Continued on page 2

HERALDING NEWS FROM NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY VOL. 9, NO. 3 ■ MAY 2012

In This Issue Growing Oaks From Seeds ■ Vantage Point: What’s In the Hearts of Our Youth Leaders ■

Commencement 2012

young leaders. Our churches are filled with plenty

of places for leadership development—worship

leading, teaching, preaching, service, etc. Second,

youth ministry provides training for lay leaders.

They have a chance to serve, to work directly

with a trained pastor, allowing them to hone

their skills.

Builds Healthy Community – Mission and

community are close kin—without mission,

community suffers. The reverse is just as true. The

church is diverse, filled with all sorts of people

from various backgrounds—that is the beauty of

it. Multi-generational congregations with families

worshipping together are part of a healthy church

community. Students who learn the value of

community at a young age become adults who

value community. Knowing that teens are part of

the church and empowering them to act as such,

helps defend against the adage that they are the

church of tomorrow.

Seeds Become Trees – Churches have education

classes and discipleship groups for younger

This issue of ResOund

takes a look at youth

ministry through the

eyes of two pastors

who have made long-

term commitments to

the field as well as

other graduates and

students who have

responded to the call

to serve teens and

young adults in their

faith formation. With

them, Northeastern

Seminary invests in

preparing and

equipping youth

leaders not only in

current programs but

through seminars both

on and off campus.

There has been discussion in ministerial circles

about the value of youth ministry in the church.

In fact, there’s a new film documenting youth

ministry as a “failure” because of the results of

specific philosophies expressed by churches and

their youth pastors.

Despite this suggestion, there is tremendous

value in incorporating youth ministry into the

church context if done in a biblical and

communal way. There are four basic values of

youth ministry in the church context.

Energy and Excitement – There is no doubt that

teens bring energy wherever they go. Churches

can become stagnant, but youth ministry seldom

allows this to happen. While we often hear of

the stereotypical lazy and bored adolescent, it

could not be further from the truth. Students are

often the catalyst for mission trips, social action,

and “outside the box” thinking. This generation

is excited and passionate and they seek to put

that energy into something. Most teens are not

satisfied with simply talking about today’s

problems—they want to participate in occasions

for change. This excitement and energy is

infectious and is needed to move a church from

a state of observation to one of motion.

Leadership – Youth ministry is training leaders

for today and the future, but we have to keep in

mind we are training them for the Kingdom not

just for our own church. Fostering leadership

through youth ministry is two-fold. First, it builds

Growing Oaks From Seeds Doug Milne, M.Div. ‘11, youth pastor, Grace Church of the Nazarene. Rochester, N.Y.

Mike Kuhlkin, D.Min. youth pastor, Pearce Church, Rochester, N.Y.

NES Gear Zip-front fleece sweatshirts $40 ▪ Ball caps $15 ▪ T-shirts $12 ▪ Mugs $5 ▪ Window decals $2

To order contact Sarah Champignon at 585.594.6800 or champignon_sarah@nes.edu . Give your name, email or phone number, quantity, and size, as needed. Pick up and pay for your order at the reception desk at the Seminary (Rochester campus) or inquire about shipping.

generations because there is the belief that we

must train children in the way they should go. It

is most beneficial to start early with biblical and

theological training. Children’s ministry and

youth ministry supplement parental guidance

and teaching. These ministries work at getting

the attention of younger parishioners to help

raise them in the Christian life. The process of

individuation, often seen during the college

years, can cause students to stray from

“Christian principles.” Although seen as

unfortunate or negative, this period can be

navigated successfully if the seeds that have

been planted in youth ministry are nurtured.

The “oaks” of the faith often grow from the

seeds planted through youth ministry.

Vantage Point: What’s in the Hearts of Our Youth Leaders?

We asked Northeastern Seminary ministry

leaders, listed to the left, to reflect on their

thoughts around serving teens and young adults.

