Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Alumni Francis Kyle (D.Min '09') Profile
Various factors played a role in Francis’s decision to enter Western’s D.Min. program in 2006. These include the school and program’s strong evangelical beliefs, financial affordability, location (Pacific Northwest), allowances to choose one’s own courses (6 of 8 are elective courses), high emphasis on practical pastoral ministry, and instructors who are veteran practitioners. In addition, two of his three main mentors have ties to Western: the late Dr. Bill Kerr (professor, 1955–61, 1972–78) and Dr. Lanson Ross, a former student and mentoree of Dr. Kerr.
A graduate of Canada’s Prairie Bible College (B.Min.) and Toronto Baptist Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.), Francis has served as a youth and college pastor in Port Angeles, Wash., since 2002. With “None but Christ, All for Christ” as its catchphrase, he founded in November 2007 Uncommon Christian Ministries, “the preaching and writing ministry of Pastor-Evangelist Francis Kyle.
UCM was launched in conjunction with Francis’s two recent books with University Press of America: An Uncommon Christian: James Brainerd Taylor, Forgotten Evangelist in America’s Second Great Awakening (January 2008) and the edited anthology Of Intense Brightness: The Spirituality of Uncommon Christian James Brainerd Taylor (June 2008).
Francis's two books received a combined 39 international endorsements from pastors, evangelists, professors, church historians, authors, Harvard-Princeton-Yale campus ministers, and university students.
For more information about UCM, the books, and Francis’s biography, resources and contact information, Visit www.UncommonChristian.com and http://FrancisKyle.blogspot.com. His email is Francis.Kyle@UncommonChristian.com.
Two weeks after graduating from Western, Francis departed on May 7 for Israel. He is volunteering for 1-2 years at the Anglican-owned and operated Christ Church in Jerusalem. Located just inside Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, Christ Church (built 1849) is the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East.
A graduate of Canada’s Prairie Bible College (B.Min.) and Toronto Baptist Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.), Francis has served as a youth and college pastor in Port Angeles, Wash., since 2002. With “None but Christ, All for Christ” as its catchphrase, he founded in November 2007 Uncommon Christian Ministries, “the preaching and writing ministry of Pastor-Evangelist Francis Kyle.
UCM was launched in conjunction with Francis’s two recent books with University Press of America: An Uncommon Christian: James Brainerd Taylor, Forgotten Evangelist in America’s Second Great Awakening (January 2008) and the edited anthology Of Intense Brightness: The Spirituality of Uncommon Christian James Brainerd Taylor (June 2008).
Francis's two books received a combined 39 international endorsements from pastors, evangelists, professors, church historians, authors, Harvard-Princeton-Yale campus ministers, and university students.
For more information about UCM, the books, and Francis’s biography, resources and contact information, Visit www.UncommonChristian.com and http://FrancisKyle.blogspot.com. His email is Francis.Kyle@UncommonChristian.com.
Two weeks after graduating from Western, Francis departed on May 7 for Israel. He is volunteering for 1-2 years at the Anglican-owned and operated Christ Church in Jerusalem. Located just inside Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, Christ Church (built 1849) is the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East.
Friday, June 19, 2009
When Faith Meets Opportunity - Good Words From an Alumni
When Faith Meets Opportunity
Mike Fleischmann (M. Div. ‘95’)
Desperate times are an opportunity to fail miserably or to thrive brilliantly. In difficult days there is rarely middle ground. When the challenges are great and the odds are long – it is precisely at such times that people of vision are able to take things that might seem small and turn them into something unforgettable.
In 1850 there was a Bavarian immigrant living in New York city working in his family’s dry goods store. Just twenty years old, he read in the newspaper about the frantic Gold Rush in California. He reasoned that miners working up in the hills would need tents, so he bought all the canvas he could afford and headed out by boat for San Francisco.
Unfortunately, by the time he arrived he found that the market was already saturated. He was left with bolts of canvas to make tents but no customers to buy them. As one miner walked away he heard him call over his shoulder, “It’s too bad you didn’t bring pants. They don’t wear worth a hoot up in the diggin's.” Twenty years old, all by himself in San Franciso, with every penny to his name invested in tent fabric, it was an opportunity to fail miserably or to thrive brilliantly.
