PeopleLeadership Training for Korean DisciplesAugust/September: Leadership development is crucial for North American Pacific/Asian Disciples (NAPAD) ministries. These ministries have been growing rapidly. The American Asian population numbers more than 13 million, and is still growing. Disciples are virtually unknown on the Asian continent so most Asian immigrants coming to America know nothing of the Campbell-Stone legacy.
The majority of NAPAD ministers are foreign-born and trained for ministry abroad. An increasing number of Asian ministers who are trained in other faith communions are choosing to serve Disciples churches. A requirement of regions, for transferring credentials and ministerial standings from other denominations is a course of study on Disciples History and Polity. Language barriers, time constraints, financial hardship and lack of culturally enhanced learning environments are existing factors that prevent Asian-American ministers from enrolling and succeeding in these classes. (The Disciples Seminary Foundation, Claremont, Calif., offers a Korean language course, but it is limited mostly to those who are in Southern California. It is a semester-long course.) Unless we give them an opportunity to fulfill the requirements, we will fail to live our vision of open communion that welcomes different people and cultures. To confront this challenge, several programs are being offered. A year ago, Brite Divinity School, in cooperation with Disciples Seminary Foundation and San Francisco Theological Seminary, initiated a special program of pastoral leadership development for Korean seminary students. A summer intensive course on Disciples History and Polity was offered for Korean speaking ministers, July 28 to August 2, at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. The course was sponsored by the Office of North American Asian Ministries (DHM) and NAPAD, funded by the Oreon Scott Foundation, and recognized by the General Commission on Ministries. The primary lecturers were Dr. Tim S. Lee, Professor of Church History and Director of Korean Studies at Brite Divinity School and Dr. Geunhee Yu, Executive Pastor for North American Asian Ministries. Those who completed the course received a certificate which is recognized by the regional commission on ministry. For more information, contact Dr. Yu at (317) 713-2685. Bridges Named Director of Christian EducationAugust/September: The Rev. Billye Pinkston Bridges has been named Director of Christian Education for DHM by the Disciples' Home Missions Board of Directors during its Board Meeting in Indianapolis, Ind., May 15 to 18, 2003. In this position, Bridges will provide leadership while working with all Disciples' Christian educators, both professional and lay.
Previously, she served DHM as Director of Specialized Christian Education, primarily focusing on African-American leaders and congregations. Bridges is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Before coming to DHM, she served as Minister of Christian Education and Programs for eight years at Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis. She earned a Bachelor of Science in English Literature from Tougaloo College, Miss., a Master of Science in Secondary Education from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., and a Master of Arts in Christian Education and a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis. She has served and chaired numerous congregational, regional, general, community and ecumenical committees; and has received numerous community, ministry and education awards. Black Leadership Grant Committee Announces AwardsAugust/September: Meeting May 6, 2003, the Black Leadership Project Committee awarded grants totaling $26,320. The Black Leadership Projects Committee was authorized by the United Christian Missionary Society Trustees in 1970. The Black Leadership Projects Fund receives as its income the interest from the fund established by the proceeds of the sale of Mt. Beulah Farm and is to continue to serve the interests of the Black constituency of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in line with the original intent of the Southern Christian Institute and Mt. Beulah. Project, for the purpose of awarding grants, is defined as an event, activity or resource which will strengthen the lay and/or clergy leadership of African-American congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Congratulations to the following who were awarded grants:
The Black Leadership Projects Committee will consider grants again in October. Grant proposals are due October 1 and should be sent to: Black Leadership Project Committee, Disciples Home Missions, 130 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. The proposal should include the following information: Name of the Project, Name of Person(s) Submitting Proposal, Purpose of the Project, Rationale for the Project, Target Audience and a Budget for the Project. Those receiving awards will be notified by Nov. 1.