What prompts someone to work with youth to

develop their faith?

A combination of my passions, talents, wiring,

and the calling of Jesus pointed me to youth

ministry. I love the reality that this field is

brimming with an inherent, unleashable energy

and potential.

As a secular Jew who came to Christ at 17, I

found that in most churches so much was

oriented toward the young child or older adult.

Very little was designed for youth even though

we know that teens who make marginal

commitments to Christ often drop their faith

later on. Because the foundations of nearly every

major aspect of life are laid during adolescence,

my efforts have focused on this area of ministry.

Through an internship as a hospital chaplain I

saw young people come into trauma bay with

gunshot wounds and mothers who could not

get through to their children. I was able to

connect with them because they would listen if

I could “keep it real.”

When I volunteered as a small group leader the

pastor saw my passion, prayed for me, and

fostered my enthusiasm until I realized that God

was calling me to youth ministry.

What does theological education have to offer

youth ministry?

While I knew seminary would provide me with

critical knowledge, it did SO much more. I

discovered what I truly believe and that has

made me far more effective as a youth director

—particularly with the emphasis NES places on

spiritual formation.

Knowing the “why” behind our “what” and

“how” keeps us grounded and helps us resist

chasing after every fad. It helps us help teens to

wrestle with deep issues of faith.

When students who are preparing for youth

ministry are not interested in original language,

biblical theology, history, or social sciences,

when goals focus on activities, how to have fun,

or media use, they don’t think deeply about life

issues that are vital to whole-person ministry.

PAGE 2

Vantage Point: Voices

■ Youth director, 7th-12th

graders, Presbyterian

■ Lay leader, high school

and college students,

Seventh Day Adventist

■ Youth evangelist and

pastor, 20 years,

Independent

■ Youth staff mentor, lead

pastor, 25 years,

Independent

■ Youth For Christ director,

youth pastor, Free

Methodist

■ Youth pastor, 8 –11 year

-olds, Vineyard Christian

Fellowship

■ Youth pastor, ages 0 to

18, Christian &

Missionary Alliance

I find that I teach and apply scripture more

effectively. I give them the word, teach them to

worship and pray, and stay centered on the

Gospel in all that I talk about with them. I don’t

change things because I’m ministering to people

who know what yolo* means.

What needs have been addressed through your

work with teens and young adults?

Teens need to "unplug" from the idols of

technology, lust and self-absorption. I've seen

students gain hope and identity as they serve the

world around them.

There are so many: grief, self-mutilation,

substance abuse, family issues, physical abuse,

bullying, spiritual growth, awareness of social

justice issues, and efforts to fight those issues.

Some who were too shy to read the Bible out

loud now have the confidence. Some didn’t

socialize with each other and now we are like

one family. When I have them over for dinner

they say: “This is a real ministry. We can tell that

you really care.”

I see what’s going on in the lives of some of the

kids and have been impacted by two major

issues: drug use and the mindset of poverty. Kids

are succumbing to whatever it is that makes a

person get high until their dreams are forgotten.

I have seen some positive response when I

address those needs, but they are widespread

and severe.

What aspects of your NES experience have

equipped you to serve this age group?

I studied the impact that worship, Christian

education, and mission trips have on the

spiritual life of adolescents, as well as the

relationship between teaching methods and

multiple intelligence theory. I was able to make

well founded changes to our youth ministry.

Classes addressing pastoral formation, violence

against women, and pastoral care are helpful.

Content from Core courses are vital, although it

takes a little imagination to make the lessons

both fun and applicable to their everyday lives

and relationship with Jesus.

I was encouraged that genuine, authentic faith

is not relegated to our own time and culture.

People across the ages have walked with Jesus.

How do you hope the mission of God will be

enacted in youth and young adult ministry?

Teens and young adults are not “the future of

the church.” They ARE the church. And given

the encouragement, love, support, and

freedom to be creative in church life, they are

probably one of the best hopes the church has

in this era of rapid societal and cultural change.

