A Simple Request. Rev. Kirby Smith. Birmingham Theological Seminary News Spring 2016 Newsletter

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1 Birmingham Theological Seminary News Spring 2016 Newsletter BTS is a non-profit Alabama corporation and an independent, Reformed evangelical seminary Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL Tel. (205) Fax (205) Frank Barker, Jr. Chancellor and Chairman of the Board Glenn Waddell President (205) gwaddell@briarwood.org Thad James, Jr. Vice President (205) tjames@briarwood.org Larry Cockrell Clinicals Director ldcockrell@aol.com Howard Eyrich Director of the Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Counseling Program (205) heyrich@briarwood. org Jim Maples Director of the Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Leadership Program pgpres@att.net Brandon Robbins Director of Distance Education (205) brobbins@briarwood.org Jackie Hamamatsu Registrar (205) jhamamatsu@briarwood.org Asher Allen Administrative Assistant (205) BTSAdmin@briarwood.org A Simple Request Rev. Kirby Smith It has been fun to watch the Lord work through the ministry of BTS over the years. As I shuffled through the daily s at my office, I came upon one that interested me more than most. Jackie Hamamatsu, our Seminary Registrar, wrote making a simple request: to report on the benefits of becoming a BTS student. Not a hard task. The first Seminary class I took was in Birmingham at BTS in the Seminary s first year. It was an Old Testament survey course on the prophets taught by Jack Scott. I was hooked. For more years than I d like to count, I have taught Old Testament classes for BTS. My students have been older, younger, females, males, different nationalities and races, and even a Superintendent of Education! I have taught classes to several fathers and sons at the same time, and once I even taught a class by phone to a student in Texas! But one case stands out over the years. It sounds as fictional as it does funny. One afternoon I received a phone call from a student with a strange request. He said he would like to come over to our Old Testament classroom at church for a personal favor a simple request. Intrigued, I asked what it might be. While this man was a BTS student, he met and fell in love with a beautiful Christian lady in an Old Testament class I was teaching. His request? He wanted to get on bended knee in that classroom to ask her a lifechanging question. (No, it was not would she go fishing with him.) On the assigned day, he arrived, went into our Old Testament classroom, and on bended knee, sprung the question. After hearing the joy and laughter echoing down the hallway, they came into my office to share the blessing with me (and the answer was yes, she said Yes! ). It was an added blessing for me to perform their wedding ceremony several months later. BTS has all kinds of students. The man in this story is a civil engineer, and his nowwife teaches history at Huntingdon College. We have housewives, administrators, Sunday school teachers, doctors, plumbers, and currently, I teach a student who is a lawyer working in our State Supreme Court system in Montgomery. According to the vision of Frank Barker and Bill Hay, over the years, BTS has remained true to one of its original goals: to provide a quality, affordable Seminary education to anyone who is willing to work for it. We have seen this vision blessed by God and fulfilled now on a global scale. As Peter said, His divine power has granted to us all things necessary for life and godliness in Christ Jesus our Lord (II Peter 1:3). Yes, we all praise God for life and godliness in Christ. Someday our lives will be sinless and our godliness perfect when we see Him face to face (I John 3:2). But that day has not yet come; and until it does, I praise God for the vision of Frank and Bill and for the consistent efforts of BTS. Yes, I can honestly say it has been fun for me to watch the Lord work through the ministry of BTS over years. By the way, here s a simple request: Take God and His Word seriously by the way you live. Kirby Smith teaches Old Testament at the Montgomery extension of BTS. He is the Shepherding Pastor, Young Meadows Presbyterian Church

2 BTS Founders FunD As the opportunities for ministry through BTS have multiplied, we have stretched our financial and human resources further and further, all the while striving to balance faith and good stewardship. It became abundantly clear within the last few years that the Seminary needed to be more intentional in raising the funds necessary to fulfill our mission and tackle some of these opportunities Under the leadership of the Seminary s Board of Directors, BTS established the BTS Founders Fund earlier this year to honor the lives and ministries of Seminary founders Dr. Frank Barker and Dr. Bill Hay. The Lord has blessed that effort and many individuals and churches have given or made multi-year pledges toward this fund. If you or your church have not already made