ADC Today Winter 2026

View from a

EDITOR

Shawna Peverill

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

Seidel Abel Boanerges, Hannah Bartlett, Cheryl Ann Beals, Zubby Ezennia, Harry Gardner, Mark Jefferson, Joel Murphy, and Luke Steeves

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS

John Campbell, Eveline DeSchiffart, Carley Lee, Shawna Peverill, and Anna Robbins

COVER CREDIT

Photo by: Nicole Lapierre

GRAPHIC DESIGN Alivelihood Branding & Design alivelihood.me

PRINTING

Atlantic Digital Reproductions

Life Forms Hearts & Habits of Worship

in Call, Character, & Capabilities

Grounded in Meaning and Purpose

“And all of us, with unveiled faces, seeing the glory of the Lord as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.”

~ 2 Corinthians 3:18

SOMETHING HAPPENED during the pandemic that continues to echo in troubling ways: we seem to have lost something of what it means to be human — patience, kindness, and empathy. Even now, it can feel difficult to elicit a smile from others, perhaps most poignantly in church. Signs at drive-throughs and medical offices warn that abuse toward staff will not be tolerated. Why have such signs become necessary? Aggression is rising. Social isolation is increasing. And as artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly expands amid deepening political and cultural polarization, an urgent question presses upon us: What does it mean to be human, and how do we become the people we are meant to be together in this world?

There are fewer places where people can gather across differences of age, income, and background; places where we are formed to be constructive members of society and discover who we are.

Churches remain one of the few institutions where people gather for themselves, for others, and ultimately for God. Yet without intentional formation in the likeness of Christ, we risk mirroring our culture and losing our identity as God’s called and gathered people.

In times such as these, spiritual formation — who we are becoming in relation to God and to one another — moves to the centre of Christian leadership and discipleship. This was abundantly clear during Acadia Divinity College’s listening tour last year. Everywhere we went, we heard the same refrain: We need formation. Teach formation. Form our pastors. Help pastors form disciples who can live with courage and hope in diverse contexts.

In response, formation now stands as the first strategic priority in our renewed vision, Faith Shaping Future.

The future of theological education depends on placing formation at the heart of our curriculum and common life. AI can create efficiencies that free faculty time for deeper engagement with students — offering formative feedback and cultivating mentoring relationships, whether on campus or online. But AI cannot form people to know who they are, why they are here, and where they are going, and to be grounded in meaning and purpose. This is the task of theological education, and the Church.

Those of us who lead must take this to heart ourselves. This past August, I spent three days alone in silence in a shepherd’s hut — an experience I reflect on in this issue. In the pages that follow, you will hear from faculty, students, pastors, and practitioners as they explore what spiritual formation is, why it matters now, and how it shapes faithful leadership.

As you read ADC Today, I invite you not only to think about formation, but to attend to your own — the slow, holy work of becoming more fully human in Christ, together, for the sake of the world.

DR. ANNA ROBBINS ('93, '97) is the President of Acadia Divinity College, the Dr. Millard R. Cherry Professor of Theology, Ethics and Culture, as well as the Dean of Theology for Acadia University.

Weaving Together

Community, Calling & Spiritual Growth

How Chapel Life Forms

Hearts & Habits of Worship

by Luke Steeves ('25)

LAST SCHOOL YEAR, I was honoured to be the coordinator for Chapel at Acadia Divinity College (ADC). This role blessed me in many ways, including contributing to my formation. Three areas in which I can clearly see this formation are prayer, applying my personal gifts, and living out the priesthood of believers.

Incorporating aspects of myself into worship was both affirming and stretching as I learned to authentically be myself, rather than roleplaying who I might expect a Chapel leader to be.

First, co-ordinating Chapel broadened my prayer life. I knew, stepping into this role, that Chapel plays a vital part in the life of ADC. I also knew that in the preceding year we had been experiencing an acute sense of the Spirit’s presence as we worshiped together. Only God can sustain our communal life and bless us with the Spirit’s presence — our chapel team could offer our best gifts and plans, but God would be the one to bring our community together and meet us in our worship. This called for prayer and was a good chance to practice some of my spiritual disciplines learnings from ADC. The Chapel space itself invited me to use my imagination to picture who might come and then to pray for them. Indeed, before the service began each week, I would sit in different places in the Chapel and ask for God’s blessing on the person who would sit in that seat that day. This helped me understand prayer as a responsibility of ministry leaders and grew my expectation for how God would show up among us.

Second, co-ordinating Chapel helped me grow into myself. I felt this most keenly as I brought my love for writing and reciting poetry to craft our weekly call to worship. It is now clear to me that this poetic bent is the gifting of a liturgist — yet I had not truly made this connection until I stepped into creating liturgy for our community each week. Incorporating aspects of myself into worship was both affirming and stretching as I learned to authentically be myself, rather than role-playing who I might expect a Chapel leader to be. As I wrestle with a future in ministry, this went a long way to understanding that God could use my giftings and personality for effective ministry, despite doubts I might have.

Finally, co-ordinating Chapel has taught me about the priesthood of believers. While our Chapel was organized and led each week by a dedicated group of students, for many components we invite professors, students, and guests to lead us. I was especially glad to have sermons and testimonies brought by faculty, staff, and students, recognizing that God could speak to our community through any of our members. I was humbled by the willingness of each person to bring themselves in honest worship and testimony, contributing to an offering of worship authentic to our entire community.

Co-ordinating Chapel was just one part of how Acadia Divinity College has contributed to my formation. I am grateful to God for all of the ways I have grown by being part of this magnificent community.

FORMATION CALL

We are clay jars for the Spirit, Formed in strange and wondrous ways Is the potter done with you? Or will you yet be formed anew?

Some are hardened, cracked, and crumbling. Fired early, over-glazed.

Rigid, fragile, barely holding Drops of what you first received. Is the potter done with you?

Or will you yet be formed anew?

What if resurrection bid you soften, If grace returned you to the wheel?

If nail-pierced hands would change your contours, And shape you once more to be filled?

Is the potter done with you?

Or will you yet be formed anew?

— Luke Steeves

LUKE STEEVES ('25), pictured on page 4, a graduate of the Master of Divinity program, will be completing his Master of Arts in Theology this spring.

REFLECTIONS ON FORMATION

Amplifying Formation in an Age of Acceleration

by Mark Jefferson

IN2 008, I WAS SEATED in my advisor’s office at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University, as graduation neared — filled with eagerness, resolve, and a strong belief that I knew exactly where God was leading me. I had enrolled in seminary to become the most competent and well-prepared pastor I could be. My studies, passion, and imagination focused on preaching. Back then, I saw ministry as stepping into a pulpit to faithfully and clearly proclaim the gospel.

