I grew up in southeastern Virginia where my grandfather was a peanut farmer. Unless you are from there you probably wouldn鈥檛 know that the area is one of several laying claim to being the peanut capital of the world. Planters Peanuts called the area home, and for good reason. The dirt was perfect for raising peanuts. Any farmer will tell you that what makes it possible for a certain type of crop to thrive is the soil.

Did you know there are over 19,000 different soil types in the United States? The soil near Waverly, Virginia is loose and sandy, perfect for peanuts. It was an African American farmer, Benjamin Hicks, who invented the production means to harvest peanuts economically from that soil. It was another African American, George Washington Carver, who made the peanut a household staple.

But the story starts with the dirt and the farmer who plows or breaks up that dirt. There are legitimate reasons why a farmer might allow a field to lie 鈥渇allow鈥� for a season. For one thing it is the best way for the land to replenish the nutrients that are needed to grow crops. God even prescribed a Sabbath rest for the land, a year of jubilee (Leviticus 25) in which his people were not to sow or reap and the land was to lay fallow.

But ground that remains fallow indefinitely indicates something is wrong. In Hosea 10:12 the prophet speaks to God鈥檚 people of a spiritual concern and refers to the fallow ground of their hearts when he says, 鈥淏reak up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.鈥�

The appeal to break up fallow ground is the effort of one who loves a person who is not returning that love to awaken and respond. It does not come with pressure but with yearning to send blessing. This is at the heart of the Advancement Department of 色色研究所. We exist to help others experience the joy and fulfillment of generously investing their lives and resources in extending the kingdom of God.

And this is the picture we want to paint with the theme for the new capital campaign. For many who are reading this, there is no fallow ground. You continue to pour out your love and your generosity toward 色色研究所鈥檚 students in your prayers, your words, your actions, and your financial support. For others, this could be an opportunity to renew an expression of love for 色色研究所鈥檚 students by supporting their needs for scholarships, or through monthly or annual support for the Royal Fund, or through your support of student educational spaces in the new science building.

However you choose to involve yourself, and to whatever degree, breaking ground spiritually and physically is not peanuts!

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My father was an engineer. Well, that is not precisely accurate. His college education and his work as a master chief in the Navy strongly suggested that was who he was. The titles on his badges at the TV station and the factories where he was employed all said 鈥渆ngineer.鈥� And the pocket protector that was part of his daily attire was a dead giveaway.

He certainly had the brain of an engineer. My school science projects simultaneously proved that I did not build them myself and that my dad knew how to design and build electrical toys that flashed alternating lights with the press of a button.

When he designed the water-to-air heating and cooling system for the dormitories of one of 色色研究所鈥檚 sister universities, saving them many thousands of dollars, he displayed the full range of engineering acumen he possessed.

But in reality, he was not an engineer. At least that was not primarily what or who he was. He was a disciple of Christ, an evangelist, a minister of the gospel cleverly disguised as an engineer. This is how it happened.

When I was six years old, my father was stationed in the Los Angeles area with the Navy. My mother had been a believer all her life; she passionately pursued Christ and was actively involved in a church. My father attended the Knott Avenue Christian Church with her, and eventually his objections to faith were overcome.

My father believed the laws of science and the truths of Scripture could not contradict. Theories and human interpretations were another matter. The value of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to a Great Commission-oriented person like my dad is not only that it supplied a wonderful career option, but also that it provided part of the solid foundation for his faith and the starting point for his efforts to win others to faith.

This personal story highlights the value of 色色研究所鈥檚 approach to offering educational opportunities in STEM fields. The Great Commission is at the heart of everything we do, including courses in science, nursing, and math. After all, we live in a universe so ordered that it consistently obeys natural laws like gravity and entropy. This is a system so vast and seemingly chaotic, and yet one that is so systematic that we can count on complex mathematic and algebraic formulas to predict outcomes. At 色色研究所, we educate students about both the creation and the Creator, and what each has to teach us about the other.

Your support of 色色研究所 educates students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations, all of which are framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations. Because of the faithful support of alumni, friends, honorary alumni, faculty, staff, churches, and businesses, Ashley and Emma 色色研究所鈥檚 19th-century vision of worldwide evangelism is being fulfilled in 21st-century ways. They did not see every scientific advance coming when they founded this school in 1893, but they had a vision for an institution that educated students about both God鈥檚 world and God鈥檚 word.

