Campus News, Heart & Mind, Bethel Seminary

President George Brushaber Announces 2008 Retirement

Trustees Praise His 25-Year Legacy, Commence National Search

"I can't think of any better way to give expression to the intellectual and emotional delights of the Christian faith than working on behalf of students."

On May 4, Bethel University President George Brushaber, M.Div., Ph.D., announced to the Board of Trustees that he will not seek an additional term when his current term expires in June 2008. A widely respected visionary in Christian higher education, he is only the fourth president in Bethel's 136-year history, and his service since 1982 represents the longest tenure among current college and university presidents in Minnesota.

President Brushaber's leadership has been instrumental in Bethel's rise to regional and national prominence, including the transition from Bethel College & Seminary to Bethel University in 2004, the addition of innovative program delivery systems, the enhancement and subsequent growth of graduate programs, rapid development of the St. Paul campus, and increased academic quality across the university. In addition, he expanded Bethel's distinctive emphasis on whole-person development, including growth in programs and opportunities in campus life, student life, and academics.

"George has provided critical leadership for Bethel for more than 25 years, maintaining its mission focus, adding to its academic strength, and overseeing growth in which enrollment has more than doubled," says Leith Anderson, Bethel University Board of Trustee Chair and senior pastor of Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, Minn.

In his announcement, the president reiterated his commitment to Bethel's current $105 million comprehensive resource campaign, the largest ever undertaken for the school. As of May 1, $77 million has been raised in pledges and commitments toward the campaign, which is scheduled to conclude in May 2008.

"In my three decades at Bethel, I've been privileged to serve with many partners whose hard work, generosity, and prayers have helped transform this remarkable school into a nationally ranked Christian university," Brushaber said. "These resources are critical to maintain and advance the kind of excellence for which our predecessors worked so diligently."

President Brushaber also expressed gratitude for partnership with high-caliber faculty, staff, and fellow administrators at Bethel over the years. "The commitment of gifted colleagues has been invaluable in carrying out a bold, strategic vision; and just as important, their Christ-like spirit has been a great joy and encouragement along the way."

After the announcement, the Bethel University Board of Trustees announced the formation of a Presidential Search Committee to lead the process of selecting Bethel's fifth president. The committee will make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees, and subsequent to their endorsement, the candidate will be presented to the delegates to the biennial meeting of the Bethel Corporation in June 2008 for election.

"We're committed to finding the right leader to guide Bethel's continued growth and prominence, and to ensuring a smooth transition from one leader to the next," explains Dan Lindh, CEO of Presbyterian Homes and chair of Bethel's Presidential Search Committee.

Details about the search process are being finalized; more information is available at www.bethel.edu/presidential-search.

Before his presidency, Brushaber was vice president and dean of what is now the College of Arts & Sciences, joining Bethel in 1975 from a similar post at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. He holds a master's degree in philosophy of religion from Wheaton College; a master's in divinity from Gordon Divinity School; and a doctorate in epistemology and metaphysics from Boston University. He has taught philosophy at Gordon College and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

In addition to his national renown in academia, the sought-after speaker and writer has also contributed his exceptional communication gifts to Christian publishing. President Brushaber has held leadership roles with Christianity Today for more than 20 years, first as executive editor, then as chair of the board of senior editors, and currently as a senior advisor. He is also founding editor of Christian Scholar's Review, and served as editor or contributing staff member for the Bulletin of Evangelical Theological Society, Religious and Theological Abstracts, and Christian University Press.

In 1997, the National Association of Evangelicals presented him with the James DeForest Murch Award for "combining high-minded theological study with a gift for writing and editing, and impacting evangelical communications and publications for nearly 40 years."

In previous interviews with Bethel's Focus magazine, the president has emphasized his priorities for the university: to remain focused on a mission of providing biblical, Christ-centered liberal arts and church-serving theological education; maintain a biblical Christian worldview and excellent education programs; and ensure that Bethel is a community where individuals nurture one another toward growth within God's unfolding purposes for them.

"Who I am professionally is very much wrapped up in my sense of wonder and delight at the awesomeness of God at work in my life," he has said. "I can't think of any better way to give expression to the intellectual and emotional delights of the Christian faith than working on behalf of students."

Says Leith Anderson: "George has positioned Bethel to be a strong Christian and academic institution well into the 21st century. Bethel will be even better after him as a result of his leadership."