What I initially failed to realize was that formation is an ongoing process. A few years later, I went back to Emory to earn a PhD in Religion, focusing on preaching. That experience revealed to me how powerful learning communities are, where students develop not only through the material but also through relationships, questions, and encouragement. I made a personal vow then: if I ever got the chance to teach, I would influence students with the support and care that had shaped me.

Even after twenty-five years of preaching, I do not walk into the classroom as an expert delivering perfect wisdom. I come as a co-learner — paying attention to the stories, cultures, questions, and convictions my students bring. Their experiences continue to teach me, challenge me, and broaden my understanding of what ministry can be. Formation, at its best, is a shared and sacred journey.

Today, the formation task feels both more urgent and more complex as our world is rapidly reshaped by technology,

Today, the formation task feels both more urgent and more complex as our world is rapidly reshaped by technology, digital culture, and artificial intelligence.

digital culture, and artificial intelligence. The church — and its leaders — must navigate a landscape characterized by acceleration, uncertainty, distraction, and possibility. This is part of what motivated my recent book, which explores how technological change is transforming spiritual practices and community life. Our era calls for leaders who can interpret these cultural currents with theological insight, pastoral wisdom, and a hopeful imagination.

In my teaching and mentoring, I emphasize three essential practices for this moment: attentive listening, because ministry begins in understanding the realities people inhabit; reflexive self-awareness, because leaders must examine their motivations, biases, and assumptions; and imaginative proclamation, because preaching in a technological age requires naming God’s redemptive possibilities amid disruption.

What excites me most about joining ADC’s formative mission is the opportunity to help amplify voices that will guide the Church into its next chapter. Amplify formation is an invitation to prepare leaders who can stand with wisdom and humility at the crossroads of faith and the future. My story continues to be shaped by those who formed me. Now, I step into this community ready to listen, learn, and help others discern how God is shaping them, especially in a world being transformed before our eyes.

DR. MARK ANDREW JEFFERSON is Associate Professor in the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship, and Dean of the Sarah Daley Nickerson Chapel at Acadia Divinity College.

FOR MATION IS AT THE HEART of every enduring ministry. It is the steady work of the Holy Spirit shaping our minds, refining our character, and stirring our hearts to God’s call. After years of leading ministerial formation, I have learned that leadership is not defined by what we do, but by who we are becoming. To amplify formation is to give voice and momentum to that process of walking with others as they grow into the fullness of who God calls them to be.

My personal formation journey in the UK was one of discovery and grace. I am deeply thankful to my mentors who saw potential in me when I could not see it myself. I owe much to my congregation, who taught me patience and courage, and to my students, whose questions keep my faith and ministry fresh and alive. Each of these experiences has convinced me that formation happens best within a community where scripture, prayer, mission and shared life are interconnected. In such spaces, faith becomes resilient, leadership authentic, and service joyful. At Acadia Divinity College, formation is a tapestry woven from academic excellence and the spiritual, relational, and practical aspects of ministry. Our classrooms are not only centres of knowledge but spaces of encounter, where theology meets life and knowledge is shaped by compassion.

Through our renewed Mentored Ministry process, we are refocusing on ministerial call, character, and capabilities, redefining how we prepare leaders at ADC. A clear sense of call grounds every aspect of formation, helping students discern where God is leading them to serve. Capability in preaching, pastoral care, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement equips students to serve effectively in complex contexts. Yet it is character that sustains ministry over time. Integrity, humility,

Shaping Faithful Leaders in Call, Character, & Capabilities

by Seidel Abel Boanerges

The Church needs shepherds who are spiritually grounded yet culturally aware, who hold the ancient truths of faith with a fresh, relevant voice.

courage, and empathy are not merely attributes to admire; they are habits of the heart that must be intentionally cultivated. As an educator and minister, I aim to foster a rhythm of intentional time with God as a top priority in the formation of every leader. We need leaders who think critically, love deeply, and act courageously. The Church needs shepherds who are spiritually grounded yet culturally aware, who hold the ancient truths of faith with a fresh, relevant voice. The Church of tomorrow needs leaders who carry grace under pressure, who listen across divides with compassion, and who choose integrity even when the way forward is unclear. When we invest in formation, we invest in transformation that reaches far beyond the classroom or pulpit. When God's people are deeply formed, communities come alive, churches are renewed, and the good news of Jesus shines with clarity and hope. That is the kind of formation I long to see take root. That is the kind of formation that truly changes the world.

DR. SEIDEL ABEL BOANERGES

is Associate Professor in the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Chair of Church Leadership, Director of Mentored Ministry, and Director of Simpson Lectures at Acadia Divinity College.

FORMED FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Spiritual Formation in Future Perspective

by Joel Murphy ('13)

IMAGINE: Ea ch morning begins with an AI-generated devotion, tailored to mood, schedule, and spiritual preferences. Faith is self-curated and algorithmically optimized: comforting, unchallenging, and free from the messiness of community. In a world shaped by digital companions, where social anxiety, digital fatigue, and mistrust solitude feel easier than belonging, church feels optional... Even burdensome.

This is a glimpse of a possible future. A world shaped by selfcurated spirituality, AI personalization, emotional fatigue, and institutional mistrust. It’s not a prediction, but a scenario grounded in real, evidence-based signals of change identified by the Futuring Hub for Theo-Futures Research. While entirely plausible, I don’t think this is a desirable future. It reflects a future where formation is shallow, isolated, and detached from community and relationships. Recognizing the possibility of this future should cause Christian leaders to pause and consider the need for us to grow in wisdom, sensitivity, and awareness of possible futures. Only then can we discern what faithfulness might look like in the face of such disruption. At the heart of this specific scenario is not technology, but spiritual formation. These signals of change press us to ask: who is shaping us, into what image are we being formed, and for whose sake?

Spiritual formation is the foundation for Christian life and practice. Robert Mulholland describes it as “a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.” Henri

Nouwen frames it as a lifelong movement from illusion toward a prayerful and honest life with God. At its heart, formation is the Spirit-led transformation of persons and communities shaped by Scripture, spiritual practices, and (whether we like it or not) the world we live in.

