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The Pursuit of Learning for God’s Glory

The Pursuit of Learning for God’s Glory

Calvary University partners with professors who desire to glorify God and equip students to do the same. Dr. Timothy Hange is a direct example of this with a strong passion for life-long learning, rooted in a desire to love and honor the Lord. Critical thinking, thoughtful engagement, and the pursuit of learning have all contributed to Dr Hange’s philosophy of glorifying God and of teaching.

Dr. Hange is currently a professor in the English Department and has taught at Calvary since 2017. He recently earned his Doctorate in English Pedagogy and Technology and English Language from Murray State University. This has further equipped him to serve Calvary’s English Department and provides a direct example to students of honoring the Lord through lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

As a professor, Dr. Hange desires to share this perspective with his students by challenging them to think critically and establish their own perspective from the truth of the Bible. By integrating literature, he helps students to develop a biblical worldview that is both informed by the broad scope of humanity and founded on Scripture. Dr. Hange fosters and encourages this in his courses and by modeling constant learning.

“If we are to love the Lord with our mind, we are to be constantly open to learning.” Dr. Timothy Hange

Desiring to learn has significantly contributed to Dr. Hange’s testimony and many of his life experiences. After seeking to understand all major world religions, Dr. Hange was astonished to find Christianity to be the single and best explanation for reality; leading him to place his faith in Christ at twenty years old.

This directly impacted the course of Dr. Hange’s life as he pursued both knowledge and Christ. He earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and business administration, working for fifteen years in software engineering, after spending time as a Youth Pastor. God drew the hearts of him and his wife, Karen, to the people of Russia, leading them to adopt two children from there in 2002 and spend years travelling and doing orphanage outreaches. Two years after moving to Moscow in 2007, Dr. Hange earned his master’s degree in teaching English. This allowed him to teach in Moscow for eight years, in which he continued to work with orphanages, serve in an evangelistic outreach program, and thoughtfully engage in the Russian culture.

Dr. Hange’s life is a testimony of how God uses the skills and interests He has given us for His glory. As he passionately continues to pursue learning, Dr. Hange instills in his students that diligent learning not only glorifies God, but also equips believers to share truth with others in extraordinary ways.

How should Christians think about “the worship wars”?

How should Christians think about “the worship wars”?

How should Christians think about “the worship wars”?

“I love the drums in church!” “I hate drums in church!” “I love the contemporary worship songs!” “I love the old hymns!” We call this the “worship wars” in churches—so much debate surrounds the music in our worship services. Why? When is criticism good and when is it not so good?

Calvary University’s Dr. Mike Dodds invited Dr. Ian Guthrie, Assistant Professor of Music at Calvary University, to explore this important subject of music and worship in our churches.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED BY DR. GUTHRIE:

  • Westermeyer, Paul. Te Deum: The Church and Music. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1988.
  • Dawn, Mava J. Reaching Out Without Dumbing DownA Theology of Worship for This Urgent TimeGrand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1995.
  • MacArthur, John. Charismatic Chaos. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1993.

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Introducing New Microcredential Programs

Introducing New Microcredential Programs

Calvary University is excited to announce a new enrollment option for the upcoming fall semester that makes biblical education even more accessible: Microcredentials. Designed to equip Christians for effective leadership and service, each Microcredential program includes a specialized set of courses that are tailored to meet the unique needs of today’s Christian community. 

Microcredentials are short, flexible programs that offer targeted learning opportunities in specific areas of interest. Unlike traditional degree programs, which require a significant time commitment, Microcredentials are structured around just three to four courses each. This allows individuals to acquire valuable skills and knowledge in a shorter period, making them ideal for working professionals, non-traditional students, and lifelong learners. Plus, accredited courses can count towards a degree at Calvary University or transfer to other institutions through articulation agreements, ensuring your investment if you decide to continue your education. 

Our Microcredential offerings reflect Calvary University’s commitment to preparing Christians to live and serve according to the biblical worldview. With flexible learning options and focused course offerings, we empower students to navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining grounded in timeless biblical truths. Whether through courses in biblical studies, theology, or corporate culture, students gain the practical skills and knowledge needed to lead with integrity, compassion, and wisdom. 

