LLMS

EP

20

12

6 9 11bishops action news

Christian higher education is part of the Free Meth-

odist bedrock.

Our denomination was founded in 1860. Chili

Seminary, now Roberts Wesleyan College, began offering

classes in 1866. Christian higher education was never an

afterthought to our forebears. It’s not today either.

I’m a first-generation graduate of Free Methodist higher

education from Spring Arbor University. Having worked at

SAU for nearly 10 years, I realize the journeys students

take as they learn are critical to the trajectory of their lives.

Our Free Methodist schools do more than just teach the

ABCs of their disciplines. They teach students who they can

become and how they can impact the kingdom.

Our colleges and universities are integral partners in the

growth of our denomination as well as its influence in the world.

We’ve expanded this issue to shine light on these institutions.

Dive into this issue. Share it with friends. If you’re a graduate

of a Free Methodist institution, share your story on fmcusa.org/yourstory or on our Facebook page at facebook.com/fmcusa.

Bishop Wilson T. Hogue, the first

president of Greenville College, wrote,

“Through no other single agency does a

Church’s influence become more cos-

mopolitan than through its educational

institutions.”

Our founders had it right. It’s now up

to us to carry that mantle to the next

generation of leaders. [LLM]

Managing Editor Jeff FinleyLead Designer Erin EckbergWriter/Photographer Michael MettsCopy Editor Dawn McIlvain StahlInternal Communications Andrea Anibal Project Manager Julie InnesWeb Architect Peter ShackelfordPublisher Jason ArcherBusiness/Operations Ben Weesies

Spanish TranslationEzequiel Alvarez Jazmin Angulo Janeth Bustamante Carmen HoseaJoe Castillo Karen KabandamaJennifer Flores Samuel LopezGuillermo Flores Rodrigo Lozano, Coordinator

LLM: Light & Life Magazine (ISSN 0024-3299) was established in 1868 by the Free Methodist Church. Pub-lished monthly by Light & Life Communications. © 2012 Free Methodist Church – USA, 770 N. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46214. Views expressed in articles do not necessarily represent the official position of the Free Methodist Church. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations, no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher. All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version unless otherwise indicated.

Whole No. 5243, Vol. 145, No. 9Printed in U.S.A.Member: Evangelical Press Association,Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster, send address changes to:Light & Life Magazine, 770 N. High School Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46214

1 [openers]

LLML I G H T & L I F E M A G A Z I N E

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” — John 1:4

D e v e l o p i n g E a r n e s t C h r i s t i a n s S i n c e 1 8 6 8

Website: www.llcomm.orgEmail us: www.llcomm.org/staffNews and submissions: jeff.finley@fmcusa.orgAdvertising: ben.weesies@fmcusa.org

Address all correspondence to:Light & Life Magazine, 770 N. High School Rd.,Indianapolis, IN 46214 (317) 244-3660

Education for Generations

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EXTRA! EXTRA!

Read more about higher education at llcomm.org

1] Do you use QR codes?

Scan this box with your smartphone to

read more articles on this issue’s theme.

2] Test of Faith

Student journalist Haley Thatcher reports

on soccer player Aaron Mulholland’s faith.

3] Go FAFSA!

In our archives, Larry Sayler explains the

Free Application for Federal Student Aid:

bit.ly/llmfafsa.

Jason ArcherExecutive Director of Free Methodist Communications

i

B Y W A Y N E M C C O W N

Colleges and universities rooted

in the Wesleyan theological

tradition differ considerably from

other Christian schools.

Like other universities and colleges,

our Free Methodist schools are centers

of learning. And, as accredited institutions

of higher education, all must meet high

academic standards. Students acquire a

good education, plus. … uuu

This plus factor distinguishes our

Free Methodist schools. Jim Man-

noia, the 10th president of Greenville

College, describes its mission as

“an education that goes beyond” the

acquisition of knowledge. According

to “Conceiving the Christian College”

by Duane Litfin, Christian scholarship

can never be satisfied for Wesleyans

through merely “the intellectual sort”

of challenges.

Living FaithCharles Wesley, in a hymn com-

posed for the opening of the King-

swood School, petitioned his follow-

ers: “Unite the two so long disjoined,

knowledge and vital piety.” Book learn-

ing by itself was not enough. Simply

to acquire knowledge, even religious

knowledge, did not constitute an edu-

cation. It had to be wedded to living

faith, the application of learning to life,

the incarnation of

truth.

Spring Arbor University describes

itself as “the place where faith and

learning meet.” Azusa Pacific Univer-

sity characterizes its statement of

faith as the “integration of right belief

and right living.”

In all of our Free Methodist

schools, the end goal of the edu-

cational enterprise is “vital piety,”

living faith. The faculty members are

instructors in knowledge, both secular

and religious. They are also disciplers

preparing people for life.

