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Jeremy Schell: His Years of Service at Calvary

Jeremy Schell: His Years of Service at Calvary

“I have loved being inspired by my students.”

“I met Jesus in 1991 in my parents’ living room,” Jeremy states, remembering his first authentic encounter with God. Although Jeremy had been attending church for years, his beliefs were centered on his parents’ instead of his own. But, on an August evening of that year, Jeremy surrendered his life to Jesus, inspiring him to glorify God with his gifts in music and leadership ever since. “It started with me just serving at my church in a simple way, like playing the piano during Sunday services; but this eventually expanded into me receiving leadership roles. I served as the director of our orchestra, children’s choir, choir, and led worship, and then became a staff member.” Jeremy was hired at what was then Kansas City Baptist Temple in 2004; when God opened the door to become full-time in 2006, Jeremy was hired as the worship director, and then moved into pastoral ministry.

“When I was approached about joining Calvary’s teaching staff, I was excited to instruct students in their paths to future careers in ministry and music.” When thinking about his favorite memories at Calvary, he states: “My favorite memory teaching culminated the year we performed John Rutter’s Requiem at St Paul’s Episcopal church. We delivered our concert to standing-room only and the audience felt alive as we performed beautiful melodies and lyrics of this gorgeous work. Beyond that, I have fond memories of multiple chorale tours and countless evenings spending time with my students, talking about life with them until the early hours of the morning.” He adds, “I have loved being inspired by my students. This has happened in two ways: the first being when a student goes on to bigger and greater things in their career; this makes me feel privileged to have played a part in their training. Second, when I have witnessed “light-bulb moments” in my classroom. I have so much enjoyed watching the very moment my students catch a concept! These have been some of the most rewarding moments in my years of teaching.”

In the near future, Jeremy looks forward to continuing pastoring and leading teams at Graceway Church while also having more quality time to spend with his family: “As our children get into advanced sports, I’ll get to see a lot of volleyball, baseball, and basketball games in my future, and I am looking forward to being there during those special moments!” Jeremy is grateful for the opportunity and honor he has had to teach at Calvary for the past nine years, serving students and sharing with them what God has taught him: “It has been a special honor to conduct the Calvary Chorale, lead Calvary’s praise band, and teach in classrooms and studios with men and women of God who are excited about what God is going to do with their lives, gifts, and talents.”

 

Teaching Today’s Generation: Abigail Stolberg

Teaching Today’s Generation: Abigail Stolberg

Abigail Stolberg is a recent graduate of Calvary University who is equipped to teach today’s generation.

“I look forward to taking hold of every opportunity God has for me.”

Abigail Stolberg graduated this spring with a degree in Secondary English Education and a minor in Theatre Arts. Originally from Ogallala, Nebraska, she served at Calvary as a Resident Discipleship Director in the dorms, and performed in several Calvary productions, while directing others. Along with these roles, Abigail states that she has always had a desire to be a teacher: “I love working with people to help them learn, especially when it is something I’m passionate about.” 

Abigail says that her time at Calvary supplied her with many tools to help her gain success, both practically and personally: “I am grateful for the education department and the high standard of excellence they hold. I’ve done practical preparation to obtain the skills needed to be a good teacher, and I feel well-equipped to enter the field of education. Now, I’m passionate and excited about representing Christ by doing excellent work for Him.”

Abigail recounts that when she first started at Calvary, she was riddled with anxiety, homesickness, and fear. Throughout those challenges, she shares, “I was so grateful for the community at Calvary; even though I was afraid, I didn’t have to be alone. One of my friends encouraged me to pray, not just when I was anxious or afraid, but regularly, and when I did, my life transformed.”

She also adds that the biblical foundation Calvary instilled throughout her education has been “absolutely invaluable” to her personally, and has helped prepare her for the future: “The emphasis on serving the Lord in everything we do is something I try to carry into the classroom each day. Through my relationships within the Christian community at Calvary, I’ve been encouraged and pushed to know Christ better and to be more like Him.” 

During her years at Calvary, Abigail served in various leadership positions, including the Nikao Leadership Institute and the Residence Life team. These programs helped her gain firsthand experience in leadership roles, building relationships, and gaining new perspectives: “I’ve learned from some incredible mentors who have been and who continue to be very influential in my life. This has made me a stronger leader.”

