Chapman University’s Legacy of Hope

By Rev. Cisa Payuyo, Associate Director of Church Relations Chapman University

The most rewarding part of my ministry at Chapman University these past twenty years has been mentoring and taking spiritual care of our Disciples and United Church of Christ-related students. It is a blessing to hear them share their Joys and Concerns during Wednesday Night Worship, sponsored by our Disciples on Campus community. Then, there are times when a student sits on the couch in my office and says, “I think I want to go into ministry. Will you help me explore this yearning?” My heart fills with gratitude to God as I hear them talk about their call. I have often witnessed God’s nudge in their life even before they realize it. These students come in at the beginning of their college career, wide-eyed, full of excitement, and ready for new experiences. Or they come in anxious, homesick, yet somewhat brave enough to take it a step at a time, a day at a time. Throughout the school year my colleagues in the office of Church Relations and I pray for and with them. We see the transformation in their lives as they become compassionate global citizens, effective church leaders, and grow into the good, kind, and courageous people God meant for them to be.

I have kept a record of graduates who have gone on to seminaries and divinity houses during my time at Chapman. From 2003 to the present, we have sent twenty-four alumni to schools with names such as Claremont School of Theology, Pacific School of Religion, Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Christian Theological, Lexington, and Union. Half of the graduates are ordained ministers. All of them serve in churches, hospitals, or in non-profit organizations. The first and the last names on the list are Leadership Fellows. Rev. Tiffany Curtis ‘07 works for the National Benevolent Association, while serving as minister with the open circle: a Disciples of Christ Community in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tristan Spangler-Dunning ’21 currently attends Union Theological Seminary.

Disciple-related schools of higher education offer a legacy of hope to the world and ignite the passion in people to be God’s grace incarnate.

Christian Theological Seminary: New Horizons

Christian Theological Seminary welcomes the new year by exploring exciting new horizons. In recent months, we announced our redesigned MDiv degree program that increases accessibility through remote learning AND launched two 6-week online courses designed for lifelong learners.

At CTS, we understand you can’t put your life on pause to pursue your calling. Thanks to new remote learning technology and our redesigned MDiv, you no longer have to. Our MDiv program now offers remote learning options for completing classes without eliminating the traditional in-person classroom experience, creating an equitable experience from anywhere with an internet connection. Consistent course offerings and individualized degree mapping allow students to complete required credit hours at their own pace with minimal on-site intensive days.

Listening to community feedback, we also launched two non-degree lifelong learning courses that are entirely online. Our new Skills for Flourishing Congregations series consists of micro-credentialing courses that help leaders stay nimble and up to date in rapidly changing ministry environments. The 6-week online courses help church leaders gain skills-based knowledge in key areas of church leadership like strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer management, conflict resolution, and more. Leveraging relationships with partners like the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, our expert instructors provide premier training in formats that suit busy pastors and church professionals.

The Our Life in Common Series is a space for community learning through a theological lens. Theology plays a powerful role in our shared experience. Good theology breathes life into our communities, but misguided theology can foster intolerance and injustice. These 6-week online courses offer meaningful discussion and theological exploration of faith, humanity, ethics, and other relevant topics. Both lifelong learning series are open to all - there are no preconditions for prior education or formal religious commitment.

These new horizons are an extension of our current ministry, theology, counseling, and social justice programs centered on CTS’ core values: advancing scholarship and formation, embracing diversity, working toward justice for all, affirming God-given human dignity, and promoting healing and wholeness throughout creation. Over 85% of CTS students receive scholarship support including financial aid opportunities specifically for Disciples of Christ affiliated students. Visit www.cts.edu to find out how CTS could be the next step in YOUR calling!

New Year Interim Iterations

The Higher Education and Leadership Ministries Presidential Search Committee met in mid-December to begin its search for the next President of HELM. And, since our General Ministry is also in the process of discerning who its next President will be, I thought it appropriate to start the new year with some thoughts on ministry. There is no greater privilege than to serve as a minister or President of a ministry, though undoubtedly, with great privilege comes even greater responsibility.

