2012 College Reports: Building, Teaching, Serving, Growing!

By Staff

We asked colleges and seminaries associated with Christian churches and churches of Christ to provide updates on what”s happening at their institutions. Here”s what they had to say (these are listed alphabetically):

 

Alberta Bible College

Practical ministry experience has been a hallmark of the education and equipping experience at Alberta Bible College since its inception 80 years ago. Under the direction of the learning services team, ABC is more fully integrating several new practical ministry lab experiences into its regular programs, in addition to the ongoing weekly involvements in local churches and parachurch ministries.

Beginning this fall, in ABC”s first-year program, students will be able to engage in a process to help them understand God”s call on their lives, how it might look vocationally, and create and commit to a strategic life plan for the next three to five years.

 

Boise Bible College

Boise Bible College has added two new professors: Dr. Derek Voorhees teaches New Testament/practical ministries, and Jessica Doddek leads the worship department. Each comes with a strong academic background from Christian church colleges and seminaries and a strong practical blend of ministry experiences. Fall 2011 saw record enrollment again, as BBC continues to equip Christians for ministry. The college is raising funds to complete a student center and housing project.

Team building is a critical component at BBC. An afternoon of whitewater rafting helps new students connect with returning students and staff. The “Running of the Lions” (a community walk/run) promotes college spirit and wellness and raises funds to support student events. The annual college retreat held at a nearby facility in the mountains gives students and staff an opportunity to worship and discover how God uses their story for his purpose of sharing the gospel. The focus of Spiritual Emphasis Week in October is to connect students and staff with God.

Spiritual growth on campus is encouraged through student-led weekly devotions, small prayer groups, and family groups that meet with professors and their families.

 

Central Christian College of the Bible

Central offers affordable, quality biblical higher education with full-tuition scholarships for every student. Each semester classes are canceled for Saints Day of Prayer & Service so that students, staff, and faculty may engage in hands-on service together. This past fall Central”s family helped an alumnus plant a church, interacted with inner-city kids, cleaned up after a tornado, served in a children”s home, readied a Christian camp for a retreat, served lunch in a homeless shelter, and prayed during a 24-hour prayer vigil. All travel expenses and meal costs were funded by those serving.

Among other highlights during the past year:

“¢ A generous couple donated a house to Central that has been named “Heralds” House.” David Filbeck and his family, missionaries to Thailand, are the first missionary family occupants and will serve as resident missionaries at Central for two years.

“¢ The new online Associate of Biblical Studies degree offers career change preparation for adults called into the ministry without the need to relocate.

“¢ The first group of Honors Program graduates all received substantial scholarships to graduate schools.

 

Christian Kingdom College

God cast a vision for a Bible college in Winchester, Virginia, nearly 20 years ago. Today, Christian Kingdom College is pleased to offer in-class instruction to other communities with its five campus sites, including one on the campus of James Madison University. CKC is also offering many classes through distance learning. Future evangelists, elders, and teachers benefit from strong in-class instruction and placement in brotherhood congregations to be mentored as they learn. Additionally, God has supported this ministry so that graduates leave the college with no educational debt. God continues to lead and bless, and CKC will continue to follow.

 

Cincinnati Christian University

Cincinnati Christian University continues to honor its legacy of “scholarship in an atmosphere of faith.”

“¢ CCU students are developing leadership skills through mentoring and tutoring dozens of at-risk youth.

“¢ Last year during orientation, the freshman class sorted thousands of clothing articles to benefit those in the country of Niger and prepared more than 5,000 meals to be sent to Haiti with two CCU alumni.

“¢ Students participated in short-term mission trips to Northern Ireland, Italy, and the Dominican Republic.

“¢ Through a new Bible fund, the university has been able to distribute copies of God”s Word to people in Nepal and Venezuela.

“¢ CCU was granted approval to offer a new program that will allow ministry students to earn both a bachelor”s degree and a master”s degree within five years.

“¢ The seminary now offers a “hybrid” Master of Arts (Religion) degree enabling students to earn a degree primarily online, spending just one week per semester on campus.

