This week in the academic calendar is designated as “Fall
Reading Week,” and there is a break from regular classes and time to catch up
on assignments. [I always remind
students that this is not the only week during the semester that they are to
read!] This week also offers opportunity
for Doctor of Ministry students to fill the classrooms, and currently we have
three cohorts of gifted ministry practitioners on campus.
Last
Thursday we welcomed our second group of doctoral students from Myanmar
Institute of Theology. Clad in jackets
and wooly hats, they have journeyed from warmer climates into the first nippy
fall weather here in Shawnee. As the
hills blush with the colors of turning leaves, Kansas is serving up an autumnal
landscape. Collaborating in leadership
development with our sister school in Yangon provides an opportunity to learn
ministry challenges in global context.
The
lectionary reading speaks of the work of Jesus in “bringing many children to
glory” and the significance of claiming common spiritual heritage as brothers
and sisters (Hebrews 2:10-12). When you
visit a classroom at Central, you will be delighted at the remarkable
diversity—not only ethnically, but also in terms of practice of ministry and
life experience.
Leadership
development is essential for faithful Gospel witness. As Joan Chittister writes in Monastery of the Heart,
Leaders must be an example to
the community of its best self: open, loving,
hospitable;
committed to the study of the Word; kind and understanding of
the
struggles we all face on the way to the holy emptiness of self that is full
only of
God.
Persons who
pursue doctoral studies in ministry understand the ongoing reformation of the
church and its mission. They understand
that mission involves the interplay of the gathered church, its community, and
the nudge of the Holy Spirit. Among
these leaders are pastors, chaplains, mental health workers, hospice
administrators, denominational leaders, principals of Bible colleges, teachers,
and church planters. With insight honed
by years of ministry, they help sharpen one another toward the transformative
work needed by our world.
I am
confident that these leaders offer a vision to their communities of how to be
instruments of grace. With wisdom
gleaned from years of biblical study and pastoral care, they offer compassion
to the suffering and, most important, they point beyond themselves to the
“author and finisher” of their faith.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central is keenly focused on preparing transformative leaders. To learn more about our mission, continue
visiting the website.
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