To care for the flock, including the flock who has yet to embrace the church’s mission, demands that we bring our very best to the task of ministry. If any time in history has called for an educated, literate, and professional ministry, that time is now.

I have always believed that education and ministry are two sides of the same coin. T.H. White in The Once and Future King probably said it best when he wrote this about learning:

“The best thing . . . is to learn something. That is the only

thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in

your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to

the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love,

you may see the world about you devastated by evil

lunatics, or know your honor trampled in the sewers of

baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn.

Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the

only thing which the mind can never exhaust, can never

alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and

never dream of regretting.”

 

Ministry is about learning, and growing, and sharing that growth with others. The purpose of ministry is to strengthen and transform the whole church and world. Ministry has never been for the sake of the church alone but has always been for the sake of the world and all who dwell in it.

If education and ministry are two sides of the same coin, so are ministry and leadership. Our ministers must help us to encounter new ideas and take them seriously, develop the capacity to think critically and interdependently, discover deep interests and consuming passions, and define the type of church and society we want to be and the type of mission that will help get us there. Such ministers will always be educators and leaders. I have observed that both church and society are crying out for leadership.

I thank God every day for the ministry to which I have been called, for the privilege to serve, and for the responsibilities and challenges of the profession. I am thankful for all who serve in ministerial, educational, and leadership positions; for those searching for a place to serve; and, for those who hope to serve one day — ministers, educators, and leaders in waiting.

Surely God is preparing a minister, educator, and leader in our church to serve as the next President of HELM. That person might just be you. Look over the President position description published in this issue of the Higher Education Digest and respond accordingly. This may be exactly what God has been preparing you to do in life. You may be the very person the Search Committee seeks. Marriages like this do happen. I know because it has happened to me.

Presidentially yours,

Ron

Jarvis: Pivoting from Excellence to Preeminence

It has been an exciting year at Jarvis Christian University in Hawkins, Texas. Marking its 110th anniversary since its founding in 1912, in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), this year also is the transition from College to University with the addition of two master level programs, one in business administration and one in criminal justice.

“In a year filled with transitions and transformation, our University’s theme of ‘Transformation: Pivoting from Excellence to Preeminence,’ is coming alive,” said Jarvis President Dr. Lester C. Newman. Jarvis was named one of 19 Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leaders for 2022; one of 25 educational gems in the State of Texas—the only HBCU listed; and JCU was selected in the second cohort of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Transformation Project. JCU is also embarking upon a $60 million capital campaign for need-based scholarships, the enhancement of academic programs and a multimillion dollar state-of-the-art student and community center.

“Academically and athletically, it’s been a busy year for students,” Newman said.  Two freshmen math majors from Texas with 4.0 GPAs were accepted into the BRING MATH program with the Institute for Mathematical and Statistical Innovation at Argon National Laboratory. Cancer research on campus led to student papers being published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Jarvis’ student chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Accounting (NABA) is one of the largest in the country.

Augmenting its athletic program by adding men’s and women’s wrestling, Jarvis has made history as the only HBCU in the nation with a women’s wrestling program. Two of Jarvis’ women wrestlers are currently ranked in the top 20 nationally, placing 15th and 20th.

On the move to live out this year’s theme, JCU is racing from excellence to preeminence and elevating the city of Hawkins and all of Wood County—being the only institution of higher education countywide.  In keeping with the words from the school’s alma mater, JCU can be “None but Great!”   

December Interim Iterations

As you are wrapping up the final weeks of Year 2022, I trust that you are leaving behind what needs to be let go of and looking forward to what lies ahead. In a few short weeks a new year will be upon us, and with it, the promise of doing better than we did the year before. This is precisely what good, healthy religion is all about — doing better!

Mediocre religion settles for maintaining the status quo and doing things just the same way it has always been done. It says, “Why push the envelope any further? Just let it coast, and everything will be okay.”

