the bridge fall 2014

CTI | NABC | NABDS/ EBS | TAYLOR

5, No 5 . 2l. o - FV all 2014

learning together


published by Taylor College and Seminarypublished by Taylor College and Seminary





Looking to the FutureDr. David Williams Reflects, pg. 18

Taylor’s 75th!Upcoming Anniversary Marks Beginning

of Season of Celebration, pg. 3

Alumni ProfileCal Hohn (’87), Serving in Cameroon , pg. 16

Celebrating HistoryMemories and Stories, pg. 3, 11, 14



There is a sense of anticipation at CTI, NABC, NABDS/EBS, Taylor U-C, Taylor Seminary and Taylor as we approach 2015. the E P Wahl Centre, it's hard not to be excited.January 2nd will mark 75 years At the recent meetings of the Board of Trustees, I laid since the first official day of out the emphases that I believe will guide us as we classes at the Christian Training move into the future, and you can read more about that Institute, and we are looking on page 18. forward to spending time I have two other quick things to share with you:together as a community – staff,

1. I am planning to spend some time in Cameroon in faculty and students from each early March to meet with our friends and colleagues era of this institution, at Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary (CBTS). remembering and celebrating what God has done.My counterpart at Sioux Falls Seminary, Mr. Greg

My admiration for Dr. E.P. Wahl is no secret. I'm sorry Henson, will be on this trip and we are hoping to find that I never met him, but I have enjoyed many new ways to partner together; please pray for our conversations with those who knew him and worked group as we travel and meet together.with him. In many ways, he was ahead of his time, a

2. I am asked regularly about Taylor finances and in leader with clear theological and educational priorities the interest of being transparent I would like you to and a fierce determination.know that we are enjoying continued strong support

There have been many periods of uncertainty and from churches and individual donors, and our struggle over the past 75 years and many changes. endowments have performed strongly over the past Among the blessings that come with an event like two years. Along with careful budgeting, these have Taylor's 75th birthday is a chance to remember our led to a third consecutive small surplus in 2013-14. story, to realize the ways God has used this school, and Thanks be to God!how He has led and provided throughout.

We are looking forward to seeing many of you in the One of the things I sense that is happening at Taylor is days ahead, whether at a social event, a party, a lecture the laying of the foundation for the future, for the next or class, or at Triennial. We'd also love to re-connect 75 years. By God's grace, and with your help and online as you share your stories and memories with support, our finances are stable and we have been able fellow alumni in conjunction with our 75th.to improve the campus, reinvest in our faculty and programs, and to begin looking to the future.

Often, the best guide to the future in the past: How has God led and provided in the past? What is the overall emphasis and direction that has emerged, and how David Williams, Ph.D.does that inform our planning? Given the rich history of President, Taylor College and Seminary

A Note from the President

What a year! Yes, 2014 has been very eventful and 2015 should be a lot of fun – but the year I am talking about is 1940. It was extraordinary in many ways, including for Taylor.

One of the best things about reviewing our past is recognizing the patterns of grace, the contours of God’s purposes through circumstance and provision, through challenge and opportunity. It is also so gratifying to recognize anew what an army of faithfulness is represented by our alumni. This school – CTI, NABC, NABDS/EBS, TAYLOR–has been built and sustained through the faithful vision and tireless determination of so many.

This commitment and faithfulness is one of Taylor’s greatest assets, and represents a profound challenge to a younger generation – people like me who have inherited this legacy. Having seen only the finished campus (and not the empty field that preceded it), and having seen the excellent courses and programs (but not the blank slate upon which divine imagination was scribed), we mustn’t feel entitled: the wheel awaits our shoulder.

It has been humbling and rejuvenating to dig deeply into the stories of Taylor’s first 75 years. May you find it inspiring as you continue to answer God’s call in life and ministry.

Tim WillsonCommunications and Marketing DirectorEditor, The Bridge

thP.S. For more on our 75 Anniversary, be sure to visit www.Taylor-Edu.ca/75.

Vol. 55, No. 2, Fall 2014

Published by

Taylor College and Seminary

to communicate with students, alumni,

friends and supporters.

Editor: Tim [email protected]

Taylor College and Seminary11525 - 23 Avenue NWEdmonton, AB T6J 4T3

Cover: Tim Willson

Come and learn with us!1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca | www.TaylorSeminary.ca

West. Circumstances would not permit the actual rom the very beginning – from before the realization as to the fulfillment of that dream. As beginning, for that matter– the idea of a Fyears went by, many a secret prayer to which no training centre in Edmonton seemed doubtful. listeners could give an ear was sent in petition to the From the first recorded mention of the possibility in Giver of all good and perfect gifts.1919, more than 20 years went by before the

Christian Training Institute opened, and many “In 1937 Canada again found this dreamer back challenges to the idea would follow. upon its fields working with the young

people. In September, the Lord gave a Upon reading Dr. Walter Goltz's definite answer to go ahead. In the winter excellent history of Taylor “For God and of 1938, a committee was appointed to Truth”, one of the striking themes is find ways and means of working out this how many times this educational pre-conceived vision. In 1939, the early enterprise has experienced challenges spring, buildings began to go up.– financial and enrolment shortfalls

that threatened its existence, and even “In January of 1940 the first students of challenges within NAB circles regarding the West joyfully came to our Institution, new initiatives. There were moments which was given the name of The Christian of satisfying success, such as the move Training Institute.”to a new campus and key partnership

Taylor has never enjoyed media attention agreements with the U of A (leading to – not on January 2, 1940 or since; yet over undergraduate education) and with the course of 75 years it has had a Sioux Falls Seminary (leading to Taylor formative effect on thousands of young Seminary). However, Dr. Goltz details a

lives. Many organizations and churches—bumpy road, filled with uncertainty and challenge. indeed, whole mission fields—have been impacted The administrative team that faced the significant by the work begun in 1940 in south Edmonton.challenges of 2008 and 2009 found comfort in Reading through the Edmonton Journal from 1940 is knowing that they were not the first to have known surprising for both the piety and Christian ethos that God’s presence and promises in the midst of permeated its pages, and also the anti-German trouble.sentiment that was prompted by the war: it cannot A LONG-HELD DREAM BECOMES REALITYhave been easy to be German Baptists in Edmonton

Christian Training Institute held its in 1940. Prejudice was not uncommon; first official day of classes as the German immigrants from Russia, Poland snow began falling. It was the result and other parts of Eastern Europe who of a long-held dream on the part of had fled war and persecution in their a young pastor named Rev. Emil homeland now found themselves living Wahl. The early beginnings were uneasily on the Canadian prairie.recorded in the 1943 school

In yearbooks produced in 1939-40 and catalogue. Rev. A.W. Teske, who was 1940-41, the Baptist Union hints at the teaching New Testament and English trouble faced by their German friends. as well as serving as pastor of Referring to the involvement of several Bethany Baptist Church in Camrose, Baptist Union pastors in “the Missionary was the editor of the catalogue and Training School” (CTI), the wrote this summary of our early denominational report for the 1941 history:Annual Meeting of the Baptist Union of

“In 1919 our beloved dean, Rev. E.P. Western Canada included a favorable Wahl, visualized the need of a assessment of the launch of CTI:Christian Institution for our young people in the

“Though there are difficulties incident to the war,

75 Years Young: Taylor CelebratesSchool founded in 1940 as the Christian Training Instituteby Tim Willson

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Come and learn with us!1.780.431.5200 | www.Taylor-Edu.ca

Dr. E.P. Wahl, Founder

Articles in Edmonton Bulletin (right) and Edmonton Journal (left) on June 24, 1939 mention the beginning of construction of the CTI campus.

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the German work is being carried forward with a began in the morning, coming after a warm satisfactory measure of success.” December with little snow.

