Winter 2010

V o l u m e 2 7 N o . II

A Magazine for Friends of L u t h e r a n T h e o l o g i c al S o u t h e r n S e m i n a ry

Continuing the Historic Mission

to Teach

In This Issue:

The Holy Tasks of

Teaching and Learning
What Do the Words of
Sermons Do to You?

Faces of Faith:
Teaching Strengthens my Faith

Teaching Meets Giving:

The Example of Stewardship

Faculty Books Extend Learning

Beyond the Classroom

and more...
In This Issue

The Seminary Scene 3

Continuing the Historic Mission to Teach, 3
What Do the Words of Sermons Do to You?, 4
Seminary News & Announcements, 5
The Holy Tasks of Teaching and Learning, 6
Learning from One Another, 8

10 Faces of Faith
Kelly Derrick: Teaching Strengthens My Faith, 10
James Thomas: Bringing the Message of
Peace and Love in Colombia, 11

Visionary Giving 14
Seminary News & Announcements, 14
Teaching Meets Giving: The Example of Stewardship, 15
“Ordinary” People, Making a Difference, 16
Seminarian Partnership: Building Relationships, 17

18 Southern People
Faculty Books Extend Learning Beyond Classroom, 18
2009 Reinartz and Greninger Scholars, 19
Faculty, Staff, & Alumni Updates, 20
Coming Events, 23

Photos Above (from top): Seminarians listen to the beginning of Mulitculutral Ministry in Context class (see page 8); The
Rev. Dr. James Thomas poses with a displaced Colombian woman and a member of the Peacemaker Delegation he joined
in the summer of 2009 (see pages 11-13); Members of the Our Saviour Lutheran Church “Elderberries” in front of Christ
Chapel during their campus tour given by Laura Ward (Middler, MDiv.); The Rev. Bob Byrne, Secretary of the Board of
Trustees, and President Marcus Miller install the Rev. Dr. Ginger Barfield as Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs
at the Opening Eucharist in Christ Chapel.
On the Cover: Dr. Robert Hawkins addresses his Worship Practicum class in Christ Chapel.
 The Seminary Scene
Continuing the Historic Mission to Teach
In the opening pages of A Goodly Heritage, the history of South-
ern Seminary written by Susan Wilds McArver (Class of ‘80) and Scott
H. Hendrix (Class of ‘67), one can read the account of John Bachman’s
work to establish Southern Seminary 179 years ago.
At the South Carolina Synod gathering in 1830, he argued against
those who claimed that Jesus’ disciples were simply uneducated fish-
ermen by saying, “Peter, Andrew, James and John may have
started out as simple fishermen, but Jesus himself ‘was the in- ...we continue
structor of the Apostles … [yet] it was three long years before the mission
he considered them qualified.’ With such a ‘professor’ as the
Divine Savior himself, one would expect that these men did not
of teaching
remain simple, uneducated fishermen for long.” at Southern
Students who come to Southern Seminary today could hard- Seminary.
ly be considered uneducated. Nearly all of them come with a
degree, many with advanced degrees in their field. Some are scientists,
others educators, some lawyers, others accountants.
While Bachman urged the synod to prepare Lutheran men for or-
dained ministry, today we welcome Methodists, Baptists, women and
men, for study toward a Master of Divinity degree, along with the Mas-
ter of Arts in Religion and the Master of Sacred Theology.
One thing, however, remains the same as it was in 1830. These can-
didates and students are here to study and learn. They learn theology
and Biblical languages, they are immersed in the Scriptures and in the
liturgies of the church, they read and study denominational confessions
and read ecumenical theology, they learn the stories of the forbearers of
the vocation and learn to appreciate missionary servants who have gone
before.
In this issue you will read how we continue the mission of teaching
at Southern Seminary. You will read how we seek the finest teachers and
read of their dedication to the task. You will read how students are chal-
lenged and also supported in their studies. By the time you get to the end
of this issue, you will read how students who come to Southern Seminary
are changed by their studies during their time here.
Recently, some pastors told me how they continue to remember things
their professors told them. I remember those words also and so will
these future ministers of the church remember what their professors said
in class. I hope you enjoy this issue and hear in this issue our continuing
thanks for your prayers and support of this ministry of teaching.