In an age of the attention economy and algorithmic authority, spiritual formation cannot afford to remain static. Signals of change such as hyper-individualized faith, increased mental health challenges, and deep generational and cultural shifts are already reshaping how people experience discipleship. Formation can no longer be assumed through attendance or programmatic models alone, it must be reimagined as intentional, embodied, relational, and adaptive.

This is where theo-futures thinking offers a meaningful path forward. It is not about prediction, but instead theo-futures thinking is a form of theological inquiry that holds together cultural analysis and spiritual discernment. It helps Christian leaders recognize emerging realities, imagine possible futures, and prayerfully discern how to respond with integrity and hope.

So what might formation look like in that future world?

Now imagine: In smart homes and semi-public gathering spaces reclaimed from disused malls and modular greenhouses, small diverse, intergenerational communities form spiritual ecosystems. Fluid, decentralized, and deeply intentional. Often offline, often awkward, but deeply present. They eat, pray, listen, and fumble toward Christ together, resisting the pull of curated lives and frictionless AI companions. In a world optimized for comfort, formation reclaims discomfort as sacred learning to sit with doubt,

difference, and silence. It is deliberately slow, rooted in ancient practices and communal rhythms that help people hold on to what it means to be human: to be known, to be changed, and to belon g.

There is no single future of formation; this is just one of many possibilities. The futures-oriented question we need to ask is not simply how to maintain our structures and programs, but how to best nurture lives shaped by the love of Christ amid disruption and change. The good news is that the Church has always adapted, from desert fathers to house churches to the Chinese underground church. Our moment is no different.

By paying attention to the signals of today and responding with intentional, prophetic imagination, we can shape communities of formation that are faithful, resilient, and active.

DR. JOEL MURPHY ('13) is the Director of Futures Research and Director of Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture at Acadia Divinity College.

To learn more about how you

bring this type of thinking to your context, email Joel Murphy at joel.murphy@acadiau.ca

TODAY'S news

APPOINTMENTS

Dr. Joel Murphy ('13) was appointed Director of the Andrew D. MacRae Centre for Christian Faith and Culture on November 1, 2025. Since 2023, Dr. Murphy has led the Hub of Trend Research and Analysis within the College’s Futuring Lab, funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative. He brings scholarly depth and practical insight into how cultural shifts influence Christian witness. Dr. Murphy holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Mount Saint Vincent University, an MA from Saint Mary’s University, and a Bachelor of Theology from Acadia University.

acadiadiv.ca/joel-murphydirector-macrae/

GRATITUDE FOR SERVICE

We extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Dale Stairs ('98) for his faithful leadership as Director of the Crandall–Acadia BTh Partnership Program. Since 2013, Dale has shaped the program’s identity, strengthened its connections, and supported countless students preparing for ministry. We are deeply grateful for his vision and care over twelve years and wish him every blessing as he continues his leadership at Crandall University.

We extend deep thanks to Dr. Benjamin MacDonald ('16) as he concludes his service as College Recruiter in April 2026. Since his appointment in 2023, Ben has represented ADC with energy and insight — presenting at various events with Apologetics Canada, speaking at conferences, and delivering a presentation at a Ratio Christi event at Crandall University. We are grateful for his dedication and wish him every blessing in his next steps.

Adams Townsend was appointed part-time Director of the Crandall-Acadia Bachelor of Theology Partnership Program on January 5, 2026. Based in Moncton, he will serve in this role alongside his work as Executive Director of Camp Wildwood. Formed by both Crandall University and Acadia Divinity College in his education, Adams brings firsthand understanding of the Partnership’s learning environment, and strong experience in pastoral ministry, leadership, and communications. He will support recruitment, provide academic guidance, lead Praxis courses, and represent ADC on the Crandall campus as he mentors students preparing for ministry.

acadiadiv.ca/partnershipdirector-appointment/

PETER J. PARIS COLLECTION

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, ADC officially received the Peter J. Paris Collection of African Canadian, American, Caribbean, and African Studies at Acadia Divinity College. We welcomed special guests, including Dr. Peter Paris, pictured right, and Dr. Les Oliver, pictured left.

STUDY TOUR IN TURKEY & GREECE

In May 2025, ADC hosted a study tour through Turkey and Greece, in the footsteps of Paul and the early church. “Standing in remains of the church built over the synagogue of that first sermon of Paul brought feeling of connection through time and place to the apostle, his message, mandate, and methods”, says Mike Poworoznyk, a Master of Divinity student at ADC.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

ADC’s leadership in exploring AI and theological education gained significant attention this year. Dr. Anna Robbins was interviewed by Faith & Leadership, Maclean’s, and the CBC, and appeared on the In Trust Center podcast. Her work was also featured by the Association of Theological Schools, and she presented on AI and ministry at Truett Seminary. ADC continues to shape the conversation on faithful innovation.

macleans.ca/education/i-let-an-ai-avatar-teach-myuniversity-course/

FUTURE OF THE CHURCH

This year, Acadia Divinity College deepened our commitment to exploring the future of the church. ADC co-hosted the Innovation & Future Church Forum in Montréal, where Dr. Anna Robbins and Dr. Joel Murphy offered insights on prophetic innovation. They continued this conversation at the DCBC Annual Gathering in Maryland. Through its Discovery Series events, including a focus on ‘AI and the Church’ hosted by Rev. John Campbell, the Futuring Hub invited leaders to imagine faithfully and think hopefully about what lies ahead.

LECTURE SERIES

From June 10-12, Acadia Divinity College hosted the 2025 Simpson Lectures with Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean as part of our East Coast Theology Summer School, with a focus on next generation ministry. From October 6-8, ADC welcomed Dr. Walter Moberly for the 2025 Hayward Lectures on “The Bible in an Ideological Age.”

