Updates, Events, and Publications

ATS PH.D ALUM PUBLISHES A NEW BOOK

After reviewing biblical hermeneutics and evaluating a plethora of hermeneutical approaches, Divine Footprints: Understanding God’s Plan in Scripture and History, Bill Payne (Ph.D, 2001) demonstrates how the missional hermeneutic enables disciples to interpret the Scriptures and see the guiding hand of God in history. Not only does the book unpack the missional hermeneutic, it shows the reader how to apply it to the task of discerning the missio Dei in Scripture. For example, God’s design and purposes are revealed in the Joseph and Moses stories when they are read as a single narrative. Additionally, a 60-page chapter carefully applies the missional hermeneutic to the interpretation of Acts. Other chapters demonstrate how to apply the missional hermeneutic to the history of the early church, the rise of Protestantism, the growth of the global church, and the immigration debate in America. Payne calls this missional history. In short, the book teaches believers how to grasp God’s big picture and align themselves with God’s work.

Dr. Payne is a Professor Emeritus from Ashland Theological Seminary and the Senior Pastor of First Methodist Church (GMC), Live Oak, Florida. You can check out more of his books HERE.

UPCOMING BOOK LAUNCH FOR D.MIN. ALUM GIRMA BISHAW

On October 6, Girma Bishaw ’19 is officially launching his book The Gratitude Way in London. Those that can attend are invited to do so – this link contains the information relevant to the event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-launch-of-the-gratitude-way-uk-tickets-1553200888669?aff=oddtdtcreator%0A

The excerpt is as follows:

In The Gratitude Way, Girma Bishaw explores the transformative power of gratitude in personal and social situations, illustrated by his own real-life experience as an Ethiopian refugee making a life in the UK.

Drawing on his experience as a Christian, and the wisdom of the Bible, Girma explains how understanding, cultivating and applying gratitude can be a catalyst in bringing divided groups together in greater harmony. His message of hope in the face of so much recent angst around community relations has proved inspirational to churches, community leaders and even royalty.

The Gratitude Way releases to the American public on October 16 in its Kindle version, and in March 2026 in paperback. You can preorder on Amazon or at InterVarsity Press UK.

WILLIAM L. DAVIS ’08 HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

William L. Davis (M.A.T.S. ’08) was recently spotlighted by Marquis Who’s Who. He was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for his service as an Attorney and Counselor at Law in Lexington, KY. The award is described in this way:

In 1898, Albert Nelson Marquis founded Marquis Who’s Who with the mission of documenting the lives of noteworthy individuals, thus publishing the first edition of Who’s Who in America in 1899. Throughout more than a century, the list of Marquis Who’s Who titles has grown, resulting in the compilation of the most complete list of notable names throughout the United States and the world. Today, Marquis Who’s Who is pleased to honor its most accomplished listees with inclusion in the Lifetime Achievement publication.

Please join us in celebrating Mr. Davis’s outstanding achievement!

ATS ALUM’S BOOK RECEIVES AN AWARD

Dr. Alan Weissenbacher’s (M.Div. ’02) recent book, The Brain Change Program, was nominated as a finalist for the 2025 ECPA Book of the Year Award in the new author category.  Here is the excerpt from Amazon:

Become the person God created you to be.  When we think of self-improvement, our minds often turn to dieting, exercise, or productivity hacks. But without understanding how the mind works, these improvements are unlikely to stick.

In The Brain Change Program, Dr. Alan Weissenbacher merges neuroscience with biblical wisdom and leads you through his six-step program to achieve lasting, meaningful change. He shares actionable, lifelong strategies and tools to help you

• • unlock the mysteries of your brain,
  • gain control over destructive thoughts and behaviors,
  • redesign your prayer life,
  • guide yourself into right thinking, and
  • cultivate Christlike character.

Set foot on a radical journey of self-discovery, where joy, fulfillment, and spiritual transformation await.

To purchase this book or learn more, see the listing on Amazon.

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