Graduation 2014 · Story of Israel. Members of the on-campus faculty will take a leading role in...
Transcript of Graduation 2014 · Story of Israel. Members of the on-campus faculty will take a leading role in...
P A G E 1
Austin Grad
is a
community
of scholars
and students
seeking
to know,
understand,
and practice
the
Christian faith.
UPDATEV O L U M E 1 0 4 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 N E W S L E T T E R
Graduation 2014The Austin Graduate School of Theology Commencement was held May 18, 2014 at the Brentwood Christian School Center for Science and the Arts. After a welcome by President Reid, Dr. Daniel Napier led the invocation, and Dr. Keith Stanglin led “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”
Dr. James Thompson, currently the Robert and Kay Onstead Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University and editor of “Restoration Quarterly,” gave the commencement address. He urged the graduates “not to lose heart,” reminding them graduation is a time of transition—a time to look back and to look forward—as new doors open. Quoting Paul, Dr. Thompson encouraged them to un-derstand their real credentials will be the lives that they have a part in changing. Dr. Stan Reid, Mr. Fred Strietelmeier, Dr. Jeffrey Peterson, and Dr. Keith Stanglin participated in the presentation of diplomas.
Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Christian Studies — Roy F. Jones
Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies — Michelle Renae Griffin, James Raegan Hays, Henry Williams Mitchell, Jr., Jason E. Niesing, Jared Michael Taylor
Master of Arts in Theological Studies — James Ponnolil Abraham, Malartha Bosier, Joe C. Drisdale, Thomas Scott Elliott, George David Gordon, Ronald Raybern Hall, Andrea Kalea Hendrick, Spencer L. W. Prather, David N. Streeter, Ambre C. Tandy, Philip Andrew Vick
A charge to the graduating class, led by a member of the Board of Trustees, was followed by “The Church’s One Foundation” led by Dr. Stanglin, with a benediction by Dr. Mark Shipp concluding the commencement.
P A G E 2 P A G E 3
Student
Association
Officers
for
2014-15
Abel SalazarPresident
Wesley RelifordVice President
Jared Brock
Secretary
Phillip BandaTreasurer
Graduation 2014 ONLINE BACHELOR of ARTS DEGREE BEGINS THIS FALLONLINE BACHELOR of ARTS DEGREE BEGINS THIS FALL
Theological education in the United States is changing, and Austin Grad is chang-ing with it. In April, AGST announced the launch of an online BA degree-completion program in the fall semester of 2014 and began recruiting students for this program.
“The initial goal is to enroll 10–15 new un-dergraduate students whose circumstanc-es do not permit them to take advantage of Austin Grad’s on-campus BA degree program in Christian Studies,” explained Jeff Peterson, faculty and interim online BA coordinator.
The announcement follows more than a year of study and deliberation by the ad-ministration, board, and faculty, including consultation with peer institutions and experts in online education. “Our hope is that making an undergraduate degree available to students online will allow us to expand the scope of our mission geo-graphically and generationally,” said Presi-dent Stan Reid.
The initial online course offerings will fo-cus on the courses required for the BA ma-jor. Courses scheduled for offer in the fall
semester include Research and Writing in Theology, Jesus and the Gospels, and the Story of Israel.
Members of the on-campus faculty will take a leading role in the development and offer of these courses, with additional fac-ulty members (both full- and part-time) to be recruited as growth in enrollment war-rants. Peterson said an initial staffing goal for the 2014–15 academic year is to iden-tify a permanent online BA coordinator to oversee the administration of the program.
Research and Writing in Theology will be taught by Todd Hall, AGST library director. He holds the MATS from AGST and MLIS from North Texas State University.
Jesus and the Gospels will be taught by Jeff Peterson, Jack C. and Ruth Wright Profes-sor of New Testament (MA, ACU; MDiv., Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD, Yale University)
Story of Israel will be taught by Les Malo-ney, BA, Lubbock Christian University; MA, Harding School of Theology; PhD, Baylor University.
For more information call Austin Grad toll free: (866) AUSGRAD (287-4723) or in Austin (512) 476-2772. The email address is [email protected] or check our website www.austingrad.edu.
