Theological News On-Line

Issue 31    September 2004	'Promoting Biblical Truth by Networking Theologians'

Published by Theological Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance

Editor: David Parker dparker@pacific.net.au
email distribution: Dr.Paul C. Murdoch Murdoch@ead.de

Welcome to WEA Theological News On-Line - this is the on-line version of our printed quarterly, WEA Theological News (ISSN 0260-3705). WEA TN On-Line is issued approximately monthly. The content of the printed and on-line versions overlap but are not identical. We also publish Evangelical Review of Theology. For more information, visit our website www.worldevangelical.org/tcpubs.html#ert

We welcome news reports on theological matters for both versions - they can cover theological institutions, conferences, publications, faculty, trends and developments, etc. of interest to evangelical theologians around the world.

For more information on the work of the Theological Commission, contact the Executive Chair, Dr Rolf Hille at rolf.hille@albrecht-bengel-haus.de

In this issue:

•  TC Planning and Strategy meetings
•  Theological Commission 30th anniversary feature
•  Former Ethiopian President at EGST
•  New Moves in Electronic Bible Courseware
•  Africa Workshop Trains Teachers in Islamics
•  ICHE Triennial (2004) meets in Vienna
•  New Version of TC CD circulating widely

Planning nearly complete for Theological Commission Annual Meetings

Preparation for the WEA Theological Commission's annual planning and strategy meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, Sept 25 to 28 is nearly complete. Members are expected to attend from UK, Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, India, Hong Kong, Korea, Brazil and Australia. Key items on the agenda include future plans of the TC especially in its relationship with the WEA as it continues to develop its structures and mission, study unit reports and the publishing program. An important item will be future consultations, especially a joint consultation in Korea on the place of evangelical theology, planned for late 2005. Several new members are likely to be appointed to continue the expansion and wider representation of the TC around the world. There will also be opportunity for TC members to acquaint themselves with issues and developments in Thailand and to meet some representatives of the Thai Evangelical Fellowship Theological Commission.

One of the most significant aspects of the session is cooperation and fellowship with the Lausanne Theology Working Group which will be meeting simultaneously with the TC. Sharing together of plans and ideas is a prominent feature on the agendas of both groups. This will be an appropriate prelude to the participation of several of the TC members in the Lausanne Forum on World Evangelisation which will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, immediately following the TC meeting.

Full reports on the all these events will be presented in later issues of WEA Theological News and WEA TN On-Line.

Theological Commission 30th anniversary feature (cont.)

We continue our special focus on the 30th anniversary of the WEA Theological Commission. The July 2004 issue of our Evangelical Review of Theology commences with the second part of the history of the TC, covering the period from 1986 to 1994.

The 1986 general meeting of the TC marked the conclusion of the work of the third chairman, Bishop David Gitari, of Kenya. He was brought up in a pioneer missionary family and worked as an untrained teacher before studying theology in Bristol, UK. He served as General Secretary of the Pan-African Fellowship of Evangelical Students. and then General Secretary of the Bible Society of Kenya. From 1975 he was Anglican Bishop of Mt. Kenya East, Bishop of Kirinyaga Diocese from 1990. In 1997 he became Archbishop of Kenya, retiring in 2002. He holds degrees from the Universities of Nairobi and London and Hon. DDs from Ashland Seminary, Ohio and University of Kent. Strongly influenced by the Lausanne Congress, he has been a leading advocate of holistic witness in Kenya, even at considerable personal risk, and in many other places around the world. The biblical basis for his action is outlined in the article published in the July issue of ERT, entitled, 'Church and Politics'. Now in retirement, he sends this greeting for our anniversary feature.

It is a joy to realize that WEA Theological Commission is now celebrating thirty years of its existence. I think I was present when the Commission was established thirty years ago and I had the privilege of serving it as the Chairman for a decade. The Commission has stimulated many Evangelical theologians to share their theological thinking throughout the globe. The WEA Theological Commission should be challenged to continue looking afresh into the challenging issues of the world today and to remain faithful to the Word of God. I have no doubt that where Evangelicals have faithfully proclaimed the truth of the Gospel the church has continued to grow whereas where such truth has been compromised the church has declined. I remind you of the shortest and yet most comprehensive commission Jesus gave disciples "As the father has sent me, so send I you" JOHN 20: 27.May the Lord continue blessing the Ministry of WEA Theological Commission.

