P A G E 1

Austin Grad

is a

community

of scholars

and students

seeking

to know,

understand,

and practice

the

Christian faith.

UPDATEV O L U M E 1 0 4 S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 N E W S L E T T E R

Graduation 2014The Austin Graduate School of Theology Commencement was held May 18, 2014 at the Brentwood Christian School Center for Science and the Arts. After a welcome by President Reid, Dr. Daniel Napier led the invocation, and Dr. Keith Stanglin led “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”

Dr. James Thompson, currently the Robert and Kay Onstead Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University and editor of “Restoration Quarterly,” gave the commencement address. He urged the graduates “not to lose heart,” reminding them graduation is a time of transition—a time to look back and to look forward—as new doors open. Quoting Paul, Dr. Thompson encouraged them to un-derstand their real credentials will be the lives that they have a part in changing. Dr. Stan Reid, Mr. Fred Strietelmeier, Dr. Jeffrey Peterson, and Dr. Keith Stanglin participated in the presentation of diplomas.

Bachelor of Arts in Ministry and Christian Studies — Roy F. Jones

Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies — Michelle Renae Griffin, James Raegan Hays, Henry Williams Mitchell, Jr., Jason E. Niesing, Jared Michael Taylor

Master of Arts in Theological Studies — James Ponnolil Abraham, Malartha Bosier, Joe C. Drisdale, Thomas Scott Elliott, George David Gordon, Ronald Raybern Hall, Andrea Kalea Hendrick, Spencer L. W. Prather, David N. Streeter, Ambre C. Tandy, Philip Andrew Vick

A charge to the graduating class, led by a member of the Board of Trustees, was followed by “The Church’s One Foundation” led by Dr. Stanglin, with a benediction by Dr. Mark Shipp concluding the commencement.

P A G E 2 P A G E 3

Student

Association

Officers

for

2014-15

Abel SalazarPresident

Wesley RelifordVice President

Jared Brock

Secretary

Phillip BandaTreasurer

Graduation 2014 ONLINE BACHELOR of ARTS DEGREE BEGINS THIS FALLONLINE BACHELOR of ARTS DEGREE BEGINS THIS FALL

Theological education in the United States is changing, and Austin Grad is chang-ing with it. In April, AGST announced the launch of an online BA degree-completion program in the fall semester of 2014 and began recruiting students for this program.

“The initial goal is to enroll 10–15 new un-dergraduate students whose circumstanc-es do not permit them to take advantage of Austin Grad’s on-campus BA degree program in Christian Studies,” explained Jeff Peterson, faculty and interim online BA coordinator.

The announcement follows more than a year of study and deliberation by the ad-ministration, board, and faculty, including consultation with peer institutions and experts in online education. “Our hope is that making an undergraduate degree available to students online will allow us to expand the scope of our mission geo-graphically and generationally,” said Presi-dent Stan Reid.

The initial online course offerings will fo-cus on the courses required for the BA ma-jor. Courses scheduled for offer in the fall

semester include Research and Writing in Theology, Jesus and the Gospels, and the Story of Israel.

Members of the on-campus faculty will take a leading role in the development and offer of these courses, with additional fac-ulty members (both full- and part-time) to be recruited as growth in enrollment war-rants. Peterson said an initial staffing goal for the 2014–15 academic year is to iden-tify a permanent online BA coordinator to oversee the administration of the program.

Research and Writing in Theology will be taught by Todd Hall, AGST library director. He holds the MATS from AGST and MLIS from North Texas State University.

Jesus and the Gospels will be taught by Jeff Peterson, Jack C. and Ruth Wright Profes-sor of New Testament (MA, ACU; MDiv., Princeton Theological Seminary; PhD, Yale University)

Story of Israel will be taught by Les Malo-ney, BA, Lubbock Christian University; MA, Harding School of Theology; PhD, Baylor University.

For more information call Austin Grad toll free: (866) AUSGRAD (287-4723) or in Austin (512) 476-2772. The email address is info@austingrad.edu or check our website www.austingrad.edu.