Such mediocre religion lures the believer into an acceptance that all is well with the world, and with God and no improvement is needed. The believer has already arrived, is already in the know, has nothing new to learn, and is the gravy waiting to be heaped onto the metaphorical Christmas turkey. (By the way, Merry Christmas!)

Unfortunately, the religion of mediocrity is alive and well in the world today. It settles for less than the best in theological scholarship and learning. It demands no sacrifice and faces no difficulty. It expects ease and comfort, which results in a high margin of profitability. It is the religion of the masses and often parades about in the name of Jesus and Christianity. But there is a better way, a more promising religion that does not parade about in the name of Jesus and Christianity. It is the very religion of Jesus and is the embodiment of the Christian faith.

It calls its followers to a deep understanding of the mystery of God and Christ and never settles for less than the best in one’s life, one’s world, or one’s universe. It demands sacrifice. It focuses attention on the poor, the outcast, the ‘least of these.’ It also encourages the believer to use all the tools of modern scholarship and understanding in the search for truth. It is nothing new, but it is new everyday as one realizes that there is always more to learn about faith, about Jesus, and about God.

Whenever I feel the pull toward practicing mediocre religion, the religion that just wants me to ease my way through and not think too much, I remember that time long ago when I gave my life to Christ, the real Christ not the ersatz Christ. I told Jesus that I would surrender my life to him not only during days of ease and comfort, but especially when the way grows dim and the outcome uncertain. I have followed Jesus down many a road and winding pathway never compromising my intellect or giving in to the unreasonable cries of those who would sell their faith for a quick fix or magical solution.

We in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have another chance to start this coming year with a desire to get it right, to follow the real Christ instead of the false ones, to use our brains and not our bronze, to think rather than emote, to do instead of say, to feel deeply, to listen carefully, and to follow where Jesus leads us in our lives for the betterment of the world.

Let each of us pledge in the year to come, to do better than we did the year before, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that . . .

Improving-ly yours,

Ron

2022 Seminarian Grant Recipients

Isaac Ackerman

Isaac Ackerman (he/him or they/them) attended Eureka College double majoring in Biology and Chemistry with a minor in Spanish. They intended to study medicine after their time at Eureka but was convinced while volunteering at a hospital in rural India to first explore the world and other vocations before (possibly) taking another look at medicine. After college, he taught English to young learners in Incheon, South Korea for two years. He then returned to the United States to work with the National Benevolent Association’s Xplor program assisting a number of organizations around Cleveland, Ohio including college ministry at Kent State and providing support for adults with developmental disabilities at Hiram Farm. Seeing the wide work of the church in helping communities thrive, Isaac decided to pursue ordination with the Disciples of Christ and is entering his third year of divinity school at Vanderbilt.

Kerrigan Greene

Kerrigan is a longtime Disciple, a HELM Leadership Fellow alumnus (2016-2020), and a Global Mission Associate of Japan (2018-19). They are currently attending the University of Chicago Divinity School, where they were the Divinity Student Association Secretary (2021-22). They did their undergrad in Asian Studies, and their love of Japanese culture and history has continued an interest in Shintoism and Buddhism. Along with this focus, they are pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies. In the future, they hope to work with fellow LGBTQ+ people within affinity organizations. Kerrigan enjoys drinking tea and coffee while talking with their found-family about the books they all are reading.

Courtney Sells

My time at Vanderbilt Divinity School has allowed me to become incredibly interested in various forms of labor and economic justice. This fall I will be completing my thesis on emotional and spiritual labor– specifically from a feminine and queer perspective.

Graham Watson

Graham is going through the ordination process accompanied by FCC in Abilene, TX. As of now, Graham’s professional curiosity relates to process thinking in ecumenical work and seminary preparation. During the school year, Graham attends Vanderbilt Divinity School and works at Woodmont Christian Church. This summer, Graham served at FCC Abilene, and last summer Graham served as a worship leader in Badlands National Park.

