News from Sioux Falls Seminary http://www.sfseminary.edu http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=5 Sep 21, 2004
The new program is designed to provide maximum flexibility for men and women seeking church related vocations outside of ordained ministry. It provides advanced study in Bible and theology plus a focus on essential practical skills. Students entering the MACL are asked to choose from one of the six specializations:

Congregational Ministries: designed especially for some- one to serve in a congregational staff team ministry. Communication, leadership, and pastoral care skills are emphasized.

Worship Leadership: provides focused training in all aspects of congregational worship with a special emphasis on congregational music programs.

Educational Leadership: prepares one to lead a multi-generational educational program for the local congregation.

Youth Ministries: focuses on the effective development and administration of congregational youth programs.

Spiritual Direction: provides training in mentoring, spiritual formation, and the classical spiritual disciplines of the church.

Leadership Studies: provides an intensive study of the dynamics of effective organizational leadership, including the art of identifying and cultivating lay leadership within the congregation.

“We believe that this set of specializations will provide a well-rounded set of choices for men and women seeking to prepare themselves for team ministries in congregations as well as para-church ministries,” said Dean Leslie regarding the new program.

The MACL program is also intended to be one of the seminary’s most effective programs for students seeking to complete their programs at a distance from Sioux Falls. Up to half of the credits for the program can be taken through online courses, internships, or independent study. The remaining 31 hours can be completed through a cycle of classes in Sioux Falls.]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=15 Dec 28, 2004
In the fall of 1977, Ted Faszer returned to North American Baptist Seminary, after graduating from the school in ’71, to take up duties as Professor of Christian Education and to help the school develop its church music program. In the same year, Dr. Faszer began the annual “Messiah” concert which has become one of the most anticipated events of the Christmas season in Sioux Falls.

Outside the walls of the seminary, Ted is also an active presence in the community as President of the Sioux Falls Concerts Association, through PTA, as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, and as occasional interim pastor to area churches.

In sum, Ted Faszer has provided a quarter century of exceptional leadership to the seminary! Thus, it was especially appropriate that the seminary community join with Ted in celebrating this milestone at the President’s Chapel service in September.

Please pray for Ted as he begins a series of radiation treatments for prostate cancer.]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=16 Dec 28, 2004
Zimbelman started the practice as an adjunct to his teaching position at North American Baptist Seminary. Also in his time at NABS, he was responsible for starting the Master of Arts in Counseling degree program.

Today, Zimbelman’s vision for providing Christian counseling to the region is a success. Not only does the counseling center he created offer hope to its patients and clients, it also houses a Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic that serves as a training site for students in the Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling programs at NABS.

Sioux Falls Psychological Services is under the direction of Dee Wacker, Executive Director, and Nancy Wise-Vander Lee, Clinical Director. It is a multi-disciplinary group of mental health professionals who, from a Christian perspective, provide effective psychotherapy to a variety of clientele.

The Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Clinic housed at SFPS offers affordable counseling services to those in need. Run by Director Pam Beck, NABS alum, the MFT Clinic also gives students at NABS the opportunity to apply the principles they learn in the classroom to a clinical setting. This is a valuable resource, providing practical experience to students.

To learn more about SFPS, the MFT Clinic, or the Counseling or Marriage and Family Therapy degree programs at NABS, please call 1.800.440.6227 or visit sfpsychological.org or nabs.edu. ]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=11 Nov 04, 2004 A Season of Advent, is available for download or for review below.

November 28, 2004
A Season of Waiting
Ronald Sisk
Professor of Homiletics and Christian Ministry

"Then the angel departed from her,” just might be the most poignant line in the entire passage. You can almost hear Mary gulp. “OK, I’m going to have a baby…. What in the world do I do now?”

The mother-to-be finds things to fill her time. She goes on a family visit. She writes poetry. She sings out her hopes and dreams for her child in her praises to God. No doubt there were clothes to be made and things to be gathered.

But, most of all, Mary waits. In the Scripture waiting is never an idle process. The prophet Isaiah says those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Waiting connects us to the one for whom we wait. It anticipates the change that’s sure to come.

Every year in Advent we relive Mary’s waiting. With her we hear the promise of a Son. With her we dare to hope for better days to come. With her we realize with the passing months that the promise of the Kingdom calls us to be far more than mere passive recipients of God’s gift.