Dr. Keith Stanglin hooding Malartha Bosier
Dr. Jeff Peterson
Joan and Fred Weaver with Thomas Scott Elliott
Dr. James ThompsonDr. Stan Reid presenting to James Raegan Hays
P A G E 4 P A G E 5
This issue of Update gives attention to our recent graduation ceremony and an-nual Sermon Seminar. Before I comment on those events, I want to say farewell to the past editor of our newsletter and welcome the new one.
Cynthia Agnell served well as the editor of Update for several years. Cynthia con-tinues to volunteer at our school. Her service and friendship is a blessing.
We welcome Carol Gafford as Cynthia’s successor. Carol, like Cynthia, is an alumna of Austin Grad. Carol will bring a nice touch to this important work of keeping our alumni, friends, and part-ners informed about the good things happening at our school.
As mentioned above we recently hosted two events that were vivid reminders of our mission to promote knowledge, un-derstanding, and practice of the Chris-tian faith by equipping Christians and churches for service in the Kingdom of God. On a sunny Sunday afternoon we watched 17 candidates for graduation walk the stage. We pray that God will protect and empower these graduates to be faithful and effective servants in the church.
The day after graduation over 90 people assembled for the 33rd annual Sermon Seminar. Participants came from Texas and across the country. Challenging Bible study, fellowship, and the need for refreshment bring them here. Bible class teachers, as well as preachers, benefit greatly from what is offered.
Excellent lectures were presented by Jim Martin, Glenn Pemberton, Keith Stanglin, James Thompson, and Phil Thompson. John Harp made a lunch presentation describing how the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ in San Antonio partners with Austin Grad.
Sermon Seminar is another way that our
school fulfills its mission to serve the church by equipping its preachers and teachers. This year I invited Austin Grad alumni who hold our master’s degree to deliver the homilies at the worship times. Scott Elliott, Charlie Johanson, Greg Neill, Matt Porter, Allen Ritchie and Allan Stanglin all made presenta-tions that confirmed how well prepared they are.
I estimate that every Sunday about 2000 people hear these six men preach and teach. Multiply that by the number of people influenced by those 2000 and we see how far reaching the work done at Austin Grad is. Broaden that to in-clude the service of all those who have studied here and we see that the good influence and growth is exponential.
One final comment about this edition of Update is needed. At the center of the newsletter is the section titled “In Grateful Appreciation.” It is on those pages that we express our gratitude to the individuals, churches and founda-tions that partner with us in our mis-sion. Their generosity makes it possible for Austin Grad to fulfill its mission. To everyone listed on those pages I say a sincere thank you. We pray that we are mutually blessed and that everything accomplished at Austin Grad is done in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, and to the glory of God.
from the President
On a sunny
Sunday afternoon
we watched 17
candidates
for graduation
walk the stage.
We pray that God
will protect and empower
these graduates
to be faithful
and effective servants
in the church.
We pray that we
are mutually blessed
and that everything
accomplished at
Austin Grad is done
in the name of Jesus,
through the power
of the Spirit,
and to the glory of God.
Friends’ Day
Stan Reid — President
David Boone
Wayne Kruchten
Board Chair —Fred Strietelmeier
Jack Wright & Stan ReidSpecial Recognition
Refreshments Board Member —Karen Weber
“Something special happens every Friends’ Day,” according to Stan Reid. He must be right, for the gathering on April 26 of friends at Austin Grad was a great day! From the first cup of coffee to con-versations with others equally interested in Austin Grad, the energy was obvi-ous. (When even the details of a board meeting capture interest, you know it’s a good day!)
Worship was followed by three stu-dents—David Boone, Cal Reed, Wayne Kruchten—who shared their personal journeys that led them to Austin Grad and their plans for the future.
Jack Wright and Dave Arthur were hon-ored for their years of support, leader-ship, and care for the school.
Pictures below provide a visual story.
