In that regard, the video below is Dr. Joel Hunter’s musings on the question as to why social justice has become such a hot topic among Christians. Hunter, Senior Pastor of Northland Church in Orlando, Florida, has been named by Grist Magazine as one of the top 15 religious environmental leaders in the world, along with the Pope and the Dali Lama.

Catalyst Voices – Dr. Joel Hunter, “Social Justice” from Catalyst on Vimeo.

Bill is currently completing his Th.D. in pastoral theology at the Toronto School of Theology where he is focusing on pastoral self-care. His M.T.S. thesis at Conrad Grebel University-College was entitled “Beautiful are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News” and Bill has also presented papers on “The Psychological effects of Ministry as experienced by Children of Clergy” and “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: Pastors’ Perceptions of Well-functioning Families.”

Bill was born and raised in Edmonton but comes to Regina via Ontario. This prompted the following email from an Ontario friend: “So you guys hired another Ontario guy.  What’s the exodus going out West for?” You can read Bill’s reasons for coming West in a recent Messenger profile that I’ve attached to this post (see below).

I appreciate Bill’s energy, his dedication to excellence, and his sense of humour.  These will serve him well in a very demanding position. I look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship.

Welcome, Bill!

Stanley N. Helton

This is a good word for Stan Helton, Assistant Professor of Bible and Academic Dean at Western Christian College since 2003. Although he has already packed up his office, Stan’s last official day is the end of the month.

I first met Stan in the mid-80′s when we were both students at Preston Road School of Preaching in Dallas (R.I.P.). He was in the class that began six months after me. Returning to Canada in 1985, it was hard to stay in contact with even my own classmates, never mind those such as Stan who were from other classes

In 2003, Stan called me because he was considering moving to Regina, Saskatchewan from Chicago to teach at WCC. We had a chance to visit face-to-face about his plans a short time later at the Pepperdine University Lectureship.

Several years later we had an unplanned meeting when, unbeknown to each other, we were both at Rochester College’s Sermon Seminar (R.I.P.). There, Stan mentioned that WCC might need a Bible prof and asked if I was interested. (Full disclosure: Stan asked the same of several whom he met).

I wasn’t.

Ten months or so later, Darlene and I were planning a vacation that would take us to New Orleans for the wedding of her nephew. I emailed Stan to find out what we should see and do in NOLA and, out of courtesy more than curiosity, asked if he had found a Bible prof. He hadn’t and Stan asked if I was interested.

I was.

Over the course of the next few months application was made, interviews were conducted, and I signed on for the adventure.

One of the things that I have appreciated about Stan is his constant reminder that I am at WCC to teach. His reminder has kept me focused in the midst of a multitude of distractions characteristic of a small college. Yet, Stan has also demonstrated in word and deed the importance of keeping the focus on the student.

Stan, Pat, and Rachel are heading back to the New Orleans area where he will serve as senior minister at the Tammany Oaks Church of Christ.

Blessings my brother.

And thanks for the offer of a place to stay when we come down to visit!