Dr. Keith Stanglin hooding Malartha Bosier

Dr. Jeff Peterson

Joan and Fred Weaver with Thomas Scott Elliott

Dr. James ThompsonDr. Stan Reid presenting to James Raegan Hays

P A G E 4 P A G E 5

This issue of Update gives attention to our recent graduation ceremony and an-nual Sermon Seminar. Before I comment on those events, I want to say farewell to the past editor of our newsletter and welcome the new one.

Cynthia Agnell served well as the editor of Update for several years. Cynthia con-tinues to volunteer at our school. Her service and friendship is a blessing.

We welcome Carol Gafford as Cynthia’s successor. Carol, like Cynthia, is an alumna of Austin Grad. Carol will bring a nice touch to this important work of keeping our alumni, friends, and part-ners informed about the good things happening at our school.

As mentioned above we recently hosted two events that were vivid reminders of our mission to promote knowledge, un-derstanding, and practice of the Chris-tian faith by equipping Christians and churches for service in the Kingdom of God. On a sunny Sunday afternoon we watched 17 candidates for graduation walk the stage. We pray that God will protect and empower these graduates to be faithful and effective servants in the church.

The day after graduation over 90 people assembled for the 33rd annual Sermon Seminar. Participants came from Texas and across the country. Challenging Bible study, fellowship, and the need for refreshment bring them here. Bible class teachers, as well as preachers, benefit greatly from what is offered.

Excellent lectures were presented by Jim Martin, Glenn Pemberton, Keith Stanglin, James Thompson, and Phil Thompson. John Harp made a lunch presentation describing how the Sunset Ridge Church of Christ in San Antonio partners with Austin Grad.

Sermon Seminar is another way that our

school fulfills its mission to serve the church by equipping its preachers and teachers. This year I invited Austin Grad alumni who hold our master’s degree to deliver the homilies at the worship times. Scott Elliott, Charlie Johanson, Greg Neill, Matt Porter, Allen Ritchie and Allan Stanglin all made presenta-tions that confirmed how well prepared they are.

I estimate that every Sunday about 2000 people hear these six men preach and teach. Multiply that by the number of people influenced by those 2000 and we see how far reaching the work done at Austin Grad is. Broaden that to in-clude the service of all those who have studied here and we see that the good influence and growth is exponential.

One final comment about this edition of Update is needed. At the center of the newsletter is the section titled “In Grateful Appreciation.” It is on those pages that we express our gratitude to the individuals, churches and founda-tions that partner with us in our mis-sion. Their generosity makes it possible for Austin Grad to fulfill its mission. To everyone listed on those pages I say a sincere thank you. We pray that we are mutually blessed and that everything accomplished at Austin Grad is done in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Spirit, and to the glory of God.

from the President

On a sunny

Sunday afternoon

we watched 17

candidates

for graduation

walk the stage.

We pray that God

will protect and empower

these graduates

to be faithful

and effective servants

in the church.

We pray that we

are mutually blessed

and that everything

accomplished at

Austin Grad is done

in the name of Jesus,

through the power

of the Spirit,

and to the glory of God.

Friends’ Day

Stan Reid — President

David Boone

Wayne Kruchten

Board Chair —Fred Strietelmeier

Jack Wright & Stan ReidSpecial Recognition

Refreshments Board Member —Karen Weber

“Something special happens every Friends’ Day,” according to Stan Reid. He must be right, for the gathering on April 26 of friends at Austin Grad was a great day! From the first cup of coffee to con-versations with others equally interested in Austin Grad, the energy was obvi-ous. (When even the details of a board meeting capture interest, you know it’s a good day!)

Worship was followed by three stu-dents—David Boone, Cal Reed, Wayne Kruchten—who shared their personal journeys that led them to Austin Grad and their plans for the future.

Jack Wright and Dave Arthur were hon-ored for their years of support, leader-ship, and care for the school.

Pictures below provide a visual story.