From 1986, the TC was led by Dr Peter Kuzmic as chairman and Dr Sunand Sumithra as Executive Director. With new leadership, this was a period of considerable readjustment. There was further adaptation when Dr Bong Rin Ro became Executive Director in 1989, first on an interim basis, and then permanently a year later. Despite this unsettlement, the work of the TC continued strongly with numerous publications, conferences and study units in action, and significant developments in the work of the theological education section, International Council of Accrediting Agencies (ICAA, now ICETE). Topics for study included the uniqueness of Christ, evangelization of the poor, ecumenical relationships, ethics and the environment, conversion, and key theological trends of the time.

One of the most important conferences held during this time was at Willowbank, Bermuda on the Gospel and Jewish people in April 1989. It was sponsored by the WEF (WEA) with the unofficial support of LCWE, and chaired by Vernon Grounds of Denver Seminary. It produced a 2500 word declaration which was quickly released to the media and influenced Christian opinion on the matter. This statement is still often used. A Task Force was also set up which continued its work.

In the early 1990s, there was a new emphasis for the TC under guidance of the WEF International Director. He had the vision of the TC being involved training national church leadership, and the development of faculty, library and plant in seminaries.

One of the most active units continued to be Ethics and Society, which was led by Dr. Chris Sugden from 1986 to 1992. Dr. Sugden is Executive Director of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies, and is involved in several development and mission organisations. He is author and editor of many publications in these fields. He spent six years in church ministry, development education and extension education ministry in India. A canon of St Luke's Cathedral, Jos, Nigeria, he is managing editor of Transformation Journal (originated and previously published by the WEF Theological Commission) and Regnum Books, which publish materials from two-thirds world missiologists on holistic mission, including Christian micro-enterprise development. The thinking behind much of the work of the Ethics and Society Unit and how it has developed is explained in detail in Dr. Sugden's article in the July issue of ERT, 'Mission leadership and Christian Theological Research'.

Former Ethiopian President at EGST

This past term the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, was privileged to welcome one of Ethiopia's recent presidents, Dr. Negaso Gideda to its campus. Dr. Negaso had graciously accepted an invitation to give a lecture to the students in Dr. Paul Balisky's "Church and State" course. This course has particular relevance in Ethiopia where the interests of Church and State were closely wed for more than 1500 years.

A seminary spokesperson said, "The opportunity to host President Negaso highlights one of the things that makes EGST distinctive. Where else in the world could students think through the role of Christians in Ethiopia's public life by interacting with someone who has held high office within the country? In recent months, the EGST faculty has been discussing our core values. One value on which we have agreed is the value of doing theological education in context. Many assume that theology is an abstract body of knowledge to be acquired in pretty much the same form everywhere. But we firmly believe that theology properly emerges from the dynamic interaction between reflection on Scripture and consideration of context. EGST was established not simply because it is cheaper to train students here than to send them elsewhere. Rather EGST exists because theology which serves the needs of the Church in Ethiopia must be done here."

EGST News June-July 2004 EGST@telecom.net.et

New Moves in Electronic Bible Courseware

Moody Distance Learning Center (MDLC) and Logos Bible Software have announced a partnership to develop Bible courseware on CD-ROM that contains access to a multitude of digital library resources. The courseware, aptly named AM (Anytime, Anywhere, Anyone, Moody), is slated for release in Fall 2004. MDLC plans to offer 33 of its existing Independent Studies courses, covering Old Testament, New Testament, and ministry and leadership topics, in conjunction with Logos Bible Software. "Many people cannot attend seminary or a Bible school, be it busy pastors, lay leaders, housewives, businesspersons, college students who want supplemental material to their current education, or those who simply consider themselves too old to attend school," said Bill Blocker, division manager of MDLC. "AM is practical, available to anyone within reach of technology, is not partial to distance or location, and will not interfere with an individual's daily responsibilities."

The combined approach - providing Moody's proven and effective method for biblical education along with a wealth of readily-available research and study resources-will equip learners with the knowledge and skills they need for self-directed study as they mature in their Bible study. AM incorporates quizzes and exams to gauge personal learning and comprehension. As learners complete courses and pass the exams, they will receive a certificate of completion verifying their proficiency in that particular topic of study.

For more information about the AM courseware: www.am.moody.edu

Africa Workshop Trains Teachers in Islamics

A workshop was held 16-18 April 2004 in Miango, Nigeria for faculty preparing emerging African church leaders for ministry in Islamic contexts. The event, which attracted 64 participants, was sponsored by ACTEA, the service network for theological schools in Africa. Resource persons included Dr Theresa Adamu (Theological College of Northern Nigeria), Walter Eric (Life Challenge Africa), Dr Christof Sauer (University of South Africa), and Dr Fola Lateju (Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary). In addition each participant received 5 textbooks on Islam, a 4-cassette video series on Islam entitled "Battle for the Hearts," and 5 resource CDs. These resources can be used to support the new syllabus on "Islamics and Witness among Muslims" produced by Life Challenge Africa.