See Executive Director and Provost Leland Eliason's tribute to President Brushaber on the inside front cover.

"I can't think of any better way to give expression to the intellectual and emotional delights of the Christian faith than working on behalf of students."

Tschetter Appointed Peace Corps Director

Ron Tschetter, former chairman of the Bethel University Board of Trustees and of the board's Seminary Committee, was appointed director of the Peace Corps in fall 2006. A Peace Corps volunteer in India from 1966-68 with his wife Nancy, Tschetter is the 17th director of the Peace Corps. He and Nancy traveled to the Kingdom of Morocco in November 2006 for their first official trip in this new capacity, where Tschetter met with Peace Corps volunteers and government officials.

Tschetter met with volunteers serving in a variety of programs in the four sectors of environment, youth development, health, and small business development. U.S. Ambassador Thomas Riley, a strong supporter of the Peace Corps, hosted Tschetter at a reception honoring the Peace Corps, attended by many of Morocco's government officials, including the Minister of Health.

"I am very impressed and pleased with the warm welcome of the Moroccan people, and the tremendous work of the Peace Corps volunteers in Morocco," said Tschetter. "The Peace Corps volunteers are all serving at the grassroots level, providing valuable skills and forming strong friendships with the Moroccan people."

Since 1963, more than 3,800 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Morocco, one of the three Arab Muslim countries in which Peace Corps operates. Today, 139 volunteers serve there. Currently, 20 percent of all Peace Corps volunteers are serving in predominately Muslim countries. The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Since 1961, more than 182,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 138 countries where Peace Corps serves.

Alums: Free Access to ATLASerials®

All Bethel Seminary alumni can now enjoy free access to the ATLASerials® Religion Database, the premier online journal index for theology and religion. Until now, this helpful resource has only been available to current Bethel Seminary students, faculty, and staff. Recently, Bethel's Office of Alumni Services, the Seminary Alumni Council, and the seminary library have joined together to cover the subscription cost for all alumni to have free access to this outstanding resource.

More recent grads may remember what a valuable tool this database was for seminary projects and papers. Now it can inform your teaching, preaching, and research as you readily access full text articles and book reviews in the religion and theological fields. The only stipulations for use are that you must be a Bethel Seminary alum and have a verifiable email address. Once registered, alums will be able to search, read, and print the entire contents of journals like Christianity Today, Baptist History and Heritage, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, Journal of Biblical Literature, and more than 70 others, all in their full runs except for the most recent issues.

To register to use this service at no cost, email Sandra Oslund at s-oslund@bethel.edu with your name and seminary graduation year or enrollment period. Upon verification, you'll receive the login/passwords for ATLAS® and more details about the service.

Festival of Hope: Bethel Community Members Minister in Rwanda

by Stephanie Green, CAS'09

Festival of Hope members Five members of the Bethel University community visited Rwanda in November 2006 for the Festival of Hope, a collaboration of evangelical events organized by Bethel Seminary student and evangelist Sammy Wanyonyi along with more than 200 Rwandan churches. The festival took place in Butare, Rwanda's second-largest city. Other Bethel ministry team members included Justin Irving, assistant professor of ministry leadership; Jean Leigh, adjunct seminary faculty; Beth Olson CAS'05; and Scott Anderson, CAS'06.

"The people of Rwanda are coming out of an intense period of pain and grief as a nation," said Irving. "As they look to the future, the hope of the gospel is needed now more than ever."

The Festival of Hope included a national leaders conference in the capital city of Kigali on November 6, where more than 200 business, ministry, and political leaders participated, including members of the Rwandan Parliament. On November 7, the group ministered at the Central Prison of Nsinda, where 10,126 prisoners, including children living in prison along with their parents, are housed. More than 90 percent of the prisoners are perpetrators of the 1994 genocide. During the service there, many people indicated decisions for Christ. Immediately following their time at the prison, the group visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center, helping them to better understand the nature and causes of the genocide. They learned that more than 1 million people of Rwanda's total population of 8 million were killed during the 100 days of violence, including more than 85 percent of the Tutsi population then living in Rwanda.

The ministry team then hosted the Africa Great Lakes Regional Conference for Pastors and Evangelists in Butare on November 8 and 9, serving pastors from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda. Irving taught from 2 Corinthians 1-5 on the themes of suffering in ministry. "It was such an honor to provide encouragement and training for these saints of God," Irving said. The Great Lakes conference was followed by a three-day "Arise and Shine Rwanda Festival of Hope" in the main soccer stadium of Butare, where the team presented the gospel to more than 60,000 Rwandans each night. The event was broadcast live on local television and radio across the country.

