Each year Nazarene Theological College plans and hosts a Minister’s Summer School as part of our vision to serve and equip ministers in the Church of the Nazarene in the United Kingdom. The hope of the time together is that it would be a time of fresh-thinking, deep-learning and pastoral care for one another in the beautiful setting of the college. There is a growing emphasis on the need to retreat and gain new perspectives on life in the ministry.
This year, the theme was Leading and Learning, to offer a series of updates for ministers in the areas of holiness, theology, practical theology, mission and New Testament studies. We also offered ‘health checks’ for ministers, times of reflection, prayers, and creative worship. One component that we tried to build in was the opportunity for reflection on where each minister, church and community was now, and where they hoped to be, and so there were times to think about and write development plans to implement over the next year(s). Momentum-UK director, Rev. Trevor Hutton presented a session on Church development plans and worked with ‘living documents’ in the form of Rev. D Robinson, and Rev. Claire Fender from the Irvine-Troon-Initiative to demonstrate good practice and explore issues facing all churches as they try to move forward. Other ‘practical’ elements included a session on managing conflict and dealing with volunteers, and a session on financial planning for churches.
Phew! That looks like a lot! There was, however, ample time for sitting around, long walks, games on the back lawn, and prolonged coffee-times, catching up with old and new friends. Excellent food, (mostly) new accommodation in the refurbished halls, and beautiful weather also helped the Ministers’ Summer School to be a resounding success. Next year’s planning is already underway, so set aside May 18th-21st 2009. Our provisional title in response to this year’s feedback is 'Issues of Culture and Christianity.’
Revd Deirdre Brower Latz
