GCI Update

Christianity: Only for dummies?

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When Tammy is not with me, I never know who might sit next to me on an airplane. I’ve sat next to lawyers, business owners, mystics, soldiers, pilots and just about every other profession. It has made for some interesting conversations. The cartoons below, used with permission, are a humorous reminder. 

On a flight to Dallas last week, my seatmate was James – a nice fellow in his late twenties. James was somewhat full of his intellectual capacity and thought the world was full of stupid people. Christians, he explained, were exceptionally stupid, because they seemed to be oblivious to the discoveries of science. In his estimation, they were like people who believed the earth was flat. James was obviously proud to consider himself an atheist.

I enjoyed the look on his face when I told him that I was one of those so-called ignorant Christians. I mentioned that he might not have heard of surveys showing that 40% of scientists are agnostics and 40% are Christian. I told him that I knew personally several believing scientists who work on the cutting edge of scientific discovery. I reminded him that Francis Collins, who was the director of the Human Genome Project, is a devout Christian. James seemed interested to hear more.

I told him that I am amused by TV characters like Dr. Sheldon Cooper and his “Bible belt” mother in the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory; and by Alice, the assistant to the vicar in the British sitcom Vicar of Dibley. I also admitted to him that some Christians would benefit from more education. But I told him that I’m annoyed that it is now acceptable to portray Christians as simpletons. These TV characters are definitely not typical of most Christians.

I explained to James that many of the concepts we grow up believing are myths. For example, there is the commonly held idea that even educated people in historic times believed that the earth was flat. However, the historical record does not support this idea. As noted by Jeffrey Russell (professor of history at the University of California, Santa Barbara) in Inventing the Flat Earth: Columbus and Modern Historians, the flat-earth theory is a fable used to denigrate pre-modern European civilizations.

The historic fact is that as far back as 330 BC, Aristotle pointed out that the shadow of the earth on the moon is always circular. In 240 BC, Eratosthenes calculated the earth’s spherical circumference. The Venerable Bede, who lived over 700 years before Columbus, explained the varying duration of daylight in terms of the roundness of earth, reasoning from the Bible that spoke of the “circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22).

Some of the most notable scientists through history were Christians. In the sixth century, philosopher and theologian John Philoponus anticipated the modern physics of light and atomic structure based on the doctrines of the Trinity and creation. Galileo was reading Philoponus as he calculated the movement of the stars, laying a foundation for our modern understanding of the cosmos.

Unaware of all this, James was intrigued. I hope I left him less sure that Christianity is only for dummies. I’d like to think I helped him shift in his thinking from being an atheist to an agnostic.

Of course, many assume that atheism and agnosticism are synonymous. They are not. There is a significant difference in the two. It is fashionable today to say you are an atheist. Writers like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchins have made names for themselves by ridiculing religion in general and Christianity in particular. They have suggested that if Christians cannot convincingly demolish the atheist argument and prove God exists, the only sensible default position for an educated person is atheism. But hold on a minute. Atheists claim that God does not exist, so it is up to them to prove their point. They can’t, of course – philosophically you cannot prove a negative. When cornered, most atheists have to admit to really being agnostic. Agnostics say they do not know whether God exists. This is a reasonable position for people who have insufficient evidence (and/or interest!) to make a decision.

Do you see the arrogance of those atheists who say they have won the argument because those who believe in God have not proved their point? It is true that you cannot “prove” God exists to someone who is not willing to show some faith. Lending an initial mustard seed’s worth of trust is an essential ingredient. As Thomas Aquinas said, “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.” I realize the atheist will say that to “have faith” is a weak argument. But it is not. We “have faith” in all kinds of things we cannot fully understand or control. So what is “weak” about basing a decision on evidence that is accepted on faith? We may not be able to make a 100% knockdown scientific proof that God exists. However, there is plenty of evidence to say that to believe in a Creator God is not preposterous nonsense.