"We know…that God is able to do abundantly above and beyond all that we can ask, think, or imagine," said Irving. "We felt this was the case for our time in Rwanda in so many ways. God is at work [there], and it was a privilege to play a small role in this work during our time in Africa."

New Doctor of Ministry Program Coordinator

Renae Long has been named coordinator for the Doctor of Ministry program. She will assist Sam Rima, director, doctor of ministry, and faculty, Center for Transformational Leadership. Long has been an administrative assistant in the St. Paul seminary provost's office for more than three years. "Her constant willingness to serve, competent work skills, and warm, gentle spirit have been a blessing to the work of the provost's office and all of Bethel Seminary," says Meg Thorson, executive assistant to the provost. Long succeeds Kimberly Copenhaver, who recently moved to Nashville, Tenn.

San Diego LifeWorks Luncheon Provides Connection

More than 50 women attended a Bethel Seminary San Diego LifeWorks luncheon on "Overcoming Fear and Anxiety" in February. Arlys McDonald, a licensed clinical psychologist and adjunct faculty at the seminary, shared her personal story and provided a wealth of guidance for her listeners. LifeWorks luncheons are a part of the seminary's "LAOS Community of God" initiative to provide resources for Christian education in Southern California.

Seminary Professors Release New Books

Three Bethel Seminary professors have published new books. James D. Smith III, associate professor of church history at Bethel Seminary San Diego, co-edited The Fabric of Early Christianity: Reflections in Honor of Helmut Koester by Fifty Years of Harvard Students. The volume celebrates the unique contributions of Helmut Koester, who has been a leader for 50 years as a scholar, professor, editor, and mentor. Koester studied at the universities of Heidelberg and Marburg, and began teaching at Harvard Divinity School in 1958, where he is currently John H. Morison Research Professor of Divinity and Winn Research Professor of Ecclesiastical History. Smith, in addition to serving on Bethel's faculty, is lecturer in theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego and is on the pastoral staff of College Avenue Baptist Church in San Diego. He serves on the editorial board of Christian History & Biography magazine and is co-editor of The Subjective Eye: Essays in Culture, Religion, and Gender in Honor of Margaret R. Miles and of the forthcoming Encyclopedia of Christian Literature. Smith's current release is available from Pickwick Publications at 541.344.1528 or orders@wipfandstock.com.

Jeannine Brown, associate academic dean and associate professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, has published Scripture as Communication, a basic guide to the theory and practice of biblical hermeneutics. Brown believes that communication is at the heart of what we do when we open the Bible, that we are actively engaging God in a potentially life-changing conversation. Hence, she proposes a communication model as an effective approach to interpreting Scripture. "Brown's fresh, engaging voice comes through in this clearly written guide for professors, students, and church leaders," says publisher Baker Academic. Brown holds a Ph.D. from Luther Seminary and is the author of The Disciples in Narrative Perspective: The Portrayal and Function of the Matthean Disciples. She serves in leadership roles in the Institute for Biblical Research and the Upper Midwest region of the Society for Biblical Literature. Her book is available at the Bethel University Campus Store or at www.bakeracademic.com. To read more about Jeannine Brown and Scripture as Communication, see the last issue of Heart & Mind (Winter 06-07).

Mark Strauss, professor of New Testament at Bethel Seminary San Diego, released his new book Four Portraits, One Jesus: An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels in April. Published by Zondervan, the book is a study of the content of the four gospels, offering a close look at how each documents the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Strauss earned an M.Div. and a Th.M. from Talbot School of Theology and a Ph.D. from the University of Aberdeen. He is the author of numerous books and is presently revising the commentary on Mark's Gospel for Expositor's Bible Commentary. His professional associations include the Evangelical Theological Society, the Institute for Biblical Research, and the Society of Biblical Literature. This book and others by Strauss are available at www.christianbook.com or www.amazon.com.

Seminary of the East Roundtable Dinners

Bethel Seminary of the East hosted a series of roundtable dinners in November. The dinners provided good food, fellowship, and stimulating discussion where regional Christian leaders made presentations that were integrated with roundtable participation and discussion.