In Christ,

Marcus Miller, President

The Seminary Scene
What Do the Words of Sermons Do to You?
This article is by the Rev. Shuana What happened to you as you listened to last week’s sermon?
Hannan, Assistant Professor of
While that may not be the usual question you ask yourselves or one
Homiletics.
another as you leave the sanctuary on Sunday morning, it has become
a key question in our preaching classes here at Lutheran Theological
Southern Seminary.
Curiously, it is one of the most difficult questions to answer. It is
easier for people to describe what a sermon is about than to complete
the sentence, “The sermon _______ me.” Despite the challenge to fill
in this blank, it is not an impractical effort since every sermon seeks to
do something. In preaching parlance, this is called a sermon’s “func-
tion.” Words “do things.” What do the
words of sermons do to you?
A theological basis for this question is
that our God speaks (deus loquens). And
when our God speaks, something happens.
When God said, “Let there be light,” there
was light (Genesis 1:3). Wow, that is some
powerful speech! The Psalmist reminds us,
“For God spoke, and it came to be; God
commanded, and it stood firm” (Psalm
33:9). And then God speaks a word, in
fact, is the word that changes us all forev-
er. “In the beginning was the word, and
The Rev. Shauna Hannan leads her class, the word was with God, and the word was
Exegetical Options for the Preacher. God” (John 1:1).
Indeed, our God is a loquacious God. Our God speaks through Je-
sus Christ, the incarnate word of God. Our God speaks through Scrip-
ture, the written word of God. Our God speaks through the proclaimed
word. And when our God speaks, something happens. Thank God for
that.
When God speaks to you through the proclaimed word,
...when our what happens to you? Are you comforted? convicted? mo-
God speaks, tivated? challenged? claimed? humbled? enlivened? Preach-
something ers hope that something will happen when they preach. They
happens. trust that God’s Spirit will work so that the words proclaimed
will not fall on deaf ears. They trust that God’s word will not
return to God empty, but will accomplish that which God purposes (Isa-
iah 55:11).
Next time you hear God speak to you through the proclaimed word,
consider how God is actively at work in you by completing this sen-
tence, “The sermon ________ me.” Better yet, fill in this blank, “God
________ me through this sermon.”
4
 News & Announcements
Board Welcomes
New Trustees
At the October 22-24, 2009
meeting of the Board of Trustees,
the trustees welcomed (above,
left to right) Mr. Kenneth L.
Childs, Esq., the Rev. Dr. Rob-
ert F. “Bob” Humphrey, and Mr.
Robert E. Long as members of
the board.
Dr. Humphrey, member of
the class of ‘81, is one of two
representatives appointed by the
Virginia Synod. He currently
serves as pastor at Grace Luther-
an Church in Waynesboro.
Mr. Long is one of two rep-
resentatives appointed by the
South Carolina Synod. He is the
General Manager for Resource
Planning at SCANA Services,
Inc. in Columbia.
Mr. Childs is one of five
members of the board represent-
ing the ELCA Vocation and Edu-
cation Unit. He is an attorney
and partner with Childs & Halli-
gan, P.A., in Columbia.
The new members are serving
three-year terms, ending in 2012.
The board consists of 24 mem-
bers, representing the ELCA Vo-
cation and Education Unit, the
six synods of ELCA Region 9,
and members at large. The body
meets twice annually.
For more news see page 14 or visit www.ltss.edu
Interim Director
at LTCA Appointed
The seminary named the Rev.
Dr. Beverly R. Wallace as the in-
terim director of the Lutheran
Theological Center in Atlanta
(LTCA) beginning September 15,
2009.
“We believe that Dr. Wal-
lace brings the gifts that [LTCA]
needs during this time of transi-
tion and new beginnings,” said
President Marcus J. Miller.
As the interim director, Wal-
lace will lead the center, which
is administered and governed by
the seminary, in its mission to
collaborate in the preparation of
leaders for the ELCA.
“This seven-month assign-
ment will allow me to assist in
hopefully the revitalizing and the
re-invigoration of this very im-
portant, and perhaps under-uti-
lized resource,” said Wallace.
Wallace, a 1996 LTSS grad-
uate, currently serves as Assis-
tant to the Bishop in the South-
eastern Synod. She will continue
her role in the synod during this
part-time, interim appointment.
LTCA is located on the cam-
pus of the Interdenomination-
al Theological Center in Atlan-
ta, the largest African American
seminary in the United States.
Planning for the
Seminary’s Future
Trustees and members of the
administration of the seminary—
prior to the fall 2009 meeting
of the LTSS Board of Trustees—
participated in a retreat for the
assessment of institutional health
and long-term planning.
The retreat assessed four ar-
eas of the seminary’s operational
structure: authority structures,
enrollment management, finan-
cial management, and education-
al systems.
The assessment revealed cer-
tain strengths and capabilities
for current operations. At the
same time, long-term planning
challenges remain.
In order to be best prepared
to meet the challenges of the fu-
ture, the board authorized the
formation of a long-term plan-
ning task group to report back
to the board at the March 2010
board meeting.
The group will take into con-
sideration four primary areas of
institutional health and develop
strategies to sustain the semi-
nary’s historic mission to teach
and serve in forming and nurtur-
ing women and men for public
ministry and Christian leader-
ship.
5
The Seminary Scene
The Holy Tasks of Teaching and Learning
This article is written by Jennifer
Krushas, Middler, Master of Divinity
seminarian from the Pacifica Synod
of the ELCA.
Before coming to seminary at LTSS, I was a high school English
teacher in Southern California. As I prepared for that career in my
teaching credential classes, I learned about pedagogy, learning styles,
lesson planning, and classroom management.
As I memorized information for tests and wrote papers about Gard-
ner, Kohler, and Piaget’s educational theories, I became aware that while
this information was important, it didn’t seem to speak to the weighty
responsibility of teaching.
While I was doing well academically, I was burdened with the idea
that I would be shaping students’ minds each day. Who was I to think
I could step into that role and influence people in such a fundamental
way?
When I shared this concern with my pastor, he reached for his Bi-
ble and turned to the fourth chapter of Exodus. From my pastor’s lips
(my teacher’s lips), I heard the very Word of God teaching me that my
doubt and fear were in the company of Moses’ doubt and fear. God
called Moses to a task that felt like too heavy a burden. He was sure he
was not up to the job. And there it was, in verse 12, just what my heart
needed to remember.
God made a promise, saying, “Now therefore go, and I will be with
your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” I kept this verse close
at hand during a decade of teaching.
Teaching and learning at LTSS is holy. Our foundation, our pur-
pose is God. The subject of our study is God. Our context is the story
of God’s people. To find myself called to learn all I can about God’s
story, love, and promises in order to be a teacher of these things is
nearly too much to bear.
There is more to learn and know about God than my human heart
and mind can manage. My words to God’s people have tremendous
power, whether I speak them from the pulpit, beside a hospital bed,
or in a Bible study classroom. Who am I to think I can step
into this role and influence people in such a fundamental
way? Without God, I simply cannot.
And so, I reach for my Bible, and I turn to Exodus,
chapter four. My eyes and spirit rest on the promise
of verse 12.
I hear the same “Who am I…?” question echoed
by some of my peers who are away on internship.
Parents find themselves carrying the same doubt
and fear. Who am I to think I can parent well,
shaping young lives in such fundamental ways?
God’s promise to Moses is a promise to each of us
 The Seminary Scene
in the various roles and moments of our lives. “Now therefore go, and
I will be with your mouth and teach you what you
shall speak.” “Now therefore go, and I will
Many LTSS professors open each class session
be with your mouth and teach
with prayer. They are aware of the weight of this
task of teaching. They have been called to teach, you what you shall speak.”
form, and nurture leaders in the church. By asking
the Holy Spirit to dwell in our sacred learning moment, reminding us of
our Lord’s promise to be with us always, and wrapping our sometimes
weary brains with the comfort of shalom,
our professors teach us by example.
When we are working in churches, com-
munities, and our families, trusting God to
be present and teaching is always a good
place to start.
(Left to Right) Jennifer Krushas and Ann Kelly,
Middler Master of Divinity seminarians, discuss
their Hebrew assignment prior to class. Both
Jennifer and Ann have also served as teaching
assistants while in seminary.

