17 February 2022 | St Albans, UK [David Neal]
On Wednesday February 16th, a group of theology students from Newbold College of Higher Education met with the Trans-European Division (TED) leaders at the St. Albans office. This meeting was part of a series of meetings being hosted by the TED as journey of dialogue with members and stakeholders to bring people closer together.
During a time of informal dialogue and open conversation, the future ministers discovered more about the church they will one day work for and are already a part of. The conversation touched on many matters of church life but hovering constantly in the room was the shared passion for mission.
Audrey Andersson, Executive Secretary of the TED, opened the meeting with an informative presentation on the people, territory, and structure of the division. Anderson answered common questions such us, “What is the Trans-European Division?”, “What is its territorial reach?” and “What is its role in the context of unions, conferences, and missions?” After the presentation, a question-and-answer session took place, where students were invited to ask any questions to the TED leaders.
Reflecting on the visit, third-year Hungarian Union Conference (HUC) student, Erhard Konrad Szanto, said he discovered “a lot of information” he didn’t previously know, and that he is “looking forward to learning more about the TED and the many congregations it serves in Europe.” Fellow third-year student, Stephen George, from the British Union Conference (BUC), appreciated the opportunity to “just chat with some of our division leaders”, and noted “the open and candid way they shared with us.” Stephen is hoping to start serving the church soon as a pastor.
Graduate Diploma student, Lawrence Ofei, also thought the dialogue to be especially useful. “I learnt a lot about the work of the church from an organisational, financial, and departmental perspective and how we are engaging with mission today.” He believes this new perspective, “will better equip him to serve the local church and the community it serves.”
Marieta Dimitrova, a Graduate Diploma student from Bulgaria, found the experience interesting because, “we actually had the chance to meet the leaders of the church – close up and in person. They are people like us. It is good to be reminded of that.”
Accompanying the students was Newbold’s Principal Lecturer in Pastoral Studies and Director of Field Education, Dr Stephen Currow. “I really appreciated the opportunity for students to actually learn more about the corporate church and how it supports the local church.”
The students also shared their thoughts about their experience at Newbold campus. “Broad”, Ofei described it. “God has been changing me as a person, moving me to be more open to other people, more compassionate… Newbold has helped me see the world from a different point of view and accept change.”
“Amazing” said Dimitrova, who is hoping to teach theology one day. “With great lecturers. I have so missed being in the room with them during the pandemic.”
“I would say to anyone thinking about studying at Newbold, don’t hesitate,” said George. “The experience is amazing. Go ahead and apply and see how God can do something ‘amazing’ through you.”