The roundtables featured a variety of distinguished presenters and relevant topics. In New York, James Leary presented "Detecting Relational WMDs (Weapons of Maximum Destruction): How Conflict Management Style Impacts Ministry." In Philadelphia, Danridge Collins discussed "The Trauma Zone: Helping People Recover from Life's Traumas." The New England Center heard from Jay Abrahamson, who spoke on "The Challenge of Leading a Church in New England," and the Metro Washington, D.C. Center welcomed Mark Strauss, who asked "So Who Cares About the Historic Jesus?"

For future scheduled roundtable dinners, check http://seminary.bethel.edu.

Harden Installed as Dean of Intercultural Relations

Mark G. Harden, dean of intercultural relations and lead faculty for the Master of Arts in Community Ministry Leadership at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, was honored in an installation service on April 18. The service celebrated Harden's unique gifts and calling to positions of leadership and service at the seminary, and included participation by colleagues and friends from both the university community and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, a Twin Cities congregation where Harden serves as associate minister. Harden spoke on the topic "Grapes: The Challenges and Rewards of Diversity," using Numbers 13 to remind his audience of the assets of cultural diversity. "Like Joshua and Caleb," he stated, "I believe we are willing to overcome the challenges of cultural diversity."

Audience image Harden holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and has been recognized for his many contributions as a law enforcement officer, an associate minister, and a community outreach leader. He is the founder of Detroit Love, Inc., an urban-based community organization made up of churches and mission agencies, and Streetwise, Inc., a ministry that helps church volunteers address urban youth issues. He received the Best Model Project Award in Michigan for his Commitment to Excellence Project, a skill-building and mentoring program for at-risk youth in Detroit. Harden is the author of Making a Choice: A Practical Guide Toward Surviving in the Streets. "Mark is passionate about Bethel students and their learning," said Jeannine Brown, associate academic dean and associate professor of New Testament. "He regularly causes them to experience an amount of disequilibrium in their lives – to struggle and ask the hard questions and to eventually become catalysts for gospel change."

The installation service was followed by a formal luncheon for pastors and leaders representing the culturally diverse local faith community, where Harden presented a model for community ministry leadership and the group engaged in interactive dialogue around matters of diversity and ministry.

Discover the Dead Sea Scrolls!

Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls – hailed as one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century – will be featured at the San Diego Natural History Museum this summer. Alumni and friends of Bethel University will have the unique opportunity to explore this historic exhibit under the expert guidance of faculty members from Bethel Seminary San Diego during several events. On Friday, August 24, at the seminary, Mark Strauss, professor of New Testament, will present "Relevance of the Dead Sea Scrolls," followed by a Q & A session with Strauss and other Bethel Seminary San Diego faculty members. On Saturday, August 25, the seminary will sponsor a rooftop luncheon at the San Diego Museum of Natural History, followed by a tour of the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit accompanied by Bethel Seminary San Diego professors. Twenty-seven scrolls will be on exhibit, including 10 manuscripts never before publicly displayed. Reservations for these events are now being accepted by the Bethel University Office of Alumni and Parent Services at 800.255.8706, ext. 6462. Requests should be made before June 20 for the best chance to reserve tickets. For more information, visit www.bethel.edu/alumni/.

San Diego Welcomes Distinguished Speakers

Alice Matthews Bethel Seminary San Diego has been the site of numerous distinguished lectureships in recent months, all with the goal of providing both seminary students and the local community with the opportunity to receive high-quality biblical teaching. In February, Alice Palmer Mathews presented "What Difference Does ‘Difference' Make? Men, Women, and God." Mathews is a familiar voice to listeners of the Christian radio program "Discover the Word." She is the Lois W. Bennett Distinguished Professor Emerita of Educational and Women's Ministries at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and has authored numerous books and a homiletics text.

J. Dudley Woodberry, one of the foremost Christian scholars of Islam, spoke in March on "The Cross and the Crescent: Christianity's Encounter with Islam." Woodberry served as a missionary in Pakistan, Afgahanistan, and Saudi Arabia,and as a consultant to President Jimmy Carter, the State Department, U.S. AID, and other U.S. government agencies. He has edited several books on Muslim and Christian relations, and co-edited other influential books on Islam.

In April, Erwin McManus presented two public lectures and addressed a pastors luncheon on topics from his books, including Soul Cravings, An Unstoppable Force, and Uprising: A Revolution of the Soul. McManus is lead pastor and cultural architect of Mosaic, an innovative, international congregation in Los Angeles. He is an international strategist and communicator on culture, change, creativity, and leadership.

