Catching up on the news

So much has been happening in recent weeks that I've fallen behind in reporting on big events surrounding the Master of Ministry program. So here's a quick catch-up:

* As I mentioned in a previous post -- but with news this big you want to say it again! -- at spring commencement, President Whitaker announced an $8 million gift from the estate of Mr. David T. Clamp for the support of graduate education for ministers. Thus, the school I lead now proudly bears this name: the David T. Clamp Graduate School of Christian Ministry. Mr. Clamp was a native of nearby Honea Path, worked for the federal government in DC, and saved and invested his money. He was determined to leave a worthy legacy for the Kingdom, which he has done in no small part with the sacrificial support of his wife, Jane Clamp. Their commitment to this program will continue to make a difference in lives until the Lord returns.

* Around the same time, we announced the members of our Strategic Faculty for the Master of Ministry program. These are gifted leaders who have agreed to participate in our instructional program in some way -- some will come to class to teach a class now and then, while others will be recording video instruction for the online courses. The full list is available from our home page (http://www.auministry.com/). We are grateful for this tremendous group!

* And while all this is happening, we have begun receiving applications (print and online) for the M.Min. program. We have already received 15 applications for August, with 5 students accepted thus far; the rest are in various stages of sending their supporting materials (transcripts, reference letters). It is shaping up to be a tremendous inaugural class.

* And speaking of the entering class, they will be joining us on campus August 6-7 for our first Student-Faculty M.Min. Retreat. This will be a time of orientation, getting acquainted, and focusing on preparation for ministry. Our featured retreat leader will be Dr. Calvin Miller, former preaching professor at Beeson Divinity School, a best-selling author, and one of our strategic faculty. Calvin is a friend, and he will make a wonderful contribution in the lives of our students. (OK, I know this was in a previous post also, but it's another one of those items that bears repeating.)

That's enough for now. More big news coming soon!

New name, new future!

Today was an exciting time in the life of Anderson University and the Master of Ministry program.

At commencement this morning, President Whitaker announced an $8 million dollar gift for the graduate program in ministry. I am now Dean of the David T. Clamp Graduate School of Christian Ministry.

Mr. Clamp's story is an amazing one. Born on a farm near Honea Path, SC, he spent his career in government service, primarily with the Civil Aeronautics Board. He lived modestly, saving and investing his money, with a dream of leaving it to invest in the training of ministers. In recent years as he was in declining health, his wife Jane has been his partner in making sure his dream would come to fruition. Last October, Mr. Clamp went to be with the Lord, and now his legacy has been realized through Anderson University.

This gift is an incredible investment in the training of ministers, and provides the kind of financial stability that many seminaries and divinity schools can only dream of having. Every student who studies with us and goes on to ministry service will be a part of the legacy of David and Jane Clamp. Thanks be to God for men and women of faith who are willing to invest themselves and their resources in Kingdom work. And may God help us to be faithful in carrying out the dream of these faithful servants.