My hope is they come to know that Jesus is real

and they can rely on Him, even when others

around them are telling them differently.

I’m interested in youth ministry being more

missional—driven by purpose rather than

programs, and responding intelligently to the

challenges presented by postmodernism.

Is there a future for

preparing people to

serve youth and young

adults at Northeastern?

Nearly everything I

learned at NES I can

apply in some way to

youth ministry.

It's important to have a

place that offers tools

for youth ministry— to

address issues of media,

suicide, cutting, drugs,

divorce. These have a

damaging impact and

we are often ill-equipped

and quite ignorant of

how to respond.

Classes on nurturing new

faith, the psychological

and spiritual needs of

teens, or the ways they

have been shaped by

culture would help. But

ministry is ministry—I

need to learn how to

rightly divide the word

of truth, which way the

compass points in the

theological universe,

how to teach, and how

to counsel.

*yolo—you only live once

PAGE 3

12th Commencement for

Northeastern Seminary

More than 40 graduates celebrated a

completed course of study May 12 during

Northeastern Seminary’s commencement

ceremony in the Cultural Life Center at

Roberts Wesleyan College. Dr. Richard J.

Mouw, president of Fuller Theological

Seminary, provided the keynote address.

The Northeastern Seminary graduating

class of 2012 included three Doctor of

Ministry recipients, 21 master’s degree

recipients and 19 certificate recipients.

Many of the ministry degree graduates

are either ordained or seeking ordination

in their respective traditions, including

Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, Anglican

and nondenominational. Nearly two-

thirds of this year’s graduates reside in

the greater Rochester region, with others

hailing from Erie County, Syracuse,

Albany, Virginia, and Florida.

Certificate in Ministry graduates come

from the El Centro Hispano de Estudios

Teológicos/Center for Theological Studies,

a Northeastern Seminary program

dedicated to providing support and

resources to Hispanic ministries in

upstate New York, as well as from two

affiliate certificate programs: Sound of

the Genuine Biblical Institute (Buffalo,

N.Y.) and the Rochester Institute for

Christian Education.

Dr. Mouw has held faculty and

administration positions in higher

education for more than 40 years. He has

served on editorial boards for several

PAGE 4

publications, including “Books and Culture,” and

has authored 17 books, including “The God Who

Commands” and “The Smell of Sawdust.” In 2007,

he was awarded the Abraham Kuyper Prize for

Excellence in Reformed Theology and Public Life.

Mouw is president of the Association of

Theological Schools and represents the

Presbyterian Church as co-chair of the official

Reformed-Catholic Dialogue.

Study the in the Holy Land

Follow the footsteps of Jesus, study the Bible

from the shores of Galilee, enjoy meals at the

Kibbutz, examine archeological evidence and

spend time at Petra, Mount Nebo and Jeresh.

Take a 14-day trip to the Holy Land June 20 – July

5, 2013 with Northeastern Seminary in

association with Jerusalem University College .

Alumni, current students, faculty, staff and

institutional leadership can earn 2 graduate level

credits or audit the course. The cost of $4,700*

includes travel, lodging, meals, tips/entrance fees,

class materials/maps, and instruction. Credits may

be applied to Seminary masters degrees.

Watch for trip details and application instructions

at www.nes.edu .

*Cost may change based on final airfare; costs based on

double occupancy.

M.Div. grads Susan Garofalo,

Maurice Hopkins, Connie Johnson,

and Luke Jones

D.Min. grads Bob Tice, Gary Brady,

and Gloria Roorda, with Dean Doug

Cullum

Dr. Richard Mouw with members

of the platform party

Certificate grads Antonia Tucker

and Jacqueline Vinson

PAGE 5

Rich in Insight and Grace

The beauty of the Abbey of the Genesee, which

is surrounded by wide expanses of peaceful

acres, green fields and pockets of ponds, is

reason enough to attend the annual women’s

retreat! Sharing a casual supper of homemade

soup and Monks bread, for which the Cistercian

Order is well-known, then attending the

Compline service, filled with the singing of

Psalms and reflections confirms the treasure.

