The Bethany Theological Seminary board of trustees gathered March
23-25 on the Bethany campus in Richmond, Ind., for its semiannual
meeting. Following the recent announcement of Ruthann Knechel Johansen’s
intention to retire from the presidency of the seminary (see story
above), business began with approval of the Presidential Search
Committee and statements from Johansen.
Johansen reflected on the presidency going forward: “At a time of
transition, it is helpful to reflect on the cloud of witnesses in whose
vision heritage we stand, hundreds and thousands of women and men who
went to mission fields, pastored congregations, taught school, worked in
hospitals. Like us, this cloud of witnesses from across a century faced
challenges, questions, and suspicions. None submitted ultimately to
resignation or despair but instead sank their roots more deeply into
their faith in Jesus Christ and into careful analysis, understanding,
and commitment to lead the school they served to clearer vision and
purpose. Our task as board, administration, faculty, and students today
is the same.”
In addition, Johansen presented four challenges that can be turned
into opportunities: aAssessing the opportunities and effects of
technology on education; engaging the questions surrounding the changing
face of Christianity; learning to live with awareness and sensitivity
in a multi-faith society; and extending the witness of Brethren core
testimonies through Bethany’s educational resources.
The board also named desired characteristics of potential nominees to consider during the presidential search process.
Board leadership
Appreciation was expressed to current board chair Carol Scheppard at
the conclusion of her 10-year tenure, which also included serving as
chair of the Academic Affairs Committee. Two other trustees also were
recognized for 10 years of service: Connie Rutt, who previously chaired
the Advancement Committee, and Lisa Hazen, chair of the Academic Affairs
Committee. Ron Beachley, an ex-officio member representing the district
executives, was commended for his service at the close of his term.
New and continuing board leadership was approved: Lynn Myers, new
board chair; David Witkovsky, new board vice chair; Martha Farahat,
secretary; Jonathan Frye, new chair of the Academic Affairs Committee;
Elaine Gibbel, chair of the Advancement Committee; and Phil Stone Jr.,
chair of the Student and Business Affairs Committee. David W. Miller,
Hanover, Pa., was approved as a new trustee, filling an unexpired term.
Both David Miller and Miller Davis were approved as representatives to
the board of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center.
Board actions
The board approved the following: the proposed budget of $2,382,060
for the 2012-13 fiscal year; Tara Hornbacker’s promotion to full
professor of Ministry Formation; a review of Bethany’s compensation
philosophy for faculty and staff; and the list of 16 potential graduates
for 2012.
Institutional Advancement
Lowell Flory, executive director for Institutional Advancement and
Gift Planning, reported that both overall giving and annual fund giving
for calendar year 2011 were within the average of several previous
years. Congregational giving is less overall, but some churches are
resuming or increasing their giving after the economic hardships of the
past few years.
Flory reviewed the goals of the three-year Reimagining Ministries
campaign: evangelism and new forms of ministry, conflict transformation,
and greater public access to Bethany’s resources. Giving to the
campaign is currently slightly ahead of target with 52 percent of the
$5.9 million goal secured. Numerous donor contacts have been made
through a series of campaign meetings, and the effectiveness of various
strategies are being evaluated.
Communications staff described continuing methods of promoting
Bethany and communicating with constituents. Board members saw an
example of the new ad series, which will be used in three national
publications and two online media outlets. Tracking through technology
is being used for all formats. Bethany’s ability to work with webcasting
continues to be strong, and the board was encouraged to think broadly
about how to make use of technology.
Academic Affairs
Steve Schweitzer, academic dean, highlighted the progress of the
comprehensive curricular review to be completed by fall 2013, part of
the seminary’s five-year strategic plan. In the review process, faculty
needs in the areas of conflict transformation and reconciliation
studies, evangelism, and Brethren studies are being discussed.
Schweitzer also noted that while the seminary will remain accredited
with the Association of Theological Schools, Bethany’s administration
continues to evaluate whether maintaining accreditation with the Higher
Learning Commission is in Bethany’s best interests.
Reports were heard from Schweitzer and Russell Haitch, associate
professor of Christian Education and director of the Institute for
Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, on their fall 2011 sabbaticals.
Schweitzer’s experimental model of taking selected weeks throughout the
semester was successful and has garnered the favorable attention of ATS.
Haitch reported progress in writing, research, and expanding
connections in the field of youth ministry.
The board heard from the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership,
which is developing a new covenant for a continued partnership between
Bethany and the Church of the Brethren. Seminario Biblico Anabautista
Hispano (SeBAH) Spanish language ministerial training program is
planning to launch a third cohort in Puerto Rico in early fall. As the
Sustaining Pastoral Excellence program concludes with its final cohorts,
a proposal for future programming in continuing education is being
developed.
The Brethren Journal Association reported that “Brethren Life &
Thought” is now on a regular semiannual publication schedule and is
exclusively available on ATLA, the premiere index for articles and
writings in religious fields. It is hoped that peer-reviewed articles
and a new blog will increase interest in the journal.
Student and Business Affairs
Student debt is an ongoing concern for seminary staff. Since 2004,
increases in borrowing and payments made have been significant.
Institutional income from tuition and fees is down this year, while
annual fund income is increasing due to campaign efforts. It was noted
that if stability in the stock market continues, 2012-13 will be the
final year of Bethany's three-year rolling average amount for its
investment draw that dates from the economic downturn, which points to
future improvements in cash flow. In addition, Bethany has acquired two
residential properties through the dissolving of the Brethren Housing
Organization, and potential uses for the properties are being
considered.
The board was treated to an effective visual demonstration of the
seminary’s accounting process by Brenda Reish, executive director of
student and business services and treasurer. In learning how funds are
designated and used, the board generated discussion on how financial
decisions are made.
The Admissions Office reported that applications in 2012 had already
reached one-third of the average calendar year number and that Bethany’s
conversations with prospects indicate a possible increase in
residential students. The importance of nurturing young people in the
faith was noted. The Student Development Office has begun a three-year
cycle of visiting distance-learning Connections students, proving to be
very positive and effective in helping staff understand how these
students experience seminary. Exploration of ways to include these
students in seminary life continues.
Amy Gall Ritchie, director of student development, was recognized for
completing the requirements for a doctorate in ministry from Columbia
Theological Seminary and expressed gratitude for her sabbatical in fall
2011.
In recognition of her promotion to full professor of Preaching and
Worship in 2011, Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm gave a public lecture Saturday
evening, March 24. Entitled “The Reign of God in the Preaching of Jesus:
Glimpses and Soundings of the World to Come,” her presentation explored
how Jesus’s words and actions illuminated God’s presence during his
time and how our attention to these words and to our senses can reveal
God’s presence in our world today.
-- Jenny Williams is director of communications and alumni/ae relations at Bethany Seminary.
Source:4/5/2012 Newsline
A
new video has been made about the experience of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a
Nigeria (EYN--the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) and its efforts at
peacemaking in an environment of conflict and increasing violence.
“This
year, 2012, we are entering into a spirit of reflection regarding
Ethics of Energy. This is the theme of our Earth Day Sunday resource and
a series of six webinars we will host throughout the year,” reports the
National Council of Churches (NCC) Eco-Justice program.
Use your lunch break for burning calories instead of consuming them.
