Message from La Sierra University Chairman of the BoardI want to convey the best wishes of the entire Board of Trustees of the University and the administration of the Pacific Union—many of whom may be present today—on this august occasion.
It is with great anticipation that we look forward to the continued theological education that this entity shall provide. The training of future pastors, administrators and others will continue to provide a spiritual context for the edification of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the completion of its mission to reach the masses with the Gospel and the Three Angels’ Message.
Years ago, Ellen White, a founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church wrote:
The times demand an intelligent, educated ministry, not novices. . . This state of things calls for the use of every power of the intellect; for it is keen minds . . . that the minister will have to meet. He should be well balanced by religious principles, growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ … Truth must be placed in contrast with bold
assertions.—Testimonies for the Church 5:528
May God’s Spirit lead and guide the HMS Richards Divinity School to prepare ministers, administrators and others to “…rightly divide the word of truth…” 2Timothy 2:15.
The change of name from School of Religion to HMS Richards Divinity School culminates a process of “enhancing the vision” for our school. It represents a
renewed focus on our graduate programs. More than two years ago we began a process of wide consultation, self-study, and strategic planning towards the goal of better serving our constituencies.
Today, it is deeply gratifying to be able to inaugurate our
enhanced identity in honor of the name of one of the great formative preacher-scholars in the Adventist community. We are especially privileged to have been entrusted with the 10,000-volume library of HMS Richards. We intend to continue his emphasis on knowing and understanding the Bible, and proclaiming and trusting in God’s grace!
John Webster Dean
The life of Elder HMS Richards has provided inspiration to countless men and women. A tireless reader and scholar, and a diligent student of the
Bible, Elder Richards was voracious in his search for useful material across many fields of knowledge, finding unique ways to weave it into fresh and vibrant messages to reach hearts.
La Sierra University is blessed to recognize this remarkable
individual with the naming of the HMS Richards Divinity School. We are grateful for the dedication of his children, all graduates of La Sierra, who have given the university their father’s remarkable library and the honor of utilizing his name. For generations to come, it will be our privilege to introduce students to this exceptional and dedicated scholar, pastor, and creative leader.
Randal Wisbey President
Message From the President Message From the Dean
Inaugural EventsHMS Richards Divinity School • La Sierra University
Thursday, October 11 11 am Inauguration Ceremony University Church
12 noon Luncheon for family members and other guests Cactus Room (includes an illustrated report on the School and on the Women’s Resource Center [College of Arts and Sciences])
2 pm Guided tours of centers under the auspices of the Divinity School (Stahl Center and Path of the Just, Center for Near Eastern Archaeology,
HMS Richards Library, and closing reception at the John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry)
Friday, October 12 8 pm First Service vespers program with Divinity School University Church
students and “Committed,” an a capella group
Sabbath, October 13 4 pm Concert featuring the William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus, University Church
singing Voice of Prophecy songs, plus clips of HMS Richards from VOP broadcasts
5:30 pm Reception Sierra Vista Chapel
Other inaugural-year events include:
Archaeology Discovery Weekend -- CYPRUS November 10-11, 2012
Paul J. Landa Lecture February 23, 2013 Miroslav Volf, Yale University, on peace and peace-keeping HMS Richards, Jr. Lecture April 20, 2013
Departmental lectures, workshops throughout the year
Niels-Erik A. Andreasen has been president of Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan since 1994.
Born in Fredensborg, Denmark, Andreasen lived in Denmark for his first 19 years. He then studied at Newbold College, England, for three years and immigrated to the United States in 1963.
Andreasen graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in religion and history from Newbold College, Bracknell, England. He holds two degrees from Andrews University: a bachelor of divinity degree, which he received in 1965; and a master of arts in Biblical studies, 1966. In 1971, he received a doctorate degree in religious studies from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
Since 1970, Andreasen has served Adventist higher education in various capacities. From 1970 to 1977, he taught religion at Pacific Union College, Angwin, California and spent two years as visiting lecturer in Avondale College, Australia. From 1977 to 1990, he served in various positions at Loma Linda University (Riverside and Loma Linda, California campuses). His most recent position at that institution was dean of the Loma Linda University School of Religion.