The miner’s comment had given him a crazy idea. Without any other options, he took the canvass and cut trousers out of it. He then fastened them together with metal tent rivets. They certainly didn’t look like any other pants around, but they were so durable that soon miners were streaming down from the hills to buy themselves a pair of those canvas trousers.
The story might be new to you, but I’ll bet you recognize his name. In fact it might be on your pants right now. His name was Levi Strauss. In a desperate moment 155 years ago he cut his first pair trousers for a California miner, but millions around the world are wearing his pants today.
In difficult times we are often tempted to see our resources as something small rather than the seeds of something great. I'm reminded of all the times in the Bible when God asked desperate people to take a look at what they had
.…A stuttering man named Moses said he had nothing but a stick in his hand
…A starving widow said she had nothing but a little flask of oil in the house
…A hungry multitude could only find five loaves and two fishes in the crowd
…A drought-stricken nation saw but one tiny cloud up in the sky
The people saw these things as something small. God knew they were the seeds of something great. All it took was the eyes to see the opportunity and the courage to step out toward the unexpected.
What does it take to thrive brilliantly in desperate times?
It’s the RESOURCES on hand
plus the OPPORTUNITY before us
plus God-given INSPIRATION to reach for the unexpected that combine for unparalleled breakthrough.
I would imagine that these are challenging days for you. Maybe these are even desperate times.I just wanted to remind you that God is still in the business of causing brilliant breakthrough in impossible circumstances. People of faith simply call them miracles. God still uses unlikely things like sticks and clouds, loaves of bread, and bolts of canvass. They might not seem like much to the untrained eye, but to those with the vision of faith they are the seeds of something bigger to come.
“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”(Zechariah 4:10)
Mike Fleischmann (M. Div. ‘95’)
Desperate times are an opportunity to fail miserably or to thrive brilliantly. In difficult days there is rarely middle ground. When the challenges are great and the odds are long – it is precisely at such times that people of vision are able to take things that might seem small and turn them into something unforgettable.
In 1850 there was a Bavarian immigrant living in New York city working in his family’s dry goods store. Just twenty years old, he read in the newspaper about the frantic Gold Rush in California. He reasoned that miners working up in the hills would need tents, so he bought all the canvas he could afford and headed out by boat for San Francisco.
Unfortunately, by the time he arrived he found that the market was already saturated. He was left with bolts of canvas to make tents but no customers to buy them. As one miner walked away he heard him call over his shoulder, “It’s too bad you didn’t bring pants. They don’t wear worth a hoot up in the diggin's.” Twenty years old, all by himself in San Franciso, with every penny to his name invested in tent fabric, it was an opportunity to fail miserably or to thrive brilliantly.
The miner’s comment had given him a crazy idea. Without any other options, he took the canvass and cut trousers out of it. He then fastened them together with metal tent rivets. They certainly didn’t look like any other pants around, but they were so durable that soon miners were streaming down from the hills to buy themselves a pair of those canvas trousers.
The story might be new to you, but I’ll bet you recognize his name. In fact it might be on your pants right now. His name was Levi Strauss. In a desperate moment 155 years ago he cut his first pair trousers for a California miner, but millions around the world are wearing his pants today.
In difficult times we are often tempted to see our resources as something small rather than the seeds of something great. I'm reminded of all the times in the Bible when God asked desperate people to take a look at what they had
.…A stuttering man named Moses said he had nothing but a stick in his hand
…A starving widow said she had nothing but a little flask of oil in the house
…A hungry multitude could only find five loaves and two fishes in the crowd
…A drought-stricken nation saw but one tiny cloud up in the sky
The people saw these things as something small. God knew they were the seeds of something great. All it took was the eyes to see the opportunity and the courage to step out toward the unexpected.
What does it take to thrive brilliantly in desperate times?
It’s the RESOURCES on hand
plus the OPPORTUNITY before us
plus God-given INSPIRATION to reach for the unexpected that combine for unparalleled breakthrough.
I would imagine that these are challenging days for you. Maybe these are even desperate times.I just wanted to remind you that God is still in the business of causing brilliant breakthrough in impossible circumstances. People of faith simply call them miracles. God still uses unlikely things like sticks and clouds, loaves of bread, and bolts of canvass. They might not seem like much to the untrained eye, but to those with the vision of faith they are the seeds of something bigger to come.
