ICETE Newsletter

September 2014

ENGAGED AND EFFECTIVE: THE IMPACT OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION International Consultation for Theological Educators

6-11 November 2015 Antalya, Turkey

Rooted in the Word, Engaged in the World was the theme of the ICETE 2012 International

Consultation in Nairobi, Kenya, but though rooted and engaged, how do we know that we are

effective in what we do? Is it possible to measure the impact of theological education on Church and

Society? That will be the focus of ICETE's 2015 Consultation.

It is my pleasure to invite you to this vital consultation.

Please save the above dates. More information will follow in due time. Thank you.

In this Issue:

(Click to Jump to Article)

New Date and Venue Announced for 2015 ICETE Triennial Introducing Regional Associations News from Regional Associations Around the World ICETE’s Programme for Academic Leadership Continue to Pray for Russia, Ukraine, and the Region Tyndale House Announces STEP 2.0 Bible Software News from Lausanne B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Offers PhD Program Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC) Celebrates 150 Years! Association of Evangelicals in Africa General Secretary Reflects on Ebola Outbreak RREACH Sponsors Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers

 

New Date and Venue Announced for 2015 ICETE Triennial

Due to ongoing tensions in the region, the 2015 ICETE Triennial has been moved from Kiev, Ukraine, to Antalya, Turkey. This change in venue also necessitated a change in dates. The dates are now set for 6-11 November 2015. We hope you will plan to join us! Please share this information with any who might want to attend. This video provides more information—share it as well! Registration will be online in early 2015 and instructions will be sent as soon as registration opens.

 

Introducing the Regional Associations “ICETE is a global community, sponsored by nine regional associations of theological schools, to enable international interaction and collaboration among all those concerned for the enhancement of evangelical theological education worldwide.” To further encourage interaction and collaboration, we will be introducing each of the nine regional associations over the next 3 newsletters. If you’d like to know more specific information about any of these associations, please visit their website or contact Mrs. Stefanii Ferenczi so she can connect you.

ABHE: The Association for Biblical Higher Education http://www.abhe.org/ ABHE was founded as the Accrediting Association of Bible Institutes and Bible Colleges in 1947, making it one of America's older accrediting associations. In 2004, the association changed its name to Association for Biblical Higher Education in order to reflect more accurately its expanded scope of accreditation (graduate as well as undergraduate), the inclusion of non-accredited affiliate members, and to emphasize a shift toward expansion of services and resources offered to member institutions. ABHE has earned formal recognition by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education as a national, faith-based, institutional accrediting agency. ABHE-accredited institutions require a substantial core of biblical and theological studies and are focused on developing spiritually vital students with a biblical worldview and ministry orientation regardless of whether their future vocation is exercised in a ministry or market place occupation. Mission Statement: ABHE exists to enhance the quality and credibility of higher educational institutions that engage students in biblical transformational, experiential and missional higher education. Region: North America (Canada, USA & related territories) Member Schools: approximately 200 postsecondary institutions President: Dr. Ralph E. Enlow, Jr. Commission on Accreditation Director: Dr. Ronald C. Kroll

ACTEA: Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa http://www.acteaweb.org The Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA—formerly "Accrediting Council for Theological Education in Africa") began under the direction of Dr. Byang Kato in November 1975, and was formally organized in 1976. Dr. Kato saw an urgent need for an association for evangelical theological schools in Africa, which could assist them in areas of common need. The groundwork for the new body was laid at a major gathering of theological educators that Dr Kato convened in Nairobi in November 1975. In March 1976 the AEA Executive Committee formally constituted the new project under the Theological and Christian Education Commission (TCEC) of

 

Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA). A Council with representatives of each fully accredited institution governs the operational work of ACTEA and meets once every two to three years. Since its inception, ACTEA has offered services categorized into two areas: academic accreditation and support and networking. ACTEA services include: offering academic recognition and quality standardization of the study programs of member institutions and serving as medium for contact and collaboration among its theological institutions and programs and providing various support services, such as conferences and seminars, ACTEA E-Forums, Librarian E-services, Booknotes, and AJET.