FACULTY updates

PROMOTIONS & APPOINTMENTS

Acadia Divinity College is pleased to announce the promotion of Rev. Dr. Matthew Walsh ('05, '06) to Full Professor, effective July 1, 2026. Since joining the faculty in 2016, Matt has taught Old Testament, Hebrew, and biblical interpretation with scholarly depth and pastoral care, while also serving students faithfully as Dean of Students. A graduate of ADC, he later completed his PhD at McMaster University and has become a respected scholar of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Second Temple Judaism. As he enters this new chapter, Dr. Walsh looks forward to exploring innovative teaching methods and helping students navigate today’s evolving landscape of biblical interpretation.

acadiadiv.ca/walsh-promotion

In July 2025, Acadia Divinity College joyfully welcomed the Rev. Dr. Mark Andrew Jefferson as Associate Professor in the John Gladstone Chair of Preaching and Worship and Dean of the Sarah Daley Nickerson Chapel. Dr. Jefferson brings expansive pastoral, academic, and public ministry experience, along with a vibrant voice in contemporary proclamation. His scholarship explores the intersections of race, class, technology, and preaching, with two forthcoming books shaping conversations in the field.

acadiadiv.ca/welcoming-dr-jefferson

In August 2025, Acadia Divinity College was delighted to welcome the Rev. Dr. Seidel Abel Boanerges as Associate Professor in the Abner J. Langley and Harold L. Mitton Chair of Church Leadership. Dr. Abel Boanerges brings a rich global perspective shaped by more than two decades of pastoral, academic,

and strategic leadership across multicultural contexts. Formerly Dean of Ministerial Formation at Spurgeon’s College in London, he is known for innovative theological education, transformative mentoring, and a commitment to integrating technology in ministry training. A respected author and editor, he continues to contribute to conversations on preaching and Christian leadership.

acadiadiv.ca/welcoming-dr-boanerges

PUBLISHING, PRESENTATIONS & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Danny Zacharias co-authored with T.Christopher Hoklotubbe: Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation, InterVaristy Press, published November 18, 2025.

“We have been waiting for a book like this—one that presents indigenous biblical interpretation. T. Christopher Hoklotubbe and H. Daniel Zacharias call their approach to biblical interpretation Turtle Island Hermeneutics. I call it groundbreaking, urgent, and necessary at this present moment. Now students studying the Bible in seminary or college will have a text that will help them do what few books on interpretation can do—take the dirt, the water, the air, our animal kin, and of course, indigenous thought and life seriously. We are now in a new day for biblical scholarship.”

— Dr. Willie James Jennings, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University Divinity School

ivpress.com/reading-the-bible-on-turtle-island

ADC Faculty published East Coast Theology Volume 2 — East Coast Hospitality: Myth or Reality?, Wipf & Stock, edited by Melody Maxwell.

acadiadiv.ca/ectvolume-2-published

Seidel Abel Boanerges published Parenting Apologetics: Teaching Children (5-12 Years) to Appreciate Faith in Secular Society in Sacrum Testamentum, Vol 4: A Theology of the Child, 2025.

Lennett Anderson spoke at the Roots to Rise Conference in Halifax and participated in the Breaking Challah // Building Bridges Bagels & Talks panel at Shaar Shalom Synagogue in Halifax.

Grace Wing-Yi Au & Danny Zacharias presented at the Annual Meetings of Society of Biblical Literature and the American Academy of Religion in Boston, MA, including the paper Paul’s Freedom in the Context of Economic Exchange (Grace Au), and a panel for Racism, Pedagogy, and Biblical Studies: Reflections on Robert Warrior’s Classic Essay Canaanites, Cowboys, and Indians (Danny Zacharias).

Spencer Boersma gave the Presidential Address at the National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion in Ohio.

Melody Maxwell received a $50,000 USD Project Grant for Researchers from the Louisville Institute for the Called to Serve project. She also presented a number of papers including Baptist Women Called to Serve at the Project Violet International Symposium, and she published Baptist Women Called to Serve: Facing Challenges in Great Britain and Atlantic Canada, Bulletin of the Canadian Baptist Historical Society 4 (2025): 38-51.

Anna Robbins co-presented Leadership Lessons from the Bajiishka’ogaan with Dr. Shari Russell at the NAIITS Symposium 2025 in Toronto, ON, and presented online at the Theological Conference Woven: Threads of Baptist Identity for the European Baptist Federation Council 2025, Amman, Jordan.

Matthew Walsh published What Angel or Prince Is Like Your Redemptive Help? Revisiting the Assistance of 1QM 13:14. Dead Sea Discoveries 32 (2025): 231–61. https://brill. com/view/journals/dsd/32/2/article-p231_4.xml

View from a Shepherd’s Hut

Perspectives on Amplifying Formation

by Anna Robbins ('93, '97)

IAWOKE FROM THE DREAM disturbed, yet alert, and glanced around the shepherd’s hut that was my home for three days. In one small room was everything I needed to be comfortably alone and to meet with God: a kitchenette, a washroom, a small sofa, and bunkbeds, set on a sheep farm in the green hills of Northern Ireland.

Though I have long moved in circles where retreat is regarded as essential to Christian leadership formation, I had resisted being alone and silent. Not because I viewed these practices negatively, but because they felt unnecessary for me. I have most readily encountered God in everyday life — through conversation, shared ministry, praying and thinking together. And yet, if I am honest, God has also met me most deeply in places of quiet, connected to the land and to my Creator.

Silence does not come easily to me. I externalize my thoughts and process them in conversation. I meet God in people every day.

In recent years of leadership, I am rarely alone. [...] To “be still and know” God had become increasingly rare, even though surely this is the lifeblood of leadership.

Silence does not come easily to me. I externalize my thoughts and process them in conversation. I meet God in people every day. In recent years of leadership, I am rarely alone. Every moment of my day there is someone nearby — in meetings, offices, and at home. To “be still and know” God had become increasingly rare, even though surely this is the lifeblood of leadership.

As I entered a second term as President of Acadia Divinity College in 2025, I sensed the need for a fresh wind — a renewed vision for my leadership. We had just launched a new strategic vision, and I needed to hear from God if I were to run this next leg of the race. The first six years had been exhilarating and exhausting. Early in my term, as the pandemic erupted, I remember pleading with God in prayer. Skilled at reading the signs and charting direction, suddenly I could see nothing. A thick fog had descended, and all I could see were my own feet on a stony path.

In that moment, the Lord gave me a vision: the faint outline of a rocky path ahead and a sandaled heel that was surely his. Then I heard the words, “Follow me.” Throughout the pandemic and my first term, I leaned into that vision, trusting that if I did not rush ahead or lag behind, I would see his heel and follow faithfully.

Now the fog had lifted. The signs were visible again, but the terrain ahead was new and uncertain. I needed to know — clearly and personally — that God was with me if I was to lead boldly and depend entirely on him.

The Board generously provides time for retreat, and this year I knew with unusual clarity that I was called to three days of silence. I booked the shepherd’s hut and planned simple meals from a single bag of groceries. This was not a retreat of deprivation, but of simplicity. I brought only my Bible, a journal, and the book, Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community, leaning into my ancestral roots and setting. The readings led me right away to the first half of Isaiah 30, which seemed to speak directly and meaningfully into our times.

