Founders Day at Johnson C. Smith Seminary

Last week I had one of what I would call a "blast from the past" trip as I traveled to Atlanta, GA for the annual Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Founders Day (JCSTS) Celebration. For those of you who are not familiar with Johnson C. Smith Seminary, it used to be on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC until 1969, when it was moved to Atlanta to be a part of the Interdenominational Theological Center, a consortium of six predominately Black seminaries. This was the first time I had been back on campus since I graduated 15 years ago and it brought back old memories of my time there.  

Upon my arrival in Atlanta last Tuesday all activities on campus was postponed due to inclement weather so I stayed in my hotel The Wyndham Garden for the day. On Wednesday, I rode along with members of the seminary's Board of Trustees to campus where the alumni gathered. My friend the Rev. Paul Roberts is currently the Interim Administrative Dean and he is doing a wonderful job keeping the seminary going. Paul and I were at JCSTS together as students and is currently the pastor of Church of the Master Presbyterian Church in the city. We had the opportunity to hear from him as he gave the "State of the Seminary" address. There are major challenges ahead both institutionally and financially. Currently JCSTS has only 16 students and 12 will graduate this coming May. In addition there is a major debt load that has to be met. Despite that news everyone is very optimistic and as always in the African-American tradition we believe that "God will make a way out of no way" and that the seminary will survive. That afternoon the alumni met with a consulting group who is helping to form a strategic business plan for JCSTS. The plan includes becoming the place where people become (or find) a Pioneering Leader; expanding the focus on Race/Ethnicity which will open the seminary to all who want to become "pioneering leaders"; and developing educational partnerships with laity and/or student internships. The plan looks great and I pray that things will go well! That evening we were hosted to a wonderful reception and the food was by Crepe Masters. I highly recommend them to you if you need a caterer for your event in the ATL!

The next day the highlight was the weekly community chapel service as it was led by the Presbyterians with the theme "Apostolic Leadership for the 21st Century."  I was one of this year's distinguished alumni honorees and given a nice glass time clock during the service. My friend and fellow alumnus Rev. Van Moody preached from Joshua 1 and rocked the house! He is the pastor of The Worship Center Christian Church in Birmingham, AL. It was good to see him again and he is a powerful man of God! After service I was a part of a three-person panel in talking about African-American Church Leadership" with Van and Rev. Dr. Lonnie Oliver, recently retired pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church and is a mentor to many of us. Then I made my way back home to Raleigh that evening.

I had a great time going back to the "scene of the crime" and I ask that you keep the seminary in your thoughts and prayers as we look toward a bright future with God's leading.

Comments

[Drew Wade]

Exciting! Join me on Facebook @ gLinx FanPage. Go mobile my friend, go mobile!

Member Rev. Sean McMillan's Giant Steps Church
Former member 1st Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn & Chicago's historic 2nd Presbyterian Church attendee

[Karla Miller]

Hi Byron!
I hope you are well--I am glad to see you are doing great things in the PCUSA, and still in great ministry in Raleigh!! I fondly remember those book group days with the PCUSA pastors in Raleigh where we got to read, talk, and eat delightful meals through the Lilly program. I am in Boston now, a UCC pastor. All best to you.