The New Beginning

Faculté Jean Calvin’s heritage dates from World War II, but by the 1960s the Seminary did not have enough students to continue operating. In 1974, it changed its charter and reopened its doors. However, this time as an independent confessional seminary rather than a denominational one, thereby attracting more students and in continuous operation ever since. The link below is to its first publication (French) in 1975 after that new beginning, which includes several important articles and interesting photos.

The first article, translated below, presents the opening address by Pierre Filhol. Now 46 years later, his assessment of our modern world remains spot on. As Bill Edgar recounts, this solid Cévenol led the Seminary at that time, along with Pierre Courthial. He was an enlightened elder in the Eglise Reformée Evangélique (now UNEPREF). Trained as a lawyer, he was also a brilliant money manager. His wisdom and counsel were significant for the development of our beloved work. He and his dear wife, Renée, were pillars of the Seminary through the 1990s. Their personal kindness and hospitality were unparalleled.

Revue de la Faculté de Théologie Réformée 1975

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Opening address by Pierre Filhol

To inaugurate a new Theological Seminary where future pastors, evangelists, missionaries or quite simply the faithful complete their knowledge of the catechism and train, may seem a very odd decision in our time. Some will even think that it is an unnecessary luxury, obsolete moreover, and they have not failed to let us know here and there that today there are really more important things to do. I think, despite everything, that this Seminary will be an addition to those which are already functioning but not too much. Indeed, if we disregard the Seminary of Strasbourg, with its very special status, there are only three Seminaries of Protestant Theology in France and insofar as each of them - which is the case currently - presents a very marked distinction. One cannot speak of an overabundance of goods, but simply of abundance "which does not harm" as the saying goes, even in theology.

So, I would like, in a few words, to explain the why and the how of this undertaking.

I – First Why

We are living, you will easily agree with me, in a very confusing moment in the history of mankind. It is a time for questioning, uncertainty, doubt, interrogation. After an extraordinary era of discovery and scientific and technological progress of all kinds, our modern world is increasingly questioning the content of the type of society it has relentlessly built for itself over several generations, and the goals to be sought for the next ten or fifteen years. Political and economic leaders are increasingly worried, and the keywords ‘expansion’ and ‘growth’ are being questioned. The formidable industrial structure put in place totters and turns out to be a colossus with feet of clay facing the challenge thrown at it by some Desert States. And, in the basement is filled with this "black gold" (oil) whose quadrupling of price in a few months has become the obsession of those who govern.

In terms of mores, taboos more or less preserved until now sometimes with a lot of hypocrisy, are now rejected by the impertinence of men and women who want, they say, to live differently, faster, and more fully than those who came before them. Literature and cinema are invaded by an ever more aggressive eroticism. Thus in 1973, 20% of cinema receipts were made by pornographic films. The producers and distributors questioned on this disastrous aspect of current cinema simply replied: "people like it and the trade finds it profitable”. I personally add, do not upset the laws of the sacrosanct liberal economy which only retain the criterion of profitability to judge the value of a company. With such arguments, the porn film has a bright future ahead of it!

We are also living in a time of discrepancies and inconsistencies. Two men have underlined, in recent news, this harsh reality:

- Professor Jean Bernard (interviewed on television after the scientific colloquium at the Sorbonne) speaks of "rational concern" in the face of the discordance between scientific progress, particularly biological progress, which is ever more advanced and conquering, and the stagnation of Human age. There’s no common measure, he says, between the knowledge of a modern scholar and that of Archimedes, but between Plato and a modern philosopher, one can truly speak of regression.

- Another example: during the last Assembly of the International Monetary Fund, the President of the World Bank, "the bank of poor countries", spoke of the "billion inhabitants of the planet condemned to a desperate future, if the international community does not immediately come to their aid”.

So, while our country is wondering about the advisability of limiting the speed on the motorway and setting the heating of apartments at a maximum of 20 degrees (68F), a few thousand kilometers away famine is silently killing thousands of human lives.

The questioning of traditional values, discrepancies and disruption of socio-economic mechanisms, accompanied by the questioning of those responsible, the worry even of the most rational, characterize our modern world.

I believe the Bible contains the definitive and eternal answer to this absurd and heartbreaking situation. It is the ancient book in which God has recorded the teaching which allows mankind to live fully today, consistently and responsibly, for himself and for others. This is why this Seminary is opening, to try humbly, but with faith and perseverance, to make heard the message of God to our contemporaries.

lI - HOW DOES THIS SEMINARY WORK

a) It has an autonomous administrative structure: it does not depend on any public authority, of course, but also on no private institution. It is not under the direction or control of any synod or church assembly. Its Board is a deliberative and sovereign body. All those who want to be associated with this effort and who are working on it are represented there. In all, seventeen titular members.