On the first morning, after prayer, I lay back and sighed, “Lord, I’m tired. Hold me as I sleep.” I slept for an hour and had an unusually vivid dream. In it, I went to meet someone high up in an office building. Though he stood directly in front of me, amid a busy office, I could not see him. Exasperated, I insisted repeatedly, “I know you are here, but I can’t see you!”

The dream stayed with me the next day as I walked through the hills toward a spiritually ‘thin place.’ As I returned, I heard the words, “Turn aside.” And again, “Turn aside.” I looked left and right, seeing nothing, until I was stopped in my tracks and simply stood as the Lord met me and filled me afresh on the way.

The next morning, on my final day, I returned to Isaiah 30 to complete the chapter and read these words:

…Your Teacher will not hide himself any longer, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Here I received what I had come for. This sheep was assured of the Shepherd.

Our formation as leaders is never complete.

God longs to be known by us, yet so often we turn aside from the fullness of our calling because of distraction and busyness.

Our formation as leaders is never complete. God longs to be known by us, yet so often we turn aside from the fullness of our calling because of distraction and busyness. I have come to realize that silence is not optional, though it takes many forms. We need to give him room to define himself for our lives and leadership. I may well return to the hut again next summer. I will always be grateful for what God gave me there — and for the renewed courage to walk forward, seeing and hearing my Teacher once more.

PERSPECTIVES ON AMPLIFYING FORMATION

As Anna reminds us, our formation as leaders is never complete. And there are many ways to pursue a “Shepherd’s Hut” experience in our spiritual formation. Here, we asked members of our community to share their perspectives on formation as an ongoing spiritual practice. From understanding what and who forms us to adopting rhythms that build spiritual awareness, these leaders echo the truths Anna gleaned in the silence and give us practical signposts on our journey towards formation.

CHOOSE TO BE FORMED BY JESUS

Rev. Hannah Bartlett ('20) has been Next Gen Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church on Prince Edward Island since 2020 when she graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from ADC. Her ministry is helping young people in the shaping of their faith. She says the development of our habits, thoughts, actions, and character happens through both outward and inward influences.

“Despite what culture tells us, we are not self-made or self-formed beings,” says Hannah. “Formation is not a choice as much as it is an inevitable process: we are all constantly being formed, whether that is by Christ, Netflix, our relationships, or our patterns.”

But she believes we have a choice in who and what we allow to form us.

COOPERATE WITH THE SPIRIT

Rev. Dr. Harry Gardner ('77), President Emeritus of Acadia Divinity College, agrees. He believes we are all formed spiritually, but where some people are formed in Christ, others are shaped by different influences. With a doctorate in spiritual formation and having taught the subject for years, Harry has met many people who are “spiritual” and try to live by the “Golden Rule.” However, they have not found their meaning and grounding by focusing on discipleship to Jesus.

“When I taught at Acadia, I made it clear that the focus of the class was on Christian Spiritual Formation,” Harry explains. “In this, we are not left to try to become a certain kind of person, but we cooperate with the Spirit of God to produce the fruit of Galatians 5:22-23. I believe this represents the character of God as revealed through Jesus.”

CULTIVATE AN AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Ann Beals ('16) believes spiritual formation begins with an awareness of God’s presence. She has been exploring this for years as Director of Sozo Centre for Soul Care with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada.

“When we pay attention to God’s presence and develop what I call ‘holy curiosity’ about the Trinity, we begin to fan a desire to experience more of God.”

“When we pay attention to God’s presence and develop what I call ‘holy curiosity’ about the Trinity, we begin to fan a desire to experience more of God,” says Cheryl Ann. “Our desire draws us into an attuning process with God. We yield to his power, shaping and forming us according to his will.”

Cheryl Ann refers to this process as The Examen.

“The examen asks the question ‘Where have I seen God today?’ or ‘How has God been present today?’ And the opposite, ‘Where did I miss God's presence today?’ At the end of the day, ask the Spirit to make you aware of God's presence.”

Cheryl Ann believes practicing the presence of God includes doing an activity with God — going for a walk or even washing the dishes. She encourages individuals to intentionally be with God in everyday activities and to notice how he is present

EMBRACE LIFELONG FORMATION

Much like Anna, Harry is finding that spiritual formation is a lifelong process and involves slowing down. Even after years of leadership, he says he is still discovering what it means to be formed.

“I am learning that when I take time to slow down and listen to God speak through his Word and by his Spirit, I receive the direction in leadership that I need.”

“I am learning that when I take time to slow down and listen to God speak through his Word and by his Spirit, I receive the direction in leadership that I need,” says Harry. “I also recognize that I do not engage this learning and growing on my own but as I trust God to work through his people, the Church.”

REV. HANNAH BARTLETT ('20) is Next Generation Pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church on Prince Edward Island.

DR. HARRY GARDNER ('77) is President Emeritus of Acadia Divinity College.

DR. CHERYL ANN BEALS ('16) is Director of the Sozo Centre for Soul Care with the Canadian Baptist of Atlantic Canada.

Shawna Peverill: Why did you choose Acadia Divinity College for theological studies?

Zubby Ezennia: As an international student, my decision was shaped by several factors, particularly the tuition fees which made high-quality theological education affordable to me. I also deeply appreciated the ADC’s commitment to inclusion and the diversity of voices within the faculty, as well as the small class sizes that fostered meaningful relationships between students and faculty.

SP: What did you find most challenging at ADC and most rewarding?

ZE: My time at ADC was a blend of experiences. In hindsight, I look on those seasons with gratitude, recognizing how essential they were to my character formation and spiritual growth. One of my greatest challenges was learning to set aside the cultural and denominational lenses through which I had long interpreted Scripture and shaped my theology. Letting go of these internalized frameworks and biases felt like losing a part of my identity, as though I were turning my back on my spiritual heritage.

In time, however, as I wrestled honestly with theological ideas and engaged more carefully in biblical exegesis, I began to remove those lenses. My focus shifted from “What do I think?” to “What is the text actually saying?” This shift profoundly reshaped my interpretation of Scripture and opened me to more thoughtful, generous, and curious conversations rather than argumentative exchanges.

My time at ADC deepened my curiosity about faith and equipped me with new tools to express and live it out. I can confidently say that my theology has been significantly transformed, and I am excited to continue growing along this trajectory.

A STORY OF TRANSFORMATION AT ADC

An interview with Zubby Ezennia ('25) Youth Pastor at Grace Chapel, Halifax, NS

by Shawna Peverill

SP: Can you think of a moment while at ADC when you felt God shift your understanding of Him, ministry, or call?