The annual report of 1940 also provides insight into The day’s advertisements directed shoppers to the climate of the time: Woodwards for “T-Bone, Sirloin, Round Steaks, all

one price” – for just 12-cents per pound. Men's “At its last annual meeting, held early this summer, three-piece tweed suits were a Wednesday bargain the First German Baptist Church of Edmonton found for $6.95, and ladies “better grade dress shoes” it necessary to change the name to the Central were $2.29 per pair. But there was no mention in Baptist Church. Since, in light of existing conditions, the city's main newspaper that day nor in the days our German friends of their own volition decided not that followed of the events taking place on 78th to hold their Conference this year, an invitation has Avenue. Quietly and effectively began a work that been extended to them to attend the Convention [of has influenced hundreds of churches across North the Baptist Union]...”America and around the world.

Rev. E.P. Wahl served as half-time Dean (also Taylor President David Williams has been part of the President and teacher) while serving as the bi-institution's story for over ten years, first as vocational pastor of Central Baptist Church. In a Academic Vice-President of the University College, church history published during its centennial year then as President. He never met Dr. Wahl, but often (2000), we catch a glimpse of the challenges facing expresses his deep admiration for his ministry.the German-Canadian community in the year that

CTI was launched: “It's clear from his writings and from what I have learned from talking to his friends and colleagues “Anti-German sentiment once again raged high. that Dr. Wahl was deeply committed to some of the People who had been born in Germany lost their jobs same things that are fundamentally important to and many had to report regularly to the Royal me,” says David. “He was passionate about Canadian Mounted Police.”theological education, of course; he was also

Having just come through the Depression and now committed to ecumenical partnerships – a facing another war, the leaders of CTI were willingness to lock arms with other Christian nonetheless optimistic, focused on their mission. traditions while being faithful to his own. I also Scant notice was made of the new school in the admire his deep commitment to social justice.”newspapers, with just a brief notice when Reading the history of Taylor is an inspiring and construction began in the summer of 1939; but the challenging exercise. Through faithful obedience and January 2, 1940 edition of the Edmonton Journal force of will, generations of immigrant families – made no mention of the Christian Training Institute. who arrived in Alberta with very little – built a The first section was filled with news of the war in community of faith, won and grew disciples, and Europe, including a story about the arrival in Britain launched an educational enterprise that has stood of 800 soldiers from the Edmonton Regiment. The the test of time. Taylor is now Canada's most City Section described New Year’s celebrations, and northern evangelical seminary, serving students featured a story about a heavy snowstorm that from dozens of denominations and serving students

Students stand on the front steps of Christian Training Institute, the original name and original home of Taylor. This campus was built in 1939 on what was then the southern edge of the City of Edmonton, at 10810 - 78 Avenue.

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TB

In the 1940's, the pages of the Edmonton Journal themselves with inner strength against whatever trials contained a number of items related to the Christian and troubles the new year might send.”life, including a regular feature “Bible Message (from Also interesting was the large article on Pg. 10 with the the Authorized Version).” On January 2, 1940, the text headline Churches in Edmonton Renew Summons to (printed in full) was from Ex. 3:13-15; 20:1-2, 7; Is. Christian Life: Special Services Held to Mark Dawn of 42:8. One quaint notice advised that a pastor had New Year; Large Attendance. The article reported that taken a room at a hotel in Vancouver and would be “Edmonton congregations were called anew to staying there for several months. Christian living in 1940, as city churches observed the The Journal published that snowy Tuesday detailed the close of 1939 and the start of the New Year in Sunday city's New Year's Celebration. services, masses and communions on City is Gay at New Year, Whistles Sunday midnight and the early Blow read the headline, with the forenoon of New Year's day.” It sub-head reading “Most continued:Exuberant Scene Since Boom Era “In a New Year's message to his of 1928, Opinion of Many”: congregation in First Baptist church “Thousands of citizens observed Sunday night, Rev. Daniel Young said: the year-end quietly and 'At the close of the Old Year and the speculated on what 1940 will bring forth in a world dawn of the New Year, we should be certain that God is flaming with new war. But among the thousands who in His heaven and that he will guide us if we did celebrate in traditional merriment, there was no acknowledge Him in our lives.'lack of noise, gusto and hilarious high spirits. “He suggested, people should not look for God to guide “As pealing bells and shrilling whistles at midnight them in some spectacular way, but 'through the very Sunday announced the death of the old year and the ordinary things of daily life.' Urging Christians in every birth of the new, festivities that had been held in check part of daily life, the minister said: 'Religion has to do by the Sabbath broke loose with unrestrained with the conduct of every part of life and not just with ardor—and continued at full blast for several hours.” certain parts.

Under the heading “Churches Mark Occasion”, the “'Religion has something to say about the Holy day, but article continued: “Church services Sunday and also something to do with the market places… To Monday emphasized the importance of 1939 and 1940 acknowledge God in all of our lives, costs greatly…'”in the world's history and called on citizens to fortify

From the Pages of the Edmonton Journal, January 2, 1940

from around the world, online and on campus. It cake – and we invite you to join us for birthday cake raises questions about the challenge facing this on January 2nd. We will hope to see many friends generation: What is God calling us to next, and will and former students, staff and faculty join us for we respond with the same dogged determination cake and refreshments from 1-3 PM. and joyful faithfulness? We also want to hear from you! So many friends of A TIME TO CELEBRATE Taylor tell us of their fond memories and of the

lessons learned through the work of CTI/NABC/ Taylor will commemorate the first 75 years of our NABDS-EBS/Taylor. Please join us online to share ministry with an extended period of celebration in your stories and to let us know where you are today. 2015. Some events are still in the planning stages, Visit www.taylor-edu.ca/75.but you can check online and watch for invitations

regarding special services, classes, social events and It is worth ending with the words from Rev. Teske's just plain fun. introduction to the 1943 CTI catalogue:

Taylor will commemorate our 75th as part of the “We need your prayers for man cannot do the things upcoming Triennial Conference in Sacramento. that God alone would have us do according to His Another project will be a devotional book featuring will. In unity there is strength, and, with the help of many of the students and faculty members from our God, we are more determined than ever to have all history, available in mid- to late 2015. our people become united in understanding the

work that you are helping us do at the Institute.”Of course, no celebration can be imagined without TB


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1843 – Fleischmann Memorial Baptist 1922 – After graduating from seminary in of Alberta.Church begins in Philadelphia, the first Rochester, NY, Wahl returns to Alberta 1940-1957 – Rev. E.P. Wahl, Presidentchurch in what would eventually become with his wife Pauline and daughter Inez to

Rev. E.P. Wahl was also pastoring at the North American Baptist Conference. begin pastoral work at Fredericksheim Central Baptist Church during his early Baptist Church, now First Baptist, Leduc.1858 – German Department begins at years as founder and president of CTI.

Rochester Theological Seminary; would 1922 – CJCA begins broadcasting in 1940 – The City of Edmonton has a later become German Baptist Seminary. Edmonton; first radio station in Alberta.population of 91,723. (The city's In 1949, it changed its name to North 1925 – An outdoor baptismal service is population swelled briefly to 200,000 American Baptist Seminary, now Sioux held at a creek ten miles south of the during a 1939 visit of King George VI and Falls Seminary (Taylor’s sister institution). Wahl’s church. In a written report, he Queen Elizabeth. The parade route,

1865 – The General Conference of estimated that 1,000 people were Portage Avenue, was renamed German Baptist Churches in Kingsway.) North America was formed in

By the time Taylor turned 25 1865 in Wilmot, ON; it changed in 1965, Edmonton had grown its name in 1944, eventually to 371,265, and by our 50th in becoming North American 1990: 605,538. Population in Baptist Conference.Spring 2014: 877,926. The City

1883 – Canadian Pacific Railway of Edmonton projects growth reaches Calgary. to 2.1-million people in 50 1885 – First Bible school opens years when, by God's grace, in Canada (Mission Training Taylor will turn 125.School in Niagara Falls). When CTI began, the 1887 – Banff established as first population of Canada was National Park in Canada. 11,381,000. There were just

nine provinces, as 1888 – Hudson Taylor passes Newfoundland would not join through Alberta on a Canadian Confederation until 1949.Pacific train, en route to

