ADC Today 2013 newsletter now available

Check out the latest ADC Today here.

Former Dean of Theology and Principal of Acadia Divinity College Passes Away

October 5, 2012

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing early this morning of the Reverend Doctor Millard Ross Cherry at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville. Mixed with the sadness is a deep sense of gratitude for his life and his untiring devotion to this institution which he loved deeply and served joyfully. He served as Dean of Theology of Acadia University from 1963-1971 and was the first Principal of Acadia Divinity College, serving from 1968-1971. His genuine interest in the students, faculty, and staff of the University and College will long be remembered as will his unequalled enthusiasm for the various athletic teams of the University. He was recognized widely as a theologian, ethicist, and preacher, attaining three honorary degrees in his lifetime. Several years ago, Acadia Divinity College established the Millard R. Cherry Chair of Christian Thought and Ethics in his honour.

We extend to his nephew and family our sincere sympathy in their loss of a much-loved family member. We share their grief and their gratitude for this servant of God and the influence of his life at Acadia and in the broader community.

The obituary is attached and funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 10 at 2 pm in the Pereaux Baptist Church. The flags at University Hall will fly at half-mast out of respect for Dr. Cherry.

Dr. Harry Gardner
President, Acadia Divinity College
Dean of Theology, Acadia University


Ray Ivany
President and Vice-Chancellor
Acadia University

For a full obituary: http://www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/73829

ADC in Greece and Turkey

ADC is very excited to announce a tour to Greece and Turkey, studying the travels of Paul and the cities of Revelation.

Please take the time to join our ADC in Turkey and Greece Facebook Group. You can also see the places that will be visited by viewing this map, or by reading the brochure.

Summer newsletter now available

The latest ADC Today is now available for download. Get it here.

The Next Religion Soup: Did Jesus Believe He Was Divine?

ADC is thrilled to be partnering with several other organizations to bring the second Religion Soup to the maritimes. See the poster below or visit the website for more information.

Appointment of Rev. Jeremiah Johnston to Acadia Divinity College

Rev. Jeremiah J. Johnston

I am pleased to announce the appointment by the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College of Rev.Jeremiah J. Johnston as Lecturer effective June 1, 2012. As part of his responsibilities he will be available to the President for administrative tasks related to development and recruitment.

Jeremiah completed his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies in 2006 and Master of Divinity (conferred with Highest Honours) at Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City in May2009. Jeremiah began his PhD research in 2009 specializing in the historical Jesus and resurrection / after-life beliefs of the first century CE. He is expected to graduate within the next year from the University of Edinburgh.

On February 24, 2012, Jeremiah successfully defended his Acadia University Master of Arts (Theology) thesis entitled, The Emergence of the Concept of Resurrection in Judeo-Christian Faith: A Tradition-Critical Study. He received his Master of Arts (Theology) degree at the Spring Convocation on May 13, 2012.

Until recently, Jeremiah served as the Executive Pastor at New Day Church (NDC) Kansas City in Olathe, Kansas.

Jeremiah and his wife, Audrey, have one daughter, Lilly Faith, and one son, Justin. Please join me in welcoming Jeremiah and his family to Acadia. 

Appointment of Dr. Anna Robbins at Acadia Divinity College

Rev. Dr. Anna Robbins
I am pleased to announce that the Board of Trustees of Acadia Divinity College (ADC) has appointed Dr. Anna Robbins as the Director of Doctoral Studies, overseeing the Acadia Doctor of Ministry program, and Academic Dean of Acadia Divinity College. Dr. Robbins will serve as Associate Professor of Theology, Culture and Ethics.


For the past twelve years she has served at the London School of Theology in the United Kingdom as Lecturer in Theology and Contemporary Culture, Director of Training, Vice-Principal, Acting Principal, and Senior Lecturer. She has taught courses on culture, ethics, apologetics, religion, philosophy, theological method, evangelism, and others. She also served in leading curriculum revision for undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses.


Between 1991 and 1997, Robbins served in three different local churches in Nova Scotia. She was the Minister of Youth and Christian Education at Aylesford United Baptist Church, the Interim Pastor at Digby United Baptist Church, and the Minister of Youth and Christian Education at Clementsvale United Baptist Church.


Robbins is a graduate of Acadia University, having received her Master of Arts (Theology) in 1997 and her Master of Religious Education in 1993. On both occasions, she graduated first in her class. Robbins also holds degrees from University of Wales (2001, Doctor of Philosophy) and Carleton University (1989, Bachelor of Arts). Her doctoral dissertation is entitled Common Sense in Uncommon Degrees: Methodological Diversity in Twentieth-Century Christian Social Ethics.


