HERALDING NEWS FROM NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY VOL. 12, NO. 4 ■ JULY 2015

AT FIRST, THE CLASS TAUGHT BY DR. CHRISTENA CLEVELAND AT NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY MADE ME EDGY, for I am a white male, accustomed to privilege. I first became aware of this in a college Shakespeare class.

"Did you notice that our professor calls on men rather than women?" a female friend observed.

"Do you think that's really true?" I responded, obliviously. When we're privileged, it's as if we walk around on stilts and fail to notice that we walk taller, not because we are taller, but because the stilts of privilege elevate us.

"Come to my world!" I thought resentfully as I prepared for the course. I pastor a small church in upstate New York, far from the corridors of power. Me? Privileged? Powerful? Surely not!

As the course unfolded, though, I began to reflect further. Consider my first name. A white, male actor popularized my name in a 1973 movie about young love. My name on an application or a résumé threatens no one. If my name were "Jamal" or "Ahmed," I could be rejected out of hand.

And consider that I happen to be married. A friend preparing for ministry told this story. He was single, and his mother was part of a search committee in his home church. Though not an applicant, he wondered how the committee worked, so he asked his mom.

"First, we received a stack of profiles." (In my denomination, a profile is similar to a résumé.)

The Stilts of Privilege The Need to Make Space We are Not Silent Framing Reconciliation Alumni Award Study in the Holy Land Chapel Redesign Upcoming Events Community News

“Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary were birthed out of a religious context that embraced a commitment to the equality of all people as a fundamental principle, and which fueled a determined conviction against racism. Any social or cultural reality that undermines this commitment also undermines our integrity—if we remain silent. So we are not silent.”

This statement reflects the motivation for a class in the doctor of ministry program, the dialogue at the program’s spiritual formation retreat, and the theme of our annual Conference on Ministry. It also opened our response to the violent shooting at Emmanuel AME Church in South Carolina.

Over a year ago we had invited Dr. Christena Cleveland to teach the class Power, Inequality and Reconciliation in the Church and keynote a conference by the same name. We were excited about the opportunities she could create for ministry leaders to develop new lenses for addressing inequalities and to assess our personal and community roles in disunity. As the week of June 16 unfolded we were challenged by the reality of an unequal landscape, an

investigation of privilege, and a response for reconciliation. Within this backdrop we were then confronted with the harsh and hate-motivated deaths of nine people of faith who had welcomed a stranger into their time of prayer.

This issue of Resound provides glimpses into discoveries, recommendations, and responses that converged that week in June.

Rev. Jeremy L. Spencer

Conference attendees (bottom) are challenged

as Dr. Christena Cleveland shares her passion for

overcoming cultural divisions (top).

(con’t on page 2)

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Then she continued, "We sorted through the profiles. First, we eliminated all of the singles and women, and then—.”

"Thanks, Mom!" my friend exclaimed. He pointed out that his mother's actions would have eliminated her own son from consideration, had he applied.

Then I remembered purchasing a van with my wife. A salesman, whom I'll call Joe, talked with me but mostly ignored my wife (except, once, to

argue with her). I recalled the sheepish look on Joe's face when he consulted with the dealership's finance manager, then returned to our desk, and confessed, "Well, um, ma'am, we've got to put the vehicle in your name, because you've got more income than your husband!”

Besides gender privileges, I enjoy racial privileges. When I go for a walk, the police don't stop me, frisk me, or ask me what I'm doing. Few people consider my rotund, bespectacled self "dangerous."

Then, too, my education conveys privilege. It gives me the vocabulary I need to protest, if need be. If my kids have problems at school, my wife and I know how to negotiate the educational bureaucracy and obtain what

we want. Not everyone can.

The more I thought about it, the more I had to conclude that privilege has shaped much of my life. So, now, my challenge is to share the privileges that I enjoy—and do so without resentment or reluctance. Privilege opens doors—so maybe I can be a door stop, holding doors open for others.

Jeremy Spencer D.Min. student, pastor at Odessa Baptist Church in Odessa, N.Y.

