Please Join the ETS Faculty, Staff and DMin Students
For
Casual Conversation with…….Rev. Dr. Amy Greene & Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas
Rev. Dr. Amy Greene, Director of the Center for Spiritual Care at Cleveland Clinic; Clinical Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Medicine at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Board Chair for the
Association of Clinical Pastoral Educators
Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas, Nettie Sweeney, and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Ph.D. program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary
Refreshment provided by Food by Kings Kitchen
Music provided by Audrey Mabins
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Harris President and Academic Dean
2930 Woodward Avenue | Detroit, MI. 48201
313.831.5200 | http://www.etseminary.edu
Ecumenical Theological Seminary is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the following degree programs are approved: MDiv, MA, MA in Pastoral Ministry, DMin.
ETS President Kenneth Harris In Israel As Part of Delegation of U.S. Theological Schools
Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Harris is among a delegation of American seminary presidents touring Israel, including visits to some of the Bible’s most holy sites.
During his weeklong trip, Dr. Harris and the delegation will attend multiple meetings meant to inform American leaders about Israel’s complex past, present and future.
As a guest of AJC – Global Jewish Advocacy’s Project Interchange, Dr. Harris hopes to gain knowledge that speaks to his own personal interest in the region and also apply what he learns at home in Detroit.
It’s Dr. Harris’ second visit to Israel, and he is just as curious and questioning this trip as he was the first.
“I’ve always been a student of Israel and its past, its connection to the Bible,” said Dr. Harris, who on his first trip was a guest in the homes of Israeli families who did not always appreciate his straightforward questions. “Being there knowing the significance of this place, it’s a lot to wrap your head around. There is so much to learn about peace and violence and mutual respect across religions.”
The visit with eight other seminary presidents will take Dr. Harris through Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem, as well as studying holy sites, the country and region’s financial and political situations and more.
“You can imagine seminary school presidents are going to ask many, many questions,” he said last week while preparing for the trip.
With ETS’s belief in respecting all faiths and educating students in theologies of the world, Dr. Harris’ learnings will go into writings and perhaps public presentations to students, faculty, ETS supporters.
Stay tuned. And as they say in Israel when wishing peace, harmony, goodwill: Shalom.
I wanted to share that Rev. Dr. Urias Beverly will be stepping down as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at the end of the current academic year after fifteen years of distinguished service. Dr. Beverly has served in this capacity with great distinction and unmatched passion. His skills as a pastor, caregiver and scholar have resulted in rich dividends to the entire ETS community, particularly our doctoral students. Thank you Dr. Beverly!
Rev. Dr. Constance Simon, Assistant Professor of Christian Education and Special Assistant to the Dean, has been appointed as the new Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. She will officially assume her duties July 1, 2018. Dr. Simon brings solid academic and professional credentials to her new assignment. She has already started working with Dr. Beverly to ensure a smooth transition. I have directed Rev. Dr. Simon to begin planning for August Emergent Week and recommend other changes as she deems appropriate. Rev. Dr. Simon has already begun diligently working in this regard.
Rev. Dr. Simon’s appointment will signal a new direction for the DMin program. We will embrace and/or improve upon what has worked well for so many years in this program. We will also move forward with innovative new ideas that will assist in equipping leaders for the 21st century Church while ensuring a stronger academic experience for our students. Some changes will be subtle; others more immediate in their impact.
The objective: Develop a top-tier rigorous doctoral program that builds upon a solid foundation of the past and attracts the best possible candidates to engage our doctoral process.
Dr. Beverly will not disappear. He will be available to offer support and assistance to Rev. Dr. Simon as needed. Dr. Beverly will as well be considering potential teaching assignments and will offer support when needed with new DMin CPE cohorts.
As expected, your cooperation and support during this transition is deeply appreciated.
Two Class of 2018 Grads Replace Loss, Challenges and Roadblocks With Caps, Gowns and Degrees
Both Pamela Shropshire and Alicia Skillman encountered challenges and obstacles during their studies at Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS). For Shropshire, it was a bad car accident and the loss of loved ones and a beloved professor. Skillman also experienced losses: several family members in a short time frame and job changes.
But both persevered and will be among the 22 graduates of ETS on June 2. Shropshire, 53 and originally from New Orleans, will receive her Master’s degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Skillman, 55, and a Detroiter and Saginaw native, is getting her Master of Divinity degree.
Shropshire, who grew up in the Crescent City’s tough Ninth Ward, said her teachers always encouraged her and told her she could be whatever she wanted. For many years, she was a pastry chef. Now, she said, “I’m a minister.”