“Do not despise these small beginnings,
for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”(Zechariah 4:10)
Monday, June 15, 2009
AUTHOR MATTHEW RALEY REMEMBERS HIS SCHOOL
The author of Diversity Culture, Matthew Raley wrote the following commendation for his seminary education at Western Seminary and those he values in preparing him to author the book:
Thanks for the comment on my blog, and for your willingness to give some visibility to my books. Here are some personal comments that you could post on the Western blog if you think it's appropriate.
My time at Western was spent in the presence of godly men who made a deep impact on my life. Greg Allison, Gerry Breshears, and Robert Vogel spent many hours with me, refining my thinking and exegesis, and nurturing my spiritual growth.
I took something of pure gold from every class. Randy Roberts' class on spiritual disciplines was immediately influential to me in my use of time as a pastor, and the practices he taught remain a key part of my life.
There isn't a page of the Old Testament that doesn't recall Carl Laney's applications to my mind.I was in Ron Allen's last Hebrew class at Western, and when he crossed over to that other seminary I was depressed. I knew he couldn't be replaced. But I was also in John Sailhammer's first Hebrew class, and receiving biblical truth from him was a continual joy.
I was privileged to have studied with both scholars.James Sweeney was a big encouragement to me. As dean, he gave me far more opportunities than I had any right to expect, and I am still softened by his graciousness.My prayer is that the Lord will continue to put zealous but overly learned young leaders like me in contact with such wise teachers.
Thanks! And blessings,Matthew Raley - Senior Pastor, Orland Evangelical Free Church
Thanks for the comment on my blog, and for your willingness to give some visibility to my books. Here are some personal comments that you could post on the Western blog if you think it's appropriate.
My time at Western was spent in the presence of godly men who made a deep impact on my life. Greg Allison, Gerry Breshears, and Robert Vogel spent many hours with me, refining my thinking and exegesis, and nurturing my spiritual growth.
I took something of pure gold from every class. Randy Roberts' class on spiritual disciplines was immediately influential to me in my use of time as a pastor, and the practices he taught remain a key part of my life.
There isn't a page of the Old Testament that doesn't recall Carl Laney's applications to my mind.I was in Ron Allen's last Hebrew class at Western, and when he crossed over to that other seminary I was depressed. I knew he couldn't be replaced. But I was also in John Sailhammer's first Hebrew class, and receiving biblical truth from him was a continual joy.
I was privileged to have studied with both scholars.James Sweeney was a big encouragement to me. As dean, he gave me far more opportunities than I had any right to expect, and I am still softened by his graciousness.My prayer is that the Lord will continue to put zealous but overly learned young leaders like me in contact with such wise teachers.
Thanks! And blessings,Matthew Raley - Senior Pastor, Orland Evangelical Free Church
Thursday, June 11, 2009
ALUMNI AUTHORS: "THE DIVERSITY CULTURE"
This is the second book written by Matthew Ruley and we urge you to get a copy of his newest book. It is most encouraging to see our Western grads being published:
Presentations Available from Matthew Raley (M. Div. 96)
Book available at Amazon.
A new culture is emerging—one of spiritual openness, moral flexibility, and social diversity. This diversity culture makes evangelicals uncomfortable, not because they feel threatened, but because they feel excluded. Writing from the perspective of a conservative evangelical, author Matthew Raley tackles the social tensions between evangelicals and the diversity culture. Drawing on analysis of contemporary media, ancient sources, and Scripture, The Diversity Culture examines cultural barriers and how the y can be broken, helping Christians understand this cosmopolitan group on their own terms.
Four different presentations suitable for various settings:
A Fresh Look at the Samaritan Woman
Meet the woman at the well as she really was. Peel away layers of misconceptions, generalizations, and assumptions about her. Discover why a woman hardened by abuse and competing religious agendas engaged with a Jewish rabbi named Jesus (John 4:1-42). A sermon or a workshop presentation in one session (45 min).
From St. Helena to Sychar
Tour Main Street in a place taken over by a new regime. See the impact of the diversity culture as it changes the town’s demographics, spiritual priorities, and moral compass. The changes in St. Helena, California are similar to those in Sychar (John 4:1-42), where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Be refreshed by encountering the Savior who is bigger than any cultural regime. A single-session workshop presentation or a sermon (45 min). Works best with interaction.