In a significant work comparing

“Models for Christian Higher Educa-

tion” (edited by Richard T. Hughes

and William B. Adrian) within seven

theological traditions, Seattle Pacific

University was featured as one of 21

case studies. The researchers wrote:

Seattle Pacific’s integration of

learning and life seeks to instill

recognition that learning and

maturing entail more than just

intellectual activity. For the sub-

stantial number of students who

claim sincere Christian faith, a

Seattle Pacific education should

lead to a lifetime of intellectually

grounded service to God and to

others. For those students who

embrace the core vision, Seattle

Pacific offers the challenge of

full, active, lifelong commitment

to the unifying of character and

intellect in the quest to become

conformed to the image of Christ.

Higher education in the Wesleyan

tradition is a more holistic view of

Christian education, which reflects

a differing view of the relationship

between faith and learning, plus an

added element: living. Wesleyan

scholar Paul M. Bassett succinctly

stated, “Christian education is faith

expressed precisely through learning

and living.”

ScriptureIn fleshing out this vision of Chris-

tian higher education, our Free Meth-

odist schools place a premium on

the role of the Scriptures in shaping

disciples. It is commonplace to find

Bible verses posted in the dorms, stu-

dent centers, dining halls, academic

buildings, and faculty and staff offices.

Many classes open with Scripture and

prayer. The same is true of faculty

and staff gatherings and committee

meetings.

Students in our Free Methodist

schools also study the Scriptures as a

source of truth. All of them offer ma-

jors, as well as required and elective

courses, in religion/theology. In these

courses, the students engage in seri-

ous, scholarly study of Scripture.

3 [feature]

But, true to the Wesleyan heri-

tage, the faculty members do not

consider it sufficient merely to learn a

lot of facts about the Bible or merely

do theological studies. The ultimate

goal is spiritual formation, which Rob-

erts Wesleyan College includes with

scholarship and service in its three

“foundational assumptions.”

TraditionWhereas much of contemporary

evangelical Christianity disregards

religious tradition and church history,

Free Methodists value both. They

understand that there is much to be

learned from the past, including — but

not limited to — biblical history and

archaeology. Moreover, they affirm

tradition as a source of truth, wisdom

and insight.

ReasonWesleyans believe that reason is a

gift from God to humanity, reflecting

the mind of God, who created us in

His own image. Reason enables us to

study and understand God’s word to

us as revealed in both nature (natu-

ral revelation) and Scripture (special

revelation).

Reason also enables us to respond

to God, to communicate with Him,

and think His thoughts after Him. Our

Free Methodist schools

reflect a positive regard

for reason understood

in spiritual (rather than secular,

humanistic) terms.

ExperienceOur universities and colleges con-

sider experience a source of truth.

Spring Arbor University acknowl-

edges that it “reflects the Wesleyan

emphasis on application and experi-

ence, rather than simply cognition

and analysis.”

Personal experience moves

information about God and humanity,

as well as the science of the natural

world God has created, to an under-

standing and appreciation of that

truth for oneself. Experience is the

validating link that enables us to know

personally the truth God discloses

through Scripture, tradition and rea-

son. Wesleyan educators regard the

personal experience of truth as vital.

In a centennial convocation ad-

dress at Seattle Pacific University in

1990, Richard Stephens, the eighth

president of Greenville College, held

up “three key hallmarks of collegiate

education which derive from the

Wesleyan prism.” The hallmarks are

the primacy of the work of the Spirit

in and among persons, the coher-

ence and usefulness of knowledge,

and the call to service.

Character EducationIn the preface to Mannoia’s “Chris-

tian Liberal Arts” book, Arthur F.

Holmes acknowledged: “Much of the

literature on Christian higher educa-

tion reflects a Reformed tradition

on developing a Christian worldview,

but Mannoia’s emphasis on develop-

ing character and helping the needy

of this world reflects his Wesleyan

heritage.”

These are consistent and persis-

tent themes in all of our Free Meth-

odist colleges and universities. In the

founding of what today is called Rob-

[feature] 4

Our Free Methodist

schools are not

merely Christian

liberal arts institutions,

but Christian living arts

communities.

erts Wesleyan College, B.T. Roberts

gave the school this motto: “Educa-

tion for Character.” Similarly, Central

Christian College of Kansas defines

its goal as “Christ-centered educa-

tion for character.” Greenville College

aspires to empower students “for

lives of character and service through

a Christ-centered education.”

Called to ServiceThe passion of both John Wesley

and B.T. Roberts for “social holiness”

is perpetuated in the call to service

that characterizes our schools to

a greater degree than many other

evangelical colleges and universities.

Many of their academic programs

combine professional training with

the liberal arts, as a preparation for

a life of service. Three of our schools

(Azusa Pacific, Roberts Wesleyan and

Seattle Pacific) have developed semi-

naries to prepare servant leaders

specifically for Christian ministry.

Wesleyans have developed a new

reality. Our Free Methodist schools

are not merely Christian liberal arts

institutions, but

Christian living

arts communities.

