CWM Student scholars drop-in for physical and virtual visits

Every two months, we have drop-in day. Multiple times are available for student-scholars to ‘dropin’, have a chat and do a bit of networking. The student-scholars are usually part of our Academic Accompaniment Programme and Special Academic Accompaniment Programme (AAP). When Member Churches consider their Capacity Development Programmes, they will include plans for educational strategies and development. This is where the AAPs come in. CWM Member Churches can nominate student-scholars for AAP who can take a course of study that will help them offer strategic leadership in the future.

During such drop-in sessions, we get to hear about the range of diverse studies being undertaken and encourage one another with ideas and hints about research and practice. In July, we had in-person drop-ins from students residing or passing through Singapore. We also get to meet some of the students when CWM staff visit different Member Churches. It is always encouraging to see people who are committing their time, energy and intellect to growing as disciples and leaders in mission!

Student-scholars often have a solid grounding in tradition, theological and ministry studies. CWM support enables them to undertake further studies in emerging issues that look to future mission. Contextual study considers more than place and language. One of the great challenges has been how our identities have been influenced by COVID. When we see ourselves on a screen, in two dimensions, and as we begin to see ourselves as others see us, it changes our perceptions. Our interior world can seem at odds with both our physical experience and our digital identity. The emergence of emojis and avatars have changed how human interaction takes place. The Gospel can be shared in text messages:

JOHN 1:1

In da Bginnin waz da 1 who is called da Word. Da Word waz wit God & waz truly God.

(SMS Bible, based on CEV)

Students are exploring the ethics and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and different understandings of gender roles and identities. These are the real contexts churches will need to address in coming years. Our new generations of leaders will need to understand the interactions of contemporary language (often digital) and spiritual discipleship, worship and mission. For some of us, the digital age may feel foreign and fearful, but many online discipling communities that started during COVID, continue to grow and flourish. Some churches grieve this situation, longing for people to ‘come back’ to the gatherings in buildings. Others celebrate that they are now more engaged with a meaningful and growing spirituality by being able to be involved in online study and discussion groups, being connected for discipling mentoring sessions and participating in webinars and online courses.

At the same time, we talked together about ‘unlearning’ – a theme our CWM Moderator, Rev Lydia Neshangwe, preached about at the recent Annual Members’ Meeting. As we learn new things, the complexity around integration with past learnings can feel overwhelming. This is when we need a good mentor. Inatoli reflected on the special relationship that has developed with her academic supervisor,

My supervisor is very encouraging. I share that things are difficult or the study material is difficult and it drains me. She helps me. When I need some administrative advice she gets in and makes things easy for me. [ibid]

Sam is studying about Artificial Intelligence at UTC Bengaluru. He has found that conversations about digitality can be a challenge for the Church in South India (CSI), but given India’s global investment in digital presence, it is so important. He points out,

The challenge is that it is a new topic for theological colleges and we are just beginning to explore ideas like IMAGO DEI versus IMAGO ROBOTICO. [John Moses Samuel, online drop-in 13 July 2023)

Sam asks us to consider, how might AI have a positive impact on our ecclesial and missional work into the future. I automatically thought of how intelligent computers can gather data, evaluate options and identify the best spots in the ocean for regeneration of coral reefs. This could be part of the creation care strategies for our oceans. Others have suggested that AI can be helpful in putting our notes into readable reports. The possibilities for assisting in the work of Bible translation will revolutionize mission between different language groups.

There are, of course, challenges that come with online sessions and gatherings. One of our Special Academic Accompaniment Programme (SAAP) scholars, Inatoli, said Being a distance student is a challenge. I can feel quite isolated and alone, particularly as I am addressing areas of theology that people are uncomfortable talking about.

[Inatoli Aye, online drop-in 13 July 2023)

CWM education strategies serve to empower individuals and communities. Building capacity becomes a starting point and is followed up by application of learning. It is not enough to acquire knowledge, we also need to learn how to use it. By empowering people to act on what they have learnt, we are activating mission. Mission is both sending and receiving. Education is fuel for both.

