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| In 1998, his church leadership in Michigan appointed him to direct its newly created department of Public Campus Ministries to cater for the spiritual needs of students on secular university campuses.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} | In 1998, his church leadership in Michigan appointed him to direct its newly created department of Public Campus Ministries to cater for the spiritual needs of students on secular university campuses.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} | ||
| ==Theology== | |||
| ===Method=== | |||
| In the 1990s, Pipim played a role in the Adventist debate over the Bible's authority and interpretation, an issue that came into greater prominence with the publication of Old Testament scholar ]'s ''Inspiration: Hard Questions, Honest Answers'' (1991).<ref>Thompson, Alden. ''Inspiration: Hard Questions, Honest Answers'' (1991). Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald.</ref> Perceiving this work “as the archetypical product of ] methodology,”<ref>McIver, Robert K., .</ref> Pipim and six other scholars of the ] issued a rejoinder in their book ''Issues in Revelation and Inspiration''.<ref>Frank Holbrook and Leo van Dolson, eds., ''Issues in Revelation and Inspiration'', ] Occasional Papers vol. 1 (]): ] Publications, 1992. OCLC 25701461.</ref> | |||
| An Evangelical publication, ''Reformation & Revival Journal'', describes Pipim's ''Receiving the Word'' as “a provocative Adventist treatment which looks at the pros and cons of various methods of Bible study.”<ref>John H. Armstrong, “,” ''Reformation & Revival Journal'', A Quarterly Journal for Church Leadership, vol. 9, no. 4 (Fall 2000), p. 151. accessed on May 4, 2011.</ref> ']'' describes Pipim as a leading critic of what he deems "liberal Adventism."<ref>Bull, Malcolm and Lockart, Keith. ''Seeking A Sanctuary: Seventh-day Adventists and the American Dream''. 2nd edition. Bloomington and Indianapolis: University of Indiana Press, 2007. pp. 278, 35.</ref> | |||
| In a work on “Adventist Views on Biblical and Prophetic Inspiration,” a colleague of Pipim's judged ''Receiving the Word'' as “one of the most influential landmarks in that debate” and one of “the two main conflicting poles around which gravitate the contemporary discussions on inspiration” during the second half of the 1990s.<ref>Timm, Alberto R. ''Journal of the Adventist Theological Society'', 10/1-2 (1999), pp. 534-535.</ref> | |||
| In addition to challenging the method of moderate liberalism, Pipim's book also worked to make a strong case for his church's 1986 “Methods of Bible Study” statement, which “urge Adventist Bible students to avoid relying on the use of the presuppositions and the resultant deductions associated with the historical-critical method.”<ref>” available on the General Conference and Biblical Research Institute websites (http://biblicalresearch.gc.adventist.org/documents/Methods%20Bible%20Study.htm). Published in the ''Adventist Review'' (January 22, 1987), pp. 18-24.</ref> ''Receiving the Word'' also claimed the use of contemporary higher criticism (the historical-critical method) was undermining key Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and practices.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} The book generated considerable reaction—both for and against. Some took exception to the book, dismissing it as a "]" view.<ref>Alden Thompson, " ''Spectrum 26:4'' (January 1998), pp. 50–52. George R. Knight, in ''Ministry'', December 1997, p. 30; cf. his, “The Case of the Overlooked Postscript: A Footnote on Inspiration,” ''Ministry'', August 1997. See also Charles Scriven, “Embracing the Spirit,” ''Spectrum'' 26 (September 1997): 28-37; Norman H. Young, “‘Moderate Liberalism’ Threatens Adventism,” ''Spectrum'' 26 (May 1997): 49-50; cf. Timothy E. Crosby, “The Bible: Inspiration and Authority,” ''Ministry'', May 1998, 18-20; Robert M. Johnston, “The Case for a Balanced Hermeneutic,” ''Ministry'', March 1999, 10-12.</ref> Scholars who embraced the church's historical positions, however, were more supportive of the book.<ref>Besides the favorable review of the book by the Director of the Biblical Research Institute of the General Conference, George W. Reid, in ''Ministry'', December 1997, 30-31, ''Receiving the Word'' was also endorsed by the following prominent thought leaders of the church: Norman R. Gulley, Paul Gordon, Raoul Dederen, ], Alberto R. Timm, William H. Shea, Keith Burton, C. Raymond Holmes, Artur A. Stele, and Randall W. Younker. Their endorsements appear at the back of the book, where Raoul Dederen sums up their evaluation of the book: "An amazingly clear and competent presentation which will supply Seventh-day Adventists with a reasoned statement of their own position and challenge liberals to reexamine their fundamental presuppositions. I wish it the widest circulation."</ref> | |||
