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(Continued from Page 6)Central’s senior pastor is Jud Wilhite, a 1996 graduate of Lincoln Christian Seminary and author of Stripped: UncensoredGrace on the Streets of Vegas, a book that provides insight into the complexities of serving God in this “sin city” that Centralprefers to call “grace city.” Jud understands the need for leaders to be fully prepared to serve Christ in this unusual setting:“Our partnership with Lincoln Christian College and Seminary is simply one of the best decisions we have ever made.It provides us with a great resource for developing leaders, which is vital to any long-term success in making disciples insouthern Nevada.”Lincoln’s president, Dr. Keith Ray, remembers the conversations with Jud from several years ago that eventually led tothis partnership between college and church. “Lincoln in Las Vegas is a result,” he said, “of two elements coming togetherin God’s good timing. First, for some time we have had the vision to take our education beyond the bounds of centralIllinois. One of our planning priorities is for greater connectivity. This partnership with Central provides that connectionbetween college and church [interestingly, Central’s mission is to “connect the unconnected”]. Second, sometimes wesimply need to follow our alumni a little more closely. Jud Wilhite is one of those alums who is in the right place at theright time. He knows the megachurch’s greatest need is deeper discipleship, especially in a place like Las Vegas.”Bob Monts is director of Lincoln’s adult degree completion program (LincUp) and another key player in this newpartnership with Central. Bob’s goal for this program is “to see more church members equipped to provide thoughtfuland effective ministry in the local church. I am amazed at the variety of ways that our Vegas students see and engageministry.” But don’t take Bob’s word for that. Here is what some of the Lincoln at Las Vegas students are saying aboutthis partnership program between Lincoln and Central:• “Who could ever have imagined a Christian college in LasVegas? Getting my degree in ministry in Las Vegas hasbecome the most challenging and fulfilling part of my life.But the program fits my life, and the professors have beenso encouraging.” – Jayne Post (pastor of evangelism)• “At 36 years old with a wife and two kids, I felt called to goback to school to complete my degree for ministry. I realizehow extremely blessed I am to be able to do that here in LasVegas.” – Kurt Pflegel (children’s minister)• “My first passion is God, and then learning, then serving.This program enables me to do all three—in my ownchurch and in my own community.” – Jeannette Wiley(business woman)So what does Lincoln have to do with Las Vegas? Tertullian had itwrong. The Academy, at least the Christian Academy, has much todo with the Church. The Great Commission binds us together.What Mike Bodine, Senior Leader at Central, says of their membersapplies as well to this partnership, “We are better together than weever would be by doing life and faith on our own.” It’s no accidentthat Central’s address is 1001 New Beginnings. We pray thispartnership might model a “new beginning” for how our collegesand churches can work together—even in the most unlikely ofplaces.Note: For more information, visit www.lccslv.org or contact PaulTrainor at Paul.Trainor@CentralChristian.com or Bob Monts atbmonts@lccs.edu.ISRAEL TourDate: December 28, 2008 –January 7, 2009Led by: Dr. Robert Lowery andDr. Paul BoatmanEstimated cost: $3,000 - $3,200 (includes travel,most meals and gratuities)Additional optional insurance is also available.Final total costs available in February.For more information, contact Becky Boggsin the Seminary Office at 217-732-3168,or e-mail bboggs@lccs.edu.14