“¢ To encourage fellow Christians, CCU is offering three conferences this spring: an Elders Conference (March 17), a Youth Ministry Summit (March 22), and a Sexual Wholeness Conference (March 23).

“¢ The Education Department was honored by the Ohio Association of Teacher Educators with the Outstanding Field Experience Award, the second time in the last six years CCU has won the award.

 

Crossroads College

Crossroads College continued to remodel campus buildings during the past year, updating technology and overall appearance to increase the student learning experience. Improvements included upgraded technology in the classrooms, new on-campus wireless, and an integrated web-based student information system.

Crossroads is also enjoying increasing enrollment, especially in Compass Adult Studies, its evening/online degree-completion program. Crossroads has new articulation agreements with the local community college and Winona (Minnesota) State University, which provides students with greater mobility transferring to and from Crossroads as they continue their education. There are ongoing partnerships in online education with the Consortium for Christian Online Education (ministry/Bible classes) and Nazarene Bible College (general studies classes), and a new relationship with Manhattan Christian College (ministry and Biblical language classes). All of these provide students with many options for alternative educational needs. Crossroads College values Christian community, and its campus invites close interaction with professors, students, and personnel. The school”s mission is to develop Christian leaders who impact the world for Christ.

 

Dallas Christian College

After 40 years of significant influence at Dallas Christian College, Dr. Mark Berrier retired from his full-time role on the faculty. At the spring commencement exercises, he was presented with an honorary doctorate degree along with appropriate regalia given by his faculty colleagues. Berrier continues to serve as an emeritus faculty member, with a reduced teaching load, while pursuing several writing projects.

Overall attendance declined slightly in fall 2011, while the students” academic performance improved markedly. The academic improvements followed a significant focus on DCC”s comprehensive mentoring program and an increased effort in student success initiatives.

DCC”s Christian service program was highlighted by spring break “Kingdom Week” mission trips to Berlin, Guatemala, Mexico City, and Southside Chicago. In addition, continued ministry to inner-city Dallas included two work days focused on improving the living conditions of some of the poorest people in the Metroplex as well as DCC”s Urban Team that spends time each weekend working with inner-city children.

 

Emmanuel Christian Seminary

Emmanuel School of Religion became Emmanuel Christian Seminary on June 1, 2011. Emmanuel continues to bridge the worlds between Christian scholarship and practical ministry, confident that the two belong together and complement each other when done well.

In the area of practical ministry, ECS has a new faculty member who started January 1: Dr. E. Leroy Lawson, distinguished professor of Christian ministries. Lawson brings years of experience in the areas of education and pastoral ministry to help develop Emmanuel”s ministry program.

Dr. Christopher A. Rollston, professor of Old Testament and Semitic studies, recently received the Frank Cross Award by the American Schools of Oriental Research. The award is given to the author of the most substantial volume(s) related to ancient Near Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean epigraphy, text, or tradition.

Emmanuel anticipates sharing further exciting news in a March announcement.

 

Florida Christian College

In 2011, several Florida Christian College professors and students took part in missionary trips. In Piedras Negras, Mexico, roofs were put on homes and groceries were distributed and donated to many needy families. FCC and several churches sent a group to Cambodia to support the work of Rapha House by ministering to its staff and residents. A trip to the Holy Land is scheduled this November.

The college is growing, welcoming its largest spring enrollment in history. In the past year, FCC has hired new faculty and staff, and instituted many new programs.

The college is fully accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education and also the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

 

Great Lakes Christian College

Groundbreaking for the $1.5 million Knowles Learning Center was Nov. 12. The center is being constructed to “Expand the Capacity for Learning” for GLCC”s student body and to enhance the ability of the school”s faculty and staff to equip godly men and women for a life of Christian service. The center is an addition to the present Woodard Administration Building and will involve relocating the Louis M. Detro Memorial Library. The relocation will allow GLCC to repurpose the current library area and office wing into classrooms and additional cafeteria space, which will make it possible to accommodate the anticipated growth of the student body.

Construction is taking place in two phases: the first will add 12 offices and expand the cafeteria; the second will involve relocation of the library and remodeling classrooms. The campaign to raise funds for this project is ongoing. The Knowles Learning Center is named after Dr. Lloyd Knowles, professor of history for over 40 years.