ACTEA's services have earned widespread respect both in Africa and overseas. For example, London Bible College, a distinguished centre for theological studies in UK; University of South Africa (UNISA); and in 1981, an organ representing all dimensions of evangelical higher education in North America issued a formal document advising admissions officers that applicants with theological first degrees accredited by ACTEA should be considered eligible for direct entry to post-graduate theological programs in North America.

In 1980, ACTEA was a founding member of the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE-formerly ICAA), which links ACTEA with sister bodies around the world. Further, ACTEA has endorsed and currently promoting among its constituents the ICETE Manifesto on the renewal of Evangelical Theological Education.

Since its founding, ACTEA has become widely accepted for its services to theological education on the continent. Mission Statement: "To promote quality evangelical theological education in Africa by providing supporting services, facilitating academic recognition, and fostering continental and inter-continental cooperation." Region: Africa Member Schools: more than 150 theological colleges and programs Executive Director (President): Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chemengich AETAL: Evangelical Association of Theological Education in Latin America http://www.aetal.com/ AETAL (the Evangelical Association for Theological Education in Latin America) was established in 1992 as a member of ICETE. It has its roots in the Brazilian organization AETTE that began in 1975. AETAL is an association of evangelical theological education institutions committed to strengthening the training of Christian leaders. One of its goals is to encourage and enable partnership between its members and affiliated institutions. AETAL is governed by a board composed of elected representatives from member institutions. The board also includes a Secretary

 

General equipped to represent and work with Hispanic institutions. The board is advised by a Council of Reference. Mission Statement: Encourage the development of member schools by promoting standards of excellence for its educational programs, with the aim of strengthening the evangelical theological educators in pursuit of an education which is holistic, transformative and committed to the Church of Christ. Region: Latin America, excluding the Caribbean Member Schools: over 150 schools are formally affiliated with AETAL. The Association relates more broadly to nearly 400 schools throughout the region at various levels. President: Márcio Matta

Watch for information about Asia Theological Association (ATA), Caribbean Evangelical Theological Association (CETA), and European Evangelical Accrediting Association (EAAA) in the next issue!

News from Regional Associations Around the World

ABHE: The Association for Biblical Higher Education http://www.abhe.org/ • Over 400 delegates from more than 150 North American member institutions will gather at

ABHE's February 18-20, 2015 annual meeting around the Matthew 4:4-inspired theme: Every word from the mouth of God … more than ever. In addition to dozens of workshops, more than 75 exhibits, and plenty of schedule space for networking, the program line-up includes plenary speakers Christopher Wright and Gordon MacDonald. Fernando Ortega will lead worship and offer a sacred concert at the Friday evening banquet.

• ABHE will offer ten Fall 2014 Leadership Development workshops--including training opportunities for trustees, presidents, chief academic officers, advancement officers, enrollment officers, student development officers, financial aid officers, and others in its Frances and Henry Weber Center for Leadership Development. ABHE will also host ICETE Board meetings in the Weber Center November 6-8, 2014.

AETAL: Evangelical Association of Theological Education in Latin America http://www.aetal.com/

• AETAL now has 110 affiliated schools in Brazil and 55 in the Hispanic countries of Latin America.

• Over the last few months, Dr. Steve Hardy, Dr. Pablo Sywulka, Dr. Fritz Deininger and Ildemar Nunes have led academic seminars throughout Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Peru, and Bolivia. 150 leaders received training at these seminars.

 

• In June, Nicaragua hosted a Theological One-Day Meeting. This meeting resulted in new schools pursuing affiliation.

• The second edition of the AETAL Academic Guide was published in May. This guide lists 1,100 theological reference books from 29 Brazilian publishing houses, supporting 52 theological subjects. It is the only guide of its kind in the Portuguese language world.

• Affiliated schools in Brazil can now request a holographic security seal from AETAL. This seal can be used on Diplomas and Certificates.

