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I taught the Gospel of Mark this past school year for a men's Bible study here on campus. As we worked our way through the Passion narrative, I was struck with how little Mark dwelled on the physical aspects of the crucifixion, focusing more, rather, on the social degradation and shame of the events of Passion Week. The mockery, the shame, the betrayal, the abandonment, the scandalous accusations—these dominate Mark's narrative. Given Peter's likely relationship with Mark, I often reflected on 1 Peter 2:23 during my study. "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (NIV)
Certainly one of the more severe tests we face as leaders in ministry is responding with the humility and faith of the Lord Jesus to criticism, slander and insults, however unjust and malevolent they may be. The desire to lash back, to fabricate some sense of justice, often overwhelms our desire to be Christlike. But be like Christ we must. If the eternal Son of God, when slandered and demeaned, entrusted Himself to the eternal Father who judges all justly, how much more must we do the same.
Trusting,
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What has been happening in your life? We want to know! Send us your photos, plus updates (e.g. weddings, births, anniversaries, career changes, etc.), to and we'll highlight it right here in the Alumni Connection. We look forward to "seeing" you!
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Jim Blankenbaker (M.A. Old Testament 1986)
Hello friends from long ago! I am still alive! But not 100% well; I have MS. But at least I am not in a wheel chair! I served for 12 years as a United Methodist pastor before I came down with the disease. My typing skills are terrible because of the disease, but I would love to hear from some of you. Phone calls would be welcomed (540)948-4233.
Gary Elkins (M.A. PR, 1982)
We have added a granddaughter to the family ("Madi" Phoenix Elkins) as of September 2010, who was born to our daughter and husband Mark and Jackie Elkins (Atlanta, GA). I recently received (December 2010) an M.A. in bioethics from Trinity Graduate School. Finally, I am completing my 12th year as professor of philosophy at Toccoa Falls College.
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Dave Falconer (1963-1968)
While attending Denver Seminary I served as pastor of the Bethany Baptist Church in Denver, CO. In 1963 I moved to Mesa, AZ to be the founding pastor of Trinity Baptist Church. After serving 26 years Joyce and I started Networking4Missions and began serving with Missions Door. We continue to serve as Special Representatives in the Southwest for Missions Door. We have completed 60 years in active ministry and recently honored with Pastor Emeritus of Trinity Baptist. In 1986 our partners (Dr. Ken Stephens & Myra Falconer) were called home and God has given us a second chapter in our lives filled with new challenges for the past 23 years. We will always be thankful for our years in Denver, many friends and lessons learned that have carried us through an exciting journey.
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Roger E. Hedlund (BD 1963)
After many long delays, the book, Indian and Christian: The Life and Legacy of Pandita Ramabai, was released on March 26, 2011 in New Delhi (published by ISPCK (Delhi) on behalf of MIIS (Chennai) and CMS/UBS (Pune). The book is an outcome of an international consultation held in 2005 at Pune, India, on the theme "Indian and Christian: the life and contributions of Pandita Ramabai" of which I was but one among the 15 contributors of essays. I eventually became one of the editors. The volume is edited by Roger E. Hedlund, Sebastian Kim, and Rajkumar Boaz Johnson.
Peter Heim (M.Div. 2009) & Erin Heim (M.A. Biblical Studies, New Testament 2009)
Peter and Erin recently moved to Dunedin, New Zealand. Erin is earning a PhD in Theology (New Testament) at the University of Otago, studying the adoption metaphor in the Pauline corpus. Peter was called to be the youth pastor of Mosgiel-North Taieri Presbyterian Church and thoroughly loves his job working with Kiwi teenagers. The couple plans to live in New Zealand until 2014 and then seek God's further call in their lives.
Bo Horlen (M.A. Church Education, 1975)
Cynthia and I are in Ankara, Turkey visiting our youngest daughter Beth, her husband Mark Prochaska, and our granddaughter Lucy Kahle, born on March 8, 2011. They live here by 'intention' and plan to move to Istanbul next year after Mark receives training from a Seattle based business who will deploy him here to start a branch of their business. Mark is an electrical engineer (A S U) and an M B A (Bilkent University, Ankara). Beth is a Communication grad of Arizona State University.