 

Hope International University

Hope International University has completed a restructure, resulting in five distinct colleges: the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Business & Management, the College of Education, Pacific Christian College of Ministry & Biblical Studies, and the College of Psychology & Counseling. The new structure lays the foundation to enhance existing majors and introduce the latest online learning opportunities for all students. Each college contains undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.

President John Derry states, “We are committed to remaining true to our mission and core values while embracing innovation with excellence and have invested significant resources in anticipation of this exciting opportunity for growth.”

In the fall semester, 130 international exchange students arrived from Dongseo University (DSU) to study at HIU and to experience American culture. DSU, located in Busan, is affiliated with the Christian church and is one of the top 10 universities in Korea.

New faculty members include Dr. Neal Johnson, author of Business as Mission, in the College of Business & Management, and Dr. Bill Baker, editor of Stone-Campbell Journal, Dr. Carl Toney, and Dr. Blair Wilgus in Pacific Christian College of Ministry & Biblical Studies. Troy Gardner is the new director of church relations, and is strengthening ties with churches and introducing them to the School of Advanced Leadership Training, which provides accredited ministry leadership development in local settings.

HIU is launching its first major capital campaign in 10 years for the purpose of new program development, campus expansion, and building renovation.

 

Johnson University

Extending the kingdom of God among all nations is part of Johnson University”s revised mission statement announced in 2011. This sharpened focus has led to a new name, exciting new partnerships, and new programs that the school”s leaders believe are strategic to expanding the kingdom of God.

Johnson”s new online bachelor”s and master”s degrees in intercultural studies are the key components of the school”s partnership with Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT). These online programs meet PBT”s need to reduce missionaries” training time and can be accessed worldwide.

Johnson has formed another alliance aimed at educating Christian educators. A PhD in leadership studies is offered by The Center for Global Studies (an affiliation of eight sister institutions) sponsored by Johnson University.

Johnson”s relationships in China continue to grow. In the summer of 2011, 12 Chinese teachers took courses on campus. In the fall, Johnson established relationships with two Chinese universities and an entire school system. Johnson now offers a concentration in Chinese studies within the intercultural studies major.

In addition to these educational partnerships, Johnson”s strong traditional programs have provided a solid foundation from which other new programs have grown. Johnson now offers an online bachelor”s degree in ministry and leadership as well as a post-baccalaureate master”s degree in secondary education.

 

Kentucky Christian University

“Some of our graduates minister in pulpits, others in hospitals, or banks, or law offices,” said KCU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Perry Stepp. “But they all earn a major in biblical studies, and they”re all being trained to minister.”

KCU continues to have great successes in health sciences. The 2011 graduates of KCU”s Yancey School of Nursing accomplished a 100 percent first-time pass rate on their licensing exam, the NCLEX. This is a rare feat: since 2000, only two other schools of nursing in the state have accomplished this. Additionally, KCU”s Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Professional Studies) program, designed to prepare students for graduate studies in medicine, pharmacy, and related fields, received a $500,000 grant from the Brown Foundation of Louisville. An anonymous donor is matching this grant, giving the university more than $1 million for building this program.

KCU”s football team continues to get attention. Under first-year head Mike Furrey (an eight-year NFL veteran), the squad of more than 100 young men, including an especially large number of freshmen, was surprisingly competitive, winning 4 of 11 games in the NAIA”s tough Mid-South Conference. Among the players receiving postseason honors was punter Matt Prewitt, selected to play in the East-West Shrine Game.

The university recently announced a capital campaign, “The Way Forward.” The three-year, $1.75 million campaign, which ended its silent phase in January, is almost halfway to its goal. The project aims to fund previously underfunded institutional scholarships, upgrade facilities, and improve technology. The firstfruits of the project was renovation of Nash Chapel. Also receiving much-needed attention was the lobby and entryway of KCU”s main academic building, Lusby Center. Also included are renovations to the Elva Young Welcome Center.