God, of course, is not interested in our faith being the result of a successful experiment. What he wants is a relationship with us. That is why the ultimate proof of God’s existence must be in and through Jesus – for he himself is the place were God and humanity perfectly meet face to face. He is the place where we can enter into personal relationship with God. We meet and relate to God where he meets and personally relates to us. But entering into that relationship, like all personal relationships, calls for some initial trust or faith. No faith, then no knowledge, no relationship.

Of course, explaining all this to James would have been overkill. But, since he was proud of his analytical ability, I wanted to challenge him to think his position all the way through. Just because Christians have not proven their point to his satisfaction, it does not mean that the atheists have won. Atheists must present their position with the same strength of proof that they expect of believers. Until they do, we could only accept their premise by a sheer act of will. But such an assumption, lacking an object of trust, does not even deserve the label, faith.

Like most “atheists,” James was really an agnostic. Agnosticism is a valid intellectual parking lot. However, a parking lot is not a destination. I hope I helped him on his way.

Your brother in Christ’s service,

Joseph Tkach

P.S. Please join me in praising God – we have learned that Grace Communion Seminary has received accreditation! It has been a long and sometimes arduous journey to this important milestone. My sincere thanks to Drs. Russell Duke and Michael Morrison, and all those who have worked so hard and skillfully with them to bring this about. Read the details in the article linked at left.

CrossWalk camp

The following update is from CrossWalk camp director Mike Rasmussen. CrossWalk is a GCI Generations Ministries camp that is held twice a year near Oklahoma City, OK.

Our 22nd Crosswalk Camp is in the bag! This session was based on the GCI Generations Ministries camp teaching curriculum Rooted.

We were blessed with a great group of campers who rallied together and gave their all. We were equally blessed with an amazing adult staff, who made things work while passionately loving our campers. We had 35 teen campers, 28 pre-teen campers, 6 children campers and 65 staff members.

An exciting trend is developing – former campers and staff members are returning to CrossWalk after getting married and having children. In response, we have added a “Mommy and Me” dorm, which is now filling on a regular basis.

It’s great to see young people, parents and grandparents working and worshiping side by side.

GCI Philippines update

Here are updates about two recent GCI activities in the Philippines.

Outreach to children

This update is from Arlan Aquino, one of GCI’s area superintendents in the Philippines. 

Several members from Baguio City and La Trinidad recently traveled to Bokod, Benguet for a Children’s Outreach Program. According to staff member Myla Faminialagao, the purpose was to “let the children further understand who Jesus is in their lives” and help them to “have a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

The program had two classes, one for children 2 to 8 years old and another for children 9 to 14. The first class, led by Grace Ogas, had 23 attendees. Topics included Getting to Know God Through the Bible; and Knowing Jesus as Son of God, Son of Man, Friend and Savior. The second class, with 15 older children, considered topics such as Vanity, Who Jesus Is to Me, and Discipling Others. Myla also taught them how to make cards for Mother’s Day.

Bicol churches celebrate 40th anniversary and attend Missions Fest

This update is from Eleanor O. Bongat.

GCI in the Bicol region recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. The theme was Beyond the Great Commission, Preparing the Bride.

Eugene Guzon

Attending were GCI Philippines national director Eugene Guzon, missions director Dr. Rey Taniajura, senior pastor of City of Praise for Asia Edwin Villagomez and the national missions team led by Cecilia Bangay. The celebration was opened by pastor Pamor who recaped the Bicol church’s 40-year journey. It began with one congregation in Naga City and now there are 15 in the region. Missions director Dr. Rey Taniajura then addressed the group, followed by a message from pastor Reuel who gave a glimpse of the past in pictures provided by members. Also included were warm messages from pastor George Escara and Dr. Taniajura.

The celebration coincided with Missions Fest, which included several plenary presentations and workshops. Eugene Guzon made a presentation titled GCI Mission for the Next Decade emphasizing the need for all members to participate in mission. He noted that two years ago there was a good response from GCI members to go to the mission field. But at the moment there is a tapering down in the number of missionaries, hence the urgent need to mobilize response from the churches.