In 1990, Andreasen was named president of Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington. He served in that capacity until July 1994, when he became the fifth president of Andrews University.
Andreasen is the author of three books, “The Christian Use of Time,” “The Old Testament Sabbath,” and “Rest and Redemption,” as well as various articles and reviews.
He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Biblical Research Committee.
Andreasen is married to Demetra Lougani of Athens, Greece. They have one grown son, Michael, a daughter-in-law, Marie, a grandson, Caleb and a granddaughter, Jordan.
The Inaugural Speaker
Inauguration Ceremony
Processional Elvin Rodríguez Professor of Music
Welcome Randal Wisbey President
Invocation Chris Oberg Senior Pastor, La Sierra University Church
Responsive Reading of Scripture Maury Jackson Assistant Professor of Practical Theology
Choral Call to Worship Light Everlasting Olaf C. Christiansen University Chamber Singers Earl Richards, Assist. Professor of Music
HMS Richards and La Sierra University Fritz Guy Research Prof. of Philosophical Theology
Recognition of HMS Richards family members Douglas Clark Associate Dean
Recognition of Other Dignitaries Steve Pawluk Provost
John Webster Dean
Hymn “Praise the Source of Faith and Learning” Thomas H. Troeger University Chamber Singers and Audience (Two Stanzas)
Introduction of Speaker John Jones Assoc. Prof. of New Testament and Religion
Address “What Should a Divinity School Do?” Niels-Erik A. Andreasen President, Andrews University
Dedication prayer Bradford Newton Executive Secretary, Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Anthem “Prayer of St. Francis” Arr. Robert Delgado University Chamber Singers Benediction Kendra Haloviak Valentine Associate Professor of New Testament
Postlude Elvin Rodríguez
Thursday, October 11, 2012 • 11:00 am • La Sierra University Church
First ServiceFriday, October 12, 2012 • 8 pm • La Sierra University Church
First Service Welcome Kaitlin Rice Liberal Studies College of Arts and Sciences
Prayer Derrick Cruz Religious Studies/Pre-seminary Undergraduate Department of Religion
Divinity School Welcome Shane Akerman Master of Arts in Religion Divinity School
Reading from the Epistle Hebrews 4:12-16 Jaylene Chung Master of Theological Studies Divinity School
Introduction of Speaker Sterling Spence Religious Studies Undergraduate Department of Religion
Homily Brandon Moningka Master of Divinity Divinity School
Sacred Music Concert Committed
Benediction Rebecca Barcelo Master of Theological Studies Divinity School
Featuring HMS Richards Divinity School Students &“Committed” a capella Choir
Choral ConcertSaturday, October 13, 2012 • 4 pm • La Sierra University Church
This service celebrating HMS Richards and the new Divinity School under his name will involve music written or arranged by Wayne Hooper of the Voice of Prophecy, and sung by the William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus. Songs will be chosen from the repertoire of Hooper pieces listed below. Also part of the program will be media clips of HMS Richards and Voice of Prophecy broadcasts.
Welcome John Webster Dean HMS Richards Divinity School
Invocation Melody Ilacas Master of Divinity Divinity School
Opening Hymn “Lift Up The Trumpet!” Men’s Chorus and Audience
HMS Richards and the Voice of Prophecy Fritz Guy Research Professor of Philosophical Theology Divinity School
Concert and HMS Richards/Voice of Prophecy Media Clips William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus Divinity School Archives
Closing Hymn “We Have This Hope” Men’s Chorus and Audience
Benediction Katherine Parsons Collaborating Faculty Divinity School
Reception in the Sierra Vista Chapel (across Sierra Vista Street from the church)
Repertoire of Hooper songs:
Always CheerfulChildren of the Heavenly FatherEcho CarolGleams of the Golden MorningGo, Tell It on the MountainGood News, Chariot’s A-comin’Heavenly MusicIt May Be at MornJacob’s Ladder
Now Look AwayO Come, O Come, ImmanuelO Lord of SpaceThe CrucifixionThe Greatest Want of the WorldThe Humble HeartThe Lord is ComingWe Three Kings
Featuring the William Chunestudy Men’s Chorus singing Wayne Hooper/Voice of Prophecy Songs plus media clips of HMS Richards from broadcasts
Religion at La Sierra University Although not formally stated, from its beginning in 1922 Seventh-day Adventist education in religion at La Sierra has encouraged and supported authentic spirituality, Biblical understanding, and theological growth. At the college level this has meant providing for all students accessible and challenging coursework as part of their general education, as well as providing for students majoring in religion a solid foundation for careers in Adventist ministry and for advanced studies in the various religious disciplines.