Alma McKee

DURING A CLASSROOM DISCUSSION A COLLEAGUE STATED THAT HE LIVED IN A PRIVILEGED, SEGREGATED NEIGHBORHOOD—all ethnically alike. From what he said a privileged person hardly notices a marginalized person: “Unless someone points it out, I wouldn’t even notice.” Another person chimed in, “People like me live in our own happy bubble where there is a level of economic success in our neighborhood.” As an example he shared that his neighborhood refused to have a local bus in their community reasoning, “It would attract the marginalized.”

These responses are not surprising. They do, however, expose some patterns of thinking that can exist among some religious leaders. Now more than ever I think that if there is going to be any way for us to come together we will have to make space to talk about these sensitive issues openly, in a shared “brain space” that allows us to reframe our identities by asking the questions: “What is life like on your terms? What is your reality like?” It may be hard but hearing the responses out loud would have a deeper impact than discussions within the same ethnic group.

To be fair, my colleagues did not asked to be privilege or white and would say things like, “I can’t help that I was born privileged.” Yet I was literally blown away when in the same breath they discussed how they were able to get jobs without even completing a job application or even submitting a resume. They said they got the job because of who they were.

One person was vulnerable enough to admit that he wanted to change his bigoted perspectives. I had sensed this in our previous interactions, yet I

Check out the ever-changing list of job opportunities at the career services website. Positions include worship 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.

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Alma McKee

DURING A CLASSROOM DISCUSSION A COLLEAGUE STATED THAT HE LIVED IN A PRIVILEGED, SEGREGATED NEIGHBORHOOD—all ethnically alike. From what he said a privileged person hardly notices a marginalized person: “Unless someone points it out, I wouldn’t even notice.” Another person chimed in, “People like me live in our own happy bubble where there is a level of economic success in our neighborhood.” As an example he shared that his neighborhood refused to have a local bus in their community reasoning, “It would attract the marginalized.”

These responses are not surprising. They do, however, expose some patterns of thinking that can exist among some religious leaders. Now more than ever I think that if there is going to be any way for us to come together we will have to make space to talk about these sensitive issues openly, in a shared “brain space” that allows us to reframe our identities by asking the questions: “What is life like on your terms? What is your reality like?” It may be hard but hearing the responses out loud would have a deeper impact than discussions within the same ethnic group.

To be fair, my colleagues did not asked to be privilege or white and would say things like, “I can’t help that I was born privileged.” Yet I was literally blown away when in the same breath they discussed how they were able to get jobs without even completing a job application or even submitting a resume. They said they got the job because of who they were.

One person was vulnerable enough to admit that he wanted to change his bigoted perspectives. I had sensed this in our previous interactions, yet I

had to admit how impressed I was when he expressed his true emotions. In reality no one wants to write or speak honestly about privilege and marginalization or its cherished fantasies and traditions. But there needs to be an uprooting of how the privileged marginalize others. This separates us from being the people that God wants us to be. When we confront the realities that are buried beneath the surface of racism we will be able to see through the eyes of God. And it is only through God will we be able to overcome privileged oppression.

A scripture that stands out for me is the story of the Good Samaritan in which three men were defined as privileged. The first, a priest, saw the battered man and crossed over to the other side of the road, the second, a Levite, observed and then went to the other side of the road. Last was the Samaritan who got down off his donkey and cleaned up the marginalized man. He then took him to an inn, left money, and promised he would follow up on his return. Many privileged people think that when they cut a check for charity that should be good enough. But the Good Samaritan understood the importance of following up and staying connected. (con’t on page 4)

We still have a lot of work to do and our class discussion demonstrated that we can talk about what defines privilege and marginalization. However, as an African American, I feel discussing the black Christian experience is long overdue. Our experience does have a sense of worth and our theological education must not only include what has been written and taught by whites but also the voice blacks and others when it comes to Christian ministry experience and great leaders.