• AETAL president Marcio Matta will be visiting seminaries in Latvia, Letonia, Estonia, and Russia in September. He hopes cooperative learning will take place as part of these visits.

ICETE’s Programme for Academic Leadership (IPAL)

One of the services ICETE offers to its partners and their networks of theological training institutions is ICETE’s Programme for Academic Leadership (IPAL). This three-year cycle of training is coordinated by Dr Fritz Deininger. IPAL’s purpose is to offer practical skills in academic leadership to those who occupy these roles, to encourage synergy among regional leaders as they share their experiences, and to strengthen the networks among regional leaders. The IPAL seminars are normally four days in length. In the first year, IPAL looks at the person and responsibilities of an academic dean. The second year focuses on the role of academic leadership in curriculum development. The third year considers the role of academic leadership in the development of a teaching team. Since 2005, about 40 of these workshops have been held, working with the ATA in Asia, CETA in the Caribbean, ACTEA in Africa, AETAL in Latin America, and starting in 2013 in the Ukraine with E-AAA. In 2013-14, 13 seminars were held in Zambia, Jamaica, Brazil, Salvador, Guatemala, Peru, Ukraine, Costa Rica, Angola, Mexico, and Bolivia. Below are pictures from the workshops in Mexico and Ukraine.

 

Continue to Pray for Russia, Ukraine, and the Region Troubling news continues from Russia and Ukraine. Please continue with us in praying for the country, the many people affected by the conflict, and the geopolitical relationships of the entire region. EAAA school Donetsk Christian University (DCU) in Ukraine shares the following specific requests:

• Please pray for the relationships and collaboration between Ukrainian and Russian evangelical schools, that they may show unity in Christ as their priority.

• Please pray for the schools in Ukraine and Russia that find themselves hosting refugees from the region. They need wisdom to know how to address the many needs for housing, employment, clothing, and food. They need both prayer and financial support.

• Please pray for the Institute for Excellence being hosted by Overseas Council in Minsk (Belarus) 14-17 October 2014. This will be the first meeting of the principals and representatives from EAAA schools since the outbreak of conflict. Please pray for the Lord to heal hearts, relationships, and attitudes among all the attendees.

Tyndale House, Cambridge, Announces STEP 2.0 Bible Software—

Online and Free

"It is our vision to equip churches in every country with the tools to study the Bible in its original languages from the best that Cambridge and international scholars have to offer," said Dr. Peter Williams, Warden of Tyndale House. "While we’ve spent years pre-loading STEP with unique

and cutting edge content, this re-launch is a significant stride toward making this accessible for all." Simon Sykes, Librarian and Chief Operations Officer, explains: "The church is well served by an array of free Bible study tools available online, and by paid proprietary software on the desktop. We looked at both those models and realised that Tyndale House was in a unique position to combine them—the latest in biblical scholarship; online and at no cost." STEP is an online resource designed by an international team of researchers based at Tyndale House, Cambridge. It focuses on original language resources and includes tools to allow those with

 

little to no Hebrew or Greek to use and understand the original languages of the Bible. It includes hundreds of Bibles, in multiple languages, as well as full dictionary entries and interlinear view options. This serious Bible study software is available at no charge and will be especially useful for those working in parts of the world with more difficult access to resources. For more information, please visit the website www.stepbible.org. You can also check out the Brief feature list, Quick tour and Sources.