This was a time to lay down the burdens of

hectic schedules, reconnect with God and each

other, and explore how, as sisters called of God,

they might carry the light of Christ into the

darkness of the world, a rather challenging and

knotty topic.

Combine this with psalm singing, Divine Offices

at the Abbey, quiet reflection, and a chat with

one of the monks, the women’s Retreat is

always rich in insight and grace. The lingering

effects last well beyond the closing of the door

at the retreat house or after the last car pulls

out of the driveway. For the truly fortunate, it

carries you through the dark places until the

next retreat when once again the love and

understanding of sisters in Christ will be shared.

Staffing Updates

Entering students in the first Core course will

be welcomed by a face familiar to many

previous students. Dr. Wayne McCown, former

dean and BHT 511 professor, has accepted the

interim position to co-teach this class with

adjunct professor, Dr. Dana Goodnough. While

a search for a full-time biblical scholar is

underway, Dr. McCown returns to teaching The

Biblical Era for 2012-13 and is joined by

Goodnough who holds degrees from Dallas

Theological Seminary in Biblical Exposition and

in Church Leadership. He also serves as pastor

of the Pittsford Community Church in

Rochester, N.Y. and is a member of the

Seminary’s Clergy Council.

Serving as site coordinator for the Seminary

courses launched at Onondaga Community

College in Syracuse this fall is Thomas Worth,

M.Div. C4, D.Min. C1. Beyond being the

consistent presence for the seminary at the

OCC site, his responsibilities include serving as

liaison, chapel coordinator, and facilitator for

the Syracuse cohort. As a Syracuse resident and

pastor of The Community Covenant Church

Dr. Worth brings a pastor’s heart to this role.

Bishop Greg Parris assumes responsibility for

directing Seminary advancement in July. As

part of the institutional advancement team he

will focus on coordinating the Seminary’s

annual fund program and constituent

relationships among churches, foundations,

alumni and friends. We are pleased to have

Bishop Parris use his experience in the church

community and in fundraising to fill this part-

time position in addition to continuing his

responsibilities as senior pastor of Church of

Love Faith Center in Rochester, N.Y.

http://blog.nes.edu

Another voice in the

marketplace of ideas.

See what is being tossed

around by Seminary

faculty, students,

alumni, and staff to

equip and inspire,

reflect and inform. Want

to be a guest blogger?

Let us know at

seminary@nes.edu .

Gathered for dinner at Bethany House, Abbey of the Genesee

Jobs in Ministry

Check out the ever-changing list of job opportunities at the career services website .

Positions include children’s pastor, residential staff, associate pastor, and more. Also

view a list of recent postings around upstate N.Y. here . See if they are a good fit for you.

Conference on Ministry Series

The (RADICAL) Future of the Church: Forming Congregations for Mission June 12-13, 2012

“When we separate

the kingdom of God

from the church,

then the church

becomes some kind

of ideology, a sort of

programme…,”

according to

Christian theologian Leslie Newbigin. Have we

too often formed ourselves around what we

are against rather than who we are and what

we are for? How does one lead a congregation

into the fullness of life with God in His Mission

of the Kingdom? And how are Christian

communities formed in Christ for God’s

Mission in the world?

Drawing on experiences in leading an urban-

based intentional community, planting a

missional church, establishing leadership

collaboration in the post-modern context, and

teaching Evangelical theology at Northern

Seminary, David Fitch serves as keynote

speaker. His encouraging style and convictions

around renewal, reinvigoration, and

transformation for the future shapes this

conference’s examination of the Missio Dei,

the Incarnation, and witness as central for

discerning the way forward. Specific practices

that foster congregational formation will be

explored.