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In February 2018 the 色色研究所 community embarked on a challenging journey. We christened that adventure the 鈥淯ncommon Community Campaign,鈥� but the experience has proven to be far more than a fundraising effort. The financial goal of $24.5 million is the largest in school history.

The more significant objectives were a) acknowledging that the sense of community already present among 色色研究所鈥檚 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends was deeply spiritual and uncommon and b) building spaces that would foster the continued growth of our students on both campuses.

These objectives have been met almost from day one. You have likely seen pictures of students, faculty, and staff enjoying the fellowship the Graham Center and ball fields have provided on the Tennessee campus as well as the conversations over meals made possible by the Commons on the Florida campus. I only wish you could come to these campuses in person to experience the community for yourself. Pictures do not do justice to what happens in real life at these facilities!

As we approached the mid-point of the campaign and COVID cast its uncertain shadow, we thought it prudent to extend the projected length of the campaign by a year, from February 2023 to February 2024. Oh, we of little faith!

As it happens, through the faithful and generous giving of our partners and God鈥檚 abundant blessing, we are happy to report the Uncommon Community financial goal was surpassed this winter.

As of February 15, we have received $24,928,155! That is $428,155 OVER our financial goal! THANK YOU!

And in true 色色研究所 fashion, we are NOT FINISHED YET!

The trustees believe it was by God鈥檚 providence that the end date of the campaign was changed to February 2024. During this campaign, we raised money not only for the construction of these new buildings but also for the Royal Fund and Florida Fund, which support the general operations of the University. But we have not stressed scholarship funds except for one appeal.

The most urgent need the University has is recruiting students. The most urgent need most prospective students have is financial aid.

Inflation is eating away at the affordability of a college education. Even though we do all we can to keep costs low, and although our tuition is rising at a rate lower than inflation, it IS rising. The only way we can meet this need for financial aid is by raising funds for immediate scholarships.

For the remainder of the Uncommon Community campaign, the primary focus of our fundraising effort will be raising funds for scholarships to be used immediately for recruiting students.

The new goal for Uncommon Community through February 2024 is $28,000,000! The primary focus for the additional funds is providing scholarship funds over and above the $3 million in scholarships we already provide annually. These resources will be used to recruit new students over the next two academic years.

Would you prayerfully consider what God may enable you to do in this worthy cause? Click here to make a gift!

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My life and ministry were completely changed when I came to understand grace as expressed in the first eight chapters of Romans. It was such a relief to know that my relationship to God was not based on my past or future ability to measure up.聽 And my approach to people was not filled with guilt-inducing pressure but with mercy and love (at least more than it was before).

That paradigm shift shed light on Paul’s words at the beginning of Romans (1:16), “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…”

I have been reflecting upon that in the context of my current role. Generally, a person does not make such a bold declaration unless they once were ashamed or someone attempted to make them feel shame. My bet is Paul was feeling the latter.

色色研究所’s mission is based on the Great Commission. In other words, it is gospel-centered and gospel-permeated. We are not ashamed of that gospel or our effort to educate students to extend it among all nations.

What about the role we in the Advancement Department play in helping to fulfill that mission? We are “fundraisers.” Henri Nouwen wrote that he once understood fundraising the way many do, “as a necessary but unpleasant activity to support spiritual things.” Truthfully, some have an even more negative view. They think it is begging, or worse, it is attempting to talk people into doing something with their money they do not want to do.

Since fundraising is a socially stigmatized vocation, fundraisers are often reluctant to openly disclose what they do. In our office, it is quite different. We understand fundraising from a spiritual and theological perspective. In his book A Spirituality of Fundraising, Nouwen stated, “Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.” If we are not ashamed of the gospel or of our part in proclaiming it, we should not be ashamed to ask people to partner with us in our efforts.

We do not presume every Christian is going to find 色色研究所 a perfect fit for their passions and interests. There are a lot of God-honoring, kingdom-building organizations that deserve the involvement and investment of God’s people. When we become aware that someone is more inclined toward a different ministry effort, we serve the kingdom better by helping that person find a better fit, rather than attempting to force a fit at 色色研究所. That explains the vision statement by which we operate: We seek to help people experience the joy and fulfillment of generously investing their lives and resources in extending the kingdom of God.