 

Lincoln Christian University

Last May, Lincoln Christian University graduated 14 students from its first completely online program, an MA in organizational leadership directed by Dr. Don Green. Newly hired faculty member Dr. Rochelle Cathcart directs LCU”s fourth online program, an MA in intercultural studies, which begins this fall. Cathcart also advises seminary students in intercultural studies. Dr. Chuck Sackett returned to LCU”s seminary as professor of preaching, while continuing as senior minister at Madison Park Christian Church, Quincy, Illinois. David Upchurch, an LCU alumnus with more than 30 years local church leadership experience, is the new director of church ministries.

LCU”s Hargrove School of Adult & Graduate Studies offers programs in four locations: an MA in spiritual formation, directed by Dr. J.K. Jones at Eastview Christian Church, Normal, Illinois; a BA in urban ministry on the north campus of Illinois Central College, Peoria, Illinois; an MA in bioethics, directed by Dr. Bob Kurka at Methodist Memorial Hospital, Peoria, Illinois; and three undergraduate programs in Las Vegas, Nevada, directed by Paul Trainor. (The Las Vegas site recently moved to a new location.)

Undergraduate student leaders launched a spiritual revival among their peers. These efforts resulted in weekly student-led worship (“Focus”) and prayer (“Reach”). The leaders set a goal of raising funds to build three freshwater wells in India, a project called “Flow.” That goal was reached before Christmas, and subsequent giving will go toward additional wells.

 

Louisville Bible College

Joining the Louisville Bible College faculty in 2011 were Andrew L. Paris, A. Rylan Allen, Tisha Cordrey, and Scott Osborn. Also in 2011, Angela Marx joined the LBC staff as registrar, and C. J. Sweeney began serving as administrative assistant to the president.

Among other significant events during the past year:

“¢ Louisville Bible College and World Mission Builders are partnering to establish the Albur Bible Institute in the Philippines. Courses are being developed by the LBC faculty. ABI is projected to begin classes this June.

“¢ “Dream with Me: The Campaign for Louisville Bible College” was launched on July 1, 2011. The goal is to raise $2.1 million by July 2014. Also, the first LBC Day was held, with the goal of raising awareness of the college and its mission while creating partner involvement.

“¢ Estate Planning Seminars (in conjunction with Financial Planning Ministry) are now offered by LBC. These seminars are offered free to churches as a ministry outreach so that individuals may have quality, comprehensive estate planning at no charge.

“¢ An evaluation team from the Association for Biblical Higher Education visited Louisville Bible College in October, and a February meeting was scheduled as LBC pursues Initial Accreditation.

“¢ A prayer room opened on the second floor of the administration building, which was used extensively for the Restoration Revolution prayer initiative.

 

Manhattan Christian College

Since 1927, the vision of Manhattan Christian College has been that every student and graduate will be prepared and motivated to penetrate the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ, regardless of their chosen profession. Enrollment increased 2 percent this year and remains at historic highs.

Following two years of work, the curriculum review team has overhauled the traditional degree programs at MCC. Among other things, the new curriculum provides for creation of a Bible and Leadership degree program that offers students a variety of options in designing their own program by combining ministry tracks with a ministry emphasis.

Refinancing to a lower interest rate led to the completion of numerous projects, including improvements to Kenoyer Hall and Johnson Hall. It also helped finance a portion of the new student information system, EMPOWER, and the connecting learning management system, Moodlerooms. The new systems ultimately will allow for online enrollment and more connectivity on campus as well as among college constituents.

President Kevin Ingram traveled to Uganda to train church leaders for the second consecutive year. This was the second part of a three-year plan in conjunction with Christ”s Church of the Valley to annually invest in the next generation of Christian leaders on the continent of Africa. More than 2,100 leaders from 12 countries participated each week.

 

Maritime Christian College

Maritime Christian College students participated in prayer walks around the towns of Charlottetown and Montague, Prince Edward Island; they prayed for government leaders, residents, store owners, workers, the addicted, and the lost in Jesus” name””begging God to push back darkness and raise up leaders who will share the gospel. Students reached out in practical service to Saint John, New Brunswick, helping at an Operation Christmas Child drop-off center, painting a food bank, and surveying individuals on the street about why they do not attend church.