We served 33 years as church planters in Davao City and Cebu City, Philippine, where there are now more than 140 churches. We were colleagues with Bob and Marge Skivington, pioneers of the Davao work and our mentors. Bill and Karen Mutchler, Lee and Dottie Wanak, and Frank and Rosa Pardue, all Denver grads, joined the ministry between 1981-84. In Cebu City we worked with Brent Ralston, who married our eldest daughter Christine in 1992. They are still there carrying on the work.
Our second daughter Aileen and her husband Darren Zink, a high school math teacher in Gilbert, AZ, have allowed us to build a 1 bedroom/kitchen/living room/bathroom addition to their home in Mesa, AZ, enabling our retirement. I serve with no salary at Mesa B C and with WorldVenture as a 'church coach' in AZ.
Our third daughter Debbie and her husband Adam La Bell are in Portland, OR preparing to move to Israel in September. Adam is a chemical engineer with Intel who is transferring him for the second time to Israel. They went through Training Ordinary Apprentices to Go for the past 5 months in Chandler, AZ as a part of their prep to go this time. The greatest joy of parent's/grandparent's hearts is seeing the children/grandchildren following and serving Jesus...both biological AND spiritual progeny.
Teddy Woodrow "Woody" Northcutt (D.Min. 2000)
Woody died Sunday May 8, 2011. He spent 25 years in ministry, pastoring churches in Texas, Montana, South Dakota and Colorado. In 1986, Woody joined Colorado Christian University (CCU) as campus minister serving until 1997. He then became a professor of theology until his retirement in 2007. In 2000, he received his doctorate of ministry in pastoral studies from Denver Seminary. He is survived by his wife Betty and five children.
Michelle Stinson (M.A. Biblical Studies, 2000)
Michelle joined Simpson University's faculty in 2007. She earned her undergraduate degree in English/Plan II Honors. During college she was actively involved with Young Life, a ministry outreach directed toward non-churched high school students. This love for literature and students led her to complete a certification in secondary education in the areas of English and history. Her courses often draw together her passions for literature, ministry, and biblical studies. Her desire is that students grow in their knowledge of the biblical texts and in their love for the God they reveal.
During 2011 graduation ceremonies, she was awarded "Professor of the Year" at Simpson. This award is voted on by the student body with regards to a professor's teaching excellence and contribution to the institution. Michelle has been recently accepted by both Trinity and the University of Bristol, England where she plans to study for the fall semester.
Ted Travis (M.Div. 1983)
Ted is now the Associate Pastor at Lawndale Community Church in Chicago, IL.
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Clay Warren (M.A. Christian Ed, 1989)
I attended Denver Seminary from 1986 - 1989 and graduated with an M.A. in Christian Education. At the time I was a full time youth pastor at the Arvada Church of God. Both of my children, Danielle and Chad, were born while I was in seminary. I recall with great gratitude the warmth that my children received from the faculty, as they often tagged along with me at the school. In 1991 I moved to Puyallup Washington where I still live.
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I continue to serve as a youth pastor at the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church. This year marks the completion of my 13th year in that church and my 30th year in youth ministry. I am pleased to announce that this year we will be celebrating my daughter's wedding on June 25th. In addition to being an Occupational Therapist, Danielle has a passion to serve youth and has worked alongside me as a volunteer youth leader for the past 4 years. Her future husband Jake also volunteers with the youth.
For the past 20 years my family and I have been serving the El Sauzal Orphanage in San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico. Both Danielle and I serve on the board of directors for the El Sauzal Foundation which is a California based non-profit organization that exists for the support of the orphanage. www.elsauzal.org. My son Chad is a senior at Washington State University and is receiving his Civil Engineering degree with an emphasis in water resources which he hopes to use on the mission field. He is currently a Young Life leader serving the campus of WSU.