Sithembiso Ndlela is at the beginning of his PhD studies at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa. His background is in commerce and leadership studies, with a particular interest in social entrepreneurship. He speaks with energy and passion about the potential of future mission,

I want to focus on the role of Christian education in fighting poverty, and how to encourage members of church and community…

At the moment the UPCSA has not delved into social entrepreneurship very much, but we are starting to identify what kinds of projects we could do in our local churches?

[Sithembiso Ndlela, online drop-in 13 July 2023)

Like the churches he will be working with, Sithembiso has to deal with the challenge of balancing work, study and missional innovation. Many of the poorest congregations cannot rely on income from members to fund mission work, so other forms of resourcing need to be explored. We were able to talk about a new initiative on the other side of the world in the tiny Pacific Island nation of Nauru, where the local church is engaged with training people to sew quilts. When the new sewing centre is not being used for classes, it can also be rented out for social enterprise. Churches are actively seeking ways to help people overcome poverty and enter into lifeflourishing!

Samuel Mali is undertaking studies towards a Doctorate in Theology at United Theological College, Bengaluru, India. He is coming towards the end of his writing on the topic, “An intersective Exploration of Palestinian Liberation Theology and Dalit Theology in the Contexts of Zionism and Hindutva: Towards Theology of Subaltern Solidarity for Emancipation”.

While the title is a mouthful, the importance of the study lies in its relevance to the most oppressed and marginalised in India and in Palestine. Just as Jesus stood against the oppression of Rome and the institutional attitudes of the Temple, the poor can find their voice in the promise of liberation and emancipation. Samuel may be coming to the end of this part of his work, but it is clear this is merely the beginning for him on a journey of advocacy and teaching. We wonder what insights he might have when he eventually goes to Palestine? Perhaps his insights from studies in India might bring hope and healing?

As he reflected on his studies during the past year, Samuel wrote, Christians need to partner with everyone who faces oppression so that a social renewal is made possible and liberation of the oppressed becomes a lived reality.

Member Church for three years after they conclude their studies. If they fail to work for the Church, the bursary is considered a loan they must pay back. In this way, we seek to extend the education beyond the individual. Whole denominations are benefitting from such accompaniment.

Generally, preference is given for local courses (i.e. in country and, where in country is not available, in region). Courses beyond the local region may be considered where the programme of study is not available in the region and it is demonstrably important to the mission plan of the local member church. These may be referred to the Special Academic Accompaniment Programme [SAAP].

(Samuel

Mail,

AAP Scholars reporting form, 2023)

The churches in our South Asia region have been making the most of the AAPs, with 35 currently enrolled students. 22 students are enrolled from our African churches. 7 students are from the East Asia churches. The other regions each have 2 enrolled students. Special consideration is given to women, young and emerging leaders and lay leaders. Specifically, fifty percent (50%) of AAP funds will be earmarked for women, with at least every second programme participant from a member church being a woman. Post-graduate and doctoral studies are strongly encouraged. [The exception to this will be where the member church seeks to educate a disadvantaged or under-represented group of leaders.]

An important requirement is that each studentscholar is effectively granted a bursary that is attached to their working for the sponsoring

SAAPs are for advanced scholarship in areas beyond the support of the local denomination. They are deemed to be important study areas, with regional or global implications. Often, these studies take place in partnership with a particular institution with strength in the research area. Generally, the SAAPs fit into three categories:

Category A – from a Member Church [but not qualifying for AAP]

Category B – from an Ecumenical Partner [Church or Organization]

Category C – Specialist Missiological Research

There are currently five SAAP scholars, one from the Pacific, two from East Asia and two from South Asia. We look forward to where their research and thinking may take us in the future!

Rev. Dr Amelia Koh-Butler Mission Secretary - Education, Formation and Empowerment & Pacific Region