2020 Swcc lectureship programFINALN

SwCC ADMINISTRATION

President—Dr. E.D. Seamster, Jr.
Special Assistant to the President—Dr. Stevie Roberts

Vice President for Expansion—Dr. James Maxwell
Vice President for Academic Affairs—Dr. Deborah Hodridge

Vice President of Business—Dr. Douglas Howie, Sr.
Dean of Students—Commissioner Matthew L. Terry

Registrar—Dr. Lisa Jackson
Comptroller—Dr. Joyce Cathey

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. John H. Dansby—Chairman
Charlie Harrison, III—Vice Chairman

Dr. Helen Curtis—Secretary
Leonardo Gilbert—Assistant Secretary

Dr. LeDetra Jones Dr. Billy Curl
Dr. Maybelline Griffin Ramon Hodridge
Glynda Mayo Hall Dr. Daniel Harrison

Dr. David Lane Dr. Eugene Lawton
Bruce Nash Dr. Reba Williams-White

Dr. Ruth Wyrick

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Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Southwestern Christian College, it is my distinct
honor to welcome you to our first-ever virtual lectureship. Thank you for choosing to be a
part of this great endeavor via Facebook, The Church TV Network, YouTube or our web
site, as we, together, demonstrate our support of Christian education, invest in our school and
delve into discussions on “Who Moved My Church.”
What a blessing it is that, even during a pandemic, we are able to remain connected. Virtually
and in person, our love for the Lord, studies in His Word and care for our beloved school
remain unchanged. Our theme, “Who Moved My Church,” points out that regardless of the
perilous times, God’s word remains the same. As the century progresses, we can see through-
out the brotherhood how change is underfoot. While change—growth, is a good thing, we
must realize that God’s word remains steadfast, unmovable. As cultural changes take place
we, the church, must remember that the essence of the message of God’s saving grace is of
the utmost import.. The need is more prevalent than ever to ensure we are rooted and grounded
directly in God’s word. It is a blessing to see our very own school lead the lectures and stand
committed in the 21st century to innovative measures.
Your attendance proves that you, as an advocate and supporter, believe in Southwestern
Christian College. The Board of Trustees, President, faculty and staff are committed to
remain on the move as we take our institution to admirable heights. As seen in our unique
focus on our students, campus renovations and streamlining of processes and procedures, we
have made tremendous strides. Thank you for your part in our progress.
As we embark on our lectureship, I would like to congratulate Southwestern Christian
College’s president, Dr. Ervin D. Seamster, for his diligence and dedication, not only to the
lectureship, but to the tremendous progress he has made in leading our institution. His
forward-thinking and ability to embrace change has helped to take our institution to new levels.
Additionally, hats off to Lectureship Director Dr. Richard Barclay and his team for
continuously raising the bar on our annual lectureship. I know the lectureship will be an
uplifting, God-focused, spirit-filled week of learning and celebrating our students.
I look forward to seeing you virtually as we share this year’s lectureship with thousands of
people. Again, thanks for all you do for the cause of Christian education.
Your devoted friend and fellow laborer,
Dr. John H. Dansby Sr.
Chair, Board of Trustees

