COUPLE NAMED ALUMS OF THE YEAR

Jan and Myron Chartier met at an American Baptist youth camp high in the Rocky Mountains. Their journey of ministry and 45 years of marriage has taken them from Colorado all across the country, including three years at ABSW, where they graduated in 1963.

As prolific writers, teachers, and pastors, the Chartiers have been committed to nurturing the health and vitality of the local church. They have devoted energy to cultivating the well-being of pastors. And they have given time to developing structures and resources for growing disciples across the lifespan.

For their extensive contributions and significant ministry, the Chartiers have been named 2005 Alumni of the Year.

“Jan and Myron Chartier embody the truth that ministry is a lifelong calling, expressed in different ways at different seasons, but always in the service of Christ’s church,” says the Rev. Michelle Holmes, vice president. “We are proud to honor the Chartiers for their extraordinary commitment.”

Jan and Myron married while students at the University of Colorado. After seminary, they served in campus ministry in Kansas for five years, during which time they adopted their daughter, Melody, from South Korea.

They both earned doctorates in human communication studies at the University of Denver, where their son, Tim, was born. After doctoral studies, they returned to ABSW to teach for three years.

In the years that followed, their ministry took them to teaching posts at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, regional ministry in Michigan, then back to Denver to serve part time on the pastoral staff of Calvary Baptist Church.

Today, the Chartiers live in Charlotte, N.C., where they continue to write, share their gifts, and spend time with family, including their grandson, Noah.

The Chartiers will be honored at ABSW’s Biennial Dinner July 2 ­ appropriately in Denver, Colo.