Stan Reid & Dave ArthurSpecial Recognition
Cal Reed
P A G E 6 P A G E 7
with grateful Appreciation...ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THOSE WHO HAVE GRACIOUSLY GIVEN IN SUPPORT
OF AUSTIN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY
KEEPERS of the FLAMENon-Monthly Donors
Tim and Linda Appleton
Barry and Lisa Arndt
Jeff and Debra Bailey
Ernie and Lula Baker
Frank Balch
Jasper H. Barrett
Iva Lea Barton
Albert and Norma Bergeron
David and Leah Blackburn
Lester and Wilma Boyer
Bill and Carole Bradley
George and Bea Bradshaw
Ranald S. Calili (BA ‘99)
James Campbell
Robert (MA ’06) and Rebecca Castro
Ronald Cobb
Don and Sue Conder
Seth Cowan
Sandra Cox
Dan (BS ’84) and Valerie Creech
John and Kory Cummings
Donald G. Davis, Jr.
Thomas and Sylvia Duncan
William and Sue Easter
Garner and Deborah Ezell, Jr.
Florence Franks
Melissa Gay
Binyam Gebrehanna
Wyatt and Helen Givens
Thomas and Penny Griffy
Calvin and Becky Groen
Preston and Marsha Harper
Ed and Peggy Holley
The Estate of Frances Horn
Sheryl Horn
Dale Horton (BA ’85)
Charles Hudson
Margaret Ann Hughes
John and Frances Hunter
Billy and Dixie Hurd
Marion and Barbara John
Ray (BA ’87) and Anna Beth Kahre
Gerald and Marjorie Kendrick
Bill and Leslie Kjellstrand
Felix (BS ’93) and Lenora Kneuper
Terry Koonce
Chris and Cindy Lippe
William and Marilyn Mathews
Jim and Dorothy McCall
Tim and Terri McGraw
Jon and Melinda McLain
Maurice (BS ’86) and Linda (BS ’88) Millican
Henry Mitchell, Jr. (MA ’14)
June Moore
Hugh and Marianne Morgan
Lois Murphy
Leta Nicholas
Robert and Carol Ann Paddock
George and Patsy Patton
James and Barbara Penland
Debra Perkins
Bobbye Petty
Keith (BS ’86) and Renee Porter
Jack Pratt
Bill and Karen Quigley
John and Becki Ramsey
Donald and Gerene Raney
John (MS ’09) and Betty Ann Reid
Robby and Annyce Rhodes
Joe and Ann Ritchie
Rudy and Aven Rountree
Ike and Margaret Sawyer
Ann Seaman
Lou Seckler
Joe Shaver
James and Patricia Smith
Kris and Karen Southward
Becky Stewart
George and Annette Stillwagon
Chuck and Angela (BS ’02) Thier
Gary and Nancy Thompson
Mark and Celeste Thompson
Geraldine Timmerman
Terry and Sue Tottenham
James and Frances Uzzell
Norbert (MA ’07) andHelen Vazquez
Harvey and Martha (MA ’05) Walker
Wayne and Regan Walker
Newton Ward
Paul and Virginia Watson
William and Lois Watson
Earle and Tommie Ann West
Gwen White
John Wiegand
Bennie and Wylene Williams
Tim and Diane Williams
Aubrey Wilson
Robert and Sandra Woodrow
Jack Wright
James and Mildred Wyatt
LIGHTBEARERSMonthly Donors
Dave and Caroline Arthur
Tom (MA ’05) Brown
Bob and LaJuana Burgess
Robert Cairns
John (BA ’06) and Kimberly Cardenas
Jerry and Sheila Christian
Garrett (BA ’82) andLee Ann Cogswell
John and Billie Davis
Jarrod and Sarah Dyer
Keith and Melissa Engman
Bruce and Jane Evans
Frankie Fowler (MA ’08)
Kevin and Donna Fraser
William and Mary Lou Free
David and Amy Fuller
M. Todd Hall (BA ’00, MA ’02)
Neil and Marsha Haney
Frances Horn (deceased)
Marshall and Margie Jennings
Miles Kaltenbaugh
Joe and Renee Kennell
Rodney and Lawanna Lloyd
Brooks and Mary Ann Loveless
Allan and Patricia McNicol
Rob and Mica McNicol
Arthur and Marilou Moseley
Ottie and Fran Olson
Stan and Laynne Reid
Mark and Sheree Shipp
Dan and Lynn Snow
Matt (BS ’89) and Angela Soper
Michael (BA ’01, MA ’03) and Valerie Sutton