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For 83 years, the Southwestern Christian College Lectureship has been held on the
institution’s campus. A pandemic changed things in 2020, and the results are we are
holding the first virtual conference! This action is indicative of our resolve to continue this
extraordinary event under unique circumstances with the same vigor and enthusiasm of the on-site
lectureships. Indeed, this year we have learned how to “hold” it in an environment that has been dubbed a
“new normal.” We do so because this work is too important to postpone or cancel. The future of SwCC
depends, in part, on its success.
The coronavirus swept through the US early in 2020, resulting in quarantines, social distancing, masks,
unprecedented deaths, closed schools and colleges, shut down businesses ordered by national, state and
county governments that even changed the way we worship—but not our unwavering commitment to
worship in spirit and in truth. Many churches “MOVED” services and events to the virtual world, taking
them to a new direction a world characterized by effective technology that facilitates communication in our
churches and that enables us to reach global audiences, while embracing the well-documented tenet that
the church is not a building—the church is the people!
I am so grateful to the cadre of dedicated supporters who have embraced this temporary change—the
lectureship committees, SwCC president, Dr. Ervin Seamster, SwCC staffers, and those who have, over
the years, unselfishly given of their time and resources to make the lectureship the relevant and vital event
that it is. We feel so blessed that ministers and others from across the country responded so graciously to
our request to serve as speakers and workshop presenters.
The 2020 lectureship’s theme Forget About the Cheese … Who Moved My Church? is a take-off of the
bestseller by Spencer Johnson published in 1998; it is a parable about the inevitability of change and the
ways in which we must deal with it. Our theme has generated interesting conversation! We welcome it!
Briefly, this is the significance of our theme:
Johnson tells a story that takes place in a maze; there are four characters: the mice Sniffy and Scurry and
the little humans Hem and Haw who look for and consume cheese. The mice take an industrious,
uncomplicated trial-and-error approach to finding cheese. One day they find a large store of cheese. The
humans Hem and Haw employ more sophisticated thinking to the daily search, but they find the same
large stockpile of cheese that the mice found. Johnson shows that the pairs have very different attitudes
toward their situation. The humans Hem and Haw take the cheese for granted.
One day the cheese is gone, and the way the characters cope with this change offers lessons in surviving
and thriving in an atmosphere of change. The mice quickly accept the change for what it is. They adapt to
the change immediately and look for new cheese. The humans are shocked to lose the cheese. They
waste time waiting for it to reappear, becoming increasingly frustrated when it does not. Hem, in
exasperation, cries out, “Who moved my cheese?”
Haw changes his attitude and behavior and goes back out to the maze to find new cheese. It takes hard
work, but he envisions the joy of finding cheese again, and he pushes onward, leaving Hem, who refuses
to move and laments the unfairness of his situation.
Why is this parable important to the lectureship? Because from our theme, we can draw parallels from a
little story about moving cheese to a dramatic change in our world — a deadly, life-changing pandemic.
We can be like Haw, resisting, complaining, and denying change because we have become complacent
and afraid of change—die hard traditionalists—or we can be like Sniff and Scurry, ready to adapt without
fear. In this case, I reiterate, we must wisely remember that the church is not our buildings—it is our people!
We hope the theme and the 2020 lectureship will help us let go of past traditions when it is necessary and
move forward quickly when things change; and we welcome you to the 2020 SwCC Lectureship from your
living rooms, your dens, your kitchens, your offices, from wherever you are “attending” this unprecedented
event.

Dr. Richard L. Barclay
Lectureship Director

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Dr. Robert G. Birt Dr. Jeremy Flowers Dr.Orpheus Heyward Dr. James Maxwell

