Gratitude and Congratulations for Tammy Cessna
Our Scripture this morning is usually only associated with Christmas. It shouldn’t be! One of the Scriptures that my wife Lisa and I quote often is Mary’s answer to the angel just as she is told she will have a baby!
Luke 1:34-38: “‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.’ ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.”
Other translations help:
- Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you have said.” And the angel left her. CEV
- And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” And the angel departed from her. KJ21
- “I belong to the Lord, body and soul,” replied Mary, “let it happen as you say.” And at this the angel left her. PHILLIPS
- And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now: I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve. Let it be with me just as you say. Then the angel left her. MSG
Mary’s entire response and surrender should always be our response and surrender to the Lord. As E. Stanley Jones said, “If you don’t surrender to God, don’t think you don’t surrender. Everybody surrenders—to something.”
The Divine Yes, E. Stanley Jones’s last book from his deathbed, was an expansive commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:19-20: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
My father became a genuine Christian at the age of 70. I asked him. “Daddy, what was it that made the difference for you?” He replied, “I’ve always heard God speaking to me, but I decided to start saying ‘YES’!!!”
That’s what Mary said to God. That’s what my father said to God. That’s what we all need to say to God. That’s what opens up all the doors for us and Jesus, always a “yes.”
I love wearing my navy blue, light pullover hoodie that has “Get Used To Different” on the front….and “The Chosen” on the back! It’s a conversational magnet for me. The phrase occurs in “The Chosen” when Jesus calls Matthew, and Peter strenuously objects! “Do you know who you are calling?” “Yes, I called you didn’t I?” “Yes, but that’s different!” Then Jesus said to Peter, “GET USED TO DIFFERENT!”
Mary’s “YES” meant getting used to different! My dad’s “YES” made his life different. Everything about God and His ways are different. Isaiah 55 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD.”
True confession. This is anecdotal, but I bet that I have missed most of what God was doing in me, around me, through me, in my churches, or in my family, simply because I WAS NOT OPEN TO THE DIFFERENT!
I’m glad Mary was willing to say “YES” to the Different; it made a difference. She “got used to different.” My dad became an active member in the Gideons at age 70. He was willing to say “YES” to different. Mary Magdalene, in The Chosen, answers Nicodemus about her changed life, “I once was one way…and now I am completely different. And what happened in between…was Him!!”
I am glad that Jesus’ mother, Mary, said YES to God; I am glad that my father said YES to Jesus; I am glad Mary Magdalene said YES to Jesus;
But today, I will tell you of someone else whom we are all glad said “YES” to Jesus. We have loved watching her, saying yes after yes after yes, to others and to Jesus. As a result, things have been different for her and for ATS, for the better.
We have watched in admiration of her achievements. She has achieved while she was achieving. But today the Advancement Committee would like to celebrate Dr. Tammy Cessna in her achievement of the Doctor of Ministry degree. Listen to all of her “YESES”……..
Tammy said YES to Jesus to come to Asbury Theological Seminary in the late 90’s working under Barbara Holsinger in the area of the Beeson Center. Tammy left here to pursue a career in events at a ministry in Lexington.
In 2003, Paul Baddour was the Vice President of Advancement at Asbury Seminary and he noticed that the majority of people that worked in Advancement were spouses of students, and not long-term employees of the seminary. He knew that Advancement relies heavily on relationships, and therefore, he began to hire people who truly felt called to serve the Kingdom of God at Asbury Seminary.
Tammy Cessna, said YES again as Paul Baddour hired her as the Manager of LifeChangers, which was the annual fund. Tammy quickly built her team and established processes to increase donor and alumni participation in the annual fund.
In 2004, Tammy said YES to be the Director of Major Events. Under Tammy’s leadership, she helped create a retreat that not only showcased Asbury Seminary, but also provided deeper teaching times from faculty, times of healing prayer, spirit-filled worship while all was done to the glory of God.