Neddy Yong

Nereyda “Neddy” Yong is a proud Latina and first-generation seminarian at San Francisco Theological Seminary who is passionate about spiritually based social engagement. She has over a decade of local ministry experience and is also trained as a spiritual director. Her vocation is to support leaders and activists of color by becoming a presence of passion and peace. You will often find her doing what she loves: meeting new people, enjoying nature, trying new food, dancing, laughing with her family (she has a partner and three beautiful children), and adventuring to new places to experience first-hand the beautiful diversity present in the world.

Taylor Ballard

I’m entering my third year at Vanderbilt Divinity School with concentrations in Prison and Carceral Studies, and Spirituality and Social Activism. I grew up in Florida and graduated from Florida State University with a masters in criminology. The prison and carceral path offered by Vanderbilt was the biggest pull for me to pursue theological education. I grew up in a Disciples of Christ church and always, silently, imagined myself in some facet of the church, but never one that was on stage behind a pulpit. Instead, I found the work of non-profits and theological underpinnings to be what drew me in – to weave and recognize the Divine in the world around us, outside of “Church” walls. In coming to Vanderbilt, I started working at a local non-profit that is dedicated to disrupting systems of harm and providing educational opportunities to formerly incarcerated peoples. I work on the policy side of this field, engaging in state and regional level policy. When I’m not deep into legislative action or collective work, you can find me selling donuts at a Nashville bakery or cuddled up with my cats reading a good book. I am very thankful for this scholarship and the opportunity you have all provided me.

Wesley King

Wesley King is a seminarian finishing his final thesis and capstone project at Lexington Theological Seminary where he is pursuing his Master of Divinity. While at LTS he has received the HELM grant and Lovelace scholarship multiple times, the DHM scholarship, and the Walker Preaching Scholarship. He currently serves The Table Nashville, an ELCA queer-centric church plant on Sunday evenings as a ministerial intern to complete the requirements of his MDiv. In addition to his seminary studies, he works full-time for the denomination as Program Coordinator for New Church Ministry. In this position he plans trainings, webinars, events, and other programming that seeks to help new church pastors and all pastors seeking to learn, grow, and innovate. In addition to ministry, Wesley is a professional musician working as a performer, conductor, and composer in Nashville, TN. He is the Artistic Director of Nashville in Harmony, an LGBTQ+ Ally chorus. He has also spent the last several years composing and developing a musical that he just produced in Nashville in June of 2022 titled, “Ten Year,” a musical about a man attending his 10-year high school reunion dealing with regret and being stuck in the past. He is also a songwriter and is currently working on a supplement to the Chalice Hymnal. Some of his songs and hymns have been published by The Hymn Society, The Pennsylvania Council of Churches, and Lorenz Publishing. After he finishes his MDiv, he plans to be ordained and continue his ministry work at the denominational level. He is also interested in the intersections of ministry and music, specifically new hymnody that reflect themes of Justice, Inclusion, and Equity. Wesley is a member of Vine Street Christian Church and resides in East Nashville with his husband, Tyler who is an accomplished architect, and their rescued racing greyhound, Fuel.

Brenda Velázquez-Morales

My name is Brenda Alicia Velázquez-Morales. I am 61 years old and have been married to Chaplain Rev. Dr. Fernando Morales for 26 years. I have three brothers: Miguel Angel, Héctor Luis, and Damaris, and my father lives with me. My mom is waiting for her Savior, resting in peace for 5 years. I am originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, but I was raised in Ceiba, the most beautiful East Coast site on the Island. I am an Executive Secretary and worked at Nevarez & Villavicencio Construction Co. for about 28 years until I was married. For six years I was a Secretary for our Disciples of Christ Hispanic Convention in the Florida Region and was also involved with the DOC Hispanic Women’s Ministry as a secretary and activities’ planner, which I continue to support today. Several times I served as a volunteer for Assembles of our National Disciples Christian Church. I also love to read, sing, decorate, do makeovers, cook and bake, sew, and travel. I also love to teach and preach the Word of God. I do not have my own, but I love kids. I also love nature, and one of my passions is gardening (my favorite hobby). I received my call to ministry in 1994 at a United Church of Christ Assembly Saturday night youth service. For many years I thought being a Pastor’s wife was enough, but the Lord had something more for me. God called me to Asbury Theological Seminary! During 2021-22 I studied at Lexington Theological Seminary, and have returned to ATS to finish my MDiv. My lovely church is First Christian Church in Deland, FL where I serve as Ordained Chair of the Elder’s Ministry. With great joy I represent my church as a missionary for Garden of Eden Health Center in Jayuya, Puerto Rico where, once a year, I do administrative and organizational office work. Today I am under care of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) COM (Commission on Ministry) of the Florida Region. My goal is to continue serving the body of Christ and community with all the talents and gifts the Lord has given me. I greatly appreciate your support during my journey as a student. Thank You so much!

