Corban Talks

Dr. Hills has been bringing the written word alive for Corban students for more than 45 years. He teaches a variety of courses, including College Writing, Western Mythology, Literature of Love, and Creative Non-Fiction. Come hear what God has taught him about perseverance in the journey of faith

Ben Pearson serves as the Associate Dean of Community Engagement. Along with facilitating the chapel program, he also oversees many of the student programs offered at Corban. Pearson will explore the implications of Lent through reflections, stories and examining the words of Jesus on fasting found in Matthew 6. Come hear how Lent might offer you the opportunity to deepen your gratitude, repent, and rejoice in God's grace.

A panel of 6 notable student athletes will discuss the challenges and benefits of their roles as athletes on a Christian campus. They will be reflecting on their personal experiences and perspectives, with the intention of creating opportunities for understanding, reconciliation and community building.

Men and women were both created in God's image and He said it was "Very good!" Throughout history, however, there have been many different ideas, expectations and religious practices for the roles of men and women in the family, the church and in society. Together we will look at the spectrum of these beliefs and consider how to live into God's very good design for men and women. Jennifer Roth has been part of the pastoral staff at Salem Alliance Church for 8 years. As a communicator, Jennifer has been speaking to various Christ-centered communities for over 15 years. Jennifer is a native Oregonian who lives near Silverton with her husband of 21 years, Jeff, two of their three children, and their adorable dog, Lucy

John and his wife Betsey both graduated from Corban. Betsey was on staff at Corban as the Resident Director of Aagard. They have been married for 11 years and have two wonderful boys. John spent 12 years as a pastor at First Baptist Church of Eugene. This past June he joined the staff at Morning Star Community Church. John loves Jesus, his family, the Oregon Ducks, and the Corban Warriors.

Dr. Amit Bhatia comes to Corban University from Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL, where he previously taught courses in the Christian Ministries department as well as in the undergraduate degree program at Waupun Correctional Institution, a maximum-security prison in Waupun, WI. As a Christian from a Hindu background, Dr. Bhatia has also served as a pastor in several different multi-ethnic congregations. His cross-cultural experiences equip him well to work with inmates from all backgrounds. Dr. Bhatia is the author of Engaging Muslims & Islam: Lessons for 21st-Century American Evangelicals (Urban Loft Publishers).

Jerry Miranda is the Senior Pastor at Tabernaculo de Salem, a bilingual (Spanish and English) church in Salem. Pastor Jerry's congregation ministers to inmates in Salem and their families. Come learn about the redemptive and restorative Kingdom work happening in Salem. AND Matt Maceira Be Bold Street Ministries Matt Maceira was rescued out of a dark lifestyle of crime and drug abuse. He now leads a ministry called “Be Bold Street Ministries” that aims to love people and spread the gospel of Jesus to the streets of Salem and around the world. Maceira is passionate about sharing the restorative and transformative power of God and reaching "the least of these" with the gospel. Come hear Matt's story and learn more about how you can make a difference in Salem.

Dr. Trammell is an English/Communication professor and a Worship and Family Pastor at nearby Valley Baptist Church. He has co-authored 5 books and published over 100 stories, essays and devotionals. He is married to his best friend, Linda, and, together they have three sons and daughters-in-law and four grandchildren. Marty and Linda perform pre-engagement and pre-marital counseling for Corban couples and lead workshops and couples conferences. His new book, Love Lock: Creating lasting connection with the one you love encourages couples to connect more deeply with each other and with the author of Love.

Pastor Wilfred is a pastor at Mercy Church, a church plant of The Worship House, and the executive director of Mercy Child Care. With enthusiasm, he serves young children and vulnerable people living in poverty. He works to rehabilitate and empower people as they come off the streets and into a life strengthened by God's mercy. Come hear Pastor Wilfred's story and learn about the work of Mercy Child in Uganda..

