Renewal. A Time to Move Forward

Transcription

1 Renewal A Time to Move Forward Spring 2019

2 Happy Christmas President Ike Reeder I wanted to briefly reflect on the significance of sending out this newsletter to you during the time of Christmas. I hope the content of this newsletter will galvanize you and your goals as you move ahead in your walk with our savior, Christ our Lord. Christmas is a time that unites us. Near or far, it is one holiday that everyone celebrates even if they don t know the reason they should be celebrating! We re committed to training pastors, evangelists, and disciplers that are passionate about taking the truth of Christmas to all the corners of the world. I d like to draw your attention to the BTS stories we have featured in this newsletter. Stuart Mills, who leads a cohort of our Certification program in Peru, will share a little bit about how BTS s partnership with Third Millennium Ministries is having an impact on the more than 30 students they have regularly attending and studying God s word through a joint BTS/ Third Millennium curriculum (this is just one small snapshot from the 10,000 certificate students we have around the world). Rick and Deb Kesecker, 2016 Rick Kesecker, who works in insurance and is a certificate graduate along with his wife, Deb, will share about their experience going through the BTS missions curriculum and how that has impacted their ministry in Washington. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Instagram for more stories of graduates and students of BTS in the coming year! As we celebrate Christmas, we must always remember the reason for Christmas the incarnation of God on earth in the person of Jesus Christ. It is fitting that our new spring semester is starting with three wonderful intensives, two of which focus directly on the very promise of Christmas. We ll be hosting an intensive on Eschatology the fulfillment of the promise of the first coming of Christ with His second coming in Birmingham, January 3-5 with Dr. Jay Haley. And January we ll be running a course on Soteriology the study of the salvation that is ours as a result of that incarnation with Dr. David Filson, a guest professor, in Huntsville.* Christmas is a time of giving and the renewal of relationships. As we head into the final days of 2018, will you please take some time to consider prayerfully supporting BTS and its mission to open doors to theological education to learners everywhere? Remember that, in a time where the average cost of a seminary credit hour is approaching $700, BTS remains $100 per credit hour, $200 per class. We can only do this by remaining donor and church partner supported. If you d like to be a supporter of BTS, please don t hesitate to contact us at btsadmin@briarwood.org. Our students are eternally grateful! * See the back page of the newsletter for complete course offering in January. Church History in America will be taught in Montgomery on January and Church Revitalization in Birmingam on January

3 Student Testimony Rick & Deb Kesecker, Founders: Two Feathers Ministries The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few Matthew 9:37 In January of 2005, the Lord began to stir our hearts to become more involved with missions and to our surprise, we realized we really enjoyed cross-cultural Gospel interactions. After several years of leading teams to work on the Yakama Indian Reservation, we outlined a strategy to form a 501(3) (c) charity and set our hearts on expanding outreach to other Native American reservations. It was during this time that we realized we needed to be formally educated and trained to avoid making mistakes in the field that would cause more damage than good. After much prayer and the completion of Perspectives (an intensive course on missions)coursework, we felt God leading us to pursue the missions certificate offered through Birmingham Theological Seminary. Birmingham Theological Seminary was a wonderful experience for multiple reasons: 1) We were able to attend evening or morning classes to accommodate our full-time work schedules, 2) we were taught by professors who were in pastoral roles, 3) we formed multiple relationships with our fellow students who were also overcoming similar challenges of working full time with the hopes of transitioning into ministry roles, 4) coursework was practical instruction, most of which we have been able to adapt and incorporate into our ministry training 5) tuition is affordable which allowed us to attend classes together; strengthening our relationship as husband and wife. We are grateful for the experiences that we had at Birmingham Theological Seminary. BTS provided us with insight into practical knowledge while developing us spiritually to better minister to multiple people groups. Two Feathers Ministries exists to glorify God by making disciples of First Nations (Native American) peoples and recruiting believers to become laborers who will multiply His ministry while respecting Native cultures. Visit twofeathersministries.org to learn more. BTS Program in Peru Stuart Mills, Areopago Cristiano We at Peru Mission are super excited about the free certificate in Christian Ministries offered by Birmingham Theological Seminary. Our vision is to build the city of God in northern Peru. One of our ministries, Christian Areopagus, is doing this by training local leaders and pastors through discipleship and apprenticeship programs even using Third Millennium Ministry (IIIM) materials. When I found out that BTS partnered with IIIM and offers a free certificate outside of the U.S. with a system to also provide testing and reading assignments, I jumped on the opportunity. Four ministry apprentices were our first students to go through the program and now we have a class of 27 students working towards their certificate. We have other students who are taking online classes but do not seem to advance very far for lack of accountability and mentoring. We are taking BTS s system and providing pastoral oversight and leading them through the questions and giving them the exams in a classroom setting. This classroom structure and mentoring relationship provides that accountability to help the students progress through the curriculum. In fact, two of our former apprentices, Alexis Alayo and Esdras Vasquez, are now leading the current class with 27 students. Some of our students are future pastors and members of our Presbyterian churches but at least half of our students are members and pastors of other denominations who want to study and learn more about the Bible with us. This broader audience is largely due to holding our classes in a Christian study center directed by Pastor Sergio La Rosa. We are very thankful for the generosity of BTS to provide this certificate and platform to work through exams and books. This is enabling us to train future leaders for God s Kingdom in Peru. Find out more about this mission at Find out more about the Certificate in Christian Ministry at btsfreeccm.org.

