Intensives

by Doug Roland

The seminary is in the middle of "Intensives", an annual event conducted between semesters. It consists of a series of lectures on various church subjects that are not normally presented in depth in regular classes. The sessions have a practical focus based upon widely accepted Christian principles. As well, the first year seminarians participate in several on-campus retreats, leadership training and the like. This latter is presented by two staff members. The remainder are guest lecturers from a variety of places and subjects:

Crime and Ministry Douw Grobler, Exec. Director of Prison Fellowship of Southern Africa.

Forming Transforming Congregations Rev. Dr. Peter Storey, retired Methodist Bishop and Duke University faculty member

Contextual Bible Study Prof. Cheryl Anderson, Garrett Evangelical, Chicago, IL

Authentic Ministries Across Boundaries Rev. Phidian Matsebe

Sunday and Beyond; church liturgy. Rev. John van der Laar

Authentic Evangelism for a Transformational Church Rev. Andile Mbete

Evangelism & Mission Prof. Jack Jackson, Duke University

Ethics and Leadership Staff of Pietermaritzburg Agency for Christian Social Awareness

Hospice Training Staff of Msunduzi Hospice

Rural Ministry Victor Tshangela

For those of us only marginally involved, it is a smorgasbord of delights. We can drop in on lectures, participate in discussions like we know what we're doing, and get together informally with the guests.

The two American lecturers join the four Duke Divinity students, putting us close to more Americans than we've seen since we arrived here nearly a year ago. It is comforting and fun. But it's also enlightening to see the seminarians loosen up when there are no grades at stake, especially those who are waiting for stationing later in the semester. They are beginning to think hard about what's coming.

Personally what I have learned by sitting in on some of these classes is that studying material you know a little about takes on different meanings when learned in another county and culture. The inevitable response is to compare ideas and practices with what I already know. In identifying and affirming the differences, what I knew is now clearer.

We all see through the filters of our experience. Filters need to be cleaned from time to time. When they do, you may see your neighbors on your street or on the next continent, in a very different light.