Category Archives: Announcement

2017 HELM PhD Scholars

This past Fall 2017, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries named 9 doctoral students as recipients of either the Ann E. Dickerson Scholarship or the William Gilbert & Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship.

The Dickerson Scholarship honors Ann E. Dickerson who was elected Vice-Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in August 1975. A member of the faculty of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, she died in October 1975, shortly after receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. This scholarship is awarded to female members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pursuing a Ph.D. in religion.

The William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones scholarship recognizes members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) working towards a Ph.D. in religion, who are also currently ordained or preparing for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and who intend to provide leadership to a congregation or other agency of the church.

The recipients for the 2017-2018 academic year include:

Ann E. Dickerson Scholars

(From left to right)
  • Toni Bond Leonard, Claremont School of Theology, Religion, Ethics & Society
  • Miseon Choi, Claremont School of Theology, Practical Theology
  • Lydia Hernández-Marcial, Lutheran School of Theology, Bible Studies/Hebrew Bible
  • Leah Laird, Claremont School of Theology, Hebrew Bible
  • Ruth Schulenberg, Brite Divinity School, Pastoral Theology

William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholars

(from left to right)
  • Nestor A. Gómez Morales, University of Denver/Iliff School of Theology, Religion and Social Change
  • José Morales Torres, Claremont School of Theology, Comparative Theology and Philosophy
  • Andrew Packman, the Divinity School at the University of Chicago, Theology
  • Laura Jean Torgerson, Graduate Theological Union, Interdisciplinary Studies

For more information about these scholarships, including application process, visit: helmdisciples.org/scholarships

2017 HELM Leadership Fellows Named

9 Disciples College First Year Students Selected as HELM Leadership Fellows

In the Fall of 2017, HELM selected 9 incoming students to join the cohort of the Leadership Fellows Program. These students were selected from an expansive pool of extremely qualified applicants. Through their mindful involvement in their schools and churches, the 9 new Fellows have successfully established themselves as leaders within their own communities. Through the Leadership Fellows Program, HELM hopes to nurture and support each Fellow’s undergraduate career to further expand on their already impressive accomplishments towards positive impact in our communities.

The 2017-2018 Cohort, listed in alphabetical order, includes:

Olivia Adams is attending DePaul University in Chicago, IL where she will study film. Olivia served on her school’s student council, was Student President of the Theater Department, and participated in the Disciples Indiana Region Youth Leadership Team, among other things. Linda McCrae, Olivia’s home pastor at Central Christian Church in Indianapolis, described Olivia as “intelligent, insightful, able to engage in mature conversation.”

McKinnon Anderson is from Mount Carmel, IL and is studying business and accounting at Eureka College. McKinnon is “always reaching out to help those in need,” according Rev. Leslie James Summers, Jr. of First Christian Church of Mt. Carmel, and “is not afraid to take charge in a loving way.” Her leadership roles include regional youth events, deacon at her home church, and Band Council President, among others.

Iris Jang is pursuing her interest in film at Chapman University.  Among many activities demonstrating her leadership, Iris interned at the Children’s Choir of the Korean American Music Academy, was a teacher for Korean Bethel Church’s kindergarten ministry, and co-captained her school’s tennis team. “Iris has such a unique perspective in life,” says her teacher, and she “made a commitment to using her talents to help other people.”

Tristan Spangler-Dunning is from Mitchellville, Iowa and is attending Chapman University while focusing on history. He served as CYF Camp President, church deacon, has preached at church and at a regional assembly, and has held lead roles at plays. Rev. McKinna Daugherty of Altoona Christian Church said that Tristan is “passionate about social just with a heart for the underdog” and that “he displays excellent leadership skills...”

Clay York is attending Transylvania University in Kentucky. Clay has been active in the Kentucky Region through youth programs and locally, serving as deacon and worship and wonder leader. Clay has also participated in church-sponsored mission trips and volunteered at the TJ Samson Hospital. Clay, according to Rev. Anne Bruce, “is well versed in what it means to live in community” thus “an easygoing but passionate leader.”

Kaylie Allen attends Bethany College in West Virginia and is interested in elementary education and psychology. National Honors Society, Drill Team Leader, Church Deacon, and General Assembly Workshop Leader are a few examples of Kaylie’s leadership roles. According to Rev. David T. Chafin of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in WV and Pa, Kaylie is “a shining example to the church and to the world.”