For the believer seeking to enrich his or her ministry or a professional looking to integrate faith and work, Calvary University’s Microcredentials offer an effective and efficient pathway to practical growth and impact. Check out our Microcredential options and enroll today to start this fall! 

Ethnos 360: Equipping Students for International Missions

Ethnos 360: Equipping Students for International Missions

Last fall, Calvary University and Ethnos360 teamed up to help equip college-aged missionaries-in-training to reach the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The partnership on this project started when Jim Passetti, linguistics teacher in Ethnos360’s training center in Roach MO, contacted Joshua Paxton to ask if Calvary would host two linguistics teachers and four of their students from October through November. After graduating from the program, three of these students are pursuing missions work in Brazil, India, and Mexico, and one is still deciding where to serve. This coming September, Calvary expects to host twelve students, three children, and two linguistics teachers for two months. 

The program is designed for Ethnos360 students who show a particular aptitude for linguistics. Over the course of the program, they are trained to analyze and translate scripture into a tribal language and teach others to read the language—all for the goal of planting churches. 

Similar to last fall, this year’s group from Ethnos360 will be living in the dorms where they will have the opportunity to engage in community with Calvary students and influence them to potentially get involved in similar ministry work. They will also meet up with language partners to receive specialized training in their language of choice in downtown Kansas City.

Ultimately, Calvary University is blessed to partner with a mission outreach organization like Ethnos360 and aid them in their pursuit of equipping missionaries to spread the Gospel to every tribe, tongue, and nation. 

 

Should American Christians prepare for persecution?

Should American Christians prepare for persecution?

Should American Christians prepare for persecution?

Persecution of Christians has been a part of the history of the Church since its inception, but it appears to be getting worse. While we in America have been free from serious persecution for our faith, some say that it is coming even for us and maybe soon. How do we prepare for it? If it were to happen to us, how should we respond?

Calvary University’s Dr. Mike Dodds invited Pastor Reed Waggoner, author of Preparing for Persecution, to have a conversation about this important topic.

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Open Doors Watch List 2023 
Churches Burned in India
Guest’s Book on Amazon

Visit the Calvary Conversations page to join the conversation, get on our email list and learn more.

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Laura VanderWoude receives 2024 Elementary Education Award

Laura VanderWoude receives 2024 Elementary Education Award

Laura VanderWoude (CU’ 2018), has recently won the Elementary Educator award for 2024 from the Missouri American String Teachers Association. Laura graduated from Calvary University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education: Instrumental, with an emphasis in violin. She received her Master of Music Education in 2022 from Kansas State University.  

Laura grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and has been involved in orchestra and playing violin since she was seven years old. She chose Calvary as her university so that she could get a biblical education and an accredited degree in music education.  

“Calvary was a great fit for me because I was able to get involved in a community where I grew spiritually and academically.”

From a professional standpoint, Laura’s experiences at Calvary inspired her to connect with more musicians, take up opportunities to get hands-on experience in student teaching, and ultimately become a trained, confident educator.   

Laura’s award was given to her by the Missouri chapter of the American String Teacher’s Association. As a six-year member of this professional organization, she often volunteers and is the head chaperone of the all-state orchestra students at their state conference every year.

The Elementary Education Award is usually given to someone who teaches beginner student-musicians. Laura teaches in Independence, Missouri, where she has two hundred students that she teaches every day. She said it has been a privilege to focus on beginners and first year instrument players. When reflecting on how she felt about receiving her award, she said:  

“I was not quite sure how to feel at first because there are so many other amazing string educators that also deserve this award. I am humbled, but also feel honored that people see the hard work I do in my area of expertise. Truly, all the glory goes to the Lord. He has strengthened me and taught me personally about His compassion and patience, and He has shown me how much my students are made in His image.” 

Laura is ultimately grateful to have a positive impact on her students’ lives. She feels privileged to help them excel in their musicianship and develop skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.