ZE: During my second year the Holy Spirit gave me a hard reset. I felt a clear nudge to lay down my defences and wrestle with what my professors were trying to communicate. I was challenged to analyze the material more objectively and to make thoughtful, logical decisions rather than reacting emotionally. This new posture toward learning quite literally changed my life. It opened me up to deeper growth, greater humility, and a clearer understanding of my calling.

SP: How did ADC impact your spiritual formation?

ZE: The emphasis has always been on cultivating a deeper relationship with Jesus while pursuing theological education. I can see how the academic papers stretched me to explore theological depths that significantly shaped my spiritual formation. Engaging multiple sources on various issues created space for a deeper understanding and raised meaningful questions essential to spiritual growth. Chapel times were also rich moments of fellowship and spiritual nourishment for me.

My time at ADC connected me to deeper relationships with fellow students, alumni, and faculty who share a similar passion for Jesus. These colleagues have remained close friends, trusted support systems, prayer partners, Spirit-led counsellors, and ministry partners. Overall, both the knowledge I gained and the relationships I formed during my studies at ADC have been crucial to my spiritual growth.

SP: What advice would you give someone considering ADC?

ZE: ADC is more than an institution; it is a beautifully knit community that creates space for every person’s voice, calling, and gifting to flourish. It is a vital place for equipping disciples to serve Jesus and advance his Kingdom everywhere.

OUR graduates

Faith & Formation at the 64th Commissioning

CELEBRATING OUR FALL 2024 AND SPRING 2025 GRADUATES

ONWE DNESDAY, MAY 14, 2025, Acadia Divinity College celebrated our 64th annual Commissioning Service — a day marked by joy, community, and meaningful moments of formation.

The celebrations began with an Open House at the College, where graduands, families, faculty, and staff gathered for connection and reflection. The Commissioning Supper continued the warm atmosphere as graduands were encouraged, uplifted, and officially welcomed into the alumni family. During the meal, ADC honoured outstanding students: Master of Divinity graduand Caleb Dixon, recipient of the Student Service Award and Doctor of Ministry graduand Edmund Woo, recipient of the MacRae Prize for thesis excellence.

As the doors of Wolfville Baptist Church opened for the Commissioning Service, a sense of anticipation filled the sanctuary. Acknowledging the sacred land of Mi’kma’ki, Dr. Danny Zacharias reminded the gathered community that creation itself forms us: “The land is his good gift… and we are connected with it — a grace to us.”

Music shaped the worship throughout the evening, led by Owen Lee, Minister of Music at EBC The Meeting Place, the EBC Band, and Dr. Heather Price, Director of Music at Wolfville Baptist Church. Their leadership lifted the congregation in gratitude and praise.

Dr. Anna Robbins, President of ADC, welcomed the leaving class with joy, recognizing the faith and perseverance that had carried them to this moment. Several speakers returned to the theme of formation. Dr. Ashlee Cunsolo, Provost and Vice President Academic of Acadia University, reflected on grace found in quiet attentiveness, quoting Simone Weil: “Faith is the experience that the intelligence is enlightened by love.”

Rev. Renée MacVicar, Executive Minister of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada, offered a charge rooted in hope: “You are carriers of hope in this world…

When you encounter darkness, point to Jesus.”

The service also served as graduation for students receiving diplomas and certificates, presented by Dr. Zacharias, who celebrated their diverse paths of ministry. Applause followed as Luke Steeves received the 2025 President’s Award and offered the Reflections of a Graduand, before Dr. Elie Haddad, recipient of the 2025 Acadia honorary Doctor of Divinity, delivered the annual John Gladstone Sermon, calling graduands into a new season: “You are stepping from preparation to mission, from comfort to calling.”

As the evening concluded with the laying on of hands and a final benediction, the community was reminded that formation is an ongoing journey — one that continues as these graduates step faithfully into their callings.

Congratulations to all of our graduates, and blessings for what's next!

Luke Steeves Acadia University Silver Medal in Theology and Acadia Divinity College President's Award

Sarah Smith Acadia University Bronze Medal in Theology

CLASS notes

1 1987 · TERRY ATKINSON began a threeyear term as President of Canadian B aptist Ministries in September 2025.

1988 · GORDON JAMES moved from Hopewell, NB to Campbellton, NB to become the pastor of Campbellton First Baptist Church in 2025.

2 1995 & 2022 · BARBARA PUTNAM retired from the Canadian Armed Forces (Royal Canadian Chaplain Service) in February 2025 after 25 years of service. She and her husband Brad (1995), who recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, live in Kanata, ON.

2000 & 2016 · WAYNE DESMOND was inducted into the ministry of Baptist Hospital Chaplaincy by the HRUBA churches on September 28, 2025. He will be serving the QEII Hospitals in Halifax, NS.

3 2004 · DAN INGRAM is the Executive Director at InterVarsity Circle Square Ranch in Manitoba and the Atlantic Canada Campus Lead for InterVarsity.

2006 & 2024 · J. PETER HOLMES retired after 30 years of service at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church in Toronto, ON. He is a two-time doctoral alumnus — DMI (2006), DD (2024) — and a lifetime Fellow (2016) of the College.

2007 · MICHAEL SWALM became president of Rocky Mountain College in Calgary, AB in January 2025.

4 2013 · RHONDA BRITTON in May 2025 received an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law degree from Saint Mary's University, Halifax, NS for her service to community and work in social justice.

Journey!

5 2019 · JON TURNER was ordained by the Church of England in Summer 2025 at Worcester Cathedral, England. Jon completed a Durham University post-graduate certificate in Mission and Ministry via the Queen's Foundation in Edgbaston.

2021 · STEPHEN BEDARD has recently become an instructor at the Canadian Forces Chaplain School and Centre at CFB Borden.

2020 · SHARON ROSS received the Order of Canada on April 17, 2025. Through her work and volunteering, she has played a key role in helping racial people achieve recognition, integrity and equal opportunities within Canadian society.

2024 · CONNOR KEHOE will be completing his ministry at Wolfville Ridge Baptist Church, NS in April 2026, but continuing his role as Senior Pastor at Canning Baptist Church, NS.

Ordinations in 2025

2019 · ALLAN MYRA, Senior Pastor of the Annapolis Baptist Pastorate, NS was ordained on October 19 at Annapolis Royal United Baptist Church.

