Where Are They Now? Dr. Joseph Stowell

Dr. Joseph Stowell is an internationally recognized conference speaker who has written several books and works with a variety of Christian organizations. His ministry began in the 1970s, though, when he not only pastored churches in the Midwest but also was an early guest lecturer at the newly founded Bible Institute in New York.

Dr. Stowell taught Philippians and Genesis, and he also gave special separate devotions for the guy and girl students on dating and personal relationships.

After 17 years pastoring in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan, Dr. Stowell served as the president of Moody Bible Institute from 1987 to 2005. He also preached at churches and conferences and wrote books, booklets, and magazine articles. He’s been the president of Cornerstone University (Grand Rapids, Michigan) since 2008 and also has an Internet ministry with Radio Bible Class Ministries. He and his wife, Martie, have three adult children and 10 grandchildren.

What was your first connection with Word of Life?
As a boy growing up in Hackensack, New Jersey, I would often go to the Word of Life meetings held in Times Square in New York City. Later, I asked my girlfriend to marry me on the beach in Schroon Lake. She was a waitress at the Inn.

What are some of your memories from teaching at the Bible Institute?
I loved the interaction with the students and the teaching atmosphere (in Council Hall).

Whose life has impacted yours the most spiritually, and why?
My father, my wife, Howard Hendricks, and Haddon Robinson. My dad, for his character and faithful service to Christ. My wife Martie’s godly life and wise perspectives. Howard Hendricks, for his love of God’s Word, and Haddon Robinson, for teaching me how to preach. Plus many others who have influenced me along my journey with Christ.

How do you want to be remembered?
As a faithful servant of Christ whose life and ministry reflected well on Jesus and brought glory to His name. As a good husband, loving father, and faithful friend.

What one thing would you like to communicate with our alumni?
Love God! Love others!

Dr. Stowell will be speaking at next spring’s Founder’s Conference (March 27-29).

Alumni Gatherings: Spring 2014.

We're still locking down the details, but pencil in the dates and locations for these alumni gatherings this spring.

March 21: Capital City Baptist Church (Columbia, South Carolina)
March 22: The Summit Church, Brier Creek campus (Durham, North Carolina)
April 10: The Chapel (Goetzville, New York)
April 11: The Bible Chapel, South Hills campus (McMurray, Pennsylvania)
April 22: Bridgewater Baptist Church (Montrose, Pennsylvania)
April 26-27: The Creation Museum (Petersburg, Kentucky)
April 29: North Royalton Baptist Church (North Royalton,Ohio)
May 9: Faith Community Church (Gambrills, Maryland)
May 10: Fellowship Bible Church (Sewell, New Jersey)
May 16-17: Bible Institute's Owen Sound campus
May 23-26: Homecoming/Founders Conference/Alumni Reunions/Memorial Day (Bible Institute's New York campus)

For a complete list of alumni gatherings, visit wordoflife.edu/alumnigatherings.

Homecoming • Founders Conference • Alumni Reunions • Memorial Day

May 23-26, 2014

We anticipate alumni from all over the country joining us in Schroon Lake for Homecoming this spring during Founders Conference on Memorial Day weekend. Speakers for the conference are Don Lough, Jr., Harry Bollback, and our special guest speaker, Dr. Paul Dixon, chancellor of Cedarville University. The featured speaker at our Memorial Day patriotic rally is Lt. Col. and Texas state Sen. Brian Birdwell. Brian was severely injured on 9/11 at the Pentagon.

Activities for the weekend include a reception Friday night after the opening session, a camp tour, a golf outing (Saturday afternoon), family fun time (Sunday afternoon), and the introduction of the Alumnus of the Year. Accommodations are available at the Word of Life Inn & Family Lodge, and meals are available at the Inn and Bible Institute. We look forward to seeing you there!

Two reunions are in the works, but alumni from all years are welcome:

40th Reunion (Class of 1974)
Hosts: Dave Feltz, Joanne Scurlock Feltz, Elizabeth Bollback Nelson
Honored Guest: Dr. John and Janet Master

35th Reunion (Class of 1979)
Host: Daryl Bollinger

Preliminary Schedule:
Friday (May 23), 7 p.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 9:45 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 11:15 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Saturday (May 24), 7 p.m.: General Session (Harry Bollback)
Sunday (May 25), 9:45 a.m.: General Session (Dr. Paul Dixon)
Sunday (May 25), 11:15 a.m.: General Session (Don Lough, Jr.)
Monday (May 26), 11 a.m.: Memorial Day Concert and Rally (Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell)

Alumni Homecoming 2013.

Alumni Homecoming will be this spring at the New York campus, where alumni are invited to participate in Word of Life’s Memorial Day Weekend, Founder’s Conference, and a Patriotic Rally as well as celebrate what God has done since their time at the Bible Institute.

Alumni from all years, but especially the classes who are due for five- or 10-year reunions (1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008) are invited to enjoy the weekend and take advantage of the special events.

The Founder’s Conference speakers will be Dr. Stanley Toussaint and Dr. George Murray.

At the Patriotic Rally, Captain Jeff Struecker will be the honored speaker. He served with distinction as a chaplain and lead ranger in the Black Hawk Down rescue mission in Mogadishu, Somalia, and was featured in the book on which the movie Black Hawk Down was based.

Struecker has been honored with several medals for his service and sacrifice for the U.S., including participating in Operation Just Cause, Operation Iris Gold, Operation Gothic Serpent, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Wayne Lewis and the alumni crew will also organize several alumni-specific events.

As always, we have special, reduced rates for alumni for the weekend:

Please call Word of Life’s Customer Service Department at 518-494-6000 to book your reservation or for any questions you may have. You can also contact registrar@wol.org.

For more information about homecoming, finding classmates, or planning your own events, contact Wayne at waynel@wol.org. We’ll have more information on the Word of Life Bible Institute Alumni Facebook page and here on the blog. Check the site for updates and to see who else is joining us this spring.