Vancouver to begin return In 1940, there were no voyage to China. During this trip skyscrapers in Edmonton – he wrote to his wife, “You can and wouldn't be until 1966 have little idea how mightily the when the CN Tower became present, along with “100 automobiles and Spirit of God has been and is working.” the city's first skyscraper with 26 storeys. about 70 buggies”. The 15 baptisms that 1892 – Rabbit Hill Baptist Church founded 1940 – Billy Graham became a freshman day pushed church membership to 270.as Heimthal German Baptist Church, the at Wheaton College in Illinois.1927 – Wahl sees immigration as a first NAB church in Alberta. 1940 – Cultural events of early 1940’s significant missions enterprise and works 1892 – Emil Wahl born in Plum Creek, SD. included Disney's release of Pinnocchio with government and railway officials to

(1940), Dumbo and Fantasia (1941) and help German immigrants. One group he 1897 – Edmonton experiences Klondike Bambi (1942). Other blockbusters: The helped settle in Minitonas, MB founded a Gold Rush as prospectors head north.Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin (1940), church in 1928 that would produce three

1900 – Central Baptist Church is founded The Maltese Falcon and Citizen Kane of the presidents who would succeed him in Edmonton as the First German Baptist (1941), Casablanca (1942). One of the at CTI/NABC (Dr. Sonnenberg, Dr. Goltz Church. (The church later relocated to the major books of 1940 was For Whom the and Dr. Siewert).building now used by the Mustard Seed, Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway. Music 1929 – The Famous Five (five women and that is where Dr. Wahl was pastoring stars included Glenn Miller, Benny from Edmonton) won a historic legal fight in 1940 when he founded CTI.) Goodman, Nat King Cole, Billie Holiday, in Great Britain to gain legal recognition

Frank Sinatra and Perry Como.1904 – Edmonton becomes a city. of women as “persons”.1941 – CTI begins a radio broadcast on 1905 – Province of Alberta founded. 1937 – Rev. Wahl resigns from a pastorate CFRN on Sunday evenings; the Christian 1905 – Canadian Northern Railway at Second German Baptist Church in and Missionary Alliance helped by sharing reaches Edmonton. Portland, Oregon to accept a call to their airtime. became a Sunday morning return to Alberta as director of Bible 1905 - Hudson Taylor dies on the mission program (broadcast directly from the schools and supervisor of mission field in China; he is remembered as one school). Prof Ed Link hosted the final churches in the Northern Conference of of the most significant missionaries in show on the last Sunday of 1962. western Canada. The next month, on church history. (Taylor College and 1942 – Daily snowfall record set in June 17, 1937, Emil and Pauline Wahl's Seminary was named after him in 2002.)Edmonton – 39.9 cm on November 15.13-year old son Ivan was killed in a traffic

1915 – Hotel MacDonald opens; Fort accident. The insurance settlement of 1942 – The Screwtape Letters, by C.S. Edmonton is dismantled. $2,000 became the seed money for the Lewis, is published for the first time.Christian Training Institute.1916 – Wahl arrives in Alberta for the first

1942 – William Cameron Townsend time, serves as summer pastor at a 1940 – January 2, Christian Training founds Wycliffe Bible Translators.church in the southern community of Institute holds its first regular classes in 1944 – The General Conference of Germantown, now called Hilda. newly-built facilities near the University

Timeline of Related and Interesting Events, 1853 - 2014

ABOVE: Christian Training Institute, now Taylor College and Seminary, was first located at 10810 - 78 Avenue, Edmonton. The sign shown here now hangs in a conference room in Benke Hall.

7German Baptist Churches in North America changed its name to the North American Baptist Conference.

1946 – Rev. Ethel Ruff, pastor of a church in Wetaskiwin, appointed a full faculty member of CTI as part of a cooperating agreement with the BGC.

1947 – A massive oil discovery in Leduc would lead to a new era in the history of Edmonton and Alberta.

1949 – The NAB seminary in Rochester, NY relocated to Sioux Falls, SD, and changed its name to North American Baptist Seminary.

1950 – Rev. Wahl submits resignation, citing exhaustion. Board votes not to accept, gives 3-month sabbatical.

1955 – CTI's 15th Anniversary. A report by Rev. E.P. Wahl to the NAB Conference indicates that 550 young people had received instruction at CTI as regular students and that another 266 had attended evening classes.

1957 – Rev. E.P. Wahl resigns as approves graduate-level education at 1998-2008 – Dr. Marvin Dewey, president of Christian Training Institute. NABC. This Inter-campus MDiv program, President

which launched in 1975, involved two 1958 – NAB Triennial Conference held at 2002 – Institution is granted the right to years of study at NABC in Edmonton the brand-new Jubilee Auditorium, the offer liberal arts degrees as a private followed by a third year at North biggest Triennial event ever with over “university college”.American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls.4,000 registered delegates. Rev. E.P.

2002 – North American Baptist College Wahl was Chairman of the local 1974 – Dr. Bernard Schalm dies of brain and Edmonton Baptist Seminary change organizing committee. He also planted a tumour; former president Dr. J Walter their names to Taylor University College new church in this year (Capilano, which Goltz called his death “the most far- and Seminary following extensive became Hillview). reaching event of the decade” for the consultation, though the change school. Dr. Schalm, the Academic Dean, 1958 – NAB Triennial approves new prompts a negative reaction from many.was the first faculty member to have a programs for CTI, including a B.Th.

2007 – Taylor announces the formation doctorate.1960 – First theological studies grad: of a new training initiative for lay people 1978 –Commonwealth Games in Edm.Peter Schroeder. (Among his classmates, and continuing education for ministry

in other programs, were notable alumni 1980 – Fully Canadian MDiv program practitioners; the new initiative would Betty Mantay and Werner Waitkus.) begins as North American Baptist be called the E P Wahl Centre.

Divinity School.1960-1970 – Dr. Albert S. Felberg, 2008 – Taylor announces the closure of President 1981 – West Edmonton Mall opens. the university college following several

years of declining enrolment.1962 – Rev. E.P. Wahl is presented with 1981-1988 – Dr. Walter J. Goltz, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by President 2008 – Dr. David Williams appointed the the school that he founded. The seventh President of the institution.1983 – Dr. E.P. Wahl dies in Leduc, AB.presentation was made during

2010 – Conservatory of Music at Taylor graduation exercises held at Central 1984 – Edmonton Oilers win first Stanley begins as part of the E P Wahl Centre.Baptist Church. Cup.2010 – The sale of 22 acres of the Taylor 1964 – CTI Alumni purchase 27 acres of 1986 – First E.P. Wahl Lectures held; Dr. campus is concluded; net proceeds from land in south Edmonton for a new Andrew MacRae was featured in the the sale are added to a permanent campus – Purchase price: $35,000. new annual lectureship.endowment that provides a source of

1965 – 25th Anniversary celebrated. 1987 – A major tornado hits the annual revenue to Taylor. These funds, Report notes that 1,370 students had Edmonton area on July 31, killing 27. along with continued strong donor attended over the years, 163 of them support, have put Taylor on a secure 1988-1997 – Dr. Paul Siewert, Presidentserving as NAB pastors/missionaries. financial footing.1990 – North American Baptist Divinity 1968 – Construction of new campus 2010 – Taylor Seminary introduces new School changes its name to Edmonton begins during an unseasonably warm 77-hour MDiv program.Baptist Seminary.winter; CTI moves and changes its name

2010 – White Cross Canada becomes 1995 – New Seminary building to North American Baptist College.part of the E P Wahl Centre at Taylor.completed.

1970-1981 – Dr. Joseph Sonnenberg, 1997 – ATS Accreditation is granted for 2015 – Taylor turns 75, and we Presidentthe Seminary. will celebrate together!1973 – NAB Conference General Council

PHOTO: The Taylor campus, still surrounded by fields, as seen looking north, around 1971.

Note the young spruce trees on the groundsand the absence of the Seminary building.