Introducing 2022 Ph.D. Scholarship Recipients

William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Ph. D. Scholarship Recipients:

Geonyul Byeon

Geonyul grew up in the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, which has a partnership with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Since coming to the US in 2019, he has been serving as a co-pastor in Sallims Church in Irvine, California. Also, Geonyul served as a student minister in Salem First Christian Church in Salem, Oregon, and the Oregon SW Idaho Region recognized his ordination in June 2022. Geonyul is interested in how art can revitalize the church and theology of our time. In particular, his main research topic pertains to how visual art can support our neighbors and the marginalized. He is now applying himself in studying these areas of academic interests in the Ph.D. program focused on Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion at Graduate Theological Union.

Kyungmok Lee

At Claremont School of Theology (CST), I achieved an M.A. degree in 2019 and have been studying in the Ph. D. program since then. My academic concern is mainly focused on ecological theology, making use of process theology. Also, I delve into practical ways to transform current church ministry for the upcoming era. For approximately six years, I have been a member of Downey Memorial Christian Church and minister there as an education pastor. In addition, I now serve as a co-pastor at Sallims Church. Both churches belong to PSWR of DOC and are recognized as multi-ethnic congregations. Under the warm cooperation of all the church members and pastors, I am grateful to be learning about the full vision and possibility of multi-ethnic ministry. Last July, I started working as the PSWR NAPAD ministries coordinator. I am honored and excited to contribute to PSWR and NAPAD clergies and congregations.

Richard Bray

Rev. Richard Bray has worked in higher education, non-profit sectors, and communities of faith as a leader and consultant. He works to foster relationships among community stakeholders to equip, empower, and engage persons to transform communities where people live, learn, work, worship, and play. Richard is a Ph.D. candidate in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. Richard’s dissertation explores Black Preaching in Cross-Racial Cross-Cultural Congregations of The United Methodist Church. As a practitioner-scholar he will continue to work and serve at the intersection of higher education, religion, and community engagement. Practically, he will foster relationships with residents, congregants, schools, community-based organizations, government, and businesses to create equitable and just ways of being in the world and with each other that may begin with transformational dialogues. Richard volunteers as the Vice President of the board of directors at the Edna Martin Christian Center in Indianapolis and he serves on the national board of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE). Rev Richard worships at Amazing Grace Christian Church. Richard has been married to Cheryl for 30 years and they have three children. After family and academic accomplishments, Rev. Richard says his personal greatest accomplishment is completing three (3) half marathons and a Spartan Race. For fun and relaxation, he is learning to play golf and practice yoga.

 

 

Mbûûi GM

I am an artist/singer-theologian/scholar-practitioner from the Eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya, East Africa. As a recording artist, I’m passionate about employing the arts towards positive justice-oriented transformations. Currently, I am a Theology and Ethics student at Graduate Theological Union, working at the intersection of constructive African Public Theology, Liberative Ethics, and African Indigenous Philosophical frameworks. I am the founding director of Kilele Africa Ministry. I enjoy singing, knitting, cooking, making connections and comedic expressiveness, among other joys.

