As the season of Lent arrives, it offers us a unique and meaningful opportunity to engage in personal reflection, discernment, and prayer. I’d like to share a short devotional piece that can help set the stage for this period of Lenten reflection.

On April 23, 2009, Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin offered the following reflection and prayer during the opening session of Congress:

“After the earthquake came fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.” (1 Kings 19:12-13)

You, O Lord, are the subtle inspiration hidden in our deepest instincts to seek out goodness and love and content us with the whisper of your truth and presence. Lord, if we desire You to be a part of our busy lives, we need to find some cave of [quiet and inner reflection] where we can heed Your voice and ponder Your Word with a clean heart. Enable us not to be afraid of the silence. Only from silence can come the depth of expression, the well-spring of beautiful and common language that will help us interpret all the sounds of our noisy world. Lord, help us to keep silent so we may listen better. Help us abide in the silence of prayer so prayer can live in us…” (The President’s Devotional, Joshua Dubois, 2013, Feb. 7).

These 40 days leading up to Easter, provide a season to assess what is truly important and meaningful in our lives. By taking the time to “embrace the silence,” to reflect, and to hear God’s voice in our innermost being, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. From this space of increased belonging and intentional self-awareness, we can set our forward-path, making concrete decisions about the future.

Lent involves translating our reflection and discernment into action. This could mean setting specific, achievable objectives for personal or professional growth, committing to acts of kindness and service, or making changes that align with our core values.

As a part of HELM’s partnership with the BeLOVEd Compassion Network, I am reading, “The Way of Jesus: Compassion in Practice,” by Frank Rogers, Jr. Throughout this work I am reminded that cultivating self-awareness and self-compassion guides us to concrete action as an expression of that love.

I often hear from students that the pressures of college and career preparation press in on them from all sides, and the overall level of stress is too much. There is a perception of very little time to accomplish the many goals they have set, or that others have set for them. Within this context, it is extremely difficult to be still and listen to God’s voice in silence, the very thing that could help to interpret all the sounds of our noisy world.

One approach to integrating reflection, discernment, and action during Lent is to create a structured plan. This may include setting aside dedicated time- as short as a deep breath, if necessary- to pause and listen in silence. It may mean finding a longer, dedicated time for introspective practices such as journaling, meditation, or conversations with trusted mentors or spiritual advisors. In any case, our way of reflection must be authentic to us. For Elijah it was simply standing and listening.
  
Ultimately, for all of us, the combination of reflection, discernment, and taking concrete steps towards our goals during Lent can be transformative. It offers a framework for self-discovery, decision-making, and purposeful action. More importantly, we find that we are not alone in our silence; rather, we are surrounded by others also listening and discerning God in their lives.

At HELM, we open our meetings with a time of listening and prayer. We are grateful for the time to discern together in community. For our students, we are here for you! Reach out to us if and when you need us. For our community, we are here for you! Reach out to us if and when you need us.

Here are some of the gifts, and concrete steps, that HELM offers for your consideration during this Lenten season:

• Scholarship Opportunities to lift some of the financial burden: HELM Scholarship applications are now open—note our March 31 Application Submission Deadline! (Our inquiry process will be open all year.)
  • Go here to inquire: https://helmdisciples.org/scholarships/

• Leadership Development Opportunities: Send us a note and tell us you are interested!
  • Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/leadership-programs/

• Representation and Connection to our 15 Colleges & Universities:
  • Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/colleges-and-universities/

• Representation and Connection to our 7 Seminaries, Certificate & Graduate Theological Programs:
  • Check it out here: https://helmdisciples.org/theological-education/

We have three ordained pastors on staff at HELM, and an overall pastoral heart. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us in your discernment this Lenten season. We are ready to assist you with your next “concrete” action toward realizing God’s call in your life and in higher education.