Her pastor used to work at ETS and invited her to tour the historic building on Detroit’s Woodward Avenue.
“At the time I was still in my bachelor’s program and planned for my master’s to be in clinical psychology,” she said. “From the moment I walked in the building I felt as if I needed to be there. At the same time, my involvement with ministry began to grow. Once I had earned my bachelor’s degree and started to research other grad schools, I continued to be drawn to ETS.”
She chose ETS because of the diversity of the seminary and its faculty.
“The professors come from all walks of life and also many different religious and spiritual beliefs,” she said. “They never make you feel as if your beliefs are wrong. They teach with love, facts, diversity and sensitivity.”
Shropshire said among the memories she will cherish is the closeness between students as well as the faculty. She said everyone at ETS works to ensure every student succeeds. “The staff and faculty treat us not just like extended family but also brothers and sisters in Christ,” she said.
Another fond memory is the worship experiences.
“Each student has the opportunity to plan and execute a worship service,” she said. “The togetherness of that is a great experience.”
Shropshire said after her car accident, the ETS staff worked with her to meet her needs. She, like many others at ETS, also mourned the death of Professor J. Harold Ellens. “He was very passionate about church history,” she said. “I learned things I will never forget.”
She said ETS “was a Godsend” during a period when she lost five family members in two months. “I shall truly never forget it,” she said of the faculty and staff generosity.
Skillman also fondly recalls the support from many of the ETS faculty and staff. “I could name them individually but it literally would take up the entire page,” she said. She credits them for helping her through the rough patches, whether it was the difficult coursework or the deaths of loved ones.
“Every now and then I asked myself, ‘Why am I here?’ But with prayer that always got answered,” she said.
She said she felt called by God to attend a seminary and chose ETS because of the emphasis on understanding and uniting multiple faiths. ETS “is intentional about practicing it.”
She said the knowledge and understanding that she received from ETS “is unique and like no other curriculum I experienced.”
“I’m excited now when church members or seekers generally ask me questions, wanting to get closer to God and I actually have answers, patience, compassion, and love for them,” Skillman said. “Plus, who wants to let down their pastor and God?”
She likes that she can use her new degree “at a moment’s notice, not just on Sunday. It’s fabulous.”
After the two women graduate on Saturday, they plan to take divergent paths.
Skillman said she doesn’t plan to be a church pastor, but she enjoys “assisting others with spiritual development.”
“My daily work is in ethics and a good number of my courses help to inform my work there,” she said.
Shropshire said she would like to use her degree to pastor a small church.
“As my ministry and ministry experience grows, I will go wherever God leads me,” she said. “I will forever be in God’s service.”
The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
Prayer brings people together. Prayer builds bridges between opposing persons and even political parties. Prayer reminds us that we are created in God’s image and He desires for us to represent Him everywhere we go. Prayer brings UNITY. In 2018, our theme will be Pray for America – UNITY, based upon Ephesians 4:3 which challenges us to mobilize unified public prayer for America, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Our hope is that individuals, churches, and spiritual leaders in America, will humble ourselves and unify in prevailing prayer for the next great move of God in America. We can come together in clear agreement that this is our greatest need. We can become a visible union, standing together in prayer. We can pray more than ever before, and practice extraordinary prayer for the next great move of God in America that will catapult the message of the gospel nationally and internationally.
Pray with us. Sponsor an event in your community. Become a volunteer. Order resources to help promote an event in your area. Support the National Day of Prayer financially. Together, we can mobilize unified public prayer for America!
“There is no great movement of God that has ever occurred that does not begin with the extraordinary prayer of God’s people.” Dr. Ronnie Floyd
Three nationally-known preachers, scholars and social justice activists headline a day-long symposium organized by the Frederick G. Sampson Foundation and hosted by the Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Detroit.
The symposium, “I Think I Said Something…Prophetic Proclamation & Social Activism,” will be held on Saturday, May 19 at ETS, 2930 Woodward Ave. It is open to the public and costs $50. Register here.
The day will feature two plenaries, a keynote address and three breakout sessions.
The three featured speakers are:
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas – The Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Academy of Preaching and Celebration at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr. – Pastor Emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and a world-renowned preacher, theologian and teacher
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III – Senior Pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas for 31 years, leading the ministry and membership from less than 100 members in 1983 to more than 12,000 now
All three speakers were friends of Rev. Sampson, who was pastor at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for 30 years and a nationally-known preacher, teacher and a leader in civil rights and social activism.