a commitment to the BTS Founders Fund, would you consider doing so? Scholarships Available Owing to of the generosity of donors to the BTS Founders Fund, the Seminary now has limited funds available to award scholarships on the basis of a student s financial need. Scholarship applications are available from the BTS office and the deadline for spring semester scholarship applications is December 19. Farewell and Welcome After 3 years of faithful service to BTS, Irene is retiring from the administrative assistant position on November 30 to take care of her growing family. Many of you know that Irene and her husband, Marty, have a heart for foster care ministry and they recently adopted two children. If you re keeping count, they have 3 adult children, and at home, 6 adopted children, and 3 foster children. Irene has been blessed by the Lord with many talents to be able to manage a job, participate in Church ministries, and raise a large family. We are grateful that she will stick around a little longer to cover maternity leave for Jackie Hamamatsu, the registrar, and in the future as a volunteer. Taking Irene s place as Administrative Assistant is Asher Allen. Asher is a graduate of Valdosta State University with a Bachelors in Art. She worked with Campus Outreach in the Augusta region over the last six years, and most recently worked with Sprouts Farmers Market as the Admin. Coordinator. With Asher s administrative abilities and heart for ministry, she will fit right in at BTS. Be sure to welcome Asher when you see her around the office! Announcements Introducing Dr.Thad James, Jr. Dr. Jay Haley Dr. Jim Maples, and Dr. Lou Priolo BTS Vice President, Thad James, Jr., completed a PhD in Theology degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. BTS professor of systematic theolgy, Jay Haley, earned a PhD from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. BTS Professor and Director of the DMIN in Pastoral Leadership program, Jim Maples, completed a Doctor of Theology from the University of South Africa. Lou Priolo, BTS professor of Biblical Counseling,was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Calvary Theological Seminary. Congratulations to these men on their degrees. Embers to a Flame Conference January BTS students taking this class for credit will receive a 50% discount on the conference cost. Seminary tuition also applies. Register with the Briarwood Church Revitalization office and with BTS. Submit a BTS registration form and contact and Rebecca Caskey in the Church Revitalization office at or rcaskey@ briarwood.org to register. Please register for the conference by December 18.

3 Montgomery Campus Facts Lydia Picket, Extension Coordinator Montgomery Faculty Lee Bloodworth : Senior Pastor at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Professor of Systematic Theology since Josh Carmichael: Supply Pastor at New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Selma. Professor of Old Testament since Kirby Smith: Assistant Pastor at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church. Professor of Old Testament since Jim Simoneau: Senior Pastor at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church. Professor of New Testament since Harrison Taylor: Associate Professor of History at Alabama State University. Professor of Church History since Kampala, Uganda The Montgomery campus opened in BTS in the World In October, Biblical Counseling Professor, Larry Dozier, and BTS Vice President, Thad James, travelled to Uganda to teach at our sister seminary, Westminster Theological Seminary (WTS). Dr. Dozier taught Using the Bible in Counseling and Dr. James taught Leadership and Church Administration in the African Context. Although WTS is in Uganda, over the Fall students traveled from Burundi, South Sudan, and other neighboring African countries to receive theological education. Cuba Larry Dozier (Left) with the Biblical Counseling Students Brad Taylor, BTS adjunct professor, travelled to Cuba in November to teach Old Testament History and Theology at the Los Pinos Nuevos seminary. New Testament Professor Michael Jones has traveled twice to Cuba within the last 12 months to teach courses at the Los Pinos Nuevos seminary. The Board, Faculty and Graduates of the 2016 Graduating Class of Birmingham Theological Seminary invite you to attend Commencement Exercises on Friday Evening, May 13, 2016, 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center, Briarwood Presbyterian Church Reception Following in the Fellowship Hall