[LLM]

5 [feature]

www.fmfoundation.org

i Wayne McCown, Ph.D., is provost emeritus of Roberts Wesleyan College, founding dean emeritus of Northeastern Seminary and a former faculty member of Seattle Pacific University, Azusa Pacific University and Western (now George Fox) Evangelical Seminary.

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Free Methodists?reach

connection.

Perhaps you’ve asked the same question as the headline or one of these:

“In the current economy and with the rising cost of tuition, does private

higher education make economic sense anymore?”

“Is Christian higher education really Christian?”

“Aren’t job opportunities accessible for the high achiever regardless of formal education?”

“Why not take advantage of the Internet’s free or low-cost education in many fields

without the need to suspend my career, take out loans or relocate?”

The leaders of Free Methodist educational institutions know these questions well.

They seek to ensure that the value of Christian higher education remains high. Fields

requiring technical expertise are on the rise and are mirrored in increasing numbers of

programs at our colleges and universities.

The college experience is more than lectures, books and tests. It includes formation

of holistic life disciplines, character development, skill expertise and leadership training.

Job placement is higher for college graduates than for people who end their education

after high school, and few college graduates regret their education decision.

Our college and university presidents take these questions very seriously and system-

atically address them all. They work on increasing scholarships (number and amounts)

and creative education (classroom innovation, use of cutting-edge technology and

distance learning). They make education more accessible to people who traditionally had

little hope for a degree.

This may sound like a commercial. It is not. I sit in a room for three days every year with

Free Methodist college and university presidents and board chairpersons. I am heartened

by the positive effect these institutions have in their communities and around the world. I

am also struck by the steep incline of information and how these schools address it.

Much of our culture has abandoned its Christian heritage. Our higher education insti-

tutions work with diligence to make the Christian witness freshly viable in a world where

the divide between Christianity and education is wider than ever before.

The efforts of our colleges and universities make me want to go to school again. Pray

for these institutions and know that they are geared to honor God and make a differ-

ence. Without them, we run the risk of spiritual and intellectual poverty. [LLM]

Is Christian Higher Education Necessary?

[bishops] 6

i Bishop Matthew Thomas

To read more from Bishop Thomas, visit fmcusa.org/matthewthomas.

The efforts of our colleges and universities make me want to go to school again.

S hema Yisrael — these first two words of Deuteronomy 6:4 are a marvelous

launching point for an examination of Christian higher education. These

Hebrew words (translated “Hear, O Israel”) remind us our God is preemi-

nent: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

Our submission must encompass the totality of our lives: “Love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

This level of submission extends not only to our individual lives, but calls us to educate

and influence future generations: “Impress them on your children. Talk about them

when you sit at home and when you walk along the road” (Deuteronomy 6:7).

Education is rooted in God’s pursuit of His creation. Concentration is required to

understand 1) who God is, 2) how to respond to who He is and 3) how to incorporate

the truth of who He is into life’s daily routine.

Free Methodist institutions of higher education understand God and truth are

inseparable. The pursuit of truth cannot be separated from the pursuit of God.

The majority of higher education institutions work to explain how our world func-

tions without a god. Within our institutions, Christ is the perspective for our learning.

Paul demands that Christians not conform to the world’s patterns but allow God

to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Academic disciplines

can be understood and applied through the lens of Christ and His redemptive work

within our world.

Free Methodist colleges and universities provide wonderful career preparation, but

if all students receive is a piece of paper qualifying them for an economic role, we have

failed. Our students are called to serve as ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)

and to live out their faith in action and deed (James 2:14–26). [LLM]

Brent Ellis, Ed.D., is Spring Arbor University’s vice president for university advance-ment and a Greenville College alumnus.

SCRIPTURE:

Deuteronomy 6:4–7

Romans 12:2

2 Corinthians 5:20

James 2:14–26

Renewing Our Minds

7 [foundation]

B Y B R E N T E L L I S

[special advertising section]

FM highereducation

Light & Life Magazine | Sep2012

[special advertising section]

Central Has Distinctly Christian Mission and Vision

Throughout its history of over 125 years, Central Christian

College of Kansas has claimed many distinctions: the old-

est accredited junior college in the state of Kansas (1923),

our denomination’s newest four-year college (2000), the only Free

Methodist college pairing aviation and missions in a four-year degree

(2000), and the Free Methodist college with the highest percentage

of FM students 10 years running (2002–present). There are two

distinctions, however, that make Central stand out even more:

mission and vision.

The mission of Central is Christ-cen-

tered education for character. Charac-

ter is described as the manner of life

that encompasses the internal thoughts,

attitudes, beliefs and values of a person

and is proved through outward actions

and behaviors. Central finds the virtue

of character through criteria found in

Scripture, specifically Mark 12:30: “Love

the Lord your God with all your heart and

with all your soul and with all your mind

and with all your strength.”