Seminary Community: Life Outside of the Classroom

The holy tasks of teaching and learning are taken seriously around campus, but somewhere in be-
tween the classroom and the library, other events help mold the lives of seminarians. These events are
built around fun and fellowship, and serve to strengthen the feeling of community on campus.
Each fall brings the excitement of the annual voyage of the
Fighting Doves flag football team to Gettysburg, PA to partake in
“Luther Bowl” with other seminaries from around the country.
The event captures the attention of campus as the team practices
each Friday afternoon (Pictured right). Team t-shirts are made
and sold, along with special grants from the Seminary Auxiliary,
to raise money for the travel expenses. (Shirts featured on bot-
tom right by Seniors Jessica and Seth Gibson and Ben Lucas.)
Another tradition is the Hoffmeyer Homecoming celebra-
tion, lovingly named after the late Pastor Bill Hoffmeyer (Class
of ’82). This year the celebration included tasty barbeque by
Bobby Morris (Class of ’99), karaoke, live music by students,
costume contests, and a variety of games for the entire family.
The evening also included an outdoor worship service of Holden
evening prayer.
Other events challenged the seminary community to give back
to the larger community, such as a blood drive for the American
Red Cross, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and
hosting a meeting with the Rev. Art Simon, the founder and for-
mer chairman of the organization, Bread for the World.

7
 The Seminary Scene
Learning from One Another
Being from Minnesota, I grew up in a land where it was assumed This article is by Mark Peterson,
that one was Lutheran until otherwise corrected. It was thus quite nat- a Senior, Master of Divinity
seminarian from the Minneapolis
ural that when it came time for me to decide upon a seminary, I would Area Synod of the ELCA. Mark
choose to travel across the country. Though what ultimately was the de- serves as the President of the LTSS
ciding factor in my discernment was the opportunity for a life without Student Body. (Pictured on opposite
snow—this call of the Holy Spirit has made a great deal of difference in page, center picture on the far right.)
my spiritual, academic, and professional formation.
Since I came to seminary in 2006, I have been formed in many ways,
the greatest of which has come from being around people who have
grown-up in contexts that were much different from my own.
During my time at LTSS, I have learned the importance of grits, col-
lege football, and the proper use of “y’all.” This Southern experience
has helped to illustrate to me how the gospel is
not only active in a diverse world, but also a di-
verse country.
In addition to the experience of living in the
South, I have also been blessed by the diverse
seminary community. Within the context of my
classes I have heard, discussed, and learned from
a group of people that includes Methodists and
Baptists, traditionalists and revisionists, black
and white, male and female, and old and young.
These opportunities, which are a unique fea-
ture of the intentional relationships LTSS has
formed, have stretched me to grow in my under- Guest lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Donnella,
Chaplain, Gettysburg College, and the Rev. Dr.
standing of discipleship, and the incredibly di-
Julius Carroll, Associate Professor of Contextual
verse church in which I am called to be a leader. Education, discuss Virgin Island Lutherans with
These experiences have culminated in the the Multi-Cultural Ministry in Context class.
Multi-Cultural Ministry in Context class that I
am currently taking as a senior. In this class, taught by Dr. Carroll, we
are learning about the many diverse people who make up the ELCA
and learning specific ways in which the ELCA prescribes the under-
taking of ministry towards these diverse groups. This class
has called upon the expertise of pastors that are called to a ...being around
wide cross-section of cultures, in order to share with students
people who
what multi-cultural ministry looks like in the world that sur-
rounds us. have grown-
The greatest gift that LTSS offers to students is its com- up in contexts
mitment to communicating the faith stories of all who have that were much
walked across its grounds. Through this diverse cloud of different from
witnesses, I have been given the gift of a God which surpasses my own.
both my understanding and perceptions.

9
Faces of Faith
Teaching Strengthens My Faith
This article is written by the Rev. When I graduated from Southern in 1997, I was fully convinced that
Kelly D.B. Derrick (Class of ‘97). I would never be a pastor. Instead I felt called to teach.
She is a pastor at St. Philip Lutheran
Church in Roanoke, Virginia, a
Now, 12 years later, I am both an ordained pastor in the church as
discernment advocate for Project well as an adjunct professor of religion at Virginia Western Community
Connect, and adjunct professor College in Roanoke, VA. I have been teaching in the Virginia Commu-
at Virginia Western Community nity College System for 11 years: two years at Germanna Community
College, in Roanoke, Virginia.
College in Fredericksburg, VA, and 9 years at Virginia Western.
I LOVE to teach! So much so that when
I finally was ordained two years ago, I con-
tinued to teach at the community college. I
teach Religions of the World I, Eastern Tradi-
tions, and Religions of the World II, Western
Traditions.
Each semester as classes begin, my stu-
dents inevitably want to know something of
my own story as I begin to share with them
the wonder of the various faith traditions that
surround us here in the Roanoke Valley, in the
United States and around the world. I share
with them that I am and have always been a
Lutheran Christian.
However, I was raised to respect people
for who they are. Even as a pastor today, I
still respect the magnificence of faith that I see
The Rev. Kelly Derrick lectures on world religions at
all around me – whether through my Chris-
Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke, Virginia. tian sisters and brothers or through my sis-
ters and brothers of other faiths. Occasional-
ly, my students find it intriguing that an ordained pastor teaches World
Religions.
I share with my students – and most certainly with my colleagues in
rostered ministry in the church – that learning about and
teaching world religions has served more to strengthen
...learning about my own faith rather than to diminish it.
and teaching world Sometimes my own faith is strengthened because I
religions has served am forced to consider what others believe and why I dis-
more to strengthen my agree. But more often my faith is strengthened by seeing
own faith rather than the awesomeness of God at work in the lives of faithful
people of various traditions all over the world. It has
to diminish it.
been my experience that most people of faith take their
faith as seriously as I take mine. Hence, I want to re-
spect them for what they believe – even if I disagree with their beliefs.
One of the greatest aspects of teaching world religions has been a

10
 Faces of Faith
renewal of the wonder and majesty of my own Christian tradition that
perhaps I had lost over the years. When I teach about the Muslim fast
at Ramadan, I am reminded of the Lenten fast and the call for intro-
spection that is inherent in the Christian life. When I teach about the
austere meditative practices of Buddhism, I am re-
minded of the beauty of contemplative prayer.
I am thankful for the opportunity to teach
outside the church – both so that I can encourage
understanding and respect among religious tradi-
tions and also so that my own faith life is enriched
by the faith of those around me.
The Rev. Kelly Derrick, an ordained pastor, also enjoys
teaching. She has taught in the Virginia Community
College System for 11 years.