Today, Abigail is eager to get into a classroom of her own and start implementing everything she has learned from Calvary. Now that she has gained the knowledge and experience needed to enter her career field, she states: “I expect to put into practice the skills I’ve gained, and grow both personally and professionally. I want to serve, love, and teach people, and I look forward to taking hold of every opportunity God has for me.”

 

 

Alumna Alisha Joyce provides holistic education

Alumna Alisha Joyce provides holistic education

“Every day I’m thankful for the biblical education I received at Calvary 

Alisha Joyce graduated from Calvary University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education before getting her Master’s in Special Education from Bethel University. For the last four years, she has been teaching at Providence School of Art in Kansas City.

Providence incorporates all kinds of different learning styles in all their classes. “The reason that we do that,” Joyce explained, “is because we really believe that it’s important to equip students with a varied experience in education. We really want to reach the whole child and give them not only academics, but also the arts because we believe that all the skills that they learn in their art classes help form the skills that they learn later in life— it equips them for whatever God has for them in the future. The arts provide a lot of experience in problem-solving, learning how to work with other people, and communication skills. All of those things are really important for people to learn in general, so we made a point of including that in our school.”

Another thing which makes Providence unique is the demographic of their students. “Our school is specifically designed to reach students from a variety of different educational backgrounds,” Joyce said. “So that’s why I ended up with a lot of students in my class whose needs might be a little different than what might be considered a typical learner.”

Even in the non-arts classes, the teachers at Providence try to incorporate creativity in their lessons. “I teach the advanced class,” Joyce said, “I have the fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students. I’m not an arts teacher, I’m just a regular classroom teacher. I do math, science, and all those things. But we do try to incorporate as much as we can of creativity and movement a lot. If you look around, it’s not a very typical classroom. It has a trampoline— that is an actual seat that students sit in. We’ve got all kinds of different seating options just because we believe in meeting children where they’re at and then helping them learn what they need to learn.”

Joyce said that she is thankful for what she learned at CU. “We teach Bible classes here, and I feel like every day I’m thankful for the biblical education I received at Calvary because the kids will ask me the craziest questions, and I feel like if I didn’t go to a college that had those Bible classes I feel like I would be like, ‘Uhh, you should really talk to your parents about that,’ because I would have no idea how to answer it… But I have been able to discuss those things with them because of the truths that I learned while I was at Calvary.”

Joyce then talked about how she sometimes questions whether she’s where she is meant to be. “I think that once you graduate and you start a career there’s this tendency to question, ‘Am I doing the right thing? Am I on the right path? Is this really what God has for me?’” She then continued, saying, “Because everything can seem so mundane after a while. I’ve been working at this school for four years now— I mean a lot has changed, they do keep me on my toes here— but, when you’re getting up every morning to go to work, it’s like, ‘Is this really what God has for me? I thought it would be more exciting than this.'”

But in the middle of the mundane, she is able to take joy in how she sees God working in the kids’ lives. “I’ve gotten to do so many cool things, gotten to walk with these kids through so many big things in their lives… I’ve been with the same kids all along.” Joyce says that every year there’s at least one moment where she thinks, “This is it. This is why I’m here.” Whether it’s a conversation with one of the kids, providing the students with the support they need, or helping to provide a safe space, like Providence, where they can learn and grow. “Because I’m here, I can provide that for them.”

Graduate Assistant Christopher Johnson finding joy in Hebrew

Graduate Assistant Christopher Johnson finding joy in Hebrew

Calvary University graduate assistant, Christopher Johnson, receiving the “Biblical Greek Award” in 2018 from CU Professor, Dr. Neil Nelson.

I feel a tremendous obligation and duty to know my material well…”

Christopher Johnson has three words of advice for undergraduate students learning biblical languages. “When the going gets tough,” said the graduate assistant for Hebrew classes, “remember why you wanted to learn the languages; be self-disciplined, have a plan and execute it; and repetition is the key to learning and the key to learning is repetition.” 

Johnson said, “Each week I prepare focused topic lectures to meet the projected objectives of the class, construct PowerPoint presentations, and grade assignments. Being a graduate assistant is like being in a teaching apprenticeship.” Johnson taught Hebrew I and OT Survey I & II this past semester.   