Beginning in the late 1960s, when La Sierra College became part of Loma Linda University, the vision of education in religion expanded to include graduate-level coursework leading to the Master of Arts (MA) degree, and later to more specialized training for ministry in the Master of Arts in Religious Studies (MARS) degree. After its separation from Loma Linda University in 1990, La Sierra again expanded its vision, with a cohort graduate program in youth ministry offered in Australia, and a two-year Master of Pastoral Studies (MPS) degree offered at La Sierra. In 2001 the Board of Trustees authorized the addition of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree at La Sierra, an action subsequently approved by the North American Division Higher Education Commission (NADHEC). The Master of Ministry (MMin) degree and graduate Certificate in Ministry (CMin), both one-year programs, were added in 2009.
Then, with the establishment of The HMS Richards Divinity School by the La Sierra University Board of Trustees in February, 2012, the School began offering a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. Whereas the Master of Arts in Religion is a focused graduate degree, the MTS program is broad-based and exposes students to a wide range of theological disciplines. With this addition came the discontinuation of the MPS and MMin programs, resulting in the following graduate programs in religion:
•MasterofDivinity–thegold-standardgraduateprofessionaldegreeforpastoralministry •CertificateinMinistry–non-degreegraduateprogramforlaychurchleaders •MasterofTheologicalStudies–broad-basedgraduateacademicdegree •MasterofArtsinReligion–focusedgraduateacademicdegree
Also during the 2012 academic year, the Undergraduate Department of Religion added a major in Archaeology to complement its Religious Studies major, Pre-seminary program, and minors in Religious Studies, Archaeology, and Biblical Languages.
Mission and Vision Statements HMS Richards Divinity School
Mission Statement
The La Sierra University HMS Richards Divinity School, a graduate theological school within the system of Seventh-day Adventist higher education, seeks to integrate believing, thinking, and acting through teaching, scholarship, dialogue, and service, preparing Christian leaders for effective ministries in the church, academy, and world in which we live.
Vision Statement
We see ourselves as an open community of learning and service, conviction and hospitality, solidarity and diversity, where faith seeks both understanding and transformation.
Our vision is to be attentive to the calling of Jesus Christ to present truth,* while not forgetting how God has led us in our past history,* and ever listening and reaching out through the empowering of the Spirit to a changing church and world.
We seek to form leaders who will be both effective and winsome spokespersons for the gospel, and capable of courageously standing for the right though the heavens fall.* We seek collaborations with congregations and partner institutions where conversations can deepen our service in God’s cause in the world.
[*Allusions to E.G. White, Maranatha 219; Life Sketches 196; Education 57]
HMS Richards, the Voice of Prophecy, and La Sierra University
HMS Richards, pioneer religious broadcaster, was the founder and long-time speaker of the Voice of Prophecy radio ministry. His ministry inspired broadcasts in dozens of languages on more than 1,000 stations worldwide, as well as Bible courses in some 80 languages offered by more than 125 correspondence schools.
Upon graduation from college in 1919, HMS Richards served as an evangelist in various places in the United States and Canada. In the 1920s in California he began experimenting with radio announcements for his meetings. He launched regular radio broadcasts on October 19, 1929 on KNX (AM) in Los Angeles.