Plenary sessions:

■ Ways In Which We Form: Empty Politic

Versus Politic of Fullness

■ Ideological Church: How It Works Against

PAGE 6

the Kingdom and Why It Has Run Its Course

■ Missio Dei and Incarnation: How Sentness

Extends Authority

■ 5 Practices for Communal Formation: What

Happened and Where We Go Now

■ The Future for the Church: Emerging, Neo

Reformed, Missional?

Workshops:

■ Birthing the Church Without Selling

Your Soul

■ After Christendom, What? Some Anabaptist

Approaches

■ Responding to the Disenfranchised—A

Sense of Healing

■ Linking the Social and Systemic Hope of the

Gospel: A Cutting Edge for Transformation

More information can be found at www.nes.edu/

david-fitch-congregational-formation.

Rock the Lakes Rochester June 16-17, 2012

Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan

College will serve as platinum sponsors for this

music festival created by the Billy Graham

Association. Designed for young adults and

families the free event is open to the public and

incorporates concerts by contemporary musical

artists and messages by Franklin Graham.

For information on volunteering or attending.

Alumni Texas BBQ July 12, 2012

All alumni of Northeastern Seminary and Roberts

Wesleyan College are invited to Mersereau

Greene (2301 Westside Drive, center of campus

near Golisano Library) for a traditional Texas

BBQ. Come relax, smell the mesquite, taste the

Come See Us

At These Events

Greater Rochester Council of Churches Banquet June 5 Rochester, N.Y. Rock the Lakes Festival June 16-17 Rochester, N.Y. WNY District Wesleyan Gathering July 14 Buffalo, N.Y. Niagara Bible Conference July 22 Olcott, N.Y. Kingdom Bound August 5-8 Darien Lake, N.Y. Willow Creek Leadership August 9-10 Rochester/Syracuse, N.Y.

David Fitch

Information Meetings

Thursday, June 21 4:30—6 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester, N.Y. Tuesday, June 26 6—7:30 p.m. 800 4th Street, Liverpool, N.Y. Monday, July 16 6—7:30 p.m. 6500 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville, N.Y. Tuesday, July 31 6—7:30 p.m. 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester, N.Y.

cornbread, and reconnect with other grads on

Thursday, July 12, from 5 – 7 p.m. The cost is $5

per person. Contact Kirk Kettinger, alumni

director, at kettinger_kirk@roberts.edu or

585.594.6415.

Youth Ministry Seminars at

Kingdom Bound August 5-8, 2012

For the second year the Rock Talk Pavilion at

Kingdom Bound Festival will be the home base

for youth ministry seminars presented by

Northeastern Seminary.

Designed to equip pastors and lay leaders

serving young people the following seminars will

be led by members of the seminary community

and are offered daily at 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.

■ #EpicFade – Doug Milne (M.Div. ‘11) and

Jennifer Aube, professor of psychology

In way too many cases we see an exodus

away from the faith as teens move into

adulthood. How can we create a climate

that anchors youth in their faith for the long

haul and how might understanding the

psychology of entitlement help shape our

response?

■ The Artistry of Praise: Valuing Beauty and

Truth in Worship – Scott Austin (M.Div. ‘05)

Good art is both beautiful and true—not

merely aesthetically pleasing, but also

honest and accurate in its expression of

human existence and our experience of God.

What happens when our worship music falls

short in one or both ways? This seminar

explores ways to expand our experience of

worship, seeking to use artistry as a means

of encountering God's beauty and truth.

PAGE 7

■ What’s Next? Helping Teens Cope With

Relational Violence – Elizabeth Gerhardt,

professor of theology and social justice

Once the silence is broken what can

we do to care for the teens who

experience violent relationships with

their peers, within their homes and

even within the church? In the midst

of complex issues there are clear and

effective responses that can position

teens for restoration.

Later at the pavilion youth workers can

receive counsel and resources from

festival artists. As an event sponsor the

Seminary enables several underprivileged and

special needs children and families to attend

the festival. Register for the festival, including

seminars, online at: www.kingdombound.org .