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goal of developing Christ-like leaders for tomorrow. ver the past 75 years, Taylor has gone through its share of changes. For some, it's O Fossen's association with Taylor goes back to 1972

part of the organizational package. Others see the when he arrived on campus as a 17-year-old future being carved out one change-management student, “right out of high school.” He went on to decision at a time. Still others have felt saddened by complete his seminary training in Edmonton and some of those changes—but all have a clear hope South Dakota and then returned to Taylor as an for what lies ahead for Taylor and its students. adjunct professor in the 80's. At the time he also

started pastoring at Central Baptist in Edmonton. Dr. Terry Fossen, Associate Regional Minister for the Alberta Baptist Association, says, “As I've reflected In 1992, Terry became a full-time professor; in and talked with hundreds of 2008, he re-joined the staff—this time as alumni and faculty and board Vice-President of External Relations, and members about the changes has served as a member of the Board of (at Taylor), it seems change is Trustees off and on over the past thirty in the DNA of the school. It's years. He now serves at Associate been so from the very Regional Minister with the Alberta beginning. It's always needed Baptist Association, which has its offices to keep evolving and changing.” on the Taylor campus.Some key changes are best Whether it was under the auspices of reflected by the name changes: CTI, NABC, Taylor U-C or Taylor

Seminary, Fossen has always seen - Founded in 1940 as the “great value in students' lives” as a Christian Training Institute result of the school's ministry. (CTI) which included a high

school and strong music and TOUGH CHANGESevangelism ministry,

At the same time, changes are always - Moved to a new campus and hard. When the university college become North American closed, for instance, one of the people Baptist College (NABC) in 1968, affected was the Professor of Old

Testament, Tyler Williams. He had to - Started a divinity school move over to Edmonton's King's University College (NABDS) in 1980 that would to help the Religion and Theology Department become Edmonton Baptist Seminary in 1990 complete their 4-year programs. (Academic credit (until 2002),from Taylor was transferred to King's as part of the - Shifted in 2002 to an accredited and (partially deal.) When those students completed their provincially-funded) private university, combining program, his contract expired and he became a full-degree-granting courses with spiritual formation time pastor at Greenfield Community Church.ones, and changing the name to Taylor University Tyler started at King's on July 1, 2009, the day after College and Seminary,his job with Taylor ended, and he started at - Ended undergraduate programs in 2009 to focus Greenfield on July 1, 2013, the day after his on ministry preparation through advanced contract with King's ended. Despite the abrupt degrees through Taylor Seminary and continuing changes, he says the timing was a blessing.education through the still-evolving E P Wahl Yet, Tyler says the closing of NABC still saddens him. Centre. “I still wonder if it was necessary, if that was the Along with the name changes, there was a campus best solution and if it was premature to the issues move, periods of growth and downsizing, re-and problems we were facing?”visioning, re-packaging and re-thinking—all with an Alumni Association President Eric Peters feels the eye to managing change and keeping an eye on the

Change: Part of the DNA of TaylorMembers of the Taylor Community Reflect on our first 75 Yearsby Dayna E. Mazzuca

Dr. Terry Fossen, alumnus, former prof,

trustee and V-P of External Relations

9same way, although he knows changes don't come proving to be true.” Now, he says, “if the E P Wahl easy. Centre concentrates on training lay people, which

was (Wahl's) original passion, then it's going to “At one point Taylor went through a period when it overcome the resistance we experienced with the was walking the cliff edge, when we didn't even name change to Taylor. As that is brought into know if it was going to make it out of that time. sharper focus, then they ('our critics') will see the We're not walking the edge of the cliff anymore school has not lost its focus or its ties to its today…but seminary students are attending more beginnings.” on a part-time basis than they were… and the

alumni association is somewhat perplexed about its The name Taylor comes from Hudson Taylor, one of role,” he admits. the major figures in Christian history. One of the key

innovations in Taylor's ministry was his willingness “There are still alumni who feel disenfranchised, as to change and adapt to new circumstances: by a result of the university college closing its doors,” dressing Chinese, changing his hair and lifestyle, says Peters. He wants to reach out to those people, serving across denominational lines, including in part because he is one of them. “The school I women in his work, and even preaching in temples. went to doesn't exist anymore,” says Peters who

Given Taylor’s history of change, perhaps arrived at NABC in 1968.the name Taylor is fitting for that reason

Of course, most as well.things—including our

Meanwhile, as a school, Taylor has had churches and our cities—have to adapt. For instance, Fossen explains changed since 1940, but the one of the reasons the university college loss that Peters expresses has became untenable for Taylor was that been echoed by many alumni, educational decisions must dovetail and it is fair to remember that with the career plans of students, since Taylor’s 75-year history has not dollars are fewer and time is tighter. been without challenge and

loss. “Bible school used to be seen as a way to develop spiritually while studying THE NAME CHANGEfor something else,” he says. “Today,

Peters says the most recent when deciding to pursue post-name change, from NABC to secondary Christian education, Taylor, also took some getting students are more pragmatic. They used to. He remembers receiving ask, 'What's in it for me?'” (by accident) an email outlining

President Dr. David Williams says 10 or 15 possible new name closing the university college wasn't changes. Peters didn't like any of

simply a matter of having (or finding) enough them, and contacted a communicationmoney.s company to help advise the school. “The cost was becoming so high, it became a Many schools change their names – indeed, this matter of good stewardship. We (the Board and was not even our first name change. But it is clear other decision makers) wondered if this was God that the name change in 2002 was met with leading us to a different use of our resources.” unhappiness, even antagonism, from some

quarters. Over time, the issue has faded and people While the Seminary has long been a large part of have come to embrace the new name, but current Taylor, the E P Wahl Centre is newer and is just Board Chair Bob Teskey jokes that he still has starting to come into its own—in part because it bruises all over his body from the fallout of that opened just as the university college was shutting decision. down in 2008/09.

Dr. Willy Muller, whose relationship with the school Fossen thinks Taylor's current focus on providing goes back to 1942 when he enrolled at CTI, recalls seminary education aligns well with today's the name selection coming down to two students' more career-related needs, and, together possibilities: Taylor or E P Wahl. with the E.P. Wahl Centre, offers exemplary spiritual

formation opportunities. The rising age of the “It was felt that the name 'Taylor' would have average student (from 25 to 35) reflects the greater worldwide appeal,” he says, “and it's

Dr. Willy Muller has been associated with

Taylor for 72 years of our 75 year history.


10complexity of people's lives and the need to make kingdom of God in practical, theologically-informed, any post-secondary education work with other life- personally-sustainable ways.related issues. “I'm not a visionary,” Peters says, “but at the same “In a nutshell,” says Fossen, “I'd say the changes (at time I can see that the undergirding for doing a lot Taylor) have always been necessary to reflect the is there. We're moving and we're moving in a good changing needs of churches and respond to the direction… I think the quality of the education that shifts in the needs for education. We sensed the they're getting there right now is really second to university was not viable [in terms of finances or none.”enrolment].” Terry remembers 2008-09 as One of the professors on the front lines of ‘emotionally-laden days’ but says the focus on equipping students to share the gospel in an mission remained strong. “We knew we wanted to informed, comprehensive way is Taylor's Professor equip people to be effective ministers in a post- of Historical Theology, Dr. Randal Rauser.Christian world.”

