Transcription
The Class of 2020
2020 Class Verse“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, standfirm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselvesfully to the work of the Lord, because you knowthat your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”1 Corinthians 15:58
Western Theological SeminaryHolland, MITHE CLASS OF 2020GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENTDear Students,As you graduate from Western Theological Seminary,you are stepping into a world full of uncertainty. Aglobal pandemic. Racial tensions across the nation. Anincreasingly polarized country in an election year. Yetamidst all these uncertainties, we see reminders of God’s faithfulness, andin this moment, we see it through you. You have responded to God’s callon your life, and he has seen you through. We are proud of what you haveaccomplished, and we are excited to see how God will use you to shepherd thefamily of God and bring the good news of the Gospel to all spheres of life.Students, fix your eyes on Jesus, for He is faithful. We are proud of you.Congratulations!Blessings,Dr. Felix TheonugrahaPresidentPRAYER OF BLESSINGFROM THE DEANIn your name we pause to bid your blessing onthese women and on these men of Western TheologicalSeminary as they graduate.May their education from Western guide them to becustodians of a world you love and have redeemed in Jesus Christ.Give each graduate, whom you have ennobled with grace to reason and toimagine, the knowledge that in Christ you are with them, and you have calledthem, and you will uphold them in each moment to come by the sustaininggrace of your Holy Spirit.For your glory and for your Kingdom.Dr. Kristen Deede JohnsonDean and Vice President of Academic Affairs
THE GRADUATESMASTER OF DIVINITYRyan Michael Anderson, B.A., M.Div. . Grand Rapids, MIPatrick S. Bloemendaal, B.A., M.Div., GCDM .Holland, MIKyle Anderson Boer, B.S.W., M.Div. . Holland, MIJames Andrew Bosscher, B.S., M.Div. . Grand Rapids, MIKristin Marie Brouwer, B.A., M.Div. . .Orange City, IAWinfred Burns II, B.B.A., M.Div. . . Olympia Fields, ILKurt Michael Bush, M.Div. . Hospers, IAChristian Robert Godfredsen, B.A., M.Div. . Rock Valley, IARyan Thomas Hall, B.A., M.Div. . .Carmel Valley, CAJoshua Harrington, B.S., M.Div., GCDM . .Zeeland, MICatherine Harris, B.A., M.Div. . Kent, WATimothy Scott Huizenga, B.A., M.Div. . .Highland, INRachel Noel Klompmaker, B.A., M.A., M.Div. . Holland, MIHeather J. Kramer, B.A., M.Div. . Johnstown, NYEleazar Lopez, Jr., A.A., B.S.N., M.Div. . Kentwood, MISteven S. Meester, B.A., M.Div. . Lester, IAAlyssa Nicole Muehmel, B.A., M.Div. . .Waterford, MIWayne Clarence Otten, B.A., M.Div. . .Stratford, ON, CanadaJennifer Lynn Rozema, B.A., M.Div. . Holland, MITrey Spencer Tirpak, B.A., M.Div. . . Mililani, HIJennifer A. VanCleve, B.S., M.Div., GCDM . .Omaha, NEJeremy Van Genderen, B.A., M.Div. . Allison, IAAaron C. Westhouse, B.A., M.Div. . Holland, MIMASTER OF ARTSGretchen L. Avila-Torres, CPhT, GCPM, M.A. .Bayamon, Puerto RicoJonathan Boothe, B.A., M.A. . Sedona, AZElizabeth Evans Cooke, B.A., M.A. . Grand Haven, MIThiago Tavares de Oliveira Dantas, B.S., M.A. . Manaus, MA, BrazilLia Raquel Barbosa Dantas, B.A., M.A. . Manaus, MA, BrazilEric David Frisch, B.A., M.A. . Columbus, OHRebecca Anne Hobby Neely, A.A., B.S.N., M.A. . Crystal River, FLKathryn Marie Johnson, B.A., M.A. . Grand Rapids, MIJoshua Caleb Reeves, B.A., M.A. . Round Rock, TXNicole Saint-Victor, B.A., M.A. . Homewood, ILSara Raquel Sánchez-Timmer, B.A., M.Ed., M.A. Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Linnea E. Scobey, B.A., M.A., GPCE . Grand Rapids, MIMaybin Scoggan Sialuse, B.Th., M.A. . Choma, ZambiaMarta Ann Smith, B.A., M.A. . Minneapolis, MNAmanda Marie Stienstra, B.A., M.S.W., M.A. . Jenison, MIMASTER OF THEOLOGYQiaoqiao Chen, B.S., M.Eng., M.Div., Th.M. . .Jiangsu, ChinaRyan A. Fry, B.A., Th.M. . .Madison, WIJulie Myers, B.A., M.Div., GCDM, Th.M. . .Holland, MISsebyala Isaac Lubega, B.Ed., M.Div., Th.M. . .Mityana, UgandaDOCTOR OF MINISTRYJames Ellis III, B.A., S.T.M., M.T.S., D.Min. . .Waldorf, MDJulian Guzman, B.A., M.A.M.L., M.A.I.S., D.Min. . .Wyoming, MIRobert E. McAndrews, B.A., D.Min. . .Holland, MILeonard H. Meinema, B.A., M.Div., D.Min. . .Long