Stan Reid & Dave ArthurSpecial Recognition

Cal Reed

P A G E 6 P A G E 7

with grateful Appreciation...ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THOSE WHO HAVE GRACIOUSLY GIVEN IN SUPPORT

OF AUSTIN GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

KEEPERS of the FLAMENon-Monthly Donors

Tim and Linda Appleton

Barry and Lisa Arndt

Jeff and Debra Bailey

Ernie and Lula Baker

Frank Balch

Jasper H. Barrett

Iva Lea Barton

Albert and Norma Bergeron

David and Leah Blackburn

Lester and Wilma Boyer

Bill and Carole Bradley

George and Bea Bradshaw

Ranald S. Calili (BA ‘99)

James Campbell

Robert (MA ’06) and Rebecca Castro

Ronald Cobb

Don and Sue Conder

Seth Cowan

Sandra Cox

Dan (BS ’84) and Valerie Creech

John and Kory Cummings

Donald G. Davis, Jr.

Thomas and Sylvia Duncan

William and Sue Easter

Garner and Deborah Ezell, Jr.

Florence Franks

Melissa Gay

Binyam Gebrehanna

Wyatt and Helen Givens

Thomas and Penny Griffy

Calvin and Becky Groen

Preston and Marsha Harper

Ed and Peggy Holley

The Estate of Frances Horn

Sheryl Horn

Dale Horton (BA ’85)

Charles Hudson

Margaret Ann Hughes

John and Frances Hunter

Billy and Dixie Hurd

Marion and Barbara John

Ray (BA ’87) and Anna Beth Kahre

Gerald and Marjorie Kendrick

Bill and Leslie Kjellstrand

Felix (BS ’93) and Lenora Kneuper

Terry Koonce

Chris and Cindy Lippe

William and Marilyn Mathews

Jim and Dorothy McCall

Tim and Terri McGraw

Jon and Melinda McLain

Maurice (BS ’86) and Linda (BS ’88) Millican

Henry Mitchell, Jr. (MA ’14)

June Moore

Hugh and Marianne Morgan

Lois Murphy

Leta Nicholas

Robert and Carol Ann Paddock

George and Patsy Patton

James and Barbara Penland

Debra Perkins

Bobbye Petty

Keith (BS ’86) and Renee Porter

Jack Pratt

Bill and Karen Quigley

John and Becki Ramsey

Donald and Gerene Raney

John (MS ’09) and Betty Ann Reid

Robby and Annyce Rhodes

Joe and Ann Ritchie

Rudy and Aven Rountree

Ike and Margaret Sawyer

Ann Seaman

Lou Seckler

Joe Shaver

James and Patricia Smith

Kris and Karen Southward

Becky Stewart

George and Annette Stillwagon

Chuck and Angela (BS ’02) Thier

Gary and Nancy Thompson

Mark and Celeste Thompson

Geraldine Timmerman

Terry and Sue Tottenham

James and Frances Uzzell

Norbert (MA ’07) andHelen Vazquez

Harvey and Martha (MA ’05) Walker

Wayne and Regan Walker

Newton Ward

Paul and Virginia Watson

William and Lois Watson

Earle and Tommie Ann West

Gwen White

John Wiegand

Bennie and Wylene Williams

Tim and Diane Williams

Aubrey Wilson

Robert and Sandra Woodrow

Jack Wright

James and Mildred Wyatt

LIGHTBEARERSMonthly Donors

Dave and Caroline Arthur

Tom (MA ’05) Brown

Bob and LaJuana Burgess

Robert Cairns

John (BA ’06) and Kimberly Cardenas

Jerry and Sheila Christian

Garrett (BA ’82) andLee Ann Cogswell

John and Billie Davis

Jarrod and Sarah Dyer

Keith and Melissa Engman

Bruce and Jane Evans

Frankie Fowler (MA ’08)

Kevin and Donna Fraser

William and Mary Lou Free

David and Amy Fuller

M. Todd Hall (BA ’00, MA ’02)

Neil and Marsha Haney

Frances Horn (deceased)