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From a Rowley Scholarship RecipientDear Mr. Nelson, My intention is to serve in full-time pulpit ministry in Canada where Disciples still have a "smallish" presence. I have found in Disciples a group of believers so strong in spirit and so dedicated to God's work that it was impossible to resist the call to work more closely with them. Having the opportunity to enter seminary this September was something I wasn't sure I would ever be able to do -- I have two small children, a fabulous, supportive husband, I run a freelance graphic design business from my home and have just finished my undergraduate work here at the University of Toronto. I have no idea how we make it through day-by-day...except that we trust and know that Our Lord and Saviour knows our need and fills it. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am at the news you brought. I thought my application may have been a "long shot"...coming from Canada, one of the smallest regions of Disciples congregations. My concern has been that the Canadian region needs so many things -- we are such a geographically vast region, and at times we feel very isolated and that our numbers are decreasing far too quickly. An award such as this coming here makes a huge difference to us as a community of believers for we see once again that help will come when it is needed. Keep our community in your prayers—for we are dynamic and can move mountains!...sometimes we just need a little push! Again, from the depths of my heart, my thanks. Yours in Him, Jen Garbin is from Hillcrest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Toronto. |
Chaplains Scholarship
- Staggers, Jr., Rodney, Greencastle, Ind.
David Tamotsu Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship
- Kang, Moonsu, Garden Grove, Calif.
- Kim, Nan, Berkeley, Calif.
Katherine J. Schutze Memorial Scholarship
- Gopp, Amy, Kent, Ohio
Division of Higher Education/Rowley Scholarship
- English, Patricia Tulsa, Okla.
- Sandwell, Jessica, Lebanon, Mo.
- Rountree, Donna, Scott, Ark.
- McCord, Mary, Sikeston, Mo.
Edwin G & Lauretta M. Michael Scholarship
- Bolen, Deborah, Akron, Ohio
- Williams, Patty, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Philputt Scholarship
- Brown, Nathan, Nashville, Tenn.
- Buchanan, Sunny, Nashville, Tenn.
- Hull, Lee, Chicago
Prescott and Ethel Johnson Rowley Scholarship
- Albers, Jeremy, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Austin, Stephen, San Diego, Calif.
- Barr, Kristen, Denton, Texas
- Blosser, Joseph, Nashville, Tenn.
- Bradshaw, Mary, Long Beach, Calif.
- Bricker, Jason, Nashville, Tenn.
- Campbell, Edwin, Indianapolis
- Connor, Audrey, Nashville, Tenn.
- Crooks, Kevin, Yates Center, Kan.
- Drinkwater, Drew, Conway, Ark.
- Dunagan, Donna, San Diego, Calif.
- Garbin, Jennifer, Toronto, Ontario
- Gaylor, Margaret, St. Louis, Mo.
- Guy, Laura, Overland Park, Kan.
- Hall, Jonathan, Huntsville, Ala.
- Hall, Vicki, Ada, Okla.
- Hamm, Laura, White Swan, Wash.
- Harper, Mary, DeLand, Fla.
- Kerr, Suzanne, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Klaus, Lisa, Longview, Texas
- Klaus, Paul, Longview, Texas
- Kleinschmidt, Kara, Nashville, Tenn.
- McCreanor, Brian, Nashville, Tenn.
- Moore, William H., Lynchburg, Va.
- Morse, Brian, Indianapolis
- Nelson, Julianne, Springfield, Mo.
- Piatt, Amy, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Pulley, Ann, Lexington, Ky.
- Rutherford, Craig, Burneyville, Ohio,
- Smaling, Diane, Tulsa, Okla.,
- Sparks, Gary, Chicago
- Steitz, Shanna, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Stutz, Gale, Indianapolis
- Torgerson, Laura, Chicago
- Wayne, Michael, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Wildin, Rita, Haven, Kan.
- Whitaker, Laura, Bentonville, Ark.
- Woodruff, Hollie, Nashville, Tenn.
- Voth, Dennis, Bartlesville, Okla.
Star Supporter Scholarship
- Ajabu, Mmoja, Lithonia, Ga.
- Anderson, Keith, Wilson, N.C.
- Blount, Heidi, Cleveland, Ohio
- Bowens, Yowanda, Indianapolis
- Bradley, Antonio, Farmville, N.C.
- Calhoun, Reginald, Kilgore, Texas
- Cotton, Michael, Greensboro, N.C.
- Cunningham, Roslyn, Wheeling, W.Va.
- Cushingberry Jr., Edward, Indianapolis
- Davis, Marilyn, Greenville, N.C.
- Duffy, Lynn, Lawrenceville, Ga.
- Goins, Myron, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Hearn, Christopher, Dudley, N.C.
- Johnson, Saint, Indianapolis
- Jordan, Florence, Tulsa, Okla.
- Lenard, Brenda, Conyers, Ga.
- Leonard, Mary, Greensboro, N.C.
- Lewis, Natalia, Eden, N.C.
- Miller, Peggy, Washington, D.C.
