Updates, Events, and Publications
ALUM AND PROFESSOR EMERITUS PUBLISHES CONSIDER THE LILIES
Dr. Howard Snyder (B.Div. ’66), via First Fruits Press, recently released the book Consider the Lilies: How Jesus Saves People and the Land. In this lengthy, rich volume,
Dr. Snyder explores the theological and ecological dimensions of salvation. This is a very timely book for a society in the midst of ecological crisis. To read the book for yourself, see HERE.
TWO-TIME ATS ALUM PUBLISHES THE FRUITS OF LISTENING
ATS alum Colleen Weaver (M.Div. ’93, M.A. in Biblical Studies ’06) recently published a book entitled The Fruits of Listening: Applying Qualitative Research Methods in the Design of Contextually Responsive Theological Education. The description from the publisher’s page is as follows:
Theological seminaries and Bible institutes find themselves at the crossroads of preserving biblical faithfulness and of maintaining contextual relevance. What does faithful contextual relevance look like? How can theological institutions steer a course that will engage and serve the church through the men and women they equip for ministry and service? In pursuit of answers to those questions, a qualitative research project was designed and conducted in the Protestant evangelical community in Madrid, Spain. It presented a unique situation where seminary faculty and students and church attenders could be invited to share their perspectives, experiences, and hopes for transformative theological education. Congregants offered a vision of theological education that equips leaders to relationally empower the church to give witness in the society. Intentional listening was prioritized on three seminary campuses where faculty and students shared their stories of theological formation and described the unique contextual challenges they face as Protestant believers in Spain. They voiced narratives of how they must find ways to persevere amid pervasive scarcity and in a rapidly changing society. Seminaries and churches around the world may recognize details of their own experiences in these stories and, importantly, receive resources for relevant contextualization in this work.
To learn more about this work or to purchase it for yourself, see HERE
ATS ALUM ELECTED AS NEW ANGLICAN ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne announced on May 24th, 2025, the election of the ATS alum, Rev. Dr. Richard (Ric) Thorpe.
Administrator Bishop Genieve Blackwell was pleased to announce the decision following the deliberations of the Archbishop Election Synod.
The Synod, comprising approximately 760 clergy and lay parish representatives of the diocese, began its work on Friday 23 May.
The Archbishop-elect currently serves in a special episcopal role as Bishop of Islington in the Diocese of London. This encompasses diocesan, national and international responsibilities, held together within the Gregory Centre for Church Multiplication with a focus on church planting.
Ordained in the Diocese of London, Bishop Thorpe did his undergraduate theological studies at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and his doctorate through Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky United States.
Bishop Thorpe has visited Melbourne often and said, “We have come to love Melbourne over the years, as we have served and ministered in the diocese, in other denominations, and across the nation.”
His passion was, “Seeing the whole Church of God thrive, enabling churches to be healthy, new congregations planted, and struggling churches revitalised.”
Chair of the Board of Nominators, Dr Jenny George, described the Archbishop-elect as “an experienced and visionary leader.”
“Ric has been personally involved in revitalizing small or shrinking parishes and planting new churches,” Dr George said.
“His commitment to developing future leaders is seen in his local and global training of church planters and other leaders.”
He will succeed Archbishop Philip Freier who retired in February after serving 18 years in office, once internal processes to confirm his election have been completed.
Bishop Thorpe will be installed as archbishop in St Paul’s Cathedral later in the year at a date to be advised. Bishop Blackwell will continue to serve as administrator until that time.
For more of the story visit HERE
ASBURY SEMINARY WELCOMES NEW DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES AND SECURITY
WILMORE, Ky., May 2, 2025—Asbury Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the hiring of Mr. Torrance Clark as its new Director of Facilities & Security. Mr. Clark will begin his employment on May 19, 2025, to overlap with the Seminary’s retiring Director, Mr. Brian U’Ren. On June 2, 2025, the Director transition will be complete when Mr. U’Ren officially retires.
Torrance joins the Seminary after working in the construction trades, construction management, and facilities management for over 30 years. As part of this move, he is finishing nearly 13 years as the Director of Plant Operations at a central Kentucky hospital.
“Torrance joins Asbury Seminary with a strong track record of contributing to a skills-based team as well as leading teams,” says Bryan Blankenship, CFO. “Torrance comes to the position with a heart seeking a deeper walk with God and a desire to use his gifts and talents in a Christian setting that is serving the church. He loves people, and I’m confident he will make a lasting impact on our community.”
Torrance has family roots that go back to the nearby small community of Keene, Kentucky, and the Lexington area has been his home for over 20 years.
Asbury Seminary also expresses its deep and sincere thanks to Brian U’Ren for his over 31 years of service to the Seminary. Brian has led the Physical Plant and Facilities team for the last seven years. “Brian represents the very best of an Asbury Seminary employee who embodies the Seminary’s mission,” says Blankenship. “Brian loves Jesus and loves people, and this has been evident in how colleagues across the institution responded and related to him in ensuring a safe and well-maintained campus.”
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