by jowens | Aug 11, 2017
Emily Vickery, who was hired as the college’s receptionist soon after graduating from Welch College in 2016, recently announced her departure. Emily and her husband Zach, a 2017 inaugural graduate of Welch’s M.A. program in Theology and Ministry, are relocating to England for Zach to continue his education at the University of Cambridge.
Craig Mahler, Vice President for Financial Affairs, stated, “Emily is to be commended for serving with grace and consistency in this vital role especially during the college’s recent relocation to Gallatin.” He adds, “While we will miss her, the college family is excited for this opportunity for Zach to continue his education.”
Mahler continued, “We invite anyone with interest in this full-time position to apply immediately.” Candidates must show strength in hospitality and interpersonal relations, while understanding the importance of first impressions. The right candidate will be detail-focused, self-starting, and a multi-tasking learner who warmly greets guests and answers and transfers calls. This position also provides administrative support to the Business Office and other departments. Other responsibilities will be assigned by the Vice President for Financial Affairs and Staff Accountant.
As a private, Christian institution, Welch requires all applicants to possess a clear Christian testimony and be fully aligned with the mission of Welch College. A college degree is preferred, and relevant experience, along with strong computer and technology skills, is required. Salary is commensurate with training, experience, and capacity.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of interest, resume, along with two professional and two ministerial or Christian leader references, and their contact information, by email to cmahler@welch.edu.
Founded in 1942, Welch College is owned and operated by the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Offering more than 40 programs of study, Welch seeks to educate leaders to serve Christ, His Church, and His world through biblical thought and life. More information about this Christian community of faith and learning is available by accessing the college’s website, www.welch.edu.
by jowens | Aug 2, 2017
Gallatin, TN—The spring 2017 semester at Welch College ended with 95 students receiving academic recognition, according to Provost Matthew McAffee. This honor roll includes online students whose spring courses ended in late May.
Thirty-five students made all A’s and were placed on the President’s List—20 seniors, 8 juniors, 5 sophomores, and 2 freshman. Sixty students earned a 3.25 GPA and all A’s and B’s and were placed on the Provost’s list—31 seniors, 16 juniors, and 13 sophomores.
President’s List: “A” Honor Roll
Cassandra Adams (Sr.) TN
Michal Bell (Jr.) TN
Autumn Blades (Sr.) TN
Joshua Burgus (So.) TN
Joshua Colson (Sr.) IL
Lydia Creech (Jr.) GA
Jimmy Daniels (Sr.) AR
Camille Driggers (Jr.) SC
Morgan Droll (Sr.) IL
Hanna Dunham (Sr.) TN
Joshua Hunter (Jr.) AR
Jason Jones (Sr.) NC
Kinsley Kivette (So.) TN
Dakota Kron (Jr.) TN
Jonathan Lewis (Sr.) IL
Jacob Lute (Sr.) OH
Rae Mahaney (Sr.) OH
Megan McNeill (Sr.) TN
Caleb Montgomery (Sr.) AL
Mackenzie Moody (Sr.) NC
William Outlaw (Sr.) TN
Kasey Perry (Sr.) NC
David Robinson (Jr.) NC
Daniel Rojas (Jr.) TN
Matthew Saunders (Sr.) TN
Benjamin Scott (Sr.) TN
Stephen Simpkins (So.) TN
Sonny Thomas (Fr.) NC
Deborah Trifonova (So.) BG
Jeannine Tuttobene (Sr.) TN
Taylor Walker (Jr.) GA
Abigail Warren (Fr.) TN
Scott Wisniewski (So.) OH
Whitney Wright (Sr.) OH
Rebekah Zuniga (Sr.) TN
Provost’s List: “B” Honor Roll
Seniors
Stacy Allison, TN
Jacob Austin, FL
Lisa Bromley, MO
Gabriel Cameron, GA
Collyn Carter, AL
Billy Champion, TN
Jordan Chandler, TN
Josh Chapman, MO
Alexander Crawford, AR
Daniel Dell, TN
Madison Eastman, AL
Jared Forlines, TN
Alyssa Hill, VA
Ashton Johnson, OK
Renee Lancaster, TN
Hailee Mann, TN
Steven Marsh, FL