Bringing the Message of Peace and Love in Colombia

In July 2009, the Rev. Dr. James Thomas, Associate Professor of Church and Ministry, joined eight
other men and women in a peace delegation to Colombia, sponsored by the Christian Peacemaker Teams
(CPT) organization. CPT is an initiative of the historic peace churches (Mennonites, Church of the Breth-
ren, and Quakers) with support and membership from a range of Catholic and Protestant denomina-
tions.
CPT has had a continuing presence in Colombia since May 2001, where the organization promotes
peace through organized, non-violent grassroots initiatives. Essentially, delegates risk their own safety
and security to teach peace and God’s love in a country filled with violence.
During Dr. Thomas’ two-week journey through the cities and countryside of Co-
lombia, he met with church leaders and human rights organizations. The people
there face a nearly four-decade-old cycle of violence and severe poverty. More than
3.5 million Colombians have been displaced from their lands and livelihoods be-
cause of this violence.
Conversations with the CPT delegation and the farmers help bring this is-
sue, and others like it, to the attention of United States and Canadian of-
ficials. They also provide an opportunity for the delegation to bring the
Good News of Jesus Christ to a poverty-stricken peo-
ple.
Dr. Thomas documented his journey with photo-
graphs, some of which are displayed on the follow-
ing pages. While the delegation may not have signed
an elaborate peace treaty or filled a mega-church full
of church-goers, his journey to Colombia made an im-
pact in God’s world by teaching hope for peace and the
news of salvation to the people of Colombia.
The Rev. Dr. James Thomas
Associate Professor of Church and Ministry
 Faces of Faith
Photo Journal: Peace and Love in Colombia
1 2
(1) Dr. Thomas and the delegation stop to take a breath
while hiking to reach residences in the town of San Pablo.
The delegation identified themselves by wearing blue vests
and red caps while in Colombia.
(2) A number of socially conscious, multi-disciplinary com-
munity projects with youth were visited by the delegation.
CPT members spoke with children living in conditions of so-
cial marginalization.
(3) Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is the third highest city
12
in the world at 8661 feet above sea level. This picture is
taken from Monserrate, a historic Catholic church that is
perched on top of mountainside that rises above the city.
(4) A gathering of displaced Colombian women tells of their
suffering during violent civil conflict in Colombia that is
nearly four decades old.
(5) Father Bob Seguin, of the Congregation of St. Basil, leads
worship with the delegation at Casa Annonay, a scholasti-
cate (seminary) in Bogotá.
 Faces of Faith

4 7

5 8

(6) The delegation listens to local farmers in Alto San
Juan, in the town of San Pablo. Forced displacement,
and therefore taking away the livelihood for farmers
and their families, is the primary way to seize land in
Colombia.
(7) Dr. Thomas and the delegation listened to displaced
persons in the city of Barrancabermeja to hear firsthand
what life is like to be disenfranchised and displaced in
communities that are caught in the crossfire.
(8) The CPT delegation participated in non-violent public
witness in Bogotá. Here a member of the delegation stands
with demonstrators holding a sign that reads “Network of
women of Southern San Pablo of Bolivar in a demonstration
for life and peace.”
See Page 11 to learn more about the Rev. Dr. James Thom-
as and his particpation in the Christian Peacemaker Teams
(CPT) grassroots campaigns in Colombia.