Al and Ivy Taylor
Lonnie and Debbie Vickers
Dan Watson
Fred and Joan Weaver
Karen Weber
Robert and Sara Jane White
Robert and Lynne Williams
MEMORIAL GIFTSWyman BalfourNewton Ward
Marjorie BarnettBilly and Gene Perkins
Delyte BaughJames and Barbara Penland
Cloyce BennettFalba Depuy
Jim BeyerLori Bellows
Joe BullockStan and Laynne Reid
Carey ChastainAnn Sherrow
Melvin CourtneyLoyd and Diane Hall
Newton Ward
Eliose DiehlRobert and Laurie Diehl
Glorah Viola EasterlingJeffrey Peterson
James W. HeflinStan and Faith Rumph
Jerry HertJerry and Sheila Christian
Frances HornDean and Caren AtkinsJim and Linda BennettJoe and Mary Bowles
Susan BreitschopfBill and Frances Carroll
Concan Church of ChristJoe and Nancy CopeAnnelie DanielowskyBruce and Jane EvansBob and Mazi Hamric
Neil and Marsha HaneyHighland Church of Christ
Darrell and Pam HornSheryl HornJo McDavid
Ray and Kay McGlothlinAllan and Patricia McNicol
Marvin and Joyce MoosJohn and Jo Ellen Oliver
Oscar and Fran OlsonBarry and Rhonda Pupella
Phyllis PuryearJohn P. Ramsey
Anthony and Dana Lynn RectorStan and Laynne Reid
Paul and Rebekah RiddleLeta Robinson
Weston and Shirley RoeTerry and Brenda StremmelUniversity Avenue Church
of ChristKaren Weber
Gloria WeisenbergerBarbara WhiteDenise WhiteJulia Willhoite
Randall and Diana Yarbrough
Mladen JovanovicJulia (Warren) Willhoite
Luella KesslerDan and Lynn Snow
Ed LathamSue Latham
Abraham J. MalherbeEverett and Nancy Ferguson
Beverly MartinJoe and Renee KennellStan and Laynne Reid
University Avenue Churchof Christ
Gary MillikanNeil and Marsha Haney
James and Barbara Penland
Lynda MorrisonRobert and Laurie Diehl
Jerry A. MyrickJoe and Renee Kennell
Claud ParrishStan and Laynne Reid
Dorothy Jim PlemonsStan and Laynne Reid
Ilean RadebaughDan and Lynn Snow
Weldon ReidIva Lea Barton
Roland and Jean BeasleyMike and Susan Blevins
Falba DepuyChris and Gene Ann Frizzell
Neil and Marsha HaneyJoe and Renee Kennell
Bennie ManisRoy and Juanice Robinson
Mark and Sheree ShippDan and Lynn Snow
Fred and Sondra StrietelmeierKaren Weber
John and Rhonda WilsonDavid and Melinda Worley
Ed RosenquistYvonne Rosenquist
Ben ShilcuttMary Shilcutt
G. H. P. ShowalterJames and Margaret Goodnight
W. A. SloanWilla Patterson
Fern StrietelmeierNeil and Marsha Haney
Karen Weber
Gloria ThroneberryDan and Lynn Snow
Roy Walker, Sr.Annelie Danielowsky
Gordon DoigThomas and Penny Griffy
Charles and Janice McCulloughWeston and Shirley Roe
University Avenue Church of Christ
Frances WhiteDan and Paula Caudell
East Park Church of ChristHoosier National Forest–
Bedford OfficeRobert and Peggy McKechnie
Joyce Ping
Mike WhiteJames and Ruth Siddens
Hubert WilliamsEllen Uthe
Dorothy Williams
James WrightJoe and Renee Kennell
Ruth WrightMildred Covalt
Gary and Nancy Thompson
LIVING HONORSBarry and Karen Alexander
Bill and Cynthia Agnell
Dave and Caroline ArthurOttie and Fran Olson
Roger and Mary Beth McCownRoger L. McCown
Allan McNicolRon and Karen Hall
Daniel NapierGloria Weisenberger
Stan and Laynne ReidOttie and Fran Olson
Michael and Libby Weed
Michael WeedRon and Karen Hall
David and Melinda WorleyMichael and Libby Weed
Jack WrightTim and Judith McKee
Gary and Nancy Thompson
CORPORATIONS/FOUNDATIONS
AT&T United Way/Employee Giving Campaign
Austin Community Foundation
Donate for a Cause, Inc.
