James W. Fowler was a theologian and Professor of Theology and Human Development in the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. This chapel was the second part of the Spring Lectures in March 1983 and titled “Covenant, Vocation, and Adult Development.” Chapel is opened in prayer and the Spring Lecture speaker, Dr. Fowler, is introduced (0:00-0:53). Dr. Fowler states that the focus of his lecture will be to respond to adult developmental theories and what it means to be human with the concepts of covenant and vocation (0:53-2:58). He discusses how faith in Christ frees humans to take on vocation and be in covenant with God. (2:58-11:00). He states that human vocation is to become partners in God’s creative, governing, and redemptive work (11:00-14:53). He notes that vocation and identity are closely linked and clarifies that vocation is the response of a person to the calling to partnership with God (14:53-23:25). Dr. Folwer contrasts vocation with destiny (23:25-29:38). He suggests that vocation in community is a better approach in life than pursual of destiny or self-actualization (29:38-35:23). Finally, he notes that vocation is dynamic (35:23-37:02). He concludes his lecture with thoughts on the relationship between pastoral care, specifically preaching and prayer, with vocation and covenant (37:02-52:57). Dr. Fowler is thanked for his lecture and time on campus (52:57-53:20).
Reuel L. Howe was a professor of pastoral theology and founder of the Institute for Advanced Pastoral Studies in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Howe opens for questions from the audience (00:00-00:29). The first question is about how God uses calling for spiritual formation (00:30-04:35). The second question is about the student and teacher relationship in educational formation, and a conversation begins about cross-cultural teaching and the subject of doubt (04:36-25:36). The third question is about dealing with anger and defensive responses from students (25:37-32:16). The fourth question is about the importance of dialogue in counseling (32:17-41:11). The final question is about the adequacy of initial calling by God (41:12-47:28).
Audio quality is very poor. James Arnette was visiting professor of Black Theology. The service begins with organ music (00:00-00:52). The speaker delivers the Scripture reading from Isaiah 62:1-7, and a word of prayer is given (00:53-03:40). James Arnette is introduced as the chapel speaker (03:41-04:11). The choir sings the anthem (04:12-07:01). Arnette delivers a sermon about keeping one’s eyes on Jesus (07:02-22:23). The audience is led in a song of worship (22:24-24:11). Arnette ends the service with a word of prayer (24:12-25:57).
J.T. Burdine was the National Consultant for bi-vocational ministries for the Home Mission Board. The service begins with a word of prayer (00:00-01:13). J.T. Burdine is introduced as the chapel speaker (01:14-05:01). The choir leads in a song of worship (05:02-09:12). Burdine begins his sermon by reading Acts 16:5-10, and he gives a word of prayer (09:13-12:52). He challenges the audience to consider God’s call to leave their homes, go to a difficult context, and share the gospel with the people there (12:53-25:30). Burdine ends the service with a word of prayer (25:31-26:08).
William Randall Lolley was the third President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. This chapel convocation marked the thirtieth academic year of Southeastern. The service begins with prayer, welcome, and scripture readings (0:00-4:54). After which, there is a reading of news headlines from the year Southeastern was founded (4:55-10:31). This is followed by a recognition of new professors (10:32-14:59). President Lolley is introduced, and verses from Habakkuk 1-3 are read (15:00-20:26). There is then a period of singing (20:27-25:12). Lolley begins his sermon on Habakkuk themed “living by faith.” He begins with an introduction on the importance and context of the book (25:13-33:10). Lolley then explains two lessons Habakkuk learned, perspective on the world, and insight into the self-defeating aspect of evil (33:11-45:07). He concludes by explaining the implications of living by faith (45:08-48:09). A closing prayer is then offered (48:10-48:56).
At the time of this recording Ed Vogt was a Middler MDiv student. Chapel starts with Scripture reading from Psalm 51:1-7 and Ephesians 5:1-2, followed by prayer (0:00-1:54). Undecipherable music (1:54-5:45). The speaker begins his message by posing the question “Why am I a Christian?” He states that Christianity’s difference from other religions is the person of Jesus Christ (5:45-9:30). He then discusses the process and change that takes place when becoming a Christian (9:30-17:36). Making the decision to follow Christ brings an entirely new way of life and focus of life (17:36-19:17). Those who have a continuing relationship with God can put our potential to use with the power God has given and be the people He created them to be (19:17-21:05). The service is closed in prayer (21:05-21:14).