13
 News & Announcements
Alumni Giving
Goals for 2010
The alumni of Southern Sem-
inary are continuing their strong
commitment to supporting their
seminary.
In fiscal year 2007-2008
(July-June), alumni participation
in giving to the seminary was
21%. The Alumni Association
officers met with the goal of in-
creasing that figure to 25% dur-
ing fiscal year 2008-2009.
As the year ended, the alum-
ni participation rate had sur-
passed the goal, to nearly 27%.
Not only had the number of do-
nors grown, but the total dol-
lar amount given by alum-
ni also grew from $160,658 to
$282,129. The average gift per
alumnus/a was increased from
$474 to $708.
Included in the fundraising
was a gift of $26,289 given at
Alumni Day 2009 from the class
of 1959 in celebration of their
50th anniversary. (See picture
above)
This year, the Alumni Associ-
ate Officers have set the goal of
30% alumni participation.
To view a video message from
the Alumni Association officers,
please visit the Alumni section of
www.ltss.edu.
14
Troutman Joins
Development Team
The Rev. Dr. Gerald (Ger-
ry) Troutman (Class of 1960)
has joined the seminary devel-
opment team as a Development
Associate. In his work, he will
focus to develop seminary rela-
tionships in the greater Atlanta
area.
“I pray that our efforts will
continue helping Southern and
its important mission of prepar-
ing persons to share the won-
derful news of God’s love and
care in a world that needs this
message so desperately,” says
Dr. Troutman.
Dr. Troutman lives in Newn-
an, GA, and serves as inter-
im pastor at Advent Lutheran
Church in LeGrange, GA. He is
also the former Secretary, Presi-
dent, and Bishop of the South-
eastern Synod.
“Because of his familiar-
ity with the Atlanta area, Dr.
Troutman will help us fulfill this
important part of our strategic
plan so we can more effectively
serve the many and varied needs
in our region,” said President
Marcus J. Miller. “We warm-
ly welcome him as a part of our
development team.”
For more news see page 5 or visit www.ltss.edu
Update:
New Life Fund
By every measure, operation-
al support giving during aca-
demic year 2008 – 2009 was
incredible. One thousand and
thirty-one people, congregations,
trusts and foundations set a new,
one-year record by providing
$709,564 to teach, form, and
nurture seminary students.
That momentum has car-
ried into the current academic
year, with operational support
donations setting a new record
for the first quarter of the aca-
demic year. With synods and the
ELCA Churchwide organization
under considerable pressure to
maintain historic support levels,
donor support is filling the gap.
“The burden of funding theo-
logical education is now solidly
in the hands of the people and
congregations who rely on the
seminary to prepare compas-
sionate, capable, and commit-
ted leaders to work with them
in God’s vineyard. These may
be difficult times, but with Jesus
leading the way and His people
at the seminary’s side, the future
is in very good hands,” says Ron
Walrath, Vice President for De-
velopment.
 Visionary Giving
Teaching Meets Giving: The Example of Stewardship
You just knew that Kevin Strickland was going to be a strong stew-
ardship leader for the church.  Shortly after graduation in May 2008,
Pastor Kevin was called as pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Maryville,
TN.  St. Paul Lutheran is a growing congregation, not only in terms of
membership, but also in terms of ministry.  The congregation recently
became a homeless sanctuary, providing temporary housing and meals
for a few weeks each year as part of a larger civic and ecumenical part-
nership in the Blount County area.
 And, the congregation is generous in
its financial stewardship.  St. Paul sent
the ordination offering for Pastor Kev-
in to the seminary, choosing to honor
their new pastor with gifts of operation-
al support and a gift to Pastor Kevin’s
graduation class scholarship. 
St. Paul named August as Southern
Seminary emphasis month and gath-
ered a love offering, hosted their semi-
nary partner, and welcomed Dr. Susan
McArver (‘80) as a guest preacher and
lecturer.  Additionally, St. Paul strongly
Pastor Kevin Strickland teaching the children of
supports the Southeastern Synod of the St. Paul Lutheran in Maryville, TN.
ELCA with synodical support gifts.
 During a recent breakfast with Pastor Kevin, the subject of stew-
ardship came up.  When asked why he thought the congregation was
moving forward so strongly in its stewardship of God’s bounty, Pastor
Kevin said, “We talk about it – not just once in a while from the pulpit
but in our recurring conversations.  Every sermon that proclaims the
gospel is telling the story of what it means to be a steward, a caretak-
er of God’s gifts.  Stewardship cannot be something
that we think about once a year during the steward- Stewardship cannot be
ship campaign – it has to be part of our lives every something that we think
day.  The people at St. Paul understand that baptism about once a year during
makes us disciples of Jesus and stewardship of our the stewardship campaign
whole lives is the living out of that call to disciple- – it has to be part of our
ship.  Stewardship is not just about money; it is about
lives every day.
life in action, ministry in motion, and providing for a
hungry world the palitable experience that comes only from God.”
 Pastor Kevin credits his professors, while a student at Newber-
ry College and then at Southern Seminary, for his boldness in talking
about stewardship and what it means to be a steward of God’s gifts.  Contributing Author,
For Pastor Kevin, generosity is a virus that he hopes he can pass on to Ron Walrath,
everyone he meets.  Vice President for Development

15
 Visionary Giving
“Ordinary” People Making a Difference
Our Saviour Lutheran Church, West Columbia, SC, has been a sup-
porter of Southern Seminary since the congregation was a developing
mission in the 1950s.
The Rev. Virgil A. Cameron (Class of ’36) was its mission developer
and the congregation’s first pastor. As the church was trying to plant
its roots in the Saluda Gardens area of West Columbia, Pastor Cam-
eron enlisted the help of seminarians from just across town. Students
helped survey the land for the future build-
ing and they also canvassed the surround-
ing neighborhoods, inviting others to the
new church.
As the church has grown and has be-
come a fixture in its community, relation-
ships with the seminary have remained
strong.
The congregation has been an active
partner in forming seminary students. The
congregation participates in the contextual
education program at the seminary by serv-
ing as a site for student fieldwork. They
Members of the “Elderberries” group at Our Saviour Lutheran also recently called a first-call pastor, the
Church talk with seminarian Blake Hobratschk (Junior MAR), Rev. Lance Henderson (Class of ‘08). “The
the congregation’s field worker, on their visit to the seminary congregation trusts the seminary and what
campus for a tour and lunch with the students. it does,” said Pastor Henderson.
This year, Our Saviour and many other congregations across the
region took special actions to help the seminary further its mission to
teach, form, and nurture the future Christian leaders of the church.
Over the summer, the congregation held a yard sale to benefit the
seminary. The items sold that Saturday morning were nothing major
or elaborate, just a wide assortment of items that collect in households
over time that were ready for a new home and a new life.
As the items found buyers, the sales quickly grew into the thousands
of dollars. The men and women of Our Savior, by working together
and bringing forward their time and possessions, created a significant
gift to the seminary’s New Life Fund.
But the people in the congregation
still felt the call to do more for the
seminary. They invited the semi-
nary’s president, the Rev. Dr. Mar-
cus Miller, to visit and preach at
the congregation on Sunday,
August 30. While there, they
held a congregational appeal for
16
 Visionary Giving
Seminarian Partnership: Building Relationships
Seminarian Partnership is a program of relationships. When your congregation joins the program, it
is paired with a current seminary student to gain a perspective on what it means and what it is like to at-
tend seminary. Through this relationship, your congregation can also appreciate more fully the role the
seminary plays in the larger church.
The partner seminarian also benefits through gifts of encouragement
and financial support. In addition, the seminarian partner is granted
yet another view of ministry in action through corresponding with your
congregation, and, if possible, visiting.
To participate in Seminarian Partnership, the congregation pledges
$500, to be applied to the student’s seminary expenses (tuition, books, Rick
Master of Divinity

on-campus meals, etc.) and supports the student in other ways through-
Birthday: February 12

out the academic year. The program is open to all seminarians and they
Lindsay, Wife
Birthday: February 16

participate voluntarily with no connection to academic work.