Linnea Blakemore is a dancer attending the University of Southern Mississippi. She has been a tutor, dance teaching assistant, served on local and short-term mission trips, and has served First Christian Church in Birmingham as a deacon, worship and wonder leader, and more. Rev. Troy A. Tatum affirms that Linnea is “a person of strong faith and integrity” and someone who “embodies what it means to be a servant-leader.”

Paulina Garcia Gonzalez is from La Jolla, California, is attending Chapman University and is interested in psychology. She has participated in mission trips sponsored by Torrey Pines Christian Church, and serves as leader of her church’s kids’ ministries. Additionally, she was captain of her school’s Varsity Swim team and Water Polo team. Paulina’s English teacher says that she “will try and try and try to make [the right thing] happen.”

Emily Swett is pursuing her interest of music education and music therapy at James Madison University. She provided leadership for various theater-related clubs at school and has counseled, and worked as cook, for various summer camps in the Capitol area. Robert K. Degges, Senior Pastor at Bethany Christian Church, says that Emily has a “desire to help others” and reaches “beyond her comfort zones to make a difference.”

The 9 incoming fellows join 14 returning fellows:

2016: Ainsley Anderson (Carthage College); Lauren Kim (Yale University); Cris Marin (Eureka College); Quinlan Pulleyking (Missouri State University); Courtney Sells (Centre College); Isabelle Smith (Georgetown University); Jordan White (Northern Kentucky University); Lydia Yang (Chapman University).

2015: Emily Benson (East Carolina University); Stephanie Caress (Chapman University); Fiyori Kidane (Texas Christian University); Jost Mata (University of Texas - Austin); Rachel Sames (Earlham College); Alex Smith (Texas Christian University).

Fellows gathered together this past November in Chicago for the annual Leadership Fellows Retreat. Students had an opportunity to strengthen their relationships to one another, converse about community, societal transformation, and global awareness, and to join in fellowship. Additionally, fellows had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Reggie Williams, Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at McCormick Theological Seminary; and, from Dr. Kelly Richmond Pope, Associate Professor in the School of Accountancy of DePaul University and director of the documentary All the Queen's Horses. Before departing Chicago, fellows worshipped with Root & Branch Church, a recent Disciples church plant in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood.

Phillips Theological Seminary Announces Faculty Search

Phillips Theological Seminary is currently seeking applicants to fulfill several faculty positions. Please, see the announcements below from PTS for details.

New Testament
Phillips Theological Seminary invites applications for a tenure or tenure-track faculty appointment, beginning July 1, 2018, in New Testament. Rank open; salary commensurate with rank. PhD or ThD preferred; ABD considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in New Testament studies with a strong background in New Testament Greek and historical-critical methodology opening onto rhetorical, postcolonial and other forms of literary and ideological criticism. Responsibilities will include teaching in both the Master’s and Doctor of Ministry programs across online and on-campus formats.

Please send a cover letter expressing interest in the position and detailing relevant academic and professional experience, a curriculum vitae, a sample syllabus, and the names and contact information of at least three references to tammye.jurena@ptstulsa.edu. In addition, please include a 1-2 page statement of your teaching philosophy and experience that addresses how students in your classes might translate critical insights from classes you teach to congregational life and a variety of other public settings. The search will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Phillips is an ecumenical seminary affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, and is committed to expanding the diversities of its board, faculty, staff, and student community. Members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are encouraged to apply. See www.ptstulsa.edu/employment for position description, employment policies, and more information.

History of Christianity
Phillips Theological Seminary invites applications for a tenure or tenure-track faculty appointment, beginning July 1, 2018, in History of Christianity. Rank open; salary commensurate with rank. PhD or ThD preferred; ABD considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in the history and polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as it is grounded in broader North American religious history, and one or more of the following areas: Early Christianity, Christianity in the United States, History of Ecumenism, African-American Studies, Global Christianities, Interreligious Engagement, Missiology. Responsibilities will include teaching in both the Master’s and Doctor of Ministry programs across online and on-campus formats.

Please send a cover letter expressing interest in the position and detailing relevant academic and professional experience, a curriculum vitae, a sample syllabus, and the names and contact information of at least three references to tammye.jurena@ptstulsa.edu. In addition, please include a 1-2 page statement of your teaching philosophy and experience that addresses how students in your classes might translate critical insights from those classes to congregational life and a variety of other public settings. The search will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Phillips is an ecumenical seminary affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, and is committed to expanding the diversities of its board, faculty, staff, and student community. Members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are encouraged to apply. See www.ptstulsa.edu/employment for position description, employment policies, and more information.