Mackenzie McNeese, TN
Hannah Pappas, SC
Brandon Presley, TN
Samuel Riggs, AL
Garrett Saunders, FL
Stephen Seeley, NC
Anna Stone, TN
Lauren Strickland, NC
Faron Thebeau, TX
Jacob Voltz, TX
Erick Werner, VA
Kennedy White, TN
Ryan Whiticker, TN
Zurisadai Zuniga, TN
Juniors
Karlee Alberty, OK
Dalton Alvis, PA
Adra Brown, TN
Jannai Bullard, VA
Leron Bush, FL
Keren Delgado, AR
Tavares Dixon, TN
Daniel Hubin, TN
Nikolette Jones, AL
Brandon, Justice, NC
Thomas Moody, TN
Alicia Moran, NC
Hannah Morgan, TN
Elizabeth Stevanus, TN
Abby Walker, NC
Rachel White, VA
Sophomores
Michelle Bigelow, CA
Sarah Brown, TN
Summer Elliott, QC
Baylea Freeman, VA
Jacklyn Grizzle, TN
Jonathan Hill, IL
Chelsea Holesapple, MO
Jalynn Hood, TN
Avery Jones, OK
Mariah Moore, KS
Dan Pappas, SC
Justin Scott, NC
Christopher Sutton, NC
by jowens | Jun 30, 2017
Welch College Press (WCP) has published a new book by Chris Talbot, Program Coordinator for Youth and Family Ministry at Welch College, according to WCP Managing Editor Matt Bracey.
“Remodeling Youth Ministry: A Biblical Blueprint for Ministering to Students addresses the array of youth ministry models competing for the youth minister’s attention,” Bracey said. “Rather than dismissing all models of ministry, the book integrates a range of youth ministry models into a biblical foundation that’s sustainable for the future. Through Scripture-saturated analysis, Chris suggests renovations to youth ministry practices and offers advice for the future. Each chapter also provides readers with unique ‘Remodeling Tips’ from ministers currently serving youth and their families.”
In the book’s foreword, Cameron Cole, Chairman of Rooted and Editor of Gospel-Centered Youth Ministry (Crossway), says: “Remodeling Youth Ministry will help youth pastors stand in the power of the gospel, the Word of God, and the truth of Christ as they seek to make a lasting difference in the lives of teenagers.” He continues, “We need repeated and clear reminding, which Talbot does well: Beneath all of the competing priorities is the central mission of forming a mature faith in young people so that they become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Bracey said, “I’m really excited about Remodeling Youth Ministry and thankful to Chris Talbot. He’s done an excellent job presenting vital ministry principles in a manner that’s down-to-earth and engaging, yet substantive and challenging.”
In addition to serving as Youth and Family Ministry Program Coordinator, Talbot serves as Campus Pastor at Welch and teaches courses in biblical and theological studies. He ministers as Pastor of Youth and Family at Sylvan Park Free Will Baptist Church, and he has spoken and written widely on youth and family ministry. He serves as Assistant Managing Editor for the D6 Family Ministry Journal, authored a chapter in The Promise of Arminian Theology (Randall House Academic), is a contributor to the Helwys Society Forum, and also writes for the youth ministry website Rooted.
Advance copies of Remodeling Youth Ministry can be purchased through the Welch College Press.
by jowens | Jun 14, 2017
Dr. Robert E. Picirilli, professor emeritus and former academic dean at Welch College, recently had two books published: Free Will Revisited: A Respectful Response to Luther, Calvin, and Edwards and Paul the Apostle: Missionary, Martyr, Theologian, according to Welch President Matt Pinson.
Free Will Revisited (Wipf and Stock) addresses the ever-present question of whether man has free will. Picirilli defines free will from worldview and biblical standpoints and then boldly addresses the opposing arguments of theologians Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Jonathan Edwards. Through careful analysis, Picirilli shows free will to be in full accord with scripture, from a nuanced Reformed Arminian perspective. He also summarizes the key differences between the Calvinistic and Arminian views on the doctrine of salvation.