 

Larry J. Morris III

Rev. Larry J. Morris III (he/they) is a PhD student in the African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric Program at Christian Theological Seminary, focusing on the intersections of Blackness, Queerness, and Sacred Rhetoric. Larry earned their Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies at Claremont School of Theology and co-founded Communion Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Henderson, NV based on their MTS thesis. Larry recently relocated to Chicago, IL to accept the position as Executive Director/Lead Pastor of the Inclusive Collective.

 

Young Kang

I’m a Ph.D. student in New Testament at Yonsei Graduate School. My field of interest is postcolonial biblical interpretation in Pauline studies. I’m interested in how to apply the understanding of the dynamics of the early churches with diverse cultural and ethnic identities, to the reality of the marginalized immigrant communities in the United States. As a minister who has served Korean-American churches since 2012, I have a passion for second-generation youth and young adults. I’m currently under care for ordination with the Pacific Southwest Region, serving Yedidyah Christian Church in Norwalk, California as an associate minister. Yedidyah Christian Church envisions a multi-ethnic church community of worship and arts created by God’s beloved people and God-loving people. I also serve as a member of the Church Transformation Committee of the region.

Anne E. Dickerson Ph.D. Scholarship Recipients:

Lynette Li

Lynnette Li (she/they) began their first year of doctoral studies at the University of Denver-ILIFF School of Theology’s joint PhD program in the study of religion and social ethics this year. During her program, Lynnette hopes to develop their grounding theories on Christian social ethics, postcolonial and political theologies. For the past six years, Lynnette has been involved with theological consultations, research, and program development with the Council for World Mission. Their denominational involvement includes serving on the General Board of the General Assembly, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, and participating in the youth programming team for the General Assemblies of 2013 and 2015. Lynnette is a proud member of Central Christian Church (Indianapolis, IN). They currently serve on the board of the Disciples Home Missions. They hope to contribute their scholarship, advocacy, and research to energize the ongoing work of the Disciples’ work towards being a movement for wholeness in a broken and fragmented world.

 

 

Shelly Tilton

Shelly Tilton is a PhD candidate in religious studies at the University of Virginia. Her work explores how societies remember, the role of film as a medium of cultural memory, and what religious groups as communities of memory can contribute to ethical questions arising from the use of history and ritualized memories in identity formation and moral action. She holds a BA in philosophy from Freed-Hardeman University, an MDiv from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and an MA in religious studies from the University of Chicago Divinity School. She was ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at Vine Street Christian Church in Nashville Tennessee in August 2014.

Meet the 2022 Leadership Fellows

Khaya Barnes

My name is Khaya Barnes, and I’m a member of Central Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. I will be attending Chapman University in Orange County, California, and majoring in Global Communications and World Languages. I was born and raised in South Africa as a missionary kid and have always been fascinated with different languages, cultures, and histories. 

Kharis Gilmore-Essig

I’m Kharis Gilmore-Essig. My main interest, and an area I tend to focus on, is social justice- even in small ways like bringing my perspective into a conversation or advocating for myself or others in difficult situations. I also try to incorporate social justice in larger ways such as having participated in an internship experience called the Black Girls and Young Women’s Collective, where we advocated for Black girls ages 11-24 through public policy campaigning and wellness events and programs. I am attending Purdue University and majoring in Biology. I also thoroughly enjoy singing and plan to join the gospel choir at the Black Cultural Center at Purdue. While here, I have continued to stream my home church’s services so I can still participate in some capacity, but I plan to visit the Disciples church in Lafayette, IN soon.

Sharon Lee

Hello! I am Sharon Lee, and I am so excited to be a part of the Leadership Fellows Program! I am an ENFP on the MBTI personality spectrum and some things I love to do are play the piano for church, discover new Christian songs, spend time with my family and friends, and play with little kids. During high school, I was a part of multiple clubs which include UNICEF, Best Buddies, and First Priority (the Christian fellowship group at my school.) I also started a tutoring platform called Knowledge Nutrition Tutoring that provides free tutoring for middle schoolers, making use of the High School community around them. My goal for these next four years of college is to be happy and filled with God’s love so that I can share this happiness and love to everyone around me.

