Teach with Wisdom; Preach with Power

ANDERSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEWS

March 2012

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WE NEED YOUR INTENT TO ATTEND FORMS FOR GRADUATION!

All fees and work are due by April 15th!  If you are planning on coming please email Julie Weeks grades@andersonvilleseminary.com and make sure she has your name down.  All information related to graduation can be found on the ATS website by clicking on the “form” tab.  Looking forward to having a good representation of students from many states.  Be sure that your state is well represented!  Fax or email us your forms today.

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STUDENT COMMENTS

From time to time, students comment on facebook about what they like about Andersonville Theological Seminary.  It is amazing how God has used the seminary to meet so many student’s needs.  Below you will find a few of the wonderful comments that students have shared.

Great comments about ATS that students are saying on facebook:

1.  James M. Sowell, III. – I love the quality education at an affordable price.

2.  Jeff Morgan – I love the flexibility of schedules and the variety of courses.

3.  Jason Knight – I love the flexibility of courses and schedule, and it is very affordable for those starting out in furthering education of personal ministry.

4.  Brandon-Kris Bell – It fits my schedule and budget.  The message that is heard while learning Dr. Hayes eagerness to make sure we learn to preach the way it should be preached.  Hellfire and Brimstone.  I love it.

5.  Eva Lilla Buthy – I love the fees, flexibility, and strong Biblical emphasis. I love discovering God’s living Word in our everyday life.  And the kidness of the staff

6.  Mark Goforth – I can say ATS is a great school.  I just finished 2 classes at one of the “big schools” and found out that the cost is way too much for what I wanted.  ATS is “Christ centered” at a pace and cost that is very affordable and enjoyable.

7.  Amanda Lewis – It is the BEST seminary ever:  Bible based, faith centered, and family supported.  I know I can always call/email a question and it will be answered very quickly, friendly, and thoroughly without waiting weeks for a response.  The knowledge and fellowship ATS provides is PRICELESS!  God bless ATS and staff!

8.  Rick English – Bible centered!!!

9.  Joe Odar – I agree with everyone who has posted so far on the “official” facebook site.  ATS teaches what the Bible says and the professors don’t “candy coat” anything.  This is what the Bible says and means and that’s it!  They teach the truth and put a lot of what we learn to what is going on in the world and news today.  I love ATS.

10.  Kevin Hamilton – I spent quite a bit of time checking a variety of online seminaries. Many of them were too expensive and the course load was way more than what I could handle working full time.  There were a few that had good study programs at good prices, but you had to pay for the program in advance.  And then there were a few that just gave me the willies about what was being taught, how it was being taught, as well as the cost.

I spent quite a bit of time in prayer about what school to go to.  I was surfing the net one day and saw and ad for ATS and decided to check it out.  Wow! Answered prayers!!!!!  Here is a school that is centered on the Bible, great programs and degrees, great cost, and I could make payments.  All of what I was praying for. I am a new Christian (a touch over a year) so I started with the Biblical Studies degree even though I qualified to start my Bachelor of Divinity.  I wanted a firm foundation to build upon for my further education in the ministry.  Thanks for being such “a God send.”

11.  Kenneth Adair – I am pleased to hold a doctorate in theology from ATS.  It was not my initial desire to go beyond a bachelor’s degree but found that the studies complimented my personal Bible studies and I let the program run it’s course.  I have recommended the school to several young preachers who could not attend the on campus programs.  I was even the catalyst for my son to enroll in the school, and he is now pursuing his associate degree.  I love the school and love the people.

12.  John Chung – As a graduate of ATS I sincerely and earnestly recommend ATS to all brothers and sisters in Christ who desire to know God better and walk with Him more intimately, not just seeking a long tail after their names.  ATS is one of the few places you could formally study a lot more about God, without losing a thirst to build an intimate and personal relationship with Him.

13.  Terry Murphey, Sr. – I recommend ATS very highly.  I am working on my last class for my masters and then plan on starting my doctorate degree. I been in the ministry 25 years and had studied at Liberty University.  I have attained so much from the “instructors here” and recommend them all.

14.  Michael Moody – ATS is committed to teaching solid Biblical courses in a verse by verse format.  What churches need today, maybe more than ever, is pastors who “know the Bible.”  Exposition and exegesis is  needed in our pulpits.  I am currently very PLEASED to be studying in a structured and CONSERVATIVE program.

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IS THIS YOUR CHURCH?

One Sunday, Mr. Walters got up and walked out right in the middle of my sermon.  I asked his wife if I had somehow offended him.  Her reply:  “It was nothing personal, Reverend.  He was just sleepwalking.”