In 2007, Tammy Cessna said YES to serve as the staff representative on the Presidential Search Committee. After nearly two years of careful research, interviews, and deliberation, in early 2009 the search committee recommended Timothy C. Tennent to the Board for election to the presidency of Asbury Seminary.
In 2010, Dr. Tennent asked Tammy to say YES to a new challenge, Director of Alumni and Church Relations. Tammy accepted that job and said, “I look forward to reviving the sleeping giant and serving our alumni.” This was when I first met Tammy. I had been asked to serve on the Alumni Council, but the leadership was in transition and I had gotten involved elsewhere. Then TAMMY came!!!
Under her leadership:
Asbury has grown from 9,000 alumni in 2010 to over 13,381 today.
Asbury Seminary went from last place in our Alumni Participation Rate among our Peer Schools to first place. She did this through the “Where in the World is John Wesley” campaign. I took that John Wesley doll all over Democratic Republic of Congo, deep, deep, into the heart of Africa!!
She launched a monthly alumni newsletter, the Link, which has 8,838 subscriptions and over a 52% open rate.
She accomplished all of this while also being a part-time student and completed her master of arts in Christian Leadership in 2013. The Board and Dr. Tennent named her the 10,000th alumni of the seminary.
She restructured the Alumni Association to provide vocational and networking opportunities as the Alumni Council and has now established it as the Global Alumni Council. Lisa and I went to India with Tammy and the Alumni Council. Tammy can do anything.
She launched the Asbury Ambassadors program, with two ambassadors that travel and meet with our alumni around the US.
She coined the phrase “Asbury for Life,” to signal the seminary’s mission to journey with and resource our alumni not just during their ministry, but for the rest of their lives.
This title denotes a resourcing initiative of alumni relations with Asbury Seminary providing opportunities for prayer, community, events, and resources, allowing that person to become a “learner for life” which, in turn, only strengthens them to uphold the big picture of the seminary mission. These resources include (but aren’t limited to):
- ThriveU – a collection of free courses from the repertoire of Asbury Seminary faculty members
- The Shepherd’s Fund – to assist retired alumni and spouses who have insufficient funds for unexpected emergencies
- Renewal Retreats – spiritual retreats here on campus for times of renewal and refreshing for our alumni
Tammy said YES to be the chair of the Estes Chapel Renovation Committee and led that team through the planning and full renovation of Estes Chapel in 2018.
Tammy said YES to leading the Global Alumni Center design and implementation. It was dedicated in May 2022. It is beautiful and has that “wow” factor that makes Tammy special!
She has done all of this while also going back to school in 2019 to begin her DMin in Spiritual Formation, which she completed this month. So, not only is our Director of Alumni our 10,000th alumni, she has also graduated with her DMin in our centennial class of 2023!
And this is what we are doing right now, honoring Dr. Tammy Cessna, for her academic achievements, leadership achievements, and just personally for being Ms. All World to ATS!!
Tammy, we all hope that you feel the love, pride, and admiration that we all feel towards you!!
She is the mother of 3 adult children (Kara, Matthew and Laura) and grandmother to two (Tessa and Charlie). In 2017, Tammy’s father retired from pastoring in the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Pennsylvania. Tammy realized that God had provided her with a home that included a small basement apartment, so she moved out of her upstairs area into that small basement apartment and let her parents retire into her upstairs home.
Rurel Ausley and Tammy Hogan
On top of all that, Tammy is a light for Jesus. She is kind and generous and full of grace. Tammy, I’m so thankful for you!
Thank you Jeanine. I am grateful for your friendship. May God continue to keep your light bright in the Kingdom work that you lovingly do for Him!
We praise God for the ministries of Asbury and Tammy Cessna. The Lord bless thee and keep thee.
Thank you John!
Congratulations Tammy!!
Way to go.
Mrs. ATS ALL-WORLD!!!
Looking forward to hanging with your family later this month dear friend!