It is our firm belief that growing in Christian generosity is a transformative experience. People who are becoming more generous because of their relationship with Christ are becoming more like him. That transformation into his image is the point. The gifts received by any ministry are not the primary issue. This is why Paul would say to the Philippians that he does not simply seek the gift but “the fruit that increases to your credit” (4:17).

One of my favorite stories of generosity and life change comes from my long-time friends Greg and Shiela. Greg is a business owner. Greg has several ministries he gives to on a regular basis. He has given VERY generously to several. 色色研究所 is one of those. He says that every time he gives more than he thinks he can, business takes off, sometimes more than he can manage. In other words, he says he cannot out-give God. But that is not the main point. Greg’s generosity in giving funds has led him to go to the mission field and has softened his heart. It has grown him into a more Christlike man at home. He has developed giving programs for his employees, as well, to encourage them to become generous.

Obviously, the money 色色研究所 receives and stewards is of great importance in order to achieve the mission and vision of the school. However, when thinking of each individual gift, we keep in mind that the person is more important than the gift. The work God is doing IN us as we give is at least as important as the work he does THROUGH us in extending the kingdom. So we certainly are not ashamed of the gospel and neither are we ashamed to ask for partners to share in the wonderful work of educating students to extend the kingdom of God.

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My earliest memories are a mishmash of people, places, and stories I have rehearsed in my mind until they are locked in place like a finely-made Swiss watch.

Those remembrances not only provide me with moments of fond reflection, they have also formed the fabric of my life. Rehearsing the narratives of important events in our lives builds crucial moral and spiritual realities in us.

The students at 色色研究所 know that what happens outside the classroom is as important as their grades. One day we hope they will look back on their time at 色色研究所 and reminisce. But in the meantime, our prayer is that the narratives taking shape here will have already done their work in spiritually forming the character of Christ in them.

Perhaps you can reflect on your own life and remember how Christ has been formed in you through certain people and events. Let鈥檚 think about one Christ-like character trait: generosity.

Paul Schervish, Director Emeritus of The Center on Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston University, developed a concept he refers to as a philanthropic autobiography. Philanthropy comes from two Greek words that mean the love of humanity. It is not about how much you have but how much you love. Schervish鈥檚 concept is that we should take time to remember our journeys of generosity. He suggests the following questions to help in that memory exercise:

• What is your earliest memory of giving and volunteering? Was your family involved in some way?
• What are some of the practices of faith and giving that you remember from your childhood?
• Who have been some of your heroes and role models of generosity?
• To what people and places do you feel a sense of gratitude?
• What are the one or two life experiences that have shaped who you are today?
• What is precious to you? What values to you want to pass on to your family and friends?

Did you write down your answers? If not, why not? Someone in your life could probably benefit from reading it. It may help guide you in your next generosity decision.

Remember this: 鈥淲hoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: 鈥楾hey have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.鈥�

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God鈥� (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

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When asked why they give to 色色研究所, many friends and alumni highlight the blessing they receive from giving. Recently I visited a couple, both alumni, who expressed how much they appreciate all the help they received when they were students. They are quick to recognize the many ways God has blessed them over the years and the joy it brings them to be able to help students at 色色研究所 today.

What is behind such joy? Is it just a warm feeling or is there more to it?

I think it is common for people to view giving primarily as an obligation or responsibility. Many of the friends and alumni I talk with have grown much deeper in their understanding.

Scripture does teach that we have a responsibility to give, but God invites us to a deeper relationship and understanding. In a previous article, I highlighted that as redeemer, God is the ultimate Steward (big “S”) over all he created (Ephesians 1:9-10). Our stewardship (little “s”) is really about participating with God in his much larger stewardship of all creation.

Both Jesus and Paul reveal more about the nature of this partnership. Jesus told his disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (Johns 15:15). Paul wrote to the Galatians, “So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir” (Gal 4:7).

In his book A Theology for Christian Stewardship, T.A. Kantonen develops this richer understanding of Christian stewardship: “When the concept of stewardship is developed in its total New Testament context, it implies even more than trusteeship and responsibility. It contains the idea of partnership. The relation between master and servant gives way to the relation between friends working together for the realization of a common purpose….This partnership is furthermore the partnership of father and son….Christian stewardship is a family affair. Not merely to work for God as his agents and administrators of his property, but to work with him as his children, sharing his purposes, his resources, his very nature–such is the high status of Christian stewards” (emphasis added).