Dr. Robbins is married to Rev. Peter Robbins and they have one son, David. She will begin her service at the College on August 20, 2012. Please join me in welcoming Anna and her family to Acadia.

Craig Evans talks about the new "Jesus Discovery"

Check out this new video where Craig Evans talks about the "patio tomb."

http://vimeo.com/39280910

Prague Site Gains Final ATS Approval

Acadia Divinity College (ADC) has received official word from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) that ADC’s planned Prague Doctor of Ministry extension site has received full approval. Commencing in the fall of 2012 courses toward the Doctor of Ministry will be offered in partnership with the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS) on IBTS’s Prague campus.  The courses, to be taught by European leaders, will focus on helping seasoned ministry leaders from Europe and the Middle East be more effective in their ministry setting. The Director of the Prague-based program, ADC alumnus Dr. Jeff Carter, said, “We are excited to have full approval for our program from ATS and are looking forward to welcoming our first group of students this coming fall.”

Craig Evans' Huffington Post article online

ADC's own Dr. Craig Evans recently published an article in the Huffington Post which summarizes the archaeological evidence for Jesus. The article is a summary of his latest book Called "Jesus and His World." See his website for more information: www.craigaevans.com

Ehrman/Evans debate available online

The Religion Soup debate joint-hosted by Acadia Divinity College and St. Mary's University is now freely available online.

Night 1: http://youtu.be/ZakwU4m9IJg
Night 2: http://youtu.be/yr6KX3wM71s

Faculty Position Opening – Director of Doctoral Studies

ADC is currently looking for a new Director of Doctoral Studies. To view the ad, please see here.

ADCToday winter newsletter now available

The latest ADC Today is now available for download. Get it here.

Acadia to host debate between Craig Evans and Bart Ehrman

Reserve your FREE TICKETS to the first annual Religion Soup Debate/Dialogues @ www.religionsoup.ca

Brought to you by: The Navigators of Canada, Acadia Divinity College, and Saint Mary's University (Religious Studies Dept.), and churches across Nova Scotia.

Featuring: 

Prof. Bart D. Ehrman (Agnostic): University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill - Author of 'Misquoting Jesus: Who Changed the Bible and Why?' and 'Forged: Writing in the Name of God Why the Bible's Authors Are Not Who We Think They Are.' www.bartdehrman.com

Prof. Craig A. Evans (Christian): Acadia University (Divinity College) - 'Author of Fabricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospels,' and 'Jesus, the Final Days (Co-Authored with NT Wright).'www.craigaevans.com

Taylor Centre celebrates Spiritual Care week at Capital Health from October 17-21st

 Please visit the Capital Health website for more details http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/. See also the presentation below.

Fifth Annual Covenanting Service

Acadia Divinity College students, faculty, staff, family and friends gathered for our Fifth Annual Covenanting Service held at Wolfville Baptist Church, on September 11, 2011. The day coincided with the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States of America, which likely elicited horrific memories and painful reflections for many families who suffered bereavement through the events as well as the succeeding wars. Indeed, the world itself though changed forever through subsequent responses and reactions to this terrible tragedy. Yet there are undertones of a desire for peace and community.

As a seminary, we are mindful that we are called to serve as this same world through the Church of Jesus Christ, by the preparation of Christian leaders, thereby making our gathering most significant. Furthermore, we were earnestly reminded of our role to subscribe in making the world a better and safer place, by demonstrating the Bible’s message of what it means to be a community that reflects the love and forgiveness of God, in our faith and lifestyle. The sermon was “Called to be a Community” and delivered by Dr. Stephen McMullin, Director of the New Brunswick extension. The main event of the service focused on renewal of our covenant (pledge to partnership) as churches, college, mentors and students and families, in the overall process of training for Christian ministry spanning local and global levels.

We hope you will plan to join us next year!

Tributes to Baptist Chaplains Rev. Gerald Burke and Rev. Adele Crowell

The halls of the Queen Elizabeth Health Sciences Centre Chapel rang out with the beats of an African drum on the afternoon of February 24th as many friends and colleagues of Rev. Gerald Burke (‘85) came to celebrate his 17 years of ministry as the Baptist Chaplain at the Halifax-area hospitals. A Tribute was given by Buffy Harper, Manager of Spiritual Care for Capital Health, and a song was sung in Gerald’s honour by Rev. Gary Myatt (’85, ‘98). Gerald has moved to New Brunswick with his wife Dawn and their family and will continue in ministry.

