Changes to the Institutes are proving fruitful!

An update from the Dean of OC Institutes, Scott Cunningham:

Generally, I have little interest in “conferences.”  In conferences,

people just confer.  There may be a transfer of information

(frequently from one person to many), but often there is no action or

change as a result.  What I do value is creating space for

transformative education.  And, that’s what I am committed to through

the Institutes for Excellence.  I want to see seminaries becoming more

effective in training Christian leaders as an outcome of such a week

as the one we are now part of here in Ethiopia.

 

One of the improvements we have made in this year’s Institute was to

encourage more than just the principal or president of the seminary to

participate in the Institute.  Yes, it is certainly important that the

head of the school be present.  But, we have learned that change is

the seminary is more likely if there is something closer to a

“critical mass” participating along with the principal.  So, this year

many of the seminaries have sent three or four participants.

 

During the small group discussions we have scheduled for the day, it’s

invigorating to observe the faculty, staff, and principals of each

school gathered together in conversation, deepening their learning as

they reflect on the presentations and making plans for what kind of

improvements they want to make in their seminaries upon their return.

 

Last month in the Costa Rica Institute, one of the principals told me

how much he appreciated the opportunity to bring several other

seminary staff with him to the Institute.  “It’s like a faculty

retreat.  We have always wanted to discuss these important issues of

financial sustainability, but it seems that we never had time.  You

have provided us the opportunity for this guided discussion together

as a staff.”  Today I heard the same kind of comment from the

president of a Nigerian seminary who came with his board chair and two

staff members.  In thanking me for the Institute he particularly

singled out this extraordinary opportunity for his staff to also

benefit, and even more, for the seminary to benefit from their

discussion and planning together this week.

 

Thank the Lord with us for the excellent presentations and the

fruitful discussion we observed today.  And, pray for strength,

courage, clear minds, and for the Spirit’s work among us tomorrow as

these seminary leaders consider how to lead change in their

seminaries.

 

Warmly in Christ,

 

Scott