From Here to Eternity…

The New Wineskins Executive Advisory Council (EAC) comprises six couples who give generously of their time and resources to support the mission and vision of Bethel Seminary. One of the couples is Jim and Betsy Anderson. Jim is a 2006 graduate of Bethel Seminary and currently serves as executive pastor of Westwood Church in Excelsior, Minn. Betsy served until recently on the staff of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, Minn. What motivates them to be involved in New Wineskins?

Jim and Betsy Anderson "Some obvious reasons spring to mind," says Betsy. "Tuition cannot keep up with the rising costs associated with the diverse and dynamic degree programs Bethel is committed to providing. Seminary education is more accessible than ever before with Bethel's innovative delivery systems through InMinistry distance education and the SemPM evening program. Or perhaps it's the world-class staff, the leadership of Leland Eliason, or Bethel's determination to offer the very best, providing students with essential resources required for God's calling on their lives. Maybe it's as simple as: Bethel Seminary needs the money and God has blessed us with money to give. Although all these reasons are valid, when I really think about it, they are not why we give to New Wineskins."

So why do the Andersons give? "As I approach my 50th birthday," Betsy continues, "I am struck by how dramatically our world has changed. It seems to be filled with uncertainty, spinning helplessly out of control. War, poverty, AIDS, endless injustice, earthquakes, hurricanes, and school shootings steal life as we have known it. We are all called to care, act, and respond because God does. Although willing, I often struggle with the question: how can an ordinary person impact the world? Unlike Bono or Oprah, my sphere of influence and resources are small, yet I long to lead a life of lasting significance for the kingdom of God. My gift to New Wineskins allows me to do just that – helping Bethel Seminary equip, prepare, and support leaders, those who are and will continue to lead our vulnerable world forward in the name of Christ.

"Leadership in our time has faced incomprehensible challenges, temptation, and isolation, at times battering each other. What obstacles will the next generation encounter in building bridges across denominations, racial division, and cultural boundaries? Scattered throughout the world, Bethel graduates serve in churches, nonprofits, corporations, schools, and countless other arenas. These are the leaders who will carry the love of Jesus Christ alongside our children and to the world. There is no telling what God will do with my gift to New Wineskins. I pray it will be more than I can possibly think or imagine. I cannot wait to see as the stories of God's faithfulness unfold in the lives and service of Bethel Seminary graduates from here to eternity."

Update
Thanks to the Andersons and other friends who contributed to the New Wineskins Initiative before May 31, 2007, this year's goal of $275,000 was met. But there is still plenty of time for you to help us reach next year's goal!

Miroslav Volf Visits St. Paul

Miroslav Volf’s themes
of forgiveness and
reconciliation resonate
within the Bethel
Seminary community.

Bethel University welcomed renowned theologian Miroslav Volf for a series of lectures and discussions April 19-20. Volf participated in several seminary and College of Arts & Sciences classes, spoke at chapel at both the seminary and the university, and presented a public lecture attended by local seminary students, the general public, and many members of the Bethel community. His visit was part of Bethel University's ongoing interest in the intersection between theology, sociology, and psychology, and his themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are concepts that resonate within our community.

Dan Jass, director of student development, said that Volf's influence was felt most strongly in his personal interactions with students. "While his public lecture to a crowd of nearly 400 was powerful and inspiring, I think his most impactful moments were spent in the classroom settings. He discussed his new book on the connection between memory and forgiveness and then engaged the students, inviting criticism and really listening to their ideas. It was refreshing to see a famous scholar respond with such humility and grace. He explained to the students that theology is an experimental process that is worked out in the intersection of differing voices."

Volf has redefined evangelical theology as he humanizes suffering and addresses terrorism and other current topics. He is the director of Yale Center for Faith & Culture and is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale Divinity School. A native of Croatia, Volf forged a theology of forgiveness and non-violence in the face of the horrendous conflict in Croatia and Serbia in the 1990s. He received a B.A. from the Evangelical-Theological Faculty in Osijek, Croatia; an M.A. from Fuller Theological Seminary; and a Dr. theol. and Dr. theol. habil. from the University of Tubingen, Germany. He served as editor of Izvori, a Croatian monthly, and has written more than 70 scholarly articles and hundreds of popular editorials and articles. Volf is also the author of numerous books, including the 2002 Grawemeyer Award-winning Exclusion and Embrace: A Theological Exploration of Identity, Otherness, and Reconciliation. His latest book is The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World.