Christ can’t come without changing us. From the moment Mary heard the angel’s
promise, she realized that she could never be the same again. And neither can you or I.

So the ancient story is true again. Christ is coming. And you and I are called to play our part. With Mary, we’re called to risk everything. Wait!

Prayer: Grant us expectant hearts, O Lord. As Mary waited in growing certainty, so let us anticipate with joy the coming of your sovereign reign, through Christ. Amen.

December 5, 2004
A Season of Giving
Carol Woltjer
Director of Current Gifts and Grants, Leadership Foundation

Between the media and local merchants, it would be difficult to ignore the gift giving aspect of the holiday season. However, Christ calls us to look much deeper than a new shirt and tie for dad as we experience Advent as a season of giving.

With servant hearts, Joseph and Mary placed their complete trust in God and dedicated their lives to fulfilling His plan for them and us. They gave all they had in obedience to Him. People are people, regardless of the century. Therefore, the two of them were obviously targets of the Galilee gossip-Mary being with child while professing to be a virgin, and Joseph openly accepting and pledging his love to a pregnant woman.

When it was near time for the birth of their child, they left the comfort and familiar surroundings of their home to journey to Bethlehem completely trusting in God to provide. And, it was there in Bethlehem that the Christ child was born-a child given to them by God and one which they gave, without question, back to Him.

God wants that same obedience from us! Our natural response to God’s love should be to give of ourselves – not only money, but also time and talents. God loved us so much He gave His Son, but we seem a little more reluctant to make sacrifices. You may not think you have much to give, but chances are you have something - even if it is not financial - that will help someone else. Just cut down the distance between your words and your actions…and between your heart and your pocket.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it seems I don’t have much to give. Show me how you have blessed me, and how I can use those blessings to help those around me. Amen.

December 12, 2004
A Season of Surprises
Randy Tschetter
Director of Church Relations and Alumni, Leadership Foundation

Have you ever been surprised?  Back in the “olden days” when my children were being born,  we had to wait until our baby was actually born to know if the child was a boy or  a girl.  How excited I was on both occasions when I was told, “It’s a girl!” What wonderful surprises! 

On other occasions I have been surprised by an unexpected check in the mail or by a surprise birthday party or by a surprise visit from a good friend.  And how can I forget so many wonderful Christmas Eve celebrations —opening gifts and being surprised by a new toy or a sweater or tie or good book?

The story of Christ’s birth is filled with surprises. Mary was surprised when the angel Gabriel informed her that she had been chosen to be Jesus’ earthly mother.  Joseph was surprised when he learned that Mary would give birth to a son who would be conceived by the Holy Spirit.   The shepherds were surprised when angels lit up the night sky and announced to them that Jesus had been born in nearby Bethlehem.  The birth of a KING in an unsanitary cattle shed in tiny Bethlehem is certainly surprising.
 
 The real surprise of this Advent season, however, is not the gifts we will receive nor even the angels and shepherds and the lowly stable.  The real surprise of the Christmas story is the message of the Gospel.  God loves me in spite of my sinful and rebellious heart.
 
He loves us enough to provide the sacrifice for our sins and to redeem us back to Himself.  That indeed is a WONDERFUL SURPRISE. 

Prayer: Lord God,  we pray that during this Advent season, you will fill our hearts with fresh joy and excitement. Surprise us once again with the wonder of your grace and love for us.   Amen.

December 19, 2004
A Season of Seeking
Philip Thompson
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Heritage

By this time, it may be that the Magi’s quest and question have become our own, “Where is the child?” (v. 2) Many things compete for attention, threatening to crowd the Christ child from our consciousness. There is the “holiday season” surrounding us with stores, sales, and wish lists and with gatherings with friends and coworkers. “Christmas is gone before you know it!” we hear and raise the lament. There is life itself: the routine of church, family, and work that takes up time; the struggles and difficulties, the griefs and concerns, that accompany us whether we want them to or not. We wish we could put it all on “hold,” set Christmas aside from all distractions, and just adore the child. “Where is the child?”