4 SPRING SEMESTER: January 14th - May 3th 2019 Registrations/Tuitions due by January 18th Drop/Add Period Ends January 25th Spring Break is March 25th -29th Classes will not meet on April for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Graduation: May 17, 2019 at 7:00PM at Briarwood Presbyterian Church BIRMINGHAM CAMPUS: Briarwood Presbyterian Church *Old Testament I-III, New Testament I-II, Systematic Theology I-VI do not have to be taken in any particular order COURSE # PROFESSOR DAY TIME ROOM ST3531/ ST3531-VC Systematic Theology VI (Eschatology/End Times)* Dr. Jay HaleyJan :00am-5:00pm A201 OT1022 Old Testament II (Historical books & Prophets)* Rev. Kuna Griggs Mon 6:00-8:00am A201 DM9102 Counseling Methodologies for the Pastor Dr. Larry Dozier Mon 5:30-8:30pm V/C ST3550/ ST3550- VC Bible Interpretation Dr. Thad James Jr. Mon 5:30-7:30pm A201 NT2012 Beginning Greek II Mr. Bruce Horsley Mon 5:30-7:30pm A202 ST3511 Survey of Systematic Theology Dr. Jeff Lowman Mon 5:30-7:30pm A209 AP8505/ AP8505-VC Introduction to Philosophy Mr. Brandon Robbins Mon 7:30-9:30pm A201 PT5602 Biblical Principles of Christian Education Dr. Dave Matthews Mon 7:30-9:30 m A202 PT5524 Minstry of the Word II Dr. Jeff Lowman Mon 7:30-9:30pm A209 PT5531/ PT5531-VC Christian Worker s Personal Life Dr. Jay Haley Tue 5:30-7:30pm A201 AP8553/ PT5531-VC Christianity & Competing Worldviews Rev. Clete Hux Tue 5:30-7:30pm A209 BC7611 Biblical Counseling Seminar (1) Dr. Lou Priolo Tue 6:15-8:30pm VBC ST3527/ ST3527-VC Systematic Theology II (Study of Man) * Dr. Jay Haley Tue 7:30-9:30pm A201 NT2023/ NT2023-VC New Testament II (Romans-Revelation) * Dr. Richard Trucks Tue 7:30-9:30pm A209 NT2012 Beginning Greek II Mr. Bill Stroup Wed 6:00-8:00am A201 OT1022 Old Testament II (Historical books & Prophets) * Dr. Frank Barker Jr. Wed 5:30-7:30pm W203 PT5637 Personal Evangelism (2) Dr. Barker/Mr. Allison Wed 6:30-9:30pm F HALL BC7755 Counseling in the Local Church II (3) Dr. Steve Cloud Wed 6:30-8:30pm A209 PT5524 Ministry of the Word II Dr. Michael Reese Thu 9:00-11:00am A201 BC7630/ BC7630-VC Marriage & Family Counseling (4) Dr. Howard Eyrich Thu 5:30-7:30pm A201 PT5733/ PT5733-VC Leadership Development & Deployment Rev. Kuna Griggs Thu 5:30-7:30pm A202 PT5521 Introduction to Theological Research (5) Dr. Jim Maples Thu 5:30-7:30pm A209 BC7617/ BC7617-VC Biblical Counseling & the Law (4) Dr. Howard Eyrich Thu 7:30-9:30pm A201 HT4743/ HT4743-VC Presbyterian Church History Dr. Jim Maples Thu 7:30-9:30pm A209 NT2023 New Testament II (Romans-Revelation) * Rev. Mike Jones Fri 6:00-8:00am A201 ST3655 Personal Evangelism (6) Dr. Olan Stubbs Fri 9:30-11:30am CO Rm. PT5800 Church Revitalization (7) Dr. Harry Reeder III Jan F Hall Logos Logos Bible Software Training Seminar (8) Dr. Thad James, Jr. Feb. 09 8:30-12:30pm A201 VC: These classes are available by video conference. $25 video conference fee applies. 1. VBC - BC7611 is an exam prep course for ACBC will meet at Valleydale Baptist Church 2324 Valleydale Rd classes will run 1/8-3/19 2. PT5637 Personal Evangelism will meet beginning January, 9. BTS students must register with Briarwood Evangelism Ministry (contact lreese@briarwood.org ot ) and submit a BTS registration form. 3. BC7755 Counseling in the Local Church II will begin on January, 9. Counseling in the Local Church I is a prerequisite. 4. BC7501 Introduction to Biblical Counseling is a prerequisite for BC7617 Biblical Counseling & the Law. 5. PT5521 Introduction to Theological Research is the same as PT5527 Communication. 6. ST3655 will be taught in the Campus Outreach Conference Room. Classes dates are Jan. 11th - April 15th. One hour of classroom and and one hour of on the job training (OJT). 7. PT5800 students must pre-register with the Church Revitalization office ( ) and submit a BTS registration form. Conference fee applies. 8. Logos Bible Software Training Seminar is free to BTS students and graduates. Students must have the Logos Bible Software loaded on their laptops. Must register in advance.

