From thoughtful discussions on sticky topics to international travel bringing church thought leaders together, MNU’s Department of Christian Ministry and Formation (CMF) is preparing future ministry leaders with sound theological training to advance the Gospel. Scott Dermer, PhD, chair of CMF explains.
One of the contributions of the university in the life of the church is that it provides a place of ongoing theological reflection. This reflection is vital for the preparation of future pastors and lay leaders because it forms them to be servants of the church who think well. In addition, it helps the church remain faithful to the gospel, for it leads to a deeper understanding of the faith that we proclaim and live out.
This spring the Department of Christian Ministry and Formation (CMF) participated in three special events of theological reflection. In February, the department held a panel discussion on “Perspectives on Violence in Scripture.” The panel, moderated by senior Bible and theology major Courtney Roughton, addressed how to interpret, and preach difficult texts in the Bible that feature violence.
The panel was helpful because each faculty member approached the issue from his or her own discipline, whether that was biblical studies, theology, church history, or Christian education. This allowed us to learn from one another and develop a more nuanced understanding of the issue.
In March, six students from CMF attended the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy Conference. The students, led by Adjunct Professor Deanna Hayden, took part in workshops, worship, and fellowship that nurtured not only greater understanding of issues related to women in ministry, but also a profound sense of community. Sage Friedline, sophomore ministry major, said the following about the conference: “The Holy Spirit was certainly present as we all learned from and listened to one another.”
Freshman Ministry major, Makayla Bachman, spoke about the lasting impact the conference will have on her.
“The Wesleyan Holiness Women’s Clergy Conference was a life changing experience. As I move forward in my call to ministry, I will continue to remember the many women clergy who will forever support me in my work for Christ.”
Lastly, in April, four CMF faculty traveled to Pilar, Argentina, to join 250 participants in the Global Theology Conference of the Church of the Nazarene. The conference, which focused on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, included theologians, pastors, and church leaders from all six Church of the Nazarene world regions. In addition to times of worship and prayer, each plenary session was followed by small group gatherings, where participants from around the world engaged in theological discussion. Renee Dutter Miller, Assistant Professor of New Testament at MNU, described the conference saying, “There was something about this project of gathering different peoples together to talk theology that was profoundly good—you might even say a glimpse of heaven—through a glass darkly.”
Through these events, the CMF department is participating in the vital work of ongoing theological reflection in community. This work enriches not only the individual faculty and students directly involved; through time, it will also enrich the faithful witness of the church in the world.