In June my wife Naomi and I will celebrate our 26th year of partnering in both marriage and ministry. Serving Christ and His church has been a blessing far beyond what I ever thought possible. I am very thankful for the preparation for ministry I received at Denver Seminary as well as the personal support I received from the faculty and staff.
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Ken Webb (M.A. Chaplaincy, 2006)
Ken is currently the track chaplain at Bandimere Speedway. In September he will be stepping down from one job as the West Central Regional Director for Team RFC (Racers for Christ) with the desire to serve as a fire department chaplain as well as chaplain with national disaster relief agencies.
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Gordon & Becki West (M.Div. 1984)
Gordon & Becki West co-founded KidZ At Heart International (www.kidZatheart.org) in 2003. They now lead this mission organization with projects in 25 countries around the world and a virtual office staff that spans North America and South Africa. In partnership with several international organizations including Walk Thru the Bible, KidZ At Heart equips people to reach and teach kids for Christ within their own culture.They'd love to help Denver grads equip and send short-term teams to conduct intensive children's ministry training for nationals or church planters that your church may support, or to offer training for your church's children's and family workers.
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Gordon & Becki were recently named by Group's Children's Ministry Magazine as two of the top twenty influencers in children's ministry over the past twenty years. Since seminary, they have had several books published, including The Discipline Guide for Children's Ministry, QuickGuide to Discipline for Children's Ministry, Dynamic Preteen Ministry, Preteen Ministry Smart Pages and Devotions for People Who Love Kids.
In June, the Wests will celebrate their 30th anniversary. They have two adult children, Ashley (22) who teaches in a low-income public school in Phoenix and pilots her own hot air balloon and Emily (18) who is a student at the University of Arizona, a dancer and going on a Campus Crusade project this summer.
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Charles Walter Wooten (M.Div.,1978)
Charles has had a varied career as a minister, wilderness camp director for teens, university English instructor in China, short-term missionary in Taiwan, public school teacher and administrator, and an author of Christian novels based upon his experiences. He is the published author of Letters From A Chinese Angel and the sequel to this book is entitled Mission to Moscow (Mystery on the Trans-Siberia Express). He and his wife Millie celebrated their 52nd Anniversary in December 2010.
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They have three adult children and five grandchildren. They live in Colorado where Chuck earned his Master's degree in Education ('65) from Colorado University-Boulder, and where he has enjoyed such outdoor activities as skiing, hiking, and climbing "fourteeners" in the Colorado Rockies. They are members of a dynamic congregation at the Crossroads ABC Church in the Denver area. They have participated in various Go-Serve ministries of this church. Charles still keeps in touch with his former students in China, one of whom recently earned her Doctorate in Education from Sydney University in Australia, and credits him for his encouragement to persevere. She and her son are both his friends on Facebook. Small world, isn't it?! Praise the Lord! Feel free to contact Chuck at .
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We would love to hear what God is doing in your life! Please send your personal and/or ministry updates, plus photos, to .
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Alumni Gathering at Denver Seminary
On May 13 we enjoyed hosting over 35 alumni on campus for a reception with President Mark Young and Pastor Gordon MacDonald. It was an encouraging time to meet and greet among friends and hear what the Lord has been doing in the lives and ministries of our grads.
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Following the reception, over 90 alumni and local pastors joined us for a special lunch where Pastor MacDonald was the keynote speaker sharing his thoughts on the profound transformation that has occurred in American pastoral ministry since the 1950s. One alum had this to say about the day's events:"Thank you for all of your planning and work to put together the reception & luncheon. It was an event unlike anything I have experienced at the seminary before. The whole tone of the day made it clear that you all were serving us alumni and pastors in the community. Thank you for your initiative and GENEROUS investment into our lives!"
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COMING TO YOUR AREA... Alumni Events this Summer
Northwest Gatherings
Join fellow Denver Seminary alums for dinner and an update on the great things happening on campus. Hosts for both evenings are Dr. Jim Howard, the VP of Advancement for Denver Seminary and Senior Professor Kermit and Shirley Ecklebarger.