As part of this work, I will share my own extensive story or journey to help create wholeness that can heal. I will work to expose ignorance and have enough grace to listen to others when they need space to express their frustration. I want to make a mutual space for listening without judging—none of us can afford to suffer in silence. Sharing the burden of the marginalized will produce opportunities that allow growth. I am going to continue to pray that people meet Jesus as I continue to be an active listener. I am going to take the time to meditate, fight for justice, show love, refrain from vengeance, and follow Jesus.

WHILE IT CAME AS A PUBLIC STATEMENT OF RESPONSE to the violent shooting at Emmanuel AME Church it can also serve as the backbone for our perspective on power inequities and injustice. President Deana Porterfield and Dean Doug Cullum articulate a response that defies silence and comes from our core identity and the heritage of which we are stewards.

Alma McKee, M.Div. ‘13, D.Min. student, chaplain at Highland Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.

Our core values have something to say: ■ We are rooted in a deep and sustained

engagement with biblical and historic Christianity and the ethic of Jesus—this rich tradition teaches us that there is no place for hate, targeting or oppression of others

■ We affirm and learn from each person regardless of affiliation, ethnicity, gender or age—this means respect for others and listening well to all people; a broad scope of perspectives shared with respect fosters growth

■ We cultivate an aptitude for theological reflection about the central questions of life—including power, inequality and privilege

Our theological perspective gives us language: ■ God loves all of creation; God is the creator and

preserver of all things, both visible and invisible ■ Our heritage can be traced to John Wesley

whose pastoral passion included not just personal piety but social action as well

■ Though humankind was created in the image of God and endowed with spiritual life, the disobedience of the first human parents resulted in rebellion against God, so that we are very far removed from original righteousness; by ourselves we cannot turn and obey God; the Spirit of God must prepare us to seek forgiveness and spiritual renewal by awakening us from sin, calling us to repentance and faith, and graciously enabling us to do so

Our denominational roots have given us the DNA which compels us to respond:

■ Our founder, B.T. Roberts, was a persistent, articulate leader in the anti-slavery movement of the 19th century; he and his colleagues in ministry provided a relentless flow of dialogue and public discourse in defense of equality, liberty and justice for all, regardless of race, class or gender

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■ The Christian denomination, schools and organizations they founded were—and continue to be—characterized by the distinctives of commitment to social justice and diversity

So what we should do in response to the shooting in a Charleston church? The media and political voices are often contradictory, inflammatory and confusing. Should we even attempt an answer? Should we step into a debate? Perhaps as a start, we can listen to the echoes from our own charter, and hear an unmistakable call for action: to lament, to confess and to implore.

This is a call to lament— ■ The brokenness between races that continues

to bubble up in our society ■ The history of oppression and inequality

among people that has shaped the culture of our nation

■ The present displays of injustice that are rooted in, and are living expressions of, the myth of the superiority of one people group over another

This is a call to confess— ■ Particularly among the most privileged of our

culture—Caucasian males—that many of us

register

Rochester Thursday, Sept. 17 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester Tuesday, Oct. 27 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester

Tuesday, Dec. 1 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester

PAGE 5

have lived too willingly with blinders, a form of faulty thinking that cause us to believe that deep racism has already been dealt with

■ Of our complicity in the problem by not being actively engaged and aware

■ Of our solidarity with the past and its failure, and our need to confess and seek justice; it’s never too late

This is a call to implore— ■ God’s healing for our brokenness, sinfulness,

and willful, unthoughtful ignorance ■ God’s grace and healing for the victims of

Charleston and their families ■ God’s restoration of hearts and minds to

enable a perspective that sees and treats all people according to their true worth as persons created in the image of God

The fact that the ravaging beasts of violence, racism, oppression and injustice have once again roared and murdered innocent people is a news story; but, sadly, it is not a new story. It is as old as the third chapter of Genesis. It is a jarring reminder that human depravity and the power of evil are real issues which continue to stain human history, the American Story, and even the mission of the Church of Christ. But God, in infinite love has provided redemption and grace through the Son, Jesus Christ. In the Kingdom opened by Christ and in Christ, we are guided by a Hope that shines bright. The people of Mother Emmanuel AME Church, who gathered the Sunday after, in praise and worship in spite of their grief, have also shown us that living hope in their graceful and forgiving words. May we join them and learn from them, even as we lament, confess and implore God’s mercy on us all.