It is to this circumstance that Scripture speaks. The Magi were directed toward Bethlehem, a “little town” we think of as lying in perpetual “deep and dreamless sleep while silent stars go by.” Scripture tells us, though, that Bethlehem was a place of tension.

The name (“House of Bread”) speaks of promise and provision. Yet in Bethlehem Jacob’s beloved Rachel died in childbirth (Genesis 35.16-20), to Bethlehem widowed and childless Naomi returned (Ruth 1.1-22), and over Bethlehem now falls the shadow of Herod’s treachery. And here, God meets the world in the midst of human life, taking flesh for us and our salvation. And our life stands under this promise. We need not put life “on hold” to seek Christ. He finds us in the midst of our busy and difficult lives.

Prayer: We thank you, merciful Lord, for coming to us where we are. Grant us grace to see and to know you are with us in the midst of our lives. Amen.

December 25, 2004
A Season of Naming
Mike Hagan
President

When Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth, he received the name given by the angel before his conception, the name Jesus. Many names could have been given to him according to the Old Testament – Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6) or Signet Ring (Haggai 2:23) or Branch (Isa. 11:1; Zech. 3:8; 6:12) or Anointed One. But it was Jesus – meaning “Savior.”

As each of our children entered into the world we gave them names. The first two were names of minor prophets (Micah and Joel). It dawned on us that we had ten more to go if we kept on so we switched to Aaron for the third (only one high priest). Then Sarah came along. All named for Old Testament characters because I was an Old Testament professor and we liked the names. To my wife, Barbie, and me, each was significant in its own way.

Biblical characters received names that reflected their traits and characteristics. Many of them underwent name changes due to peculiarities surrounding their lives. As Jesus is named, a man in the temple by the name Simeon sees the child and realizes that God has done what he has longed for. He looks at the baby boy and says, “my eyes have seen your salvation” (v. 30). So much rests on this child, already seen in his name.

We continue to carry his name as Christians. Is it significant to us? Do others rejoice in what our lives are saying?

Prayer: Lord, as we bear your son’s name to the world this Christmas, may they see your gift of salvation and rejoice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=17 Dec 28, 2004
Participating to raise funds to support the equipping ministry of NAB Seminary, the hunters took to the fields near Plankinton, SD. This two-day, private hunt was the second annual Actively Impacting Ministries (A.I.M.) Pheasant Hunt sponsored by the Leadership Foundation of North American Baptist Seminary. Of the fifteen hunters, seven returned from the first annual hunt and eight were new participants.

Sponsored by Qualified Presort Service, Home Federal Bank, and Sioux Valley Hospital, all proceeds from the hunt were designated to the Ministry Impact Fund. As such, they will be used to give life to the seminary community by providing funds for academic needs, student financial aid, and operational costs.

We encourage you to join us for the third annual Actively Impacting Ministries Pheasant Hunt in September 2005. For information, contact Mindy by calling 800.440.6227 or by emailing mveltkamp@nabs.edu.
]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=18 Dec 28, 2004
Having moved around most of her childhood, Jennifer never lived in one place for more than three years at a time. After graduating from high school in Estherville, Iowa, in 2000, she made another move—in typical fashion—to South Dakota to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Sioux Falls.

So it was to her surprise that after four short years in Sioux Falls, Jennifer had made a home. And in early 2004, she found herself facing a difficult decision to either stay in the place where her heart is or to move once again so she could pursue graduate-level work in student leadership.

Jennifer found herself praying about her situation. She struggled with leaving because Sioux Falls is where she had found her passion to work at the college level developing leaders. But, at the time, Denver Seminary was the closest school to Jennifer that offered a program to meet her needs.

Her experiences at the University of Sioux Falls as a resident assistant to more than one hundred young women and involvement in campus activities fed this passion. According to Jennifer, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing young people develop over time.

“I still have friendships with many of the girls,” said Jennifer of her experiences as a resident assistant. “And knowing them now, I can see how they have grown over the years.”

Still finding herself anxious about relocating from her new-found home, Jennifer continued to pray. And one day her prayers were answered. After conversations with friend and Executive Director of NABS’ Leadership Foundation, Ben Lee, and Ryan Stander, NABS Admissions Counselor, Jennifer discovered that the seminary had developed a new Christian Leadership program that would begin enrolling students in the fall of 2004.