Seattle, WA
Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Details and RSVP »
Portland, OR
Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Details and RSVP »
July
TBD: New York/New Jersey area
July 21: Boston/New England area
Details coming soon.
Interested in having an Alumni event in your area? Email us at and indicate what area you live in. We will contact you soon!
CAREER SEARCH TIPS
Denver Seminary recently hosted a Career Search Seminar, presented by Packard N. Brown M.Div., CEC, RCC. We will be sharing tips from the seminar over the next few months in a effort to help those searching for a job.
Networking Exercise
Here is a great networking exercise so you can see where you need to tighten up your personal story so you are prepared to put your best foot forward when you make a new connection about a job or when a hiring manager says, "So tell me about yourself."
With an acquaintance, practice answering these questions out loud:
• What's your background?
• What can you do? (i.e. What you have done. What you can do. What you would like to do. Translate your skills and experiences into what you can do for THEM.)
• Why are you here?
Practicing these answers aloud will show you how well-prepared (or not prepared) you are to give coherent, clear and effective examples of what you can do to help move a company forward.
Did You Know?
The most used "routes to employment" utilized by job seekers are job boards, company websites, social media and recruiters. Yet the "routes to employment" that have proven most effective are personal networking and contacting corporate managers directly.
Packard N. Brown M.Div., CEC, RCC, Careers at Crossroads, 720-339-5352,
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"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16 (NIV)
It is our honor and privledge to pray for you and we want to give you the same opportunity to pray for us also.
Please pray for:
• God to open doors of ministry for our recent grads, and that they will be willing to go and serve wherever God leads.
• Dr. Mark and Priscilla Young as they travel this summer, that God will open many opportunities to share the mission of Denver Seminary and encourage others to step out in faith and become a part of what God is doing here.
• Thank God for the Board Members who faithfully serve Denver Seminary, for their sacrifice and commitment.
• Continue to pray for Dr. Hélène Dallaire, Associate Professor of Old Testament. Dr. Dallaire is originally from Canada and is in the process of receiving permanent residency in the U.S. Recently she has experienced some challenges with the U.S. residency process and if it doesn't get resolved quickly, it will require her to return to Canada. Specific requests for Dr. Dallaire:
- The Department of Labor (DOL) system would allow for the withdrawal of the 2008 application (right now it is stuck and they will not allow her to proceed with a new application)
- That the lawyer will be able to submit a new application with the DOL
- That the process with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will go quickly
- She will receive a Green Card for permanent residency this year
• The CACREP re-accreditation process for our Counseling Program. Our major report is due at the end of July. Pray for wisdom and endurance to finish well.
• The $2.4 million capital campaign which will fund the campus expansion for more classroom space, a larger student center, improved classroom technology and extra parking. The Lord has blessed us with a great kickoff to the campaign as $1.8 million remains to be funded. Pray specifically that God would raise up givers to help us reach this goal.
Do you have a prayer request you would like to share for the next Alumni Connection? Send all requests to (If you have a prayer request but would prefer to keep it private, please indicate so in the email)
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Gordon MacDonald appointed as Chancellor
Longtime friend and alumnus of Denver Seminary, Gordon MacDonald, was appointed Chancellor of Denver Seminary by the Board of Trustees, effective August 1, 2011. MacDonald follows in the footsteps of Dr. Vernon Grounds, who held the title of Chancellor from 1979 until his death in September 2010.
Gordon MacDonald has a long history with Denver Seminary, having graduated with an M.Div. in 1966. He served as Interim President of the Seminary during the 2008-2009 academic year and was awarded the Doctor of Divinity degree at the 2011 Denver Seminary Spring Commencement. In his letter to the Board of Trustees nominating MacDonald for the honorary doctoral degree, Seminary President Mark Young wrote,
"Gordon MacDonald has served the local church, the global Church, and Denver Seminary with distinction during his forty plus years of ministry as a pastor, speaker, author, and leader. His ministry embodies the core commitments of the seminary—biblical authority, vigorous scholarship, charitable orthodoxy, redemptive relationships, and global concern. His ability to communicate the truth of Scripture with clarity and compassion models what we desire for our graduates."