Rev. Dr. Tamara N. Rodenberg
President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

The start of a new year brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and exciting possibilities. At HELM, we not only welcome the arrival of 2024 but also extend a hearty greeting to our newest team member, Mr. Jim Cullumber. Jim joins HELM on February 1, 2024, as HELM’s Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving. You will have an opportunity to read more about Jim in this Newsletter. For now, I want to offer him our warmest welcome and express how thrilled we are to have him join our growing team. 

Additionally, we are pleased to announce the opening of our 2024 Scholarship Application season. Scholarships for all levels of education are listed on our website at www.helmdisciples.org. Please share these scholarship opportunities with your connections!  

We are pleased to offer a newly designed process to make it easy for students to navigate the multiple applications available to them. We invite students to go to our website, select scholarship, the level of their education (undergraduate/college, seminary, or Ph.D./D.Min.) and fill out the brief Interest Form. Thereafter, our team will be in touch offering the appropriate link and instructions to complete an online application. The final deadline for all scholarship applications is March 31, 2024.  Scholarship awards will be announced during the first weeks of May, in time for students to be recognized at their respective graduation ceremonies. 

In the spirit of fostering growth and nurturing talent, we are also happy to share that the Spring Youth Leadership Symposium (high school) cohort has been selected and will attend their first session on February 3, 2024. Similarly, the Leadership Fellows Program (undergraduate) and the Emerging Clergy Leadership Program (graduate) will be selecting leadership cohorts for the 2024-2025 over the next few months. Meanwhile, the Council on Theological Education is partnering with the College of Regional Ministers to offer online Open Houses throughout the year, beginning with the first one on January 18th, for those who are experiencing a call to ministry or want to consider the possibilities and pathways for theological education. 

All of HELM’s programs are designed to empower aspiring leaders and changemakers by providing support, mentorship, and resources to individuals who exhibit exceptional leadership potential. By making HELM’s resources increasingly accessible online, we are extending the reach of our programs to a wider audience, transcending geographical boundaries, and creating opportunities for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in and benefit from our initiatives.

Finally, as we stand on the threshold of the new year, we look forward to navigating the future with optimism and determination. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity remains unwavering, and we are eager to harness the potential of the coming year as we strive toward new strategic planning and clarified organizational goals.

We invite all our students, partners, and stakeholders to join us in strategic planning (between January and May) as we explore the opportunities before us, narrow our offerings, and focus on students entering, attending, and/or seeking to matriculate at Disciples-related institutions of higher education.  

As we raise a toast to the new year, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of our journey thus far and extend a warm welcome to those joining us as we venture into the future. Here’s to a year filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities!

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

Bethany Fellows Opens Search for New Director/Pastor

Bethany Fellows Director/Pastor

The Bethany Fellowships, Inc.

The Bethany Fellowships is a nonprofit ministry serving congregations by helping young, newly ordained pastors transition from seminary to sustained ministry with well-being and strength of spirit. Rooted in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and serving pastors and congregations ecumenically, Bethany Fellows is a thriving spiritual community of support, inspiration, and renewal for pastors and congregations. Since 1999, Bethany Fellows has gathered cohorts of young adult clergy in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for retreats twice per year, including year-round small group connections; mentoring relationships with wise, experienced leaders; exploration of ministry-enriching wise practices; and deepening contemplative prayer practices. With a heart and call to expand the Bethany Fellows ministry to include pastors of any Christian denomination, the Bethany Ecumenical Fellows group began in 2014. Our newest ministry, Bethany Congregations, launched in 2021 and serves pastor & lay-leader teams together in a shared cohort. The Bethany Fellowships ministry nurtures growth, well-being, and resilience among pastors and congregational leadership teams through the Bethany Disciple Fellows, Bethany Ecumenical Fellows, and Bethany Congregations ministry branches.

