Monday, January 26, 2015

The Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission — Regional Directors’ Meeting

Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schultz Teaching "Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission"
Saint Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House
January 26-28, 2015
The Regional Directors, representing Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, gathered at Concordia Publishing House's Gerber Room for continuing education on missiology with Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schultz, Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. Dr. Schultz serves as the Dean of the Graduate School and Director of the Ph.D. in Missiology program at the Fort Wayne Seminary. The Office of International Mission (OIM) and Concordia Theological Seminary have formed a partnership to provide advanced missiology training to LCMS missionaries. The initial pilot program began with the Regional Directors, even allowing them to take the classes for credit toward the Ph.D. in missiology. After the completion of the pilot project, LCMS missionaries will be able to take seven classes toward a "certificate in missiology."  Dr. Lawrence Rast, President of Concordia Theological Seminary, noted, "The partnership between the Office of International Mission (OIM)  and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, has been a model of collaboration for missionary training. OIM has significant human resources and missionary experience. CTSFW's expertise in missiology is undergirded by one of the premier Ph.D. programs in missiology in the world. Together, they are able to resource the church and its mission in ways beyond what either could do on its own."
At CPH, the Regional Directors are taking Module 2: Biblical and Theological Foundations for Mission. This particular course explores the historical genius and the theological discussion on the concept of missio Dei, the Lutheran contribution to that concept, the overall missiological direction of theology, and the relationship of church / congregation and mission." A significant portion of the class focused on the relationship between  church and congregations (modalities) and mission societies (sodalities). The class also examined and critiqued Alan Hirsch's apostolicity model (that apostolic leadership needs to be revived today in the church) from Ephesians 4:3. A portion of the class also discussed the relatively recent use of the term "missional" and how Lutheran theologians can contribute to the discussion. Dr. Schultz said of the class, "Coming together around the table as theologians and as missionaries, and then interacting with one another on theology and field experiences is how we can best further our mission for the future. We cannot forego reflection on mission just as much as we cannot abstain from practicing it."
Rev. Theodore Krey, Regional Director for Latin America, remarked, "Dr. Schultz's engaging lectures are challenging OIM's Regional directors to think through missiology and its centrality in the theology of the church. The goal of missions is through the Lord's Word to incorporate people into the body of Christ, which is to bring people into a worshiping community where they can receive the Lord's saving gifts." President Matthew Harrison joined the class for a time to see how the missionaries were receiving continuing education. President Harrison said to the Regional Directors, "I am proud of the work you are doing. Now is a unique moment in time for mission."
Dr. Bruce Kintz, President of Concordia Publishing House, also joined the sessions. He attended the first missiology class that Dr. Schultz taught in the Dominican Republic in October 2014. Dr. Kintz said, "I have heard many times how CPH resources remain long after LCMS missionaries move on to a new area. Getting to know the missionaries in the field has helped CPH create the resources missionaries need." Over the past year, the collaboration between OIM and CPH has increased dramatically. Kintz said, "Having been to one Regional Directors' meeting in the Dominican Republic, I felt compelled to invite the Regional Directors to CPH for their next meeting. They will be able to see first hand our materials, to see how our associates work together to create them and gain valuable input into the creation of additional resources."
In addition to the missiological continuing education, the Regional Directors will work on OIM's strategic plan and budgeting for the next year. The week concludes with the Regional Directors attending the ALMA meeting and the BIM meeting on Friday and Saturday.
(The Course Syllabus)



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