Beach, CASteven E. Slagel, B.A., M.A., D.Min. . .Traverse City, MIBrian Todd Telzerow, B.S., M.Div., M.A., D.Min. .Grand Rapids, MIGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN DISABILITY AND MINISTRYPatrick S. Bloemendaal, B.A., M.Div., GCDM .Holland, MIDawn Soetenga Clark, B.S., GCDM . . .Wheaton, ILJoshua Harrington, B.S., M.Div., GCDM . .Zeeland, MIHannah Margaret Turlington, B.S.N., GCDM . .Holt, MIJennifer A. VanCleve, B.S., M.Div., GCDM . .Omaha, NEGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN PASTORAL MINISTRYJoel Cac, GCPM . .Georgetown, DEEsvin Gabriel, GCPM . .Milford, DEFeliciano Garcia, GCPM . .Laurel, DERebio Garcia, GCPM . .Bridgeville, DECarmen M. Matamoros, GCPM .Greenwood, DECristobal Mendoza Sosof, GCPM .Lincoln, DECarlos A. Mendoza, GCPM .Lincoln, DEPedro Mendoza Sosof, GCPM .Bridgeville, DEJeymy Matamoros Vidro, GCPM . .Georgetown, DEGRADUATE PROGRAM FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORSLinnea E. Scobey, B.A., M.A., GPCE . Grand Rapids, MI
EXCERPT FROM COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS:“BAREFOOT ON HOLY GROUND”Let us turn to the word of God as found in Exodus 3:1-12. This narrativeis especially appropriate for a graduation service, for it presents a passage inthe life of Moses in which God confronts him with questions about who he is,where he is going, and what the Lord requires of him.Moses’ act of removing his sandals bears even deeper meaning in thispassage. God wants Moses to stand barefoot on holy ground. Why bare offoot? Two things to consider.One. God does not want anything to come between them. Filled withan all–consuming and passionate love for the world and its people, our Godis a God of touch. God desires to be in intimate contact with Moses. This isthe God who tabernacles with the people of Israel. This is the God who takeson flesh in the person of Jesus in order to touch and to be touched. This isthe God whom Jesus portrayed in the Parable of the Prodigal Son with armsextended and waiting to embrace all the prodigal and pharisaical childrenof God. This is the God whom WTS has presented in the classroom andcelebrated at the communion table. This is the God whom we invoke whenwe say: Send your Holy Spirit we pray Two. God wants Moses barefoot in order to feel the ground at his feet.Sandals are symbols of the life we have cobbled together, a life that caneasily separate us both from God and from the world so loved by God. Ourcobbled-together life protects us, but we risk losing touch with the groundaround us, losing touch with the injustices of our institutions and those whosuffer these injustices. God wants Moses to remove his sandals so that he cantouch the world and feel more intensely the suffering of the oppressed Moses standing face covered and feet bare before God suggests thestance we should assume when entering ministry. Faithful service to Godrequires God’s eyes and our feet, God’s vision and our walk. This is not asglamorous as we would like it. We tend to think that the faculties associatedwith our heads are most important to God, our so-called higher faculties. Wesay to God: I am intelligent, Lord, use my mind; I am perceptive, Lord, usemy ears; I am visionary, Lord, use my eyes. And God answers in the words ofGod’s prophets, “You have eyes to see but you see not; ears to hear but youhear not. Remove your sandals from your feet. I need to empower your feetfor the walk ahead.”Dr. Tom BoogaartDennis & Betty Voskuil Professor Emeritus of Old TestamentWestern Theological SeminaryView Dr. Boogaart’s speech in its entirety at:bit.ly/HolyGround2020
2019-20 STUDENT AWARDSBiblical Field AwardsAward in Biblical Language and InterpretationFor an exceptional exegetical project or sermonCaleb Nykamp, Rebecca BellAward in Old Testament Language and LiteratureFor best integration of academic excellence, pastoral wisdom and spiritual maturityin Hebrew language and exegesis (Hebrew name in parenthesis)Miranda “Bekhol Levavkha” CraigJaimi “Nismecha” VanderbergAward in Biblical StudiesFor outstanding achievement in biblical studiesLinnea “Betokhenu” ScobeyJen “Ja’el” RozemaTheological Field AwardsAward in Church HistoryFor outstanding achievement in the required church history coursesKearsten McCoy, Jill KohlhagenAward in Systematic TheologyFor outstanding achievement in the required systematic theology coursesJames Schetelich, Joseph Bagdanov, Andy BastThe Seminary Award in Christian EthicsFor outstanding achievement in the field of Christian EthicsWayne Otten, Jennifer RozemaThe Seminary Award in MissiologyFor outstanding achievement in the field of MissiologyTrey Tirpak, Jennifer Rozema(continued next page)
