Institute in Serbia combines leaders from MENA region and Europe; focuses on similarities

OC’s third 2010 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place June 29 - July 2 in Novi Sad, Serbia, for Middle Eastern and European schools. The event was hosted by OC partner Novi Sad Theological Seminary (NSTS). Thirty-two leaders from 20 strategic training programs and churches in the region attended the Institute, representing Algeria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Egypt, France, Jordan, Lebanon, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Sudan, Turkey, United Kingdom and the West Bank.

During the four-day Institute themed “Re-envisioning Seminary-Church Relationships,” church and seminary leaders interacted with each other in order to build partnerships and be mutually beneficial in meeting each other’s needs. Participants focused on creating a culture of dialogue between seminaries and churches; exploring mutual expectations; understanding the importance of the context of the seminary, church and society; and offering training that responds to the needs of church and society.

Many participants said they really liked combining this Institute for schools in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region and Central Europe. One said, “I met with wonderful leaders of seminaries in Europe and learned about some similarities and differences in the issues they face in providing Christian leadership education to students in their respective part of the world. This helps in exchanging and stimulating creative ideas for problem solving.” Other seminary and church leaders said they will formalize their relationship more to ensure cooperation and effectiveness.

The next Institute for Excellence will take place August 10-13 at Lanka Bible College and Seminary (LBCS) in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Click here for the 2010 schedule.

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