I would like to thank the Independent Evangelical Reformed Churches and the Worship Association for the support of the Seminary, which accepted this radical transformation compared to the former Seminary of Protestant Theology (denominational), and particularly the Association which provides its premises free of charge at the disposal of the Board and has financed, in the last twelve months, more than 200,000 Francs of development work. 

b) In terms of management, this Seminary is “self-managed”. By this I mean that the administration is appointed, elected directly by the Board of the Seminary, with regard to the President of the Board, the Vice-President, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. And by the Council of Professors, with regard to the Academic Director.

c) The Seminary is confessing and not pluralistic. All the members of the Board, with the exception of the representative of the students, must expressly adhere to the basic texts of the Seminary: the confession of faith of the Reformed Churches of France of 1559 known as “of La Rochelle” and the declaration of faith of the World Evangelical Alliance. The same is true for all full professors.

d) The Seminary is a servant, it wants to be at the service of all Protestant churches. Its ambition is not to privilege such and such, nor to pass judgment on such and such another. From the outset, it wanted to mark its theological distinction which makes it, if not its raison d'être, at least its originality. But this being said, so that any ambiguity is removed, I would point out that it was not created in reaction to such a tendency of current French Protestantism. The determination which animated its promoters, and which led the Seminary’s team is by no means defensive and passive, but resolutely offensive and therefore positive, and this without partisan or sectarian spirit. We do not want to work against men, clans, orientations of which some of us might disapprove, but we simply and firmly wish to associate ourselves with the testimony of the Reformation which affirms that: "God makes himself known to people by His Works which are manifest, and even more clearly by His Word which we call: Sacred Scripture."

I therefore solemnly declare open the Free Seminary of Reformed Theology of Aix-en-Provence, and without further ado I wish it a long life in the service of the churches and for the glory of God.

Fewer French Believe

A French opinion and marketing research institute (IFOP) has released the findings of a recent survey on the relationship of the French to religion.   The IFOP survey reveals that fewer and fewer French people believe in God (51%), a 15% decrease from 1947 when 66% of respondents claimed to be believers.   

 Equally interesting is that the vast majority (91%) of those completing the survey felt that the Coronavirus pandemic had not ignited in them a desire to connect with their faith and religious practices.  However, 21% of French respondents said that the 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris had stirred in them a religious feeling or spiritual hunger.  

 Read more about this survey by Evangelical Focus Europe by clicking here

The Faculté Jean Calvin in Aix-en-Provence plays a strategic role in training pastors and lay leaders to be a light in the midst of the darkness and disillusionment that are so prevalent within French society.    

 Will you join us in praying for the seminary?  Will you partner with The Huguenot Fellowship to ensure that the strategic work of Faculté Jean Calvin goes forward “from strength to strength” (Psalm 84) ?  

October 7-9, 1940

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Jean-Philippe Bru, Professor and Occupant of the James M. Boice Chair of Practical Theology at Faculté Jean Calvin, graciously provided a copy of a truly historical document in the life of the Seminary.

It’s the first journal published by the Seminary (1941), which is dedicated to its opening in October of the prior year. Amazingly, this was during the Occupation of France during World War II. What a marvelous reminder that God brings light into darkness, which is no less needed in our day!

The first article is translated below. Tragically, a pastor from Marseille and lecturer at the Seminary was killed “on the field of honor”. Indeed, this was a very challenging time to launch a seminary!

Here’s a link to the entire document for those of you who read French.

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Days of Opening and Retreat 
of the Free Protestant Theological Seminary
of Aix-en-Provence

 October 7-9, 1940

 The Seminary of Aix is ​​open! This significant and promising event took place in privacy and contemplation. It was preferable that a solemnity, worthy of our Churches, as well as of the university traditions of the National Union of Reformed Evangelical Churches of France, mark this memorable date with more extensive publicity. However, the present times and trials of our country have not made that possible. So, it is only in the presence of representatives of the Permanent Commission, of the Academic Commission, of the Executive Commission, of some pastors, of the professors, of the students, and the faithful of the Church of Aix that these three days of retreat and prayer took place. The opening session and the retreat were extremely moving and blessed; the past, the dear and great past, was in the spotlight, and the position of the Seminary, ecclesiastically and doctrinally, was excellently presented. 

First of all, let's talk about the setting. Just minutes from the center of the artistic and studious city, where one can tirelessly admire the old hotels with weathered stones and the beautiful fountains, near the magnificent public garden, there is the entrance gate with its inscription: Free Seminary of Protestant Theology of Aix-en-Provence. We enter the large park with golden foliage which the Provençal sun gently caresses on these autumn days. In the background, the house is bright, welcoming, and already so well furnished. Of course, the installation is not yet complete, but what touching gifts are already present, such pieces of furniture, such paintings, such books!