Things fell into place for Jennifer as she was accepted into the Master of Arts in Christian Leadership degree program at NABS. Shortly after beginning classes, she finds herself immersed in community.

“There are a lot of students my age here,” said Jennifer. “We get together a lot and even though we haven’t been hanging out long, they are like extended family.”

Jennifer added that the sense of community and family at NABS came easily. She feels there are many intentional efforts on the part of professors and seminary staff to come together for prayer, support, and worship. She finds the combination of academics and spiritual growth valuable and appreciates the community where she can come to be refilled spiritually.

In the middle of her first year at NABS, Jennifer continues to thrive in her home. After all, this is where her heart is.]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=13 Dec 02, 2004 registrar@nabs.edu. To view course listings for other semesters, visit the Academic Course Schedule section. Then, simply select the semester and year you are searching for and hit find.

Term A&B
January 3-14

• OT-116 Intermediate Hebrew

MTWRF, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
An accelerated continuation of OT-111 with emphasis on acquiring a basic reading ability of Hebrew narrative while acquiring familiarity with lexical and grammatical tools. Prerequisite: OT-111. 2 hours.
Jill Storm, Adjunct Faculty


• CH-305 United Methodist Heritage: Polity

MTWRF, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
This course acquaints participants with the organizational nature and functioning of the United Methodist Church so that they may participate more effectively in the work of the church. 2 hours.
Leonard Haggin, Retired United Methodist Minister

January 4-14

• NT-116 Intermediate Greek

Term A: TWRF, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
Term B: MTWRF, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
A course required of students choosing to fulfill their language requirement in Greek. The course will offer a systematic review of vocabulary, morphology, and syntax, in connection with the continued reading of New Testament texts in Greek. Prerequisite: NT-111. 2 hours.
Paul Rainbow, Professor of New Testament

Term A
January 3-7

• SP-433 Practical Spirituality: Leading a Church Toward Spiritual Maturity

MTWRF, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Moving beyond the body of literature focusing on the spiritual formation of the individual, this course will help the student develop programmatic strategies for leading a congregation toward spiritual maturity. Drawing primarily from Scripture as well as classics of devotional literature, a key focus will be the spiritual development of the leader and the leader’s role in equipping and facilitating the congregation for change. 1 hour.
Randy Kinnison, Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church, Portland, OR


• FT-452 Readings in Integration

MTWRF, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
This course will give students an opportunity to delve further into the integration of theology and therapy. Areas of emphasis include both theoretical articles and articles related to actual treatment situations. Prerequisite: FT-451. 1 hour.
Douglas Anderson, Licensed Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Sioux Falls Psychological Services


• TH-432 Theology and Race

MTWRF, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
An exploration of the theological questions raised by issues of race relations, racial prejudice, and racism. Historical antecedents to current discussion will be surveyed as well as responses to issues of race by theologians writing from within contexts of various racial communities. 1 hour.
Philip Thompson, Associate Professor of Theology and Christian HeritageJ. C. Chambers, Clinical Therapist, Stronghold Counseling Services


• PM-449 Dynamics of the Town and Country Ministry Context

MTWRF, 8:30-11:30 a.m., 1:00-4:00 p.m.
A course designed to acquaint students with the mindset of rural middle-America with a goal of making rural ministry more effective. This highly experiential course will focus on field trips, focused interviews with rural residents, and guest speakers. Students must complete pre-course assignments which are available in the Office of the Registrar. Pass/Fail. 2 hours.
Paul Stevens, Director of Project Development for D.Min. Program, Retired Professor, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary


• D.Min.: M-890 Field Colloquium Completion

Monday, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
This colloquium is designed to develop competencies in the practice of ministry by providing perspectives that grow out of the pastor’s theory of ministry and developing the skills needed to realize this concept in a church situation.
Gordon Harris, Professor of Old Testament; Director of Doctoral Studies


• D.Min.: M/B-812 The Preacher as Prophet

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-Friday, 4:00 p.m.
A seminar investigating the personal context and style, the communication skills, and the theological perspectives of biblical prophets and current prophetic preachers. 3 hours.
Gordon Harris, Professor of Old Testament; Director of Doctoral Studies
Ronald Sisk, Professor of Homiletics and Christian Ministry

