Twenty-six African leaders trained at Lusaka Institute

OC’s second 2009 Institute for Excellence in Christian Leadership Development took place in Lusaka, Zambia. The event was hosted by OC partner Justo Mwale Theological College (JMTC) March 30 - April 3.

Twenty-six leaders from 16 strategic training programs in the region attended the Institute, representing Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. All presentations and materials were available in English.

During the five-day Institute themed “Nurturing Spiritual Formation in the Seminary,” participants focused on the hearts of students, not simply their head and hands, as part of a holistic approach to student growth. The seminary leaders were equipped with a deeper understanding of spiritual formation, so that it can be intentionally integrated into the entire program, curriculum and culture of their seminaries.

Many participants commented on how the discussions enabled them to have relevant and contextual interaction, in addition to learning many new things that can be applied in their seminaries and churches. One said, “I think the whole week modeled the title 'Institute for Excellence' – everything was excellent! The presentations, program, scheduling of presentation and discussion were all highly satisfactory.” Regarding what changes he will make at his school in the area of spiritual formation, another participant said, “I will be more intentional about how I help spiritual formation happen in the community, and I will take my own spiritual formation seriously by putting together a spiritual accountability group.”

The next Institute for Excellence will take place April 20-24 at FIET Theological Institute (FIET) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Click here for the 2009 schedule.

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