4 spring 2016 Registration Form jan apr. 22 Registrations due the week of January 19 NAME: Check if contact info has changed ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: (H): (W) (C) DEGREE PROGRAM: New Student? Yes No When did you last take classes at BTS? Fees: M.A. Application Fee $30 (one time) Tuition $100 per M.A./Cert. credit hr. $150 per DMIN credit hr. $40 per audit hr. Late Fee: $25 per course after Jan. 23 Student Services Fee: $30 By completing and signing this form, I am registering for the above courses and agree to pay all tuition and fees. Signature Date: MC VISA DISCOVER Credit Card # Exp. Date - *Use of Credit card incurs a 4% service charge Birmingham Theological Seminary 2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL (205) JAN TERM 2016 HT4654 Westminster Confession of Faith Rev. Thomas Joseph January 7-9 (Thursday-Saturday) 8:00AM-5:00PM PT5750 Public Worship and Music Dr. Olan Stubbs Jan (Thursday-Saturday) 8:00AM-5:00PM OFFICE USE ONLY Tuition: App. Fee: Student Ser. Fee: Late Fee: Amt. Past Due: SUBTOTAL: CC Fee (4%): TOTAL DUE: Amount Paid: ck# Cash Balance Due: Jan Term provides the opportunity to complete up to two classes during the month of January. Lectures are condensed into three days and additional work will be done outside of class. Syllabi will soon be posted online. Please be prepared for class on the first day by completing the required assignments and readings in advance. The registration deadline for these courses is one week before the first day of class. Birmingham Theological Seminary 2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

5 BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY SPRING SEMESTER January 19-April 22, 2016 Registrations/Tuition due by January 22 Drop/Add period ends January 29 Spring Break is March 7-11 Classes will not meet on March for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Graduation is May 13 at 7:00PM at Briarwood Presbyterian Church BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS: Briarwood Presbyterian Church COURSE PROFESSOR DAY/TIME ROOM HT4654 Wesminster Confession of Faith Rev. Thomas Joseph Jan pm A201 PT5750 Public Worship & Music Dr. Olan Stubbs Jan pm A201 BC7624 Readings in Biblical Counseling (1) Dr. Howard Eyrich Mon 5:30-7:30pm A201 OT1512 Beginning Hebrew II Mr. Bruce Horsley Mon 5:30-7:30pm A202 PT5524 Ministry of the Word II (2) Dr. Jeff Lowman Mon 5:30-7:30pm A209 BC7632 Advanced Marriage and Family (1) Dr. Ken Jones Mon 7:30-9:30pm A201 ST3527 Systematic Theology II (Anthropology-Study of Man)* Dr. Jeff Lowman Mon 7:30-9:30pm A209 HT4743 Presbyterian Church History Rev. George Shamblin Tue 6:00-8:00am A201 ST3550 Bible Interpretation Dr. Thad James, Jr. Tue 5:30-7:30pm A201 PT5710 Discipleship Dr. Bill Hay Tue 5:30-7:30pm A209 BC7735 Group Dynamics Dr. Dave Matthews Tue 7:30-9:30pm A201 AP8553 Christianity & Competing Worldviews Rev. Clete Hux Tue 7:30-9:30pm A209 OT1512 Beginning Hebrew II Mr. Bill Stroup Wed 6:00-8:00am A201 OT1022 Old Testament II (Historical Books & Prophets)* Dr. Frank Barker Wed 5:30-7:30pm W203 BC7501 Introduction to Biblical Counseling (3) Dr. Lou Priolo Wed 6:00-8:00pm VBC BC7755 Counseling in the Local Church II (4) Dr. Howard Eyrich Wed 6:30-8:30pm A209 PT5637 Personal Evangelism (5) Dr. Barker/Rev. Allison Wed 6:30-9:30pm F-Hall ST3528 Systematic Theology III (Person & Works of Christ)* Rev. Robert Alexander Thu 9:00-11:00am A201 PT5524 Ministry of the Word II (2) Rev. Michael Reese Thu 9:00-11:00am A202 BC7501 Introduction to Biblical Counseling Dr. Howard Eyrich Thu 9:00-11:00am A209 MS6652 Techniques of Church Planting Rev. Larry Cockrell Thu 5:30-7:30pm A201 PT5527 Communications I Dr. Jim Maples Thu 5:30-7:30pm A209 PT5531 Christian Workers Personal Life Dr. Jay Haley Thu 7:30-9:30pm A201 HT4743 Presbyterian Church History Dr. Maples/Rev. Joseph Thu 7:30-9:30pm A209 PT7803 Clinical Writing Project (6) Rev. Larry Cockrell NT2023 New Testament II (Romans-Revelation)* Rev. Mike Jones Fri 6:00-8:00am A201 DM9101/PT5800 Church Revitalization (7) Dr. Harry Reeder Jan F-Hall DM9111 Independent Study Dr. Jim Maples Jan. 15 9:00-12:00pm A201 Logos Logos Bible Software Training Seminar (8) Dr. Thad James, Jr. Feb. 6 //8:30am-12:30pm A BC7630 Marriage & Family Counseling is a prerequisite for Advanced Marriage & Family. Intro to Biblical Counseling is required for BC PT5524 Ministry of the Word II is interchangeable with PT5723 Expository Preaching II 3. VBC - Valleydale Baptist Church Valledale Rd Classes begin Jan.13th and end April 27th 4. BC7755 Counseling in the Local Church II will begin on Jan. 6th 5. BTS students must register with Briarwood Evangelism Ministry (lreese@briarwood.org or ) and with BTS. 6. All Master of Ministry students seeking to graduate in Spring 2016 are required to take PT7803 Clinical Writing Project 7. Students must register with the Seminary office and pre-register with Embers to a Flame. Contact Embers to a Flame at for conference schedule. 8. Logos Seminar students must register with the Seminary office by Jan. 29th. The cost of the Seminar is $50. Contact Seminary office for more details. * Old Testament I-III, New Testament I-II, and Systematic Theology I-VI do not have to be taken in any particular order. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS IS TUESDAY, JANUARY 19. CLASSES WILL NOT MEET MONDAY, JANUARY 18 IN HONOR OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY.