News from Lausanne Theological Educators Gather in Brazil

Fifty-six key influencers of global theological education, representing every continent, gathered 2-6 June 2014 in São Paulo, Brazil, for the Lausanne Consultation on Theological Education: Toward Biblical Partnership in Global Theological Education. The group included seminary presidents, institutional principals, heads of accreditation bodies, and leaders in theological education supporting agencies. In addition to The Lausanne Movement, the consultation was sponsored by The World Reformed Fellowship, World Evangelical Alliance, Overseas Council, Fellowship of Evangelical Seminary Presidents, Langham Partnership, and International Council of Evangelical Theological Education, and was hosted by Mackenzie Presbyterian University. Chaired by Sam Logan, President of the World Reformed Fellowship, and hosted by Davi Gomes, chancellor of Mackenzie Presbyterian University, the consultation was intended to explore The Cape Town Commitment’s call (section IIF.4) to the world’s theological education institutions to have an active partnership with other theological institutes, with the church, and with the work of evangelism

 

and church planting. This consultation was a strategic gathering that allowed for exploration and emphasis on practical steps forward that would enhance South-East-West-North partnerships. The consultation was organized around a tri-partite structure of: Our Roots, Our Dreams, Our Challenges. Participants had their roots in looking toward Scripture and reflection on the biblical and missional foundation for theological education. Envisioning the unrealized opportunities and possibilities that biblical partnerships could achieve gave space for dreams. Finally, case studies and focus groups were utilized to examine challenges—critical topics such as models of institutional partnerships, partnership in the digital age, the role that accreditation plays in facilitating or hindering partnerships, the sharing of resources, and partnership between formal and informal theological education. Videos of the presentations are available at www.theologicaleducation.net and more information can be found on the World Reformed Fellowship website. Lausanne is convening several consultations each year around the issues articulated in the Cape Town Commitment. For more information about these consultations, visit www.lausanne.org. 16 July 2014: 40th Anniversary of International Congress on World Evangelization On 16 July 1974, Billy Graham, John Stott, and more than 2,300 other evangelical leaders from150 countries gathered for the opening ceremony of the first International Congress on World Evangelization in Lausanne, Switzerland. In his opening address, Billy Graham said, “Never before have so many representatives of so many evangelical Christian churches in so many nations and from so many tribal and language groups gathered to worship, pray, and plan together for world evangelization.” Out of this gathering came The Lausanne Covenant, of which John Stott was the primary architect. This document continues to challenge evangelical Christians of varied backgrounds and places to work together to make Jesus Christ known. The Congress also resulted in The Lausanne Movement, originally named the Lausanne Continuation Committee for World Evangelization, as part of the answer to The Lausanne Covenant's call for “the development of regional and functional cooperation for the furtherance of the Church's mission, for strategic planning, for mutual encouragement, and for the sharing of resources and experience.” To celebrate this anniversary, Lausanne has prepared a special collection of materials, including Billy Graham’s opening address from the 1974 Congress, John Stott’s plenary presentation from the 1974 Congress, John Stott’s exposition of the Lausanne Covenant, a documentary about the 1974

 

Congress, and many other articles and videos highlighting events of the last forty years. To view the entire collection, please visit the Lausanne site.

B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Offers PhD Program  B. H. Carrroll is pleased to offer a PhD program that is a hybrid of American, British, and European models. The program includes personal supervision, collaborative learning, and individual study, culminating in a dissertation and defense. The course of study requires a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 7 years, and is open to students within the US and around the world. The goal of the program is to equip students for research and teaching in theological schools, colleges and universities, and ministry positions. For more information about this program, please see the attached document.

Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC) Celebrates 150 Years!

Please join with us in celebrating the 150th anniversary of MEATE member school, Evangelical Theological Seminary in Cairo (ETSC). A formal celebration take place 13-14 November, 2014, including worship with students and faculty, presentations from faculty members, and an official celebration in the sanctuary of Heliopolis Evangelical Church. If you would like to attend, Mr. Mourad Sedky is available to help with travel arrangements. Entry to Egypt requires that your passport be valid through June of 2015 and have at least one blank visa page available. Please see ETSC’s website for additional information about this celebration.