In essence, these key elements rep-

resent the highest ideals of human func-

tioning and are the foundation through

which Central measures its effective-

ness. When students graduate from

Central Christian College of Kansas,

they will demonstrate fit hearts through

social responsibility in culture and in

relationships, fit souls through disciple-

ship in the body of believers, fit minds in

intellect and emotional competency, and

fit bodies in physical and professional

astuteness.

Central’s vision is to be a premier

educational center, providing a distinc-

tive Christian educational experience

resulting in the development of personal

character, public service and global

impact. Ephesians 4:12–13 provides

the challenge that beats at the heart of

its mission and vision “to equip [God’s]

people for works of service, so that the

body of Christ may be built up until we all

reach unity in the faith in the knowledge

of the Son of God and become mature,

attaining to the whole measure of the

fullness of Christ.”

Built on its heritage and at the

foundation of its progress in new ten-

nis courts and Heritage Plaza (to be

completed this fall), approval for new

baseball and softball fields, and its status

as the first Christian college between

the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi

River with two on-campus recording

studios, Central Christian College’s mis-

sion and vision drive it toward a future

of education that delves deeper than a

college degree and into the experience

of a Christ-centered life. q

[special advertising section]

Academic Excellence at Greenville College

When the facts are gathered and the numbers tallied,

Greenville College’s story is one of continuing academic

excellence.

All 12 of the college’s teacher education major programs carry

the state’s highest rating. Over 90 percent of its pre-med graduates

gain acceptance into medical schools of their choice. The Council

for Christian Colleges & Universities ranks it among the top schools

for producing graduates that earn advanced degrees. Behind each

fact, however, is a face. The faces from the class of 2012 add to the

college’s continuing story of how small class size, hands-on research

opportunities and a strong liberal arts

foundation shape academic excellence.

Two students that walked across the

commencement stage this spring did so

as budding Fulbright scholars. Joshua

Cranston will use the prestigious award

this fall to research environmental

sustainability at the University of Oslo,

and Shannon Nakai will teach English

and conduct research in Turkey. The two

were among 15 students to complete

rigorous departmental honors theses

that covered diverse topics like food

ethics, Rwandan genocide, bacteria flora

and Søren Kierkegaard.

Two students earned top awards

from the Illinois State Academy of

Science for presentation of research

they conducted during the college’s

Summer Science Research Experience.

Ben Brown and Mandy Napa added to

Matthew Ellis’ success last year to give

Greenville College its second win in as

many attempts competing against large

state universities.

Greenville College Presidential Citation

winner Amanda DeMiele was accepted

to a Ph.D. program in philosophy at

Loyola University that only accepts four

applicants each year. Fellow Presidential

Citation awardee Amber Brown man-

aged a triple major in math, biology and

chemistry to earn entrance into a Ph.D.

program in molecular biology and bio-

chemistry at Loma Linda University this

fall. Rylan Mitchell’s stellar performance

on the Law School Admission Test

yielded full-ride scholarship offers from

six law schools. He will study at UCLA.

Academic success reflects excellent

instruction. Seventy-eight percent of

Greenville College’s full-time instructors

have earned the highest degree avail-

able in their areas of study. Three are

Fulbright scholars while others have

received Templeton grants and National

Endowment for the Humanities fellow-

ships. Behind these facts are the faces

of professors committed to developing

personal relationships that connect

students with information for lifelong

success. When they welcome new faces

to campus this fall, they welcome yet

another chapter in the exciting, unfolding

story of scholarship at its best. q

Undergraduate. Graduate. Online.

Our student outcomes speak for themselves.

admissions@greenville.edu 800-345-4400 greenville.edu

More and more, ministry-

oriented people are being

called into the marketplace

to be spiritual leaven — a means of expand-

ing the reach and role of the traditional

church in sharing the mission of God.

A theological education prepares

you for pastoral ministry, but is it also a

pathway to vital, organic ministries that

can penetrate a post-Christian culture?

Evidence from students and graduates

from Northeastern Seminary near Roch-

ester, N.Y., suggests the answer is yes.

Their ability to be immersed in ministry

while attending seminary provides contex-

tual learning that equips them to faithfully

respond in their communities:

l Creating wellness fairs for poverty-

stricken populations

l Teaching Bible and youth ministry to

undergrads

l Designing incarnational neighbor-

hood ministries

l Creating a community of faith for

those who are homebound by physi-

cal or emotional conditions

l Providing relief services to war-ridden

pockets of the world

l Preparing legislation to support faith-

based initiatives

l Ministering to the disenfranchised

l Caring for the distressed in hospi-

tal emergency rooms and hospice

centers

l Leading recovery services for those

transitioning from addictions, rela-

tional violence or incarceration

Ministry leaders in the Free Methodist

Church are positioned particularly well to

be prepared at Northeastern Seminary

with all the focused scholarships available.