The Bethany Fellowships ministry is led in a collaborative and relational way by three staff members (a Lead Director/Pastor and two additional Director/Pastors), a board of directors, and wise, experienced leadership teams. Values of the Bethany Fellows ministry include a dedication to contemplative practices and prayer, openhearted communication, vulnerability, accountability, creativity, nimbleness, appreciation, and systemic trust. The staff team seeks to live into these values and guide the ministry accordingly, along with the guiding wisdom and collaborative discernment of the board of directors and leadership teams.

Staff Leadership Model

Bethany Fellows Staff Responsibilities

This Director/Pastor will provide leadership for the Bethany Disciple Fellows and Bethany Ecumenical Fellows groups, with a particular focus on recruiting and onboarding new participants, retreat planning, and leadership team and small group development. This position includes a strong emphasis on building ecumenical relationships and sharing the story of The Bethany Fellowships in a widening way (through the website, social media, and other methods).

Specific responsibilities include:

Programming

Retreat leadership in partnership with the Lead Director/Pastor, including primary leadership of the Bethany Disciples and Bethany Ecumenical Retreats, with secondary leadership for Bethany Congregations Retreat as needed and discerned in collaboration with the staff team.
Recruitment and pastoral accompaniment of new Fellows.
Attention and care to the formation and development of leadership teams and small groups as part of Bethany Disciple Fellows and Bethany Ecumenical Fellows ministries.

Communication

Maintaining Bethany Fellows’ website and performing other website development and maintenance as necessary;
Developing and overseeing online communications, e.g., social media.
Occasional congregational visits, including preaching, presenting, and/or development gatherings.

Administration

Receiving interest and initiating conversation with potential new Bethany Fellows.
Coordination of retreat arrangements and details.
Coordination of travel arrangements for Bethany Fellows leaders.
Assisting the Lead Pastor/Director with the preparation of reports and official documents, including those required by law, reports requested by grant-making organizations, and/or reports for the Bethany Board.

General

Relationship building with denominational and ecumenical partners, including seminaries and denominational groups.
Planning and leadership for convention booths and other gatherings.

Qualifications

• A Master of Divinity degree from an accredited seminary.
• Ordination and standing in a Christian denomination or faith tradition.
• Five to ten years of relevant experience working in or with congregations or faith communities strongly preferred.
• Interest in the mission of Bethany Fellows.
• Commitment to the values and practices of Bethany Fellows.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Applicants who have ecumenical experience are highly encouraged to apply.
• Applicants who identify as BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ are highly encouraged to apply.

Gifts/Skills

• Ability to work with individuals of diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various teams within and outside of Bethany Fellows.
• Pastoral awareness with leadership teams, prospective fellows and current fellows.
• Interest in contemplative models and open to individual and group spiritual practices.
• Growing sense of self (spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and mentally).
• Familiarity with storytelling and marketing tools including website, blog, social media and event planning.
• Organized and self-motivated.

Work Environment

• This is a full-time position with an expectation of 35-40 hours per week with some ebb and flow.
• Bethany Fellows staff work remotely. Regular work hours and days will be flexible.
• Travel includes weekends, evenings, and may be for up to 6 days at a time. Travel includes at least 6 weeks of retreats per year (4Bethany Fellows/Congregations retreats, 1 Leadership retreat and 1 Board retreat) with additional travel days likely.

Salary Range Expectations

$70,000 – $80,000 per year, full-time (which includes base compensation, housing, and pension contributions).

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and updated resume/vitae to apply@bethanyfellows.org

Click here to view original position post.

Please submit materials by March 31, 2024.

Position Description 

Classification:

Full Time (exempt) 

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: 

A 16 

Position Title: 

Director of Spiritual Life/Chaplain 

Reports to: 

VPAA and Academic Dean 

Date Created/Revised: 

Nov 30, 2023 

Institutional Context and Commitments: 

Phillips Theological Seminary offers theological education dedicated to learning the way of Jesus  in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations, and the public good. We are a progressive and inclusive institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of  Christ). Located at the convergence of the Muskogee (Creek), Osage, and Cherokee Nations and  just minutes east of the Greenwood District of Tulsa, OK, better known as Black Wall Street,  Phillips is committed to justice initiatives and relational solidarity. In 2021, the city of Tulsa  commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1921 Race Massacre. The Massacre has been  identified as the worst race massacre in American history. We are passionately committed to  diversity, interculturality (e.g., Africana, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous American communities),  and justice with attention to the social realities of race, class, ethnicity, gender, and queer  expressions of the human experience. 

