2 March 2016 | Binfield, UK [Judith Makaniankhondo and Kirsty Watkins] Five alumnus returned to Newbold last week to speak about inclusivity in ministry during Newbold’s Week of Spiritual Emphasis. Drawing on themes of friendship and unity, their own personal journeys as students, and their experiences as pastors, they spoke about how the inclusivity of the Newbold community prepared them to face challenges of inclusivity in their own churches.
Witnessing each other’s struggles, they vowed that they and the rest of their classmates would support one another so that no one was left behind and they would all graduate together. “Newbold is a close knit environment with people of many different backgrounds and ages. As such it is naturally nurturing and inclusive,” said College Chaplain, Pastor Alastair Agbaje, also a Newbold alumnus. “As students our speakers intentionally built on this aspect of College life and created a support network that continues to benefit them after graduation and into their ministerial employment.”
The group keeps in touch regularly with their contemporaries from College. Sharing inspiring sermons, resources, solutions to issues and challenges they have been able to continue to move forward and grow together in God.
“Newbold challenged my thinking,” said Jonathan Holder, who now pastors in the Leicester area. “I came to a place where I saw Adventism being practised differently than what I was used to,” he said. “I can see now that this was part of my preparation for an inclusive ministry, where as a pastor I meet people who are different from me, whom I have to work with and introduce to Christ, and I find myself learning through these processes.”
Pastor Herel, from the Gatwick and Horley churches, described himself as an introvert who had fears about establishing relationships at Newbold. He reminded the audience of someone in the Bible who had a similar problem. “Gideon was afraid of his enemies,” said Pastor Herel. “But to Gideon’s surprise God spoke to him and called him ‘mighty warrior’. God sees us for what we will become. So in 2008 when God called me to ministry, He was not basing this call on who I was then but who I would become when He had equipped me. This is true for all of us.”
Newbold’s Chaplain, Pastor Alastair Agbaje, said the topic of inclusivity was chosen because it is a challenge that many pastors, particularly new ones, face. “Newbold is the perfect environment to foster lasting relationships,” he said. “It’s a small place, and because of that, tends to be a very inclusive community. It doesn’t allow you to get lost and left behind! Our students and staff are open to different attitudes, theological perspectives, and are welcoming of people regardless of their background, gender, or area of study.” Pastor Agbaje encourages students to maximise this aspect of College life. “It is what is helping many of those who are in ministry now. At Newbold ‘people’ are important, and our students feel that from the students and the teachers as well. Make sure that you build your friendship groups, no matter what discipline you are studying – this is going to be your support network in the future!”
Pastor Agbaje described the week as dynamic. “Each speaker allowed themselves to be vulnerable, connected with the audience, and shared their journey in an authentic manner. They shared positive memories about their time as students at Newbold and how it changed them, and they attributed this to the nurturing inclusive community on the Newbold campus.”
The theme of inclusiveness was also supplemented by a workshop with Pastor Patricia Douglas from the North England Conference. While all Theology students were encouraged to attend, Heart2Heart was designed to help female Theology students address the challenges of growing a successful ministry as a female pastor. The workshop and afternoon of fellowship that followed, looked at ways for all students to make a successful transition from Newbold into full-time ministry, with a particular emphasis on female students. “Pastor Douglas shared many amazing insights, focusing particularly on calling, the importance of time with God, and Christ-centred leadership,” said Dee Edwards, President of the Newbold Ministerial Society. “Many of the pearls of wisdom were equally valuable for both male and female ministerial students. It was a wonderful day that really gave students confidence, and invaluable guidance. For me it highlighted the lack of theological education from a female perspective. So I was really blessed and hope Heart2Heart can be an annual event in the academic calendar to benefit all ministerial students.” [tedNEWS]
tedNEWS Staff: Victor Hulbert, director; Esti Pujic, editor
119 St Peter’s Street, St Albans, Herts, AL1 3EY, England
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ted-adventist.org
tedNEWS is an information bulletin issued by the communication department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Trans-European Division.
You are free to re-print any portion of the bulletin without need for special permission. However, we kindly request that you identify tedNEWS whenever you publish these materials.