A phone call or visit to the seminary’s

website — nes.edu — can tell you how

you can be even more effective as that

spiritual leaven. q

Cultivating a Missional Approach

Roberts Wesleyan College

provides its nearly 2,000

students with a higher educa-

tion experience on a different level. For

undergraduates, it is learning plus faith

in an environment where students can

celebrate and grow in their faith while

preparing for a career. For graduate stu-

dents and adult learners, it is learning

plus leadership. Roberts creates lead-

ers who give back to their professions,

their communities and their world.

Students are united by their ethics

and their passion to maximize their per-

sonal and professional potential.

Located near Rochester, N.Y., Roberts

is a vibrant Christian institution with a

tradition of excellence and educating for

character since 1866.

With an acclaimed faculty of

experienced professionals, the college

offers more than 50 undergraduate

program, as well as extensive graduate

programs spanning education, health

care, ministries, business and marketing.

Roberts offers diverse opportunities to

study outside the traditional classroom

and schedule. Along with select online

degree programs, Roberts has learn-

ing centers throughout upstate New

York. Students may also choose to study

abroad and experience life in other

nations. Roberts Wesleyan College,

rises to the challenge of the chang-

ing landscape of higher education and

gives students a distinct advantage: to

advance, to mentor others and to work

in service of the Lord —- to become the

kind of leader who doesn’t manage, but

inspires. q

For complete information on academics, student and spiritual life, admissions and more, visit roberts.edu.

What Makes Roberts Wesleyan Distinct?

[special advertising section]

SPU Students Engage Global Health Issue

When they planned a nonprofit organization to help end

obstetric fistula in Ethiopia, Skylar Piro, Sefanit Ghezahegn

and Rediet Mulugeta were told by one expert that they

were “too hopeful.” His comment lit a fire beneath them.

“It’s our faith coming out,” said Piro, who majored in political science

at Seattle Pacific University with a business minor. “We will see a time

when this severe medical condition, considered the most devastating of

childbirth injuries, is no more.”

For Piro, Ghezahegn and Mulugeta, SPU’s mission to engage the

culture and change the world is not an abstract idea. Their business

plan to empower women in Ethiopia was

a natural outgrowth of their education —

and a desire to use their knowledge and

skill to improve the world’s health.

Obstetric fistula affects millions of

women worldwide, 100,000 of them in

Ethiopia alone. The easily preventable

and treatable condition results in severe

internal injuries and often abandonment

by family and shunning by the com-

munity. Access to doctors trained to

intervene in difficult labors almost always

avoids the complication. But Ethiopia has

only 59 OB-GYNs and 1,000 midwives

for a population of 77 million.

Last spring, the three seniors

participated in the Social Venture Plan

Competition, sponsored by SPU’s School

of Business and Economics. They formed

Tesfa Netela — which means “Hope

Scarf” in Amharic — as a holistic

approach to the problem.

“We want to train Ethiopian women to

weave traditional Ethiopian scarves for

sale online in the U.S.,” said Mulugeta,

who majored in global development stud-

ies. “This will provide them with a job skill

and help fund their physical rehabilita-

tion, education, housing and food.”

In the next year, Piro plans to attend

grad school to study mediated conflict

resolution. Ghezahegn, who is finishing

her degree in global development stud-

ies, aims to study community health care

systems through a Fulbright grant to do

research in Ethiopia. Mulugeta, now an

intern with Mission Year in Houston, is

living in an urban intentional community

learning the ins and outs of nonprofits

focused on community development.

They hope that within three to five

years they can come back together

and pool their life experiences to launch

Tesfa Netela.

“We know startups like ours are time-

consuming and demand sacrifice,” Piro

said. “But all of us are going into things

that will benefit this organization in the

long run.”

One more thing, she added. Never ever

tell them that they are “too hopeful.” q

[special advertising section]

“Live on Purpose” @ the Arbor

At Spring Arbor University, we believe that you can make a

difference. An SAU education will equip you to participate

critically in your world through a community of learners,

engaging courses of study and a perspective of Christ that empow-

ers and expands the potential of your God-given purpose.

Community | There’s no place quite like Spring Arbor University.

We truly model what it means to live and grow in a vibrant com-

munity of believers. Our students learn, work and thrive together,

supported by caring professors who have a history of making time

for people on their way to making a difference.

Courses of Study | Since 1873, SAU

has worked to perfect the art of Chris-

tian higher education — taking intentional

steps to deliver a college experience

that prepares students to become viable

professionals and effective citizens of

the kingdom of God.

SAU delivers over 75 majors and

programs, an average class size of 20

students and expert faculty who are pas-

sionate about their subjects and their

students.

Christ | A ministry-driven community,

SAU prioritizes spiritual growth along-

side academic growth. Our faculty infuse

their courses with a Christ-centered

perspective that illuminates while they

educate. Here, the integration of faith

and learning multiplies the value of your

educational preparation.

Critical Participation | Our passion

for kingdom living permeates every area

of our university and often spills over

into the world around us. We provide

students ample opportunity to exer-

cise their purpose as they test their

strengths, talents, skills and passions

against real-world concerns.

