key elements of abc's mission

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the blessing of sharing with you through Introspect. As

we train another generation in this academic year, we are rejoicing in the

faithfulness of the Lord – our 60th year of ministry!! Let me reflect for a

few moments with you on His faithfulness.

The year was 1950. After extended prayer for God’s leading, Dr. Lester

Pipkin and his dear wife, Gretchen, gathered their young family and

journeyed to Pettus, West Virginia. Their journey had been precipitated

by the passion of Pastor Robert Guelich and his wife, Nancy, who yearned

to have a Bible school for their Appalachian young people. Ponder the call

of faith of these founding leaders as they began with just seven students.

Appalachian Bible Institute was born.

By 1956, ABI, as it was affectionately called, faced growing pains. Through

a series of circumstances orchestrated by God, Appalachian wrestled

through the details of moving to Bradley, West Virginia. Fathom the courage

of faith to relocate a college to a 95-acre dairy farm where the unfinished

hallways and the incomplete dining room welcomed a growing student body

of forty students.

My own introduction to Appalachian Bible College occurred not too many

years later in 1963. As a 13 year old, I joined my family as we traveled from

Iowa to bring my oldest sister to college. We arrived in time to pitch our tent

at a site provided by Dr. Pipkin. That location was near the initial site we

now call the Founders’ Prayer Gazebo where early leaders of Appalachian

had knelt together asking God to supply this dairy farm for the college. I

had no way of knowing that the rest of my life was being introduced to me

that day, for five years later, I began the three most impacting years of my

ministry training – I became a student at Appalachian.

Now after the privilege of 32 years of serving on the staff of Appalachian

Bible College, I can boldly and confidently declare that the mission of those

founding leaders has continued unswervingly for 60 years. While the

wording has appropriately evolved and been refined over the years, the

essence of our mission has remained steadfast. Carefully crafted words have

been captured to convey our mission.

I’d like to again amplify that mission with you, our dearest friends and

partners. Our mission states:

Appalachian Bible College equips servants through a biblical

curriculum of quality academics and guided Christian Service

that nurtures Christ-like character leading to effectiveness in

passionately serving the fundamental church community.

Our 60th Year of Preparing Servants for Christ Issue 2, 2009

a mInIStrY Of aPPalaChIan BIBle fellOwShIP

In Search of Servants 3

a Closer look 4-5

Catching Up 6

news and events 7 continued next page

a P P a l a C h I a n • B I B l e • C O l l e G e

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Key elements of that mission merit special note. We are about

equipping. Ours is a task of preparing and developing effectively the next

generation. We are about servants. Our passion is to impart a spirit of

surrender and dedication in the vintage of first-century bond-servants of

Christ. We are about the Bible. Ours is a biblical curriculum built upon the

absolute truth of the authoritative, inerrant Word of God. We are about

quality academics. Ours is a commitment to do heartily as to the Lord. We

are about guided Christian Service. Ours is a duty to be doers of the Word

and not hearers only. We are about Christ-like character. Ours is the goal

of nurturing every student to become conformed to the image of His dear

Son. We are about effectiveness in passionately serving. Ours is the call for

impacting our world with life-changing hope and selfless service. We are

about the Church. Ours is the conviction that God’s only program for His

mandated commission is through the agency of the local church. We have

a mission! This mission statement has been distilled into our purpose statement.

That purpose statement declares: Appalachian Bible College exists

for the purpose of educating and equipping servants for the Church

of tomorrow while edifying the Church of today. This statement is

prominently placed in our classrooms to remind us of this important duty.

Without intending to minimize our mission, we have captured its

essence in our well-known motto, …Because Life is for Service.

As we reflect upon God’s care and goodness over our past 60 years, we

dedicate our efforts unreservedly to pursue the future with passion to

equip effective servants for His Church around the world …Because Life is

for Service. Thanks for partnering with us in this great mission.

His Servant,

Daniel L. Anderson,

Th.D. President

Psalm 84:11, 12

continued from page 1

• the PreSIdent’S ItInerarY January 2-11, 2009 – ministry in India January 17, 2010 – fellowship Baptist Church, Barboursville, wV January 25-26, 2010 – aBC Board of directors meeting January 29 -february 6, 2010 – ministry in Uruguay february 12, 2010 – daniel l. anderson Servant leadership Symposium, aBC february 18-20, 2010 – association for Biblical higher education, Orlando, fl february 25, 2010 – the friends of Israel Board meeting, nJ march 2-5, 2010 – teaching ministry, word of life Bible Institute, fl march 9-12, 2010 – teaching ministry, word of life Bible Institute, nY

Enroll now for the 2010 Master of Arts in Ministry courses and take

advantage of special discounts.