| Pipim contributed to the ]'s book ''Interpreting Scripture'', published in 2010, a work which attempted to provide answers to questions often raised concerning the Bible.<ref>See: Pfandl Gerhard, ed., ''Interpreting Scripture: Bible Questions and Answers'' (Silver Springs, MD: Biblical Research Institute Studies, 2010).</ref> Besides CAMPUS (Center for Adventist Ministry to Public University Students) and the Emmanuel Institute of Evangelism, Michigan Conference's outreach school, Pipim also regularly teaches intensive courses on hermeneutics to students enrolled at, AFCOE (]), ARISE (A Resource Institute for Soul-winning and Evangelism), and LIFE (Lay Institute for Evangelism), supporting institutes run by Adventist supporting organizations.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} | |||
| ===Positions=== | |||
| Other than his contribution to Adventist discussions on biblical methodology, Pipim has also been involved in some of the most contentious issues in his church.<ref>''Here We Stand: Evaluating New Trends in the Church'' (2005). Berrien Springs, MI: Adventists Affirm. ISBN 0-9677622-1-9; ''Must We Be Silent: Issues Dividing Our Church'' (2001). Berrien Springs, MI: Berean Books. ISBN 978-1-890014-03-2; cf. http://www.drpipim.org. For a review of Must We Be Silent, see Muchee, Julius Mucunku (2001). Book Review of ''Must We Be Silent?'' In ''Asia Adventist Seminary Studies'', vol. 4 (2001), pp. 122-125. Bennett, Shakeela (2001). Book Review of ''Must We Be Silent?'' In ''Adventists Affirm'', vol. 15, (Spring 2001), pp. 61-63.</ref>{{Better source|date=June 2011}} For example, Pipim contributed to the book ''Prove All Things'' (2000), the most extensive critical appraisal of ''Women in Ministry,'' a book by scholars at Andrews University such as Gerard Damsteegt.<ref>Mercedes Dyer, ed., (2000). Berrien Springs, MI: Adventists Affirm, pp. 17-44; 179-218, 287-312, accessed May 4, 2011.</ref>{{Better source|date=June 2011}} He actively participated in the church's creation-evolution discussions during the “Faith and Science Conferences” in 2002 and 2004.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} He has spoken out against the black and white racially-based church structures in North America, the biblical legitimacy of homosexuality, what he calls "unbiblical" ] and remarriage, certain ] styles, ] methods that employ gospel gimmicks, prayer warriors and other trends in the church.<ref>See his ''Must We Be Silent: Issues Dividing Our Church,'' pp. 299-441; cf. “Saved by Grace and Living by Race: The Religion Called Racism,” ''Journal of the Adventist Theological Society,'' 5/2 (Autumn 1994): 37-78. </ref>{{Better source|date=June 2011}}<ref>“Born a Gay and Born Again?: Adventism's Changing Attitude,” ''Journal of the Adventist Theological Society'',10/1–2 (Spring–Autumn 1999): 141-183</ref>{{Better source|date=June 2011}}<ref>See his ''Must We Be Silent: Issues Dividing Our Church'' (2001). Berrien Springs, MI: Berean Books. ISBN 978-1-890014-03-2. See also ''Here We Stand: Evaluating New Trends in the Church'' (2005). Berrien Springs, MI: Adventists Affirm. pp. 37-51, 101-121, 139-161, 241-257, 381-390, 495-510, 535-600, 749-761, 779-794; ISBN 0-9677622-1-9.</ref>{{Better source|date=June 2011}} Also through his reviews of some scholarly works and his foreword or endorsement of certain published authors, he has also articulated his own views on such topics as the atonement of Christ, abortion, and war.<ref>Review of Clark H. Pinnock's ''The Wideness in God's Mercy: The Finality of Jesus Christ in a World of Religions'' (1992). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans; Pipim's review is found in Andrews University Seminary Studies 33 (Autumn 1995): 315-318.</ref>{{better source|date=September 2011}}<ref>Review of ''Abortion: Ethical Issues & Options'' (1992) ed. David R. Larson. Loma Linda, CA: Loma Linda University Press; Pipim's book review is found in ''College and University Dialogue'' 6:3 (1994):26-27.</ref>{{better source|date=September 2011}}<ref>“Foreword,” in Karl Tsatalbasidis & Keith Phillip, ''I Pledge Allegiance: The Role of Seventh-day Adventists in the Military'' (2007). Keith Philips. pp. 11-14.</ref>{{better source|date=September 2011}} | |||
| ==Work== | |||
| ===Public speaking and writing=== | |||