Practical Theology
Phillips Theological Seminary invites applications for a tenure or tenure-track faculty appointment, beginning July 1, 2018, in Practical Theology. Rank open; salary commensurate with rank. PhD or ThD preferred; ABD considered. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in the Practices of Theological Leadership in two or more of the following areas: Congregational Studies, Pastoral Care, Spirituality, Christian Education, Worship, and Intercultural Ministries. Responsibilities will include teaching in both the Master’s and Doctor of Ministry programs across online and on-campus formats.

Please send a cover letter expressing interest in the position and detailing relevant academic and professional experience, a curriculum vitae, a sample syllabus, and the names and contact information of at least three references to tammye.jurena@ptstulsa.edu. In addition, please include a 1-2 page statement of your teaching philosophy and experience that addresses how students in your classes might translate critical insights from those classes to congregational life and a variety of other public settings. The search will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Phillips is an ecumenical seminary affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church, and is committed to expanding the diversities of its board, faculty, staff, and student community. Members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are encouraged to apply. See www.ptstulsa.edu/employment for position description, employment policies, and more information.

Inaugural International Trip for HELM Leadership Fellows

From May 27 to June 3, six participants in the HELM Leadership Fellows Program traveled to Cuba to visit Disciples partners and learn about the country’s cultures, history, and religious and political life. This was the first international trip for the Leadership Fellows Program and partner visits included the Martin Luther King Center, the Cuban Council of Churches, the Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas, and Sunday worship with a local congregation of the Pentecostal Church of Cuba. Cultural visits included the old city of Havana, Revolution Square, the Museum of the Revolution, a conversation with local youth, salsa lessons, an organic farm, and the towns of Los Palos and Varadero.

The group was hosted by the Martin Luther King Center in Havana, an organization involved in contextual theology and popular education. In his conversation with the Fellows, Rev. Raúl Suárez, founder of the MLK Center and a member of the Cuban Parliament, shared that Cuba is in a time of transition. With the recent opening of relations with the United States, many anticipant economic and social changes as contact and inv
estment increases. Rev. Suárez noted that with these changes comes the need for Cubans to insist on an “ethics-based economy” so that a culture of consumption does not begin to erode the values that have guided Cuban society over the years. In a visit to the Cuban Council of Churches, Rev. Joel Ortega Dopico, President of the Council, shared with the Fellows his belief and hope that peace and justice in the future will be due to their generations engagement and leadership in the world.

The Leadership Fellows Program aims to develop leaders through an intentional focus on four major areas. While the first two years focus on Community and Transformation respectively, the third year focuses on Global Awareness and our obligations and responsibilities of faithful leadership in a global and interconnected world, including the call to standin solidarity with those from diverse backgrounds and contexts. This was the inaugural trip for the Leadership Fellowship Program and, going forward, subsequent international trips will be offered for students in the third year of the program. The fourth and final year of the Program focuses on Mentoring.

The Fellows participating in this trip are recent graduates who began the Leadership Fellows Program under a previous model that only had a three-year commitment. They were invited to join this first international experience as part of what would have been their post college participation under the previous model. The six participants were Annaliese Baker (Chapman University), Finley Baldwin (North Carolina State University), Abbi Frings (Culver-Stockton College), Abby Henegar (Texas Christian University), Jonaphine Rae Mata (University of Texas) and Toni Trujillo (Texas Christian University). The students were accompanied on the trip by Chris Dorsey, Rebecca Hale, Ben Bohren, Pam Sparks, and Dawn and Jon Barnes.

HELM Board Spring Meeting Takes Place at Chapman University

In April of this year, HELM’s board of directors met at Chapman University in Orange, California for the Spring HELM board meeting. The meeting began on Friday afternoon with a tour of the Chapman University campus, led by Rev. Nancy Brink, Director of Church Relations.  Many of the board members had never visited the campus and were impressed by the growth in the programs offered, with a new 140,000 square foot Center for Science and Technology opening in the fall of 2018 and the establishment of a school of engineering, set to open in 2019 or 2020. Saturday’s portion of the meeting took place at the beautiful Fish Interfaith Center.  Board members were able to spend some time talking with Dr. Daniele Stuppa, President of Chapman University, as he talked about his vision for the future of Chapman.

The day concluded with a time of fellowship and worship with students and staff from the Disciples Seminary Foundation, located in nearby Claremont.  Worship was led by Tevita Uesi, an M.Div. student and HELM board member.  Rev. Clemette Haskins and Rev. HaeJin Park, both Ph.D. students and Ann E. Dickerson Scholars, spoke about their calling to ministry and higher education as well as the specific topics they are researching. Other students who participated included Leah Laird (Ph.D), Sarah Fiske-Philips (M.Div) and Toni Bond Leonard (Ph.D.).  All present were moved by the talents, calling and commitments of those who participated in worship and give thanks for the leadership they are already providing the church.

