Contributions to the Kingdom by RBC Faculty
The members of the faculty of Roanoke Bible College consider the Bible college ministry a privilege and a responsibility. Traditionally universities have a threefold purpose for existence: to teach, to serve and to research. The RBC faculty serves in three similar ways.
1) We view our primary sphere of service to be teaching.
2) We also see our role of service to churches. We do this informally by answering emails and serving in the churches we attend in various capacities, but also in visiting congregations near and far, so we may help equip God’s people for service in his kingdom.
3) We also play a role in service to the church at large by research through scholarly and popular publication, through delivering papers and workshops at conventions, and through participation in other projects.
We hope you will enjoy reading about the recent contributions of RBC faculty in these latter two venues: first recent publications and second, standing presentations ready to deliver at churches.
Recent Publications and Professional Activities by RBC Faculty
Forthcoming 2008
Books
Lee M. Fields, Hebrew for the Rest of Us: Using Hebrew Tools without Mastering Biblical Hebrew (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2008).
Articles
__________, “A Thousand Words,” a feature article for the summer quarter 2008 in Standard Lesson Commentary. Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007.
(The published version of this article was significantly shortened from its requested and submitted length due to the space constraints of a 14-week quarter.)
Robert W. Smith, “The Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea Used by Jesus: An Archaeological Study of the Burial Place of Jesus,” in Festschrift for Reuben Bullard, Jim Estep, ed. (forthcoming).
Curriculum
Gene Andrews, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 5-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Fall 2008 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2008).
__________, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 1-5, 8-9, Standard Lesson Commentary, Summer 2008 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007).
Lee M. Fields, “Only Intercessor: Hebrews 7:20-28,” commentary for the lesson dated June 8, 2008, in Standard Lesson Commentary (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007).
__________, “God’s Son: Hebrews 1:1-12,” commentary for the lesson dated June 1, 2008, in Standard Lesson Commentary (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007).
Professional Activities
Gene Andrews, facilitator for Homiletics Professors Roundtable Discussion at the North American Christian Convention (July 1-4, 2008).
Kevin Larsen, consulting editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal (2005-).
Robert W. Smith, Treasurer for Near East Archaeological Society (1998-).
Robert W. Smith, Director for Near East Archaeological Society (1994-).
Robert W. Smith, Chief Archaeologist, Abila Archaeological Expedition (2006-).
2007
Books
George W. BonDurant and S. Elizabeth BonDurant, Those Unforgettable Choral Tours: An Historical and Anecdotal Account of the Curricular Choral Groups of Roanoke Bible College from Fall 1948 through Spring 2007 (Elizabeth City, NC: George W. BonDurant and S. Elizabeth BonDurant, 2007).
Articles
Lee M. Fields, “Proverbs 11:30—Soul Winning or Wise Living?” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 50 (2007): 517-35.
D. Clay Perkins, “The Lesson and Life,” in The Lookout (17 June 2007): 13.
To view: www.lookoutmag.com/articles/lessonlife.asp and check for the date.
__________, “The Lesson and Life,” in The Lookout (10 June 2007): 13.
To view: www.lookoutmag.com/articles/lessonlife.asp and check for the date.
__________, “The Lesson and Life,” in The Lookout (3 June 2007): 13.
To view: www.lookoutmag.com/articles/lessonlife.asp and check for the date.
__________, “The Lesson and Life,” in The Lookout (27 May 2007): 13.
To view: www.lookoutmag.com/articles/lessonlife.asp and check for the date.
Robert W. Smith, “Metalworking in the Biblical World,” in By the Sweat of Thy Brow: Labor and Laborers in the Biblical World, Gerald Mattingly, ed. (Sheffield: University Press, 2007).
To purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Sweat-Thy-Brow-Laborers-Biblical/dp/0826463266/sr=1-5/qid=1168021300/ref=sr_1_5/002-2321491-6800825?ie=UTF8&s=books.
Robert W. Smith, “Rooftiles and Revelation,” in Studies in Honor of Reuben Bullard, Evangelical Theological Society Monograph Series, James R. Estep, ed. (Eugene, Oreg.: Pickwick Publications, 2007).
Ronnie J. Woolard, “Evolution as Open to Interpretation as Creationism; Neither Can Be Proven,” guest columnist in The Daily Advance, March, 2007.
Professional Activities
Lee M. Fields, “The Evangelist in the New Testament and the Early Church: Implications for Modern Church Polity,” a paper delivered at annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society Meeting in San Diego, Cal., November 14, 2007.