Maritime administration has called its sixth president, Jared Johnson, who will step into his new role in mid-2012. President Fred Osborne will step down after serving at the college for 12 years.

Jim Tune, church planter of Churchill Meadows Christian Church in Mississauga, Ontario, is the 2012 K. T. Norris Lecturer, speaking on “Let”s Get Real.”

 

Mid-Atlantic Christian University

President Clay Perkins says the university continues to follow its strategic map, Vision 2020, a 10-year plan launched in 2010. In academics, Dr. Barbara Williams, associate professor of teacher education, joined the faculty to lead the university”s education program, and the school is anticipating North Carolina”s approval for teacher licensure. Dr. Robbie Phillips joined the faculty as associate professor of preaching.

There were several diverse items of note during the past year:

“¢ The school graduated her first students receiving the Certificate in Family Life Education.

“¢ The student retention rate of 82.4 percent was a record.

“¢ The university was named a Military Friendly School a second time and was named to the President”s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll a fourth time.

“¢ Attendance for Sunday Night Live””a worship event for youth held several times each semester””averaged 350 students.

“¢ Dan Smith became enrollment director and Jonathan Thayer became an admissions counselor.

“¢ Giving to MACU and the Mid-Atlantic Foundation exceeded $1.3 million.

“¢ The Mid-Atlantic Society grew from 246 to 324 members, with more than 170 attending the first society gala.

“¢ Students, faculty, and staff served in a variety of stateside and overseas missions, and a student discipleship group ministered to the local homeless population.

 

Mid-South Christian College

The new Bachelor of Christian Leadership degree is an innovative and unique program of spiritual leadership development. This new degree is part of Mid-South Christian College”s action learning philosophy of biblical higher education called the Frontlines Program. In this novel college program, incoming freshmen are placed on a cohort ministry team. Through four years of Bible college preparation, the team studies, plans, and ministers together. Before graduation, the team will actually initiate a brand new ministry outreach. Their professors become mentors as well as teachers.

There are currently two ministry teams in place at MSCC. Team 2010 is in its second year together, and is focusing on project management and planning. Its goal is to establish a coffee house/music outreach venue before it graduates. Team 2011 is in its first year, and is focusing on team building and fundamental ministry skills. It hopes to plant a new church before graduating as a team in May 2015.

This innovative approach to ministry preparation is a new development at Mid-South Christian College, which received candidate status for accreditation with the Commission on Accreditation of the Association for Biblical Higher Education. The new status with ABHE, the new Bachelor of Christian Leadership degree, and the imminent relocation of MSCC to a new and improved campus have all worked together to produce the largest full-time enrollment at the college since 1986.

 

Milligan College

The year 2011 was historic for Milligan College. It marked the retirement of President Don Jeanes following a 14-year tenure of exemplary service and major accomplishments for the college, which included record enrollments, successful fund-raising campaigns, major renovations to campus, the addition of a half-dozen new academic programs, and various national recognition honors.

In October, Dr. Bill Greer was inaugurated as Milligan”s 15th president; he brings extensive experience as an academic and business leader, fund-raiser, community volunteer, and church leader at Grandview Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Greer previously served five years as vice president for institutional advancement and 12 years as a professor of economics and business at Milligan.

President Greer launched a vision for Milligan that preserves the essential core values and heritage unique to the college””a commitment to community, scholarship, and faith””while embracing the opportunity to grow and serve in new and ever-expanding ways.

Also in 2011, Milligan saw its fifth consecutive year of record enrollment, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the P. H. Welshimer Memorial Library, and was recognized as a College of Distinction and one of the top 3 best buys and top 10 best colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

 

Nebraska Christian College

Fall semester 2011 saw many exciting things happening on the Nebraska Christian College campus. Two new full-time faculty members were added. David Hook (MFA, UCLA) came from San Jose, California, to head the college”s worship arts program, and Mike Cahill (MDiv, Lincoln Christian University) moved from Rushville, Illinois, to assume leadership of the youth ministry program.

In October, NCC dedicated the Sapp Brothers Memorial Ministry Equipping Center (the “MEC”), a $3 million-plus project. This facility includes a 550-seat auditorium, eight music practice rooms, a preaching lab, four other classrooms, and a café with espresso bar for students and staff. It features the latest technology, such as large flat-screen monitors in each classroom capable of displaying a video feed from live events in the auditorium.