Rotashia Anderson Shirley Barclay Andrew Braxter Vernesha Cathey

Jarilyn Fox Dr. Deborah Hodridge Dr. Floyd Rodgers Aaron Sayles

Dr. Stevie Roberts Kimberly Stewart Randall Tucker

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Donald Ballard, of Brandon, Florida, is a member Dr. Jeremy Flowers is senior minister of the
of the Bell Shoals Church of Christ. Donald has a B.A. in Gray Road Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. A
Biblical studies; he was mentored by Dr. O.J. Shabazz, Detroit, Michigan native, he started preaching the
evangelist, Harlem Church of Christ, receiving focused Gospel of Jesus Christ at the age of 13 when he
training and experience in pulpit preaching, family life, simultaneously enrolled at the Midwestern Christian
and public and church administration. He is the Bible Institute in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He is director of
department head and dean of student affairs at Founda- the Joshua Conference and the author of Fresh Water
tion Christian Academy and High School in Valrico, Florida. from a Dirty Cup.
Senior minister of the North Peoria Church of Christ in Dr. Orpheus Heywood is senior minister of
Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Warren Blakney is a seasoned the Renaissance Church of Christ in Atlanta,
minister, with an A.A. degree and a B.S. degree from Georgia. A voracious Bible student, he received a
Freed Hardeman College, in Henderson, Tennessee; he Master of Arts degree in theology, a MA in Biblical
has two honorary doctorate degrees, and he is a former studies and a doctorate degree in theological
television news anchor. Also, he played an active role in exegesis. His expertise in presenting the word of
the Civil Rights Movement. God lands him requests to speak on national and
regional lectureships and revivals across the country.
Darryl Bowdre has been the senior minister of Jerry Lawlis has a BA degree in New
the Church of Christ at South Central, Tyler, Texas Testament Greek from Abilene Christian College and
since 1998. Previously, he served as senior minister of a MA in New Testament Studies from Harding School
North Tenneha Church of Christ in Tyler, Texas. He is of Theology. He has been a pulpit preacher in several
also a community activist who has long been on the front Texas cities and a missionary for Operation Northern
lines for civil rights in Tyler. He served as a member of New Mexico. Lawlis has led 12 groups on medical
the Tyler city council and on the Tyler ISD board of missions to Ecuador. He was host for Bible Lands Tours,
trustees. leading 10 tours to Israel, Egypt and Jordan since 1993.
Andrew Braxter is minister of the Rose City Dr. Eugene Lawton, an international
Community Church of Christ in North Little Rock, Arkansas. A evangelist, veteran preacher and church builder,
firm believer in Christian education, he earned a BS in earned an AA degree from SwCC; the BA and MA
religious studies from SwCC, and he is completing a from Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA; he
Master of Divinity from Harding School of Theology in completed advanced work at Princeton Theological
Memphis, Tennessee. Recently, the Harding office for Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey and earned a doctor
church relations appointed him director of church out- of ministry degree from Trinity Seminary. He has been
reach to work to strengthen the university’s outreach to minister of the Newark Church of Christ, for 52 years,
the Churches of Christ, with a special focus on minority and he is a member of the SwCC board of trustees.
congregations. Wesley T. Leonard has served as senior
Alvin L. Daniels, Jr. is minister of the Hope minister of the Southside Church of Christ in Orlando,
Church of Christ in Hollywood, Florida. He has been Florida since December 1999. During his tenure, the
involved in counseling and mentoring children in serious congregation has experienced tremendous growth.
habitual offender programs. He holds a BA degree in He has facilitated marriage enrichment seminars
sociology and anthropology from Valdosta State University. throughout the brotherhood and has conducted meet-
He has worked with the National Urban League of Young ings in Africa, the Caribbean, and several regions
Professionals and 5000 Role Models of Excellence; he across the US. He is a much-sought-after speaker.
served on the White House Faith-Based Educational
Initiative, and the White House public engagement panel. Trevonte Peterson, a native of Greenville,
Dr. Rodney Dulin has been the visionary leader Alabama, began his preaching ministry at the age of
for the Central Pointe Church of Christ since 2006. The eight. He is a graduate of Faulkner University in
church greatly impacts its community through outreach Montgomery where he obtained a bachelors degree
efforts and community involvement. The 1993 graduate of in Biblical studies with a minor in family and
SwCC earned a bachelor of business degree in marriage counseling. He is a proud member of the
administration from the University of North Texas in 1997. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He currently serves
He graduated from the Southern Bible Institute in 2007 as senior minister of the Sweetwater Church of
and from the Criswell College, cum laude, with a MA Christ in Jacksonville, Florida.
degree in Christian leadership. He earned a doctorate
degree in theology fromAndersonvilleTheological Seminary.

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Jameel Robinson, minister of the Lewis Street
Church of Christ in Little Rock, Arkansas, specializes in
youth and adult mentoring, and family and marriage
development. He is CEO/founder of Inspiring Innovation
Consultant and Development, LLC. A student at the
School of Religious Studies in North Little Rock, Arkansas,
studying church leadership, he also attended the University
of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where he received a degree in
environmental studies.
Stanley Talbert is a PhD candidate at Union
Theological Seminary in the City of New York. He is a
Seaver Faculty Fellow at Pepperdine University, having
received a master of philosophy (‘19) and master of divinity
from Union (‘16), his BA from Pepperdine University (‘12),
and his AS from Southwestern Christian College (‘10). He
has given lectures and presentations across the nation and
in France, Germany, Senegal, and South Africa.

Dr. Olu Shabazz has been minister to the Harlem
Church of Christ in New York City, New York, for 20 years.
He has baptized over 950 people in New York. Recognized
as an international evangelist, he has preached in over 38
states and several foreign nations. He holds several
degrees: an associate’s degree in music performance
(1975), bachelor’s degrees in Biblical Studies (1980), in
Christian education (1998), a masters’ in theology (1985)
and a Doctorate in Divinity.
Gary Smith is minister of the Fifth Ward Church of
Christ in Houston, Texas. He received his undergrad
degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas,
Texas in business administration and played on the 1983
Cotton Bowl Championship football team. He received his
master’s degree in ministry from Harding University in
Searcy, Arkansas. He serves as co-chairman for the
Houston Area Campaign for Christ.

David Watkins, minister of the Bridge Community
Church of Christ in Longview, Texas, completed four
years of the ministerial Bible curriculum at SwCC and is
currently in pursuit of further education. He has served
churches in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas; he has
traveled the country extensively preaching the good news
of Jesus.

David Wilson is minister of the Kings Church of
Christ in Brooklyn, New York. David offers a unique blend
of talents, passions and experiences that enable him to
explain the Word of God in an exciting, informative and
relevant manner. He is constantly sought after for revival
meetings and lectureships all over the country. He has
an associate’s degree from SwCC, bachelor’s degree
from Oklahoma Christian University, and a master’s
degree in human services from Amridge University. David
is also an accomplished gospel songwriter.