Freda G. Sampson
“These three men have been a blessing in my life and I’m grateful that they’re giving their time and their prophetic voice to this symposium,” said Freda Sampson, daughter of Rev. Sampson and president of the FGS Foundation.
The symposium begins with a continental breakfast and opening prayer and meditation at 7 a.m. followed by Rev. Thomas delivering the opening plenary. This will be followed by a breakout session with three options – “Poor Peoples Campaign: Prophesy on the Streets;” Jailbreak: Prison, Power & Patriarchy;” and, “Popular or Prophetic.”
Rev. Wright will then deliver a mid-day keynote address. After lunch, there will be a panel discussion on “Ecumenical Dialogue on Race & Activism in the 21st Century.” The event will close with Rev. Haynes.
Sampson said the foundation is busy with its mission of theological education, social activism and securing the legacy of Dr. Sampson and it is for this reason she wanted to partner with ETS on a symposium.
“Shortly before my dad’s death I became more conscious of his support of ETS,” said Sampson, who recently joined the ETS board. “So, I knew he had an appreciation for the institution.”
Rev. Sampson was born in Mansura, Louisiana and raised in Port Arthur, Texas. Initially interested in the sciences and medicine, his calling to ministry led him on a journey throughout the country and eventually led him to the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit in 1971.
He earned two doctorate degrees, several other degrees, including many honorary ones. He lectured at colleges across the country, conducted yearly revivals and broadcast regularly on the radio. His work included conducting conferences on African American male spirituality, planning the 1965 voting rights march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and serving as president of the Detroit branch of the NAACP. He was twice named one of the 15 Greatest Black Preachers in America by Ebony Magazine.
He passed away in 2001, and his daughter started the foundation that same year with the goals of offering international teaching and training courses through the Sampson Institute for the purpose of theological discourse and to publish the collection of works of Rev. Sampson. The foundation was granted nonprofit status in 2003.
Sampson said rarely does a day go by that someone doesn’t share with her a story about how her father influenced them. And while he traveled around the world he was a very present and attentive father.
She said it was “a remarkable gift and a blessing to be selected as his daughter.” Sampson will also release her book on her father titled, “I Think I Said Something” on the day of the symposium.
“My father was my pastor, my friend and my biggest supporter,” Sampson said. “But more than that, he was the most amazing and loving father, and the kindest human being I have ever known.”
Remembering The Rev. Dr. Ellens With Gratitude for His
Commitment & Contributions to an Inner-City Seminary
I first met Dr. J. Harold Ellens when Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) was searching for new faculty members during the 2011-12 academic year. It was a time of transition for the seminary. I was the newly appointed Dean and inquired of friends and colleagues for help in identifying candidates for adjunct positions. A friend, a former Greek student and tutor who was now engaged in Ph.D. studies at the University of Michigan, responded to my call for possible adjuncts. In doing so, it reminded me of a theologian he had mentioned to me over the years, one he greatly admired, one who had an impressive personal library and often hosted gatherings in his home to discuss theological-ministry topics.
Dr. Ellens resume was extremely impressive and I wondered how interested he would be in talking with the dean of a small, inner-city seminary. Thankfully, he agreed to meet. I remember shaking hands with a very mature, distinguished gentleman who held two Ph.D. degrees, the second earned only recently. It was easy to see he was a man of grace, charm, high energy and exceptional intellect.
Thankfully, he was impressed with our seminary, its mission, its people and our Midtown Detroit context, and was eager to join the faculty. He was quickly approved as an adjunct professor teaching multiple disciplines. Later, Dr. Ellens was promoted to full professor. He was elated, and went on to become a pillar of the faculty, a favorite of students and one of ETS’s strongest supporters.
It was a relationship made in the heavens. He was a perfect fit at a seminary that seeks out relationships framed by deep mutual admiration, respect and love. Tears well up in my eyes as I fondly remember this literary giant and man of God whose smile, gentleness and graciousness are already missed.
I am deeply moved that Dr. Ellens’ beautiful family has established The J. Harold Ellens Memorial Fund and has designated ETS to be the recipient of gifts made in his memory.
Donations to the fund using a credit card can be made at this link. Checks can be made payable to Ecumenical Theological Seminary, Attention: Rev. Dr. J Harold Ellens Memorial Fund and mailed to the seminary at 2930 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201.
The fact that ETS is celebrating its 60th year and 2018 has been designated as A YEAR OF GREAT CELEBRATION makes the Ellens’ family gesture even more special. We are humbled and honored and grateful.