Later Richards presented daily live broadcasts of The Tabernacle of the Air over KGER in Long Beach, and live weekly remote broadcasts from his tabernacle to KMPC (AM) in Beverly Hills. In January 1937 his footprint expanded over a network of several stations of the Don Lee Broadcasting System, and the name of the broadcast was changed to the Voice of Prophecy. His first coast-to-coast broadcast over 89 stations of the Mutual Broadcasting System was on Sunday, January 4, 1942. (above material adapted from vop.com)
Throughout the years Richards’ Voice of Prophecy broadcasts were marked by an opening theme song of “Lift Up the Trumpet” performed by the King’s Heralds quartet and closed each week with a new verse written to his poem “Have Faith in God.”
Elder Richards was not only a pioneer in his use of new technology, but a thought leader within the church, emphasizing the centrality of the Bible and of grace. His personal library of 10,000 volumes, bequested by the Richards family to La Sierra University in 2004, reflects the breadth of his reading habits and sustained the freshness and credibility of his ministry. He read voraciously, consuming as many as 80 books in one year, thus setting a benchmark for pastors who hope to be informed and relevant.
La Sierra University has always been central to the education of the Richards’ children and their children. His and Mabel’s four children all attended La Sierra, three of them graduating from here. Now, as the HMS Richards Divinity School is officially beginning its history at La Sierra, one of HMS Richards’ great, great grandchildren, Sean Richards, is beginning his university program in bio-medical studies.
Administration Divinity School Faculty John W. Webster, Dean (2004) PhD Princeton Theological Seminary 1995Douglas R. Clark, Associate Dean (2007) PhD Vanderbilt University 1984Warren C. Trenchard, Director, Graduate Program (1995) PhD University of Chicago 1981Divinity School StaffKimberly Hall, Administrative Assistant (2011)
MBA La Sierra University 2010 Affiliated Centers Center for Near Eastern Archaeology Douglas R. Clark, Director PhD Vanderbilt University 1984 John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry V. Bailey Gillespie, Director PhD Claremont Graduate University 1973 Ana and Fernando Stahl Center for World Service Charles Teel, Jr., Director PhD Boston University 1972 HMS Richards Library Douglas R. Clark, Coordinator PhD Vanderbilt University 1984 Women’s Resource Center (under auspices of College of Arts and Sciences) Department of Pastoral Studies (Practical Theology, Church & Ministry, and Mission & Evangelism) Divinity School Faculty V. Bailey Gillespie, Chair and Professor of Theology and
Christian Personality (1970) PhD Claremont Graduate University 1973 Christian nurture, youth ministry Maury D. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral
Studies (2009) DMin Claremont School of Theology 2007 Pastoral ministry, ethics, philosophy Randal R. Wisbey, Associate Professor of Pastoral
Studies (2007) DMin Wesley Theological Seminary 1990 Youth ministry Collaborating Faculty William Loveless, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Studies EdD University of Maryland 1964 Pastoral counseling
Hector Ramal, Adjunct Professor of Preaching DMin Andrews University 1994 Preaching, ministry fieldwork
Calvin Thomsen, Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Studies PhD Loma Linda University 2008; DMin Fuller Theological Seminary 1985 Pastoral counseling, church administration
Department of Biblical Studies (Bible, Languages, Archaeology) Divinity School FacultyKendra Haloviak Valentine, Chair and Associate Professor of New Testament Studies (2001)
PhD Graduate Theological Union 2002New Testament studies, Biblical languages Kent Bramlett, Assistant Professor of Archaeology and History of Antiquity (2010) PhD University of Toronto 2009 Biblical languages, Near Eastern archaeology, history of antiquity Douglas R. Clark, Professor of Biblical Studies and Archaeology (2007) PhD Vanderbilt University 1984 Biblical languages, Old Testament studies, archaeology Lawrence T. Geraty, Professor of Archaeology and Old Testament Studies (1993) PhD Harvard University 1972 Old Testament studies, archaeology John R. Jones, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and World Religions (1990)