Term B
January 10-14

• OT-471 The Five Scrolls (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther)

MTWRF, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
A look at five intriguing, but often overlooked, books of the Hebrew Bible for their intrinsic value and for their relevance in pastoral ministry. 1 hour.
Elaine Rietz, Adjunct Faculty


• PM-424 Grace-Driven Servant Leadership

MTWRF, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
A study of the concepts and practice of restoring the core values of grace and servant leadership in ministry. Every church or ministry organization has a set of core values. Of these grace and servant leadership should be central. Our focus will be on dispensing grace interpersonally through servant leadership, grace gifts, and forgiveness. 1 hour.
Richard Houts, Professor of Church Administration Emeritus


• FT-448 Domestic Violence and Child Sexual Abuse

MTWRF. 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
This course focuses on treatment issues for domestic violence and child sexual abuse. Essential knowledge and resources for the family therapist are emphasized. 1 hour.
Stephanie Klocksiem, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Sioux Falls Psychological Services

Term C
January 18-21

• FT-441 Grief Counseling

TWRF, 8:30 a.m. –12:00 noon
This course introduces the dynamics of grief work through a study of psychological, theological, and spiritual implications of loss, grief, and death, focusing on the responses which facilitate healing. It is designed for both counseling and master of divinity students. 1 hour.
Bruce Parmenter, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Lincoln Christian Seminary, Lincoln, IL


• MI-405 Islam and the Christian Mission

TWRF, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
An introduction to Islam from a contemporary perspective that includes the importance of an historical and international foundation for understanding. The focus of the course will be the connection between Islam and Christianity, including consideration of proselytizing and dialogue. 1 hour.
Rhoda Carpenter, Adjunct Faculty


• FT-451 Theories of Integration

TWRF, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon
This course will explore various theories and models of integration, utilizing both historical and recent perspectives. Students will be able to start thinking integratively about theology and therapy at a theoretical level. 1 hour.
Douglas Anderson, Licensed Psychologist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Sioux Falls Psychological Services

Term A,B,C
January 3-21

• EM-423 Issues in Youth Ministry: Partnering with Parents (Online)

Youth ministry not only involves ministering among young people. It also involves connecting with parents of young people. This course will explore the various dynamics of partnering with parents of teenagers in order to increase the effectiveness of youth ministry. 1 hour.
Kelly Lashly, Instructor of Youth Ministries; Director of Young Leaders Project

]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=19 Dec 29, 2004
It all started in the 1973-74 academic year when North American Baptist Seminary hired Dr. Samuel Mikolaski to organize and implement a Doctor of Ministry program.

The program was designed as an in-ministry, thirty-hour program following the standards of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), the accrediting association for seminaries. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and ATS accredited the program. NABS recruited ministers interested in enrolling in a doctoral program that would prepare them for higher levels of leadership and began classes the fall of 1975 in Detroit, Michigan, and Sioux Falls.

“I taught the first class in Detroit,” said current program director, Dr. Gordon Harris. “It was an exciting beginning to what has grown into a mature doctoral program.”

After working to implement the Doctor of Ministry, Dr. Samuel Mikolaski served as the program’s director from 1974-76. The other influential directors of the D.Min. program at NABS include Dr. Ralph Powell, who served from 1976-82, and Dr. Richard Houts, who succeeded Powell in 1982 and served until 1996. All three built a strong, accredited Doctor of Ministry program.

Thirty years of project reports show the academic strength of this program. Graduates in many denominations around the world serve Jesus Christ with a mandate from the program. Pastoral care, preaching, spiritual formation, and evangelism will never be the same in their work. Faculty members of NABS have built strong messengers in a number of ministry occupations. Dedicated adjuncts have a world- wide influence through teaching doctoral work here.

The success of the current program comes through its flexible, in-ministry organization. One-week seminars are offered in cities throughout the United States and Canada, including Detroit, Michigan; Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta; Omaha, Nebraska; and Sioux Falls.

In addition to seminar dates and places, many other factors have contributed to the success of this flexible, in-ministry program. Colloquia promote projects in the candidate’s place of ministry. Students pay for the program through monthly payments. The seminary also accepts Canadian dollars on par with U.S. dollars for Canadian students. Seminars create spontaneous cohort groups through developing friendships with peers.