Seminary students, faculty, and staff prepared for Volf's visit and processed its impact through a series of discussions sponsored by the seminary reconciliation lunch group. The group met for several months this spring and centered its discussion around Volf's book The End of Memory. Campus-wide, the response to Volf's visit has been "overwhelmingly positive," according to Jass. "His unique blend of theological orthodoxy and social justice passion made his message difficult to ignore. He challenged us to remain true to our own beliefs and traditions while becoming increasingly open to the beliefs and traditions of others."

Miroslav Volf's themes of forgiveness and reconciliation resonate within the Bethel Seminary community.

John Cionca Receives Faculty Excellence Award

John Cionca, Ph.D., professor of ministry leadership (St. Paul), was announced as the 2007 Faculty Excellence Award winner at the annual Bethel Community Celebration in April.

The award recognizes a faculty member who has shown excellence in any one or more of several areas of service, such as teaching, scholarship, mentoring, or contributing to church life. In presenting the award, Leland Eliason, executive director and provost, stated that in the many student nominations Cionca received, his excellence "as a combination of teacher and mentor came through in an extraordinary way." Students repeatedly cited Cionca's excellence as a teacher who employs a variety of methods to engage his students. But, say students, he is "more than a teacher. He is flexible, encouraging, warm, exciting, responsive, and builds people up."

Cionca has been a full-time youth pastor, minister of education, and senior pastor, and has also ministered in many churches as an interim pastor and seminar leader. He serves the larger Christian community as a ministry advisor and conference speaker. He is also a prolific writer, publishing articles in more than three dozen periodicals, writing four books, co-authoring two books, and serving as compiler and editor of two works. His most recent book is Dear Pastor: Ministry Advice from Seasoned Pastors. Cionca has served at Bethel Seminary since 1985.

Remembering Norris Magnuson

Norris Magnuson, director of the seminary library resource center and professor of church history emeritus, died on November 8, 2006, following complications related to Parkinson's Disease. He was 74. Magnuson was a librarian and historian who added thousands of books to the seminary library. He established a consortium of five Minnesota seminary libraries of various denominations about 30 years ago, and led the effort to list the then-400,000 volumes of the combined libraries for public access, as well as urging the seminaries to join together in improving scholarly research. "It was an enormous resource before other libraries were doing this," said Leland Eliason, executive director and provost. Magnuson also pioneered the use of computer technology at the Baptist General Conference library.

Magnuson was the author of Salvation in the Slums: Evangelical Social Work, 1865-1920. The book focuses on evangelical missionary work and social welfare activity in U.S. cities through groups like the Salvation Army, the Christian and Missionary Alliance, and countless rescue missions. His research "helped to inspire a whole new generation of young scholars to continue the study of these important themes," said a written tribute by Garth Rosell, professor of church history at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.

Norris Magnuson After earning degrees from Bethel College and Bethel Seminary in the 1950s, Magnuson received a master's degree in library science and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Minnesota. He joined Bethel Seminary in 1959 and retired in 1997 but continued as seminary archivist for more than two years after that. "He was quiet, self-effacing, and persevering," said Eliason.

In a communication to the seminary community, Clifford V. Anderson, Bethel Seminary San Diego dean emeritus, said that Magnuson was "a faithful servant of the Lord in his church, at Bethel Seminary St. Paul, and at Bethel Seminary San Diego. His teaching was carefully presented. His vision for the libraries was earnestly pursued. His friendships were always a benefit to the other person. We thank God for his life, labor, family, and example. He made a positive difference in many ways, exalting Christ and extending His kingdom. Norris had a part in making history."

Magnuson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beverly; sons Douglas, Timothy, Kenneth, and Daniel; sister Beth; and 14 grandchildren.

First-ever Regional Leadership and Admissions Event

Retreat image Bethel Seminary hosted its first-ever Regional Leadership and Admissions Event in Bozeman, Mont., in March. Approximately 30 attendees heard Joseph Dworak, trans-regional director of admissions and recruitment, speak about the Gallup StrengthsFinder inventory and the utilization of strengths in the development of teams. Students from Bethel's InMinistry program who live and work in the Bozeman area also shared their ministry experience. A second regional event was held in May in Des Moines, Iowa. Those interested in the InMinistry progam, which allows students to work on a master's degree while remaining in their current ministry location, may contact the Office of Admissions at 651.638.6288 or 800.255.8706, ext. 6288, or bsem-admit@bethel.edu.