Exxon/Mobil Foundation
Fidelity Charitable
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Justin Paul Foundation
Koonce Family Foundation
The Lubrizol Foundation
Semplastics LLC
Snow Oil and Gas
Texas Instruments Foundation
WaterStone
Timeless AUDIO PROJECT
Bill and Cynthia (MA ’08) Agnell
Barry and Karen Alexander
Linvel (MA ’07) and Shirley Baker
Jack and Joann Boyd
Michele Broadway
Hugh Cliett
Randall and Debra Daw
Jack and Debbie Dorman
Hugh and Elaine Gainey
Thomas and Penny Griffy
Larry Hall
Ron and Karen Hall
Todd Hall
Mark and Samjung Hamilton
Neil Haney
Ray and Mary Herrold
Holland Street Church of Christ
Kurt and Debbie Holman
Brent Hughes
Paul and Julie Keim
Joe and Renee Kennell
Felix (BS ’93) and Lenora Kneuper
Debbie Koehn
Daniel Merrell
Douglas Miller
Michael Morgan
Greg and Kris Neill
Gary and Krista Pendergrass
Michael and Lynda Pierce
Jack Reese
Stan and Laynne Reid
Linda Riedesel
Gerald and Gina Shipp
Mark and Sheree Shipp
Dan and Lynn Snow
Mark and Ruth Ann Somervell
Scott Starbuck
Becky Stewart
Chandy and Leena Verghese
Harvey andMartha (MA ’05) Walker
Michael and Libby Weed
Robert and Lynne Williams
Tim and Jan Willis
Mel and Judy Witcher
Linda Woodrow
Robert and Sandra Woodrow
David Worley
Jack Wright
CHURCHESAndrews Church of Christ
Bering Drive Church of Christ, Houston
Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Austin
Daugherty Street Church of Christ, Eastland
Gatesville Church of Christ
Georgetown Church of Christ
Hillcrest Church of Christ, Arlington
Holland Street Church of Christ, San Marcos
La Vernia Church of Christ
Lockhart Church of Christ
Pond Springs Church of Christ, Austin
Salado Church of Christ
Smithwick Church of Christ, Marble Falls
Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, San Antonio
University Avenue Church of Christ, Austin
Western Hills Church of Christ, Austin
This list represents gifts received from Nov 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014
P A G E 8 P A G E 9
With almost every seat filled and a strong sense of community and anticipation, the 33rd annual Ser-mon Seminar began. Jack Wright led the opening prayer, and worship was led by Matt Porter.
Dr. James Thompson is the Asso-ciate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, chair of the Graduate Department of Bible and Ministry, and Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University. His BA and MA are from ACU, with his
PhD from Vanderbilt University. Prior to his coming to ACU, he served as professor and President of Aus-tin Graduate School of Theology. Addressing his top-ic, Rediscovering the Church, Dr. Thompson suggest-ed the church does have a lot to account for since too often our understanding of the church is taken from models in the world. He reminded us that “you” in Paul’s letters to churches is not singular. Though we are brought together as strangers, Christ began a good work in “y’all.” Emphasizing we are more than a collection of individuals, he urged us to recapture the essence of being the body of Christ, not measured by human standards, not like any oth-er creation or model, but a new humanity.
Dr. Glenn Pemberton teaches Old Testament classes, including De-votional and Wisdom Literature of the OT and Introduction to Exege-sis. He serves as Chair of the De-partment of Bible, Missions, and Ministry. His PhD is from the Uni-
versity of Denver/Iliff School of Theology. Address-ing “After Lament: Psalms for learning to trust again,” Dr. Pemberton suggested that in our lament we set the forms for the conversations – the prayers, the questions, the struggle to solve difficulties. And “when lament is over, and we didn’t get what we asked for, then the getting to trust prepares us for “no” and a readiness to trust our God.”
