Jenness Park sale finalized, CSBC congregation begins ownership
By Terry Barone
FRESNO, Calif. (BP) — Escrow closed on Jenness Park on Wednesday (July 1), ending the property’s 67-year history with the California Southern Baptist Convention and beginning a new chapter of ministry through Gracepoint Fellowship Church in Berkeley, a CSBC congregation.
The CSBC Executive Board voted May 15 to sell the camp after years of deficit spending and no revenue from a 2020 camping season because of the coronavirus pandemic. The May action gave SBC churches and entities priority in purchasing the camp.
A month later, after multiple inquiries and consideration of several offers, CSBC corporate officers signed a purchase agreement with Gracepoint for $1.5 million and a closing date of June 30.
For a full report on the sale’s finalization, go here.
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Tyler Wittman appointed to NOBTS faculty
By Gary D. Myers
NEW ORLEANS (BP) — Noted scholar and theologian Tyler R. Wittman has been appointed to the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary faculty. Wittman will begin his role as assistant professor of theology on August 1.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Tyler Wittman and his family joining the NOBTS and Leavell College community to serve on our faculty,” NOBTS President Jamie Dew said. “Academically speaking, Tyler has already proven to be one of the best theologians in the SBC, and I know he will serve our students well. His publication record is incredibly strong, and he is a fantastic instructor in the classroom.”
Wittman expressed his excitement about joining the NOBTS faculty and the opportunity to live and serve in New Orleans. He was especially encouraged by Dew’s vision for the school — a vision that leverages the seminary’s unique setting for ministry preparation.
“The context of New Orleans is full of opportunities and challenges that are good for theological formation and ministry,” Wittman said. “Dr. Dew said that New Orleans is a place where students can prepare to serve anywhere God calls them. I believe that.”
In classroom, Wittman hopes to lead students to “dig deep wells” of theology which they can draw from throughout their time in ministry.
Wittman has served on the faculty of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky., since 2017. For a full report, go here.