The reception of the Church of Aix was perfect. In Aix one realizes very quickly that the Seminary is a Seminary of the Church, received with joy and eagerness by the local Church. A large number of its members attended the various events of these three days, and the speakers truly felt uplifted by the prayers and the attention of all, both in the theological nave where we met in the morning and in the afternoon, as well as in the attractive sanctuary which overflowed with a considerable crowd in the evening.

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The actual opening session was scheduled for Monday evening, October 7, at the Church. One heard there first with interest and emotion the messages of Mr. Pastor Teulon, President of the Permanent Commission, of Dr. Castan, President of the Academic Commission, after which Mr. Dean Lamorte recalled in broad outline the past, from the Alma Mater of Montauban to the new house of Aix, telling us how many obstacles were overcome, how the authorities of the city and the University of Aix facilitated everything, then presenting the program and spirit of the Seminary.

While in September there was only one student counted on, there were five enrolled at the time of the opening (and this number rose to ten in January 1941). We know that the Church of Aix will embrace the students and that this welcoming Church will offer a fertile field in which to work with its multiple branches and broad activities.

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The next day, October 8, the two-day spiritual retreat began, which the Seminary Council had rightly placed before the start of work; this Retreat allowed close contact between professors and students in an atmosphere of meditation and prayer, and was an opportunity for the students to connect with the Church.

On the morning of October 8, there was a prayer meeting led by Professor Guelfucci; in the afternoon, a lesson by Professor Serr: "The Theological Student in the XVIth Century", and a lesson by Professor Bruston: “The Student before the Word of God ". In the evening, a service at the church, led by Professors Bruston, Guelfucci, Lamorte and Serr.

On the morning of October 9, a prayer meeting led by Pastor Teulon; in the afternoon, a lesson from Prof. Guelfucci: “The interior life of the student”.

The text of most of the various speeches and lessons given during these three days will be found herein.

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A veil of mourning nevertheless hovered over these days, caused by the news, now confirmed, of the glorious death in the field of honor of Pastor André Albert, from Marseille, recently appointed Lecturer at the Seminary upon whom much hope was placed; captain of the Zouaves, M. Albert valiantly gave his life for the country, but his absence leaves a painful void in our Churches which will be difficult to fill.

The Seminary is now at work (its library already has 300 volumes). Christian friends, think of her, pray for her students, pray for those who have such a heavy responsibility to train them. That in the Seminary, in the Church, in every ministry, in our whole life the whole motto of the Reformation blazes:

To God Alone Be The Glory!

New Law on Separatism

France’s Protestant Committee for Human Dignity (CPDH) recently sent a letter to its members, excerpted here and translated for English readers. This letter reports on the controversial new law on separatism. While intended to curb the growth of extremism and resulting terrorist attacks, which have plagued France in recent years, this law has chilling implications for Christian churches and homeschooling families.

Dear friends of the CPDH,

…the law “consolidating republican principles” marks a shift in the state's relationship with worship, to the point where, quite rightly, the National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF) spoke of a “laïcité de surveillance” (surveillance secularism).

This increased control and the accompanying reduction in freedoms will result in:

Religious associations must register with the prefect every five years;

Their accounting obligations are increased. Foreign donations of more than 10,000 euros must be specially declared. The prefect may object to these when he considers that a fundamental interest of society is at stake;

Associations or foundations, which request a public subsidy, will have to undertake to respect the secular character and the principles of the Republic (gender equality, human dignity, fraternity ...) in a "republican contract of engagement". If they violate this obligation, the grant will have to be repaid. Compliance with the contract becomes a condition for obtaining an authorization or recognition of public utility;

The schooling of all children in a school becomes compulsory at the start of the 2022 school year. Homeschooling will be subject to authorization (no longer only to declaration) and granted only for four reasons: state of health or disability of the child; practice of intensive sporting or artistic activities; family homelessness; situation specific to the child motivating the educational project. But thanks to pressure from associations defending freedom of education, full authorization until 2023-2024 has been provided for families already practicing family education in satisfactory conditions.

To learn more: consult the government site (French).

Rentrée Académique

The 2021/2022 academic year is starting at Faculté Jean Calvin. On Sunday, September 12., Frédéric Bican, pastor of the Evangelical Protestant Church Biblical Action in Grasse, will speak on the theme “Anne, when peace replaces pain”. On the following day, students on campus will have a session with Frédéric Bican on the theme “Meditation on responsibility in the Church” (2 & 3 John). First semester courses will then start for students on campus.

Let’s rejoice along with our brothers and sisters at the Fac that classes will again be held in-person.

Let’s pray faithfully for God’s blessing, encouragement, and protection for its students, teachers, and staff. The French-speaking world urgently needs more well-trained pastors, missionaries, and lay-workers to serve the Lord and His Church.

Let’s partner with The Huguenot Fellowship with prayers and gifts in support of Faculté Jean Calvin.