PhD Vanderbilt University 1982 Biblical languages; New Testament background,interpretation, and theology
Wonil Kim, Associate Professor of Old Testament Studies (1994)
PhD Claremont Graduate University 1996 Exegesis, theology, and hermeneutics of the Old TestamentWarren C. Trenchard, Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature (1995)
PhD University of Chicago 1981 Biblical languages, NT background and interpretation, early Christian literatureCollaborating FacultyBernard A. Taylor, Adjunct Professor of Biblical Languages
PhD Hebrew Union College (1989)Greek, Hebrew, Latin
Department of Theological Studies
(Theology, History, Philosophy, Ethics) Divinity School faculty Fritz Guy, Chair and Research Pofessor of Philosophical Theology (1961, 1990) DD hc La Sierra University 2002 PhD University of Chicago 1971 Theology, philosophy of religion Trisha Famisaran, Assistant Professor of Religion (2012) MATS, MA Claremont School of Theology (2008,
2010) Theology, philosophy
Administration and Faculty
Ginger Hanks-Harwood, Associate Professor of Religious and Theological Studies (1997)
PhD Iliff School of Theology, University of Denver 1991
Social ethics, theology, Adventist historyCharles Teel, Jr., Professor of Religion and Society (1967) PhD Boston University 1972
Religion and society, Christian ethics John W. Webster, Professor of Theology and History of Christianity (1999)
PhD Princeton Theological Seminary 1995 Systematic theology, history of Christianity, philosophy, ethics Collaborating faculty Gary Chartier, Associate Professor of Business Law and Ethics
JD University of California, Los Angeles 2001PhD University of Cambridge 1991
Theology and ethics David Larson, Adjunct Professor of Ethics
PhD Claremont Graduate University 1982DMin Claremont School of Theology 1973
Ethics Richard Rice, Adjunct Professor of Theology
PhD University of Chicago 1974Systematic and philosophical theology
Department of General Religious Studies (Research, Religion)Divinity School facultyJohn R. Jones, Chair and Associate Professor of New Testament Studies and World Religions (1990)
PhD Vanderbilt University 1982 World religions, phenomenology of religionFritz Guy, Research Professor of Philosophical Theology (1961, 1990)
DD hc La Sierra University 2002PhD University of Chicago 1971Research and writing
Undergraduate Department of Religion Divinity School faculty All members listed above
Collaborating faculty (in addition to members listed above) Gerard Kiemeney, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Ministry DMin Fuller Theological Seminary 1993 Pastoral ministry Samuel Leonor, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Religion MDiv Andrews University 1998 Introduction to Adventist beliefs Katherine Parsons, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Church History MA University of Cambridge 2006 History of Christianity Siegfried Roeske, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Religion PhD Andrews University 1997 Christian beliefs
Advisory Council
MembersRyan Bell, Pastor, Southern California Conference
Sheldon Brooks, Dentist, Palmdale, California
John Brunt, Pastor, Southeastern California Conference
Larry Caviness, President, Southern California Conference
James Dok, Pastor, Southern California Conference
Maritza Duran, Teacher at La Sierra Academy
Ernest Furness, Ministerial Director, Southeastern California Conference
Raewyn Hankins, Pastor, Southeastern California Conference
Gerard Kiemeney, Regional Director, Southern California Conference
Beatriz Mejia-Krumbein, Chair, Art Department, La Sierra University
Brad Newton, Executive Secretary, Pacific Union Conference
Chris Oberg, Pastor, La Sierra University Church
Jim Pederson, President, Northern California Conference
Sandra Roberts, Executive Vice President, Southeastern California Conference
Velino Salazar, Ministerial Director, Southern California Conference
Ex OfficioJohn Webster, Dean, HMS Richards Divinity School
Douglas Clark, Associate Dean, HMS Richards Divinity School
InviteesRandal Wisbey, President, La Sierra University
Steve Pawluk, Provost, La Sierra University
SecretaryKimberly Hall, Administrative Assistant, HMS Richards Divinity School