5 Extension Campuses Calhoun County Anniston Bible Church Coleman Road. Anniston, AL Extension Coordinator: Dennis Bradford / OT1512 Beginning Hebrew II Dr. Stephen Schrader Mon 5:30-7:30pm AP8661 Christianity & Contemporary Culture Dr. Vic Minish Mon 7:30-9:30pm Demopolis Christian Chapel Baptist Church- 500 W. Decatur Street Extension Coordinator: Albert Jackson PT5521 Introduction to Theological Research 5 Rev. Major Burrell Tue 5:30-7:30pm PT5626 Ministry to Children, Youth & Families Rev. Major Burrell Tue 7:30-9:30pm OT1022 Old Testament II (Historical books & Prophets) * Rev. Fred Moore Thu 5:30-7:30pm NT2023 New Testament II (Romans-Revelation) * Rev. Fred Moore Thu 7:30-9:30pm Dothan Westwood Presbyterian Church W. Main and Dothan Community Church Westgate Extension Coordinator: Leslie Hicks- dothan@bts.education PT5602 Biblical Principles of Christian Education Rev. Brewer Ames Tues 5:30-7:30pm PT5621 Conflict Resolution in the Church Dr. Charles Lewis Tues 7:30-9:30pm HT4641 Church History in America Dr. Todd Baucum Thu 5:30-7:30pm OT1022 Old Testament II (Historical Books & Prophets) * Dr. Todd Baucum Thu 7:30-9:30pm Huntsville Westminster Pres. Church Oak wood Rd. NW and Haven Bapt. Church Slaughter Rd. Extension Coordinator: Rob Nelson huntsville@bts.education ST3529 Systematic Theology IV (Soteriology) * Dr. David Filson Jan HBC OT1021 Old Testament I (Genesis-Ruth) TBA Sat 9:00-3:00pm WPC Montgomery Young Meadows Presb. Church Vaughn Road and Trinity Presb. Church-1728 Hull Street Extension Coordinator: Lydia Pickett / montgomery@bts.education HT4641 Church History in America Dr. Harrison Taylor Jan Trinity PCA PT5602 Biblical Principles of Christian Education Dr. Filbert Martin Mon 5:30-7:30pm ST3526 Systematic Theology I (Study of God) * Rev. Lee Bloodworth Mon 7:30-9:30pm NT2022 New Testament I (Gospels-Acts) * Mr. Douglas Stelzig Tue 5:30-7:30pm NT2011 Beginning Greek I Mr. Douglas Stelzig Tue 7:30-9:30pm Tuscaloosa No classes offered in Tuscaloosa this semester. Please see videconferencing courses (marked VC) on the Birmingham schedule. Distance education is also available. Please contact BTS office if you have any questions.