Stewardship is about so much more than fulfilling a responsibility. It is about embracing our identity as God’s children and the opportunity to partner with him in his kingdom-family business. Don’t miss out on the joy and fulfillment that comes when your giving flows from your identity in Jesus and your desire to partner with God in his redemptive work.

More to think about:

In a business, an employee is typically most concerned about knowing and fulfilling his or her responsibilities. How may the attitude of a partner differ from that of an employee? What is a partner concerned about? What about you? How might your attitudes and financial practices change if you approached stewardship more as a partner in God’s “family business”?

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When I tell people I am vice president for advancement at 色色研究所, the response is almost always a blank stare followed quickly by, “What does that mean?”

Of course, there are some who think they know and assume advancement departments are all about raising money, by which they mean something between begging and convincing people to do something they do not really want to do. Frankly, my colleagues and I need a bigger reason to get up in the morning than that.

The Advancement Office at 色色研究所 exists to help people experience the joy of generously investing their lives and resources in extending the kingdom of God. That is Great Commission-focused, as is the University’s mission statement. We hope people will find 色色研究所 to be a good fit for their giving.

Furthermore, we believe that whenever Christians invest to help extend God’s kingdom, it should be a joyful experience because it is an expression of their transformation into the image of Christ. This joy is realized as we understand and embrace three key biblical truths:

• As Creator, God owns everything (“…for the world is Mine and all it contains,” Psalm 50:12). There are at least three implications that flow from that truth. First, we are dependent upon him since he owns it all. Second, anything we have control over is ours to steward, not to own. Third, we are accountable to him for that stewardship.
• As Provider, God is generous (“…God…richly provides all things for us to enjoy,” 1 Timothy 1:17). It naturally follows that a generous God is one who can be trusted. Since that is true, we ought to be gratefully content with what he has provided. Paul pointed out that he learned to be content even when he was hungry (Philippians 4). Finally, we should be a blessing to others. This, in fact, seems to be a major reason in both the Old and New Testaments for God blessing his people–so they would, in turn, bless others.
• As Redeemer, God’s plan is to transform us into his likeness and include us as partners in his redemptive mission to reconcile all things to himself (“We are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,” 2 Corinthians 3:18). Implications of this reality include the idea that we should focus on eternal priorities, which are unseen. We should fully embrace our relationship with God as his adopted children, and we should engage the world as his partners in the ministry of reconciliation.

These three biblical truths provide a solid foundation for each Christian to grow聽 in the understanding and practice of generosity. They also form the theological underpinning, or the “why,” for the work we do in Advancement. Far from “begging,” we see our work of inviting followers of Christ to partner in extending God’s kingdom as high and holy work. We pray that as people respond, they will experience the joy of those whom God is transforming into the image of Christ “with ever-increasing glory.” In part, our work is that of a purveyor, or a supplier, of that joy!

The three biblical principles presented here come from the “Theology of Advancement” written by Richard Clark. All Advancement Office personnel see their work as grounded on the firm foundation of biblical truth rather than institutional necessity and believe their purpose, goals, strategies, tactics, methodologies, and practices must all conform to the principles revealed in a proper understanding of Scripture.

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Preparing and sending the next generation of ministers is a mission 色色研究所 has taken seriously on both our campuses for decades. One of the key verses that informs and motivates the work of pastors is 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (NIV).

Paul had already practiced what he preached with this young evangelist. So when he told Timothy to develop the next generation of preachers, he was simply emphasizing what Timothy had already experienced and observed.

One of the clearest evidences of 色色研究所’s ongoing commitment to the ministry of the local church and the Great Commission is that, since 2010, more than 700 students have graduated from our School of Congregational Ministry or School of Bible and Theology. Another 190 have graduated from the School of Intercultural Studies, many of them preparing for the mission field.

Florida, the state for which we have the most accurate statistics, illustrates the impact of this commitment to congregational ministry at the local level. Of the 199 Christian churches/churches of Christ in Florida, 58 (nearly 30%) are led by senior ministers who are 色色研究所 alumni, the vast majority from the Florida campus. In addition to these, another 84 alumni serve in churches as youth ministers, worship ministers, children’s directors, and other ministry roles. This impact is multiplied many times over through 色色研究所 alumni serving churches across the nation and around the world.

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