This statement can also be found here.

IN HER PRESENTATION, PRACTICAL THEOLOGY OF PRIVILEGE, POWER AND INEQUALITY, Christena Cleveland shared the following story.

A typhoon had temporarily stranded a monkey on an island. In a secure, protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current. It seemed obvious to the monkey that the fish was struggling and in need of assistance. Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.

A tree precariously dangled over the spot where the fish seemed to be struggling. At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down and snatched the fish from the threatening waters. Immediately scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground. For a few moments the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into a peaceful rest.

Joy and satisfaction swelled inside the monkey. He had successfully helped another creature.

In pursuit of reconciliation the monkey needs to stand in solidarity with the fish. Likewise we will need to ask how we have been the monkey and how we can and will stand with others.

It can mean death to cultural privilege, insistence on that privilege, obsession with upward mobility, comfort, and being center stage. From death there is resurrection and reconciliation straddles both—life and death.

To get DVDs of this and other sessions at the Power, Inequality and Reconciliation in the Church Conference contact rambuski_maria@nes.edu.

register

Buffalo Thursday, Sept. 10 6:00—7:30 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville Thursday, Oct. 22 6:00—7:30 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville Syracuse Tuesday, Nov. 17 4:30—6:00 p.m. 1419 Salt Springs Rd, Syracuse

register

Rochester Thursday, Sept. 17 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester Tuesday, Oct. 27 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester

Tuesday, Dec. 1 6:00—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester

D.Min. students join classmate Marlowe Washington (center) in solidarity as he is interviewed at a press conference following the tragedy at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

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Lida Merrill

The 2015 Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Lida Merrill, on Tuesday, June 15. Merrill received her Master of Arts degree in 2006 and has dedicated years of service to the dignified life-affirming, care of people with disabilities.

In her role as director of spiritual life at Heritage Christian Services, one of New York State’s top service providers for people with disabilities, her commitment to a team approach that is guided by the Holy Spirit is evident in her work. Whether creating meaningful devotional material, designing and hosting retreats, or offering palliative and end of life care, she is a central force in a dynamic team of people who provide spiritual support, not only to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, but to the people who serve them as well.

When asked about her ministry she notes: “People with disabilities have much to teach others about being fully human and being made in the image of God. All people have gifts and talents. Our local churches need the gifts of people with disabilities and a community that embraces all of God's children is richer and in line with how Jesus lived and included.”

The Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who exemplify faithful service in ministry and 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.

July 1—July 17, 2016

Follow the footsteps of Jesus, study the Bible from the shores of Galilee, experience the geographical and cultural context of being in the field, enjoy meals at the Kibbutz, and examine archaeological evidences.

Take a 17-day trip to the Holy Land with Northeastern Seminary in association with Jerusalem University College. Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and institutional leadership can earn two graduate level credits or audit the course. The cost of $5,000 includes travel, lodging, meals, tips/entrance fees, class materials/maps, and instruction. Current students are eligible for a travel scholarship. Credits will be applied to Northeastern Seminary masters degrees. For trip details and application instructions call 585.594.6807 .

Northeastern Seminary Community Chapel is moving away from pre-planned “themes” for worship that have been used in the past. Chapels offered at the Rochester campus will be lead by various Christian faith leaders from the area and can have a worship or educational focus.

Students at the Albany, Buffalo, and Syracuse sites will be introduced to Alumni Prayer Connections in place of Community Chapels. In these sessions, local Seminary alumni will facilitate an evening of prayer and directed devotional. The intimate settings at each location will allow students to interact and build relationships with alumni in their respective communities.

Members of the spiritual life team from Heritage Christian

Services join their colleague Lida Merrill for the award

ceremony (top); Lida and Jim Merrill (bottom).