Dr. Kersey teaches biblical literature, theology, and apologetics at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has been teaching theology-related classes at Corban since 2002. One of the reasons Dr. Kersey loves teaching at Corban is because of the students who "continue to amaze [him] with their curiosity, creativity, and desire to make the world a better place.”

Fischer Stewart graduated from Corban in the spring of 2017 as a ministry major. He currently serves as a director for Capernaum Young Life in Lakewood, Washington. Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.

Come hear from aspiring student government presidents as they cast their vision for next year. The election chapel will inform you of the candidate's goals before you vote to decide who will be next year's Student Government Association president and executive vice president. We will spend some time in worship and prayer before we hear from the candidates. Voting opportunities will be communicated after chapel.

Dr. Gerry Breshears is a Professor of Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Breshears is passionate about the transforming power of the gospel, as it "brings freedom from guilt, shame, fear, and defilement before God." He has taught at numerous Bible colleges and seminaries around the world, in countries such as Lebanon, Ukraine, Netherlands, Taiwan, Poland, Canada, and the Philippines.

Corban welcomes back Michelle Schubert Claussen as the 2020 Women of Grit conference speaker. Michelle works with Pioneer Bible Translators. She is also known for her role on the television show "Survivor: Millennials vs. Gen X." Her chapel message will encourage the community to live in the strength and confidence that comes from our identity in Christ.

Jordie Beuch serves as the Advocacy and Mobilization Coordinator at International Justice Mission (IJM). Every day, countless people are trafficked into slavery, as slave owners make a profit off their vulnerability. IJM is a global Christian organization with an aim to end trafficking. IJM helps rescue and restore victims, brings criminals to justice, and works to strengthen justice systems.

Dr. Anderson has taught theology at Corban for 30 years. He also works with the Corban School of Ministry’s ongoing pastoral training ministry in Cameroon, West Africa, and co-leads study tours to Israel and Egypt with Dr. Greg Trull. He has had articles published in The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, and has been involved at various levels with the Evangelical Theological Society. He recently published the book What the Bible Says about

Dr. Noah Toly is Director of the Center for Urban Engagement and Professor of Urban Studies and Politics & International Relations. He also serves as Non-Resident Senior Fellow for Global Cities at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and teaches about cities and urbanism in the Free University of Berlin’s Center for Global Politics. Dr. Toly currently serves on the Steering Committee of the Thriving Cities Project, and is a frequent speaker on cities, urban life, and the environment.

Ronnie Brooks is a man of many hats. He currently serves as the pastor of To God Be the Glory Ministries, a local church, and is a beloved mentor to students and staff at McKay High School. Drawing on his many years of multicultural leadership experience, Pastor Brooks will help us reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and spur us on towards gospel-centered living in a divided time.

Gyan Pantha is the founder of the Children Rescue Mission. Today, the ministry supports hundreds of Nepalese across the country by educating children, providing meals, and transforming communities with building projects. Join Pantha in chapel to hear how his ministry addresses the injustice of human sex trafficking in Nepal.

Ben Pearson serves as the Associate Dean of Community Engagement. Along with facilitating the chapel program, he also oversees many of the students programs offered at Corban. Pearson will revisit the direction of chapel for the year and explore how the visit of the Wise Men, found in Matthew 2:1-12, continues to be a reason for celebration today.

As Corban's President, and a proud Corban alumnus, Dr. Nord will encourage us in our faith as we celebrate the coming of Christ at Christmas and reflect on the implications of Advent for our daily lives. Come celebrate the end of the term with Dr. Nord and the Corban community!

DJ Vincent founded the Salem Missional Community Network; which has planted, coached and cultivated a dozen unique disciple-making churches in the past 15 years. DJ also works at the Salem Leadership Foundation as the South Area Lightning Rod where he equips local churches to engage in neighborhood focused missional initiatives. DJ's passion and expertise are in poverty awareness education and developing advocates for youth and adults experiencing homelessness.