Rauser was attending a megachurch in metro After making some hard decisions along the way (to Vancouver when he decided to change to an NAB sell some of the land, for instance) and finding ways church in 1996. He later got a job teaching at to think outside the box Briercrest College in southern (through the E P Wahl Centre Saskatchewan when he heard about a and by partnering with other position open at Taylor and looked into organizations such as Urban it. He was hired as an assistant professor Sanctuary and Vanguard in 2003 and was promoted to full College), hopes run high for professorship in 2014.the future of Taylor and its

With a different perspective and shorter students.history with the school than Eric or

“We have not been seeing the Tyler, the changes at Taylor didn't rock same number of young Rauser's world in the same way, (Christian) leaders emerging, although they “have made life but we pray that this is precisely interesting,” he says.what we'll see through the E P

As part of his course load, Dr. Rauser Wahl Centre. The seminary is teaches church history. “We learn who stable and reputable, and the we are by learning where we come Wahl Centre is positioned to from and when you study church serve younger people in a new history,” he says, “you learn about the way,” says Fossen. Overall, he ways that the Holy Spirit has led us feels confident the seminary and

into truth (over time). You also learn E P Wahl Centre are well about all the dead-ends and questions people had positioned to meet students' needs today—and along the way.”tomorrow.“At some points there have been degrees of “One thing I know from working within the region, uncertainty,” admits Rauser. “Certainly in higher the churches that are the healthiest, in whatever education and Christian higher education, way they want to define health, are those churches questions of how to proceed are not unusual. It where leaders are being developed. And we have happens even in the corporate world. It's a been blessed to have institutions like Taylor where reflection of the wider culture as well—change.”leaders are finding time to pull away for a time to For the Taylor community, Rauser says the one be developed. Where goes good leadership, so goes thing change does is to “drag you back to become a a good church. Some things never change, and community of prayer.” that's one of them. The goal is still to share the

gospel.” For Randal, the question is always: How can we best develop Christ-minded leaders in the world?Eric Peters agrees. “Does the fundamental message

of Christ change over the decades? No. Does how “Answering that,” he says, “means that we have to we present it? It had better,” says Peters, who likes the approach of the seminary and E P Wahl Centre of making sure people are equipped to serve in the

Dr. Randal Rauser teaches theology

and is a prolific author and blogger.

CHANGE article, continued on page 11

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11

adapt, change and be proactive.” Community Church, he is also grateful that the church supports his continued teaching, such as the CHANGE: THE ONLY CONSTANTcourse he will teach at Taylor Seminary in January.

It seems to be one of the truisms of our times, that Tyler says numerous other churches are doing the change is the only constant. As a former student same, getting involved and providing the feedback, ('88) and professor (1997-09), Pastor Tyler Williams encouragement and support that is needed.knows that Taylor will need to continue adjusting its

It turns out that change is not only unavoidable, but methods and means to serve the changing needs of it is necessary and good. And intentional change is students. “I know the seminary is actively trying to best made in response to what is happening on the work through some things, and for those of us who ground—in the churches and in the culture.support it, we need to be involved.”Dayna Mazzuca is a writer and writing coach who lives in the

One of the ways Tyler’s church is staying involved BC Lower Mainland. She has been a contributor to The Bridge with Taylor is by hosting various events (such as the on numerous occasions over the years and says she enjoyed

speaking with members of the Taylor community for this article.2014 onWORD Conference) and seminars and lectures. As the lead pastor at Greenfield

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CHANGE article, continued from page 10


2015:a timeto celebrate

January 2, 2015, 1 PM - 3 PMBirthday cake! We invite all students, former students, faculty/staff and former faculty/staff, current and former trustees – and all of our friends – to join us for this kick-off event for our 75th.

January 20, 2015, 10:15 AMThe first Taylor Seminary Chapel Service of the Winter Semester will be a commemoration of God’s faithfulness over 75 years. Please join us for special music, speakers and memories and a time of prayer – Everyone is welcome.

The above events will take place at Taylor Seminary:11525 – 23 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6J 4T3

Other Events in 2015The following events are being planned in conjunction with alumni and friends. Not all details are confirmed, so visit our website for more information: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/75.

May 30Motorcycle Rally and BBQ for alumni and friends who like to ride! (Rainout Date: June 6)

June 27-July 11Alumni Bus Tour to Triennial (see details on pg. 14)

July 1-4Triennial Conference in Sacramento, with numerous ways to connect as a Taylor community.

Dates to be confirmed:- Tobogganing and skating party- Classic Games Events: Rook, Dutch Blitz, etc.)- “Throw Back Thursday”-- a series of classes

featuring former profs.- Tree-planting Ceremony

www.Taylor-Edu.ca/7575th Anniversary event details,

Join us and share your memories and comments!articles, photos, and more.


1.

in pictures | Fall 201412

6.5.

9.

7.

10.

8.

2.

3. 4.2.

1.

2014. His three children were Taylor alumni: Myron ('98), Jason ('89), and Sonja Guderjan ('92).Claudia Mueller of Edmonton passed away

In Sympathy suddenly in November at the age of 88. Along with her husband, Richard, Claudia was often at Taylor Helen Siewert, wife of former president for luncheon meetings of the Jubilee’rs; she was Dr. Paul Siewert, has passed away. The also significantly involved in White Cross through Siewerts, married for 59 years, have Central Baptist Church. The family requested that in been living in Prior Lake, Minnesota in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Taylor recent years following a lifetime of Seminary in Claudia's memory.ministry that included pastoral work in

Leduc and Vancouver, Minot, ND and Rochester, Rev. Klaus Hildebrandt (Bothwell, ON), passed MN. Paul Siewert served as president of Taylor away on March 25, 2014. He served as a member (NABC) from 1988-1997. The obituary for Helen of the Taylor Board of Trustees from 1979-1985.included the following tribute: “Helen never ceased, Two friends of Taylor, both from Wiesenthal Baptist even when racked by the cruelty of illness, to always Church, passed away this summer. Betty Blade died retain her wonderful smile, gracious attitude and on June 2, and Darlene Dreger died on July 27. evidence of her faith in the providence of God.” “Darlene’s love, commitment and support of NAB Thabea “Tabby” Walters White Cross was very evident.” (Note included with (Edmonton, AB) passed memorial donations to White Cross in her honor.)away on July 30, 2014 at Alumni Newsthe age of 87. Tabby Rob Merrifield (’73) has left his position as a worked in the Taylor library Member of Parliament to become a key trade for a number of years and representative for the Alberta government in was quite involved in the Washington, D.C. In November 2014, Maclean’s Alumni Association. She Magazine ranked Merrifield as #32 on its list of the also has a scholarship named after her. most important people in Canada. Rob was named Judy Atherton, who served in the Taylor library for one of Taylor’s Distinguished Alumni in 2003.a number of years, passed away in November 2014 Joshua Clayton and his wife Ashley welcomed after a battle with cancer. She left Taylor in May Andrew James Clayton on August 21, a little 2009, and in her farewell email to colleagues at that brother for 2-year old Katheryn Grace.time Judy wrote, “I have had the pleasure of

Two of our recent Taylor Seminary grads are working with and getting to know some of the

newlyweds. Juliana (nee Bienert, ‘10) and Greg finest people. I have learned a lot from all of you

Christensen were married on August 9th.and will carry what you have taught me throughout

Becky (nee Lengefeld, ‘09) and Eyira Kato were my work life and I have fond memories of being

married in Japan on April 26, 2015. The couple part of this team.”

continue to serve in ministry in Japan, though Nathan Gitzel, who provided IT services to Taylor in

Becky’s term as a missionary to Japan has ended.recent years and became a close colleague without

Congratulations to Chantelle (2007-09) and Jeff being an employee, passed away July 20, 2014.

Behrends on the birth of their daughter Elizabeth Larry Krause (Calgary, AB) passed away July 15,

May on August 22.

13News and Notes

PREVIOUS PAGE: of the E P Wahl Centre. | 2. Carolyn Arends signs autographs during a break at the Church Administrative Professionals’ Symposium. Carolyn sang and was a featured presenter at this Wahl Centre event. | 3. Long-time missionary to Cameroon, Betty Mantay, chats with White Cross Director Dr. Keir Hammer. Both of them took part in a White Cross evening, reporting on a trip to Cameroon in 2014. | 4. Rev. Jacky Lau (’02), missionary and international church planter, standing with Dr. Allan Effa after a Taylor Seminary chapel service. | 5. Sheryl Grunwald (’83, ‘95), who works with an organization called Kidzana, is seen speaking at a chapel service at Taylor Seminary. She described the world’s 2.5-billion children as the largest unreached people group in the world.| 6. Former students Chelsea Laser and Ellen Sabo during a break at the annual onWORD Conference, held at Greenfield Community Church in October 2014. | 7. Dr. Terry LeBlanc, opens the #JusticeYEG conference at Beulah Alliance Church with drumming and singing a hymn in Cree. | 8. Dr. Peter Enns was the featured speaker at the 2014 onWORD Conference. He spoke about how to read the Bible faithfully. | 9. Dr. Eric Ohlmann, pictured at a staff farewell. Eric served as Academic Dean (Interim) at Taylor Seminary on two occasions in recent years, and led Taylor’s recent ATS self-study as part of a successful re-accreditation process. He is also a former student from CTI. | 10. Danielle Strickland of Edmonton, speaking at #JusticeYEG; this annual event was held at Beulah Alliance Church in November 2014.