Have you had a significant event in your life this year that you would like to share? Typical updates include ministry changes, wedding and birth announcements, special awards, publications, and more. Photos welcome!

2023 · AMY GOLBERG was ordained by Rusagonis Baptist Church, NB on October 5.

2023 · MULLAI MANOHARAN, Senior Pastor of Clark’s Harbour United Baptist Church, NS was ordained on November 9.

2023 · MATTHEW THOMAS, Associate Pastorof New Beginnings Ministries in Cherrybrook, NS was ordained on November 16.

2024 · JACKSON DUNN, Associate Pastor of Hantsport Baptist Church, NS was ordained on October 19.

2024 · CONNOR KEHOE, Senior Pastor of Wolfville Ridge Baptist Church, NS was ordained on September 28 at Canning Baptist Church, NS.

2024 · ALEX McMORINE, Senior Pastor of Digby Baptist Church, NS was ordained on October 18.

2024 · KEEGAN PERRY, Associate Pastor of Woodstock Baptist Church, NB was ordained on November 2.

2024 · ERIC POLL, Associate Pastor of Coldbrook Baptist Church, NS was ordained on October 5.

2025 · NOAH LOHNES, Senior Pastor of the Liverpool & Brooklyn Baptist Churches, NS was ordained on October 26 at Liverpool Baptist Church.

2025 · TYLER PROUDE, Campus Pastor at the Montague Site of Cornerstone Baptist Church, PE was ordained on October 26 at Montague Regional High School.

2025 · BEVERLEY STATES, Associate Minister of East Preston United Baptist Church, NS was ordained on November 23.

Current Students

WAYNE CALLAGHAN completed his ministry at Lindsay Baptist Church, NB in October and is now Associate Pastor at Jacksonville United Baptist Church, NB.

JASON FLINN is serving as Chaplain of Windsor Elms Village, NS.

AMY GOLBERG (2023) has been called to Marysville Baptist Church in Fredericton, NB as Lead Pastor. Amy is currently enrolled in ADC’s Master of Divinity degree.

6 HANNAH (ROBERTS) HUNT married Ben Hunt on June 28, 2025. They live in Coalhurst, AB.

If you are part of the alumni of ADC and would like to update us on your news, please email adcalumni@acadiau.ca

8 BRAEDON MacDONALD (2022) and his wife, Rebecca, welcomed their firstborn Elizabeth (Ellie) Rose MacDonald on May 19, 2025. Braedon is currently enrolled in ADC's Master of Arts in Theology degree.

MIKE POWOROZNYK is serving as Lead Pastor of the Halifax Metro Vineyard Church in Middle Sackville, NS.

7 VIPIN JOSEPH and his wife, Achsah John, Academic Administrator at ADC, founded Valley of Hope Church in Wolfville in 2024. He has also been pastoring at Lockhartville Baptist Church, NS since May 2025.

9 ABOSEDE SAMUEL and her husband, Dotun Olutoke, were married on April 25, 2025 at Third Horton (Canaan) Baptist Church, NS. Retired ADC professor, Dr. Glenn Wooden officiated.

WE remember

WE REMEMBER ADC ALUMNI

1973 & 1997 · RICK THOMAS passed away January 30, 2025, in Moncton, NB. Rick served Baptist churches for over 40 years throughout New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. He also served as Baptist chaplain in the hospitals of Moncton, NB.

1980 · PAUL GOETZE passed away January 31, 2025, in Moncton, NB. Paul served several years with the Canadian Navy before becoming a Baptist Minister in the Annapolis Valley, NS.

1984 · DAVID SHAW of New Minas, NS passed away on June 13, 2025. Originally from South Ohio, NS, David was a pastor and also ser ved with Yukon Family Ser vices, Dr. Charlie Taylor’s Kairos Marathon Prison Chaplaincy, and Crosby House.

1985 · GARNET PARKER passed away on July 7, 2025, in Hants County, NS. Originally from Windsor, NS, Garnet served several churches in Nova Scotia as well as longterm care facilities in Hants County.

1987 · KEVIN PENTLAND passed away in Three Hills, AB in November 2025. Originally from Verdun, QC, Kevin served in the Canadian Armed Forces for several years.

1990 · TERRY BREWER passed away on February 25, 2025, in Fredericton, NB. With a caring pastor’s heart, Terry served the people in Baptist churches in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia.

2003 · ELLEN MARGARET (BENTLEY) HUNT passed away on June 4, 2025. She served churches in Nova Scotia including Forest Hill, Upper Vaughan, and Lockhartville. She supported many in the community, including veterans.

Acadia Divinity College is saddened by the passing of the following members of our ADC Community.

WE REMEMBER ADC FRIENDS

REV. DR. TIMOTHY (TIMM) ASHLEY

Rev. Dr Timothy (Timm) Ashley, age 77, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on May 1, 2025. At the time of his death, Timm was a semi-retired pastor at First Baptist Church, La Crosse, Wisconsin.

From an early age, Timm developed a deep love for Scripture, language, and learning — gifts that shaped his vocation as professor and pastor. In 1982 , Timm and his wife, Rev. Maxine Ashley, moved to Nova Scotia, where Timm joined the faculty of Acadia Divinity College and Maxine, in 1983, began ser ving ADC as adjunct instructor and later as the Dean of Students. At ADC , Timm taught and made use of the biblical languages he loved and worked to prepare students to know how to read and understand the Bible so they could teach the churches they ser ved. We are grateful for the strong biblical foundations he helped lay for a generation of ministers in Atlantic Canada. During his time at ADC , Timm also ser ved as Vice-Chair of the Faculty of Theology.

In 2003, Timm and Maxine accepted an invitation to ser ve at First Baptist Church of La Crosse, Wisconsin, where it continued to find expression.

We give thanks to God for Timm’s life and ministr y, which live on through the students and congregations he served.

We produce this list to the best of our knowledge and with the information provided to us. Please email adcalumni@acadiau.ca

REV. DR. JOHN WILLIAM BARTOL

We give thanks to God for the outstanding life of Rev. Dr. John William Bartol of Windsor, Nova Scotia, who passed on January 12, 2026, at the age of 95. John earned a BA from Acadia University in 1952 as well as an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1990. For 70 years, he served Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada churches across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

John was well known for his impactful preaching of God’s Word, his authorship of countless articles and books, and his extraordinary ability to connect with and pastor those he served. His passion, good humour, and gentle encouragement to others never waned. He remained a wise and faithful servant to the end — preaching his final message just one month before his death.