Association of Evangelicals in Africa General Secretary Reflects on Ebola Outbreak

With more than 3,000 cases confirmed and more than 1,800 dead, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is now the worst Ebola outbreak on record. In light of this devastating disease, AEA General Secretary Aiah Foday-Khabenje writes:

Let me take the opportunity to convey the concern and sympathy of the leadership and entire membership of the Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) to the church and people of the Mano River Union, currently under the scourge of the hemorrhagic Ebola virus. Our heartfelt

 

condolences to the bereaved families of the hundreds of people who have succumbed to the plague, many of these died while fighting to save the lives of others. In a true African worldview, many people would be posing questions and proffering answers that border on the spiritual. Unfortunately, many would be confused by the kind of responses that are trending in social media. Some pastors claim their personal space, and by implication local church premises, are Ebola-free territories; special healing powers and suggest that the epidemic itself is a curse from God. The situation is both a challenge and an opportunity for the church for sound biblical teaching with sensitive pastoral care….Christians in the region will be looking up to the church leadership for answers and encouragement. It is important to remember that we live in a fallen world and on this side of eternity, people will go through pain and hurt; tragedies of all kinds afflict humans and Ebola is just one such situation of pain and hurt. Faith in Christ does not promise a trouble-free world. However, followers of Jesus Christ are not alone in their suffering, through the ministry of Jesus; God enters our painful situations to bring healing and redemption. By his stripes we are healed (Isa. 53:5). Christ offers comfort to our wounded souls. We do not always know why we go through suffering and pain, but we know the one who was wounded and scarred for us….I pray that the wounds of Christ give you succor and comfort in this very difficult time and be assured of our continuous prayers for you.

Please continue with us in prayer for God’s mercy and peace in the midst of this crisis.

RREACH Sponsors Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers RREACH is hosting The Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers (GProCongress) 15-22 June 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference is designed for anyone involved in pastoral training, including both formal and non-formal venues. As many as 5,000 trainers are expected to attend and 200 countries will be represented. If you would like more information about GProCongress, please see the attached flier.

B.  H.  CARROLL  THEOLOGICAL  INSTITUTE    

PhD  Program  Description    Purpose  of  the  Ph.D.  Degree  Program  The  Ph.D.  program  is  designed  to  equip  persons  for  vocations  of  research  and  teaching  in  theological  schools,  colleges,  universities,  and  teaching  churches,  or  for  scholarly  enhancement  of  ministerial  practice.  It  also  enables  students  to  develop  a  sense  of  and  a  commitment  to  the  vocation  of  theological  scholarship  in  teaching,  learning,  and  research.    

Admission  to  this  program  is  extended  only  to  persons  who  have  demonstrated  the  intellectual  ability,  preparation,  and  motivation  for  a  scholarly  vocation.  Successful  completion  of  this  course  of  study  requires  the  student  to  demonstrate:  a  comprehensive  knowledge  of  a  selected  discipline  of  religious  study;  the  capacity  for  critical  thinking  and  evaluation;  competence  to  engage  in  original  research  and  writing  that  advances  theological  understanding  for  the  sake  of  church,  academy,  and  society;  and  a  breadth  of  knowledge  in  associated  theological  and  religious  studies  and  in  other  related  academic  disciplines.  

Program  Prospectus  The  Ph.D.  degree  program  of  B.  H.  Carroll  Theological  Institute  is  a  hybrid,  borrowing  from  some  of  the  best  elements  of  North  American,  British,  and  European  doctoral  models.  Academic  methodologies  of  the  B.  H.  Carroll  Theological  Institute  model  include:  Personal  Supervision,  Collaborative  Learning,  and  Individual  Study.      (1)  Personal  Supervision  is  directed  by  a  permanent  Supervisor  in  the  student’s  Cluster  of  Study,  from  the  beginning  of  the  student’s  program  to  its  completion.  The  student’s  Supervisor  oversees  and  participates  in  all  diagnostic  and  written  comprehensive  examinations,  guides  the  student’s  directed  reading  program,  conducts  tutorials,  and  trains  the  student  to  develop  and  write  a  formal  dissertation.      (2)  Collaborative  Learning  consists  of  formal  courses  comprised  of  a  combination  of  residential  colloquies  and  online  seminars  that  cover  disciplinary,  interdisciplinary,  and  professional  competency  subjects.  These  facilitate  close  peer  relationships  and  enable  professors  to  devote  considerable  time  to  guiding  and  mentoring  students  in  their  chosen  and  auxiliary  fields  of  study.      (3)  Individual  Study  consists  of  the  student’s  preparation  for  a  diagnostic  evaluation,  completion  of  directed  readings,  writing  and  presenting  academic  papers  for  seminars  and  publication,  student  teaching,  preparation  for  a  written  examination  over  the  student’s  chosen  field  of  study,  and  the  development  of  a  prospectus  and  dissertation.    

