[3130] CWM pastoral exchange highlights Tainan Theological College and Seminary blueprint for the future

CWM pastoral exchange highlights Tainan Theological College and Seminary blueprint for the future

Reported by Simon Lin

Written by David Alexander

Every year Tainan Theological College and Seminary (TTCS) accepts international students from ecumenical church partners for advanced training. Ms. Li Li-yun (Li Lehun), who serves on the staff of Tongkang Presbyterian Church in Pingtung, formerly represented the PCT at functions of the Council for World Mission (CWM). She ardently supports the idea of international and intercultural exchange. On February 18, 2012, she hosted 4 international students from TTCS to speak at Tongkang.

The four students included Lova Rakotoarisoa (Madagascar), Probhudan John Hira (Bangladesh), Lydia Mwba Mwale (Zambia) and Ashley Ngira (Solomon Islands).

The intent of the exchange was to open the eyes of the members of Tongkang church to the world. It coincided with the celebration of TTCS Offering Sunday at the church. College President Wang Chong-yau (Ong Chiongiau) was the preacher during the service. He shared the college’s future development plans as he asked for support from the congregation.

Ms Li, said that long before she became engaged in pastoral work she was involved with the international students of TTCS. On Friday afternoons she would lead trips to visit churches and church-related social service agencies, to facilitate their understanding of the PCT, of Taiwan, and of life and culture here. For the 18th she personally contacted and invited the four CWM-sponsored students (out of 10 total) and invited them to share their nations’ life and churches’ environments with the people of Tongkang. The things they shared made deep impressions on the local church members and broke through some illusions.

As he addressed the congregation, TTCS President Wang Chong-yau shared his vision for the school’s future work. In order to increase the connection between theory and practice, he plans to move from the current model of “Theology and the Church” toward “Theology Leads the Church.” His plan has three parts:

First, establish a Homeland Theology and History Materials Research Centre. This will move homeland theology from something that exists on paper and in conversation to a practical connection with the history of the PCT and deepen the level of service. It includes making available historical materials that are currently in Romanized Taiwanese into a format where they can become useful for students’ historical research and practical application.

Second, establish a research centre on Church in Social Dialogue. The church must lead social dialogue, as a locomotive leads a train. In this role, the church acts from its basis in faith, putting church leaders onto the front lines of social movements. Overseas experience in dealing with issues of HIV/AIDS and dialogue about sexuality offer guidance for how this can be done. The center will publish books to lead church thinking, linking theological insights and social sciences responsibly. Other topics might include the application of church experiences with dialogue into the persistent China questions faced by Taiwan’s people.

Third, establish a Center for Mission Cooperation with Weak Social Sectors. This will put students into more intimate contact with the people of Taiwan’s weaker social sectors. In this contact they will learn how to show concern and deepen their experience. Rev. Wang hopes this will benefit both church and society.