Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 7 January 2005 — Page 13

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7, 2005

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Crossroads Bible College celebrates 25 years

Faculty kicks off new year with new program BY BRANDON A. PERRY Staff Writer

By 1980 Dr. James S. Wells, pastor of the predominantly Af-rican-American Zion Hope Baptist Church in Indianapolis, already had many accomplishments to be proud of. His congregation had quickly increased from 35 to 500 members and purchased a new facility. But Wells, a dynamic preacher, still had a profound desire to equip future Christians with what they needed to “reach urban and ethnic America.” That fall, Baptist Bible College was formed at Wells’ church with three faculty members and 55 students. This year Crossroads Bible College (CBC), as it is known today will celebrate 25 years of educational ministry with nearly 300 students, fully accredited degree programs and a growing 43,000 square foot facility on the Eastside. “We thank God for the privilege of being here and being an active part of the community,” said Charles Ware, D.D. president of the college. “Many churches have lay leaders or ministerial staff members that have been touched in some way by this college.” CBC, which has a new slate of classes beginning on Jan. 18, continues to fulfill its mission of “equipping men and women to use the word of God more effectively in order to carry out the great commission” as members of their churches and as witnesses in their communities. This is done in large measure by offering a variety of academic courses that provide students with the training needed to become pastors, evangelists, missionaries, church education leaders, biblical counselors, youth leaders, and Christian school teachers. Many alumni of the under-

graduate institution have encouraged others to check out CBC and develop their own, personal understanding of why the college has a reputation for providing a warm and godly atmosphere, flexibility, affordability, individualized attention and unique outreach missions into urban areas and overseas. “Crossroads is a very ministry focused college,” said Linda Robinson, administrative assistant for student affairs and event coordinator. “Our professors stand on the Scriptures in their teaching.” Indeed, CBC’s biblical foundation is outlined in one of its original doctrinal statements: “We believe the Bible to be the true center of Christian union and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions shall be tried.” Another aspect of CBC that has been attractive to students is its direct emphasis on crosscultural fellowship and racial reconciliation through multiracial ministry conferences. CBC’s expressed commitment to reaching a growing, “multiethnic urban world” for Christ dates back to its early years when Wells (who died in 1987) worked closely with a diverse development team that included Rev. Ken Davis and the late Rev. Clinton Kaufield, two white pastors with over 20 years experience. The administrators and students of Crossroads Bible College will officially celebrate its 25 th anniversary during a special gala event in September. But in the meantime, faculty members have announced a new opportunity for potential students. In an effort to assist adult students over the age of 25 who are trying to balance the demands of home, work, church and college, Ware and CBC recently unveiled CROSS (Cultivating Reachable Opportunities for Seasoned Students). Mature students with two or

more years of college education are able to earn a fully accredited bachelor’s degree in two years just by completing four semesters of a five-week sequence of courses that meet once a week. Participants can choose a program in leadership and ministry, or management and ethics. “This program provides flexibility to working adults with busy schedules,” said Gary A. Lounsberry, director of CROSS. “Motivation is very high among students who participate in the program.” Lounsberry added that with CROSS, students can continue their education without interrupting their career, don’t have to balance several courses at once and have just a single group to interact with, making for more dynamic discussions. Ware, who has been president of CBC since 1991, has also enjoyed success as pastor of Crossroads Bible Church, a growing congregation formed in 2001 with the goal of putting aspects of the college’s core mission into practice. As far as Crossroads Bible College itself is concerned, Ware and the students under his leadership are preparing for a bright and fruitful future. “We’re seeking to get our mission statement embedded in our entire curriculum and lifestyle as an institution,” said Ware. “We will continue to bring educators and speakers who meet our urban and crosscultural needs. But one of my desires is to model a little heaven on Earth by offering a godly and diverse learning environment.” Crossroads Bible College is located at 601 N. Shortridge Road. For more information about Crossroads Bible College call the admissions department at (317)352-8736, ext. 230. For more information about Crossroads Bible Church call (317) 352-8736 es xt. 400.

RELIGION BRIEFS

True Vine will install new pastor True Vine Missionary Baptist Church will host a special installation service for Rev. Damon Love Sr. on Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. at the church, 4050 Millersville Road. Special guest preacher will be Rev. Ronald Covington of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. For more information call (317) 545-1455. CWS asking for aid to address tsunami The Indianapolis office of

the international humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) has announced that its Indonesia office is deploying an emergency assistance team to aid in recovery efforts in Aceh, Indonesia, following the devastating earthguake and tsunami that killed many thousands of people in South Asia. The Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan office may also assist with the sending of an assessment team to Sri Lanka. The agency is now further considering deploying rapid response support and airlifts

of emergency shelter and hygiene materials and is issuing a U.S.-wide appeal for funds to help meet emergency needs of survivors of the disaster. Contributions to support CWS recovery efforts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India may be sent to: Church World Service, P.0. Box 968 Elkhart, IN 46515. Credit card contributions may be made by calling (800) 297-1516. For further information about disasters to which Church World Service is responding please visit the Church World Service Web site at www.churchworldservice.org.

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Bishop Wayne L. Powell January 16th & 17th

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Bishop Donald Hilliard January 18th & 19th

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