Four Ways Jesus Spoke to Hostility
Discover the practical ways Jesus met the Samaritan woman’s antagonism (John 4:1-26). With each step, you’ll go beyond pat answers and cross the barriers people put up against the gospel every day. You’ll also see how Jesus’ methods will deepen your own spiritual life. A single-session workshop presentation or a sermon (45 min). Works best with interaction.
Presentations Available from Matthew Raley (M. Div. 96)
Book available at Amazon.
A new culture is emerging—one of spiritual openness, moral flexibility, and social diversity. This diversity culture makes evangelicals uncomfortable, not because they feel threatened, but because they feel excluded. Writing from the perspective of a conservative evangelical, author Matthew Raley tackles the social tensions between evangelicals and the diversity culture. Drawing on analysis of contemporary media, ancient sources, and Scripture, The Diversity Culture examines cultural barriers and how the y can be broken, helping Christians understand this cosmopolitan group on their own terms.
Four different presentations suitable for various settings:
A Fresh Look at the Samaritan Woman
Meet the woman at the well as she really was. Peel away layers of misconceptions, generalizations, and assumptions about her. Discover why a woman hardened by abuse and competing religious agendas engaged with a Jewish rabbi named Jesus (John 4:1-42). A sermon or a workshop presentation in one session (45 min).
From St. Helena to Sychar
Tour Main Street in a place taken over by a new regime. See the impact of the diversity culture as it changes the town’s demographics, spiritual priorities, and moral compass. The changes in St. Helena, California are similar to those in Sychar (John 4:1-42), where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Be refreshed by encountering the Savior who is bigger than any cultural regime. A single-session workshop presentation or a sermon (45 min). Works best with interaction.
Four Ways Jesus Spoke to Hostility
Discover the practical ways Jesus met the Samaritan woman’s antagonism (John 4:1-26). With each step, you’ll go beyond pat answers and cross the barriers people put up against the gospel every day. You’ll also see how Jesus’ methods will deepen your own spiritual life. A single-session workshop presentation or a sermon (45 min). Works best with interaction.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
ROLLING ALONG WITH ALUMNI TOM
‘The Technicals of God’s Will’June 1, 2009
At the conclusion of my sabbatical from my Senior Pastorate position to write my new book, ‘The Whirlwind Principle—Getting People Through the ”‘Zig-Zags” of Life,’ I experienced my own ‘zig-zag’ moment in trying to discover the Will of God—should I return to my Senior Pastorate at the Troutdale Community Church or move on to something different?
My book was slowly coming along, and to clear my head, I went driving part-time for RMI, a company Freightliner uses to test and deliver their new trucks. I really enjoyed flying all over the country in driving these brand new trucks.
As the deadline rapidly approached, a decision had to be made: ‘Do I fish or cut bait?’ And to be honest about it all, I was simply stuck! To say the least, I was having a most difficult time in trying to figure out God’s Will in this most important decision. So I began a personal study on the ‘technicals’ of the Will of God, to help me formulate a plan.
Those ‘technicals’ involved the basics: Study the Word of God, speak to wise, godly people, and listen to your family. And I did all three. I first began reading through pertinent passages of Scripture such as Romans 12:1-2, which gave great encouragement.
Secondly, I consulted a trusted friend and colleague about my dilemma. That was a smart move! He had years of experience on the subject, even to the point where he assisted me from taking a troubled church after graduating from seminary. I welcomed his counsel.
Lastly, I approached my wife and two children. They were totally light-years ahead when they tactfully indicated that I should have come to this decision a year or two ago. Wow! These ‘technicals’ made it easy for me in returning to give my resignation.
Several weeks later, I went and cleaned out my office, turned in my keys, and went to Panda’s Express to celebrate closure to my pastorate. When I finished, I sat there and began thanking God that I could place my life in His hands. He was worthy of my praise!
That is when I noticed my unopened fortune cookie sitting on my plate. I snatched it up and read its written message. A big smile broke over my face and I began laughing uncontrollably as customers looked on with astonishment. The message was simple:
“Your Place in Life is in the Driver’s Seat”
“I thought to myself,” God simply has a rich sense of humor! Although the Will of God is not found in fortune cookies, in the shuffling of cards, or any other short cut method, like palm readers. God’s Will is discovered through obedience and faith.