Thought:  The word of God is alive and powerful and still saves lost people today.  Is your church so dead people are sleep walking or is your church known for reaching the lost?

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Students who change their address or email address need to notify grades@andersonvilleseminary.com in order to keep getting newsletters and mail.

2. If you have not turned in transcripts from previous schools, please get them in. Degrees will not be sent out without proper credits on file. If a school has closed and you cannot verify credits, you may have to take additional classes. If you are not sure if you have turned your transcripts in, email grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

3. Full transcripts may be ordered for programs that have been completed academically and have been paid out. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

4. Partial transcripts may be ordered only if all fees have been paid for the program requested. The cost for a partial transcript is the same as a full transcript. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

5. If you would like to see other items offered as memorabilia by the school, please email Jason weeks with your ideas and requests at grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

ANDERSONVILLE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEWS

February 2012

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HAVE YOU TAKEN THE SON?

The Son

Author Unknown

A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.

When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.

About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.”

The young man held out his package.

“I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”

The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the portrait.

“Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”

The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected. The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son.

The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this portrait of the son. Who will bid for this painting?” There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.” But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?” Another voice shouted angrily. “We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!” But still the auctioneer continued. “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”

Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?” “Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.” “$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?”

The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the painting of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!” A man sitting on the second row shouted. “Now let’s get on with the collection!”

The auctioneer laid down his gavel.

“I’m sorry, the auction is over. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. THE MAN WHO TOOK THE SON GETS EVERYTHING!” GOD GAVE HIS SON 2,000 YEARS AGO TO DIE ON A CRUEL CROSS. MUCH LIKE THE AUCTIONEER, HIS MESSAGE TODAY IS, “THE SON, THE SON, WHO’LL TAKE THE SON?”

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GRADUATION IN MAY

Students are really signing up for graduation in May.  So far the following states are represented (12 states and Guyanna, South America):

Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Louisiana, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, South Carolina, Tennessee, (Guyana, South America), North Carolina, Alabama

Don’t miss out on this event!  Graduation is an exciting time of year!  All work and fees for student’s participating in graduation is due by April 15th.  On our homepage on the website under the forms tab is the intent to attend graduation form.  Please fill out and send to us if you are planning on attending.

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POLICIES FROM THE GRADE DEPARTMENT

Grade department prefers students to open their test in word (located on the cd called test and instructions). Put your answer to the question under the question, resave, and email the test in to grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.  Email is the preferred method of ATS for sending test.  You will receive an email confirmation letting you know we have received your test within 48 hours.

If you snail mail the test, please put your answers on a separate sheet of paper.  Some students are writing the answer so small between each test question that we can hardly read the answers. It is not appropriate to turn in to a college!  Please type or print your answers neatly on a separate sheet of paper.

If you are taking the course on Eschatology, the grading scale has changed for that test.

In the past, the test grade went down twice and the timeline once; then, we divided by 3 for your final grade for that course. Now, the test grade goes down once and the timeline once, then we divide by 2 for your final grade.  Therefore, the timeline now counts 50 percent of your grade.  If you turn in a poorly prepared timeline, you will not pass the class!!

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TRANSCRIPT PRICES HAVE CHANGED

Please note the new prices!

$20.00 for original transcript for each program (Allow two weeks for processing at ATS and then allow the time it takes for the mail to get to you)

$10.00 for additional copies

$40.00 for RUSH SAME DAY TRANSCRIPT per program

$50.00 for special format transcripts for transfer to Liberty University, etc. (per program)

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DON’T FORGET ATS IS ON FACEBOOK

ATS official Face book site says “official” in the picture on Face book.  All other sites are not official and are not monitored by ATS.  On the official ATS Face book site, Dr. Howard will answer questions about any course you are taking with him.  Please remember though, we remove any comments that are not edifying to our Lord and Savior.

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ANDERSONVILLE MEMORABILIA AND APPAREL

Frames are a hot seller!!!  Get your frame today!  Also below are other items listed for sale.

To see the following products in COLOR go to www.andersonvilleseminary.com and click on ATS apparel and memorabilia link to see picture of product and to print order form.

Bumper stickers          =          $8.00

T-shirts both styles      =          medium to 1x              =          25.00

2x to 4x                       =          30.00

Polo Shirts                   =          medium to 1x              =          40.00

2x to 4x                       =          42.00

ATS frame with seal   =          $155 for all states except Alaska and Hawaii

Alaska and Hawaii are $200 each

All foreign countries call for price before ordering

Caps both styles          =          $21

Bible holder                =          $25

Jacket                          =          medium to 1x              =          49.00

2x to 6x                       =          60.00

Computer bag             =          32.00

Coffee thermos mug   =          15.00

We also now have long sleeve T-shirts available for sale now.  Check ATS memorabilia link for picture and price!