So wonderful to read this article about Tammy. I have met her, but mainly know her through the glowing reports from my parents (who are now in heaven). They loved her and benefitted greatly from the retreats in the 2000’s. They not only attended, but also invited their friends to come, too! Thank you, Tammy, for your investment in Sam and Mary Smith’s lives. You meant the world to them.
Sam and Mary were very dear saints to Asbury Seminary, and to me personally. I cannot read their names without smiling. May the blessing of God that was on them continue to bless you and your children through a thousand generations Andrea!
Tammy!!
Congratulations on completing your DMin!!
Thank you for ALL you do for Asbury and for Jesus!
You are the best!!
We love you!
Tommy and Paula
Tommy-I love you and Paula too! Can’t wait to be with you all in a few days.
Congrats, Tammy! I’ve always known you would accelerate in whatever you put your hands to with the mindset of excellence-not perfectionism, but sheer excellence, which is honoring to those for whom you work/serve and God, who called you and set you apart unto Him. Your “first” yes to Him, is when the other doors were enabled to open unto you. I love you! Aunt Joann
I love you too Aunt Joann! You have been one of the shepherd elders of the family who has helped to lead me into the wonderful blessing of the indwelling Spirit of our Lord Jesus. His love is never-ending!
Heartiest congratulations, Tammy. With all of us, your Mom and Dad would be so proud of you.
Dr. McKenna, thank you for being an inspiration to so many of us here at Asbury Seminary. Your years of investment continue to pay great dividends for the Kingdom of God here at Asbury Seminary.
A great note, Rurel and Tammy! Thank you for telling about this terrific Alumni Director. Tammy is ideally suited for this role. Thank you, Tammy!
Tom Harrison, my first Mr. All Things Asbury Alumni Council President, thank you! It has been the support and encouragement of alums like you who have made this position an absolute delight and honor. So happy to have served our Lord side by side!
Congratulations Dr. Tammy on all of your achievements including getting your doctoral degree. You have been a huge help and a personal blessing to me on many occasions. I appreciate all that you have done for Asbury Seminary and the Alumni.
Thank you Jack. You have been such an encouragement to me through the years. I pray the Lord continues to use you in the expansion of His Kingdom.
Congratulations Dr. Tammy Cessna. Please be my guest for a Middle Eastern or Indian meal when you visit Chicago next time. We Praise God for your faithful ministry to HIM and ATS.
Samuel, you’ve got it! I look forward to a Middle Eastern or Indian meal in Chicago. I would like to add that this American girl likes her Indian food spicy. No need to hold back for me 🙂
Tammy, congratulations on completing your DMin, and thank you for being a faithful Kingdom servant. With all of Asbury Seminary, we are highly favored by the stewardship of your gifts.
In addition, we are now privileged to know and count your parents, Paul and Linda, as friends and to worship with them each week.
Heartily in the Lamb,
Mark & Carol Killam
Mark and Carol, I remember how impressed I was with the two of you when I first met you at the Golden Grad Reunion. I could tell that the favor of the Lord and others rested on you from the get-go. What an honor to call you friends, and that you also doubly blessed me by befriending my parents. Thank you!
Hi Tammy,
Congratulations on completing your DMin! We are happy for you as I am sure your parents are so proud. As one of your Ambassadors, it is a pleasure working with such a caring and Spirit filled leader.
It is a joy to serve together at Asbury friend. Your passion and love for the Lord and others suits you well for the Ambassador program.
Tammy, my dearest colleague and burden-career, on behalf of myself and my family and ATS alumni in Nigeria, I congratulate you for the great feat you obtained recently. The DMin will surely spur you into greater ministry to the Alumni and the Seminary as it happened when you led us from 2005-2015, when you guided us graciously, with me and Prabhu.
Once again, CONGRATS, MY DEAREST SISTER, TAMMY
Thank you for your support and encouragement. You are one of our best representatives of a faithful alumnus and servant leader for our Lord Jesus. I love that I have family through Jesus Christ, in Nigeria! I pray for God’s abundant blessings and protection on you and your precious family.
Congratulations, Tammy! It is a joy to work with you on the Alumni Council.