The college has pumped new energy into its annual “Week of Ministry” trips set for this April. These are weeklong, faculty-led missions projects, and all students are required to participate. This year, the four foreign trips will be to Haiti, Trinidad, China, and Italy. The Italy trip will be taken by a worship ensemble led by Professor Dave Hook; the group has been invited to sing at the Vatican. Other trips will be to Salt Lake City, Utah; Montana; South Dakota; Phoenix, Arizona; and Seattle, Washington.

 

Northwest Christian University

Northwest Christian University”s Master of Business Administration degree is now available online. Designed for professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and increase their career opportunities, NCU”s MBA is offered in a Christian context that champions wisdom, faith, and service. Students have the opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of faculty with rich, real-world experience in the fields of business, accounting, economics, and more. Courses start every eight weeks with a completion time of 12 months. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.nwcu.edu/onlineMBA.

 

Ozark Christian College

God is at work in significant ways at Ozark Christian College, which this year is celebrating its 70th year of training men and women for Christian service.

Ozark has been able to retire all long-term debt, while the $3.9 million goal in the “One Leader at a Time” campaign has been completely pledged, with OCC alumni providing $500,000.

The college recently expanded its co-op program with Missouri Southern State University in Joplin to include all majors offered. LivingStone International University, a new school in Mbale, Uganda, Africa, is also accepting OCC students, and Ozark Professor Terry Bowland will teach there next semester. Also, a new degree track has been designed for community college graduates.

Within hours of the deadly May 22, 2011, EF-5 tornado that carved through Joplin, OCC was involved in many ways, including providing housing for more than 3,300 volunteers. Many alumni returned to help with cleanup and recovery.

The ladies” volleyball team won the Association of Christian College Athletics crown and placed second in the National Christian College Athletic Association tournament for the second year in a row.

The fall enrollment held steady with 660 students attending.

 

Point University

In February 2011, Atlanta Christian College announced its new name””Point University””which went into effect July 1. The university also announced the relocation of its main residential campus from its landlocked site in East Point (just outside of Atlanta) to the town of West Point, Georgia. The relocation will take place this summer.

Point is expanding enrollment, campuses, program offerings, and athletics to help more Christian students impact the world for Christ. This past year, the university also celebrated record-breaking enrollment with more than 1,200 students””an unprecedented tripling in enrollment over the past three years. New majors have been added in criminal justice, middle grades education, and sociology with social work specialization. Athletics have expanded to include cross country, softball, and football, and the university is transitioning to intercollegiate competition at the NAIA level as part of the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Point University is a private, four-year liberal arts institution preparing students to influence culture for Christ in all spheres of life””through business, church, government, arts and entertainment, education, media, and family. Graduates are working and serving in 43 states, three U.S. territories, more than 15 foreign countries, and with numerous campus ministries, Christian camps, and churches.

 

Saint Louis Christian College

Saint Louis Christian College pursues excellence in the Word and develops servant leaders for urban, suburban, rural, and global ministry. The focus at SLCC is Bible and ministry. The school”s location provides students with opportunities to experience life in a great urban center. SLCC offers a full-tuition scholarship program that provides quality students the opportunity to get a quality education at a lower cost. This program is built around the theme head (academics), heart (spiritual change), and hands (hard work). Every SLCC student works for the college at some time during his or her educational career. This work ethic builds character. More than 30 percent of SLCC”s students come from minority backgrounds. New to the college this year are Eugene Storjohann, professor; Barbara Veech, professor and MAP director; Luke Linville, development; Haley Womble, admissions; Gary Reed, counseling professor; Michael Womble, athletic director; and Jeremiah Bear, basketball coach.

Among the highlights during the past academic year:

“¢ The first Grandparents” Day was held, with nearly 100 in attendance.

“¢ The MAP program (a ministry apprentice program) is underway that helps students step outside their comfort zone and personally experience ministry and missions.

“¢ The college closes its doors for one week every year so students and staff can serve on some mission field in ministry.