As the only fully-accredited seminary of the Protestant tradition located within the City of Detroit, we are proud of our history and tradition of service.
The best is yet to come, and your gifts will provide much-needed funding for scholarships, faculty development and program enhancements that we intend to use to honor Dr. Ellens and make his presence felt and lasting.
Thank you in advance for remembering Harold Ellens through your generosity to the school he loved.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Harris President and Academic Dean Professor of Biblical Studies
7:00 am-8:00 am Continental Breakfast, Registration, and Dawnseekers (prayer and meditation)
8:00 am-9:30 am
Opening Plenary
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
9:45 am-10:45 am Breakout Sessions
“Poor Peoples Campaign: Prophesy on the Streets” – Rev. Bill Wylie Kellermann
“Jailbreak: Prison, Power & Patriarchy” – Rev. Dr. Mayowa Reynolds
“Popular or Prophetic” – Rev. John Harvey
11:00 am-11:50 am
Mid-Day Keynote
Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr.
12:00 pm-12:50 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm-1:50 pm
Ecumenical Dialogue on Race & Activism in the 21st Century Panelists:
Rev. Ed Rowe, Rev. Ezra Tillman, Minister Kenita Harris, and
Rev. Raul Echevarria
2:00 pm-3:00 pm
Closing Plenary
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III
For its reporting on the local commemorations of the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., WDIV-TV (Channel 4) visited ETS to see how the seminary was remembering Dr. King. Reporter Paula Tutman filed two reports for the April 4 telecast.
The first report on the 4 p.m. newscast featured the seminary’s historic pipe organ and the significance of the one key that wasn’t working on the organ. Here is that report.
The second report, for the 6 p.m. newscast, focused on how ETS President Rev. Dr. Kenneth Harris used King’s death to find his own voice for social justice causes. Here is that report.
Jay Harold Ellens was born on July 16, 1932 in McBain, Michigan, a rural agricultural community not far from Cadillac. He passed away peacefully on April 13, 2018. He was at home in Novi, Michigan surrounded by his family when he passed. He is survived by Mary Jo (Lewis) Ellens, his spouse of 63 years, two sisters, one brother, seven children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Harold received a Bachelor’s degree from Calvin College; Master’s degrees from Calvin Theological Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the University of Michigan; Doctoral degrees from Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He was a US Army Chaplain from 1953 until he retired with the rank of Colonel in 1992, after serving for many years both on active duty and on reserve duty. Harold served six Christian Reformed Church congregations during his first 25 years as a civilian pastor, followed by nine Presbyterian Church congregations during the next 31 years. He was known well as a pastoral counselor in his parishes and in the general community; and he was a scholar who notably explored the relationship between spirituality and human health.
Harold was the Founding Editor in Chief of the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. He served for 15 years as Executive Director for the Christian Association of Psychological Studies International. At the time of his death he was a Professor of Biblical Studies and Spirituality at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary of Detroit, after having taught part-time throughout his life at Oakland University, Calvin Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Michigan and Oakland Community College.
During his lifetime Harold was author, co-author or editor of 178 books and 167 professional journal articles. He was a known lecturer on many topics and was knighted for his contributions by Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands in 1974. He was founder and director of the Lyceum in Farmington Hills, Michigan, which met monthly for more than 20 years, providing a presentation and discussion venue for a diverse range of speakers and musical performers on topics that spanned the humanities and science. The Lyceum met in Harold’s expansive library, which housed a wide-ranging collection and included sub-collections that addressed his specific scholarly interests.
More than anything else, throughout his entire life, Harold was a mentor. He encouraged individuals to reach for their next level of potential. He believed in the unlimited potential and goodness of every individual. He was often able to help those individuals, who sought him out, to break what had seemed to be impossible barriers.
In spite of his many accomplishments, Harold always remembered his humble beginnings as a Depression-era farm child. He was friends with people of all backgrounds and all walks of life. Harold’s final wish was that we do not take his passing as a goodbye, but as something akin to a good night because he believed that we will meet on the “other side,” when the sun again rises.
Memorial Service:
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 1:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church of Farmington
26165 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334
The family asks that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution honoring Harold, do so to the Ecumenical Theological Seminary, Detroit Michigan.
Checks may be made payable to ETS
Ecumenical Theological Seminary
Attn: Rev. Dr. J Harold Ellens Memorial Fund
2930 Woodward Avenue, Detroit Mi 48201
Ecumenical Theological Seminary 