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full time staffing, but the CFHcould foster a climate in which members

could accept a responsibility for mentoring individuals in conjunction

with a network thatwould be formal enough to have credibility at hiring

institutions and receiveregular notices of vacancies, etc. Those network

members could also push membership intheir areas--while mentoring

and doing initial screening for candidates. This proposal in effect combines

the informal systems that exist among traditional old boys clubs but

expands it tothose outside a particular school. For example, I have never

produced a graduate student but knowmany, including some who I am

mentoring and at least one of whom is a strong Christian.He would be an

asset to anyprogram, a potential player wherever but would be most at

home at a Christian institution. He may turn up such and I mightstumble

across one, but my present network and his graduateschool do not link to

that market. On the other hand,I could bridge between the two at least in

theory. Irealize that this is relatively vague but hope that the gist is clear

enough for people to think about.

2. From:David Ringer, University of Dayton
   
   <ringer@checkov.hm.udayton.edu>
   
   In over 30+ years in highereducation I've belonged to a number of
   
   organizations in various disciplines. The CFHis my favorite. Not only do
   
   I need the intellectual companionship of others whoare concerned with
   
   historical issues, I need the fellowship of a community of men and
   
   women with whom I can worship Christ.
   
   One possibility for expanding the conference isthe use of regional
   
   meetings onthe off years. Maybe the accessibility of smaller, closer-to-
   
   home gatherings would attract to membershipsome who feel they can't
   
   make the biennial meetings so why join. I know I donot fully grasp the
   
   enormous undertaking settingup regional conferences would be, but it is
   
   a suggestion.
   
   Finally, on the notion that CFH hasoutlived its usefulness now
   
   that some evangelicals have gained front-rank status in theworld of the
   
   academy: is this all we are about asChristian scholars--winning laurels
   
   from the world? Godhave mercy on us. Agreed, we serve our fellow