We are grateful for his ministry among Atlantic Baptists, including his service on the first Acadia Divinity College Board of Trustees. Even in retirement, he continued to serve faithfully as an interim pastor in the Annapolis Valley.

In May 2019, a Service of Naming and Dedication was held in the renewed College building boardroom for The Reverend Dr. John and Carol Bartol Boardroom, in recognition of their ministry.

DONALD H. OLIVER

We are grateful for the life of The Honourable Donald H. Oliver, CM, ONS, KC, LLD, who died on September 17, 2025. A proud Acadia University alumnus ('60, ’07), his life was marked by extraordinary service and steadfast commitment to justice. Born and raised in Wolfville in a devout Christian family, Don was guided by a faith that carried compassion into every sphere of his life. He excelled academically and went on to champion human rights as a lawyer and civil rights advocate.

Don’s legacy is felt deeply at Acadia Divinity College through the academic chair named for his brother and sister-in-law: Rev. Dr. William and Dr. Pearleen Oliver Chair of Community Leadership and Social Justice. This endowed chair embodies the values Don upheld — justice, reconciliation, and transformative leadership — and he lent his voice in support of its mission. As he put it, “Social justice is an intrinsic part of the Bible and of Christian witness… [Bill and Pearleen’s] social justice agenda flowed from the pulpit and out to people in their communities. There’s a very strong place for the Christian church to make a difference.”

May Don’s memory inspire us to shape our faith with compassion and justice.

REV. JUDITH TOD ('88) RECEIVES

THE 2025 ALUMNI AWARD

Formed for Faithful Service

ON

F RIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2025, Acadia Divinity College presented the 2025 Alumni Distinguished Service Award to Rev. Judith Tod. Judith has has embodied humility, collaboration, and a steadfast faith in the God who calls and equips.

A Journey of Formation

Judith began her studies at ADC in 1982 as a mature student and mother of three. What started as a few classes soon revealed a lifelong calling. With encouragement from faculty mentors like Dr. Andrew MacRae, she completed her Bachelor of Theology in 1988 and later earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation from Carey Theological College. Her ministry began in chaplaincy at Grand View Manor in Berwick, then led to pastoral leadership at Kentville United Baptist Church, where she was ordained in 1989. During her

tenure, she helped establish the Family Resource Centre (now the Kings County Family Resource Centre), offering vital support to local families. Her calling later took her to Bermuda and then back home to serve at Wolfville Baptist Church.

Shaping Others for Ministry

Judith's influence extends well beyond the pulpit. Through ADC’s Mentored Ministry program, she has welcomed students into her congregations, guiding them to lead with compassion, humility, and integrity. She describes her approach to ministry through Micah 6:8: “to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” For Judith, shared ministry is not about titles or recognition — it’s about community, teamwork, and care for the vulnerable.

A Life of Compassionate Response

That care is evident in her work with refugees. What began as a visit to a young woman in immigration detention became an open-door ministry of hospitality and advocacy. As co-chair of the Wolfville Area Refugee Support Network, she helped families begin new lives in safety. “I never set out to do those things,” she reflects, “but someone once told me, ‘Apparently the Lord knows the way to your door.’”

Walking Humbly

Reflecting on the award, Judith says, “Thankfully, the Lord uses us for who we are, where we are, with the gifts we’ve been given.” Her legacy is one of formation through faithfulness —  a reminder that God shapes lives, ministries, and communities through humble service and love.

Learn more about Judith and her ministry acadiadiv.ca/alumni-award-2025/

FAITH SHAPING FUTURE

Strategic Vision 2030

A world of new possibilities is before us, and Acadia Divinity College stands ready to meet it with faithful confidence. Our faith grounds us in purpose and meaning, enabling us to discern trends and help shape desired futures. We have the agency to act in the world, making it better for one another as we follow Jesus and engage in God’s mission.

Faith Shaping Future invites us into this deep challenge: to shape the future with the courage of our convictions, while allowing that same future to transform and deepen our faith. In this tension lies opportunity, responsibility, and hope.

Four strategic priorities will guide our work.

Join us to turn vision to action as we equip leaders, strengthen churches, and shape a future grounded in faith.

ADC development

We’re All in This Together

HOW DONORS ARE SHAPING THE JOURNEY OF A FAMILY OF FOUR

ATAC ADIA DIVINITY COLLEGE, spiritual formation ta kes many shapes. Sometimes it looks like a first-year student discovering her calling for the very first time. Other times it resembles a seasoned pastor leaning into a new season of growth. And in one remarkable case, it looks like an entire family of four learning, discerning, and being spiritually shaped together — mother and father Terence and Jennifer Hale, and their two children, Leah and Micah.

The Hale family represents the diversity of those who study at ADC. Terence, a Doctor of Ministry student, describes this season as a joy sharing thoughts, insights and learning with his wife and children. “Studying together,” he says, “creates a mutual connection to help bring us together as a family when we feel pulled in different directions.”

For Leah, a first-year Bachelor of Theology student, ADC’s community has made all the difference. “There is always someone there to answer questions or offer support,” she shares. Financial assistance has allowed her to begin her studies with confidence: “It has taken a weight off my mind and will allow me to graduate debt-free.”

Her older brother Micah, a third-year Bachelor of Theology student, echoes that gratitude. “Financial support has been essential for me.” More than that, the friendships he has formed have shaped his faith. “My friends encourage me academically and in my walk with Christ,” he says, “which is helping me to become a more well-rounded Christ-follower.”

Jennifer, enrolled in the MA in Theology (Counselling & Spiritual Care), describes this as a season of renewal after 24 years in ministry. “God has been so kind and faithful in his provision for us,” she reflects. “Donors are making it possible for our family to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to continue God’s Kingdom work.” Micah adds, “I’m excited to see how our time together at ADC will contribute to our individual and shared ministries going forward.”

“Donors are making it possible for our family to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to continue God’s Kingdom work.”

Stories like the Hales’ are reminders that your generosity reaches far beyond classrooms. You are helping form pastors, counsellors, leaders, and faithful disciples — sometimes one student at a time, and sometimes an entire family at once.

Would you consider giving today to support students like the Hales? Your gift helps shape lives for ministry and strengthens the spiritual formation of future Christian leaders.

Nurturing the Soul’s Journey

Investing in Spiritual Formation

introducing the Spiritual Formation Fund

A new endowed fund providing students with impactful formation opportunities:

Spiritual Retreats

Enriching Resources

Community Formation Events

Let your Faith Shape the Formation of Future Ministry Leaders