- Mills, Tiffany, Greensboro, N.C.
- Parker, Benita, Decatur, Ga.
- Person, Keith, Norfolk, Va.
- Redd, Antonio, Martinsville, Va.
- Sanford, Lovie, Indianapolis
- Smoke, DeSiree, Memphis, Tenn.
- Snuggs, James, Greenville, N.C.
- Strong, Berverly, Greenville, N.C.
- Thomas, Christina, Ft. Worth, Texas
- Wallace, Harriet, Montclair, N.J.
- Wright, Vivian, Somerset, N.J.
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Bill Greenlee (center) received the God and Service Award. He is standing with Becky Richardson and Abby Boylan, Leaders of Venture Crew 820. |
Scout Leader Honored
August/September: On Scout Sunday this year, a surprised Bill Greenlee was escorted to the front of the sanctuary of the Faith Christian Church, Wichita, Kan., to receive the God and Service Award. Becky Richardson and Abby Boylan, leaders of Venture Crew 820, escorted Bill to the front for the presentation made by the Chartered Organization Representative, Les Richardson. He was recognized for his leadership in starting the Venture Crew using the church youth group as the base group and also for his leadership with the Cub Scout and Boy Scout units.
Greenlee is respected by the entire congregation for his involvement with children. On Wednesday evenings he teaches the Middle School youth, the DOG'S (Depend on God), and teaches the third through fifth grade children in Sunday School.
Faith Christian Church is located at 2110 West 45th St. So., Wichita, Kansas 67217.
DHM Calls Oliver
Big Plans for Small Membership Congregations
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August/September: A recent addition to Disciple Home Mission's Christian Vocations staff is someone with a deep commitment to vital rural congregations and their need for continued good pastoral leadership. The Rev. Lon Oliver, Director of Kentucky Appalachian Ministries (KAM) will give special attention to the needs and opportunities of rural, smaller membership, congregations, and issues concerning licensed ministries. These are already areas of Oliver's services for KAM, a cooperative mission of DHM and the Christian Church in Kentucky. He has experiences helping persons in process of discerning calls to such ministry and giving them guidance in their processes of preparation. Prior to his ministry with KAM, Oliver served as pastor of Christian Church Cropper, Bowling Green, Ky., and congregations in Henderson, Ky.
Although born in Casper, Wy., Oliver spent many early years in Oregon where he was graduated from Lane Community College and Northwest Christian College, both in Eugene, Ore. In 1985 he moved to Kentucky to attend Lexington (Ky.) Theological Seminary, where he has remained.
Oliver is a deployed DHM staff member but is right at home as he works from the Lexington headquarters of the Kentucky region where he is also an associate regional minister. He and his wife, the Rev. Maria T. Oliver have one son. They reside in Lexington, and are members of Central Christian Church.
Oliver will be available to meet persons interested in ministry in rural congregations at the DHM booth at General Assembly in Charlotte, N.C.
Meet Your Home Missions Interns
August/September: Eight Home Missions interns are serving throughout North America this summer.
Kayla Coffee is a member of University Christian Church in Austin, Texas, where she is a student at the University of Texas. Kayla is originally from San Antonio, Texas, and this summer she is serving there as an intern at Inman Christian Center.
Audrey Connor is serving her second year as a Summer Mission Intern. She is in her third year at Vanderbilt (Tenn.) Divinity School studying for her Master of Divinity degree and seeking ordination from the Ohio Region. She currently serves as Associate Minister at Central Christian Church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Upon completion of her internship in Appalachia, she will travel to Namibia in Africa for a semester of service learning.
Laura Hamm is our first year-long intern serving at Yakama Christian Mission. Laura is seeking ordained ministry and will begin work on her Master of Divinity degree at Vanderbilt Divinity School this fall. She is from the Indiana Region but now calls the Yakama Nation her home.
Krista Johnson is a member of Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, Ind., and attends Ball State University, Munice, Ind. She is serving as a F.A.S.T. (Faithful Advcates Serving Together) intern in Hurley and Oakwood, Va. and Pipestem, W.V. During the spring semester Krista studied Conflict Resolution in Northern Ireland.
John Kleinschmidt graduated in June from Transylvania University, Lexington, Ky., with a B.A. in History. He plans to join the Peace Corps next year and is receiving some hands-on experience this summer at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. John is a member of Falmouth Christian Church in Kentucky where his mother is the pastor. John's sister, Kara, served as a F.A.S.T. intern last summer and his father is currently working on his Master of Divinity degree at Lexington (Ky.) Theological Seminary.