| Pipim has travelled extensively, speaking in churches and church gatherings, at schools, civic events and other venues.{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} He has also appeared on various Christian TV channels including ], ] and Amazing Discoveries.{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} Pipim has also spoken in many African Universities giving a lecture series, dubbed the "Why" lecture series which largely consists of him asking a series of “Why” questions intended to illustrate his points.<ref>For example, during his March 2010 lecture at Ashesi University College in Ghana, Pipim outlined the following steps or principles to aid Africans in their quest to improve conditions on the continent: 1. Know and understand the problem; 2. Grow people to think outside the box; 3. Pursue excellence; and 4. Don't underestimate the power of one person. See, , accessed March 18, 2011.</ref> | |||
| ===Youth ministry=== | |||
| Between 1999 and 2011 Pipim served as the director of CAMPUS (Center for Adventist Ministry to Public University Students), a division of Michigan Conference Public Campus Ministries department. It is located near the ] in ]. | |||
| CAMPUS was the department through which the ] birthed, sponsored and directed the beginnings of Generation of Youth for Christ, then known as the General Youth Conference or GYC. | |||
| Pipim has also been active in the Adventist Church's young adule ministry in other parts of the world. One of the ways he has done this is through an organization in Africa, ALIVE (Africans Living In View of Eternity). ALIVE is sponsored by CAMPUS and is a movement that intends to “change the face of Africa,” by mobilizing “committed and dedicated young people with the courage to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” In the words of a leader of ALIVE, this new breed of Africans are responding to the call “to lead by principle and conviction . . . to cease settling for mediocrity and become an agent of positive change.”<ref>Karemera, Valmy Stephen. “President's Welcome,” http://www.africansalive.org, Accessed March 22, 2011.</ref> | |||
| ===Generation of Youth for Christ=== | |||
| {{main|Generation of Youth for Christ}} | |||
| Writing about the history of GYC, a retired communication director of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, states the leaders of GYC were attracted to Pipim's “can-do, tell-it-like-it-is, traditional Adventism” and his “‘higher than the highest’ philosophy: of excellence that he advocated through CAMPUS.<ref name=shirleyburtonreview>Shirley Burton, also a retired communication director of ASI, writes this in the ''Inside ASI'' magazine, the official publication of the International ASI organization: “They were enrolled at some of the nation's most well known schools: Harvard, Brandeis, Wellesley, Brown, Princeton, Rutgers, Boston University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan. All were Seventh-day Adventist youth trying to maintain their religious roots on secular campuses... All wanted something more from their religion than ‘anecdotes and entertainment.’ And then they heard about CAMPUS at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor... The message of CAMPUS and its mentor Samuel Pipim reached these students. Dr. Pipim's challenge for spiritual and academic excellence fell on willing ears and hearts. Students liked his can-do, tell-it-like-it-is, traditional Adventism. Committed to Dr. Pipim's ‘higher than the highest’ philosophy of excellence, these scattered students began dreaming what they called the great experiment in 1999.” (Shirley Burton, “,” ''Inside ASI Magazine'', Spring 2008, p. 14), accessed April 19, 2011.</ref> Empowered by Pipim's conservative theology and ideals, “these scattered students began dreaming what they called the great experiment in 1999.”<ref name=shirleyburtonreview /> Critics however, saw GYC as nothing more than another manifestation of reactionary, ]. | |||
| Until his resignation in 2011, Pipim continued to play a large role in shaping the direction of the youth movement through sitting on GYC's board of directors and being a regular presenter at GYC's annual conventions. During the 2008 convention, GYC stated that Pipim had "developed a reputation for his bold messages and commitment to the ultimate authority of God's Word.”<ref>2008 GYC programming booklet, p. 16. The same description is found in the 2009 and 2010 GYC programming booklets.</ref> | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
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Samuel Koranteng Pipim (born December 10, 1957) is a US-Ghanaian author and speaker, who was a well known theologian and "youth minister" in the conservative Adventist community. He based his office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and until 2011, he ran a "ministry" for young adults on public university campuses, spoke around the world at events for young adults, and was influential in starting Generation of Youth for Christ (GYC), which is a revival movement of conservative Adventist youth in North America.
