Homecoming Guests to Talk Racial Healing and Hymn Writing

When COVID-19 became a pandemic, the world in many ways hit “pause.” But as tension grew and new challenges emerged, the role of Christian leadership became ever more vital.

This weekend for Gordon’s first-ever virtual Homecoming and Family Weekend, the College community will hear from three special guests who aim to bring comfort and healing through their work: award-winning hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty of Getty Music, and Sheila Wise Rowe, author of Healing Racial Trauma: The Road to Resilience (InterVarsity Press 2020).

Sheila Wise Rowe | October 3, 2 p.m.

Rowe, whose husband is Gordon Associate Vice President for Student Engagement Nicholas Rowe, will discuss her book live for Homecoming audiences at 2 p.m., October 3. In Healing Racial Trauma, she examines the message from Scripture that “we are all fearfully and wonderfully made,” candidly reflecting on her own experiences and others’ experiences as victims of racism.

“Amid tragedy and racial trauma, we can seek healing and also embrace joy,” says Rowe. “As we love, work, thrive or struggle the Lord continuously saves, imparts grace, new life, beauty and justice.”

Beyond writing, Rowe is also the executive director of The Rehoboth House, an international ministry that “offers an oasis of hope, healing and transformation” through sessions, conferences, retreats and writing. With over more than 25 years of experience as a Christian counselor, spiritual director, educator, writer and speaker, the ministry has taken Rowe to churches, conferences, organizations and universities around the United States, to South Africa and to France.

Keith and Kristyn Getty | October 3, 3 p.m.

Best known for Christian hymns like “In Christ Alone,” written with Stuart Townend, Keith and Kristyn Getty are pre-eminent hymn writers in the world today. In a special conversation with President Michael Lindsay at 3 p.m., the Gettys will bring their perspectives on worship, their faith and work during COVID-19 to Homecoming, October 3.

“The Gettys’ passion to equip the Church to respond to God’s command to sing is seen not only through their expanding catalog of celebrated hymns, but also in a range of ministry initiatives aimed at promoting vibrant worship built on a foundation of deep theology,” says Gordon Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra Conductor Benjamin Klemme.

Klemme has come to appreciate the Gettys on a personal and professional level—his wife has performed and worked with the Gettys for nearly 15 years, and Klemme himself has served as a choral and orchestral advisor and conductor for the Gettys’ ministry, leading choirs and orchestras for their annual Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Sing! Conference events. Having served many years and traveled many miles with the Gettys, Klemme says the couple has made a powerful impact on individual lives, families, congregations and the Church around the world.

“As a musician I find inspiration in the timeless artistry of their hymns, which give us words to both worship God and sing the riches of his Word as we walk the Christian life,” he says. Now, he looks forward to introducing the Gordon community to these influential Christian artists. He says, “I know that everyone who attends their Homecoming conversation with President Lindsay will be stirred with a renewed hunger for making music from our hearts to the Lord.”

Register online for access to conversations with Sheila Wise Rowe, the Gettys and more at Homecoming and Family Weekend 2020, October 2 and 3.