We are intentional about social

justice, global outreach and spreading

the love of God and the gospel to those

outside our campus community.

Visit SAUWe invite you to visit our campus in

beautiful Spring Arbor, Mich. Experience

our chapel. Experience our community.

Experience our commitment to your

education. Come to the Arbor and see if

SAU offers the best fit for you. Call now

to schedule a private tour or sign up for

one of our campus visit events at

arbor.edu/visit.Your contribution to this world

is essential. We’re here to help you

succeed in living out God’s calling on

your life. Whether you are a traditional

undergraduate student, adult student or

graduate student, your experience at the

Arbor will help you discover, refine and

fulfill your kingdom purpose. q

[special advertising section]

{1} Azusa Pacific University

Azusa, Calif.

(626) 969-3434

apu.edu

{2} Central Christian

College of Kansas

McPherson, Kan.

(620) 241-0723

centralchristian.edu

{3} Greenville College

Greenville, Ill.

(800) 345-4440

greenville.edu

{4} Northeastern Seminary

Rochester, N.Y.

(585) 594-6802

nes.edu

{5} Roberts Wesleyan College

Rochester, N.Y.

(800) 777-4RWC

roberts.edu

{6} Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, Wash.

(206) 281-2000

spu.edu

{7} Spring Arbor University

Spring Arbor, Mich.

(800) 968-9103

arbor.edu

The Association of Free Methodist Educational Institutions

includes the following U.S. colleges and universities.

{colleges and universities}

1 2

3

4,5

6

7

Since the beginning of the denomination, Free Methodist leaders have

acknowledged the vital importance of education to their mission to pro-

mote Christ in the world. Many of the Free Methodist sister schools be-

gan as training centers for missionary work or as “seminaries” (Christian schools)

for children and adults to receive basic education and Bible training.

B.T. Roberts founded Chili Seminary in New York in 1866 to provide “education

for character.” In 1873, Spring Arbor Seminary opened in Michigan. The influence

of Wesleyan education spread westward with the foundation of Orleans Seminary

in Nebraska in 1884, Seattle Seminary in 1891 and the Training School for Chris-

tian Workers in California in 1899. Baptists founded Almira College in 1855, but

Free Methodists purchased the Illinois campus in 1892.

The seminaries grew to offer two-year, four-year and graduate programs.

Roberts Wesleyan College, Spring Arbor University, Central Christian College of

Kansas, Seattle Pacific University, Azusa Pacific University and Greenville College

are the present-day offspring of these original seminaries. Despite the diversity in

location and the separate timelines of their academic achievements, the colleges

and universities associated with the Free Methodist tradition have maintained

their commitment to impacting the world through education.

An 1892 article in The Free Methodist foreshadowed the philosophies of these

institutions: “Intelligent piety is always the most influential, reliable and permanent. ...

The mind should not be developed at the sacrifice of moral power.”

Seeing the influence of secular culture through education, Free Methodist institu-

tions’ founders sought to offer venues for education backed by the “moral power”

that only faith in Christ could render.

To this day, the missions and values of Free Methodist colleges and universities

emphasize character, service, scholarship and — as stated in Spring Arbor University’s

“Core Values” — “effective, redemptive participation in society and culture.” [LLM]

Ruth Parry is the writing program coordinator and an English graduate assistant at Central Christian College of Kansas.

Education for Character

[history] 8

B Y R U T H P A R R Y

p Light & Life Magazine, originally titled The Free Meth-odist, has reported on Free Methodist educational institu-tions since the late 1800s. (Photo courtesy of Marston Memorial Historical Society)

B Y M I C H A E L J . M E T T S

Many people see college as a time to disconnect from church,

but the Free Methodist Church of Southern California (FMCSC)

is working to make college a time of deeper connection through

the Center for Transformational Leadership (CTL).

“If we’re going to reach the people of the world today, they’re not going

to come into a church,” FMCSC Superintendent Denny Wayman said. “We

need to go to where they are.” uuu

recruiting fortransformation

The CTL program starts as an in-

ternship. Students from Azusa Pacific

University, Westmont College and

other participating colleges and univer-

sities take what they’re learning and

apply it in the context of a local Free

Methodist Church. Once students

begin working in their respective

fields, they can become fellows within

the CTL. Eventually, participants can

become senior fellows, dedicated to

advising and mentoring other fellows.

Kelly Soifer heads the internship

program. Soifer is the director of

recruiting and leadership develop-

ment for the FMCSC and recognizes

the need to raise up young leaders.

“I think there’s a crisis in leader-

ship, both in the church and in higher

education,” Soifer said. “I think we

don’t understand leadership in a

Christian context, and we aren’t mobi-

lizing and raising up leaders as much

as we’re just asking people to serve

and do stuff but not with any kind of

focus or mission.”

Soifer is a perfect fit for recruit-

ing students and placing them within

Free Methodist churches. She has

taught an internships class at West-

mont College since 2009 and has

had interns since 1986.