Also, retired educators Dr. Paul Stevens and Dr. Larry Duff assist candidates as directors of project development. E-mail and phone conversations make it easy to stay in touch with participants.

“Since 1996, I have found the doctoral program at NABS to produce excellent leaders for Christ,” added Harris. “I find the work satisfying and stimulating. Thirty years have fled quickly, but the results continue to blossom.”

Meet Dr. Larry Duff
D.Min. Project Director
Omaha, NE

Dr. Larry Duff lives by the words on his favorite coffee mug: one day at a time. And when working with doctoral students at NABS and beyond, this is just his advice.

As a project development director for North American Baptist Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, Duff shepherds students through the beginning stages of the dissertation process starting with an idea and ending up with a 60-page project proposal.

Duff states that when students start working on a project with him, there are a few simple rules to follow. Although the rules are backwards and upside down from traditional writing practices, they make sense. He asks that all students leave chapter one until the very end and follow a three-step process: transcript, edit, and edit. Dr. Duff also puts time limits on writing to prevent writer’s block and burnout.

“I get the best out of students that I can,” Duff says of his work philosophy. He believes that taking students through the mentoring process equals a greater quality of work. “There’s only one thing I ask of my students and that is that they mentor another student in return. They’ll learn so much through the process,” Duff added.

Just like the students with whom he works, Dr, Duff’s background and expertise are diverse. Not only is he a project director for the seminary’s Doctor of Ministry program, but he also works with 25-30 other students around the country, does occasional preaching, practices law, and is a member of the United States Supreme Court.

Duff believes he’s had a lustrous career as a lawyer, educator, and now through his work at NABS. He ensures the research work being done by Doctor of Ministry students at North American Baptist Seminary is helpful for religious communities, churches, and for the secular world.

“I am pleased and proud to be a part of this program,” Duff added.

Meet Dr. Paul Stevens
D.Min. Project Director
Lawrence, KS

Dr. Paul Stevens has a fond appreciation for the Doctor of Ministry Program. And NABS’ D.Min. Program Director, Dr. Gordon Harris, saw this fondness in him.

That’s exactly why, when at a meeting of the Association for Directors of Ministry Education, Harris asked Dr. Stevens for help with NABS’ program. Still one year out from retirement, Stevens agreed.

“Since I was [soon to be] retired as the Director of the D.Min. program at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and was familiar with the requirements of the program, I felt that I could be of help to Dr. Harris and NABS,” Stevens said.

With a vast array of experience in education and ministry, Stevens brings a strong theological perspective to his role as a project development director. In fact, he directed the field education program on the undergraduate level in a college for two years and the field education program on a graduate level in two Baptist seminaries for 25 years.

Working with students, Stevens helps them to understand the purpose of the program and the project. He guides students through the writing process for their prospectus and final project as well as helping them understand the elements that must appear in both papers and the form and style in which they must be written.

“I enjoy working with students and want to continue some kind of a relationship with NABS as long as the school needs me and I am able to contribute meaningfully to the educational process of the students,” Stevens added.

]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=20 Dec 29, 2004
They felt very much “at home,” but Lee wanted to be part of a learning community, a place that was intellectually and spiritually challenging. There were plenty of opportunities to get a degree in fishing boat maintenance, but that wasn’t what he was looking for.

He had heard good things about North American Baptist Seminary from a friend and pastor but knew that South Dakota was a long way from Alaska. Fortunately, NABS was offering online classes for the first time, and one of the courses was Instructor Kelly Lashly’s “Youth Ministry: Camps and Retreats.”

At the mission where Lee worked, he could only gain access to the computers after hours. So late at night he would walk the quarter-mile dark, wooded path to the mission office, log onto the Internet, and join his community of
learning.

There were nine students in the course: seven from the South Dakota area, one from South Carolina, and one from Alaska. “All of the students had experiences in youth ministry and camping ministry to share in the class,” says Instructor Lashly. “Daniel was a bit different in that he was living out the camp and retreat setting every day as he ministered to the native people of Kodiak. His experiences enriched the class.”