Dr. Taniajura gave a presentation titled The Greatest Story Ever Told: Preparing the Bride and Mission. He said that the greatest of all events in eternity past and present is the preparation of the bride (the church). Her involvement in mission is in anticipation for the coming of the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ).

The missions team conducted workshops on networking, giving, cross-cultural experience, spiritual warfare, member care and intimacy with God.

Worship was led by various music teams, including God’s Little Musicians, a group of young and talented children. A prayer concert was held with a focus on least-reached people groups including  tribals, Hindus, unreligious, Muslims and Buddhists. Prayers were also offered for GCI and the government of the Philippines. Pastor Edwin Villagomez concluded by challenging participants to actively enter the mission field. Several responded and received prayer. The event closed with a benediction from Jose V. Manzano, Bicol area assistant superintendent.

Focused outreach

Below is a video interview with two members of Living Hope Fellowship, the GCI congregation in Champlin, Minnesota. They discuss what their congregation is doing to reach out to a particular focus group in their community.

http://youtu.be/F0UP1mMCq4g

Bonnie Albrecht

This prayer request is from Charles Albrecht who manages the GCI Church Administration and Development office in Glendora, CA.

My mother Bonnie Albrecht, who lives in the Dallas area, was taken to the hospital last Wednesday with excruciating pain in her legs. They determined that she has a bulging disc causing a pinched sciatic nerve. They sent her home on Thursday, but she basically became immobile over the weekend and was readmitted on Monday. They are continuing to run tests and will be looking at physical therapy.

I would appreciate your prayers for her, for my Dad Kenyon, and for other supporting family members.

Cards may be sent to:

Kenyon and Bonnie Albrecht
9978 Witham Street
Dallas, TX 75220-1743

 

Flooding in Minnesota

This update is from GCI pastor Gordy Lindquidst who lives in Minnesota where there has been extensive flooding.

I want to update you on the flooding problems here in Duluth. We received 10+ inches of rain in the last few days. Governor Dayton has declared it a disaster area. Though there was no loss of life in the Duluth area, three people lost their lives in Wisconsin outside of Ashland when they drove into a sinkhole caused by the rain. Damages will be in the hundreds of millions for this area.

I have talked with everyone in the Duluth congregation who lives in the affected area. Though some had water in their basements, none suffered any catastrophic loss. Like many cities across the country, Duluth has not had the revenue to keep up with all the maintenance that has been required for streets, sewer and water lines, etc. Looks like the federal government will now be helping us repair/replace the damaged streets, sidewalks, etc.

On a lighter note….if it had only rained a few more days at our house, I would not have had to walk down to the lake to fish; I could have done it off my deck!

Wildfires in Colorado

We receive reports daily about the huge wildfires burning in Colorado and elsewhere in the United States (click here for a recent report). Here are updates on some GCI members and friends that are affected:

  • Cliff and Mary Snyder live near the wildfires in the Fort Collins, Colorado area. They had to evacuate their home but, thank God, so far their property has not been damaged.
  • Dennis and Lorraine Pelley, and Kelvin and Karen (Pelley) Langford live near the fires burning in the Colorado Springs, Colorado area. They remain in their homes, but report that the smoke is awful and they must stay inside to breathe.
  • Hal and Ella Marie Schatz report that their daughter Christen and her son David who live in Colorado Springs are safe, but have been told to evacuate their home.

Please pray for these families and others in harm’s way. And also please pray for the thousands of evacuees and the firefighters in Colorado and elsewhere.

GCS receives accreditation

The following update is from Russell Duke, the president of Grace Communion Seminary (GCS).

Hallelujah! I am thrilled to announce that Grace Communion Seminary has been accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). Here is the first paragraph from the letter we received from DETC President Michael P. Lambert:

The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council met June 15, 2012, and it is a pleasure to advise that the Commission granted accreditation to Grace Communion Seminary for a period of three years. We extend warm congratulations to you and your staff on this initial grant of accreditation.

This accredited status is effective immediately, and applies to all courses offered by GCS. The Accrediting Commission of DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. The Commission is also a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The DETC report listing Grace Communion Seminary (under “One Institution Gains Accreditation”), can be viewed by clicking here. The DETC report states that GCS was founded in 1947. This is due to the fact that Grace Communion Seminary is a business name of Ambassador College.