Johnson is currently pursuing his doctorate at Calvary University in Bible and Theology. After getting his doctorate, Johnson hopes to write books and do speaking engagements. “Anything ministry related,” Johnson said. “I would eventually like to leave my secular job and be in full time ministry. Probably teach at a university during the week and serve as a pastor or teaching elder in the church.”  

Johnson said the hardest part of his graduate assistant job is the pressure to teach well. “I no longer am just wearing a student hat but a teacher hat as well. Being a student is challenging, but I think being a teacher is more challenging. One reason is because I am not passively listening to lectures each week but preparing them and delivering them. I feel a tremendous obligation and duty to know my material well and try to present it in a manner that is both professional and engaging. In layman’s terms, I feel the pressure to know what I am talking about and not be boring in the process.”  

However, Johnson said that his favorite thing about being a graduate assistant is the opportunity to teach students about the Word. “My greatest joy has been the opportunity to lecture. Knowing that I am going to be presenting information in front of students has inspired me to study extra hard to know the material. I find that in my times of class preparation, the Holy Spirit is teaching me perhaps more than even what I experience as a student. That is a wonderful joy which becomes realized when class starts, and I have the opportunity to try to pass that information on to my brothers and sisters in Christ.” 

Johnson receiving an academic award from Professor Joel Williamson in 2018. 

Commencement in 2018 when Johnson received his Master’s degree from CU.

Johnson receiving the highest honor cords from Calvary’s Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Teddy Bitner, in 2018.

Langston Hughes and Religion

Langston Hughes and Religion

If the churches Hughes attended were less focused on numbers of “converts” and numbers of dollars, perhaps they would have seen a searching soul.

Amanda Harman is a student at Calvary and is from Colorado Springs, CO. She loves to play her violin and entertain friends with her dry sense of humor. 

by Amanda Harman

 

February was Black History Month, and one can scarcely glance at black history without seeing the fingerprints of Langston Hughes. He is best remembered as a poet, but he also wrote novels, plays, essays, memoirs, children’s stories, not to mention influencing the movement that cemented black influence in modern culture. He was at the forefront of the Harlem Renaissance—a resurgence and celebration of black culture through music, writing, and art centered in the New York City neighborhood that inspired its name (“Langston Hughes”). It is tragic that such a great man with such a heavy influence on society was not a believer, so it is imperative that the modern church learns from the mistakes that drove him away.

Hughes spent part of his childhood in Lawrence, Kansas. There, his foster aunt took him to a Black Church for a revival when he was about twelve. Several children sat on a bench close together, and as the service went on, the others stood up one by one and approached the pulpit, declaring Jesus as their savior, until only Hughes was left (Oates). The congregation begged and prayed for him. He did finally give into the pressure and get up, but he felt like he had “failed to see Jesus” and, therefore, believed he had a forsaken salvation (Oates).

This early experience led to a general distrust of religion and its pressure to keep up appearances. As a man, Hughes was able to travel the world to places like Mexico, Cuba, and the Soviet Union (Oates). His travels opened his eyes to the major problems with American Christianity (Oates). In one of his most controversial poems called “Goodbye Christ” Hughes wrote:

“The popes and the preachers’ve

Made too much money from it.

They’ve sold you to too many

Kings, generals, robbers, and killers.”

 

The poem criticizes the commercial nature of Christianity in America, which made religion an impediment to society rather than a vehicle for God’s grace—an exploitation rather than a salvation (Piper).

The American church’s capitalistic focus on empty professions of faith for profit rather than sincere repentance from love impacted his view on Christianity for the rest of his life (Oates), and it is heartbreaking that Hughes is likely not in heaven. But his insight in this area can still be used to further God’s work here on earth (Piper). If the churches Hughes attended were less focused on numbers of “converts” and numbers of dollars, perhaps they would have seen a searching soul, one wanting the truth and finding only empty religion. Maybe they would have reached out to Hughes in love, answered his questions, and led him to a true saving knowledge of Christ. After all, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35 [NLT]).

This is the lesson modern churches and believers must take from the life and work of Langston Hughes. Our conduct should invite others in with love, not repel them with disgust.