Lee M. Fields will participate in the CoHeLeT (Communicative Hebrew Learning and Teaching) Project. This project, headed by Dr. Paul Overland of Ashland Theological Seminary and funded by the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning in Theology and Religion in Wabash, Indiana, aims to apply lessons learned from second language acquisition to teaching biblical Hebrew. This second tier of the project, by a six member team, is field testing and evaluating the communicative materials designed by the first tier. Duties involve attending a training workshop at Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, June 12-14, 2007, implementing the materials produced into the first year Hebrew course for 2007-08, and evaluation. Another workshop will be held June 9-13, 2008, to determine results.
Kevin Larsen, Consulting Editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal (since 2005).
D. Clay Perkins, “Exploring the Relationship of Top Management Team Diversification with Organizational Performance of Christian Churches,” presented at the European Academy of Management 2007 Conference, Paris, France.
Robert W. Smith, Chief Archaeologist, Abila Archaeological Expedition (2006-).
Robert W. Smith, “Continuity and Variation in Byzantine Church Architecture at Abila: Evidence from the 2006 Expedition,” presented with David Chapman at the 10th International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan, May 26, 2007.
Curriculum
Gene Andrews, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 9-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Winter 2007/08 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007).
__________, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 1-9, Standard Lesson Commentary, Fall 2007 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2007).
__________, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 1-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Summer 2007 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
__________, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 9-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Spring 2007 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
__________, “Why Teach This Lesson,” Lessons 5-9, Standard Lesson Commentary, Summer 2007 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
__________, “Why Teach This Lesson,” Lessons 5-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Spring 2007 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
Lee M. Fields, “Committed to Seeking God: Isaiah 55:1-11,” commentary for the lesson dated June 24, 2007, in Standard Lesson Commentary (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
__________, “Committed to True Worship: Isaiah 1:10-20,” commentary for the lesson dated June 17, 2007, in Standard Lesson Commentary (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
Professional Activities
Kevin Larsen, Consulting Editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal (2005-).
Robert W. Smith, Treasurer for Near East Archaeological Society (1998-).
Robert W. Smith, Director for Near East Archaeological Society (1994-).
Robert W. Smith, “Ministry to the Socially Marginalized in the New Testament,” a workshop presented at the Virginia Christian Convention, Yorktown, Va., August 18, 2007.
Robert W. Smith, “Ministry to the Socially Marginalized in the Old Testament,” a workshop presented at the Virginia Christian Convention, Yorktown, Va., August 18, 2007.
2006
Articles
Ken Greene and Shelley Greene, “Children’s Ministry — Building a Firm Foundation” in Unleashing the Potential of the Smaller Church, Shawn McMullen, ed. (Cincinnati: Standard, 2006) 83-92.
To purchase: http://www.familychristian.com/shop/product.asp?prodID=15172.
Robert W. Smith, “Magna Carta, 1215” in A History of World Civilization from a Christian Perspective, Jerry Pattengale, ed. (Marion, Indiana: Triangle Publishing, 2006).
To purchase: http://www.trianglepublishing.com/worldciv/index.html.
__________, “Ante-Pacem Christian Structures in the Levant,” in Festschrift for Edwin M. Yamauchi, John Wineland, ed. (Eugene, Oreg.: Wipf and Stock, 2006) 83-105.
To purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Discovery-Evangelical-Theological-Monograph/dp/1556350457/sr=8-1/qid=1168020836/ref=sr_1_1/002-2321491-6800825?ie=UTF8&s=books.
Curriculum
Gene Andrews, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 1-4, Standard Lesson Commentary, Fall 2006 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
__________, “Verbal Illustrations,” Lessons 1-9, Standard Lesson Commentary, Summer 2006 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2006).
Robert W. Smith, Chief Archaeologist, Abila Archaeological Expedition (2006-).
Professional Activities
Kevin Larsen, Consulting Editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal (2005-).
Robert W. Smith, Treasurer for Near East Archaeological Society (1998-).
Robert W. Smith, Director for Near East Archaeological Society (1994-).
Robert W. Smith, “The Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea Used by Jesus: An Archaeological Study of the Burial Place of Jesus, Covenant Seminary Archaeology Lecture, February 10, 2006.
Reviews
Lee M. Fields, review of Rabbinic Literature: An Essential Guide, by Jacob Neusner, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 49 (2006): 439-41.
__________, review of Translating Truth: The Case for Essentially Literal Bible Translation, by Wayne Grudem, et al., The Stone-Campbell Journal, 9 (Fall 2006): 289-90.
Robert W. Smith, review of Caesarea Philippi: Banias, The Lost City of Pan, by John Francis Wilson, Stone-Campbell Journal 9 (Spring 2006): 131-133.
__________, review of Scenting Salvation: Ancient Christianity and the Olfactory Imagination, by Susan Ashbrook Harvey, Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin (forthcoming).
__________, review of Building Jewish in the Roman East, by Peter Richardson, Stone-Campbell Journal (forthcoming).
2005
Books
Kevin Larsen, Seeing and Understanding Jesus: A Literary and Theological Commentary on Mark 8:22-9:13 (Lanham: University Press of America, 2005).
