A Festschrift for Dr. James L. Boyer -- By: Charles R. Smith

Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 02:2 (Fall 1981)
Article: A Festschrift for Dr. James L. Boyer
Author: Charles R. Smith


A Festschrift for Dr. James L. Boyer

Charles R. Smith

Professor Emeritus
Grace Theological Seminary

This issue of the Grace Theological Journal is dedicated to Dr. James L. Boyer in honor of his seventieth birthday on July 3, 1981. During the course of its preparation it was also discovered that the same date marked the fiftieth wedding anniversary for him and his wife Velma, and that this fall will be the final semester of his distinguished teaching career. The conjunction of these events has made this festschrift in his honor unusually appropriate.

Dr. Boyer’s positive influence with his students during his thirty years of teaching is evidenced by the fact that it was a student group which first suggested the idea of a festschrift in his honor. In 1979, Mr. David Dockery (M. Div., ‘79), as a student representative, presented the plan to me in my office. My subsequent recommendation to the seminary administration was wholeheartedly endorsed. With the inauguration of the Grace Theological Journal in 1980, it was decided that this organ would provide the best possible vehicle for a wide distribution among those who have been most influenced by Dr. Boyer’s life and ministry. Dr. Herman Hoyt, Professor Emeritus and long-time President of Grace, as well as a colleague and close friend for many years, was asked to write a brief account of Dr. Boyer’s life. Dr. John Sproule, Dr. Boyer’s successor as Chairman of the Department of New Testament Literature and Exegesis, was appointed as coordinator of the project and solicited articles from Dr. Boyer’s colleagues and former students.

Dr. Boyer’s influence as a professor at Grace Theological Seminary for thirty years may best be assessed by noting a few statistics: (1) Approximately one thousand of his former students are involved in pastoral ministries, with more that three hundred of these serving within the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches; (2) Approximately two hundred of his students are missionaries whose ministries span the globe, with about seventy-five of these serving with the Foreign Missionary Society of the Brethren Church; (3) More than two hundred of his students are employed as professors or administrators in more than one hundred Christian colleges and seminaries.

In addition to his teaching and preaching ministries, Dr. Boyer has had an effective writing ministry which has extended his influence far beyond his personal contacts. The following list of publications is ample demonstration of this fact.

1951

The Glory of His Intercessory Work. Bret...

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