_________________

Works Cited:
“Langston Hughes.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 29 Jan. 2021, www.biography.com/writer/langston-hughes. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.
Oates, N’Kosi. “Religion in the Work of Langston Hughes.” Black Perspectives, AAIHS, 12 June 2018, www.aaihs.org/religion-in-the-work-of-langston-hughes/. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.
Piper, John. “The Tragedy of Langston Hughes and a Warning I Will Heed.” Desiring God, 2 Feb. 2008, www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-tragedy-of-langston-hughes-and-a-warning-i-will-heed. Accessed 22 Feb. 2021.

 

Dr. Granados shares “Philosophy of Christian Higher Education”

Dr. Granados shares “Philosophy of Christian Higher Education”

“A philosophy of Christian Higher Education affirms the intimate relationship between the supernatural and the natural, between God and human, between the body and the soul.”

Philosophy of Christian Higher Education

Alexander Granados, ThM, PhD

 

My faith journey, education, and experience inform my philosophy of Christian Higher Education. A philosophy of Christian Higher Education affirms the intimate relationship between the supernatural and the natural, between God and human, between the body and the soul. It draws from the truths based on divine revelation and human reason. I affirm the education of the total person: the intellectual, physical, affective, social, moral, aesthetic and spiritual. Therefore, its role will never be limited simply to offering Bible courses.

Christian Higher Education Affirms the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD

The uniqueness of Christian higher education begins with an understanding that there is an infinite-personal God. This God has created all things for His glory [Col 1:16]. The Christian worldview affirms God’s existence and His activity in the world. Christian scholarship begins with the recognition of God’s existence and His sovereignty over creation, including man and his intellectual pursuits [Ps24:1]. The knowledge of God is the beginning of all learning [Prov 9:10].

Christian Higher Education Affirms the LORDSHIP OF CHRIST

Christian higher education is Christ-centered education. It recognizes the lordship of Christ over all of life, including every academic discipline. It affirms that all Christian scholars must bow the knee to Him and that every thought must be brought captive to Christ [2 Cor 10:5; Col 2:8]. The lordship of Christ affirms that all scholars will one day give an account for their activities, including those of an intellectual nature [Phil 2:9-11;Js 3:1].

Christian Higher Education Affirms a DISTINCTIVELY CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

Recognizing that all scholarship begins from a theoretical base, namely the scholars’ worldview, Christian higher education affirms the metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological distinctives of a uniquely Christian worldview perspective. This worldview must permeate teaching and scholarship.

Christian Higher Education Affirms an EPISTEMOLOGICAL FOUNDATION

The foundation of Christian knowledge is grounded in the Scriptures. The Bible is truth [Jn 17:3] and as such provides the Christian scholar with confidence that truth is knowable. The pursuit of truth has particular meaning for the Christian scholar who has the authority of the Word of God as a foundation and basis for knowledge. The Scriptures provide epistemological certainty against the relativistic flux, non-rationality, and theoretical changes within the frameworks of our academic disciplines.

Christian Higher Education Affirms a COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE

The Christian scholastic community bears a special responsibility to model excellence in our teaching, research, and service, to the broader academic community as ambassadors for Christ [2 Cor 5:20]. If our motivation for scholarship and teaching is doxological, then excellence must follow. The Christian scholar bears the responsibility to demonstrate this excellence in their academic vocation [Mt 5:16]. Our scholastic activities must bring glory to God through both the pedagogical articulation of our Christian worldview and by demonstration of professional quality and excellence in our work. The apostle Paul’s engagement in Athens at Mars Hill is especially illustrative of this principle (Acts 17:16–34).

Christian Higher Education Affirms the DEPRAVITY OF HUMANITY

Christian higher education affirms the dignity and greatness of humanity as created in the image and likeness of God [Gen 1:27] and that creativity and rationality, which are essential to higher education pursuits, are both bound to the imago dei. However, mankind has fallen in revolt against God [Gen 3]. The fall has affected the totality of humanity and all aspects of personhood, including the intellect. Humanity, both corporately and individually, is in need of regeneration, restoration, and reconciliation with God. Christian higher education affirms that redemption occurs through the finished work of Christ alone, not educational betterment.

Christian Higher Education Affirms the PILLARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

The foundational trilogy of American higher education – teaching, research, and service – has special bearing on Christian higher education. The pursuit of truth and quest for knowledge (research), the dissemination and acquisition of scholarship and research by the individual, both theoretical and practical (teaching & learning), and compassionate application of truth (service & ministry), all have special meaning to the Christian scholar. The Christian academic community shares particular responsibility in light of these realities.