All-Seminary Retreat September 7-8, 2012

Mark your calendars now for Nurturing

the Soul of Ministry: Intimacy with God

This seminary-wide gathering will be

September 7–8, 2012 at Notre Dame

Retreat Center in Canandaigua, N.Y.

Make this time a real retreat by coming

Friday evening for vespers and fellowship

overlooking the lake, then stay overnight

at the center. Our speaker on Saturday,

Dr. Jan Johnson, will focus on God As

Companion of My Soul. She is a writer and

spiritual director who holds degrees in Christian

education and spirituality and has written 17

books, including “Enjoying the Presence of

God,” “When the Soul Listens,” “Savoring God’s

Word,” and many magazine articles. Register

now at www.nes.edu/asr.

Mike Kuhlkin, D.min. student,

challenges youth workers at the

Kingdom Bound Rock Talk pavilion.

Notre Dame Retreat Center

PAGE 8

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Community News

Alumni News:

Master of Divinity (C22) alumna, Susan Garofalo,

represented the Seminary at the National Day of

Prayer event at Parkminster Presbyterian Church

by offering an intercessory prayer with a focus

on education.

Theresa Gatson (C23) and Desjamebra Robinson

(C23) were ordained on Sunday, May 20 at Elim

Christian Fellowship of Rochester, N.Y.

Marlena Graves (C11) was interviewed in March

by The Family Life Network about an article she

wrote for Her.meneutics in 2010 titled “Toying

With Adultery.” Hear the interview here.

Linda Hughes (C22) and Sheritta Williams (C22)

were ordained on Sunday, May 20 at Elim

Christian Fellowship of Buffalo, N.Y.

Luke Jones (C21) has accepted a position as

assistant pastor at the Modesto Free Methodist

Church in Modesto, Calif.

Jonathan Poag (C23) has accepted a position as

a Life Directions Advisor for Colorado Christian

University in Denver, Colo.

Robert Reynolds (C11) was the keynote speaker

at the Western N.Y. Annual Conference of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church on May 8.

Church Radiant, pastored by Shane Smith (C15),

recently moved to the Carriage House in Chili

N.Y., repurposing the banquet center for use

as a church.

Michael Traylor (C23) spoke at the Free

Methodist Urban Fellowship CUE Conference,

“Longing Forward,” on April 26.

Student News:

Doctor of Ministry student, Weldon Thomas

(C10), participated as a panelist for the

Intersection of Health & Faith forum session

“Preparing Divinity Students to Address Health

Related Issues: A Conversation with Deans and

Clergy.” The Forum was held on April 20 at

Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.

Faculty News:

Dr. Beth Gerhardt spoke at Houghton College’s

chapel on April 20. Her presentation was titled

“Be Bold, Act Courageously: God is For You.” Dr.

Gerhardt also delivered the keynote address for

the Free Methodist Urban Fellowship CUE

Conference, “Longing Forward,” on April 25.

Dr. Nelson Grimm participated in the

Intersection of Health & Faith forum on April 20

at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School as a

panelist for “Preparing Divinity Students to

Address Health Related Issues: A Conversation

with Deans and Clergy” and a moderator for

“Sustaining Partnerships with Health

Departments, Faith Communities and Academic

Institutions to Improve Health Outcomes.”

Dean emeritus Wayne McCown and former

adjunct professor Darlene McCown will

celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on

Sunday, June 10 at Lighthouse Christian Camp in

Barker, N.Y. NES alumni and friends are welcome

to attend.

Staff News:

JP Anderson, director of admissions, earned his

M.S. in Strategic Marketing through Roberts

Wesleyan College’s Graduate Business program.

ResOund

Northeastern Seminary 2265 Westside Drive Rochester, N.Y. 14624 585.594.6800 seminary@nes.edu www.nes.edu