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Pastor MacDonald may be best known for the numerous books he has written or co-authored with his wife, Gail. His best known book is Ordering Your Private World which won the Gold Medallion and the Platinum Awards from the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association. Among his other books are The Resilient Life, Building Below the Waterline, Who Stole My Church?, which was nominated as a finalist for The Christian Book Award by the Evangelical Christian Press Association and received a starred review from Publishers' Weekly, and the soon to be released Going Deeper (October 2011). In addition, he serves as editor-at-large with Leadership Journal, a publication of Christianity Today, Inc.
Pastor MacDonald brings a wealth of experience to Denver Seminary, having served as president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and chairman of the board of World Relief Corporation, an NAE-associated relief and development organization committed to the alleviation of suffering and poverty in the areas of HIV/AIDS, micro-enterprise development, refugee resettlement, and disaster assistance. He has been a pastor for over 40 years, serving most recently as senior minister at Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. He also mentors leaders in business and ministry from all over the globe.
Pastor MacDonald states, "My connection to Denver Seminary is almost sixty years in duration. When I was a boy, my home church enthusiastically supported the seminary. That made an impression on me. As a student, I followed Dr. Vernon Grounds into seminary life, and he changed me. As a pastor, I sent more than a few students the seminary's way and I was never disappointed. Now, I have the privilege of associating with Dr. Mark Young's team to see what I can do to encourage and support him and the Seminary's great faculty. It's a very special day for my wife, Gail, and me."
Pastor MacDonald's academic background includes a B.A. from the University of Colorado (1962), and as stated before, an M.Div. from Denver Seminary (1966). Barrington College (which later merged with Gordon College) awarded him an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 1979. Gordon and his wife Gail MacDonald have been married 50 years; they have two married children and five grandchildren.
New Vice President of Finance
Denver Seminary is pleased to announce that Debbie Kellar has accepted the position of Vice President of Finance at Denver Seminary, following the retirement of Jack Heimbichner. Debbie brings to the position the knowledge, experience, character, and leadership that it demands. Debbie has been at the Seminary for 11 years, most recently in the position of Associate Vice President of Finance. She has a B.A. in Accounting from New Mexico State and a M.B.A. from University of Kansas. We are thrilled that she has agreed to take on this challenging role.
2011 Commencement Ceremony
Denver Seminary's 60th commencement ceremony was held Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Southeast Christian Church in Parker, Colo. The graduates, commissioned by President Mark Young and the board of trustees, included 161 master's level candidates, nine doctoral candidates and 15 certificate candidates. The ceremony was attended by numerous family members and friends. Pastor Gordon MacDonald was the keynote speaker exhorting the graduates to grow deeper in their faith, surround themselves with those of deep faith and help disciple others to grow in the same.
Numerous awards were presented, including the Raymond McLaughlin Preaching Award, given to Anthony D. Grimes, Jr.; the Richard S. Beal Missions Award, presented to Glenn Cameron Pieters; and the Carey S. Thomas Award for Excellence presented to Robert Matthew Read. The training and mentoring department awarded Excellence in Mentoring medallions to Steve and Darlene Thulson and Wes Roberts in recognition of their outstanding and continued service as mentors. Adrienne Mary Johnson was the student recipient of the Excellence in Mentoring medallion. Thirteen students were named to the Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities list. Join us in congratulating the class of 2010 and praying for them as they begin the next chapter of their lives and ministry.
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Adventure Preview
June 16, 2011
Do you know someone who is interested in learning more about Denver Seminary? One of the best ways to learn about the Seminary and Colorado at the same time is to join us for one of our adventure previews. The first day will be spent on campus participating in the classroom, touring the campus, meeting with students and faculty, and learning about Denver Seminary's academic programs and community life. The second day is spent experiencing the breathtaking beauty of Colorado on a moderate hike to a spectacular alpine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park. Attend one day, or both, it's up to you. Details and RSVP »
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Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture.
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