For more information visit

us online at www.abc.edu.

WintEr ModulE Jan. 4-8, 2010

Exile & restoration

MArch ModulE March 8-12, 2010

Foundations of a text-based Ministry

ISSUe 2, 2009Introspect is published three times a year through the Public relations

department of appalachian Bible College, Bradley, wV 25818.

Phone: 304-877-6428fax: 304-877-5082admissions: 1-800-6789-aBCe-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Page: www.abc.edu

ALPINE MINISTRIES Phone: 304-877-6427 fax: 304-877-5046 reservations: 1-800-806-2180 President: dr. daniel anderson editor: rev. Jonathan rinker managing editor: mr. Jarod BurrerPhotography: mr. Bruce Cook Circulation: mrs. donna Chesley


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In Search of ServantsSOS

Recruiting Hearts for God: Admissions at ABC

this past year the admissions team focused on challenging young people to evaluate their relationship with Christ and consider “laying up treasure in heaven” by serving him. God’s faithful work in calling lives to serve him was evident. aBC witnessed God’s provision by an increase in fall enrollment. we were excited and encouraged to welcome 86 new students to campus.

Our admissions team remains dedicated to their mission—challenging prospective students with the compelling call to serve Christ. will you join them? Visit www.abc.edu or call, 1-800-678-9aBC, if you know someone interested in a life devoted to serving Christ.

Creative StewardshipSince it’s founding in 1950, appalachian has sought to provide students with an inexpensive yet excellent education. It

was not until 1973 that students began paying tuition - $225 for 12 or more credit hours.while the College depends on many faithful donors to provide scholarships, students still must work hard. “Creative

stewardship”, that is, seeking scholarships outside aBC’s financial aid, is one way that students see God’s provision. this involves both creativity and genuine effort. when asked, current students were excited to share how God has provided for them.

One student, Jared meisel shared about the many hours he spent his senior year searching the internet for scholarships. following the search were numerous scholarship applications. Yet in the midst of this process Jared and others witnessed God’s guiding hand. freshman Sara Shelton shared, “I am so glad that I was bold about my faith in each essay…. my Sovereign God made it possible for me to attend aBC.”

for a list of scholarship and financial aid information, visit www.abc.edu.

freShman Sarah JaCkSOn “I prayed when filling out the many applications…. I just kept remembering that God is alwaYS in control.”

JUnIOr meGhan ward “I was completely surprised. the lord abundantly provided this scholarship, and he greatly used it to bring me to aBC.”

SOPhOmOre erIC tUCker “wow!!! I knew God’s provision was a sure sign that I was meant to be at aBC.”

from left to right: a.J. runkles (representative). Scott ross (director), and rebekah Sahl (assistant).


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Appalachian Bible College’s Music Program exists to equip students to conduct music ministries in the local church with proficiencies in choral conducting, keyboard, instrumental or vocal performance. The desire of our music program is to train musicians to lead others in the worship of God. This desire characterized the earliest music classes taught by Mrs. Gretchen Pipkin at the school’s founding and has continued through the years.

In the Psalms alone, there are 56 references to the word “sing” and 132 verses which mention “praise.” Why is God interested in music? Is it not enough to know theology and Bible content? The answer lies in the definition of worship. As one studies worship through the scriptures he will A C

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see that worship is active; it is a response to God or His actions. It is one thing to know that God is holy, or good, or merciful; it is another to actively praise or thank Him for these characteristics – to worship.

Music has long played a vital role in the ministry here at Appalachian. Teaching students how to worship and effectively use music as one part in leading worship is the passion of ABC’s music faculty. Through music ensembles and a consistent focus on servanthood, Appalachian’s musicians are taught the importance of God-centered worship. Leading others in worship is one way to be a servant to Christ and the local church. For a musician, there is no greater joy than to use the Lord’s gifts to bring glory back to Him.

The Biblical Worship of Servants by Tim Hontz, head of ABC’s Music Program

This grand gift of music enables us to better worship. We need skillful musicians, technically secure, so that the message is not marred by distraction. We need musicians rooted in the knowledge of the Bible as well as music in order that their “performance” is not about self glorification, but about bringing glory to the Lord. I believe ABC’s music program does this.