Seminarian Partnership is one of many ways a congregation can
make an immediate impact at Southern Seminary. It provides congrega-
tions with a unique and affordable opportunity for friendship and sup-
port with a Southern seminarian.
To enroll, or for more information about how your congregation Holy Spirit’s

can be a part of the program, contact the program coordinator, Sandra Seminarian Partner:
Rick Reiten
Cline, at (803)461-3252 or scline@ltss.edu. Home Congregation:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
www.ltss.edu
Partner congregations receive a poster of their seminarian. 4201 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29203

funds, and gathered another, even larger, gift for the seminary.
“I was surprised at the amount we were able to raise for the semi-
nary. As a member of the congregation and as a board member at the
seminary, it makes me very proud,” said Steve Nivens, a member at Our
Saviour for over 30 years and treasurer of the seminary’s Board of Trust-
ees.
As the funds were gathered, Pastor Henderson wrote to his congre-
gation in his monthly newsletter, “Perhaps the most im-
pressive thing about this gift is just how far reaching it is. “A gift to LTSS is a
A gift to LTSS is a gift that bears fruit not just today, but gift that bears fruit
in generations to come. Reflect on the previous gifts this not just today, but in
congregation has given LTSS like offering ourselves as a generations to come.”
congregation for the training of field education students
and consider how those former students are at work in the church today.
Passing the knowledge and faith learned, in part, at OSLC throughout
the wider church. It is amazing fruit.”
The story of Our Saviour is similar to ones that are taking place
around the region. Southern Seminary is a seminary of the church and
its people. Its extraordinary mission to provide leaders of the church is
only accomplished because of the support of “ordinary” people found in Contributing Author,
Andrew Boozer, Director of
the pews each Sunday... and hosting yard sales on Saturday mornings. Communications

17
Southern People
Faculty Books Extend Learning Beyond Classroom
While most may think of teaching as an act that happens in the class-
room between professor and pupil, the faculty at Southern Seminary has
demonstrated their ability to spread their impact outside of the class-
room in many other ways, including writ-
ing and publishing books.
In the summer of 2009, fifteen current
and emeriti members of the seminary facul-
ty released Proclaiming the Gospel: Preach-
ing for the Life of the Church, an inter-dis-
ciplinary book focused on the tradition of
preaching. 
“This collection will help readers to
think more deeply about a central part of
the ministry of the Word—that of preach-
ing—from all of those disciplines of theo-
LTSS Faculty at 2009 Commencement at
Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Columbia, South Carolina. logical study,” says the Rev. Dr. Brian K.
Peterson, Professor of New Testament and
editor of the book.  “It will help them to see all of the ways in which
preaching is shaped and formed in the faithful ways by the biblical, sys-
tematic, historical, and pastoral dimensions of the church’s theological
tradition.”
The Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller, President of the sem-
...to teach not only the inary, writes in the book’s foreword, “From our vari-
seminarians in their classrooms, ous disciplines and backgrounds, teachers at Southern
but a variety of audiences. Seminary offer their perception and understanding of
preaching. It is not intended to burden the preacher fur-
ther with one more perspective to which you must attend, but, rather,
to assist the preacher in seeing and hearing again from teachers of the

Reinartz and Greninger Scholars

This academic year, four individuals were honored with the Greninger and Reinartz scholar programs.
Congratulations to these outstanding servant leaders of the church!
The Reinartz Scholar Program recognizes pastors in Region 9 of the ELCA who have demonstrated
excellence in ministry. Recipients are awarded a week of study and renewal on the seminary campus.
This year’s Reinartz Scholars are the Rev. Katherine Pasch (‘90), St. John Lutheran, Griffin, GA, and the
Rev. Doug Stowe (‘69), Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hampton, VA. Unfortunately Pastor Stowe entered
the Church Triumphant prior to his ability to come to campus.
The 2009 Greninger Scholars are Ms. Connie Schmucker, AIM, of St. John Lutheran Church, Winter
Park, FL, and Mr. Andrew More (‘90), AIM, of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC. Similar to the
Reinartz Scholar Program, the Greninger Scholar Program recognizes rostered lay leaders in Region 9 and
offers leaders a week of individual study and renewal on the seminary campus.

18
 Southern People
church the importance of your task.”
Proclaiming the Gospel is published by Fortress Press and is avail-
able for order through Augsburg Fortress.
The Rev. Dr. Daniel M. Bell, Jr., Associate Professor of Theological
Ethics released Just War as a Christian Discipleship: Re-
centering the Tradition in the Church rather than the State.
The book examines the just war tradition and connects it
to the practices and challenges of the Christian life. It is a
primer that emphasizes that it is not enough to know the
tradition, but it must be lived even in the stress and com-
plexities associated with war.

Published by Fortress Press

Dr. Bell says of the book in his introduction, “It is writ-
ten not primarily for specialists and scholars of just war,
from whom I have learned, and continue to learn, much.
Rather, it is written for nonspecialists, for ordinary folks
as an introduction to the just war tradition. More specifi-
cally, it is written for Christians—laity, educators, pastors,
seminarians, soldiers, and so on—who want help in think-
ing about justice in warfare as Christians, who want to know how just
war relates to the Christian life and Christian discipleship.”
The book’s foreword is written by Chaplain Lt. Col. Scott A. Ster-
ling, a 2002 graduate of LTSS and an army chaplain who has served two
tours of duty in Iraq. The book is published by Baker Academic & Bra-
zos Press and is now available for purchase. 
The Rev. Dr. Tony Everett, the Dewey F. Beam Pro-
fessor of Pastoral Care, has written Show and Tell! Ser-
mons on the First Readings for Sundays in Lent and Easter,
Cycle A. CSS Publishing Company, Lima, Ohio, plans to
have the book available in late summer 2010.
Dr. Brent Driggers, Associate Professor of New Testa-
ment, is working on a book that will offer a critical assess-
Published by Brazos Press

ment of the way historical criticism engages the New Tes-

tament Gospels with respect to both the “historical Jesus”
and the issue of canonization. The Rev. Shauna Hannan,
Assistant Professor of Homiletics, is currently co-author-
ing Fortress Press’ New Proclamation Commentary, Year
A. Dr. Michael Root, Professor of Systematic Theology, is
working on a commentary on the Johannine Epistles for
Brazos Press’ Theological Commentary on the Bible series. Other facul-
ty members are also in the process of working on books of their own.
These books, written by the seminary faculty, highlight the commit-
ment of the faculty to teach not only the seminarians in their classrooms,
but a variety of audiences. This commitment helps the church and its
people to develop further theological discussions and understandings in Contributing Author,
Andrew Boozer, seminary Director
today’s context. of Communications.