Marshall and Margie Jennings

Miles Kaltenbaugh

Joe and Renee Kennell

Rodney and Lawanna Lloyd

Brooks and Mary Ann Loveless

Allan and Patricia McNicol

Rob and Mica McNicol

Arthur and Marilou Moseley

Ottie and Fran Olson

Stan and Laynne Reid

Mark and Sheree Shipp

Dan and Lynn Snow

Matt (BS ’89) and Angela Soper

Michael (BA ’01, MA ’03) and Valerie Sutton

Al and Ivy Taylor

Lonnie and Debbie Vickers

Dan Watson

Fred and Joan Weaver

Karen Weber

Robert and Sara Jane White

Robert and Lynne Williams

MEMORIAL GIFTSWyman BalfourNewton Ward

Marjorie BarnettBilly and Gene Perkins

Delyte BaughJames and Barbara Penland

Cloyce BennettFalba Depuy

Jim BeyerLori Bellows

Joe BullockStan and Laynne Reid

Carey ChastainAnn Sherrow

Melvin CourtneyLoyd and Diane Hall

Newton Ward

Eliose DiehlRobert and Laurie Diehl

Glorah Viola EasterlingJeffrey Peterson

James W. HeflinStan and Faith Rumph

Jerry HertJerry and Sheila Christian

Frances HornDean and Caren AtkinsJim and Linda BennettJoe and Mary Bowles

Susan BreitschopfBill and Frances Carroll

Concan Church of ChristJoe and Nancy CopeAnnelie DanielowskyBruce and Jane EvansBob and Mazi Hamric

Neil and Marsha HaneyHighland Church of Christ

Darrell and Pam HornSheryl HornJo McDavid

Ray and Kay McGlothlinAllan and Patricia McNicol

Marvin and Joyce MoosJohn and Jo Ellen Oliver

Oscar and Fran OlsonBarry and Rhonda Pupella

Phyllis PuryearJohn P. Ramsey

Anthony and Dana Lynn RectorStan and Laynne Reid

Paul and Rebekah RiddleLeta Robinson

Weston and Shirley RoeTerry and Brenda StremmelUniversity Avenue Church

of ChristKaren Weber

Gloria WeisenbergerBarbara WhiteDenise WhiteJulia Willhoite

Randall and Diana Yarbrough

Mladen JovanovicJulia (Warren) Willhoite

Luella KesslerDan and Lynn Snow

Ed LathamSue Latham

Abraham J. MalherbeEverett and Nancy Ferguson

Beverly MartinJoe and Renee KennellStan and Laynne Reid

University Avenue Churchof Christ

Gary MillikanNeil and Marsha Haney

James and Barbara Penland

Lynda MorrisonRobert and Laurie Diehl

Jerry A. MyrickJoe and Renee Kennell

Claud ParrishStan and Laynne Reid

Dorothy Jim PlemonsStan and Laynne Reid

Ilean RadebaughDan and Lynn Snow

Weldon ReidIva Lea Barton

Roland and Jean BeasleyMike and Susan Blevins

Falba DepuyChris and Gene Ann Frizzell

Neil and Marsha HaneyJoe and Renee Kennell

Bennie ManisRoy and Juanice Robinson

Mark and Sheree ShippDan and Lynn Snow

Fred and Sondra StrietelmeierKaren Weber

John and Rhonda WilsonDavid and Melinda Worley

Ed RosenquistYvonne Rosenquist

Ben ShilcuttMary Shilcutt

G. H. P. ShowalterJames and Margaret Goodnight

W. A. SloanWilla Patterson

Fern StrietelmeierNeil and Marsha Haney

Karen Weber

Gloria ThroneberryDan and Lynn Snow

Roy Walker, Sr.Annelie Danielowsky

Gordon DoigThomas and Penny Griffy

Charles and Janice McCulloughWeston and Shirley Roe

University Avenue Church of Christ

Frances WhiteDan and Paula Caudell

East Park Church of ChristHoosier National Forest–

Bedford OfficeRobert and Peggy McKechnie

Joyce Ping

Mike WhiteJames and Ruth Siddens

Hubert WilliamsEllen Uthe

Dorothy Williams

James WrightJoe and Renee Kennell

Ruth WrightMildred Covalt

Gary and Nancy Thompson

LIVING HONORSBarry and Karen Alexander

Bill and Cynthia Agnell

Dave and Caroline ArthurOttie and Fran Olson

Roger and Mary Beth McCownRoger L. McCown

Allan McNicolRon and Karen Hall

Daniel NapierGloria Weisenberger

Stan and Laynne ReidOttie and Fran Olson

Michael and Libby Weed

Michael WeedRon and Karen Hall

David and Melinda WorleyMichael and Libby Weed

Jack WrightTim and Judith McKee

Gary and Nancy Thompson

CORPORATIONS/FOUNDATIONS

AT&T United Way/Employee Giving Campaign

Austin Community Foundation

Donate for a Cause, Inc.