Certainly, not everyone is blessed with a beautiful voice or musical talent, but I believe the words of John Newton could easily awaken the heart of any Christian as we are all called to worship.

Weak is the effort of my heart

And cold my warmest thought

But when I see Thee as Thou art

I’ll praise Thee as I ought

(Sung to the tune of “Amazing Grace”)

tim and michelle hontz first met at appalachian Bible College, where their common love for music brought them

together. In addition to their major in Bible and theology, tim focused on pastoral studies, choral conducting, and piano,

while michelle studied piano. after graduation in 2000 they were married and served with churches in Virginia, new

hampshire, and west Virginia, leading in music ministry. they also continued their education at marshall University,

where tim received an m.a. in Choral Conducting and michelle an m.a. in Piano Performance. Since 2007 tim has

served as aBC’s music Program Coordinator and has enjoyed michelle’s assistance as music faculty. together, they

find great satisfaction in shaping students for effective music ministry in the body of Christ. tim and michelle are also

blessed with two lovely children kate, 2 years old, and ethan, 9 months.


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Highlights of Gospel Herald’s Travel The process of nurturing hearts extends out of the classroom and into hands-on ministries that mold effective servants for Christ. This past summer the Gospel Heralds, ABC’s touring vocal ensemble, traveled as far north as Michigan and as far west as Nebraska. The regular exchange between the students and the staff that oversee them proved to be a spiritually challenging opportunity through prayer, devotions, and reflection on God’s work. To the glory of God, the Gospel Heralds were not the only ones reflecting upon God’s work as they ministered in local churches. Share in praise as you read a few of the individual and church testimonies from this past summer. • Local Church Member: “I have been a member… for decades and heard many choirs and groups. This group from West Virginia surpassed anything I’ve ever heard. What a heavenly sound.” • Local Church Member: “Lyrics, style and quality very scriptural. Our Folks enjoyed the program, and it was a worshipful experience for all present.” • Whispering Winds Bible Camp: “Can they come back next year? They were more than a blessing!” • Pastor, Calhoun Baptist Church: “We are always delighted to have your school represented at our church. Your students are very well prepared for ministry. Every year is a new experience and blessing.” • Local Church Member: “While at our church, the Gospel Heralds went to a faithful church worker’s home and, standing on her porch, they serenaded this lady as she was dying of cancer. The words to the songs, the blend of voices and the beautiful harmonies, the ringing of the bells, were like a heavenly choir. It brought tears to our eyes and joy and comfort to our hearts. Their ministry made an impression on our family that will never be forgotten. Thank you so much.” The elderly lady mentioned in this testimony went to glory a few days later.

Appalachian Bible College Gospel Heralds 2009

Back row: Benjamin Rogers, Valerie Cook, Ryan Willis, Liesel Elwell, Tony Glass, Abby Stiles

Front row: Nate Robins, Rebekah Barrios, Nate White

Chorale Tour 2010the aBC Chorale, our 40-member choir, will be traveling to florida march 7-14, 2010. If your church or school is in nC, SC, al, Ga, or fl and you are interested in scheduling Chorale, please call Jarod Burrer, 800-678-9aBC, or e-mail, [email protected].

Jubilate Tour 2010Jubilate, our five-octave handbell choir, will be traveling may 9-23, 2010. If your church or school is in In, mI, Il, wI, or mn and you are interested in scheduling Jubilate, please call Jarod Burrer, 800-678-9aBC, or e-mail, [email protected].


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Homecoming RepoRt

this years honored alumni. Back row: ·mr. romie mundy (delta epsilon Chai), william and ruth Stoll (diakonos award), Sande minturn (Service to alumni) dr. John miller (honorary alumnus of the Year) front row: ruth knicely (Servant of the Year), ted and Sandy Ball (alumni of the Year)

Twenty-Five years have gone by since our first Alumni Homecoming and the times together continue to get sweeter. This year was blessed by the ministry of the Word in Isaiah 6 through ABC’s dear friend, Dr. Daniel Davey, President of Central Baptist Seminary of Virginia Beach. The fellowship throughout the weekend affirmed in our hearts that the Lord is “sitting upon His throne, high and lifted up” sovereignly guiding the affairs of this world. What a blessing it is to serve this King!