6 ANNISTON Anniston Bible Church 3230 Coleman Rd., Anniston, AL Extension Coordinator: Dennis Bradford OT1022 Old Testament II* Rev. Steve Mayes Mon 5:30-7:30pm HT4721 Reformation & Modern Church History Rev. Bob St. John Tues 5:30-7:30pm AP8521 Introduction to Apologetics Dr. Vic Minish Thu 5:30-7:30pm PT5531 Christian Workers Personal Life Dr. Vic Minish Thu 7:30-9:30pm DEMOPOLIS Extension Coordinator: Albert Jackson ST3528 Systematic Theology III (Christology)* Rev. Jim Richwine Tue 5:30-7:30pm FPCE PT5531 Christian Workers Personal Life Rev. Fred Moore Thu 5:30-7:30pm CCBC CCBC - Christian Chapel Bapt. Church, 500 W. Decatur St FPCE - First Pres. Church Eutaw, 300 Main St., DOTHAN Extension Coordinator: Angela Smith dothan@birminghamseminary.org AP8521 Introduction to Apologetics Rev. Lynn Miley Mon 5:30-7:30pm WPC NT2023 New Testament II (Romans-Revelation)* Rev. Henry Morris Tue 5:30-7:30pm WPC HT4721 Reformation & Modern Church History Rev. David Temples Tue 7:30-9:30pm WPC PT5621Conflict Resolution in the Church Dr. Charles Lewis Thu 5:30-7:30pm DCC WPC-Westwood Presbyterian Church 5480 W. Main St DCC - Dothan Community Church 4390 Westgate HUNTSVILLE Connections Presbyterian Church 897 Capshaw Rd. Madison, AL Extension Coordinator: Matt Ligon huntsville@birminghamseminary.org NT2022 New Testament I (Gospels-Acts)* Dr. Blair Waddell Mon 7:30-9:30pm HT4641 Church History in America Rev. Jackie Gaston Mon 7:30-9:30pm OT1021 Old Testament I* Rev. Chris Bolt Thu 5:30-7:30pm MONTGOMERY Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Rd Extension Coordinator: Lydia Pickett montgomery@birminghamseminary.org OT1022 Old Testament II* Rev. Kirby Smith Mon 5:30-7:30pm PT5637 Personal Evangelism Rev. Reed DePace Mon 5:30-7:30pm HT4721 Reformation & Modern Church History Dr. Harrison Taylor Tue 5:30-7:30pm ST3529 Systematic Theology IV (Soteriology)* Rev. Lee Bloodworth Tue 7:30-9:30pm PT5602 Biblical Principles of Chrisitan Education Dr. Josh Carmichael Thu 5:30-7:30pm TUSCALOOSA Extension Coordinator: Charles Williams tuscaloosa@birminghamseminary.org Riverwood Presbyterian Church-501 Rice Valley Rd., N PT5626 Ministry to Children, Youth, & Families Rev. Charles Williams Mon 5:30-7:30pm NT2022 New Testament I (Gospels-Acts)* Rev. Tyshawn Gardner Mon 7:30-9:30pm OT1021 Old Testament I (Genesis-Ruth)* Dr. Bill Thetford Tue 5:30-7:30pm PT5602 Biblical Principles of Christian Education Dr. Lombo Simba Thu 5:30-7:30pm * Old Testament I-III, New Testament I-II, and Systematic Theology I-VI do not need to be taken in any particular order