19
 Southern People
Updates and News from the Southern Community
Faculty, Staff, & Emeriti
The Rev. Dr. Marcus J. Miller,
President
-&-
Dr. Michael J. Root,
Professor of Systematic Theology
President Miller and Dr. Root both
traveled to Tokyo, Japan in September
to represent Southern Seminary in the
Centennial Celebration of Japan Lu-
theran Theological Seminary. The Lu-
theran churches in Japan and the South
Carolina Synod have a long history of
work, including many missionaries that
were educated at Southern Seminary.
Dr. Root also delivered a guest lecture
on the state of Lutheran-Roman Catho-
lic relations while at the seminary.
Dr. Susan W. McArver (‘80)
Professor of Church History and
Educational Ministry, Director of
Center on Religion in the South
During the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
of the ELCA in Minneapolis, MN,
Dr. McArver was elected to serve a
six-year term on the ELCA Church
Council. Additionally, Dr. McArver
recently completed an essay “The
Historiography of Lutheranism
in America” to be published in
Companion to Religion in America.
The essay explores the “history of the
history” of the Lutheran experience in
this country.
The Rev. Dr. Tony Everett,
Dewey F. Beam Professor of Pastoral
Care
While on a sabbatical in the spring and
summer of 2009, Dr. Everett began
reading initial research being conducted
on the relationship of memory and
perception. One aspect of the study is
how spirtitual beliefs and pratices may
enhance changes in the brain, and also
may enhance health and well being.
The Rev. Dr. James R. Thomas
Associate Professor of Church and
Ministry
Dr. Thomas presented at an interna-
tional conference entitled, Being There:
Short-Term Missions and Human
Need, held at Trinity Evangelical Divin-
ity School in Deerfield, IL, from July
30-August 1. He presented to the con-
ference his paper “Short-Term Missions
and Global Peacemaking,” which was
based on his recent work in Colombia
with Christian Peacemaker Teams (see
pages 12-13)
The Rev. Dr. Paul T. Jersild
Professor of Theology and Ethics,
Emeritus
Dr. Jersild’s book The Nature of Our
Humanity: Ethical Issues in Genet-
ics and Biotechnology, was recently
published by Fortress Press. The book
brings a Christian perspective to such
topics as biological evolution, Intel-
ligent Design and creationism, scientific
materialism, and reductionist views of
human nature.
Alumni
Ted Goins, ‘56
Ted was inducted into the Lenoir-
Rhyne University Sports Hall of
Fame at the Homecoming Weekend
Celebration on Saturday, October
10. Before coming to seminary, he
lettered and started three years on
the Bears’ football team, and earned
all-conference honors. During that
period the team earned a record of
26-4, won two North Carolina State
Championships, and played in two
bowl games.
Carl Fisher, ‘56
Carl delivered the sermon at the
opening ceremony of the 39th Biennial
Convention of the Lutheran Church
in Malaysia and Singapore. He was
recognized for his prior service as
bishop of the church. The five-day
festival was held in Mayalasia and
included the dedication of a seven-
story Lutheran complex and the

Ficken Receives Greever Award

The James R. Crumley, Jr. Archives honored the Rev. Dr. Carl F.W. Ficken,
Professor of Theology and Culture, Emeritus, with the Walton H. Greever Award
at its Annual Banquet on Friday, November 6, 2009.
Dr. Ficken received the award for his distinguished service to church and soci-
ety. In addition to serving as a professor at LTSS, he has been a parish and cam-
pus pastor, Director of LTCA, and professor at a number of colleges, universities,
and seminaries. He is also a past president of the Crumley Archives Board.
The Walton H. Greever Award is given annually to a recipient who exhibits
the service characteristics of Dr. Greever, an author, publisher, editor, seminary
professor, pastor, businessman, and philanthropist.

20
 Southern People
Dwight DuBois (‘81 & ‘99)
Dwight DuBois is the Director of the Center of Renewal (www.renewingchurch.org), a cooperative
ministry of Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa, and the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA.
He has held the position since October 2006, and focuses on the renewal of the church for three core
tasks: rediscovering the ability to discern, proclaim, and participate in God’s redemptive mission in the
world. He credits much of his preparedness for the position to his post-graduate work at LTSS with the
Rev. Dr. Phil Baker, faculty emeritus, while completing his Masters of Sacred Theology (STM) degree in
missiology.
The Center promotes discussion, offers events, and provides services designed to foster and support
renewal in congregations. Dwight has recently overseen the creation of the Sacred Practice Leadership
Series (SPaLSh - www.sacredpracticeseries.org), a six-series
course over two years that seeks to answer one question: What
would it mean to (re)employ sacred practices in the leadership
of a congregation?
Dwight also is looking for people to “test-drive” conver-
sation starters for the center in the online community of Face-
book. To join the conversation, use the Facebook search for
“Center for Renewal.” Then become a fan and you’ll receive
notice about the continuing conversation. Everyone is wel-
come!
Dwight addresses attendees at the orientation for the first ses-
sion of the Center on Renewal’s new SPLaSh program.

ordination of 11 new pastors. He was
accompanied on the trip by his wife
Miriam, and one of their sons, Jeremy.
Leonard Bolick, ‘72
Leonard was re-elected as Bishop of the
North Carolina Synod of the ELCA,
receiving 442 of the 544 votes cast.
He and his wife, Rita, are the parents
of two grown children and live in
Salisbury, NC.
Roy Riley, ‘74
Following the full-communion
agreement with The United Methodist
Church, the New Jersey Synod started
an ecumenical engagement program
called Take a Methodist to Lunch.
Roy, the bishop of the synod, accepted
the challenge and arranged for lunch
with Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar
of the New Jersey Conference of the
UMC.
Neil Alexander, ‘80
Neil, the Bishop of the Episcopal
Diocese of Atlanta, was elected as the
23rd chancellor of the University of
the South (Sewanee) at the October
meeting of the university’s board of
trustees. He has served on the board
of regents since 2005 and has been a
trustee since 2001. Prior to his service
on the board, he was the Norma and
Olan Mills Professor of Divinity at
Sewanee’s School of Theology.
Mark Cerniglia, ‘82
Mark was a presenter at a community
forum on immigration at Clayton
Memorial Unitarian Universalist
Church in Newberry, SC. He spoke
in favor of educating the children of
immigrants and not punishing children
for the illegal actions of their parents.
The forum also discussed other
immigration-related issues such as
taxes, healthcare, and language.
Terri Stagner-Collier, ‘90
Terri is serving as the secretary of the
Southeastern Synod of the ELCA. She
serves as senior pastor at Christus
Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean
Springs, MS.
Edward Waldrop, ‘00
Edward is a chaplain at the Charlie
Norwood VA Medical Center in
Augusta, GA. He has formed an
innovative new support group for
returning combat veterans and their
spouses. The group works through
issues such as mental health, separation
and reintegration, and the long-range
impact on veterans’ marriage. He
hopes that other VA hospitals will
adopt similar programs.
Emil H. Klatt, III, ‘01
Emil has received a Doctor in Ministry
degree in Pastoral Counseling from
Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland

