Pre-Santiago Institute (May 24-27, 2011)

group photo from Quito Institute last year

Last year, Overseas Council took a survey of theological institutions around the world. The two chief focuses were Financial Sustainability and Organizational Change. With 163 responses representing around 60 countries in the world, Scott Cunningham (Dean of Institutes for Excellence here at OC) and several other staff members spent months analyzing the data and developing relevant Institutes for Excellence in light of it. Each Institute is regionally focused, bringing in participants from the region to discuss the challenges and strengths specific to their context.

The biggest challenge for Latin America? The Plateau Effect: Compared to other regions around the world, there are fewer seminaries in Latin America growing in number of students. This insitute will focus on questioning whether the seminary programs are relevant, if they are providing the right kind of access to their programs, if they are considering the modern day Latin American student’s needs,  et cetera.

The biggest strength for Latin America? Our results lead us to believe that  Latin America generally has some of the more self-sufficient theological institutions of the 5 continents we surveyed. Be careful not to assume: “One of the more”  is comparing it to the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eurasia. We are encouraged to see just what this strength looks like in context!

Keep checking in next week to be sure to get regular updates during the institute!

How you can Pray:

• For God to prepare the participants hearts and minds as they travel to Santiago this weekend
• For the Institute to act as a catalyst for healthy growth, encouragement, and challenge
• For logistical preparations to conclude in a timely manner
• For the leaders attending to feel refreshed by the peer-to-peer facilitated discussions, and one another’s company next week