St. Paul Student Wins Marriage and Family Therapy Award

Bethel Students Honored Six of the Past Eight Years
by Nicolle Westlund, CAS '09

Jane McCambell The Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) presented Bethel Seminary student Jane McCampbell with its prestigious Outstanding Student Award this winter. The award has been bestowed on a Bethel Seminary student six of the past eight years.

Carla Dahl, director of the marriage and family therapy (MFT) program at Bethel Seminary, introduced McCampbell at the award dinner. "Our department nominated Jane McCampbell because she brings such a unique mix of gifts and passion to her MFT training experience," said Dahl. "Her critical thinking skills, depth of analytical ability, deep compassion and generosity of spirit, and self-deprecating wit delight and enrich her peers and professors alike. Jane is both gifted and a gift, and we are grateful for her presence in our program."

McCampbell, originally from London, graduated from Bristol Business School before marrying and moving to the United States. In London, she worked with an organization called Samaritans, which provided a 24-hour suicide line for distraught callers. She decided she wanted to pursue a similar occupation after moving overseas, but discovered a counseling degree in psychology was required for most jobs she was interested in. After some searching, she found Bethel's program and realized that combining a seminary education with a therapy degree would be helpful in understanding clients.

"The MFT program at Bethel is big on the ‘self' of the therapist," says McCampbell. "It emphasizes that if you haven't sorted yourself out, you can't help others." Students address their own personal issues while proceeding through the MFT program, McCampbell states, and often the process is difficult. "[Bethel faculty] work to create a safe environment for self exploration and growth," McCampbell says. "It's hard along the way, and it really takes bravery."

With Bethel students repeatedly winning the MAMFT award in recent years, McCampbell says, the program has received increasing recognition. "It's like an endorsement and a testament to the greatness of [Bethel's] MFT program."

McCampbell attributes much of the program's success to the professionalism of the faculty. "They invest so much of themselves into the spiritual and personal development of the students," she says.

The MAMFT awards the Outstanding Student honor annually to a student who excels in six areas of competence as a therapist, including an expressed interest in marriage and family therapy, academic achievement, and research.

Seminary Student/Employee Wins Student Paper Competition

Sara Wilhelm, a Bethel Seminary St. Paul third-year master of divinity student and associate director of seminary admissions and recruitment, was selected to present a paper for the 2007 Midwest Regional Meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society's Student Paper Competition on March 16-17. Her paper, entitled "The Daughters Receive an Inheritance: Restoration and Redemption in the Book of Job," investigated the end of the book of Job in light of ancient Near Eastern inheritance customs for women, and explored what the inclusion of the daughters' inheritance means in light of God's restoration of Job. Each of three graduate finalists was judged on the content of his or her paper and its presentation at the meeting, and Wilhelm was selected as the winner for the 2007 Graduate category.

Seminary of the East Hosts Alumni Retreat

Dave Nelson and Stuart Szmaciasz Alumni event image

Jason and Leah Heim

Bethel Seminary of the East sponsored an alumni retreat April 16-17 at Tuscarora Inn in Bethel, Penn. Philadelphia Center alumni from the first graduating class of 1988 through the class of 2005 were in attendance, as well as alumni who are now serving in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and the surrounding areas.

The retreat included addresses by Doug Fombelle, dean and executive officer of Bethel Seminary of the East; John Worgul, former professor of Old Testament; David Ridder, former dean, adjunct professor, and pastor; and Ralph Gustafson, Bethel University vice president for constituent relations. The event allowed plenty of time for fellowship, reconnecting, worship, and prayer. Similar events for graduates from the New England and New York Centers are planned for the near future.

San Diego Employee Honored for Service

Shirley with her sons Terry (left)
and James (right).

Shirley Bunch, business affairs coordinator and bookstore manager at Bethel Seminary San Diego, received the Distinguished Service Award at the Bethel Community Celebration in April. She serves in a variety of roles at the seminary, including facility manager, bookstore manager, and coordinator of business affairs and student accounts. Leland Eliason, executive director and provost, called Bunch "capable, gracious, fun, and highly respected by colleagues."