Resignation and Publicized Allegations of Rape
Following the exposure of a rape in Botswana, which happened while he was there speaking at an event for young leaders in the church, he resigned his ministerial credentials on May 31, 2011, and was disfellowshipped by his local church on June 15, 2011. He pushed for re-baptism in 2012, and the church was going forward with plans for this event, but it was canceled when another victim came forward with her story of being taken advantage of and raped by Mr. Pipim.
He admitted to being involved with the victim in Botswana, and also with the victim who came forward in 2012, but has never acknowledged that he committed a crime towards them, and insists it was simply a "moral fall." He is also the one who has made the whole thing as public as it is.
Since that time 5 other victims have come forward with their stories of spiritual abuse and rape at the hands of Mr. Pipim. He has never acknowledged these victims, and he continued to promote himself as a spiritual leader, publish books, and take speaking engagements. He also continued to work toward being re-baptized into the church, without showing any signs of repentance.
On June 20, 2014, Mr. Pipim obtained his goal and was re-baptized at the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Columbus, Ohio. The pastor of this church was away at the time, and Pastor Dan Hall, from the Griffin Hilltop Church in Georgia flew to Columbus to perform the ceremony, thus effectively removing all responsible parties from accountability. Pastor Hall had been in Ann Arbor when Pipim began his "ministry" there and is good friends with Mr. Pipim.
The Michigan conference has stated that they do not approve of his re-baptism, but still refuses to name his crimes for what they are, instead preferring the neutral phrase "moral fall."
Biography
Pipim was born in Ghana, West Africa. He holds a degree in engineering from the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, where he subsequently served as a research and teaching assistant. Having been a leader in a non-denominational, charismatic movement, Pipim later became a Seventh-day Adventist. After accepting the call to the gospel ministry, he worked in the Central Ghana conference as its Coordinator of Campus Ministries. He later went to the United States to pursue a ministerial training at Andrews University where in 1998 he received a PhD in systematic theology, specializing in biblical authority, interpretation and ecclesiology. His doctoral dissertation, The Role of the Holy Spirit in Biblical Interpretation: A Study in the Writings of James I. Packer, was under the supervision of Raoul Dederen, with Clark H. Pinnock as the external examiner.
In 1998, his church leadership in Michigan appointed him to direct its newly created department of Public Campus Ministries to cater for the spiritual needs of students on secular university campuses.
References
- http://www.atoday.org/article/1221/news/june-headlines/pipim-sexual-abuse-victim-the-story-from-a-first-person-observer
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/104808763/Jay-Gallimore-on-Samuel-Pipim
- http://advindicate.com/articles/1360
- http://advindicate.com/articles/2014/7/1/michigan-conf-statement-on-pipims-rebaptism
- "Dr. Samuel Koranteng Pipim speaks about making a difference". March 11, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2011.
- More About Dr. Pipim, retrieved July 8, 2011
- To Ordain or Not to Ordain? The Campaign for Women's Ordination, Part 1, retrieved August 26, 2011
- More About Dr. Pipim, retrieved August 26, 2011
- “The Role of the Holy Spirit in Biblical Interpretation: A Study in the Writings of James Innel Packer”.
External links
- Koranteng-Pipim, Samuel (1996). Receiving the Word (PDF) (online ed.). Berrien Springs, Michigan: Berean Books. p. 368. ISBN 1-890014-00-1.
- Template:Worldcat id
- CAMPUS
- Articles by Koranteng-Pipim as cataloged in the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index (SDAPI)