1. Dr. Ralph Korner speaks at a Taylor Chapel service as he begins serving in his new role as Academic Dean and Director


14Campus NewsNew Entry UpgradesTaylor Seminary is more Congratulations to Joel and Megan Tolhurst on the accessible after the birth of their son James in the spring.installation of a new Jesse (’04, ’09) and Diana (nee Lohse, ‘01) Fox have automated door been blessed with a new son, Jonathan Andrew, opening system at the born November 19 – a little brother for Sam.main entrance. A Faculty and Staff Newshandrail has also been

Taylor has hired a new Academic Dean, and added added along the sidewalk from the parking lot to

capacity in the Wahl Centre by hiring a new the entrance. These upgrades will make the campus

Director. Dr. Ralph Korner, an alumnus of the safer and easier to visit for many of our guests.

school and former Campus Pastor for Taylor University College, is filling this dual role, and will also hold the rank of Associate Professor of Biblical Studies (he will teach courses from time to time). Ralph replaces Dr. Eric Ohlmann, who has been serving as Academic Dean on an interim basis in recent years. Eric, who grew up in this area and attended CTI, now lives in Chicago and is looking forward to spending more time at home.

We invite you to share your news with us -- marriages, moves, babies, careers... we want to note these important events! Please stay in touch by email: [email protected]. Telephone: 780-431-5200

Alumni Updates

Hosted by the Taylor College & Seminary Alumni Association

You are invited to join the Taylor Alumni Association for a wonderful 14-day coach tour from Edmonton to California. Travel through Idaho and Oregon to San Francisco, where you will enjoy a harbour cruise, then head to Sacramento.

After spending July 1-5 in Sacramento during the Triennial Conference, head towards home starting with a visit to the redwood forest and a drive through Avenue of the Giants. Next, it’s two days in Newport, OR with a hotel on the beach, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy

ththe natural wonders of Oregon. July 9 and 10 see you heading to the Bavarian community of Leavenworth, WA, then on through the beautiful Okanagan to Three Valley

thGap in British Columbia, arriving home on July 11 .

NOTE: You do NOT have to be an alumni to join us, and you are welcome even if not attending the Triennial Conference.

th

Join your fellow Taylor Alumni on a

14-Day Coach Tour to the

Triennial Conferencein Sacramento

Your ticket includes:

• Admission to the planned attractions • All lodging• All breakfasts (except in Sacramento)• Some lunches/dinners & coffee breaks

To secure your seat, a non-refundable deposit is required. You must contact the Alumni Association soon to indicate your interest and to get more information.

For more information and to secure your spot, please contact TAA President Eric Peters at (780) 619-0910 or email [email protected].

NEWS & NOTES, continued from page 13

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other leaders who also were experiencing what John n May 2014, a group of men and women sat Ortberg calls “the parasites that seek to feed on the around a campfire in the foothills of the Canadian Ichurch leader’s spirit.”Rockies, enjoying the warmth and staring into the

flickering flames. We were also enjoying a chance to Over several years I have studied the toxic impact on be quiet, to be still with other colleagues in ministry, the inner life that comes with vocational Christian and to reflect on the health of our inner lives. ministry, identifying the resources (people and Without an agenda, the conversation ebbed and books) that address the issue. Together with some flowed: stories, laughter, encouragement, colleagues, we have launched the Healthy Pastors challenges – all shared in confidence with others on Initiative and have created some forums designed the same journey. for Christian leaders, where they can slow down,

decompress and attend to the condition of their A PASSION BORN OF EXPERIENCEinner lives. The annual THRiVE Conference is one of As the coordinator of the Healthy Pastors Initiative

our signature events. It of the E P Wahl Centre at addresses five themes that Taylor, I was privileged to be pastors need to pay attention on hand for this gathering at to, in order to thrive rather THRiVE 2014 and to share my than survive. passion for pastoral health. In We will let you listen in on addition to my part-time role that conversation around the at the Wahl Centre, I also campfire, repeating what serve in pastoral ministry at some of the leaders shared in McKernan Baptist Church, and their evaluations: I know all too well the

cumulative toll that the stress � “feeling of being re-of ministry can take. Having energized-hope!”been in ministry for 37 years, I

� “very refreshing, energizing” have experienced the agony � “these days have equipped and ecstasy of life in ministry. me with practical information My personal journey in and tools to become healthier ministry includes a season of in ministry family and darkness and burnout at mid-personal life” life. Walking through this � “it's OK to struggle, be deep dark valley resulted in vulnerable, and experience understanding and accepting the sovereignty of God” myself, my limits, my losses,

my shattered dreams, as well � “very valuable time”as understanding my

We invite you and your strengths and calling in a fresh

spouse to consider joining us way. This season of

for THRiVE 2015, May 19-22 restoration that followed led

at Camp Caroline. Come and to a new perspective of the value of being loved by

explore with us the factors that contribute to God unconditionally, and finding the freedom and

experiencing the joy and satisfaction of living and joy to live and serve out of my authentic and broken

leading out of a healthy, vibrant inner life!self. It is amazing to encounter Christ in my broken

Pastor Sam Nikkel provides passionate leadership to the Healthy places and deeply experience his kindness and Pastors Initiative of the E P Wahl Centre at Taylor. He also serves

gentleness. Discovering this new season of freedom as a member of the pastoral team at McKernan Baptist Church and deep joy led me to desire to walk alongside in Edmonton, AB.

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Ministry ResilienceWahl Centre Fosters Long-term Health in Ministryby Pastor Sam Nikkel

Having been in ministry for 37 years, I have experienced the agony and ecstasy of life in ministry. - Pastor Sam Nikkel


ver the years, many alumni of Taylor the girls and manages the finances and curriculum O(including CTI, NABC/DS, EBS) have served in for Sonshine Christian Academy, and also serves at cross-cultural ministry around the world. One of the their local church.places where a high number of alumni have served As Field Director, Cal is an important liaison to the is Cameroon, including Myrtle Hein (the first of our North American Baptist Conference Cameroon. students to serve there), by Trudy Schatz, Betty However, his boss is the General Secretary of the Mantay, Ardice Ziolkowski, Dr. Dieter Lemke, Dr. Cameroon Baptist Convention – and that is Willy Muller, Elmer and Ellen Breitkreuz, Elsie important. Decades ago, the NAB dissolved their Lewandowski and numerous others. We have had a organization in Cameroon and folded their work number of students from Cameroon come to Taylor under the umbrella of national leaders.to study as well, and faculty from Taylor have taught

The work has thrived under this arrangement: courses at Cameroon Baptist Theological Seminary.Cameroon Baptist Convention consists of 1,000

One of well-known figures in the Cameroon Baptist churches (in a country of 21-million people), Convention is Cal Hohn ('87), the NAB Field Director. operates two seminaries with a combined student Cal first served in Cameroon from 1989-1991, population of 450 (Cal sits on the board of both following graduation from NABC. He returned to seminaries), and operates 85 primary schools and 15 North America to attend Western Seminary in 1993, secondary schools (the biggest has 900 residential then headed back to west Africa in 1997 for a 1-year students). The Chosen Children initiative, which internship with the Fulani people. In February 1999, cares for AIDS orphans by placing them with care-he moved to Cameroon and stayed until July '07. He givers in their communities, is serving 2,000 children was appointed as NAB Field Director at that time, – an essential ministry of compassion.but began a one year home assignment before There are many ministry initiatives of CBC, but the assuming his duties as FD in 2008. most prominent is CBC Health Services. This non-Cal lives in Bamenda with his wife Susanne and their profit health organization has grown to become a two girls, Ysabelle and Elianna. Susie home-schools world leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, and a


16


Alumni Profile - Cal HohnStudent: NABC, ‘87 (Bachelor of Arts in Religion)Current Hometown: Bamenda, Cameroon“I ”

ndependence is a value found nowhere in Scripture. In the Bible, the priority is placed on inter-dependance

PHOTO: Sitting at an outdoor restaurant in Douala, Field Director Cal Hohn (’87) discusses White Cross and the ministry opportunity in Cameroon with two guests from Taylor. Dr. Keir Hammer, director of White Cross Canada, and Bridge editor Tim Willson spent ten days with Cal in Cameroon, along with JJ Williams, director of White Cross, US, visiting numerous hospitals and health centers and meeting their White Cross counterparts in the west African country.