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November 21

10:00 AM—12:00 PM

Thinking Like A Pro for The Kingdom of Christ
(TV Production)
Bryant Malone, Athens, Alabama
Using Technology to Reach Your Congregation and Your
Community During Times of the Coronavirus
Carol Hunter, Atlanta, Georgia
Zooming in on our Youth (Education Workshop)
Dr. Ralph Draper, Former Superintendent, Spring ISD, Spring,
Texas, Moderator
Dr. Wanda Williams, Instructional Specialist, Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Delic Loyde, Education Consultant, Houston, Texas
Dr. Montrell Green, Former Superintendent, Greenwood ISD,
Greenwood, Mississippi

7:00 PM—9:30 PM—Saturday Night Special

Is God Really Our Refuge? (Psalms 46)
George Michael Williams, II, Houston, Texas
Practicing the Promises of God During the Pandemic
Randall F. Tucker, Houston, Texas
I’m Covered (Exodus 12:12-13)
Johnathan Givens, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Trusting God in Difficult Times (Habakkuk 2:1-4)
Dr. Kristopher Dardar, Ft. Worth, Texas

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November 22

2:00 PM—Founder’s Day Program (Program on

next page)
Stanley Talbert, Los Angeles, California, Speaker

7:00 PM—9:00 PM—Evening Session

A Godly Response to the Coronavirus (Acts 11:27-30)
Jerry Lawlis, Canton, Texas
What Happens When Fisherman Forget How to Fish?
(Matthew 4:18-22)
Dr. Jeremy Flowers, Cincinnati, Ohio
The Building May Be Closed – But the Church Is Still Open
Dr. Eugene Lawton, Newark, New Jersey

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Sunday, November 22, 2020 . 2:00 PM

Master of Ceremonies - Bro. DeMarcco Owens
Invocation – Bro. James Burrus
Welcome – Dr. Leonardo Gilbert

Introduction of Board of Trustees – Dr. John Dansby
Occasion – Dr. Douglas Howie

Hymn of Praise – Dr. Stevie Roberts
Recognition of Local Elected Officials – Dr. Walter Price

Greetings from the City of Terrell
Hymn of Praise – Bro. Dewayne Pugh

Litany of Praise – Dr. David Lane
Choral Presentation

Introduction of Speaker – President Seamster
Founder’s Day Address – Bro. Stanley Talbert, Jr.

Hymn of Praise – Bro. Eric Nettles
Offertory – Dr. Eugene Lawton

The Epaggellia Oath – Faculty and Staff
Led by – Bro. Ramon Hodridge

Final Remarks – President Seamster
School Song – Dr. Barry Graham
Benediction -– Dr. Daniel Harrison

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November 23

10: 00 AM—Ladies Program (See pages 17-18.)
12:00 PM—Plenary Session

What Happened When the Church Was Scattered? (Acts 8:1)
Cleveland Lindsey, SwCC Ministerial Student, Detroit, Michigan

The Church Adapting to Changing Times with an
Unchanging Message
Donald Ballard, Brandon, Florida

Anchors for the Soul During the Pandemic (Acts 27:29-31)
Gary Smith, Houston, Texas

2:00 PM—5:00 PM--Workshops

Fred Gray and the Destruction of Segregation
Dr. Edward Robinson, Tyler, Texas
The Invisible Wall of the Church Without Walls
John Marshall, Atlanta, Georgia
The Role of the Church Administrator and the
Coronavirus Task Force
Harrell Thomas, McDonough, Georgia

7:00 PM—9:00 PM—Plenary Session

Rethinking Church
Daryl Bowdre, Tyler, Texas
A Call for True Shepherds (Ezekiel 34)
David Wilson, Brooklyn, New York
Let the Church Remain the Church (Acts 20:17-35)
Dr. Olu J. Shabazz, Harlem, New York

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November 24

10:00 AM—Workshops

Zooming In on Our Youth (Workshop for Teachers,
Parents, Youth)
Dr. Ralph Draper, Former Superintendent, Spring ISD, Spring,
Texas
Dr. Wanda Williams, Instructional Specialist, Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Delic Loyde, Education Consultant, Houston, Texas
Dr. Montrell Green, Former Superintendent, Greenwood ISD,
Greenwood, Mississippi
Strategies for Reopening Church Buildings after the
Coronavirus
David Watkins, Moderator
Dr. Rodney Dulin, Dallas, Texas

12:00 PM—Plenary Session

Faith, Fear, and the Coronavirus (2 Timothy 1:7)
Christopher Enard, SwCC Ministerial Student, Houston, Texas
Rising Above the Ashes (Nehemiah 2:17-18)
Jameel Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas
The Best Sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2)
David Watkins, Texarkana, Texas