The weekend concluded with Cynthia Heald as the speaker for the Ladies Auxiliary Fall Luncheon. Her ministry focused on “Learning to Be” from 2 Corinthians 5:17

A new cHApteR On a cold afternoon, hearts were warmed with excitement

at the dedication of the new residence hall, Hoops Hall. Family, friends, community and state leaders gathered for the special event Tuesday, September 29, 2009. Individuals who worked diligently to complete the

task were recognized. Thanks was given to those led by God to financially give toward the construction and furnishings of Hoops Hall, most notably Jeff and Trish Hoops.

The event also acknowledged “that only people can be dedicated to God not buildings.” Dean of Students David Childs expressed, “This building is a welcoming building. More students will be able to come here and be touched by God.

More lives, more servants, more service, more glory to God; all because of more brick and mortar. Ahh… What God can do with little things.” The significance of this building in God’s final evaluation will be measured not by its cost or beauty, but by the dedication of the servants who will live, work, study, pray, and grow in it.

The dedication of Hoops Hall marks the completion of fifteen years of campus development guided by Dr. Anderson and the Board of Directors and the beginning of a new chapter in the story of Appalachian Bible College. Before students, staff, faculty, friends, and donors is the call to dedicate ourselves anew to live for Christ...Because Life is For Service.

left to right: doug (Contractor, landmark Construction) and Becky Patton, dr. daniel and rosalie anderson, Jeff and trish hoops (donors), Julianne hannah and Josh Steiner (head ra’s)

AdvEnturEs At AlpinEthousands of guests were chal-

lenged in their relationship with God through alpine ministries this summer. among the hundreds of campers that attended alpine Bible Camp twenty-five made profes-sions of faith in Jesus Christ, fifty received assurance of their salva-tions, and many others made deci-sions that transformed their life for Christ.

nearly 3,000 guests enjoyed alpine adventures as they participated in teambuilding, rappelling, whitewater rafting, high ropes, paintball, and caving. Only eternity will tell the true benefits of ministry this summer but guests were quick to convey their appreciation for alpine’s staff.

“I was so appreciative of the staff. [. . .] from the time we walked onto the campus, until we headed north, our experience was warm with a staff intent on ministry.” - Youth Pastor

as winter approaches groups continue to take advantage of alpine ministries’ retreat and adventure opportunities. while on campus they will notice construction of the new Outdoor education Building. the Outdoor education program provides another avenue for groups to experience God’s handy work and learn what it means to glorify him as their Creator.

Join us this year and schedule a retreat for your church, school, or family with alpine ministries and experience God’s creation through adventure! teens can sign up now for winter Camp, feb. 5-7, 2010. Visit us at www.alpineministries.com or contact us by phone (1-800-806-2180).

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Missionary Support and MemorialsOne time Giftsa couple from edmond, wV to Skaggs supporta couple from matthews, nC to kemper supportan individual from hico, wV to the Skaggs supporta couple from ansted, wV to the Skaggs supporta couple from amherst, Oh to the Skaggs supporta couple from Smithton, Il to the kemper supporta couple from nallen, wV to Skaggs supporta couple from millwood, wV to Skaggs supportan individual from huntington, wV to the kemper supporta couple from Port angeles, wa to the kemper supportan individual from Saint albans, wV to the Skaggs supportan individual from harrisburg, Pa to Chesley support

new monthly Supporta couple from Goldsboro, Va-$50 for anderson supporta couple from elyria, Oh-$100 for Burrer supportan individual from elyria, Oh-$25 for Burrer supportan individual from elyria, Oh-$100 for Burrer supporta couple from Princeton, wV-$35 for king supportan individual from Columbus, Oh-$100 for Skaggs supporta couple from ansted, wV-$25 for Skaggs supporta couple from Princeton, wV-$25 a month to king supporta couple from mt. nebo, wV-$50 a month to Skaggs supporta couple from hico, wV-$25 a month to Skaggs supportan individual from Brooksville, fl-$100 a month for Golden supporta couple from Princeton, wV-$50 a month for king supportSunday road Baptist Church, hico, wV-$259 a month to Skaggs supportlighthouse worship Center, ansted, wV-$100 a month to Skaggs support