Christian Ministry Field AwardsThe Buechner Award in WritingFor exemplifying care and craft in the ministerial skill of communicating the gospelin the written word, both in course assignments and in public and pastoral ministry settingsLinnea Scobey, Kathryn JohnsonThe Buechner Award in PreachingFor outstanding work in chapel leadership, preaching courses,and formation for ministry assignmentsWinfred Burns II, Steve MeesterAward in Worship LeadershipFor outstanding work in chapel leadership, worship courses,and formation for ministry assignmentsRachel KlompmakerThe Stanley A. Rock Award in Pastoral Care and CounselingFor outstanding work in pastoral care and counseling coursesand formation for ministry assignmentsAlyssa Muehmel, Jennifer VanCleveThe Sons & Daughters of Korah SocietyFor those who have used their gifts to lead in worship or in song throughout seminaryRyan Anderson, Winfred Burns II, Joshua Harrington, Rachel Klompmaker,Alyssa Muehmel, Linnea Scobey, Trey Tirpak, Gretchen Torres, AaronWesthouse, Patrick Blomendahl, Josiah Gorter, Heather Kramer, Jen RozemaSpecial Graduate AwardsThe President’s Community Life AwardTo the graduating M.Div. senior who has consistently blessed the entire community through humbleservice, manifesting the fruit of the Spirit, and fostering an atmosphere of unity within diversityRachel Klompmaker, Steve MeesterMaster of Theology (Th.M.) AwardFor best exemplifying the integration of collegiality, theologicaldiscernment, and cultural insight in the Th.M. degree programQiaoQiao ChenFaculty Award for Advocacy in Racial Ethnic ReconciliationFor exhibiting leadership in advocating for racial ethnic sensitivity, justice, and reconciliationGretchen Torres, Nicole Saint-VictorThe Pietenpol Senior Excellence AwardFor demonstrating unusual promise for ministryAlyssa Muehmel, Jennifer Rozema
2019-20 FACULTY OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYCarol BechtelJ. Todd BillingsJohn BroganTimothy L. BrownJames V. BrownsonBenjamin ConnerChuck DeGroatKristen Deede JohnsonSuzanne McDonaldAlvin PadillaRonald RienstraKyle J.A. SmallDavid L. StubbsFelix TheonugrahaProfessor of Old TestamentGordon H. Girod Research Professor of Reformed TheologyAssociate Academic DeanHenry Bast-Timothy Brown Professor of Preaching andPresident EmeritusJames & Jean Cook Professor of New TestamentProfessor of Practical TheologyProfessor of Pastoral Care and CounselingDean and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor ofTheology and Christian FormationProfessor of Historical and Systematic TheologyVice President of Strategic Initiatives, Professor of NewTestamentProfessor of Preaching and Worship ArtsDean of Formation for Ministry, Professor ofChurch LeadershipProfessor of Ethics and TheologyPresident, Professor of Educational LeadershipSue Rozeboom Associate Professor of Liturgical TheologyTravis West Associate Professor of Hebrew and Old TestamentDaniel Flores Assistant Professor of Theology, Director of Cook LibraryDavid Komline Assistant Professor of Church HistoryHan-luen Kantzer Komline Assistant Professor of Church History and TheologySarah Barton 2018-20 Nouwen Faculty FellowL. S. Carlos A. Thompson 2018-20 Nouwen Faculty Fellow, Friendship House DirectorADJUNCT INSTRUCTORSKevin AdamsVince BantuWayne BrouwerMatthew BruceSandra CammengaDynna Castillo-PortugalMario da SilvaRaquel Echevarria QuinonesDavid Escobar ArcayTee S. Gatewood, IIIFernando JensenFred Johnson IIIHector OrtizKristin PalaciosDanny Roman-GloroTanner SmithMatthew van MaastrichtEMERITI AND RETIRED FACULTYDawn Boelkins, Associate Professor of Biblical LanguagesThomas A. Boogaart, Dennis & Betty Voskuil Professor Emeritus of Old TestamentDonald J. Bruggink, James A. H. Cornell Professor Emeritus of Historical TheologyRobert A. Coughenour, Cornelius Van der Meulen Professor Emeritus of Old TestamentGeorge R. Hunsberger, Professor of MissiologyChristopher B. Kaiser, Professor Emeritus of Historical and Systematic TheologyStanley A. Rock, Florence M. Charavay Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care and CounselingPaul M. Smith, Associate Professor of Theological BibliographyVernon Sterk, Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of Missiology and EvangelismRobert E. Van Voorst, Professor Emeritus of New TestamentDennis N. Voskuil, Marvin & Jerene DeWitt Professor Emeritus of Church History
