wfn.org | Phillips Theological Seminary honors alumni

["Communication Ministries" <wshuffit@cm.disciples.org>]

Date: January 14, 2002
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Curt Miller
E-mail: cmiller@cm.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

02a-3

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- The Rev. Dr. Spencer P. Austin of
Indianapolis, Ind. and the Rev. Stanley M. Warfield of
Stillwater, Okla., are the recipients of the Phillips
Theological Seminary Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2002.

	Some 60 people attended an award ceremony to honor Austin
Jan. 7 in the chapel at NBA Robin Run Village in
Indianapolis, where Dr. Austin is a resident. Dawn Kizzia
Stemple of Phillips Theological Seminary made the
presentation, and Dr. Austin responded with a brief
reflection on the seminary and his years of ministry. At
the award ceremony, spoken greetings were brought by Howard
Goodrich representing the Division of Overseas Ministries,
Debbie Kneer representing the Christian Church Foundation,
James Reed representing people who had worked for Spencer,
and Joe Wick who had served as a pastor to the Austin
family.

	A videotape of the presentation and Spencer's response
will be shown at the Ministers' Week Homecoming Dinner Jan.
16 at First Christian Church in Tulsa, Okla. where Phillips
Theological Seminary is located. Stan Warfield, who will
also receive his recognition at the dinner is a former
United Methodist District Superintendent and currently is a
Senior Minister in Stillwater, Okla. 

	Phillips Theological Seminary is honoring Spencer Austin
for his distinguished ministry with the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ).   He received a BA from Phillips in
1931, an MA degree in 1932 and a BD in 1933. He retired as
President of the Church Finance Council (CFC) in 1975 after
serving for 18 years as head of Unified Promotion, and then
as president of CFC. During that time he played a key role
in shaping structures for financing the mission and
ministries of Disciples beyond the congregation.  Spencer
also served as president of the Christian Church Foundation
from 1961-1969 and on many ecumenical boards and
committees.  

	After his retirement from Church Finance Council, he and
his wife made a survey and pastoral tour of South and
Central America for Church World Service. They visited
seventeen countries where CWS emergency and development
programs were in operation. 

	Before his ministry with Unified Promotion and CFC, Dr.
Austin served congregations in Oklahoma and Massachusetts.
In 1945 he was called to serve in evangelism and general
administration with the United Christian Missionary Society
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). After his
first retirement, he served Christian Theological Seminary
as a development officer.

	-- end --
Prepared by John W. Stemple of Phillips Theological Seminary
918- 610-8303 Ex 37
johndawn@earthlink.net

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