“The class helped me to incorporate learning into my work. It helped me realize that others were thinking and experiencing the same things I was,” says Lee. “Even though I was in Alaska and the rest of the class was in South Dakota and other parts of the country, we all had shared ministry experiences.”

Over the course of the semester, the course made him want to learn even more. So, he and Minnie packed up, left the mission, and moved to Sioux Falls. “I would not be here if not for my wonderful online experience,” he says. “I had no reason to come here—no family, no friends. But one class gave me a chance to get to know the seminary in an intimate way.”

They were afraid to leave their community in Alaska, but they’ve found a new community here, in the Dirksen Hall apartment building. Each Saturday, Lee serves as a “short order” cook for anyone who wants to come to their place for breakfast. “A friend from the mission used to do that in Alaska, and we missed it when we came here. I guess you could say we brought a little bit of Alaskan community with us.”
Lee loves his classes, where he is learning about the history of the Church and other practical “how-to” aspects of ministry. “The online class eased the nervousness of coming to seminary. I was able to experience the human side of seminary even before I got here. It worked well for me to get my start in seminary online.”

Flexible Learning at NABS
Want to see if seminary is right for you? Are you serving in ministry and can’t get away to try a class?

It’s ok. We’ll bring the course to you. North American Baptist Seminary is dedicated to offering its students many flexible learning opportunities. We offer:

online courses

independent studies

audio courses (ITS)

Interested?
Call the admissions office at 1.800.440.6227 or visit our website at www.nabs.edu.


]]> http://sfseminary.edu/news/?newsid=21 Apr 02, 2005 2005 Hiller Lectureship
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Worship & Leadership Centre
North American Baptist Seminary

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Ginny Thornburgh
(Learn more by reading the About the Speaker section at the bottom of this page.)

This year’s Hiller Lecture focuses on assisting congregations in becoming welcoming communities for children and adults with disabilities. Even in the 21st Century, many Christian congregations still find themselves with barriers of attitude, communication or architecture, which prevent people with disabilities from accessing a full life of faith.

“Opening Hearts, Minds, and Doors” is a conference designed especially for church and seminary leaders (whether with or without disabilities) but will also benefit those from a wide range of professions who assist people with disabilities and their family members. The goal of the conference is to provide strategies to help identify and remove barriers for people with all types of disabilities, and thus fully celebrate and integrate their gifts into worship, study, service, and leadership of congregations.

SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m.
Registration and Coffee

9:30 a.m.
Keynote Address: That All May Worship: Welcoming the Gifts of Children and Adults with Disabilities

10:30 a.m.
Break

11:00 a.m.
Panel Response and Discussion

Noon
Lunch

1:30 p.m.
Attend a Workshop

Workshop 1: Getting Started: Disability 101, Ginny Thornburgh

Workshop 2: Making it Comfortable: A Congregational Strategy for Integrating Persons with Hearing Loss into Church Life, Kathryn Bakke

Workshop 3: Disabilities and Grief, Rita Weber and Mary Fast

2:45 p.m.
Break

3:00 p.m.
Worship

DETAILS
$25 Registration Fee includes lunch and a copy of the publication That All May Worship.
For more information or to receive a detailed brochure, please call 800.440.6227.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Ginny Thornburgh has spent most of the past thirty-five years as an advocate for people with disabilities. She presently serves as Director of the Religion and Disability Program of the National Organization on Disability located in Washington, D.C. She co-authored and edited the award-winning publication, That All May Worship, now in its sixth printing, and From Barriers to Bridges, a guide to community action, as well as editing Loving Justice: The ADA and the Religious Community.

Ms. Thornburgh is married to Dick Thornburgh, the former Governor of Pennsylvania, Attorney General of the United States and Under-Security-General of the United Nations. The Thornburghs have four sons and six grandchildren, all of whom live in Pennsylvania. In 2003 they were joint recipients of the Henry B. Betts Award presented by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

As parents of a son with mental retardation, Ginny and Dick Thornburgh have worked worldwide to maximize the opportunities for persons with disabilities in their communities, jobs, schools, and congregations. In 1992, both were featured speakers at the Vatican Conference on Disability and at the Eastern European Conference on Disabilities, held in Prague. They also have made two weeklong visits to Korea addressing disability issues.
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