On July 22-25, the Heart of the Artist Pavilion at the Kingdom Bound Festival in Darien, N.Y. was home base for the youth ministry seminar series presented by Northeastern Seminary.

This year’s talks centered on the theme of “Unfiltered: Genuine Spiritual Identity,” and looked at how pastors and lay leaders can nurture an authentic development of spiritual identity in today’s cultural context. The 2015 youth ministry seminar series speakers included Joyce Wagner of Restoration Counseling, Denis Johnson, Jr. (M.Div,) of The Father’s House, and Jay Trainer (MAT ‘04) founder of Infuzion. Seminar attendees also received youth ministry activity kits to use in their youth groups or church. Total seminar attendance for the festival reached 480 youth leaders and teens.

Northeastern Seminary was also able to connect with hundreds of music fans at the Heart of the Artist talks held daily featuring recording artist KB, Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave, and Mark Hall of Casting Crowns to name a few. Get more information on Kingdom Bound and future festival dates.

October 5, 2015

In a focus on biblical studies Steve Delamarter and Beth Habecker team up as featured speakers on the following themes: What to do when God's Book of Creation Seems to Blindside God's Book of Scripture, True Prophets and Their Love for

Creation Theology, Research as Worship—Regenerating Nerves In the Heart, and Saving Ancient Ethiopian Manuscripts.

Delamarter, professor of Old Testament at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, has an interest in the integration of science and faith and teaches a course on "Cosmology and Spiritual Formation." He and his wife, Beth Habecker, a neuroscientist at Oregon Health and Sciences University, give presentations on "DNA and the Place of Humans in the Created Order."

Symposium details available soon at www.nes.edu.

Themes for Interactive Ministry October 19, 2015

Bobby Gruenewald, innovation pastor at LifeChurch.tv and co-founder of YouVersion.com, is speaker for a day that includes a leadership breakfast, community chapel, and plenary session focused on themes of interactive ministry. Prior to this role he started and sold two technology companies and consulted with start-ups on venture capital funds. His focus now is what God is doing in lives of people through the ministry each day, on being an effective leader, and on working aggressively to expand the Gospel around the world. With his team at LifeChurch Gruenewald built the popular YouVersion Bible app, now in 628 languages and downloaded over 145 million times. One of the leading voices in the Church as it relates to innovation and the use of technology, he challenges perspectives and encourages new ways to explore ideas. He was listed by Fast Company as one of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2011.

Events details available soon at www.nes.edu.

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Bobby Gruenewald, "Technology is not vital to the church, but an amazing tool for encouraging vitality."

Steve Delamarter (r) and Beth Habecker (l)

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November 2-4

In concert with the opening of the Crothers Science and Nursing Center this year’s Barnes Symposium looks at end of life issues from the ethical and theological standpoint as well as the practical side of hospice and palliative care. Laura Hogan, senior nurse practitioner specializing in palliative and hospice care at the University of Rochester and John Kilner, director of the bioethics program and professor of bioethics and contemporary culture at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School will keynote the lectures, chapel, and classroom presentations. Lectures and chapels are open to the public. Details will be available at this link.

Nurturing the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy With Others November 6-7, 2015

Nurturing the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy with others, is this year’s theme for the Seminary’s capstone spiritual formation event held each fall. This gathering of students, alumni, leadership, faculty, and staff occurs November 6-7 at Notre Dame Retreat Center in Canandaigua, N.Y.

While most of the program occurs on Saturday, there is an option to arrive Friday evening for vespers, fellowship, and an overnight stay at the center. This year’s retreat speaker is Damian Zynda, Christian formation director at the Church of the Transfiguration in Pittsford, N.Y. More details to come at www.nes.edu.

Student News Robert Engler (MAT) accepted an appointment as senior pastor at Penfield Wesleyan Church. Engler will begin his pastoral duties at the end of August.

August 11-14 marks the beginning of the New York Western First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ annual Institute of Christian Education (I.C.E). Institute Chairman Dr. Kenneth W. Newman (M.Div.) will be hosting this event at Roberts Wesleyan College, along with featured guest speakers Dr. Doug Cullum, Northeastern Seminary vice president and dean, and Louis Colon Sr. (MAT ‘04), preaching pastor at Edgewood Free Methodist Church.