6 BIRMINGHAM THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Spring 2019 Registration Form January 14 - May 3 Due the week of January 14 OFFICE USE ONLY NAME: Tuition: App. Fee: SS Fee: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: Late Fee: VC Fee: Amt. Past Due: PHONE: (H): (C): Check if you can receive a text message SUBTOTAL: Check if contact info has changed CC Fee (4%): TOTAL DUE: DEGREE PROGRAM: When did you last take classes at BTS? Amount Paid: ck# Cash CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: DENOMINATION: Balance Due: Check the credit level and indicate if you are taking course by video conference (V/C). Contact the office for more info. about M.A. and certificate level. Course # Instructor Location M.A. Certificate Audit D.Min. V/C Course # Instructor Location M.A. Certificate Audit D.Min. V/C Course # Instructor Location M.A. Certificate Audit D.Min. V/C Course # Instructor Location M.A. Certificate Audit D.Min. V/C Fees: Application Fee $30 (one time) M.A. Tuition $100 per credit hour; $40 per audit hour D.Min. Tuition $200 per credit hour Late Fee: $25 per course after first week of class Annual 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 - CVV: *Use of Credit card incurs a 4% service charge Birmingham January 3-5 (Thursday - Saturday) ST3531 Systematic Theology VI* Dr. Jay Haley, Professor January (From Embers to a Flame Church Revitalization Conference) PT5800 Church Revitalization Dr. Harry Reeder, Professor Huntsville January (Thursday - Saturday) ST3529 Sytematic Theology IV* Dr. David Filson Montgomery January (Thursday - Saturday) HT4641 Church History in America* Dr. William Taylor *Available by video conference. Contact office for details Jan Term 2019

7 Is Genesis History? BTS was excited to host our first forum on October 10th. About 100 guests joined us to hear Thomas Purifoy the writer, director and producer of the Is Genesis History? Documentary give a presentation and discussion on the film. Guests included BTS students and faculty, church members and even a local youth group. The lecture was full of information and helpful insights on the history of our world. If you missed it, the lecture is available on DVD. For more information contact the BTS office at We are looking forward to offering more interesting forums in the future. Prison Cohort Graduation BTS, in partnership with the Alabama Department of Corrections, is very pleased to announce that the graduation of our first cohort of seminary students at Bibb County Correctional Faculty was held on September 16, This first graduating class consisted of ten men; four received Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and six received Certificates in Biblical Studies. These men will be dispersed to different facilities in Alabama to teach, to minster, to counsel and to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to fellow inmates. The seminary training for the second cohort of fifteen men also began in September; three in the Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies program and twelve in the Certificate of Biblical Studies program. Many thanks to the BTS professors who have given their time, sharing their theological knowledge and their hearts with these men each week as they prepare them for their respective ministries within the ALDOC. BTS also thanks each of you for your prayers and your support of this ministry. Video Conference Are you are a distance education student, but want to have more of a live class experience? Are you on a rotating work schedule that makes it difficult to attend classes weekly? Is there just not enough time to make it to 5:30 class when you get off from work at 5:00? Video conference is a great option for you! Look for the V/C beside the course number to see if the class is offered by video conference, choose the V/C option on the registration form, pay $200 for tuition and $25 for the video conference fee and you ll be signed up! Video Conference students can log on live and participate with the class or listen to the lectures later in the week. Video conference expands the course offerings from distance education and extension campus offerings.

8 Birmingham Theological Seminary News Frank Barker, Jr. Chancellor Harry L. Reeder IV President Thad James, Jr. Vice President Jackie Hamamatsu Registrar Irene Hayes Administrative Assistant Brandon Robbins Director of Distance Ed. Howard Eyrich Director, D.Min.- BC Jim Maples Director, D.Min.-PL 2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL Tel. (205) Fax (205) bts.education Support BTS At 1/5 of the national average for seminary tuition, BTS is a great deal! We take pride in offering a quality theological education at such a low price. BTS relies on donations to supplement our low tuition cost. Won t you consider donating to BTS today? BTS is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and contributions are tax deductible. Donations up to $100 are accepted online at bts.education/ support-bts/ and checks of any amount can be made to Birmingham Theological seminary. Thank you for your prayers and support. BTS can thrive because of your participation! Birmingham Theological Seminary 2200 Briarwood Way Birmingham, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED