College of Theology

By Rick Vacek GCU News Bureau It was the first meeting of the “Lunch and Learn” Series, sponsored by the College of Theology at Grand Canyon University, but it still brought back memories for the guest speaker, Cindy Seminoff. The first time she taught on that same stage, in Howerton Hall, she was pregnant with her daughter, Cassandra. Cassandra will turn 13 on Tuesday. Her mother has been at GCU for 18 years. So when the associate professor in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology addressed a large group of faculty members Friday on “Knowing God and Self,” part of the University’s Integrating Faith, Learning and Work (IFLW) program, she came at it with considerable knowledge of GCU’s recent history. Judging from the lively question-and-answer session, her knowledge of integrating her faith into her teaching methods was considerably appreciated, too. A year ago, Seminoff said she introduced a “Scripture of the Week” and other forms of prayer into her exercise science and nutrition classes. The response, she said, was “overwhelmingly positive.” Of the 48 students who responded to an end-of-year survey, 45 said they liked her use of Bible verses in communications to them and her practice of leading them in prayer […]

John Frederick is the new worship coordinator of the Center for Worship Arts at GCU, but he also is one of the editors for an important new book on Pauline theology — the study of the teachings of the apostle Paul.

Two new recurring events — a Lunch and Learn for faculty members and a Ministry Forum open to anyone on campus — are important additions to the activities in the College of Theology. The first Lunch and Learn is Friday, Sept. 12, and the Ministry Forum starts Monday, Sept. 15.

GCU Arena is back in business, and it showed well Saturday when a free concert featuring Switchfoot provided a spirited finale to Move-In.

“Essential degree” for those called to a ministry career has been a long time coming to GCU. The 90-credit-hour program will take most students three to four years to complete.

Speakers Stuart McAllister and Michelle Tepper of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, along with Dr. Jacqueline Chadwick of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, spoke on campus about the integration of faith and learning.

An edited transcript of a recent interview with the new director of GCU’s Center for Worship Arts.

GCU pulled out all the artistic stops Tuesday evening with the official launch of its Center for Worship Arts, which will begin training students in worship ministry this fall. The event was filled with lights, inspirational music by the University’s Chapel band, and a conversation between Dr. Jason Hiles, dean of the College of Theology where the Center is housed, and Bart Millard, co-founder and lead singer of MercyMe, an internationally acclaimed contemporary Christian group.

A campaign launched by Bishop Hannington Bahemuka to teach the principles of Christian stewardship rallied those living in refugee camps in western Uganda.

As the University introduces its Center for Worship Arts this fall through the College of Theology, the Thunderground venue will move away from hosting national Christian shows to providing a deeper, more intimate level of student creative engagement.