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supported. The question often comes with the implication that it has been long enough, that the Cameroonian field should stand on its own.

Cal’s reply is very simple. “I tell people that independence is a value found nowhere in Scripture. In the Bible, the priority is placed on inter-dependance, partnership, serving together.”

That is a value that Cal and Susie live out in in their work in west Africa. In addition to serving as Field Director for the NAB, CBC and CMF, he is also taking on the role of Director of Cooperating Missions, involving NAB, BGC/Converge, World Team and CMF. One important role is supervising ex-pats who volunteer in Cameroon.

“We are averaging 300 volunteers per year coming to CBC,” he says. That involves a lot of planning and paperwork – all in the name of partnership and serving together.

Another question that Cal is asked often is, “What about Ebola?” Thankfully, Cameroon has remained major provider of medical care “to all who need it as Ebola-free, and Cal reminds people that malaria and an expression of Christian love and as a means of HIV/AIDS are far bigger threats than Ebola. witness in order that they might be brought to God

through Jesus Christ.” Cal hosted a team from Taylor as part of the 2014 White Cross visit, and the effectiveness and joy in his Cal says he is often asked by North Americans about work was a blessing to behold.how long the Cameroonian mission field should be TB

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On November 4, 2014, Dr. Ralph Korner spoke at the Taylor Seminary Chapel Service; it was his second day on the job as Academic Dean and Director of the E P Wahl Centre.

He spoke about his own journey, which included an earlier stint at Taylor as Campus Pastor at Taylor University College from 2000-2001 and 2002-2006; he also served as adjunct instructor for Taylor University College in NT from 2002-2007. He is also an alumnus of Taylor ('82, BAR). Ralph also has 11 years of pastoral experience at two NAB churches in Edmonton.

Ralph expressed his passion for the task of theological education, of equipping students holistically to be not only 'Christ-minded' but Christ-like and to be stewards of God's grace in the world.

“I envision a well-rounded seminary education as being one that is, among other things, theologically refined, philosophically attuned, academically grounded, socio-historically informed, pedagogically flexible, ecclesiastically focused, culturally relevant, politically astute, multiculturally sensitive, gender inclusive, morally attentive, transformationally authentic, spiritually deepening, emotionally affirming, collegially relational, holistically integrated, personally rewarding, and financially affordable.

"I am so privileged to be here, and I'm looking forward to digging into this role.” TB

Ralph Korner ReturnsAccepts Role as Academic Deanand Director of E P Wahl Centre

ABOVE: Cal Hohn (’87) laughs as he helps receive a shipment of White Cross supplies from Canada at Central Pharmacy in Mutengene (May 2014). The White Cross ministries of churches in North America has been a vital source of medical supplies in Cameroon for decades, and remain more important than ever as the CBC Health Services continues to see rapid growth in demand for medical care.


18

s Taylor celebrates our 75th anniversary, we president, wanting to build a more stable and secure Aare compelled to look back, marveling on the future for the institution, this became a focus of abundance of grace that has marked our journey. No thought and discussion. The best solution seemed to one at CTI on that first snowy day of class on January be a partnership with another institution(s).2, 1940 could have imagined anything like the However, across the institution we have pursued a impact on the kingdom across the world that would number of adaptive changes over these years, not grow out of this effort. merely technical ones. That is, we have worked As Taylor celebrates our 75th anniversary, we are hard to think “outside the box,” to think differently, also compelled to look forward: What is God calling to change our frame of reference in addressing our us to do, and what steps need to be taken in challenges. obedience? A history marked by God's faithfulness is The most significant change has been the also a reassuring reminder: We are not in this alone. development of the E P Wahl Centre but there have During the meetings of the Board of Trustees in been others, such as the restructuring of staff and March 2014, I called attention to a distinction made administration and the significant increase in by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky in their book, revenue streams. Leadership on the Line (HUP, 2002), to help frame The most recent change made in the structure of the nature of the challenges we face here at Taylor our faculty, adding part-time professors to our core as we move into the future. The distinction Heifetz faculty, has been significant. Together, these changes and Linsky make is one between technical have bridged the gap and given us confidence challenges and adaptive challenges. regarding our long-term sustainability.Technical challenges call on the “expert” in order to That is not to say that we should stop looking for address them. That is, the knowledge to make the partnerships with other educational institutions. I “right fix” is out there in the community and, once believe that partnerships will be more and more addressed, you see incremental growth/progress. important as we move forward. It is to say that the Adaptive challenges are more difficult because it driver is no longer long-term sustainability but assumes that “the right answer” may not exist, that rather the advancement of our mission and vision in we may be required to change the way we do stronger and more credible ways. things, the way we think about things, the very WHERE WE ARE GOINGframework within which we attempt to address the

This is good news! It allows us to look to the future challenges we face. without partnership questions entering every

WHERE WE HAVE BEEN discussion. We have made some hard changes, but Since 2010, one of my concerns about our long-term God has shown Himself to be faithful in His provision health and stability dealt with the way we delivered to us over and over again. We must be confident graduate educational programs as a freestanding that He will do so in the future as we follow His lead. institution. That assessment was based largely on It is time for us to look to the future with full the assumption that the challenges that faced assurance that God has provided us with all the seminary education were technical challenges. That financial and human resources we need to do what is, given a certain set of assumptions (notably He has called us to do.enrolment and staffing), incremental change would

Our mission statement, reformulated in 2002, “to not overtake the increasing cost of services for develop Christ-minded leaders who make a providing seminary education. It was about much difference in the world” is a fine articulation of what more than finances, but our best projections of we are about. It has deep resonance with what we revenues and expenses always left a gap of between have done, what we are doing, and what we want to $130K and $200K per year—not overwhelming, but continue to do here at Taylor. also not sustainable over the long term. As

The Next 75: Looking to the FutureFour Themes from our Past to Guide Us Forwardby David Williams, PhD



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19with a particular viewpoint. On the whole, however, students appreciate the opportunity to be challenged, to think for themselves, and to have a variety of views presented and defended by the faculty. This is an important heritage.

THIRD: Another resource is our historic commitment to ministry in a cross-cultural perspective. Historically this has been called “intercultural ministry” or “missions” and it has signaled a deep commitment to take the gospel beyond the confines of our own place, society, and culture in obedience to Christ's Great Commission. The world has now come to North America and opportunities for cross-cultural ministry are as simple as walking next door.

As this reality takes firmer hold in our lives we become ever more aware of how our own understanding of scripture, of theology, of the

What gets less attention is our vision statement, gospel itself is intricately interwoven with our which is: Taylor will be the learning centre of choice culture and its values, commitments, and for Christian service. prejudices. Our cross-cultural perspectives and

experience provide deep resources as we move into I think it is time to give attention through hard work the future God has for us.and prayerful discernment to what it would mean

for that to be a reality. FOURTH: The final resource that can provide direction for the future is our heritage as the FRAMING THE QUESTION WITH OUR HISTORYtradition of Walter Rauschenbusch and his

I believe that our vision best grows out of the deep commitment to a gospel of justice. This heritage has

resources of who we already are. Our future is deeply impacted our NAB missions (notably in

connected to, and grows out of, our historical places like Cameroon). Dr. Wahl had a deep

identity. As we discuss our focus for the next few commitment to the justice vision of Rauschenbusch,

years, it is important to take stock of who we are. and that impacted the formation of Taylor.