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THANK YOU!

From Julie Weeks Staff Member of ATS – I would like to thank the ATS students for the constant emails to the grade department and other departments telling me that you or your church is praying for my severely autistic son Hunter.  I really appreciate it. Please keep the prayers coming.

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2012 CATALOG IS UP ON THE WEB!

Check out our 2012 catalog.  Dr. Hayes has a new John course now in several of the master’s programs.  Systematic Theology is now in the Bachelor’s program.  Ministry Preparation is now in the Associate program.  These changes are for NEW students only.  Students who have already enrolled the courses earlier will not need to make any changes.  The courses you were sent are established and will not change.

We try to do a newsletter every month.  Sometimes the seminary gets swamped under with new students enrolling and we just don’t have the time (praise God being busy is a good problem to have).  On months we do not publish a newsletter please note we will get one out as soon as possible.

We are having very few students contribute articles for us to add to our newsletter.  If you have anything encouraging (poems, articles etc) that we can use, please send them to grades@andersonvilleseminary.com  We especially like to have information about how God has blessed your ministry.  ATS reserves the right to publish or not publish anything we receive.  Also if you know of any churches looking for pastors we will be happy to post them in our newsletter!

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JOB OPENING

Eagle Ranch, A Christian children’s home in Northeast Georgia, has a ministry opportunity for couples to serve as houseparents.  Houseparent couples live full-time on the ranch in one of our 10 lovely homes.  They provide care, nurturing, and structure for up to seven children.  They are supported by an Assistant Counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor.  Our houseparent couples tend to stay at the ranch for an average of 4 years, and we do like for candidates to keep a 3 to 5 year timeframe in mind as they consider the commitment.

To be considered, couples must be married at least 3 years and have no more than 2 children living at home.  No previous children’s home experience is necessary – we will provide training.  For a complete job description and Q&A, we encourage interested couples to visit www.EagleRanch.org.  Email resume with cover letter to Bob Baker at info@eagleranch.org.

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COMMENTS FROM ATS STUDENTS

I hope things are well with you and the seminary.  I was able to obtain my DMin from Andersonville in June 2005.  Fundamental Baptist Fellowship International endorsed me as a chaplain in May 2010.  I retired from my employment with the State of Albama in June 2010.  Currently, I am the chaplain at Marshall County Correctional Facility in Holly Springs, Mississippi.  Chaplaincy is what I expected and more!!  Thanks to Andersonville for their efforts at equipping the saints for the ministry!  Kim McNeil

Comment #2 – My name is Michael Williams and for the past 10 years I have been the senior pastor of the Voice of Calvary Bible Church (soon to be VOC Baptist Church) in Princeton, WV.  I have recently become a new student at Andersonville Theological Seminary and will soon complete my Associate degree course requirements.  I am writing to personally tell you how much I enjoy your teaching and can hardly wait to complete one assignment so that I can begin another.  You teach the Bible in a very clear, matter of fact, and concise matter.  I would also like to say that your staff is always helpful and quick to respond to my reaching out to them.

I also want to point out that I have tried other Bible Colleges . . . but would quickly realize that they were not where God wanted me to be.  After continued prayer, I truly believe that our wonderful Lord has led me to ATS.  I ask that you will keep me in your prayers as I continue my studies.  Because of your leadership I have renewed excitement and enthusiasm to continue my education at ATS . . . it is my goal to go all the way.

May God bless you and keep you . . . and may He continue to bless ATS.

In Christ,

Pastor Michael Williams

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Students who change their address or email address need to notify grades@andersonvilleseminary.com in order to keep getting newsletters and mail.

2. If you have not turned in transcripts from previous schools, please get them in. Degrees will not be sent out without proper credits on file. If a school has closed and you cannot verify credits, you may have to take additional classes. If you are not sure if you have turned your transcripts in, email grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

3. Full transcripts may be ordered for programs that have been completed academically and have been paid out. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

4. Partial transcripts may be ordered only if all fees have been paid for the program requested. The cost for a partial transcript is the same as a full transcript. A transcript order form is located under FORMS on the bar at the top of the home page.

5. If you would like to see other items offered as memorabilia by the school, please email Jason weeks with your ideas and requests at grades@andersonvilleseminary.com.

6. A list of graduates is posted on the website under the NEWS tab. Graduates are not listed in the newsletter.

7. Please put your full name on all work. Sometimes we have problems because two students with the same name fail to put their middle name on their work. For example, we have 5 students with the name John Williams. Help us out by giving your middle name.