November 17, 2008

By Chantell Smith and Joshua Remington

On November 7-8, 2008, the Urshan Graduate School of Theology (UGST) hosted “Standing Together for Truth,” their annual symposium.  Though it is primarily an academic conference, this year’s event addressed many topics applicable to a number of practical ministry contexts.  It included presentations by creative ministers, as well as some of the greatest academic minds in the Apostolic Pentecostal movement.  The following are some of the highlights.

Thoughts from a First Timer

Before we get into the highlights, I (Chantell) have a confession to make.  At first, I was hesitant to sign up for the Symposium because I didn’t feel qualified.  Though not completely unfamiliar with UGST—I took a J-Term in June, 2006—I still had a sinking feeling that it would be too Bible scholarly for me.  I was afraid that everyone would be communicating in exegetical hermeneutical theologo-speak and that I would be left behind, coughing in their Holy Ghost-filled academic dust.  

My fears were soon allayed when I felt welcomed and began to see my lack of knowledge in some areas not as intimidating, but rather as an opportunity to learn.  And I found myself in a community of people not only willing to share, but eager to gain from one another.

Scholar’s Fellowship

This pre-Symposium split session was absolutely electrifying.  Moderated by Bro. David Norris, it consisted of several attendees presenting synopses of their papers and then opening up the table for discussion.  There were a plethora of topics presented and the only regret is that there wasn’t more time to discuss each at length.  What was fascinating is that the room was full of not only academic authorities on the Word of God, but also respected men and women of God; yet, despite their solidarity on the weightiest matters, on others, they ardently, but always respectfully, disagreed.  Aside from offering lively discussion, this session offered proof that disagreement does not have to equal divisiveness.

Holiness and Culture

UGST President David Bernard gave an excellent presentation on holiness in the 21^st century.  While many denominations which began with a similar approach to holiness have regressed over the years, the Apostolic Pentecostal movement has typically remained steadfast in this area.  Does this mean that we are out of date, or that we need to change to be relevant to our times?  Some things in the Bible reflect a particular cultural context, but holiness is a biblical principle that does not change.  Bernard did a wonderful job of illustrating why holiness remains relevant in any culture.

Standing Together for Truth

The Symposium was held in conjunction with the Apostolic Leadership Summit, a meeting of AP leaders from several different Apostolic organizations.  While many of these meetings were closed to general attendees, we were greatly blessed by the ministry of some of these leaders in the plenary sessions.  Rev. Martin, Bishop Moore, and Bishop Johnson all preached well-crafted and highly anointed sermons about Jesus and the unity of His people.  These services culminated in a moving communion service.  Diverse Apostolic-Pentecostal (AP) leaders joining together in such an expression of unity brought to light the historic nature of the Symposium beyond the academics.

Dispensationalism and Exploring Orality

Academic topics were not absent, however.  One paper that stood out in its scholarship was Bro. Daniel Segraves’s discussion on dispensationalism.  Dispensationalism is a theology utilized by some Pentecostals even though it originally rejected the idea of gifts being active in the Church today.  Yet Oneness Pentecostals recognize that the Spirit is still at work today.  Dispensationalism, therefore, should be either heavily modified or rejected outright.  Segraves was able to point out directions this might take in future scholarship. 

Other academics enjoyed the sessions exploring the orality of the Bible.  Because the Bible was written in an oral culture, it was meant to be read out loud.  The Bible’s original audience heard it.  After exploring the technical aspects of this, we enjoyed some dramatic presentations that brought both the Bible and the theology that had been previously discussed to life.

Counseling and Ministry

There was also a lot available for those interested in practical ministry.  There were a few sessions on the ministry of counseling.  Brent Coltharp and Carol Clemens were among the speakers.  Although the Church is sometimes not willing or equipped to help those experiencing personality and emotional disorders, they still need Jesus and the ministry of His body.  Likewise, those going through grief need ministers who understand both the nature and the issues surrounding this multi-faceted journey. 

Emergent or Emerging?

Additionally, there was a lot of discussion on the Emergent Church.  Bro. Nathaniel Binion gave a presentation detailing definitions and distinctions between the Emerging Church and the Emergent Church.  He also described proper responses from the AP movement to the Emergent Church, coining the phrase and discouraging the idea of “Pentecostal McCarthyism.”  A following session looked at the challenges presented to the Church by emerging communication technologies, and how to form community and minister in such a context.

And Finally, Brethren . . .

Whether or not you’re a theology nerd, the Symposium has something to offer anyone who is looking to learn more about the Word of God, its history and context, and its application to our present lives.  If you’re craving the community of like-minded people who love God, who love learning, who love open, honest discussion and who value unity and service, the Symposium is the place to find it.  UGST Symposium 2009 is slated to be held October 29-30.  Will you mark your calendars with us?

ninetyandnine.com 

© 2008, Joshua Remington and Chantell Smith

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Joshua Remington is currently serving as the Discipleship Pastor at TurnPoint Church in Clermont, FL.  As an alumnus of Urshan Graduate School of Theology and a major theology nerd, he is already counting down the days until the next Symposium.

Chantell Smith is currently pursuing a Masters of Hispanic Studies at Auburn University.  As her workload increases, so do her random outbursts of “¡Ay, caramba!”