Transformation
THE JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION
What do three Romanians, four Burmese from Chin State, six Karen people, three South Sudanese, two Samoans and one person each from Korea, Peru, El Salvador, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, Philippines and Egypt have in common?
They are all from our BUV migrant ethnic churches and over the past three years they have completed the TransFormation programme of study at Whitley College. This is a new and innovative programme that allows pastors and leaders from a non- English speaking background to study theology and biblical leadership together. This keen group of men and women have spent one Saturday a month forthe past three years at Whitley engaging with biblical studies, spirituality, pastoral care, theology, church history, mission and church leadership.
The dream for a programme like this was first expressed by Rev Paul James through the New Settlers’ Ministry and continued into the era of the Multicultural Ministry Group. The BUV and Whitley College started planning in 2002 and the programme began in February 2003. No one knew exactly what to expect, but what became evident really quickly was the friendship that developed between the members of the different fellowships. People were learning and sharing their faith together, praying for one another and their church ministries. All this was in addition to the structured programme of lectures. Lunches prepared by the various churches added to the fellowship.
Now, 26 members of the group are completing their three-year study commitment. Several of them are Pastors of some of our migrant ethnic churches; others are leaders. Seven of them are one-third of the way through a Diploma of Ministry and most intend to complete this in the coming years. Son Dao (Vietnamese) is moving to Sydney to pastor a church in a different denomination; Mark Narouz is heading to England to work with an Arabic congregation and one other graduate is considering the path to Ordination here in Victoria. These are exciting times to see what God is doing and will continue to do in the lives of these students.
In their second last session – I asked some of the students for their comments.
Important learning experiences included:
- Seeing the love of God in different cultures
- Seeing new parts of the Bible come alive
- Enjoying lectures from a variety of people
- Helping me with my ministry
- Learning the importance of leadership in ministry and training others
- Learning about dealing with conflict in the church.
Difficulties focused around coping with the English language, learning about writing assignments, juggling rosters at work to be free on the appropriate Saturdays and fitting everything in.
The Karen group with six participants noted how important it was for them to be all learning together and to be able share their experiences in their local fellowship.
The three Romanians enjoyed it so much that John, their pastor, has encouraged several others from his community to begin the course. Several others from the Chin and the South Sudanese group also joined them.
And so, the story continues. These are the first graduates of the significant programme, but when they finish at the end of the year, there are 24 more students who will continue on next year. And others will join them. This opportunity is available for members of any of our churches who have a non-English speaking background.
Praise God for the commitment shown by these students who have completed this programme and pray for God’s continuing blessing on their lives.
Graduation Service 6.30 pm, Sunday18 November 2007
at Mitcham Baptist Church click here
By Rev Jillian Stewart
Co-ordinator, TransFormation Programme, Whitley College
Contact Whitley College 9348 8000 or Rev Meewon Yang at the BUV for further details.
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