Exxon/Mobil Foundation

Fidelity Charitable

Greater Houston Community Foundation

Justin Paul Foundation

Koonce Family Foundation

The Lubrizol Foundation

Semplastics LLC

Snow Oil and Gas

Texas Instruments Foundation

WaterStone

Timeless AUDIO PROJECT

Bill and Cynthia (MA ’08) Agnell

Barry and Karen Alexander

Linvel (MA ’07) and Shirley Baker

Jack and Joann Boyd

Michele Broadway

Hugh Cliett

Randall and Debra Daw

Jack and Debbie Dorman

Hugh and Elaine Gainey

Thomas and Penny Griffy

Larry Hall

Ron and Karen Hall

Todd Hall

Mark and Samjung Hamilton

Neil Haney

Ray and Mary Herrold

Holland Street Church of Christ

Kurt and Debbie Holman

Brent Hughes

Paul and Julie Keim

Joe and Renee Kennell

Felix (BS ’93) and Lenora Kneuper

Debbie Koehn

Daniel Merrell

Douglas Miller

Michael Morgan

Greg and Kris Neill

Gary and Krista Pendergrass

Michael and Lynda Pierce

Jack Reese

Stan and Laynne Reid

Linda Riedesel

Gerald and Gina Shipp

Mark and Sheree Shipp

Dan and Lynn Snow

Mark and Ruth Ann Somervell

Scott Starbuck

Becky Stewart

Chandy and Leena Verghese

Harvey andMartha (MA ’05) Walker

Michael and Libby Weed

Robert and Lynne Williams

Tim and Jan Willis

Mel and Judy Witcher

Linda Woodrow

Robert and Sandra Woodrow

David Worley

Jack Wright

CHURCHESAndrews Church of Christ

Bering Drive Church of Christ, Houston

Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ, Austin

Daugherty Street Church of Christ, Eastland

Gatesville Church of Christ

Georgetown Church of Christ

Hillcrest Church of Christ, Arlington

Holland Street Church of Christ, San Marcos

La Vernia Church of Christ

Lockhart Church of Christ

Pond Springs Church of Christ, Austin

Salado Church of Christ

Smithwick Church of Christ, Marble Falls

Sunset Ridge Church of Christ, San Antonio

University Avenue Church of Christ, Austin

Western Hills Church of Christ, Austin

This list represents gifts received from Nov 1, 2013 to May 31, 2014

P A G E 8 P A G E 9

With almost every seat filled and a strong sense of community and anticipation, the 33rd annual Ser-mon Seminar began. Jack Wright led the opening prayer, and worship was led by Matt Porter.

Dr. James Thompson is the Asso-ciate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology, chair of the Graduate Department of Bible and Ministry, and Professor of New Testament at Abilene Christian University. His BA and MA are from ACU, with his

PhD from Vanderbilt University. Prior to his coming to ACU, he served as professor and President of Aus-tin Graduate School of Theology. Addressing his top-ic, Rediscovering the Church, Dr. Thompson suggest-ed the church does have a lot to account for since too often our understanding of the church is taken from models in the world. He reminded us that “you” in Paul’s letters to churches is not singular. Though we are brought together as strangers, Christ began a good work in “y’all.” Emphasizing we are more than a collection of individuals, he urged us to recapture the essence of being the body of Christ, not measured by human standards, not like any oth-er creation or model, but a new humanity.

Dr. Glenn Pemberton teaches Old Testament classes, including De-votional and Wisdom Literature of the OT and Introduction to Exege-sis. He serves as Chair of the De-partment of Bible, Missions, and Ministry. His PhD is from the Uni-

versity of Denver/Iliff School of Theology. Address-ing “After Lament: Psalms for learning to trust again,” Dr. Pemberton suggested that in our lament we set the forms for the conversations – the prayers, the questions, the struggle to solve difficulties. And “when lament is over, and we didn’t get what we asked for, then the getting to trust prepares us for “no” and a readiness to trust our God.”

Dr. Jim Martin, Vice President of the Harding School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee, addressed Social Media as a Ministry Tool.