Dr. Tracy Demmons (’04), Director of the Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care (and one of Gerald’s former Baptist summer students), gave a brief tribute to Gerald. Rev. Dr. Ron Mclean (’68, ‘95), representing the Halifax Baptist Chaplaincy Committee, presented Gerald with a plaque commemorating his 17 years of ministry.

On the evening of Sunday, September 18th, an Induction Service was held for Rev. Adele Crowell (’85) at Bedford Baptist Church. Several members of the Halifax Chaplaincy Committee participated in the service including Rev. Dr. Ida Whitehouse (’77) and Rev. Dr. Ron McLean. The message was given by Rev. Lequita H. Porter, Pastor of East Preston Baptist Church. Adele’s husband Tom was present as were their daughters Amelia and Julia. Dr. Demmons brought greetings and best wishes on behalf of ADC and the Taylor Centre for Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care. Adele has assumed all responsibilities for care of the Baptist patients staying at Halifax-area hospitals.

We are most thankful for Gerald and Adele and wish them all the very best in their new ministry settings!

Canadian Youth Leaders studying in the Czech Republic

Every two years a unique gathering brings Canadian youth leaders studying at Acadia Divinity College (Canada) together with youth leaders from across the European Baptist Federation family of nations. In May this year, this powerful gathering took place once again in the Christian mountain retreat centre KAM in Malenovice (Moravia) Czech Republic. Thirteen Canadians and eleven youth leaders from Europe and the Middle East joined to be challenged in Growing into Leadership by speakers Steve and Jo Griffiths. Steve is a Anglican rector and a youth leadership specialist and author. He is the past president of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry and the founder of The Journal of Youth and Theology. Time and time again, students who take part in this program are touched by the international friendships and exchange of thoughts around topics relating to working with youth. The Canadians were able to go and visit for four days with the European and Middle Eastern counterparts in their home countries (Italy, Belgium, Lebanon, Estonia and Croatia) and to learn first hand how youth work is done in Europe. Jeff Carter, the Youth Leadership Training Coordinator for the EBF and European host for the event stated: "This event is simply one of the most pivotal and transformational events in the work we do with leaders, each year young leaders come away challenged and touched by the lives of others, in some cases it changes completely the way they do ministry" . Dale Stairs, Director of the Youth Ministry Program at Acadia Divinity College also was instrumental in rallying the Canadians and also sees this event as a highlight in the partnership between Acadia and the EBF. Students from Acadia take in the event for course credit while the European participants attend it as a conference. The next event is scheduled for May 2013 in the same location.

For more information on this event of future events contact

Jeff Carter
jcarter@ebf.org

Acadia Divinity College to Offer Doctor of Ministry in Prague

Acadia’s rapidly growing Doctor of Ministry programme is set to expand again. Beginning in the fall of 2012, ministry leaders based in Europe and elsewhere will be able to study toward an Acadia DMin in Prague, Czech Republic.
This new international Doctor of Ministry programme is a joint initiative of Acadia Divinity College (ADC), Canadian Baptist Ministries (CBM), the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS), and the European Baptist Federation (EBF). Students admitted to the programme will take courses at the IBTS campus in Prague and will also take courses at Acadia’s Wolfville, Nova Scotia teaching site in Canada.
Dr. Jeff Carter will provide leadership for the new programme as part of his role as a member of the Global Field Staff of CBM. He will continue to serve as Youth Ministry Training Coordinator for the EBF and as a Lecturer at both IBTS and ADC.
Acadia offers Canada’s largest Doctor of Ministry programme, enrolling students from more than 20 denominations and 30 different ministry vocations. Students in the programme live in all Canadian provinces as well as in the United States and overseas.
“We are delighted to partner with other ministry organizations who have a heart for encouraging and equipping seasoned ministry leaders,” says ADC’s Director of Doctoral Studies, Dr. Bruce Fawcett. “This partnership will be great for our Canadian DMin students since it will allow them the opportunity to study in Prague as part of their DMin experience, and in some of their classes in Wolfville they will now have the opportunity to connect with Christian leaders from Europe.”
Applications will be received starting in October 2011 for fall 2012 admission. For more information, contact Dr. Jeff Carter.

ADC and Taylor Centre featured in CASC Newsletter

The Taylor Centre is discussed in the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care's latest newsletter. Read the newsletter here.