“Free Will Revisited is a must-read book for those interested in the Calvinist-Arminian debate,” Pinson said. “In it we see Picirilli at his best, using his keen intellect and broad background in theology to reflect on the thought of the three best-known stalwarts of a non-libertarian approach to free will. The unique thing about his response to these thinkers is that he is much more ‘Reformed’ in his Arminianism than many proponents of libertarian free will (worlds apart from semi-Pelagianism), and this brings nuance to his critiques that will surprise many readers. As always, Picirilli writes in a clear, readable, and irenic manner that Calvinists and Arminians alike will find refreshing.”
Paul the Apostle (Moody) is a newly updated edition of Picirilli’s 1986 publication. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Paul’s life, ministry, and writings while striving to be accessible for the serious theology student.
Andreas Köstenberger, Senior Research Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in a foreword written for the new edition, said: “Appealingly and sensibly, Picirilli examines and surveys each of Paul’s letters in the context of his mission against the backdrop of the book of Acts. This gives the book an organic and intuitive feel, making it ideal as an introductory survey for college students or for personal study.”
Picirilli taught New Testament and philosophy at Welch College, where he is now professor emeritus and curator of the Free Will Baptist Historical Collection. He is author of Discipleship: The Expression of Saving Faith, Understanding Assurance & Salvation, and Grace, Faith, Free Will, as well as numerous other works and journal articles. Picirilli is also the editor of the Randall House Bible Commentary series.
Copies of Free Will Revisited and Paul the Apostle can be purchased through Wipf and Stock Publishers and Moody Publishers, respectively.
by jowens | Jun 12, 2017
GALLATIN, TN—Sharon Rodgers has joined the Welch College family as part-time Registrar beginning June, 2017, according to Dr. Matthew McAffee, Welch’s Provost. She will assume many of the responsibilities of former Registrar Matthew Bracey, who has transitioned to the role of Vice Provost.
Dr. Rodgers attended Welch from 1964-1966 and completed her B.S. in Elementary Education from Belmont University. She also holds the M.A.T. in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville University and the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Rodgers has a long tenure in primary and secondary education. She has many years of experience in the classroom and has spent much of her career as a school administrator in both public and private institutions. For the past eight years, Dr. Rodgers was the elementary school principal at Free Will Baptist Christian School in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Mrs. Rodgers, a native of Alma, Georgia, and niece of Welch founding president L. C. Johnson, has deep roots in the history of Welch College and the Free Will Baptist denomination. Her son, Jim, serves in the military and is currently stationed in Vicenza, Italy.
McAffee said, “I am thankful Dr. Rodgers has agreed to help us in the Registrar’s Office. Her impressive resume in educational leadership, her love for Welch College, and her personal warmth make her a wonderful addition to the Academic Office. Dr. Rodgers will play an important role in positioning us for future growth.”
by jowens | May 30, 2017
Melinda Pinson, president’s wife at Welch College, will officially become Hospitality and Donor Relations Liaison and Adjunct Instructor at the college, according to Dr. Jeff Crabtree, chairman of the Welch Board of Trustees. Her part-time post, which begins June 1, will also revolve around design and campus beautification. Pinson will continue volunteering over and above her part-time role.
“For fifteen years Mrs. Pinson has served the college well in a volunteer capacity, overseeing high-level hospitality events, engaging in donor-relations with key college supporters, training and mentoring young women and ministry wives, consulting on design and beautification issues on campus, teaching etiquette, and more,” Crabtree said.
“With the transition to the new campus, the scope of her duties has expanded, and the Board decided to formalize her existing role in this new part-time position. The Board has always appreciated the grace and excellence Mrs. Pinson brings to the Welch College community, and we’re excited about giving her an official title to match the important role she has played at Welch.”
A graduate of Catawba College (B.A., sociology and philosophy) and Yale University (M.A.R., sociology of religion), she has been married to Welch president Matt Pinson for 23 years. Before the birth of their children, Anna (17) and Matthew (15), Pinson served in numerous hospitality-industry roles. These included roles at Catawba, Yale, and Blowing Rock Assembly Grounds in Blowing Rock, North Carolina, and later executive director of a not-for-profit historic Victorian hotel and restaurant while she served as a pastor’s wife in Georgia. Pinson has written and spoken on hospitality, biblical womanhood, and ministry wives issues in a number of venues.