During the business session of the meeting, the board took two significant actions. Having previously called Chris Dorsey to the presidency for a transitional period of three years, the board voted to extend the call to Chris Dorsey to become the permanent president of HELM. This is an affirmation of the work that has been done over the past three years and a commitment to continue the important work of transforming HELM. The board also voted to enter a period of intentional discernment about the future of HELM to ensure that the mission of HELM continues in a way that meets the needs of the church in the present age.

CTS Searches for Faculty in Biblical Studies

HELM Hosts Higher Education Summit

On April 20 and 21, 2017 Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) hosted a historic summit gathering of leaders, staff and faculty from colleges and universities related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Participants gathered to discuss what it means to be a Disciples related school as well as to identify opportunities for working together and with various general ministries in ways that are mutually beneficial

In discussing the importance of higher education in the history of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), all present were reminded that early leaders in the movement viewed education as a key component in building a just and civil society. Chris Dorsey, President of HELM, noted that Alexander Campbell, founder of Bethany College, believed that “churches and colleges go hand in hand in the progress of Christian civilization.” The social, political and religious contexts have changed since Campbell wrote those words. However, even in these changed contexts, the work of educating and forming students intellectually, emotionally, spiritually and physically or, as Douglas Searcy, President of Barton College noted, “building up the whole person” continues. Glennell Lee-Pruitt, Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs at Jarvis Christian College, shared that one key component in working towards that goal in a diverse and pluralistic country and world is helping students “to be able to know and value a story other than their own.” Those present acknowledged the need to recognize and celebrate that working towards this kind of non-sectarian education is in our DNA as it has been part of Disciples history from the beginning.

HELM gives thanks for all the colleges and universities that relate to the church and their work in student formation, leadership development and connecting communities. We are also thankful for the many colleagues in ministry who share their time and gifts in seeking to support this work. To learn more about the work of HELM as well as the fourteen Disciples related colleges and universities, visit www.helmdisciples.org.

Campus Minister Position at Midway University

Midway University is looking to fill a Campus Minister Position. Please, refer to the announcement below.

CAMPUS MINISTER

Midway University invites applications for the position of Campus Minister.

The campus minister serves the theological, spiritual, and emotional needs of the university community through a student-centered college based ministry program, which is Christian in commitment and ecumenical in spirit.  The campus minister also provides support for students, faculty and staff of the university through worship services, counseling services, written communication, committee work, planned activities and communication with outside community organizations.

This position requires strong interpersonal and counseling skills and the ability to create programs for a diverse population.  Excellent organizational and problem solving skills are a must.  Master’s of Divinity with three years experience required; experience in an educational setting preferred. This is a part-time 9 month position (typically no summer hours required).

Founded in 1847 and affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Midway University began admitting male students into its traditional daytime undergraduate program in August 2016.  Midway University also offers adult undergraduate degree completion and graduate programs for both women and men through evening and online delivery.  The main campus is located in Midway, Kentucky in the center of the Bluegrass Region and 15 miles outside Lexington.  More than 120-acres of the 200-acre campus are dedicated to the institution’s equine program.  Midway University also has an off-site location in Lexington, Kentucky.

To apply, please visit www.midway.edu/careers

Midway University is an equal opportunity employer.

HELM Fellows Receive MLK, Jr. Scholarship from PSWR

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Pacific Southwest Region recognized HELM Fellows Lydia Yang and Lauren Kim during its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship offers financial assistance to full-time college students who are committed to ministry in inner city or urban settings, or in social action through peace and justice. In addition to completing an essay application, applicants must be an active member of a recognized congregation of the CC(DoC) PSWR, and be recommended by a pastor, church board or school counselor. Rev. Nora Jacobs, Restorative Justice Minister at Urban Mission Pomona and an organizer of the MLK, Jr. Celebration, commented that

both Lydia and Lauren wrote very moving essays about themselves and the struggles they experienced in the face of preconceptions and expectations of the different cultures that have shaped them, as well as how the seek to carry out social action through peace, justice, and reconciliation work.