Dulce Lemus is our first Hispanic woman to serve as a Summer Mission Intern. Dulce is a member of the Log Church and is a student at Washington University. Dulce will work as the Children's Program Director this summer at Yakama Christian Mission where her sisters were once participants.
Sarah Lindstrom is a student at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. She is serving her internship in Appalachia as a F.A.S.T. intern in Prestonsburg, Ky., Pipestem, W.V., and Hurley, Va. Sarah is a photographer and wants to use this gift as a way to bring a face to oppressed people in the world. She is a member of First Christian Church in Lafayette, Ind. Tamara Lee Van Landingham has participated in five mission trips to Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries and has wanted to be a summer intern for as long. This summer Tamara is serving as a FAST intern in Appalachia. She is a member of First Christian Church, Allen, Texas, and is a student at Austin State University.
The Home Missions intern program is made possible through your generous support of Week of Compassion. Claudia Carls, Associate Director of Volunteers in Mission, is a native of Memphis, Tenn., and is a member of Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville, Tenn.
DHM President Emeritus, John R. Compton Dies
June/July: CINCINNATI, Ohio—John R. Compton, a pastor who broke racial barrier after barrier in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), died Saturday, April 19, after years of fragile health. He was 77. Compton's legacy of firsts is legendary:
- He was the first African-American to serve on the board that governed Disciples national and world operations (United Christian Missionary Society).
- He was the first African American to serve as an executive in the General Minister and President's Office.
- He was the first African American regional minister of the Disciples, serving Indiana (1979-1981).
- He was president of the Division of Homeland Ministries (1982-1989), the first African American to lead a general church unit.
- He helped create and was the first administrator of the church's Reconciliation program, which raises funds each year to fight racism.
- He was the first administrator of the National Convocation of the Christian Church, the denominational forum for concerns of African American Disciples.
- He proposed a 20 percent minimum of ethnic minority members on church governing bodies thirty years ago, a figure quickly achieved on the General Board and maintained ever since.
- He co-drafted in 1969 the Disciples' response to the Black Manifesto, which demanded reparations from white churches for past racism. The response decried the "extortion" involved in the Manifesto but acknowledged the church's role in "the shameful heritage of racial exploitation" and initiated the multimillion dollar Reconciliation program that continues.
Compton marched with Martin Luther King Jr., including at the "I have a dream" event in Washington, D.C., in 1963. He also coordinated visits for King in Cleveland, Ohio. Compton viewed all of this with humility. "All I ever wanted to be was a pastor," he said. He pastored the United Christian Church in Cincinnati off and on for 25 years as he served the wider church in various capacities.
Compton paid the price for all of his firsts. His home was burned
to the ground in suburban Cleveland by arsonists. He lived apart
from his wife 14 years so he could both serve the Disciples in Indianapolis
and with wife Lucile maintain their Cincinnati home and her teaching
position. He suffered a near fatal case of ulcers two decades ago
and had been in fragile health in recent years. 
Compton is survived by wife, Shirley and adult children, John R. Compton Jr. and Lenita “Jackie” Bunch, two brothers, Dan M. Compton and Howard Compton, and three step brothers, Raymond E. Brown, Robert L. Brown and John A. Brown. Compton was preceded in death by his first wife, Lucile.
The Memorial service was held at Mt. Healthy Christian Church in Cincinnati on April 23. Memorial gifts may be made to the Kemper Road Christian Church in Cincinnati, Hospice of Cincinnati, and the Star Supporter scholarship fund of Disciples Home Missions (Division of Homeland Ministries).
Carol Q. Cosby Retires
April/May: Carol Q. Cosby has retired from Disciples Home Missions, March 31, 2003, after serving 15 years as Director for Social Action Networks, in the Office of Disciples Women. She is a member of Allisonville Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind.
Remembering John Lambert
April/May: John Lambert, past International Christian Men’s Fellowship President from 1972 to 1974, died January 10, 2003. Lambert, a member of Jackson (Ohio) Christian Church, was also past president of the Ohio CMF and a supporter of Ohio Disciple Fellowship. He attended Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati. John is survived by his wife, Orpha Mae; daughter, Julina Luhrman; two grandsons, two brothers and a sister.
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Home Mission Advocate published by Disciples
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