Mission of Position: 

Spiritual Formation is an important feature of Phillips Theological Seminary’s educational and  community life; therefore, the role of the Director of Spiritual Life & Chaplain is to support  students through their journeys of theological education. The Director of Spiritual Life & Chaplain will attend to students’ spiritual and pastoral care needs as they prepare to serve as leaders in  religious and other communities and create new strategies to serve the needs of all students, in person and virtual. The Director will collaborate with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and  other spiritual care leaders to enrich the spiritual and intellectual life of the Phillips Theological  Seminary community.  

Essential Functions: 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential  functions. 

The specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Providing personal spiritual care and mentoring for students 
• Organizing and engaging in community outreach consistent with the mission of the Seminary. • Work with the Director of Retention & Student Experience to provide opportunities for community  building. 
• Plan and oversee the worship life of the seminary. This includes (but is not limited to): o Serving on the Worship Committee that meets regularly during the academic year

o Planning and coordinating worship services during the semester – for weekly and concentrated courses (weeks/weekends), during DMin Week (in consultation with the  DMin Director), and other creative ways to offer spiritual formation for students. 

o Reimagine, develop, and implement new ways to include virtual worship attendees. o In consultation with the Dean & President (as appropriate), planning & coordinating  worship during special Seminary events outside of regular chapel services. These include  New Student Orientation (Fall & Spring), Trustee Installation Service, Faculty book reviews, 

o Provide support for additional worship experiences that are part of other seminary events. o In consultation with the Worship Committee and the VPAA/Dean, invite  

preachers/speakers for worship services. 

o Secure musicians for chapel services 

o Engage the entire PTS community as participants in chapel services 

o Secure music copyrights to be used during worship and other events 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Chapel Assistant(s) 

Work Environment: 

This job is a ministerial professional role for an ordained minister. Phillips Theological Seminary  is a nonresidential campus with many students living in other cities and states. Because services  are in-person, videoconference, and livestream, the Chaplain must be creative and comfortable  with online forms of worship. 

Position Type/Expected Hours: 

Evenings and weekends may be required during certain seasons within the academic year. 

Required Education/Experience: 

• Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent 
• Ordained minister with standing in a recognized denomination (preference for ministers of the  CC(DOC) or another denomination with a deep understanding and appreciation for the CC(DOC) • Ministerial experience 
• Proven effectiveness in administration, building strong partnerships, supervision, and motivation  of staff, volunteers, and student/community groups 
• Ability to respond to emergent needs of the community and spiritual crises
• Knowledge of multiple cultures and worship styles with sensitivity related to diversity, equity,  inclusion, interreligious, and interfaith

Inquires please contact PTSHiring@ptstulsa.edu. Click here to see original posting along with other employment opportunities at Phillips Theological Seminary.

HELM is proud to announce that the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) is now part of our network of offerings.

Last fall YLS offered a new model of leadership development, and the results were exciting! Registration for the 2024 cohort is now open and every congregation is invited to send one high school-age participant for free. 

YLS brings youth from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ together to learn how to lead in a local, congregational context. These are skills that will prove useful far beyond a Church setting as well. 

The primary learning experience offered through YLS is a leadership project in which each participant designs and leads a project in their local congregation. This project gives them an opportunity to apply all that they have learned and express their unique gifts and passions. The YLS program includes three Saturday events, reading and research, interviews with Church leaders, and the specifics pertaining to their personal project. 

Individuals who complete the YLS program are eligible for leadership scholarships at Church-related Colleges and Universities, just like youth who have served on a Regional or Conference youth leadership team. 

The 2023 participants completed some inspiring projects:

• Cleared the overgrown church property using goats in preparation for a Community Garden.
• Transformed the church Fellowship Time through better organization and provision of new, lightweight furniture.
• Led the Children’s Sunday School in fun, age-appropriate lessons on Creation Care.
• Hosted a “Back to School” Carnival with games and donated school supplies.
• Organized a Volleyball Tournament to connect the church and welcome community.

YLS participants can Zoom from home or meet with others near them in an organized “Pod.” If your Region or congregation would like to host a Pod, let us know so we can help with set-up. Last year, Pods were hosted by both Chapman University and Lynchburg University. We expect many more in 2024.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please visit our website or contact us at: YouthLeadershipSymposium@gmail.com.

www.YouthLeadershipSymposium.org

As the holidays approach, the Advent season brings with it a time of reflection, gratitude, and anticipation. The significance of this period goes beyond festive decorations and bustling shopping malls; it provides an opportunity for individuals to pause, reflect upon the year, express gratitude, and prepare for the future.

The Advent season symbolizes preparation for the coming of Christ. Themes of hope, love, joy, and peace guide us as we take this time to slow down, engage in self-reflection, and ponder the values and beliefs that define us. 

One of the essential aspects of the Advent season is the practice of gratitude. It offers a space for individuals to express thanksgiving for the blessings and opportunities they have received throughout the year. Gratitude fosters a positive mindset and encourages us to acknowledge the support and contributions of others. These acts of thankfulness not only cultivate humility but strengthen interpersonal relationships and build community.

In this issue, we want to take time to reflect and to express our gratitude. We give thanks for the time and commitment of our talented staff, Board of Directors, Leadership Fellows, Emerging Clergy Leaders, Disciples leadership at all our partner schools, and the theological leadership of our academic scholars through the Association of Disciples for Theological Discussion. 

HELM Leadership Fellows, for example, recently completed their annual fall retreat in Seattle, WA. We are grateful for the many hearts and hands that made this learning and bonding experience possible. Particular thanks to our Program Coordinator, Rev. Katy Sundararajan, and her team of mentors and leaders. Gratitude.

Moreover, the Advent season brings both anticipation and hope, inspiring goal setting, planning, and a renewed commitment to personal, professional, and organizational goals. Lessons learned from the challenges faced during the year become stepping-stones toward a brighter future. Great leaders inspire others by painting a compelling vision of the future and instilling a sense of optimism and possibility. This shared anticipation for what lies ahead creates a unified sense of purpose and motivation. 

The themes of the Advent season hold profound relevance for us in Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. Our mission is to prepare effective leadership for the church, society and world which requires the development of individuals who exhibit self-awareness, reflection, empathy, gratitude, and the ability to inspire hope as they guide others.  

Therefore, in the spirit of anticipation and hope, as we paint a vision for the future, we are pleased to announce the addition of the Youth Leadership Symposium to HELM. The Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) offers high school-age students a pathway to leadership development, qualification for scholarship, mentoring and direct introductions to Disciples-related institutions of higher learning. You will read more about YLS and its Director, Rev. Lee Yates, in this issue. We welcome individuals, churches, and communities to take advantage of this offering by contacting HELM and creating local “pods” to assist in connecting students to possible pathways to their future.

Finally, as we reflect on 2023 and prepare for the year ahead, we give thanks for the ministry of HELM, the lives it touches, and the gift it brings to the world. We look forward with anticipation and hope as we share more good news in upcoming issues! And for now, we remain grateful for you, our readers, as we continually find new ways to reach and support our students in High School, College, Graduate Theological and Ministerial preparation. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Tamara N. Rodenberg

Compassionate Care in Leadership:

Nurturing Humanity in a Tumultuous World

In a world marked by conflict and escalating geopolitical tension, the practice of compassionate care in leadership becomes increasingly critical and deeply transformative. Compassionate care refers to a leadership ethic, attitude, and action-orientation that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of others. Compassionate care goes beyond aiding; it requires respect for the dignity and humanity of those who are vulnerable.

In this issue, we highlight a program which provides education and certification in Compassionate Care. The BELOVED Compassion Network (BCN) seeks to educate leaders in pastoral and lay leadership, equipping individuals with skills to impact positive change. Leaders who approach conflict with compassion understand the importance of active listening and creating safe space for dialogue.

As the world grapples with ongoing conflict and rising tensions, the importance of compassionate care in leadership cannot be overstated. Leaders who prioritize empathy and compassion have the skills to promote understanding, humanize individuals and communities, build trust, and foster collaboration. By nurturing humanity, even in the most challenging circumstances, compassionate leaders can pave the way for lasting peace, and ultimately, healing. HELM will partner with BCN to make this training available to students at the undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate level(s).

Additionally, HELM is looking forward to our annual Fall Retreat with the Leadership Fellows Program in early November. Our HELM Leadership Fellows are undergraduate students engaging the following topics throughout their 4-year college experience: Community (Year 1), Transformation (Year 2), Global Awareness (Year 3), and Vocation/Mentoring (Year 4). The Fall Retreat is intended to be an immersive, contextual experience.

This year the Fellows will travel to Seattle, WA. Dr. Jack Hill will lead them in a study on the impact of the “None-Zone” in the Pacific Northwest, and more broadly in the global context. Students will also dialogue with Rev. Greg Turk, minister at All Pilgrims Christian Church in Capitol Hill, learning to see and love all of God’s people living within the layers of an urban context.

Cohort mentors and book discussion leaders are also an integral part of the fellows’ leadership training experience. Students will be privileged to spend time with this year’s mentors and discussion leaders: Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren (Mentor/Book Discussion Leader), Rev. Christian Watkins (Mentor), Mr. Joshua Mata (Mentor), Ms. Lonora Graves (Mentor), Rev. Laurie Rudel (Book Discussion Leader), Rev. Larry J. Morris III (Book Discussion Leader), and Rev. Colton D. Lott (Book Discussion Leader). We want to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication to educating young leaders at the intersection of faith and society.

In this issue, you will also be introduced to the upcoming Thanksgiving Offering, a Disciples Special Offering, which is dedicated to supporting students through our related higher education institutions. HELM works with fifteen colleges and universities as well as seven seminaries and divinity houses. Your generous offering on Sunday, November 12^th and November 19^th will go directly to our affiliated institutions in support of their mission and to strengthen Disciples on Campus. Please join us in participating in this special offering.

Finally, I close this reflection where we began. We are living in a tumultuous time. Unfolding narratives of war and rumors of war, political chaos, injustice, and suffering humanity have become ever-present realities. Please look for the shared links included in this issue to Global Ministries and Week of Compassion for church-wide updated information and action appeals.

In times such as these, we turn to our leadership. The question is, however, what kind of leaders do we put in the positions of power? HELM remains dedicated to partnering with Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), ecumenical partners, affiliated institutions, and congregational, regional, and general partners to prepare leaders for this world who have critical thinking skills, an ability to be a voice for justice, and a profound sense of ethics rooted in compassionate care.

Philanthropic giving plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of college students and individuals preparing for ministry. The world of higher education is becoming increasingly expensive, making financial assistance crucial for students to succeed and thrive. Scholarships and grants enable talented individuals to pursue their vocational calling. Moreover, generous giving allows our Disciples-related institutions to create innovative mentorship programs, internships, impactful research opportunities, campus ministry, and community programs, enriching students’ learning experiences “in” and “beyond” the classroom.

Giving to support college students and individuals preparing for ministry demonstrates the kind of generosity and compassion that is love in action:

“We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us – and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

1 John 3:16-18.

When philanthropic giving is rooted in these Christ-like principles, it goes beyond mere financial assistance. It becomes an expression of selflessness, reflecting God’s love for humanity. By supporting college students and future ministers, we are actively participating in God’s work of transforming lives and empowering people to make a positive impact in our church, society, and world.

Those aspiring to serve in ministry need our support to pursue theological education in traditional seminary settings as well as non-traditional tracks. Your giving serves as an essential lifeline for these students. I, myself, am a recipient of generous giving which made it possible for me to attend and complete both college and seminary; gifts for which I am forever grateful! Today, I match those gifts by “giving back” – establishing scholarships, setting aside planned gifts, and participating regularly in annual giving. I remain committed to supporting college and ministerial students because such support allows aspiring ministers to focus on their studies and personal growth without being overwhelmed by financial concerns. By investing in our students, we are paving the way for compassionate leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities.

Further, dedicated giving directed to support Disciple students has far-reaching implications. By removing financial barriers, our philanthropy enhances access to education and prepares individuals who are faith-filled leaders. These students are becoming equipped to address the present moment with critical thinking and theological reflection. These leaders will also provide the guidance, counsel, and care we will need during times of personal and communal crises.

Let me close by thanking each you for answering the call to become a donor to Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. I also thank you for actively participating in our denomination’s General Offerings, including the upcoming Thanksgiving Offering which supports our Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses.

By strengthening educational opportunities and empowering aspiring leaders, we have the power to transform lives and shape a brighter future. It is imperative that we recognize and appreciate these contributions, as they serve as catalysts for positive change in our society. As 1 John 3:16-18 reminds us, we are all called beyond superficial expressions of love. In fact, we are instructed to demonstrate our love through tangible, meaningful, impactful, and real-life actions. Philanthropic giving serves as a practical way for all of us to embody this call, enabling us to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we support and those they, in turn, will impact.

So, let me say it again, “Thank you for your giving, it truly makes a difference!”

With Gratitude,

Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

Date: June 27, 2023

For Immediate Release    

Contact: Jenelle (Bayus) Sanders, (330) 569-5287   

Hiram College again receives distinction for transfer program by Phi Theta Kappa

Hiram College was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society’s 2023 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the dynamic pathways created to support transfer students. Known as a premier honor society, PTK recognizes the importance of creating strong transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students.  

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes four-year colleges and universities that have developed transfer pathways that lead to excellence and success among community college transfer students. Institutions that made the list were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, determined by the Transfer Profile in PTK Connect, an online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways, and more. The Honor Roll is chosen from among the top 25 percent highest-rated colleges each year.  

Hiram is one of 208 U.S. colleges and universities to be named to the list.  

“We are proud to again be recognized by Phi Theta Kappa for our ongoing commitment to supporting transfer students,” said Andrea Welch, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “Hiram’s admission team works with each transfer student individually to help them on their educational journey, and as an institution, we will continue to strive to remove the barriers to earning a degree that so many students often face.”

Hiram College offers several transfer pathways for students from accredited two- and four-year institutions for fall and spring semesters or to enroll in summer courses. All admitted transfer students are eligible to receive a merit-based scholarship annually. Students who have earned their associate degree or students who have earned 64 or more credits may transfer those credits as a block, giving eligible students the opportunity to meet core curriculum without having to take additional general education courses. 

Learn more about Hiram’s transfer student program. 

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About Hiram College:    

Founded in 1850, Hiram College provides students of all backgrounds with an attainable private education that teaches the 21st-century skills needed to thrive professionally and personally in the face of inevitable and constant change. Built on a community that fosters student-faculty collaboration, the College equips all students with the tools necessary to embrace active learning in the classroom, in Ohio, and beyond through technology, internship, study away, research, and other experiential opportunities for growth and development. Recognized by Colleges of Distinction, The Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, and as a top baccalaureate college by Washington Monthly, Hiram enrolls over 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students in academic programs on its Northeast Ohio campus and online. For more information, please visit www.hiram.edu.