Participants were also informed of opportunities for further study at the masters and doctoral levels in missiology and Christian-Muslim dialog through the University of South Africa. To facilitate networking, ACTEA is planning an email newsletter for faculty in theological schools who are teaching in the area of Muslim outreach and Christian-Muslim relations.

ACTEA also regularly publishes ACTEA eNews, a free email newsletter for and about theological education in Africa. Further information on ACTEA and its services are available on its website: www.theoledafrica.org/ACTEA/ (or by email to: sbcunn@hisen.org).

ICETE NEWS, May 2004 icete-admin@att.net

ICHE Triennial (2004) meets in Vienna

The Third Triennial Council meeting of the International Council for Higher Education was held in Vienna from 27 to 30 July, 2004. 27 delegates from Asia, Africa, Europe and USA attended. A delegate summed up what could be the experience of most others - appreciation for "the innovation and academic stimulation" that ICHE is bringing to Christian higher education.

Delivering the keynote presentation and outlining the objectives of ICHE, Dr Ken Gnanakan, President stated - "ICHE is all about mission with a directive to make education a powerful tool for total development." Chairman of the Council, Dr. Wil Goodheer, President of the International University in Vienna, urged participants to get fully involved - "ICHE is your organization and you can make it an effective instrument", he stated. A refreshing perspective from William Carrey's efforts and the birth of the Serampore College was presented by Dr Lalchungnunga, Principal of the college.

The council received the recommendation to have ongoing interaction at various regional events to discuss the strategic role education can play in strengthening the Christian witness. Brief perspectives were presented from East Asia (Marcus Dubach), Central Asia and Eastern Europe (Peter Penner), Europe (Rolf Hille) and Africa (Walter Eric). Discussions on the need for appropriate educational modules for these contexts followed. Dr Linda Boyer (International University) spoke about leadership development and Dr Susan Hasseler (Calvin College) gave perspectives on teacher education.

The main focus of the Council was on Program design and a session was led by Dr. Dennis Dirks, Biola University. ICHE proposes to prepare model designs of programs and courses for delivery in the developing world.

The council expressed appreciation for the leadership of ICHE by Dr. Sidney DeWaal, who stepped down from leadership in October 2003. DeWaal led the organization through its first seven years. Members unanimously nominated Dr. Wil Goodheer to be Chairman for the next term. Ken Gnanakan continues as President.

ICHE News Release

New version of popular Theological Commission CD-ROM circulating widely

The new version of the WEA Theological Commission CD-ROM has been circulating widely since its recent release. The original version of the "Theological Resource Library" CD first developed in 2000 was re-released about a year ago, but the new version features updated technology, using the Libronix system used by Logos Research Systems, Inc. ( http://www.Logos.com).

The content of the up-dated CD is also slightly different, including two new books Global Crossroads- focusing the strength of local churches: Strategic papers presented at the historic Tenth General Assembly of World Evangelical Fellowship, edited by W. Harold Fuller and This We Believe: - The Good News of Jesus Christ for the World: An Evangelical Celebration (Pastor's Edition with preaching and worship resources) (John N. Akers, John H. Armstrong, and John D. Woodbridge, General Editors) (new in v 2.0).

This We Believe is a exposition of the Gospel based on the 1999 statement, "The Gospel of Jesus Christ: An Evangelical Celebration" which is a detailed statement of our understanding of the Gospel. Each of the twelve chapters covers a key theme of Christian truth (such as sin, salvation, Jesus Christ, heaven, etc) written by a leading evangelical Christian, designed to help us all understand and live out the gospel today. Each chapter also contains an inspiring personal story of the power of the Gospel drawn from the church around the globe.

Pricing and ordering details for the new CD are unchanged at US$45 including shipping. (Payment may be made also in Australian dollars, Sterling or Euro.) Please note that at this low price, there is no special pricing for previous purchasers or arrangements for upgrading from the original disk. Contact WEA TC Publications dparker@pacific.net.au

WEA Theological News On-line

This is an electronic edition of WEA Theological News (ISSN 0260-3705) published by World Evangelical Fellowship Theological Commission; Chair: Dr Rolf Hille http://www.worldevangelical.org/theology.html

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