Lydia Yang in a first-year student at Chapman University and a member of First Christian Church of North Hollywood in California. She has been active in the Pacific Southwest Region as a member of the Youth Leadership Team and as part of the Youth and Young Adults Planning Committee for the North American Pacific and Asian Disciples (NAPAD) Biennial Convocation in 2016. Lydia plans on going to medical school to become a pediatrician.

Lauren Kim is a first-year student at Yale University and a member of Sallims Christian Church in Southern California playing active roles in the church’s band and English Ministry. Lauren has also been involved in leadership roles with NAPAD and the General Youth Council. At Yale, she is studying Environmental Science and works for the Yale Sustainable Food Project.

Both Lydia and Lauren entered HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program at the beginning of the 2016-2017 academic year.

The Pacific Southwest Region’s MLK, Jr. Celebration took place Saturday January 21, 2017 at Casa de Refugio Christian Church in West Covina, California. Rev. JoAnn Bynum, Director of Student Life at Disciples Seminary Foundation, presented the award to both candidates. Lydia read an excerpt from her winning essay during the recognition while Rev. Bynum read on behalf of Lauren who was unable to attend.

HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program nurtures and develop young leaders who are positively impacting their communities. Graduating High School seniors who will be attending college in the Fall and who are members of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada are eligible to apply. The program is competitive and only a few of all applicants are selected each year. The application process for this year’s Fellows cohort is now accepting applications. Full eligibility requirements, details, and instructions to apply can be found online at www.helmdisciples.org/apply.

Congratulations Lydia and Lauren!

2016 Dickerson Scholars and Jones Scholars Named

2016-phd-scholars-postbanner

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries named 5 doctoral students as recipients of either the Ann E. Dickerson Scholarship or the William Gilbert & Florence Leonard Jones Scholarship.

The Dickerson Scholarship honors Ann E. Dickerson who was elected Vice-Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in August 1975. A member of the faculty of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, she died in October 1975, shortly after receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. This scholarship is awarded to female members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pursuing a Ph.D. in religion.

The William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones scholarship recognizes members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) working towards a Ph.D. in religion, who are also currently ordained or preparing for ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and who intend to provide leadership to a congregation or other agency of the church.

The recipients for the 2016-2017 academic year include (from left to right):

Teresa Crist – Ann E. Dickerson Scholar
Crist is completing coursework towards a Ph.D. in Religion and Social Change from the joint Ph.D. program at the University of Denver and Iliff School of Theology in Denver, CO. Her research incorporates interdisciplinary methodologies in order to explore the relationship between religious identity and interfaith interactions. Crist serves on the Board of the Council on Christian Unity and is working with Paul Tche (CCU’s President) and interfaith partners in Colorado to develop an Interfaith Toolkit.

Clemette Haskins – Ann E. Dickerson Scholar
Haskins is currently in the qualifying exams stage at the Claremont School of Theology, working towards a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with a focus on Spiritual Formation and Religious Education. Haskins provides extensive pulpit supply within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has served as instructor, project manager, and keynote speaker. Through love and compassion, Haskins strives to provoke and challenge status quo and to foster and advance the dignity of all persons and the Earth.

HaeJin Park – Ann E. Dickerson Scholar
Park is an incoming Ph.D. student at the Claremont School of Theology where she will specialize in Hebrew Bible with a secondary focus on Feminist Theology. Park is drawn to women’s stories in the Bible and will explore how these stories serve as creative possibilities towards freedom for God’s people. Park is ordained in the Presbyterian Church of the Republic of Korea (PROK) and is under care to receive dual standing with the Disciples through the Pacific Southwest Region.

José F. Morales Torres – William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholar
Morales Torres is preparing for examinations towards a Ph.D. in Comparative Theology and Philosophy at the Claremont School of Theology. His professional goal is to bring the church’s theological vibrancy and the realities of the church and the world into a process of theological inquiry and construction. Morales Torres is an ordained Disciples minister who has served as a congregational minister, regional minister, and currently serves as Director of Pastoral Formation at the Disciples Seminary Foundation.

Eddie A. Rosa-Fuentes - William Gilbert and Florence Leonard Jones Scholar
Rosa-Fuentes is an incoming student at Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago where he’ll be working towards a Ph.D. in Theology with focus on Post-Colonial and Liberation Theologies. Called to be a teacher – both as a minister and as a scholar – Rosa-Fuentes embraces the idea of Teología en Conjunto, a grassroots and communal approach that focuses on creating theology together. Rosa-Fuentes serves as member of the Disciples Illinois & Wisconsin Region’s Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Team among many other ministerial and leadership roles.

For more information about these scholarships, including application process, visit: helmdisciples.org/phdScholars