Three BRI representatives made a total of eight presentations dealing with issues of Hermeneutics, Mission, and the Role of the Adventist Theologian to a gathering of seventy educators and administrators from throughout the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), August 9-13, 2009. The meetings were held in the newly constructed Centennial Hall on the campus of Samyook University. Ángel Manuel Rodríguez, Kwabena Donkor, and Clinton Wahlen attended from BRI and, in addition to their presentations, answered questions from the floor as part of panel discussion held on the final day of the conference. Other topics considered at the conference included Pastoral Formation and Leadership Needs, the Integration of Faith and Learning, and other practical subjects related to ministerial training. Sizeable delegations from outside Korea were in attendance, including Taiwan, Japan, Mongolia, and seventeen from China. Besides the BRI representatives, presenters included a number from NSD, Montemorelos University, the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), and the Adventist Review and Ministry magazines.
“Church growth and successful missionary work are inseparably linked to ministerial and theological education,” says Jairyong Lee, President of NSD. “We need solid and moderate biblical scholars and theologians who thoroughly believe in the fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church including the prophetic gift manifested in the life and writings of Ellen G. White. Those who are studying under these teachers will serve as faithful Adventist pastors, and their efforts and service will result in steady church growth and marvelous blessings to their church members,” he added.
Recognizing the importance of such continuing education and interchange of ideas and plans, there was a consensus that these gatherings be held at least every five years. The delegation also voted to recommend that a Biblical Research Committee be set up in order to examine and address theological issues pertinent to the church in NSD.
Gallery