Increased SupportGlen View Indep. Baptist Church, Crab Orchard, wV-$10 a month increase to malanick supportJohnston Chapel Baptist Church, Princeton, wV-$10 a month increase to king supporta couple from Zanesville, Oh-$5 a month increase to knicely supportwestchester Bible Church, westchester, Il-$100 a month increase to rinker supportBethel Bible Church, winamac, In-$18 a quarter increase to Childs supporta couple from Goshen, In-$100 a month increase to Chesley supportCottageville evans Baptist Church, Cottageville, wV-$50 a month increase to General fund

memorialsIn memory of Don Rossfrom John & rachelle Brandonfrom robert & marla hansenIn memory of Wilma Cliftonfrom f.a. roberts & the Office of Citizenswith dev. disabilities for the State of laIn memory of Jack Davis (1959 alumnus)from dale & Pat Oliverfrom doug & lois whitefrom Bob & margaret robinsonfrom Casey Striblingfrom Collins hill Baptist Churchfrom Gretta davisfrom Van & Becky rominefrom Charles & arlene wallsfrom ruth Schwagerfrom Charles & Jean harrisfrom ronnie & Janet nancefrom larry & Paula davisfrom Cross lanes Bible Churchfrom twin City Bible Churchfrom Calvary Baptist Church

JArod And MelAnie BurrerJarod and melanie are both graduates of aBC (’08). Immediately following graduation, Jarod served as the assistant director of admissions. during this past summer, he transitioned to the director of Public relations. Jarod is currently working toward his master of divinity from Calvary Baptist Seminary in lansdale, Pa, while melanie tends to the responsibilities of a new home and two young boys, Gavin (2) and logan (9 months).

Appalachian Bible Fellowship New Missionaries

Alumni Newsfuture Studentsemmalyn Grace Bare, born to michael and amy (Staff) Bare on June 18, 2009.elisabeth rose Gibson, born to ashe and leah (’00) Gibson, September 3, 2009.rachel elizabeth roberts, born to Chris (‘01) and Sarah (‘09) roberts on October 8, 2009.

weddingsnovember 7, 2009, karissa Barton (staff child) to aaron wilson.June 6, 2009, elizabeth hodge (’10) to keith Pickard (’09).July 25, 2009, danae fountain (’09) to Caleb frink (’09).

deathsPaul lee Bailey (’80), father of three and faithful servant, music pastor at faith Baptist Church in Prosperity, wV, entered glory on may 2, 2009.

Jack davis (’59), faithful missionary to Guam, entered glory on June 12, 2009.

dr. Charles Sheers (’58) entered glory on October 15, 2009. together with his wife Cathy, he was a faithful missionary in Columbia for over 30 years.

helen Shepard, wife of lucky Shepard and former staff member, entered glory on november 7, 2009.

Campus News2010 Prayer Calendarwondering how to pray for aBC? Continually missing scheduled appointments? ladies auxiliary offers a tool that allows you to effectively pray for aBC and help student scholarships and projects all while keeping track of your own schedule. the 2010 Prayer Calendar features photos of current students and staff, along with campus ministries and events, and much more. Join us in this great mission as we bathe God’s work in prayer. Visit www.abc.edu to purchase your 2010 Prayer Calendar.

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ABC ConneCT - online courses now available!Appalachian Bible College now offers ABC Connect! You, your family,

and your friends can be part of our campus each semester by enrolling in our accredited online classes. Develop your biblical knowledge in the place and time convenient for you! Become “connected” through ABC Connect! Visit www.abc.edu or email [email protected] for more information.

Upcoming Events• december 5&6, 2009 Christmas

Concert

• January 27-29, 2010 Pinter lecture Series, ken ham, speaker

• January 28-30, 2010 winter College Preview, ken ham, speaker

• february 12, 2010 daniel l. anderson Servant leadership Symposium, alex montoya, speaker

• february 12, 2010 ada m. Spangler Seminar, favy montoya, speaker

• april 8-10, 2010 Spring College Preview, Spring music festival

• april 23-24, 2010 Impact Youth weekend, dr. daniel anderson, speaker


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appalachian Bible CollegeP.O. Box aBC Bradley, wV

25818-1353 addreSS SerVICe reQUeSted

nOn-PrOfIt OrG. U.S. POStaGe

PaId randOlPh, nY PermIt nO. 31

4 Days · 2 EvEnts · 1 spEakErFriends, churches and prospective students are invited

to join speaker Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum for these special events.

Learn truths that shape a biblical worldview. Visit www.abc.edu for more information

pintEr LEcturE sEriEs anD WintEr prEviEW

with ken Ham


key elements of abc's mission

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