Friend, I want you...

Paul D. Wolfe

Paul D. Wolfe

August, 2021

know you can picture that poster.

That famous Uncle Sam poster.

We’ve all seen it. More to the point—and it is pointed—he’s seen you.

He’s looking right at you with a stern gaze, and pointing right at you with an outstretched index finger, and he’s saying, “I want you for the U.S. Army.”

With that gaze and that finger, who can refuse him?!

Here at the Huguenot Fellowship we don’t exactly have an Uncle Sam equivalent. But I do have several nieces and nephews myself, which makes me Uncle Paul, and I do have some grey hair and some grey whiskers now , so I’m happy to play the role.

Friend, I want you...

...to consider the part you might play in encouraging your local congregation to contribute to the Huguenot Fellowship, and thus join us in supporting Faculté Jean Calvin (FJC) in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Here at the end of August, church budget season is just around the corner. It won’t be long before local congregations are fashioning their budgets for 2022, including the mission works they’ll support.

The Huguenot Fellowship receives around 40% of our giving from churches. Is yours one of them? If not, maybe it can become one. And maybe you can let folks in your church know about FJC to help make it happen.

Perhaps your church has a missions committee, and there’s a point-of-contact who would be interested in learning about FJC. Or perhaps the pastor is that point-of-contact by virtue of his role as one of the leaders of the church. You know best. You’re there. You’re on location. And that’s exactly why we’d like to encourage you to consider letting others know in your church community.

And we stand at the ready to furnish you with any information and materials that would be helpful to you if you want to promote the cause. (Our website— http://www.huguenotfellowship.org/—is always a very good place to start.)

And no question, it is a worthy cause! For over 45 years, the evangelical protestant seminary that is FJC has been providing solid, scriptural instruction across the full spectrum of biblical and theological disciplines, equipping its students to serve the church and make Christ known. There are very few evangelical seminaries in France today, and FJC shines among them.

Interested in serving as an ambassador for FJC in your church? Email us at hello@huguenotfellowship.org and we’ll make sure you’re equipped!

Warmly,
Uncle Paul

Paul D. Wolfe
President, The Huguenot Fellowship
Pastor, New Hope Presbyterian Church, Fairfax, VA paul@huguenotfellowship.org

What Are You Here For?

Aquarium Choir

Aquarium Choir

“What are you here for?”

May the Lord’s name be praised and His Kingdom come!

Across the ages, music has played an integral role in the life and growth of the Church of Jesus Christ.  It’s not surprising that a summer musical festival in the beauty of the Cévennes mountains in southern France would draw a crowd, especially with the diversity of musical presentations – children’s choir, Christian rapper, cellist with vocals…… listen.

The Festival – “Aqua tu Sers?” (What are you here for?)  from July 23rd - 25th, was the culmination of two weeks of the Aquarium Choir camp for 70 children, coming primarily from across the south of France.  This quintessential question was addressed during the weekend festival through various workshops, devotionals, the Aquarium concert, and two other concerts featuring Christian musicians from across Europe.  

 The Aquarium choir was birthed from the vision of Pastor Marc Toureille, a graduate of Faculté Jean Calvin, in 2000.   http://choraleaquarium1.e-monsite.com/     

Why the choice of “Aquarium” as the name for the children’s choir?  The image of fish in water stems from the Greek word, ICHTUS, a term used by 1st century persecuted Christians as a way of recognizing each other.  The words came to signify a Declaration of Faith with the acrostic – Jesus-Christ, Son of God, Savior.   The desire of those working with the choir is that these children, these “little fish” in the “Aquarium of Music” would, in turn, make this same declaration the cry of their heart. 

Since 2014, the ministry of the Aquarium choir has expanded to include a two-week camp in the Cévennes mountains, under the leadership of Pastor Pascal Gonzalez, also a graduate of Faculté Jean Calvin.  The impact of the choir has expanded with the production of eight CDs, and concerts in churches across the South of France, as well as in the Netherlands and Switzerland. The choir is open to any children between the ages of 4 and 16 who want to worship their Creator through song by taking a plunge into the Aquarium!

Prayer room at the Christian Conference Center in the Cévennes mountains

Prayer room at the Christian Conference Center in the Cévennes mountains

Give Out Of Abundance

Although The Huguenot Fellowship is not equiped to accept Bitcoin donations :-), we are pleased to remind you that donations in the form of stock are most welcome. Simply access the stock-gifting form by clicking here, print and complete the form, then send it to us and give a copy to your broker.

Equity markets are at close to all time highs. Please consider making a gift of stock before the next big correction! Your faithful generous support is greatly needed in helping Faculté Jean Calvin train pastors, missionaries, and lay-workers to serve the Lord in the French-speaking world. Thank you!

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ~ 2 Cor. 9:7