2019-20 STAFF OF WESTERN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARYCarol Ann BaileyAndy BastDavid BeckerTamara BuikemaPam BushCarla CapotostoRichard CapotostoDarcy CunninghamKatlyn DeVriesBrenda DieffenbachNorman DonkerslootKathy EhmannJill EnglishKerry EshenaurC.J. Kingdom-GrierKrista GreendykeTheresa HammStephen MichaelsJeff MunroeJackson NickolayJoseph OcasioShari OostingRayetta PerezKeith ReynoldsMegan RiceSara RussellBeth SmithGlenn SwierGretchen TorresAnnie ValkemaAllison Van LiereJohnny VegaMargie WadeEvonne WernlundCherri WesthouseKyle WigboldyMuhammad Illyas ZadranTina ZanottiLannette Zylman-TenHaveALUMNI/AE ADVISORY BOARDJonathan Elgersma ‘01Joe Graham ‘14Taylor Holbrook ‘86J. Angel Lopez ‘14Marcus Roskamp ‘09Jess Shults ‘04Brett VanderBerg ‘11Jill VerSteeg ‘032019-20 WTS BOARD OF TRUSTEESRev. Dr. James PoitchairpersonRev. Gail Merrick Ebersolevice-chairpersonDr. Percy V. GilbertsecretaryMs. Chris CrawfordtreasurerRev. Eddy Alemánex-officioDr. Felix Theonugrahaex-officioMs. Rebecca Renner AndersonMs. Kate BoltMr. Kermit CampbellDr. Sandra DeYoungDr. Andrea Godwin-StremlerMr. Matthew HaworthMr. Alden HighstreetMr. Timothy HillegondsMr. Doug HonholtDr. Fred L. Johnson IIIMr. Philip MillerRev. Alberto Salazar GaviriaMr. Stephen SpoelhofRev. Cora W. TaittMs. Carol Van AndelRev. Dr. Lisa Vander WalMr. James VeldMr. Evan VerMeerRev. Brian Vriesman
Our Mission and IdentityIt is the purpose of Western Theological Seminary to prepareChristians called by God to lead the church in mission.Western Theological Seminary is an evangelical and ecumenicalcommunity of faith and learning in the Reformed tradition thatserves the church of Jesus Christ. In covenant with the ReformedChurch in America, Western equips men and women for Christcentered, biblically based, theologically integrated, culturallycompetent, mission-oriented Christian leadership.
Cover Artwork“Guardian”by Rachel Klompmaker8” x 10” acrylic, 2020I love words. I love reading them, I love reading about them,I love playing games with them, I love talking them. Four years atWTS meant four years full of words: English, Greek, and Hebrew,words written by others hundreds of years ago, and wordswritten by me minutes before a deadline.Because I love words so much, it surprised me a little bit thatwhen it came time to register for the Calvin Institute of ChristianWorship’s 2020 Worship Symposium, I didn’t really want tohear more words. Instead I found myself signing up for sessionafter session where the only plan was to create art. Rather thanlistening to a lecture and taking notes, I held clay in my handfor an hour as I worked it into a funny little pot. I let tears fallas I sat in silence in a room full of people and prayed my heart’sprayers through the felt tip of a marker on paper. And I sat at theproverbial feet of artist Laura James as she shared with us herdiscovery of the centuries-old Ethiopian Christian Art traditionand generously guided us in the creation of our own GuardianAngel, lending us her forms and then freeing us to go where ourcreativity took us.This piece now hangs near where I sometimes sit to pray,write sermons, and participate in online meetings, and it servesas a reminder of God’s generous presence, of the Spirit’s endlesscreativity, and of the Word-made-flesh who came to dwellamong us.—Rachel Klompmaker, M.Div. ‘20101 E. 13th Street, Holland, MI 49423westernsem.edu
Western Theological Seminary Holland, MI THE CLASS OF 2020 GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Students, As you graduate from Western Theological Seminary, you are stepping into a world full of uncertainty. A global pandemic. Racial tensions across the nation. An increasingly polarized country in an election year. Yet