Last year, the FMCSC placed five

interns in Free Methodist churches

throughout Southern California,

none of whom had any prior experi-

ence with Free Methodism. Three of

those interns are pursuing ordination

and ministry involvement within the

FMCSC, and the other two are still very

involved in the churches with which

they interned. Nine more interns are

serving this summer.

Ian Lawler, a recent graduate of

Westmont College, completed an

internship with Cucamonga Christian

Fellowship during the summer of

2011.

“I felt so passionate about being

a part of the church, being not just a

leader but someone who is moving

in the same direction as the Free

Methodist Church,” said Lawler. “I just

wanted to join in with what they have

going on.”

Soifer is excited about how much

the mission and values of the Free

Methodist Church align with the

issues college students are passion-

ate about, such as the fight against

slavery, the ordination of women and

a global focus. “We can say we want

to fight [slavery] too, and we have

been since our inception,” Soifer said.

As the FMCSC plants churches in

its California Coast Initiative, Way-

man has a desire to send people

who are trained in business, the arts,

academia and other fields along with

those who are in trained ministry.

“We need a breadth of people to

come together, not just … church

planters. We need to send out

groups of people who are ready to

permeate a community,” Wayman

said. [LLM]

[action] 10Ph

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“We need a breadth of people to come together, not just church planters. We need to send out groups of people who are ready to permeate a community.”

For more informa-tion on CTL, go to fmcsc.org/visionleadership/center-for- transformation.

for

11 [news]

When he became lead

pastor of Seattle’s

First FMC in summer

2011, Blake Wood’s conversations

with church members and individu-

als from Seattle Pacific University

revealed missing ministry opportuni-

ties between the church and the Free

Methodist educational institution

across the street.

Meanwhile, Stephen Newby, direc-

tor of University Ministries and the

Center for Worship at SPU, wanted

a platform for his students to share

their worship ministry talents in a

more impactful way.

“Our worship classes didn’t have a

place to practice practical ministry,”

Newby said. “Our student ensembles

wanted an opportunity to work, minis-

ter and serve in a tangible context.”

With the backing of the univer-

sity’s then-President Philip Eaton

and help from church and campus

leaders, Wood and Newby created

FM1 -- a Sunday-evening, multiethnic

contemporary worship service that

concludes with a meal and multigen-

erational fellowship time.

The meal and the worship attract

the students, but the relationships

they developed with church families

keep them coming back.

SPU student Lydia Munoz has

been blessed by the program.

“Being so far from home, I’ve had

to make my own family here, and the

couple I connected with through FM1

has been a big part of that,” she said.

“I feel so comfortable talking with

them and sharing everything on my

heart.”

According to Bob Schaper, who

mentors students through FM1 with

his wife, Carol, “no child can have too

many positive adults in their life. It’s a

terrific opportunity to help the church

grow and to help young people

develop, and it helps us stay a little

younger. It’s a win-win.”

Students increasingly connect with

other church programs.

“Once they were connected

through FM1, some of the students

started coming to Sunday morning

service and are now serving as part

of the church community,” Wood

said, “and some of our members who

weren’t active in ministry are now

more comfortable serving in different

ways.” [LLM]

FM1 Unites Church and University B Y B E N W E E S I E S

SPU student Lydia Munoz formed a close bond to Seattle First FMC members Bob and Carol Shaper through FM1.

[news] 12

NEW VISION TAKES IT TO THE STREETSWashington, D.C.

Pastor Ron Hampton and the church-planting project New Vision Community

Church partnered with other East Coast Free Methodists to meet the Kenilworth/

Parkside community. Hampton’s Takin’ It to the Streets outreach ministry

occurred June 16 in Kenilworth Park. Participants included a superintendent, a

bishop’s wife and pastors from other states. For details, visit bit.ly/dcplant.

INDY FIRST FMC CELEBRATES 100 YEARS Indianapolis

On July 15, Indianapolis First FMC celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Several previous pastors gave a greeting to the packed sanctuary.

Both Superintendent Joe James and Bishop David Kendall recognized

the church for its mission in reaching the poor. A cake and punch

reception followed the service, and another reception was held July 18

at Wabash Park Camp & Retreat Center.

ROBERTS NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERIndianapolis

The Board of Bishops has announced the hiring of Larry Roberts as chief operating

officer of the Free Methodist Church – USA, effective in November. Roberts has

served on the FMCUSA Board of Administration for more than 16 years and has

been chairman for the past nine. To read more about Roberts, visit

fmcusa.org/?p=493212.

CONKLIN, AGEL ELECTED TO BOA POSTSIndianapolis

The Free Methodist Board of Administration has elected Hal Conklin

as the new chairman and Susan Agel as vice chairwoman. Conklin —

the former mayor of Santa Barbara, Calif. — serves on the executive

team of Southern California Edison. Agel is the president and princi-

pal of Positive Tomorrows, a nonprofit school for homeless children.

