On Friday and Saturday I traveled to the “north woods” for
the 172nd annual gathering of the American Baptists of
Wisconsin. Held at Camp Tamarack in
Waupaca, the meeting was a blessed time of worship, education, fellowship, and
missional endeavors. What a lovely
season to be in the “Chain of Lakes” region of the state.
What
delighted me most was seeing how many of Central Wisconsin graduates are
leaders in the region. About 11 years
ago, Arlo Reichter (then regional executive) and Timothy Ashley, an experienced
theological educator, began a conversation about offering accessible ministry
training in their region. The fruit of
the collaboration between Central and Wisconsin ABC was on display at this
gathering.
Central
alums are pastors, denominational leaders, advocates for mental health, camp director
and enthusiasts, staff ministers, interim pastors, and church planters. Some remain bi-vocational and bring their
professional wisdom and life experience to the work of ministry. They are our “letters of recommendation” as
they faithfully serve.
A 2016
graduate, the Reverend Carolyn Dugan, is leading the camping ministry. She must be related to St. Francis with her
love of all living creatures. It is said
that when she talks with the animals, they speak back and she understands. I went kayaking with her and nearly had the
opportunity to remember my baptism!
Thankfully she manages human creatures well, also.
One of the
highlights of the gathering was hearing Dr. Ashley teach on the great Isaiah
passages about God’s continuing creative work.
Expounding these texts with great passion and wisdom, he gave a virtuoso
performance. A virtuoso is one who has
so practiced his or her craft that the instrument and person are one in their
artistry. It struck me how blessed his
students and colleagues have been over the years to learn from this master
teacher. The biblical texts are so
deeply inscribed in him, and his able interpretation awakens others to the
riches of Scripture.
Dr. Timothy
Ashley and Rev. Maxine Ashley have been essential to the founding and
implementation of the site for theological education in Milwaukee. They have given of themselves unstintingly
over these years. I am grateful for Maxine’s pastoral formation of these
learners; her own pastoral practice is exemplary, and her students bear her
graceful imprint.
With the
imminent retirement of the Ashleys, there will be a time of transition in the
collaboration between Central and the Wisconsin region. How grateful I am for the wise and energetic
leadership of Rev. Marie Onwubuariri, Executive Minister, and Dr. John Jones
IV, who will now lead the important work of Central Wisconsin. There is no more urgent work that developing
leaders for the church and larger community.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping
church, and serving the world (which includes all God’s creatures).
No comments:
Post a Comment