| Volume XXVI |
September
2005
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Number
2
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Allen Gardner Resigns from Board
Brother Gardner is a graduate of the Florida School of Preaching. Having taken an early retirement, he wanted to spend time in developing his Bible knowledge and chose the Florida School of Preaching for those studies. He came here from Colorado Springs, Colorado. While living in this area, he served the Haines City church of Christ as an elder. Brother Gardner has made numerous contributions to the school. He has financially supported students and the school. He assisted us in developing computer skills that resulted in the computer lab and classes. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida School of Preaching since 1997, but due to his return to Colorado Springs on a permanent basis he does not feel he can continue to serve on the Board. His service to the Board included serving as Treasurer, and when he resigned he was vice Chairman. His presence will be missed, and we appreciate all that he did to encourage our work in training preachers. In a letter to brother Methvin, Chairman of the Board, he writes:
“Do You Understand Restoration?” is the theme for our 31st Annual Lectureship, which will be held January 16-19, 2006. For a schedule of speakers and topics, click here. The lectureship book will include each lesson that is presented orally. Additionally, the book will contain an appendix that will consist of chapters on related topics that are not presented orally. Among the material in the appendix will be a special section written by women, sisters in Christ. Joyce H. Kidwell Stearsman has written two chapters that will be included in the appendix. First, “Wisdom for the Living” is a chapter that offers suggestions to ladies who have lost a companion. It also offers practical advice on matters that must be considered before the death of a loved one, including understanding wills and trusts, living wills, important papers, lock boxes, car maintenance, trustworthy assistance, knowing our present financial status, funeral preparation, and disposing of items. Second, “A Wife Helps Her Preacher Husband” offer practical insight on how wives of preachers can help their husbands in the work of the Lord. A preacher’s work is unique. Because of this, his wife needs to be aware of and prepared to handle certain situations that are inevitable in her husband’s work. Joyce deals with such issues as “leaving and cleaving,” full-time employment, living in a fish bowl, moving, and the soul of a preacher’s wife. Amber Kenyon has written “Encouraging Preacher Students’ Wives.” Amber has taught the students’ wives class since 1996. In this chapter she gives the reasoning behind the classes that were first begun by Sybil Carr, who taught them every year until B. C.’s retirement from the school. Though Amber’s lessons are primarily for preacher students’ wives, all women can be encouraged by the lessons, which include dealing with the demands of preaching school, expectations of a preacher’s wife (realistic and unrealistic), potential pitfalls of being a preacher’s wife, importance of personal Bible study, the husband/wife relationship, family matters (spending time with family, rearing children, discipline at home and in services, etc.), stress and finances, and working outside the home. Robin Kidwell has written “Homeschooling.” This chapter gives a brief history of home schooling, showing that the concept and practice has been around much longer than the recent resurgence in popularity of the last few decades. Robin also gives reasons why many parents are choosing homeschooling over traditional government operated schools. She also addresses some of the criticisms against home schooling such as the homeschoolers’ alleged lack of “socialization” and the perception that homeschool parents lose their “personal freedom.” Also included in this chapter is a brief review of the various types of homeschooling resources and valuable lists of books on home schooling in general and curriculum reviews. Laura Boyd has written “Ladies Days: Positive and Negative Factors.” True to the title, Laura deals with some positive factors about ladies days, including the opportunity to practice the instruction of Titus 2:3-5, the opportunity to discover new talents within the congregation, and the fulfilling of the Great Commission because some non-Christian women can be converted through a ladies day. Negative factors of ladies days include the possibility that an unsound woman might be used as a speaker, the potential of a ladies day turning into a “pep rally” type atmosphere, with cheering and hand clapping, and the possibility that a woman may seize the opportunity to promote a selfish cause such as “a makeup line, cook ware, herbal products, or recently published books” that have no relevance to the topic. Laura closes out the chapter with suggestions on how to make a ladies day successful. The appendix will also include a chapter written by Renee Wheeler on “Women in the Mission Field.” Renee is the first and only woman (so far) to complete all the course requirements to earn a certificate from the Florida School of Preaching. Upon graduation, she accompanied her husband, Ted, who also completed the school, to Ghana, West Africa, where they served as missionaries for five years and where they continue to return every year to encourage and establish congregations of the Lord’s people. Renee will offer excellent insight and practical suggestions for women serving with their husbands in foreign missions fields. As one can see, this book will be a tremendous addition to any one’s library, not only because it will deal with the needed subject of understanding restoration, but also because of the help and encourage-ment that it will give to our sisters in Christ. Reserve your copy of the book today by calling the office!
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