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Published Date: May 10, 2019

The Forgotten Gospel of Jesus

“The Forgotten Gospel of Jesus”: a compelling guide to understanding true Christianity, is the creation of published author Charles W. Heavilin, a pastor with a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is deeply musical and has also coedited a book on America’s Quakers alongside his wife, Barbara.

Heavilin writes, “With little or no agreement on the deeper meanings of the gospel of Christ and what it truly means to bear the name Christian, the contemporary church in the United States is in fragmented disarray. Much of our time and energy in church is spent on what others say or think about Christ, often neglecting to focus on his own words. Church problems today frequently arise because we have failed to follow Christ’s teachings, preferring to emphasize other biblical passages and looking in the wrong places for our directions. When we return our focus and attention consistently to what Christ has said and discover what it truly means to ‘take his yoke and learn’ from him, today’s Christian and today’s church will be capable of fulfilling their mission and calling. While exploring the historical and sociological backdrop that precipitated the Church’s current confusion and brokenness, this book examines scriptural passages essential to providing a Christ-centered gospel and restoring the concept of vital Christianity.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Charles W. Heavilin’s new book is the substantive result from a lifetime of contemplation on the role of Christianity and the church in today’s society, specifically what it means to be a true Christian in today’s world.

Heavilin shines a convicting light on the heart of Christianity, revealing the way to make a difference in the community at large and bring about a more Christ-centered church.

View a synopsis of “The Forgotten Gospel of Jesus” on YouTube.

Consumers can purchase “The Forgotten Gospel of Jesus” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “The Forgotten Gospel of Jesus”, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

Dr. Bill T. Arnold Named Associate Editor of the New International Commentary on the Old Testament Series

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company has signed leading Old Testament scholar Bill T. Arnold as associate editor for the long-running New International Commentary on the Old Testament (NICOT) series. Arnold will work closely with series editor Robert Hubbard for the next three years, at which time Hubbard will retire and Arnold will assume the role of series editor.

Arnold is the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary, where he has taught since 1995. He has also published extensively in the field, including commentaries on Genesis and 1 and 2 Samuel, as well as a forthcoming NICOT commentary on Deuteronomy.

“I’m very excited to have Dr. Bill Arnold join me as associate editor,” commented Robert Hubbard, who has served for twenty-five years as NICOT series editor. “I’ve known him for nearly four decades and regard him as a very distinguished scholar, a committed evangelical, and a warm personal friend. When I retire in three years, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have succeed me as NICOT series editor than Bill. With him at the helm, NICOT’s future advancement will be in very capable hands.”

“The NICOT has long been a premier commentary series,” added Bill Arnold. “Like most students of the Old Testament, I have benefited from many of its volumes during my ministry. Bob Hubbard provides exemplary service to us all in his sacrificial devotion as general editor. He has advanced the series beautifully, and I am honored to be part of the next season of NICOT contributions.”

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company is an independent publisher of religious books, from academic works in theology, biblical studies, religious history, and reference to popular titles in spirituality, social and cultural criticism, and literature. Founded in 1911, the company has developed a reputation for publishing excellent literary and intellectual works that offer a myriad of responsible viewpoints from across the religious spectrum.

For more information visit www.eerdmans.com.

Asbury Theological Seminary was founded in 1923 by H.C. Morrison with a class of three students and an audacious seal that said, “The whole Bible for the whole world.” President Timothy C. Tennent currently leads Asbury Seminary in its mission “to prepare theologically educated, sanctified, Spirit-filled men and women to evangelize and to spread scriptural holiness throughout the world.”

Almost 100 years later, the Seminary has more than 10,000 graduates serving in every time zone around the world through social justice initiatives, government, art, mission organizations, education and the church. Today, Asbury Seminary enrolls more than 1,600 students, representing more than 90 denominations and 40 countries. Alumni of the Seminary serve around the world in 77 countries, all 50 states, and in more than 157 denominations.

Asbury Alum Dr. Dorothy Hubbard-Smith Publishes Book

Asbury is delighted to share that alumnus Dr. Dorothy Smith-Hubbard’s book Reducing Anxiety of Persons Practicing Pastoral Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Interpathic Training was published November 2017. Smith-Hubbard’s book is written for both clergy and laypersons who provide care for others, and comes from years of experience and research in the field of pastoral care. She writes in her preface, “The pastoral care ministry began to flow more effectively when the anxiety from my personal identity was resolved….This research is a result of over thirty years of interpathic training, having discussions with experts in pastoral care, including detailed feedback and discussions with clergy, laypersons, and professionals.” You can find her book on Amazon here.