While  located  in  the  southwestern  region  of  the  United  States,  B.  H.  Carroll  Theological  Institute  offers  the  degree  to  students  who  live  abroad  as  well  as  within  the  United  States.  

Program Length The B. H. Carroll Theological Institute Ph.D. degree program is designed to engage the student full-time, across at least four years of study. The participants are expected to remain in continuous enrollment for the entirety of the course of study. Completion of the program in four years assumes strong biblical language, modern language, or heuristic language skills at the time of matriculation, exceptional masters-level work, and serious preparatory thinking about a dissertation topic.    The  time  participants  take  to  complete  the  program  of  study  depends  upon  the  student’s  level  of  academic  preparation,  aptitude,  and  time  devoted  to  the  program  while  enrolled.  It  is  hoped  that  many  participants  will  be  able  to  complete  the  requirements  in  the  prescribed  number  of  years.  Many,  however,  will  take  longer.  Whatever  the  program  length,  students  are  strongly  encouraged  to  complete  all  requirements  in  a  timely  manner.  The  maximum  allowable  time  for  completion  is  seven  years.    Year  One:  Advanced  Research  and  Writing  or  Advanced  Research  Methods  Learning  Systems  and  Teaching  Skills    Advanced  Disciplinary  Seminar  I  Basic  Directed  Study  and  Readings  Program  I  and  II  in  Major  Field  of  Study  Colloquies  I  and  II    Year  Two:  Institutional  Systems  Seminar  Advanced  Disciplinary  Seminars  II  and  III  Interdisciplinary  Seminar  I  Intermediate  Directed  Study  and  Readings  Program  I  and  II  in  Major  Field  of  Study  Colloquies  III  and  IV      Year  Three:  Professional  Development  Seminar  Interdisciplinary  Seminar  II  Advanced  Directed  Study  and  Readings  Program  Colloquies  V  and  VI  Guild  Publication  or  Presentation  Teaching  Experience    Year  Four  or  until  Completion  of  Dissertation  and  Defense:  Prospectus  Writing  and  Approval  Hearing  Dissertation  and  its  Oral  Defense        

The Global Proclamation Congress for Pastoral Trainers (GProCongress) connects, unites and strengthens pastoral trainers in order to better deliver training to the world’s 2 million-plus undertrained pastors.

The GProCongress, convened by RREACH, is for anyone involved in formal and non-formal pastoral training of any kind, anywhere. We expect attendance of up to 5,000 pastoral trainers working in 200 countries, including individuals, churches, organizations and institutions.

This specialized gathering will fulfill its purposes by providing opportunities to Build Community, Explore Opportunity, Discover Resources and Receive Encouragement. To carry momentum created by the GProCongress into the future, attendees will commit to training, on average, 25 pastors a year for the following three to five years.

Pastoral health is systematically enhanced by better delivery of more pastoral training with coordinated follow-up. Healthy pastors lead healthier churches, and healthier churches are more able to reach their communities for the Lord Jesus Christ. The measurable outcome is 100,000 connected, united, strengthened pastors and 20,000 more pastoral trainers ministering in 200 countries by 2020.

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www.GProCongress.org

BANGKOK,THAILAND

T H E L O R D W I L L I N G

June 15-22FOLLOW-UP: June 23, 2016-Dec. 31, 20202016

Pastoral health aFFects church health. Church health aFFects societal health.

-Ramesh Richard

Accelerating Church Health Worldwide