Dr. Jim Martin, Vice President of the Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee, addressed Social Media as a Ministry Tool.
Dr. Philip Thompson earned his DMin at Harding University Grad-uate School and now teaches classes in Homiletics and Ethics at Harding. Believing these issues are basically overlooked in our churches today, he called for rele-
vant sermons on contemporary bioethical issues. While sermons based on these topics may be un-comfortable for both preacher and pew, Dr. Thomp-son insisted the church must examine biblical prin-ciples applicable to these issues if we are to make ethical decisions. As responsible Christians, he strongly suggests we provide biblical and relevant teaching through specifically designed Bible classes. Believing these issues may possibly affect many of us through family and friends, preparation from a Chris-tian perspective is essential.
Dr. Keith Stanglin is an Associate Professor of Scripture and Histori-cal Theology, Austin Graduate School of Theology. His MDiv is from Harding University Graduate School of Theology, and he re-ceived a PhD from Calvin Theo-
logical Seminary in Reformation and Post-Reforma-tion Theology. His topic: “The Restoration of God’s People: Preaching from Acts.” His opening claim: “Acts is our book,” referring to churches of Christ, “we’ve got Acts,” and we come with an opinion and certain expectations. Describing Acts as a “canon within the canon,” or our “plan of salvation,” Dr. Stanglin suggests our treatment of Acts causes us to “overlook too much before Acts and even in the five steps.” The question, “Where are we now?” emerg-es along with another question: “Where is the church? Do we need to hear Acts again?”
Extra Note: Dr. Allan McNicol has attended every Sermon Seminar since it began in 1981. He believes the success has been in the com-bination of serious Bible study and personal growth—a kind of inten-tional revival. Then he added,
“The Sermon Seminar is a place to come and get your tank filled.”
33rd Annual Sermon Seminar33rd Annual Sermon Seminar
The Bar-B-Q Line
Dr. Keith StanglinDr. James Thompson
Dr. Philip Thompson
Woody Woodrow & Charlie Johannson
Dr. Jeff Peterson
Dr. Jim Martin
P A G E 1 0 P A G E 1 1
Library Resources
News & NotesFrances Louise Oliver Horn
A wonderful friend of Austin Grad, Frances Horn passed away December 28, 2013 in Aus-tin, Texas at the age of 94. Born in San Antonio August 16, 1919 to Dick Rodrick Oliver and Frances Elizabeth Eoff Oliver, she grew up on a farm in Asherton, attended John Tarleton JC in Stephenville and moved to Austin in 1938 to work at the TEC. She married Norman Leon Horn on October 26, 1949. After her children were in school, Frances went to work at the Biblical Studies Center where she served 17 years as receptionist, secretary, librar-ian, bookkeeper, friend, counselor, and Mom. She was a devoted wife and mother for 32 years, a widow and grandmother for 32 years and a lifelong member of the University Avenue Church of Christ.
Frances is survived by two sons, Gary (Christina) Horn of O’Fallon, MO, and Darrell (Pam) Horn of Abilene, a daugh-ter Sheryl Horn of Austin, two grandsons, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren, and many other rela-tives and countless friends.
Memorials may be made to Horn Scholarship FundAustin Graduate School of Theology, 7640 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78752.
Library ResourcesA few years ago, Austin Grad’s David Worley Library hit a milestone: we passed 30,000 catalogued items. This is significant for many reasons, not least of which is the legacy it represents—the legacy of dedicated servants in their development of this library in the past. This legacy began with G.H.P. Showalter and others, and continues through Patrick Graham, Gary Holloway, Wade Osburn, and Jon Aho. Indeed, as a student at Austin Grad I have been a beneficiary of their careful stewardship, and I now count myself blessed to be caretaker of this legacy.
A part of the legacy of this library, as built by each of my predecessors, is dedicated service both to students and churches as well as the local community. In keeping with this commitment, Austin Grad’s library remains open to church members interested in theological research, and we invite you to make use of our facilities and resources. In addition, I am available to anyone interested in reference support in his or her own research.
And now, a couple of book recommendations:
Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God (New York: HarperCollins, 1997). Pro-fessor Daniel Napier taught a course on Willard this past Spring semester, and this book, so vital to Willard’s theol-ogy of spiritual transformation, is one to which I find myself returning again and again.