New Exhibit at B.L. Fisher Library

Special Collections and Archives announces a new exhibit, Tenting by the Cross: The History and Development of the Methodist and Holiness Camp Meeting. Listen to this video by Dr. John N. Oswalt about Preaching at Camp Meetings here. You can find the Online Exhibit here.

You can find the Exhibit Book here.

Asbury Alum Named Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year

The Component Numbered Air Force Chaplain, Continental U.S. NORAD Region-1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) was named the 2018 Samuel Stone Award, Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year.

Chaplain (Maj.) Rudy Olivo said he was honored as the recipient.

“I have had the privilege of working with many ANG Chaplains from all across the country and seen first-hand how skilled, caring, and motivated they are,” he said. “To be named Chaplain of the year in this group is something that means more to me than my words can fully express — and that’s saying something since I’m a preacher.”

As a C-NAF chaplain, he is responsible for advising and representing the CONR-1 AF (AFNFORTH) Commander about religious, spiritual, ethical and morale needs of the enterprise population.

“I have the best job in the Air Force,” Olivo said.
He said as a chaplain, he most enjoys the daily interaction with people in the organization.
“I am able to work with everyone from the most junior Airman to the most senior officer and meet them with the entire tool kit the Chaplain Corps brings to the table,” he said. “From one-on-one counseling regardless of the individual’s belief in a higher power — or lack thereof — to delivering resources so everyone can practice his/her faith, to teaching and praying with people of my own faith tradition, to advising leadership of all levels — all these things are loves of mine. We say in the Air Force our people are our most valuable resource. When I share life with people in the ways I just mentioned, I get to help our most valuable resource experience a better life in uniform and beyond and that ultimately helps meet mission need.”

But of course no job is without its challenges so being a chaplain is no exception.

“Life is hard,” Olivo said. “We know first-hand not only with Hurricane Michael, but also with all the other life situations we are all presently engaging with. Because I so enjoy the success stories I want them all to be success stories, and be so quickly. That said, while I feel honored remaining present in moments of pain and hurt, sometimes being part of the process is challenging. But even when those challenges occur, I wouldn’t give up those moments for anything.”

He is also grateful to a number of people and organizations for this honor.

“I have to say thank you to so many people who have partnered with me as an ANG Chaplain,” he said. “First and foremost I give thanks to my God, my bride, and my kids. They daily make me who I am. I also have to say thank you to the men and women of the 601st Air Operations Center, Florida National Guard, First Air Force, and members of the Chaplain Corps across the Total Force. Last but not least I have to offer thanks my Bishop, The United Methodist Church, Lynn Haven United Methodist Church, and First United Methodist Panama City, all of whom loved me and have given me flexibility to serve as a guardsman and a pastor.”

The chaplain is a 1999 graduate of Indiana State University where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish. He went on there to earn a master of science in criminology before he went on to earn his master of divinity degree in 2008 at the Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

Commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in 2004 in the Air Force Reserve, he transitioned to the Air National Guard in 2012. Prior to his current position, he was the Group Chaplain, 601st Air Operations Center.

Asbury Alum Named Dean of Students

Asbury is proud to share that David Fenrick, Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies, class of 2007, is the new Dean of Students at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. We are proud of Dr. Fenrick and pray many blessings over him and this new chapter in his life.

Asbury Now offering Spiritual Direction Cohort for Doctor of Ministry Students

Asbury Seminary is now offering a Spiritual Direction for Ministry Leaders cohort for Doctoral students.

For more information, click here for all the exciting details!

2019 Annual Conference Gatherings

In 2019, Asbury Seminary Alumni will gather together in fellowship at their United Methodist Annual Conference Alumni Gatherings. Thanks to the faithful alumni who host these events in their respective conferences, there will be 25 held across the United States in 2019.

For more information on how the Alumni Office can assist you in gathering Asbury Alumni in your area, please contact alumni@asburyseminary.edu

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2 responses to “Updates, Events, and Publications”

Tony Soper says:

May 10, 2019 at 11:48 pm

Tony Soper class of 1978 has published a guided journal titled Three Questions: A Guided Journal That Could Change Your Life.

Reply
Charles W. Heavilin says:

May 14, 2019 at 9:23 pm

Thank you for mentioning my book. I thought about contacting Asbury about my book, but since I graduated almost sixty years ago I was not familiar with anyone there now. I would be grateful if someone at Asbury would read this book and send me some comments.
Thanks again – Charles W. Heavilin

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