Updates, Events, and Publications
ATS D.MIN. ALUM RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS APPOINTMENT
Dr. George Wilson, Jr. graduated with an ATS Doctor of Ministry degree in 2021. Dr. Wilson of Liberia has just been appointed as the Dean of the John Innis Graduate School of Theology. It is housed in the United Methodist University, Monrovia, Liberia.
Here is a little bit about the John Innis Graduate School of Theology from their website:
The Bishop John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology (GST) began in 2015 as the result of the need to provide graduate studies program in theology for the benefit of hundreds of United Methodist Church pastors who are graduates from the Gbarnga School of Theology (College of Theology) and other ecumenical bachelor degree holders, desirous of advancing their theological education to the Master’s level. The John G. Innis Graduate School has accreditation from the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) in Liberia, and is also recognized by the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
The John G. Innis Graduate School of Theology currently offers Master of Divinity (M. Div.) for Christians who desire to enrich their personal lives and others who feel called to pastoral ministry.
ATS PROFESSORS VICKERS AND MCCALL REFLECT ON THE ASBURY OUTPOURING
In the wake of the move of God in Wilmore earlier this year, Dr. Jason Vickers and Dr. Tom McCall co-wrote Outpouring: A Theological Witness. They take seriously eyewitness testimonies to God’s presence and power in events like the Great Awakenings and the Asbury Outpouring of 2023, allowing such events to raise fresh questions and to enliven theology. Inspired by their participation in the Asbury Outpouring, they bear witness to the ancient conviction that theology, prayer, and praise belong together. Here are some of the many endorsements for this work:
“Bearing witness to God’s work in the world is an important aspect of the Christian life, but it is especially crucial when we witness the power and presence of God in a unique way. Vickers and McCall offer us an eyewitness window into the Asbury Outpouring, combined with deep reflection on how the events there might apply to and impact all of God’s people. This book is a chance for us to consider how all Christians might look for and experience the work of the Holy Spirit not only in extraordinary movements but in our ordinary moments as well.”
Jessica LaGrone, Dean of Chapel, Asbury Theological Seminary
“The glory of God’s presence and power at the Asbury Outpouring was witnessed and experienced by Jason and Tom: repentance, confession, salvation, worship, sanctification, renewal, healing, deliverance! The Holy Spirit came to meet seekers, to allow them to enjoy His presence, as well as empower them to testify to others. The authors’ theological reflection beautifully and biblically explores the trinity, God’s holiness, and how He reveals Himself to us—sometimes as He did at Asbury. Enjoy this book as a means of grace and a gift from Jesus for your soul!”
Joy Smith Griffin, Co-founder and international director, International Leadership Institute
“Avoiding both gullibility and cynicism, Vickers and McCall guide us through what happened at the Asbury Outpouring. Along the way, they show us what revival can and ought to be. This book will leave you hopeful and maybe even praying in ways you never thought you could.”
Russell Moore, Editor in Chief , Christianity Today
“Vickers and McCall’s book is a theological and spiritual tour de force on the phenomena of divine outpourings. It provides penetrating reflection on these extraordinary means of grace in the church and wise counsel to spiritual leaders as they seek to navigate extreme responses. It is necessary reading for all who are interested in a theology of revival.”
Christopher T. Bounds, Dean of the School of Theology & Ministry, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion IN
See HERE for more information or to purchase the book.
ATS M.DIV. ALUM RECEIVES TWO DEGREES AND PUBLISHES A BOOK IN 2023
2023 has been quite a year for 1988 Asbury Seminary grad Jorge Acevedo. In January, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. That same month, his seventh book, Everybody Needs Some Cave Time: Finding God in Dark Places was released by Invite Resources. In May, Jorge earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary with a dissertation on Congregational Vitality: The Church’s Journey from Heroic Solo Leadership to Generative Team Leadership. In August, he retired as the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site congregation in Southwest Florida, after serving there for 27 years. Jorge has begun a new ministry of coaching, writing, and speaking (www.jorgeacevedo.com).
JOHN LEEK (M.DIV. ’13) TESTIFIES TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WALK THRU THE BIBLE
It’s hard to find good resources for sharing the Bible with one’s congregation. ATS alum John Leek has found a helpful resource and wants to share it!
During the pandemic summer of 2020 I came across a group called Walk Thru the Bible that helps ignite passion for reading God’s Word. (WalkThru.org) There’s a lot of truly nerdy stuff behind why it works, but it works!
I did my first practice session with youth from Enterprise. At the end of a half hour (7pm on a school night!) they could summarize the book of Genesis in order. AND THEY CAME BACK THE NEXT WEEK! I knew I had something special then.
I’ve taught the otLIVE course now to that youth group, a nursing home, a group of pastors, and four congregations.
Walk Thru the Bible’s otLIVE is a highly interactive, family program that teaches the big picture of the Old Testament and helps even seasoned saints put the pieces together.
At the most recent program a girl named Heidi professed faith in Christ for the first time. It is a work of the Holy Spirit that an Old Testament survey can bring folks to Jesus!
This is the most excited I’ve been about a ministry tool in 10 years of full time ministry. I’d love to share it with YOUR CHURCH. Really!
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