This outside accreditation helps to assure quality of education by establishing minimum standards for education that must be adhered to by all its approved institutions. It provides a venue for peer accountability among online educational institutions and public accountability for consumer protection. It also provides greater opportunity for transfer of credit from GCS into other accredited institutions (though please note that it is the student’s responsibility to seek approval for transfer from the receiving institution if they want to transfer units, as is the case for students from all educational institutions).

We pray that accreditation will prove to be a valuable step forward for the church and for GCS, as we seek to promote Trinitarian theology and better prepare lay persons and pastors for ministry. The DETC letter closed with the following welcome:

Again, congratulations to you and your staff on the accreditation of Grace Communion Seminary. We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship with you and your colleagues in the years ahead.

We thank God for his favor and celebrate his blessing and the gift of his Spirit to participate in the life of Jesus Christ. Thanks for the direction given by Dr. Tkach and the Board, the hard work of our Dean Dr. Michael Morrison, the entire faculty, our Registrar Susan Earle, and the GCI support staff for their contributions on the journey. And thanks to all the students who have been such a great support through this process of accreditation for Grace Communion Seminary.

Williams receive 25 year honors

left to right: Susan and Greg Williams, Joseph Tkach

At the recent U.S. Regional Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, regional pastor Greg Williams and his wife Susan were honored for Greg’s 25 years of GCI employment. GCI president Joseph Tkach presented Greg and Susan with a 25 year service plaque and watches to thank them for their years of devoted service.

While a student at Ambassador College in Pasadena, Greg worked part-time in several campus departments. Then in 1983 he went to work full-time as a physical education instructor in Imperial High School in Pasadena.

In 1985 Greg entered employed pastoral ministry as a ministerial trainee, serving in the Glendora, California congregation. Then in 1986 Greg was ordained an elder and began serving as an assistant pastor in Glendora. In 1987 he and his wife Susan transferred to Denver, Colorado, where Greg became an associate pastor in 1988.

In 1991 the couple transferred to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where Greg served as the church pastor. Beginning in 1997 he added responsibilities as coordinator of one of GCI’s annual festivals – a responsibility he held for many years.

In 2000, Greg also added the responsibility of heading up the basketball and volleyball programs at SEP in Orr, Minnesota. Greg served in many capacities at the camp in subsequent years.

In 2006, Greg left the employ of GCI, and began working as a regional leader for Youth for Christ in Atlanta. In 2008 Greg returned to employment in GCI, serving part time as director of GCI Generations Ministries – a job that became full time in 2009. In 2010, Greg joined Ted Johnston in developing a course in youth ministry at Grace Communion Seminary. And in 2012, Greg began serving as the GCI regional pastor of the eastern part of the United States.

Congratulations and thanks to Greg and Susan for their many years of service!

Bob Miller retires

Joseph Tkach (on left) and Bob and Ruth Miller

Last weekend at the U.S. Regional Conference in Lexington, Kentucky, GCI president Joseph Tkach honored Bob and Ruth Miller on the occasion of Bob’s retirement after 37 years of full-time employment with GCI.

Bob worked part-time in grounds maintenance and mail processing while attending Ambassador College in Big Sandy, Texas. Then in 1969 he began full-time employment as a ministerial assistant in GCI churches in Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. That employment ended the next year. In 1976, Bob was rehired, serving at church headquarters in Pasadena in several capacities including painting, mail processing, publishing, and media.In 1978, Bob became publishing production coordinator and was ordained an elder.

In 1979, Bob and his wife Ruth relocated to Alabama where Bob served as assistant pastor, associate pastor, and then senior pastor of the GCI congregation in Birmingham, where they remain today.

On May 18 of this year, Bob retired from full-time employment with the church. He continues serving part-time as the Birmingham congregation’s senior pastor.

We wish Bob and Ruth many wonderful years ahead as they continue to serve our Lord and his children.