21
Southern People
OH. He serves as pastor at St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church in Lancaster, OH.
Travis Norton, ‘03
Travis and his wife, Victoria, recently
celebrated the birth of their first
child, Luke James. He was born on
September 3, weighing 7 pounds,
9 ounces and 20 inclues long.
Travis serves as Associate Pastor at
Community in Christ Lutheran Church
in Cornelius, NC.
Michael Costello, ‘06
Michael conducted the Grace Lutheran
Church Choir (River Forest, IL) in their
performance “Music of Carl Schalk:
Hymn Festival” on October 18th. The
event honored Dr. Schalk, who is a
renowned author, musicologist, and
composer (and is the father-in-law
of first year LTSS semnarian Ingrid
Schalk). Michael is the Cantor at
Grace Lutheran Church and School.
David Edenfield, ‘07
Emily Hartmann Edenfield, ‘09
David and Emily were married on
Saturday, October 24 at Trinity
Lutheran Church in Greenville, SC. He
serves at the church as Associate Pastor.
She is current awaiting her first call.
Alumni,
Please send your News &
Updates to Sandra Cline,
Associate Director of
Development and Alumni
Relations, at scline@ltss.edu or
803-461-3252.
Editor’s Note:
This issue is the first of a three-part
series of the Southern Bulletin. Over
the next year we will dissect the core
of the seminary’s mission statement
to teach, form, and nurture.
The next issue will tell stories of
how the seminary forms women and
men for ministry, and also tell how
people form others in their ministry.
If you have an example of ways
you were formed at seminary, or have
seen someone form others, please let
me know so that I can capture your
story for the next edition.
Andrew Boozer,
Director of Communications
AndrewBoozer@ltss.edu
(803) 461-3296

Alumni Day 2010

Plans are underway for Alumni Day 2010, to be held

on Thursday, May 13. Be sure to mark your calendar to
join the anniversary classes (1950, 1960, 1985, and 2000)
and all other alumni for a day a fellowship and learning
opportunities.
This year, the Yost Lectures will
be given by the Rev. Dr. William T.
Cavanaugh, Associate Professor of
Theology at the University of St.
Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. His
lectures are scheduled to begin at
10:00 AM in Stavros Lecture Hall.
In addition to the Yost lectures,
a variety of ministry workshops will
be held in the afternoon on campus.
Rev. Dr. William T.
Cavanaugh Detailed topics, times, and work-
shop locations will be announced
later in the spring.
Also, be sure to plan to attend the Alumni-Senior Class
luncheon with the Class of 2010 and the Alumni-Student
picnic dinner prior to the Baccalaureate service in Christ
Chapel.
Right: Alumni, spouses, and former faculty members gather around
campus during Alumni Day 2009

22
 for more events and information visit
www.ltss.edu Coming Events
Spring Classes Begin Jan. 25
J-Term/Cross-Cultural Experiences, January 4-24
Spring Break, March 1-5
Easter Break, March 29 - April 2
Last Day of Classes, May 7
Exams, May 8, 10-11
Graduation, May 14

Classes &
Workshops
Iconology Workshop - January 24-30
Confirmation Day - March 13
Career Crossroads - March 19-21
Bishops School - June 20-26

Mar. 14-16 Seminary Days

Join prospective students from across the country as they
discover what life is like in our seminary community. Attend
classes and lectures, learn more about financial aid, and
enjoy the fellowship that Southern Seminary has to offer.
Room and board are provided. Contact Jenny in Admissions
at jtomalka@ltss.edu or 803-461-3297 for more information.

Mar. 11 Hein-Fry Lecture

Dr. Margaret Krych, “Hearing the Word:
Teaching the Bible in the Parish (and Beyond)”

Beacham-Hall Lecture Mar. 26

Dr. Richard A. Horsley, “Jesus and the New World Disorder”

Photos Above (from top): David Fox (Intern, MDiv.) and Nathaniel Anderson (Intern, MDiv.) meet at the seminary for an
internship conference with their supervisors and the Rev. Dr. Julius Carrol, Assoc. Professor of Contextual Education; Seth
Gibson (Senior, MDiv), Angel Onley (Junior, MAR), and Jessica Gibson (Senior, MAR) meet with the Rev. Dr. Beverly Wal-
lace, interim director of LTCA (see page 5); Seminary Community welcomes prospective students to dinner at Fall 2009
Seminary Days; First-year students gathered in Stavros Lecture Hall for orientation prior to the fall semester.
Back Cover (from left): Peter Morey (Junior MDiv.); Deanna Scheffel (Middler, MDiv.);
Rogers Mtui (STM) and family; and Susan Jackson (Senior, MAR).
 Non Profit
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Columbia, SC 29203-5863
www.ltss.edu
Contact Us:
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(USPS 8846-2000)
Published by Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 4201 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203.
Mr. Ron Walrath • e-mail: RWalrath@ltss.edu
Vice President for Development
Editor/Design: Andrew Boozer • e-mail: AndrewBoozer@ltss.edu
Director of Communications
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is an Equal Opportunity
Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race
or religion. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary admits men and women.
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is in compliance with Title IX of
the Higher Education Act of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

www.ltss.edu

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary’s Mission:

To teach, form, and nurture women and men for
public ministry and Christian leadership in a
context that is Christ-centered, faithfully Lutheran
and ecumenically committed.