“¢ SLCC hosts a yearly lectureship that challenges students to consider serving globally or in some urban setting as a missionary, and another lectureship that focuses on leadership in ministry.

 

Summit Christian College

Summit Christian College awarded seven, one-year, full-ride scholarships to the winners of this year”s “Ascend the Summit Challenge” on January 13. The challenge was part of a regionwide effort to work together to inspire the next generation of Christian workers. Representatives from churches across the High Plains and Rocky Mountain region came together to listen to church leaders from participating congregations step up and present their congregations” reasons for advancing their nominees to the challenge.

In addition to the scholarship awards, challenge winners receive an invitation to join in an exciting four-day Rocky Mountain retreat free of charge. This retreat features the opportunity of spending quality time with regionally recognized and respected Christian leaders. One of the events planned is a horseback trek up to an overnight camp in the Rockies. The event concludes with a whitewater-rafting trip and a rendezvous at Fort Collins Christian Church.

In recognition of Summit Christian College”s 60th anniversary, the college is offering a 60 percent introductory tuition rate to everyone who signs up for the new Bachelor of Science in Ministry and Biblical Studies degree that is specially designed for those who hold a BS/BA or AA degree in any nonbiblical study. This is a $90 per credit hour offer to those who would like to add biblical studies to their education without having to go back to square one.

 

Summit Theological Seminary

Within the last year, Summit has acquired two residence hall buildings for a new program called The Summit School of Preaching. This will allow men who desire to be preachers of the Word to further their studies toward the Lord”s ministry in residence.

The first floor of Summit”s first residence hall has been renovated. A spring open house is anticipated for those interested in seeing Summit”s progress. Applications and names are now being taken for those men interested in the new program, which will begin in the fall.

The School of Preaching will be in addition to Summit”s existing independent study program, which continues to allow both men and women to pursue biblical studies in the comfort of their own homes.

So students are now given a choice of how to enjoy Summit”s low tuition rates””through on-campus or off-campus studies.

Summit is now in its 28th year.

 

TCM International Institute

There are 1,277 TCMII graduates and students who continue to share the gospel throughout Europe and Central Asia as they strive to be international disciple makers for Jesus. A record number of registered students in 2011 (866) come from 35 countries. Of these students, 96 are from Muslim-dominated nations.

TCMII is now training national leaders from a wider geographic area. Not only further east in Russia and Central Asia, but also more from the Middle East and Western Europe. Students typically come from international networks of current students and partner organizations. TCMII estimates that its students and graduates are ministering to at least 50,000 throughout Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The goal of TCMII”s new Great Commission Initiative (GCI) is to put in place the capacity for personnel, structures, and financing to serve a student enrollment of 1,600 (or 800 full-time equivalency) by 2015. This will mean expanding the teaching sites from the current 11 to 30. Eighty to 90 new faculty and adjunct faculty members will be added. At least another 40 international student service personnel will be needed as well. The GCI will be the biggest step forward in TCM”s 55-year history.

 

William Jessup University

The year 2011 has been a great season of growth for WJU, as evidenced in the following ways:

“¢ A new president, Dr. John Jackson, was selected in March 2011 after a national search with more than 200 applicants. He moved quickly to fill two senior leadership vacancies with Eric Hogue, vice president for development, and Dr. Dennis Jameson (formerly of Trinity Western University in British Columbia, Canada), vice president for academics.

“¢ The faithful stewardship and steady leadership provided by the board of trustees, Vice Presidents Gene De Young and Paul Blezien, along with other senior leaders during the past several years of transition have enabled WJU to make major investments in faculty and programs. Seven new faculty members (all with terminal degrees) have been added. With the school”s enrollment surging to 900 and continuing to rise, WJU will be adding more degree programs, graduate education, and online courses that will bring strong breadth and depth to its curriculum.

“¢ WJU has broken ground on a $17.5 million complex that will house a dining facility, athletic center, six new classrooms, and 10 performing arts spaces.

The school is dedicated to building a community that is thriving spiritually (focusing on the lordship of Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the unity of the church); a quality liberal arts education as a distinguished, Christ-centered university; and equipping students to be exceptionally employable upon graduation.