We have enjoyed a lively week in seminars, which will
conclude tomorrow. There are few things
more challenging—and delightful—than teaching across language, culture, and
tradition differences. With good humor,
doctoral students have been patient with each other as they struggle to
comprehend the contexts of ministry in which each serves.
The
Incarnational Theology course, taught by Samuel Ling, Heather Entrekin, and me,
includes a case study of an event in ministry arising out of one’s pastorate or
chaplaincy or Bible college. The cases are varied, ranging from whether or not
to allow a dead body to return to a village if the death occurred by accident
elsewhere to the exercise of church discipline in cases of adultery, stealing,
pregnancy before marriage, or playing the lottery.
The
students receive feedback on professional competence, theological issues, and
what each learned from this event in ministry.
It should not surprise anyone that churches struggle with conflict, new
ideas, and personnel matters the world over.
Ministers carry significant burdens as they shepherd the vulnerable and
call the wayward back to the fold.
This case
study method makes sure that all students have a voice, an important ingredient
when the course is taught in English and MIT students may be working in their
third language. They know their tribal
dialect, Burmese, and English, and they amaze Central students and faculty with
their diligence in pursuing these studies.
I had
opportunity to talk with two stellar CBTS students about this experience. Nathan Marsh, who serves as pastor of both
First Baptist Church of Minneapolis, KS, and Antioch Baptist Church of Ada KS
said: “I believe it is an experience that everyone in ministry should have, and
while doing the case studies, I realized that even across the world pastors and
ministers face very similar situations.”
José
Martinez, pastor of Missio KC added his reflection:
This experience has made me
appreciate and realize the difference in our experience and theirs; while there
is lack of privilege economically, they demonstrate abundant hospitality, which
suggests they are rich in ways we do not fully comprehend.
The learning is rich for us all as we seek to find common
ground in our callings and respect our profound differences in worldview.
The 2014
cohort of CBTS/MIT Doctor of Ministry students has launched, with twelve more
gifted scholar-practitioners. It is a
profound blessing to collaborate in leadership development, and the
intercultural dimensions are especially enriching.
We will
begin our long journey home on Friday evening.
We return with full hearts and prayerful concerns for our colleagues in
ministry here in Myanmar.
Molly T. Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping church,and serving humanity.
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