Dr. Dale Johnson is the Executive Director of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) and serves on faculty at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Johnson served in pastoral ministry for seven years in Macclenny, FL, before completing his Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He now serves as Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he is also the Director of Counseling Programs. Dr. Johnson is the host of ACBC’s “Truth in Love” podcast..

The public reading of Scripture is a valuable tradition practiced for thousands of years. For the November SGA (Student Government Association) chapel, Corban community members will be reading through the book of Colossians.

Dr. Leroy Goertzen is a Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership and directs Corban’s Doctor of Ministry and Kairos programs. Prior to coming to Corban, Dr. Goertzen spent 30 years in church ministry as a Youth Pastor, Worship & Music Director and Lead Pastor. He loves Jesus and His Church and is committed to equipping the next generation to do the same.

Iral and Gwen Barrett are friends of Corban and longtime leaders in the Salem community and Young Life. They are passionate about young people coming to know Christ, and even assisted in the beginnings of the Washington Family Ranch Young Life camp in Antelope, OR. The Barrett's will share about seeking after the Kingdom of God.

Ruthie was an accomplished pianist in 1983 when she learned that she would need brain surgery to remove a bleeding tumor. "Although I learned to walk again with a brace, I never regained the use of my left arm," Ruthie learned that the Lord could restore her joy and many other aspects of her life. Join Ruthie in chapel as she shares her story through word and music.

Cory Spangler (Lead Pastor) and Becca Riddle (Women's Pastor), from Court Street Christian Church, are both Corban alumni and lifelong Salem residents. They will bring a message to our community focused on God's creation, and why it is important for Christians to have a proper view of their relationship to it.

Experiencing worship from other cultures is a powerful expression of community. This week, groups of Corban international students will lead our campus in a time of music and dance, the reading of Scripture, and sharing testimonies of God's faithfulness.

Recently, Corban University adopted a Theology of Multicultural Inclusion statement. Nathan Geer, Corban’s Dean of Students, and former chair of the Diversity Committee, will share the scriptural foundations for the statement and the daily implications for living out these truths.

Joseph Elkins serves as the newly appointed SGA Student Chaplain. He is "excited to encourage fellow students in their faith journey and communicate the student body’s spiritual needs to the university administration." Joseph will share from his journey and invite us to live in the knowledge that we are set free from sin by our Redeemer so that we can be part of a better story.

Dan Chen was born in China, in the province of Canton. He began to love art from an early age and is now a successful artist, focusing on nature and wildlife in both paintings and sculptures. Come learn about how faith impacts Dan's work and view his incredible art online.

The UGM's Mission is, "Helping men, women and children break free from homelessness through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ." Come listen to and learn from individuals who have experienced homelessness and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding hunger and homelessness in our community.

The UGM's Mission is, "Helping men, women and children break free from homelessness through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ." Come listen to and learn from individuals who have experienced homelessness and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding hunger and homelessness in our community.

Dr. Gerry Breshears is a Professor of Theology at Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Breshears is passionate about the transforming power of the gospel, as it "brings freedom from guilt, shame, fear, and defilement before God." He has taught at numerous Bible colleges and seminaries around the world, in countries such as Lebanon, Ukraine, Netherlands, Taiwan, Poland, Canada, and the Philippines. Dr. Breshears serves as a preaching elder at Grace Community Church. He and his wife, Sherry, have been married since 1968 and have two sons, one daughter, and are enjoying their season of life as grandparents.

Join Alejandra again in chapel on Wednesday as she unpacks Ephesians 2:10-22 and how the gospel relates to issues at the U.S. - Mexico border and other modern challenges.

Alejandra Ortiz is a regional director for Compañerismo Estudiantil (“Student Fellowship”), a college ministry in México that serves communities of staff and students in the Northwest of the country. She is passionate about helping students live out their faith in the whole of life, and join God’s Kingdom work in their local area. Alejandra and her husband have recently started a home church in Tijuana where they are bridge builders between churches, students, and local NGOs..