Articles
Lee M. Fields, “Bow with me in Prayer…,” Christian Standard (1 May 2005): 281.
To access: http://www.christianstandard.com/pdfs/1139.pdf.
__________, “You Can Minister through Public Prayer,” Christian Standard (1 May 2005): 280‑1.
To access: http://www.christianstandard.com/pdfs/1139.pdf.
Kevin Larsen, “The Structure of Mark’s Gospel: Current Proposals.” Currents in Biblical Research 3 (2004-2005): 140-60.
__________, “A Focused Christological Reading of Mark 8:22-9:13.” Trinity Journal 26NS (2005): 33-46.
Professional Activities
Gene Andrews, member of North American Christian Convention Continuation Committee, 2002-2005.
Lee M. Fields, “Jewish Christian Dialogs in the Early Church: Their Purpose and Character and an Introduction to Anonymus dialogus cum Ioudaeis,” a paper delivered at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society at Philadelphia, Penn., November 16, 2005.
To access: http://www.etsjets.org/meetings/2005/papers/2005-papers-idx.html under Wednesday afternoon listing.
Kevin Larsen, Consulting Editor for the Stone-Campbell Journal.
Robert W. Smith, “Early Christian Construction and Structures in the Levant: A Review of Recent Anti-Nicene Christian Archaeology in Jordan and Israel,” presented at the Near Eastern Archaeological Society Meeting, Valley Forge, Penn., November 16, 2006.
Robert W. Smith, “New in the Old: Recent Archaeological Discoveries and Their Significance for Biblical Study,” a workshop presented at the North Carolina Christian Convention, Kernersville, NC, November 4, 2005.
Curriculum
Gene Andrews, “Discussion Questions,” Lessons 1-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Fall 2005 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2005).
__________, “Verbal Illustrations,” Lessons 1-13, Standard Lesson Commentary, Winter 2005/06 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2005).
__________, “Why Teach This Lesson,” Lessons 5-6, Standard Lesson Commentary, Winter 2005/06 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing, 2005).
Reviews
Kevin Larsen, review of The Meaning in the Miracles, by John Jeffrey, Review of Biblical Literature (May 29, 2005): http://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/4451_4489.pdf.
2004
Articles
Ken Greene, “The Church’s Ministry to Families,” Family Focus (Spring 2004).
Professional Activities
Gene Andrews, member of North American Christian Convention Continuation Committee, 2002-2005.
Kevin Larsen, “Spiritual Warfare” a workshop presented at the New York City Metro Convention in March, 2004.
__________, “The Stories of Jesus: Interpreting the Parables” a workshop delivered in 3 parts at the Eastern Christian Convention on November 6, 2004.
__________, “A Reconsideration: Salvation History as the Plot for Interpreting the Book of Revelation,” a paper delivered at the annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society at San Antonio, Tex., November 18, 2004.
Robert W. Smith, “Report on the 2004 Abila of the Decapolis Archaeological Expedition,” presented at the Evangelical Theological Society Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, November, 2004.
Reviews
Kevin Larsen, review of Revelation, by Grant Osborne, Review of Biblical Literature (January 31, 2004): http://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/3085_3363.pdf.
__________, review of Reading the Gospels Today, by Stanley Porter, ed., Review of Biblical Literature (October 9, 2004): http://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/4188_4102.pdf.
__________, review of The Gospel of Mark, by Francis Moloney, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 47 (2004): 522-24.
Robert W. Smith, review of Building Jewish in the Roman East, by Peter Richardson, Stone-Campbell Journal.
2003
Articles
Kevin Larsen, “Dealing with Theological Differences: Lessons from Galatians.” Christian Standard (May 18, 2003): 8-9.
To access: http://www.christianstandard.com/pdfs/105.pdf
Professional Activities
Gene Andrews, member of North American Christian Convention Continuation Committee, 2002-2005.
__________, President of North Carolina Christian Convention, 2003.
Reviews
Lee M. Fields, review of In the Shadow of the Temple: Jewish Influences on early Christianity, by Oskar Skarsaune, Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 46 (September 2003): 548-9.
Kevin Larsen, review of Preaching Mark, by Bonnie Thurston, Review of Biblical Literature (May 24, 2003): http://www.bookreviews.org/pdf/1806_915.pdf
Robert W. Smith, review of Valley of the Golden Mummies, by Zahi Hawass, Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin, n.s. 48 (2003): 54.
Presentations Ready for Churches by RBC Faculty
Gene Andrews
“Gifts Worth Giving”
“Each one should use whatever gift he has been given to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). God has given to each of his followers special gifts or abilities to be used together for the good of all Christians. This 10 week course consists of a spiritual gifts analysis followed by a study of various gifts mentioned in the Scriptures and how they can be used to fulfill God’s purpose and meet the needs of others.