James K.A. Smith, Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation (Grand Rapids: Baker Aca-demic, 2009). In keeping with the theme of spiritual transformation, I highly recommend struggling with James Smith’s book. One will find it applicable to much more than formal theological education and worship: Ken Myers of Mars Hill Audio Journal suggests it could be a book for parenting as well.
M. Todd HallDirector of the Library
Austin Graduate School of Theology
A number of surveys involving both donors and charitable organizations indicate the primary reason people give is to support the mission of the organization. We find that to be true at Austin Grad.
A gift to Austin Grad must be pleasing to the donor as well as meaningful to the school. We often say to our donors, “We hope you get as much joy from giving as we do from receiving your gift.”
To assure our donors are pleased, we must first be certain our mission is worthy. We believe the mission of Austin Grad is blessed by God because its purpose is to equip people for service in his kingdom.
Our alumni serve far and wide. From the small rural church in Texas to the large metropolitan congregation in major cit-ies, you will find those who have studied at Austin Grad. You will also find them in remote corners of the United States and in some foreign mission sites.
Our mission statement reads:
To promote knowledge, understanding, and practice of the Christian faith by equipping Christians and churches for service in the kingdom of God.
This is a mission that never ages or goes out of date. God’s kingdom is everlasting and must be sustained by us, his servants.
We are eternally grateful for so many who believe in our mission and who have chosen to be part of it through their loyal and generous gifts. One of the most satisfying reasons to support Austin Grad is the long-range nature of the mis-sion. It is a mission that will continue and will be as dynamic in future years as it is now.
As you consider your charitable gifts, please continue to be a member of our team. If you have yet to do so, we ask you to make your gift now. Those who study at Austin Grad are very aware of the important support of visionary philan-thropists. Your support assures the highest level of instruction by the finest professors.
Your gifts enable some students to pursue their dream of attending Austin Grad without amassing the debt that can often accompany education. Scholarship funds established by thoughtful and generous friends are so important to these students.
Gifts given to the annual fund through Lightbearers and Keepers of the Flame serve a special purpose. They assure Aus-tin Grad has the resources to provide for the needs of its students and professors in providing the educational services each day of the school year. Gifts of all amounts and frequency are greatly appreciated.
There are other ways to support Austin Grad through visionary philanthropy. We will be happy to send you a brochure on one of the following subjects or to answer any questions you may have. We will gladly do so without obligation. Just call our office, send us a note, or email us.
· Pay for a Day: A Philanthropic Tradition· Gifts of Property: With Retained Life Estate· Guaranteed Income for Life: The Charitable Gift Annuity· Ensuring Your Wishes: A Guide to Your Will· Looking Beyond: Extending our faith and Christian values beyond our lives
Once again, we say “Thank You.” With God’s help and yours, Austin Grad and his kingdom will advance and bring honor to his name.
Neil Haney —Director of [email protected]
512-476-2772 ex 117
visionaryPhilanthropyVisionary Philanthropy at Austin Grad: It’s All About the Mission
UpdateUpdate is a periodic
publication of theAustin Graduate School
of Theology 7640 Guadalupe St.Austin, Texas 78752
Our mission is topromote knowledge,
understanding, and practice of the Christian faith by
equipping Christians and churches for service in the kingdom of God.
Toll-free: (866) AUSGRAD
In Austin: (512) 476-2772
Online: www.austingrad.edu
Editor: Carol Gafford [email protected]
Contributors for this issue:
Stan Reid, Neil Haney,Renee Kennell, Matt Porter,
Todd Hall, Jeff Peterson
Development: Neil Haney [email protected]
Library: Todd Hall
Update Volume 104 Spring/Summer 2014
AUGUST 25Convocation
AUGUST 25First Day of Classes
SEPTEMBER 1Labor Day Holiday
SEPTEMBER 17Constitution Day
NOVEMBER 27-28Thanksgiving Holidays
DECEMBER 12Last Day of Classes
DECEMBER 15-19Finals Week
DECEMBER 22Winter Break Begins
CALENDAR 2014
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