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November 24

2:00 PM--Workshops

The Pandemic of Racism and Policing—The Path
Forward
Earnest Holsendolph, Nicole Lee, and Joyce Eskridge, PH. D.,
Moderators
The Pandemic Impact on Families
Robert and Stella W ilson, Atlanta, Georgia; Anthony and
Sheri W ilson, Atlanta, Georgia; and Jason and Amy Walker,
Brooklyn, New York

7:00 PM—9:00 PM—Plenary Session

Rainbows (Genesis 9:13-17)
Dr. Rodney Dulin, Dallas, Texas
When God Changed the Game (Acts 10:44-48)
Dr. Orpheus J. Heyward, Atlanta, Georgia
Thinking Outside the Box (Genesis 12)
Wesley T. Leonard , Orlando, Florida

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November 25

10:00 AM—Workshops

Pandemic Impact on Church Financing
Dr. Richard Barclay, Moderator

Panelists

Doug Crozier, CEO, The Solomon Foundation, Denver, Colorado
Dr. Orpheus Heyward, Atlanta, Georgia
Jameel Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas
David Watkins, Texarkana, Texas

Shepherds Keeping up with Scattered Sheep During the
Pandemic
Randall Tucker and Floyd Rodgers, Moderators

12:00 PM—Plenary Session

Lord, Help Me! (Psalms 43)
Trevonte Peterson, Jacksonville, Florida

The Frustrating Side of Faith (Hebrews 11:32-40)
Andrew Braxter, North Little Rock, Arkansas
A Cure for a Troubled Heart (John 14:1-4)
Dr. David L. Lane, Dallas, Texas

2:00 PM—4:00 PM

Preaching During the Pandemic (Livestreamed)
DonBurnell Holley, Memphis, Tennessee, Moderator

Panelists
Dr. Rodney Dulin, Dallas, Texas
William Jones, Rochester, New York
Dr. Jerry Houston, San Antonio, Texas
Marcus T. Watkins, Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Artrell Harris, Kansas City, Kansas
Dr. Orpheus Heyward, Atlanta, Georgia
Terry Wallace, Hernando, Mississippi

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November 25

Singing in a Strange Land—A Conversation about Music
Ministry
Andrew Braxter, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Coordinator
Harold Robinson, Dallas, Texas; and Chris Turner, Burlington,
New Jersey, Moderators
DeWayne Pugh, Dallas, Texas
Stephanie Williams, Greenboro, North Carolina
Kenny Collins, Little Rock, Arkansas
Michael Craig, Dallas, Texas

7:00 PM—9:00 PM—Plenary Session

Holding Together When Coming Apart (Acts 26:32, 43-44)
Alvin Daniels, Hollywood, Florida
Getting to the Other Side of the Coronavirus (Matthew 8:18-32)
Dr. Warren Blakney, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Presidential Address
Dr. Ervin D. Seamster, SwCC President/CEO

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November 23

Forget Who Moved My Cheese …
Who Moved My Mind, My Sister and My Family?

Mistress of Ceremony
Shay Wyrick Cathey, Dallas, Texas

Praise and Prayer …..……………………….….……Alinda Gadson
Welcome and Occasion ………………….……..…...Lois T. Holland
Scripture …………………………………….……Ishara Breckinridge

Skye Holmes
Prayer ……….…………………………………….…Dorothy Stevens
Roll Call…………………………..………………….……Bernice Pitts
Fun and Games …………...…………….……...….Linda Alexander
Praise and Prayer………………………………....Veronica Williams

Introduction of Speakers

Song of Praise

Dr. Reba White, Mountain View Church of Christ
Who Moved My Mind?

Special Feature: The Collins Connection
Camille Wilson, Light of the World Church of Christ

Who Moved My Sister?
—Commercial Break—

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November 23

Song of Praise
Moments of Inspiration
A Candid Discussion

featuring
Ira Booker, Doris Dansby, Phyllis Davis, Glynda Mayo Hall,

Belinda Nyahanana and Dorothy Stevens
Who Moved My Family?

Praise and Prayer …………………………….………… Terri Mays
Salute to Titus 2 Pioneer……………………………. Doris Dansby

Karen Gordon
Sharing the Love …………..…West End Church of Christ Sisters

Closing Remarks …………………………………...…Phyllis Davis
Jarilyn Fox

Closing Song ………………………………………. Alinda Gadson
Closing Prayer ……………………………………...……Terri Mays

Program Chair: Jarilyn Fox
Program Advisors: Doris Dansby and Phyllis Davis
Committee: Patricia Nunley, Dr. Reba White, Linda Alexander,
Belinda Nyahanana and Delbra Johnson.

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