Dr. Philip Thompson earned his DMin at Harding University Grad-uate School and now teaches classes in Homiletics and Ethics at Harding. Believing these issues are basically overlooked in our churches today, he called for rele-

vant sermons on contemporary bioethical issues. While sermons based on these topics may be un-comfortable for both preacher and pew, Dr. Thomp-son insisted the church must examine biblical prin-ciples applicable to these issues if we are to make ethical decisions. As responsible Christians, he strongly suggests we provide biblical and relevant teaching through specifically designed Bible classes. Believing these issues may possibly affect many of us through family and friends, preparation from a Chris-tian perspective is essential.

Dr. Keith Stanglin is an Associate Professor of Scripture and Histori-cal Theology, Austin Graduate School of Theology. His MDiv is from Harding University Graduate School of Theology, and he re-ceived a PhD from Calvin Theo-

logical Seminary in Reformation and Post-Reforma-tion Theology. His topic: “The Restoration of God’s People: Preaching from Acts.” His opening claim: “Acts is our book,” referring to churches of Christ, “we’ve got Acts,” and we come with an opinion and certain expectations. Describing Acts as a “canon within the canon,” or our “plan of salvation,” Dr. Stanglin suggests our treatment of Acts causes us to “overlook too much before Acts and even in the five steps.” The question, “Where are we now?” emerg-es along with another question: “Where is the church? Do we need to hear Acts again?”

Extra Note: Dr. Allan McNicol has attended every Sermon Seminar since it began in 1981. He believes the success has been in the com-bination of serious Bible study and personal growth—a kind of inten-tional revival. Then he added,

“The Sermon Seminar is a place to come and get your tank filled.”

33rd Annual Sermon Seminar33rd Annual Sermon Seminar

The Bar-B-Q Line

Dr. Keith StanglinDr. James Thompson

Dr. Philip Thompson

Woody Woodrow & Charlie Johannson

Dr. Jeff Peterson

Dr. Jim Martin

P A G E 1 0 P A G E 1 1

Library Resources

News & NotesFrances Louise Oliver Horn

A wonderful friend of Austin Grad, Frances Horn passed away December 28, 2013 in Aus-tin, Texas at the age of 94. Born in San Antonio August 16, 1919 to Dick Rodrick Oliver and Frances Elizabeth Eoff Oliver, she grew up on a farm in Asherton, attended John Tarleton JC in Stephenville and moved to Austin in 1938 to work at the TEC. She married Norman Leon Horn on October 26, 1949. After her children were in school, Frances went to work at the Biblical Studies Center where she served 17 years as receptionist, secretary, librar-ian, bookkeeper, friend, counselor, and Mom. She was a devoted wife and mother for 32 years, a widow and grandmother for 32 years and a lifelong member of the University Avenue Church of Christ.

Frances is survived by two sons, Gary (Christina) Horn of O’Fallon, MO, and Darrell (Pam) Horn of Abilene, a daugh-ter Sheryl Horn of Austin, two grandsons, three granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren, and many other rela-tives and countless friends.

Memorials may be made to Horn Scholarship FundAustin Graduate School of Theology, 7640 Guadalupe St., Austin, TX 78752.

Library ResourcesA few years ago, Austin Grad’s David Worley Library hit a milestone: we passed 30,000 catalogued items. This is significant for many reasons, not least of which is the legacy it represents—the legacy of dedicated servants in their development of this library in the past. This legacy began with G.H.P. Showalter and others, and continues through Patrick Graham, Gary Holloway, Wade Osburn, and Jon Aho. Indeed, as a student at Austin Grad I have been a beneficiary of their careful stewardship, and I now count myself blessed to be caretaker of this legacy.

A part of the legacy of this library, as built by each of my predecessors, is dedicated service both to students and churches as well as the local community. In keeping with this commitment, Austin Grad’s library remains open to church members interested in theological research, and we invite you to make use of our facilities and resources. In addition, I am available to anyone interested in reference support in his or her own research.

And now, a couple of book recommendations:

Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God (New York: HarperCollins, 1997). Pro-fessor Daniel Napier taught a course on Willard this past Spring semester, and this book, so vital to Willard’s theol-ogy of spiritual transformation, is one to which I find myself returning again and again.