Jason Bunse is the Athey Creek Salem campus pastor. He was born and raised in Salem, his life was transformed by Jesus while in jail in 2004. He lived out an entire prison term ministering the word to others. Fellow inmates would often call Jason, Pastor Bunse. He found Athey Creek Christian Fellowship through a radio ministry during this time. Jesus changed his life and he now has a heart to bring the Good News of the gospel to the people of Salem.

Join us as we worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords as a community. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100

Stephen Andersen serves as the lead pastor at Liberty Christian Church in Salem. Andersen grew up in West Salem, but his life was changed forever when he was discipled at the age of 19. From that point he said "I pursued my faith in Jesus and never turned back." Pastor Andersen loves meeting people where they are, and teaching them about the redemption found in the gospel.

In a culture where conflict is avoided and disagreement is feared, followers of Jesus have the opportunity to lead courageous and loving conversations. Nathan Geer, Corban’s Dean of Students, will lead our community in a discussion on how to approach and embrace conflict and disagree well.

Ronnie Brooks is a man of many hats. He currently serves as the pastor of To God Be the Glory Ministries, a local church, and is a beloved mentor to students and staff at McKay High School. Drawing on his many years of multicultural leadership experience, Pastor Brooks will speak on 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, with a message titled "A Heart for Reaching”.

Dr. Preston Sprinkle is a New Testament and Early Judaism scholar and a New York Times bestselling author who has written several books, including People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality is Not Just an Issue. He currently serves as the president of the Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, an organization focused on helping Christians engage in questions about faith, sexuality, and gender with theological faithfulness and courageous love. Friday after chapel students can eat lunch with Dr. Sprinkle in the dining hall and ask questions.

Jennifer Roth has been part of the pastoral staff at Salem Alliance Church for 8 years. During that time she has been involved with building relational leadership teams, creating programs to meet the needs of the community, and personally engaging with individuals. As a communicator, Jennifer has been speaking to various Christ-centered communities for over 15 years. Jennifer is a native Oregonian who lives near Silverton with her husband of 21 years, Jeff, two of their three children, and their adorable dog, Lucy.

Dr. Tim Baker is the senior pastor at Bethany Baptist Church in Salem, a Corban board member, and a Corban alumnus. Dr. Baker will share his pastoral heart with the community as we embark on a new year at Corban.

As Corban's President, and a proud Corban alumnus, Dr. Nord will give context for our annual theme (“Take Heart”) by discussing what it means for our community to "Speak the Truth in Love". Come and be encouraged to live courageous lives for the Kingdom of God!

Dr. Cornman serves as Corban's Provost, having recently joined our campus this summer. He has brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in Christian Higher Education and, most importantly, a fervent heart for the Lord. Dr. Cornman's message is a timely reminder of where our help and hope are found.

On the first Friday of our first week together, we will declare in unison the greatness of our God through musical worship. Ben Pearson, Associate Dean of Community Engagement, will help set the direction for the chapel program by expanding on the university theme for the year: Take Heart. Come be refreshed in the Lord’s presence and worship the One who alone is worthy of our praise.

At Convocation, we dedicate the new academic year to Jesus Christ. Traditionally, this event is an annual highlight, with a procession of shofars, bagpipes, faculty in academic regalia, and a commissioning program encouraging the community to commit the upcoming efforts to the Lord. All students receive a commemorative key-chain for attending!

As the academic year ends, we invite you to join us in a final time of collective fellowship and worship. Like Dr. Nord, SGA will focus our attention on the faithfulness of God, who has provided "a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:3-4).

In a timely Chapel message, President Nord will discuss his reflections on our annual theme of “Hunger and Thirst”, drawing attention to God's unwavering provision and the ways in which the Lord has blessed our campus and community. Come celebrate God's faithfulness and share in the excitement of what lies ahead for our university.