The Rest of the Story

Want to find in-depth stories of remarkable Free Methodists? Visit fmcusa.org.

We want to hear from you!

Tell us what your church is doing to impact lives in the United States and around the world. Submit your story at fmcusa.org/ yourstory.

i

13 [world]

B Y J A S O N A R C H E R

Christian higher education in the Free Methodist

Church is global.

Hope Africa University (HAU) is an educa-

tional institution established by the Free Methodist Church

in Kenya in 1999. The university relocated to Bujumbura,

Burundi, in 2003 with a total enrollment of 110 students.

HAU now boasts more than 4,000 students, and it

graduates doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers and busi-

ness leaders to impact Burundi and East Africa. HAU is

literally changing culture.

Bishop Elie Buconyori spearheaded the creation and

development of HAU. From the beginning, he had a vision

to empower people using partnerships with Christian

universities in the United States and abroad.

David Rawson caught this vision. Rawson, who grew

up in East Africa, was the United Nations ambassador to

Rwanda during the genocides in the 1990s.

After returning to higher education, Rawson connected

with Buconyori and accepted an invitation to teach HAU

students.

“I was very much impressed with his vision … that we

should do Christian higher education confronting the reali-

ties of Africa,” said Rawson who, since 2008, has spent

his summer months in classrooms at HAU.

In December, HAU will graduate its first class of medi-

cal doctors. One of them, Alliance Niyukuri, said the pro-

gram’s strength is in relationships with Christian mentors.

“During our clinicals, we were able to interact with mis-

sionary doctors. You could tell they wanted to serve. The

choices they’ve made throughout their career show that.

They want you to learn to serve, to learn to be humble.”

Mentors like Dr. Jerry Rusher don’t simply teach sci-

ence; through prayer and by linking science to ministry,

they model why they are in medicine.

“Learn the science because you want to treat the patient

better. That is one of the parts of schooling here that is

great,” Niyukuri said.

There are many ways to partner with HAU, such as

sponsoring students or teaching for a semester or sum-

mer. For more information, visit hopeafricauniversity.org

and haufriends.org. [LLM]

Educating for African Realities

t Alliance Niyukuri will graduate with Hope Africa University’s first class of medical doctors in December. (Photo by Jason Archer)

Most evangelical high school seniors do not go on to attend

Christian colleges.

According to “Is the Lower Cost Worth the High Price?” by

Dayton A. Kingsriter, research reveals a majority (up to 67 percent) of these

students lose their faith, whereas a much higher majority (up to 93 percent)

of those attending Christian colleges keep their faith.

Why don’t many Christian parents and students choose Christian institu-

tions? According to research by Noel-Levitz Inc., parents and students do

not understand what makes Christian higher education different.

What are Christian liberal arts? Some joke that if “liberal” and “art” mean

what they usually do, then liberal arts colleges are left-wing painting schools.

Let’s talk instead about Christian liberating education.

Christ came “to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18). Christian colleges

and universities are arms of Christ’s body in the world. They prepare stu-

dents to do things that redeem the world and liberate them to be people in

Christ’s image.

Christian colleges liberate students from narrow training. In this age of

multiple careers, the most practical education is not for a specific job but for

a lifetime of service in tackling the world’s biggest problems.

Unlike our culture, Christ is at least as interested in who we become

inside (our character) as in what we do outside. Christian liberating educa-

tion liberates from narrow attitudes.

In other words, Christian liberating education is intended to help young

people be transformed into the image of Christ. To be like Christ means

both to do the kinds of things He did — addressing the deepest problems of

humanity — and to be like Him in character, passionate in devotion to the

Father while paradoxically humble in spirit toward those around Him. [LLM]

Jim Mannoia, Ph.D., served as the 10th president of Greenville College.

GROUP DISCUSSION:

[1] Do we overlook the

effect of higher education

on who students become

inside?

[2] What are the most

common factors for choos-

ing a college or university?

Christian Higher Education Liberates

[discipleship] 14

B Y J I M M A N N O I A

Did you know a new disciple-ship article is posted to our website each week? The four monthly arti-cles are perfect for use in your small group or as a weekly supplement to individual study.

“EYES OF FAITH”Light & Life Communications presents

seven authors exploring faith-based

universities’ identities:

bit.ly/universityeyes.

“CHRISTIAN LIBERAL ARTS”Discipleship (Page 14) writer Jim

Mannoia explains Christian education’s

distinctive value: bit.ly/jmannoia.

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To read more about the importance of Christian colleges and universities, check out these books available at Wesleyan Publishing House’s online store, wphonline.com.

“IDEA” Philosopher Arthur F. Holmes makes

the case for Christian higher educa-

tion: bit.ly/afholmes.

“COLLEGE MATTERS” Rick Ostrander explains the purpose of

Christian colleges and universities:

bit.ly/rostrander.

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[resources]

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