James K.A. Smith, Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation (Grand Rapids: Baker Aca-demic, 2009). In keeping with the theme of spiritual transformation, I highly recommend struggling with James Smith’s book. One will find it applicable to much more than formal theological education and worship: Ken Myers of Mars Hill Audio Journal suggests it could be a book for parenting as well.

M. Todd HallDirector of the Library

Austin Graduate School of Theology

A number of surveys involving both donors and charitable organizations indicate the primary reason people give is to support the mission of the organization. We find that to be true at Austin Grad.

A gift to Austin Grad must be pleasing to the donor as well as meaningful to the school. We often say to our donors, “We hope you get as much joy from giving as we do from receiving your gift.”

To assure our donors are pleased, we must first be certain our mission is worthy. We believe the mission of Austin Grad is blessed by God because its purpose is to equip people for service in his kingdom.

Our alumni serve far and wide. From the small rural church in Texas to the large metropolitan congregation in major cit-ies, you will find those who have studied at Austin Grad. You will also find them in remote corners of the United States and in some foreign mission sites.

Our mission statement reads:

To promote knowledge, understanding, and practice of the Christian faith by equipping Christians and churches for service in the kingdom of God.

This is a mission that never ages or goes out of date. God’s kingdom is everlasting and must be sustained by us, his servants.

We are eternally grateful for so many who believe in our mission and who have chosen to be part of it through their loyal and generous gifts. One of the most satisfying reasons to support Austin Grad is the long-range nature of the mis-sion. It is a mission that will continue and will be as dynamic in future years as it is now.

As you consider your charitable gifts, please continue to be a member of our team. If you have yet to do so, we ask you to make your gift now. Those who study at Austin Grad are very aware of the important support of visionary philan-thropists. Your support assures the highest level of instruction by the finest professors.

Your gifts enable some students to pursue their dream of attending Austin Grad without amassing the debt that can often accompany education. Scholarship funds established by thoughtful and generous friends are so important to these students.

Gifts given to the annual fund through Lightbearers and Keepers of the Flame serve a special purpose. They assure Aus-tin Grad has the resources to provide for the needs of its students and professors in providing the educational services each day of the school year. Gifts of all amounts and frequency are greatly appreciated.

There are other ways to support Austin Grad through visionary philanthropy. We will be happy to send you a brochure on one of the following subjects or to answer any questions you may have. We will gladly do so without obligation. Just call our office, send us a note, or email us.

· Pay for a Day: A Philanthropic Tradition· Gifts of Property: With Retained Life Estate· Guaranteed Income for Life: The Charitable Gift Annuity· Ensuring Your Wishes: A Guide to Your Will· Looking Beyond: Extending our faith and Christian values beyond our lives

Once again, we say “Thank You.” With God’s help and yours, Austin Grad and his kingdom will advance and bring honor to his name.

Neil Haney —Director of Developmentnhaney@austingrad.edu

512-476-2772 ex 117

visionaryPhilanthropyVisionary Philanthropy at Austin Grad: It’s All About the Mission

UpdateUpdate is a periodic

publication of theAustin Graduate School

of Theology 7640 Guadalupe St.Austin, Texas 78752

Our mission is topromote knowledge,

understanding, and practice of the Christian faith by

equipping Christians and churches for service in the kingdom of God.

Toll-free: (866) AUSGRAD

In Austin: (512) 476-2772

Online: www.austingrad.edu

Editor: Carol Gafford belah1938@gmail.com

Contributors for this issue:

Stan Reid, Neil Haney,Renee Kennell, Matt Porter,

Todd Hall, Jeff Peterson

Development: Neil Haney nhaney@austingrad.edu

Library: Todd Hall

thall@austingrad.edu

Update Volume 104 Spring/Summer 2014

AUGUST 25Convocation

AUGUST 25First Day of Classes

SEPTEMBER 1Labor Day Holiday

SEPTEMBER 17Constitution Day

NOVEMBER 27-28Thanksgiving Holidays

DECEMBER 12Last Day of Classes

DECEMBER 15-19Finals Week

DECEMBER 22Winter Break Begins

CALENDAR 2014

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