Paige Netting

Hello! My name is Paige Netting, and I will be attending Virginia Tech this year. I was the captain of the debate team in my High School. I was also on the Speech Team, and the Swim Team. I plan to be on the Water Polo Team during my time at Virginia Tech. I love making new friends and hanging out. I will major in Biochemistry, but plan to switch to just Biology later in the year. I am super excited for this opportunity to be a HELM Leadership Fellow!





Brianda Vazquez

I am Brianda Vazquez. I love to sing, journal, and read books that encourage my faith. I also love to be around my family and friends and eat antojitos together. Love, Joy, Faith, Empathy, and Intimacy are what I value most, and strive to live out in my life. My faith and deep piety in Jesus Christ have motivated me to serve my community through evangelism events, teaching and translating at Vacation Bible School, and founding and leading the Hope Club at my high school, inspired by Colossians 2:2-3. I also help lead worship as a member of the Advance Worship Team at my church. I will be attending Arizona Christian University, where I will pursue a major in Business Administration. Some goals that I have are to learn to play the violin, and to graduate from the Leadership Class at my church in order to serve at a retreat as well as the Girls’ Conference 2022.

Callie Yates

Callie Krystine Yates is from Orange, California and will be pursuing a degree in Religious Studies at Chapman University in Orange, California. At her home congregation, First Christian Church Fullerton, she volunteers as a member of the Worship Technology Team, a storyteller for Children Worship and Wonder, and serves as a member of the Diaconate. Callie loves finding new opportunities to sharpen her skills for video editing, customer service, and advocacy. In her free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland, the mall with friends, or snuggling up to watch reality television with her dog, Luna.




 

Alanis Dorsey

Hello! My name is Alanis Beatrice Christina Dorsey, and I am a first-year student at Texas Christian University majoring in Political Science-International Relations. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois, but I grew up mainly in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout middle school and now into college, I have studied Chinese and am skilled in reading Chinese Characters. In high school, I was in the Chinese Club, furthering my skill level. I also played Rugby for my school’s team, where we ranked 2nd in the state in 2021. I have had the privilege of traveling to countries in Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe. Traveling to these places allowed me to view other countries across national, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic boundaries. Traveling pushed me to major in international studies with the hope that I can join the international community in learning and in adopting an approach that takes the plight of developing countries seriously. I hope throughout this program, I can grow more into a leader and figure out what I specifically want to do in the political science realm.

Olivia Hardin-Nieri

Olivia Hardin-Nieri is from Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up in the mountains, which aided her in developing deep care for the natural world, sustainability, and mental health as it pertains to ecological grief. Olivia has a zeal for travel and strives to continue learning through new and unfamiliar places. She is a passionate learner and leader, and hopes to continue to support the church on its journey of creating space for difficult conversations. Her time spent as an Asheville Youth Mission Scholar was formative, as volunteering and learning how the immediate community was impacted by harmful systems was interwoven with storytelling and outreach. Similarly, Olivia found storytelling and advocacy were important pieces within decision-making as she served as a Pastoral Transition Team member supporting the founding pastor as she retired, and the church in their transition. In 10th grade, Olivia spent a semester in a tech-free, outdoor, leadership-centered community called the Outdoor Academy. There, she co-founded the Legacy Team which created a strong platform for herself and others to create change. In this way, Olivia values community focus, and creating meaningful relationships.  Olivia is an INFJ who loves swimming in creeks and rivers, playing ultimate frisbee, reading, caring for her collection of indoor plants, and time spent finding the perfect scented candle. She looks forward to attending Chapman University, beginning her adventure in California, and her educational journey alongside other Leadership Fellows.

