the Master of Arts, Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy. Total current enrollment nears 1,600 students, representing 91 denominations and 44 countries. For more information, please visit asburyseminary.edu.

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As a global and multi-cultural seminary, Asbury Theological Seminary provides opportunities for students to not only study with faculty who come from a number of countries and ethnic groups, but to also gain rich intercultural and contextual experience through study abroad.

In January 2013, Dr. Michael Matlock, Associate Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and Old Testament on the Kentucky Campus, gave students the opportunity to explore the history, culture, and religions of Israel with significant biblical studies education and worship experiences.  Dr. Matlock took students from the Florida Dunnam Campus as well as approximately twenty non-students, and was accompanied by Mr. Bill Tillman, Director of Advancement on the Florida Dunnam Campus. Participants in the course reflected on the biblical story as it relates to the people and land today, including significant exposure to the Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.  Janet Berry, an M.Div. student, invited her American cousin who lives outside of East Jerusalem to come speak to the group about her experience living in the West Bank.  Students enjoyed expanding their knowledge about the situation there.

Marcia Hendricks, M.A. in Biblical Studies, told Dr. Matlock, “I think I have been ‘ruined’ —in the sense that I now want to know more about these things.  I hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with the Word.”

Many students shared that the Bible has come alive for them since visiting the places where Jesus walked.  Dean Fleming, an M.Div. student, said, “As we studied Jesus entry into Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives [on Palm Sunday], I could visualize the scene from the perspective of Jerusalem and from the Mt. Of Olives [from our time in Israel].”

In February, Professor Matlock, traveled again to the Middle East, this time to teach in Turkey.  Approximately thirty-five clergy and interested laypersons met together in western Turkey for continuing biblical studies education and spiritual renewal.  Students came from the United States, Australia, England, Canada, Ireland, and Hong Kong.  Professor Matlock lectured at the sites of the churches in Revelation as well as other early Christian sites in western Turkey.

Both study abroad experiences provided opportunities for growth in biblical studies, intercultural competency and contributions to the global Church.

[Show as slideshow]

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ASBURY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRAYS FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

March 22, 2013 Wilmore, KY. Every year, 200 million Christians suffer some form of persecution around the world. And while some cases are widely reported in the media- like American pastor Saeed Abedini imprisoned in Iran- the Western Church remains largely unaware of the suffering taking place.

The Office of Global Community Formation and Asbury Chapel are working to improve awareness by highlighting the top 10 countries for Christian persecution. As we remember and pray for the persecuted church all over the world, a prayer station has been set up in the Asbury House of Prayer (AHOP). Students, faculty and staff can pray, meditate, and reflect on the persecuted church and our brothers and sisters internationally who are sharing the gospel in dark places.

Asbury Seminary, a global institution, has a number of international students who have experienced persecution first hand. They come from Northern Nigeria, China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Myanmar. One student, Emmanuel Bithfya, shares his story at http://asbury.to/nf032213.

For more information on persecution in the church and the Seminary’s prayer for our brothers and sisters around the globe, please contact the Office of Global Community Formation at gcf@asburyseminary.edu.

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Share information about our new Master of Arts in Church Planting, or our Master of Divinity with a specialization in church planting and you will be entered for a chance to win a Kindle Fire! From now until July 1, those with the highest number of shares will be entered into a drawing.

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Dr. Jim Miller, Director of the Center for the Study of World Christian Revitalization Movements and Professor of Inductive Biblical Study and New Testament on the Florida Dunnam campus, visited two Asbury Seminary Global Partnership institutions in January. Both visits, to New Theological College (NTC) in Dehra Dun, India, and to Africa International University (AIU) in Nairobi, Kenya were part of work on a four-year research project at the Center funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundation. Entitled, “Emerging World Christian Identities: Transformation in the Urbanized and Globalized Context,” the project involves case study research on individual Christian revitalization movements in four major urban areas in the majority world. Research for the first phase of this project is now ongoing in East Africa (Nairobi, Kenya, Kampala, Uganda, and Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo). The second phase of research will take place in India, sponsored jointly by the Revitalization Center and NTC,  and will culminate in a Consultation to be held in July 2014. Future partner institutions with which the Revitalization Center plans further work on this project include Asia Graduate School of Theology in Manila, Philippines (2015) and Evangelical Methodist Seminary, San José, Costa Rica (2016). The results of each phase of research will be examined by an international, interdisciplinary group of scholars and practitioners over the course of a multiple day Consultation in each location. The first is scheduled to take place at AIU from July 17-21, 2013.

In his evaluation of the Center’s work done under a previous grant from the Henry Luce Foundation, noted scholar of world Christianity, William Burrows, characterized the research as “getting its finger on the pulse” of what will come after Christendom. The research now begun and continuing over the next several years hopes to further clarify that picture. The proceeds from research and subsequent consultations funded by an earlier grant from the Henry Luce Foundation have now appeared in J. Steven O’Malley, ed., Revitalization Amid Diaspora: Explorations in World Christian Revitalization Movements (Lexington, KY: Emeth Press, 2013).

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