Alumni News Jonathan Bratt (CAPS ‘15) will be a featured speaker at the Iron Sharpens Iron conference to be held at Pearce Memorial Church on October 24, 2015. Bratt’s talk is titled, “Which Way Does a Man Grow?” He will be joined by national and local speakers at this one-day conference for men.

Founded by Amy Smith (MATSJ ‘15), Freelancing Hope is a new ministry dedicated to providing individuals and organizations with resources needed to create a safe environment for children and vulnerable adults. Connect with Freelancing Hope on Facebook.

Mary Van Houten (MAT ’14) has accepted a faculty position as a theology teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women in Rochester, N.Y.

John F. Kilner’s lectures for the Barnes Symposium will

draw from among the books he has authored.

Damian Zynda

Amy Smith

Kenneth W. Newman

PAGE 9

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

Tunya Griffin (M.Div. ’13) has accepted a position as Marketview Heights Collective Action Project Leader at NYCC VISTA AmeriCorps with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The goals of this role include educating youth on physical and creative arts, nutrition, employment training, and eliminating poverty barriers to quality food and education.

Founding pastor Robert Tice (D.Min. ‘12) of RiverRock Church in Buffalo, N.Y., will be hosting The Forgiveness Project on Saturday, August 1, 2015. This free training workshop features guest speaker Dr. Rev. Mike Barry, thought leader and author, and includes sessions centralized around forgiveness and its influence on health.

Sheritta Williams (MAT ‘11) continues her theological studies this fall at Duke University in Durham, N.C. on track for earning a Ph.D.

Phil Schultz (M.Div. ‘10) along with his wife Anne, celebrated the birth of their second child Micah William on July 6, 2015.

Robert Bagley (MAT ‘05) recently self-published a book available on Amazon.com titled “Lessons Learned … From a Corporate Guy Who Left His Job To Sell On Amazon Full Time.”

Rev. Grace O. Douglass (M.Div. ‘04) was ordained on July 12, 2015 at an ordination ceremony at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, featuring guest speaker Rev. Dr. Frederick Johnson, Sr. (MAT ‘01, D.Min. ‘07).

On October 3, Jay Trainer (MAT ‘04) will speak at the Wesleyan Church of Hamburg in Buffalo, N.Y. as part of the Iron Sharpens Iron national men’s conference. His seminar titled “Living as Culture Changers” is dedicated to reaching younger conference attendees ages 13-19.

Faculty and Staff News

Contributing author of Reason and Religious Belief: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion and professor of philosophy and ethics, Dr. David Basinger, announced that this philosophy of religion textbook will be translated into Arabic. Earlier editions have been translated into Persian and Chinese.

Dr. Doug Cullum, vice president and dean, participated in an interfaith panel to discuss racism, reconciliation, and the future on June 25 at Asbury First United Methodist Church in Rochester, N.Y. This dialogue was the first of three community discussions scheduled through summer 2015. Cullum was also featured speaker at Lighthouse Christian Camp’s Keen Kamp in July. His teaching for the week included daily Bible study and scriptural meditation moments. Lighthouse Christian Camp is a family-oriented Free Methodist camp in Barker, N.Y. Read more about Cullum’s speaking here.

Dr. Nelson J. Grimm, director of field education and professor of applied theology, will be speaking at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Niagara Falls, N.Y. on August 1 and Cornerstone Church in Pembroke, N.Y. on September 6.

Dr. J. Richard Middleton, professor of biblical worldview and exegesis, continues to gain recognition for his book “A New Heaven and a New Earth.” Recent awards include: the Canadian organization for Christian writers World Guild Award for best book in the Biblical Studies category, Best Theology Book of 2014 from Englewood Review of Books, and 2014 Books of the Year for Core Theology from Jesus Creed. Review a complete list of recent recognitions, including a special award from former faculty member Dr. Nijay Gupta here.

Jay Trainer