Jahnelle Mata

My name is Jahnelle Mata, and I’m from Cedar Park, TX, though I was born in the Philippines. I’m an incoming freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in Biology with a minor in Humanities for pre-med. I hope to achieve my dream job as an Obstetrician-gynecologist. I hope that with my education and skills, I can work to end the stigmas and “taboo” labeling surrounding reproductive health. I’m determined to make reproductive health and education widely available across all ages and socioeconomic statuses. Some of my other interests include singing, listening to music, making playlists, and collecting albums. I love going to concerts, picnics, and love binge-watching films. This semester, I’ll be involved in Women in Natural Science (WINS), Freshman Research Institute (FRI), and other clubs that pertain to my interests. I can’t wait to embark on this experience with HELM and am so grateful for this opportunity.

Sam Snider

I’m Sam Snider, and I am a graduate of Kickapoo High School in Springfield, MO, where I was active in Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, and sports (including football and baseball.) Starting this fall, I will be pursuing my undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. I have been a volunteer in the Community Garden at my home church for over a decade; I also help lead the Worship Tech Team and was a representative for my church’s Justice and Outreach Team throughout my time in Youth Group. As I will be living outside of my hometown for the first time this fall, one of my desires is to get involved in my new community, and hopefully gain a better grasp of that community in doing so. I wish to continue focusing on justice and outreach opportunities as they present themselves. One of my main life goals is to attend law school so that I can pursue a career focused on shaping public policy for the common good. I plan to achieve this goal by not only taking in the information that I gain as a Political Science major, but also applying information from extracurricular activities and other opportunities. Faith is important to me and being part of a community of faith where I can build relationships with others, and work together on projects that reflect the values at the heart of Christ is a main priority. When I went about choosing a college to attend, I looked at various options and am so excited to have the opportunity to attend TCU because of its deep roots in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). My life has been profoundly shaped by my experiences in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ,) and I am so grateful for these experiences to continue into the future.





Yale Divinity School Intensives Conducted by Leading Practitioners

Disciples Student, Mark Dingler, is a TCU graduate and now Senior at Yale Divinity School

Yale Divinity School students receive instruction from professors who are among the most
noted theologians and Bible scholars in the academy. But the academic experience does not
end there. Several times a year, students take for-credit, weekend-intensive courses from
leading practitioners as part of the School’s Transformational Leadership Program.

Launched as a key component of the Divinity School’s 2015 strategic plan, the program is now
in its seventh year. Guest instructors have included U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, Catholic Educator
Parker Palmer, Rev. Traci Blackmon, travel writer Rick Steves, and Bread for the World President
Eugene Cho.

In addition to teaching the two-day, one-credit courses, the guest instructors engage in public
conversations on the Friday evenings hosted by program leader, Bill Goettler, the Divinity
School’s Associate Dean for Ministerial and Social Leadership. The courses are also open to
students at Yale’s other graduate and professional schools.

YDS Dean, Greg Sterling, set the tone for the program, saying at the time of its launch: “We
have to rethink how we position ourselves—as a theological school, as churches, and as
individuals—in a changing world. The need for leadership is urgent.”

The aim of the Transformational Leadership program is to identify innovative leaders who are
working outside the walls of churches and to invite them to come to New Haven to share their
experiences and insights with students.

“Students find these weekend intensives with leaders to be a source of real encouragement for
their work, as they develop their own visions for building community and seeking justice,”
Goettler said. “Our graduates will serve in churches and in a range of other contexts. They find
encouragement and inspiration from these leaders’ case studies and stories as they move
toward their own unique forms of ministry.”

This fall, the program has offered two weekend-intensive courses. September’s course featured
Rev. Jennifer Bailey and Rev. Dr. Danielle Buhuro of the Faith Matters Network in an exploration
of emerging forms of chaplaincy. In November, YDS alum Sharon Damelio, Senior Director of
Development of the nonprofit WhyHunger, guest-taught a course titled, “Fundraising in a
Broken World: Exploring the Theory and Practice of Nonprofit Fundraising.”

Videos of many of the guest instructors’ public conversations are available on the YDS
YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/YaleDivinitySchool.