FIRST: I think one of the chief markers of who we are This heritage is particularly important as churches

as an institution is that our educational programs become more aware of the implications of the

make a deep impact on the lives of our students. gospel on social issues and on the cultures in which

What I hear most often when I talk to our alumni is we are called to live out that gospel. It is not an

the personal transformation and deep impact Taylor overstatement to say that among young people,

has made on their lives. That impact set the engaging matters of justice is one of the central tests

trajectory of their lives of faithful service to the for the church: Does the gospel we proclaim address

Kingdom of God wherever they have gone. A Taylor the material as well as spiritual needs of people?

education transforms the lives of our students.CONCLUSION

SECOND: A second resource is our broadly These four historical resources are deep resources ecumenical stance within the evangelical tradition. on which we can draw as we move forward. I also Although we are from an evangelical Baptist believe they connect strongly with what God desires theological tradition, we are a hospitable context for in the world and what God's Spirit is bringing about those who share neither our evangelical nor our as He moves and guides Christ-followers today. Baptist commitments. This generosity of spirit was

particularly strong in our founder Rev. E.P. Wahl and We are in a new day at Taylor and I find that very continues to permeate our classes today. exciting. What faces us now is the opportunity and

mandate to dream, discern, and design together Our faculty does a great job in pushing students to what our future will look like.think for themselves, to wrestle with and assess

their commitments. This doesn't make everyone Dr. David Williams has been the President of Taylor since 2008. happy: sometimes people want to be given “the Originally from Texas, he shows a surprisingly – almost Canadian

right answer” and some want us to be more in line – tolerance for cold weather and snowstorms.

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ABOVE: Dr. David Williams shares a laugh during a faculty and staff gathering at Taylor in November 2014.


20 more of our history in photos | a legacy of music



Music has always been important at the school. From the beginning, students played in the CTI Orchestra or sang in groups with names like the Choralettes and the Melodians and the Melodaires, the King’s Couriers and Gottes Fackeltraeger (Torchbearer). While still student in 1951, future Taylor (NABC) President Paul Siewert sang with the Gospel Heralds (above). That same year, Ardath Schmierer was part of the Glory Gospel Trio (above, right). Ardath’s son, Taylor Professor Dr. Allan Effa, says 1951 was the year his parents met. Ardath was standing on the front steps of CTI when his future father, Herman Effa, approached with suitcases in hand as a new student. Ardath offered to help carry the bags, and a friendship grew, and they later married. Many of these singing groups also

participated in the long-running radio program of the school, during which Rev. E.P. Wahl shared a message.

21more of our history in photos | campus changes

ABOVE: The 20th Anniversary Edition of the CTI Promoter included this photo of the laying of the cornerstone at CTI, taken in June 1939 (see article, pg.3). In an accompanying article, Rev. E.P. Wahl wrote: “From the city of Edmonton, lots situated pretty much on the south border of the city were purchased for the price of $150 and less a lot. Today, those same lots would sell for $4,000 a piece.”

ABOVE: celebrated the school’s history, and included the photo below with the caption, “27 acres of land purchased by the Alumni Association in 1964 for relocation of the School.” That land, costing $35,000, was quite far south of the nearest residential development. The purchase led to the construction of a new campus on 23rd Avenue and the school’s first name change, from Christian Training Institute to North American Baptist College. It would be known by that name for almost 40 years before becoming Taylor in 2002.BELOW:This photo shows the campus of North American Baptist College in the early 1970s.

The 25th Anniversary Edition of the CTI Promoter also


22 more of our history in photos | publicizing the school

One of the earliestpublications from CTI.

1942-43.

FROM THE ARCHIVESAbove: Early Handbook, with hand-drawn CTI Logo.

Above Right: The CTI Promoter was an annual publicationfor many years. Below: NABC Calendar and Catalogue,

both from the 1990’s. Below Right: Edmonton Baptist SeminaryCatalogue from the 1990’s.

New Name for AlumniNewsletter, 1985: THE BRIDGE.

Kurt Redschlag, Editor(from Pg. 2)(from Pg. 2)

ABOVE:Catalogue cover art celebrates the

move from CTI to the new campus in 1968and the school’s new identity as NABC.

RIGHT: The cover of the Spring/Summeredition of the Bridge in 2002

introduced the name TAYLOR.



2015 E.P. Wahl LecturesTaylor is pleased to announce the 30th Annual E.P. Wahl Lectures, featuring Dr. Phil Kenneson, a professor of theology and philosophy at Milligan College and a leader at the Ekklesia Project (www.ekklesiaproject.org), where he leads an initiative dealing with congregational formation.

Seeing Christ’s Body as “our first family,” The Ekklesia Project aims to put discipleship and the Church as an alternative community of practices, worship, and integration at the center of contemporary debates on Christianity and society.

March 20, 2015 | Four lectures, featuring Dr. Phil Kenneson“Bearing Witness to the Patience of God” If the church is called to be an embodied sign of God's kingdom, the shape of that sign and that kingdom will bear, by God's grace, something of the marks of God's character. This session explores the biblical and theological witness to God's patience.

“Bearing the Fruit of Patience in a World Addicted to Speed”Although the church is called to embody, even if imperfectly, something of God's patience in the world, it never does so in a cultural vacuum. This session takes up patience as a fruit of God's Spirit and explores some of the cultural obstacles and opportunities to embodying such a virtue in contemporary cultures.

“Embodying the Patience of God: Slow Church Practices” If the contemporary church sought to embody a different relationship to time, a different rhythm, what might this look like? Some have called it “slow church.” This session sketches some of the historic practices of the church many congregations already engage in that might be used by God to cultivate such a common life.

“Embodying the Patience of God: More Slow Church Practices”Although there is no universal blueprint for embodying the patience of God, there are plenty of practices in the Christian tradition that might enliven our imaginations about what this might look like. This session examines some additional practices that might nurture such an embodied witness.

DATE: Friday, March 20, 2015LOCATION: Taylor Seminary, 11525 – 23 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3COST: $69.99 – Save $20 when you register before February 28, 2015, just $49.99REGISTER: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/EventsThe 2015 Wahl Lectures will be recorded and made available on our website following the event: www.Taylor-Edu.ca/AudioArchives

ABOUT THE E.P. WAHL LECTURES

In 1986, shortly after the death of founder Dr. E.P. Wahl, a new lectureship was established in his memory. Dr. Andrew MacRae was the first presenter, speaking on Evangelism: Its Theology and Practice and a succession of distinguished speakers have followed in the years since.

These lectures have become an important continuing education event for those in the practice of ministry, but also provide some of the most popular and widely accessed recordings in the Taylor Audio Archives, which are available online to visitors from around the world.

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Patience of God

the Church as Sign

KingdomKingdomKingdomKingdomPracticing the


Taylor alumni are invited to submit photographs, paintings and other visual art projects for publication or display on campus. Learn more at www.Taylor-Edu.ca/creative

Missio Dei (2014), Se'ali (William Bumuh)Acrylic on canvas, multi-media

11525 - 23 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 4T3

ABOUT THIS IMAGEMissio Dei is Latin for “the mission of God”. This piece was commissioned by Cal Hohn (’87), who wanted it to hang in his office. Cal has served in Cameroon since 1989 and as NAB Field Director in Cameroon since 2008; he began serving in west Africa shortly after finishing his Bachelor of Religion program at Taylor (NABC).

ABOUT THE ARTISTSe'ali (William Bumuh), is a multi-talented artist from Bamenda, Cameroon, including composing and producing his own music and films. He has a connection to Taylor, however, as he lived on campus for approximately one year as a child when his father, Rev. Alfred Bumuh (’89), who was a student at Taylor Seminary (then Edmonton Baptist Seminary), earned his MTS. (Rev. Bumuh is now retired and lives in Maryland.) Cal writes: “Se'ali does much of his painting outside his studio along the street - to inspire others and pique their interests. Over the course of the 5 months working on Missio Dei, he led two neighbourhood youth to Jesus, as they became so intrigued with what he was doing and began to hang around. In the end these two guys helped Se'ali deliver the piece to my office and they prayed over the painting and me - can you believe that?”

the bridge fall 2014

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