“Leadership Is …”
Ask ten people what they think a church leader is and what the leader is supposed to do, and it is likely you will get ten different answers. This course is a practical course in church leadership, based upon the idea that effective leadership is as easy as PIE, that is, leadership is Plural, it is Influence, and it is most effectively fulfilled by Example.
“Living Faith”
Jesus stated that His purpose in coming to earth was to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:10). This 10 week course focuses on how Christians are to fulfill this purpose in the activities of daily life. Sometimes referred to as lifestyle evangelism or incarnational evangelism, the emphasis of this study is to equip Christians to fulfill the biblical mandate of making disciples. A key ingredient of this study is an examination of current culture and how we can bridge the gap between those who are in Christ and those who are seeking Him.
“Pursuing Passionate Spirituality”
Living for Christ is first and foremost a relationship. When we lose sight of this, much of Christian living becomes basically a practicing of rituals and man-made requirements. This 10 week study is designed to assist the followers of Christ to consider those things which hinder effective spiritual growth. Then there is a presentation of various spiritual disciplines which aid in the development of an authentic relationship with Christ the leads to authentic relationships with one another.
“What Is a Church?”
“There’s the church, there’s the steeple; open the door and there’s the people.” Some Christians never get beyond this childhood rhyme in their understanding of the church. But the church is so much more. “What Is a Church?” is a 10 week study focused on debunking man-made myths of what church is all about by presenting biblical instruction on areas such as worship, fellowship, church membership, and the Lord’s Supper.
Lee Fields
“From Stone Tablets to Clay Jars — How God’s Word Came to Us”
An eight to ten week study of the canon, text and versions of the Bible, this series seeks to answer questions about what books are included in the Bible and why, as well as about the reliability of the actual words themselves.
“A Survey of American Denominations for Churches”
A thirteen week survey of some American denominations, this series is designed to provide Christians with a greater understanding of these groups leading to better communication and to see ourselves more clearly leading to greater conformity of our lives and beliefs to God and his word.
Bill Griffin
“Restoration History”
An eight to ten week study of the movement to find unity by a return to the Scriptures. The study starts with a brief view of the fragmented church in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, then traces the work of Barton Stone and the Campbells through the turmoils of the twentieth century.
“Family Finances”
An eight to ten week study of Biblical principles and practical applications to help Christian families avoid or overcome the pitfalls of indebtedness and to put them in a better position to financially support the worldwide dissemination of the Gospel.
Kevin Larsen
“Building a Firm Foundation: Basic Christian Beliefs”
A multi-part survey of the major doctrines of Christianity. Topics include the Bible, God, Man, Christ, Salvation, Holy Spirit, Church, Last Days.
Ronnie Woolard
“The Creation / Evolution Controversy: Equipping Christians for the Battle”
A foundational truth of the Christian worldview is that God is the Creator. His role as Lawgiver and Redeemer cannot be understood apart from this starting point. If there were no Creation and subsequent Fall as described in Genesis, then Jesus is reduced to a man on the wrong planet with the wrong mission. Effective evangelism in today’s world must include a defense of the scientific credibility of the Biblical account of Creation, the Fall, and the Flood.
“From Jerusalem to Rome – A Survey of the Book of Acts”
It could be argued that Acts of the Apostles is the most important book in the New Testament due to its several unique characteristics. For example, without Acts we would know far less about Paul, the author of over half of the New Testament. Understanding the origin and growth of the church is essential for effective Christian service. A Christian servant is expected to be able to lead a person to faith in Christ and then maturity in that faith. Much of the foundation for this task is found in Acts.
“Genesis: Foundation for the Rest of the Bible”
Genesis provides vital information about the origin of all things and thus the meaning of all things. Without this foundation the rest of the Bible is more difficult to understand. Moses was not an eyewitness of these events but he was the inspired writer whom God used to preserve a written record of the pivotal characters and events of this opening chapter in the history of God’s plan of the world.
“A Journey with Jeremiah”
Most agree that we are living in the “post-Christian era” or a time when Christianity is not the dominant force in Western civilization it once was. How do you respond to such a situation? Despair? Determination? Follow the journey of faith of Jeremiah, a dedicated prophet of God. He stood for God and remained faithful in times far more discouraging than our own. Allow a time of reflection on his life to light a fire under your resolve to be faithful.
“Leadership Portraits from Scripture”
A walk through a bookstore reveals an array of resources offering advice on effective leadership in a wide range of careers from business to government. Though valuable insights can be gleaned from the experiences of these successful leaders, the Word of God must not be neglected in the search for leadership principles. Its pages are filled with the stories of real leaders facing real challenges and meeting with different degrees of success. All of their stories offer principles for effective leadership for those who search with the eye of faith.