That means when life gets a little testy, where He may choose to altar our plans without warning, or even allow us to live in “limbo,” or when our circumstances get a little shaky, that we unequivocally can experience His guidance. Solomon agrees when he penned:
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure
out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in
everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the One who
will keep you on track.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (The Message)
In the neighborhood of 50 times, written to 32 Biblical individuals, God offers 4 vital words to live by when following the Living God. Those words are:
“Do Not Be Afraid!”
When we obey, we can be assured that God will transcendently offer His peace of mind, where we can confidently walk in faith knowing that His intentions are good for us. See you next-trip!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
PRAYER IS NEEDED FOR ALUMNI RICH AND BONNIE SHATTENBERGS
This is a follow up letter concerning the health concerns of Bonnie and Dick Shattenberg (M Div ‘72’), Worldventure missionaries:
What is happening with the Shatts? I know it has been a long time since we have written. We have been in wait mode. We have been trying a new medicine called Faslodex which should help control the spread of the cancer. We have been using this medicine since February when Bonnie finished her 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
This last week we had normal blood work and met with the oncologist's Physician's Assistant, Amy. She mentioned that the test showed that there is some unusual activity in the liver. So we had a cat scan of the liver.
The next day ww met with Amy again and she told us there is a 2 centimeter (less than 1 inch) mass in the liver. It is presumed to be a new growth of the cancer. To say the least, this is disappointing. Bonnie has been gaining energy, sleeping at night, and beginning to feel better.
Now I am sitting at the hospital as Bonnie is having an upper body MRI and cat scan of her lungs. Then on Wednesday she will have a bone scan. The purpose is to see if the cancer has popped up in any other areas. After this analysis we will meet with the doctor and decide where we go from here.
How do we feel about this. Well, yes, it is disappointing. We just get our hopes built up, and we get hit again. We say we are now going on round 3. We haven't been able to find the knock out punch.
Here are a few of my thoughts as we go through this. God has graciously and wonderfully taken care of us for over 60 years and for 39 years as a married couple. During this time we have had a few hard times but in general we have had an easy good life. He has watched over us and our family in an amazing way. Now, God is allowing us to go down a new path that we don't understand. Yes, there is waiting, uncertainty, pain, weakness, and lack of understanding. But as we look back and see how God has been with us and taken care of us, how can we at this time cease to trust and love the One who gave Himself that we might have life!
Thank you for your prayers and love for us,
Rich & Bonnie Shattenberg alumni couple who are Worldventure missionaries needing our special prayers at this time.
What is happening with the Shatts? I know it has been a long time since we have written. We have been in wait mode. We have been trying a new medicine called Faslodex which should help control the spread of the cancer. We have been using this medicine since February when Bonnie finished her 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
This last week we had normal blood work and met with the oncologist's Physician's Assistant, Amy. She mentioned that the test showed that there is some unusual activity in the liver. So we had a cat scan of the liver.
The next day ww met with Amy again and she told us there is a 2 centimeter (less than 1 inch) mass in the liver. It is presumed to be a new growth of the cancer. To say the least, this is disappointing. Bonnie has been gaining energy, sleeping at night, and beginning to feel better.
Now I am sitting at the hospital as Bonnie is having an upper body MRI and cat scan of her lungs. Then on Wednesday she will have a bone scan. The purpose is to see if the cancer has popped up in any other areas. After this analysis we will meet with the doctor and decide where we go from here.
How do we feel about this. Well, yes, it is disappointing. We just get our hopes built up, and we get hit again. We say we are now going on round 3. We haven't been able to find the knock out punch.
Here are a few of my thoughts as we go through this. God has graciously and wonderfully taken care of us for over 60 years and for 39 years as a married couple. During this time we have had a few hard times but in general we have had an easy good life. He has watched over us and our family in an amazing way. Now, God is allowing us to go down a new path that we don't understand. Yes, there is waiting, uncertainty, pain, weakness, and lack of understanding. But as we look back and see how God has been with us and taken care of us, how can we at this time cease to trust and love the One who gave Himself that we might have life!
Thank you for your prayers and love for us,
Rich & Bonnie Shattenberg alumni couple who are Worldventure missionaries needing our special prayers at this time.
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