DESIGNING A LIFE-LONG LEARNING JOURNEY STUDENT & ALUMNI STORIES JONATHAN JANDAVS-HEDLIN AND TIM KLASSEN

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1 SPRING 2015 DESIGNING A LIFE-LONG LEARNING JOURNEY BY SHERMAN LAU PREPARING MBBS CANADA FOR 2020 BY BRUCE GUENTHER STUDENT & ALUMNI STORIES JONATHAN JANDAVS-HEDLIN AND TIM KLASSEN

2 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION TABLE OF CONTENTS 2/ President s Letter 3 / News & Updates 5 / Student Story 6 / Alumni Story 7 / MinistryLift 8 / Lent and Easter 9 / Designing a Life-long Learning Journey Langley (ACTS) Office 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1 O / TF / E / langley@mbseminary.ca Winnipeg (CMU) Office 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 O / TF / ext 350 E / winnipeg@mbseminary.ca mbseminary.ca 1 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION PREPARING MBBS CANADA FOR 2020 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you... so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live... And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20; Deuteronomy 6:2) marks the 40th anniversary of Canadian Mennonite Brethren involvement in graduate theological education. Historical retrospectives and anniversaries are good opportunities to assess and to refocus priorities and strategies. Much has changed since 1975 including teaching methods, program design and delivery, and even institutional models. But the mission of teaching them to obey as an integral part of disciple-making remains a sacred trust in the midst of change. I recently had opportunity to contribute a chapter for a missions textbook that will be published by MB Mission this summer. My particular assignment was to tell the story of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada and mission. Three observations were particularly striking as I read through stories from the past: (1) The centrality of mission and spiritual renewal among the Mennonite Brethren from its beginnings in southern Russia in 1860 through to the present, and its significant unifying effect within an increasingly global Mennonite Brethren movement; (2) The recognition that effective mission requires constant innovation and collaboration, and involves

3 bold proclamation, acts of compassion and service, and theological education. None of these on their own are adequate for the mandate of making disciples ; (3) The remarkable impact of theological schools in facilitating and enabling mission initiatives, and the critical importance of infusing the missional multiplying Mennonite Brethren DNA within the training programs offered by theological schools. Mennonite Brethren have understood how theological education is an integral part of accomplishing mission. They started an unprecedented number of Bible schools in Canada more than any other denomination in the country. The schools not only prepared thousands of young people for service within congregations, but virtually all the early Mennonite Brethren overseas missionaries had educational roots within a Bible school. Lastly, we have completed a major revision of the ministry preparation programs at ACTS seminaries in response to feedback from churches. Many courses are now available via live-stream or online without having to visit a campus location in Langley or Winnipeg. Read more about Designing a Life-long Learning Journey on page 9. By God s grace we want to continue delivering lifelong learning and training opportunities that help students become passionate and committed followers of Jesus who are biblically astute, theologically aware, culturally discerning and active in mission. Bruce Guenther, PhD President, MBBS Canada The inspiring reminder of the role these schools played in enabling mission achievement and the sacrifices made by innumerable individuals to make these schools possible, has been balanced by the sober reality of the circumstances and challenges facing theological schools in Canada today. As Canadian culture becomes increasingly indifferent and even hostile towards Christianity, never before has the need for making the good news of Jesus Christ known in Canada been more urgent. MBBS is committed to innovative partnerships that make theological education and leadership training available. As part of developing a Christ-centred and Spirit-led vision for serving Mennonite Brethren churches and ministries, MBBS Canada is pleased to be working together with C2C Network in developing a context-based degree program for training church planters that is scheduled for launch in September MBBS faculties are also participating as coaches with the Canadian Conference L2L ministry. A series of non-formal training conferences called MinistryLift ( for leaders in congregations has been established with plans underway for expansion. Read more about MinistryLift on page 7. 2

4 NEWS & UPDATES MBBS CANADA at ACTS The mission of the seminary is to educate and equip men and women who will help lead the church to reach Canada and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. This means that while we pursue education, we are ultimately about transformation. As the graduate theological school of the Canadian Mennonite Brethren Conference, our role is to weave strong and sensitive education into the fabric of our denomination. In order to do this effectively, MBBS Canada has been designed to work in the context of ministry partnerships. We believe we are always stronger when we work together with others. Here are some ways that we are working collaboratively at MBBS-ACTS to advance the kingdom: MBBS Canada is one of 5 denominational seminaries that comprise ACTS (Associated Canadian Theological Seminaries). ACTS by itself is not a seminary. It is a consortium based on interdenominational collaboration and cooperative partnership. The ACTS student body comprises of students from over 30 denominations. MBBS-ACTS is working with the C2C Network to develop a context-based educational program to be used as an educational platform for Canadian Mennonite Brethren church planting staff. In addition to the partnership with C2C, MBBS Canada is working with Northwest Baptist Seminary to develop and implement this program, which will be launched in Fall The design team, currently being assembled, will be comprised of seminary faculty, church leaders, and C2C staff, cementing the cooperative work of three levels of denominational ministry. This past January, MBBS partnered with Bethany College to accredit January modular week courses for graduate credit. Andrew Dyck from MBBS-CMU and Tim Geddert from FPBS each taught a course at Bethany, and MBBS-ACTS is granting graduate credit to students who studied with them there. In the process, MBBS has made education accessible to students without requiring them to travel to either of our two campuses. The shape of theological education is changing, and MBBS is changing with it. Students need not think simply of going to seminary. MBBS is about bringing seminary education to students. MBBS is working to increase educational accessibility in several ways: The seminary is offering live streaming of existing classroom courses so that students can participate from a distance. This use of technology, as well as the pursuit of partnerships that extend the reach of the seminary, are increasingly the way in which MBBS Canada is able to resource the needs of the Canadian Mennonite Brethren community and beyond. MBBS is working with David Leung and the leadership of the Mennonite Brethren Chinese Church Association to develop ministry resources for the Chinese churches of Greater Vancouver. These resources will not only be delivered, but also recorded and podcast for future use. MBBS-ACTS faculty are leading the work of petitioning ATS, the seminary accrediting body, for permission to increase the number of distance courses that MBBS- ACTS can offer toward seminary degrees. This makes education more accessible to students. 3 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION

5 MBBS-ACTS is delivering student aid in order to make education more affordable. This year, the seminary distributed over $22,000 to students. As well, the average graduate of MBBS-ACTS receives about one third of the cost of their education in one form or another, through student bursary, scholarship, or LTMG. MBBS-ACTS is continually improving educational programs in conversation with stakeholders and partners. MBBS faculty Randy Wollf and Brian Cooper are part of the task force that is recommending changes to the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Christian Studies programs intended to enhance the supervised ministry experience and mentoring components of the programs. These changes will deepen the educational experience for students and develop better equipped leaders by giving them more practical exposure to ministry training and connecting them strategically with ministry leaders in their contexts. It is an exciting time to be part of the seminary, and a privilege to serve the churches of the CCMBC. Your partner in ministry, Dr. Brian Cooper MBBS Canada at ACTS Associate Dean MBBS CANADA at CMU The most visible development at the MBBS Winnipeg campus is the near-completion on of a new facility named the Marpeck Commons, which includes a new library, bookstore, café, and church resource centre. The Marpeck Commons is now open to students and the public at large. This new facility represents an important asset with respect to making the MBBS program at CMU more attractive to current and potential students. If you live in Winnipeg or happen to be in the area, be sure to visit this wonderful addition to the CMU campus. On the faculty side, Pierre Gilbert is back in his role as MBBS Associate Dean after a six- month study leave during which he completed the first draft of a manuscript on the problem of evil using Genesis 1-3 as a foundational text. Andrew Dyck, the Seminary- appointed professor in pastoral ministry at CMU, continues to make a valued contribution to MBBS Winnipeg and beyond. In addition to his teaching load and consulting work with the Manitoba Conference, Andrew taught an intensive course at Bethany College in early January. MBBS is immensely thankful for the many opportunities we have had to partner with Bethany over the years. Our prayers are with the faculty and staff as they complete their final year of operation. Ron Toews, director of L2L, will be teaching a MBBS intensive course Feb 16-20: Visioning, Strategic Planning and Organizational Leadership. This course provides Christan leaders with a biblical perspective on planning within ministry organizations, an understanding of ministry governance models, the skills to develop a shared vision for ministry, and a set of practical planning tools for making progress towards that vision. If church leadership is of interest to you, why don t you plan on taking it either for credit or non- credit. MBBS is pleased to announce that four students will graduate from its Winnipeg program this spring. José Moraga Diaz and his family moved from Chile to Winnipeg three years ago to pursue theological training. He has been actively involved in MB churches and hopes to serve in a MB church in the near future. Jonathan Jandavs-Hedlin is a member at Eastview Community Church (MB) and is now serving as a hospital chaplain. Katherine McCamis was youth pastor at Fort Garry MB Church. While she continues to work as an occupational therapist, she is also looking for an opportunity to serve in a pastoral role. Arisnel Mesidor is half- time senior pastor at L Église de la rivière rouge (MB) in Winnipeg. He is also half- time director of Soul (School of Urban Leadership), an urban ministry training centre. Dr. Pierre Gilbert MBBS Canada at CMU Associate Dean MBSEMINARY.CA 4

6 MBBS STUDENT STORY Jonathan Jandavs-Hedlin SHARE A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF (HOMETOWN, FAMILY, WHAT YOU WERE DOING BEFORE ATTENDING SEMINARY, CURRENT ROLE) AND WHY YOU CHOSE TO ATTEND MBBS-CMU? About five years ago I began training for a career in health care chaplaincy. My wife Jen and I are long time residents of Winnipeg, so CMU was a natural choice. When the MBBS affiliation was launched I was drawn to this partnership because it allowed me to establish deeper roots with my home denomination. HOW ARE YOU BEING EQUIPPED AND PREPARED FOR MINISTRY? MBBS-CMU has helped prepare me for ministry with personalized academic advisement and courses which challenged me to think beyond my previously held assumptions. Flexibility within my program has allowed for a wide range of areas of study, which I believe has helped me become a more well-rounded individual and leader. WHAT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT HAS IMPACTED YOU THEOLOGICALLY OR VOCATIONALLY (SURPRISES, STRUGGLES, SUCCESSES) IN YOUR STUDIES, THUS FAR? The greatest surprise during my studies has come in the form of learning about the MB Church in relation to other Christian traditions. Ecumenical conversation has given me greater respect for others and at the same time deepened my evangelical- Anabaptist theological roots TELL US ABOUT YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK AND HOW THIS HAS HELPED YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES? My support network was primarily threefold: 1) my wife Jen; 2) MBBS mentorship group; and 3) my home church pastors. These layers of support provided important encouragement and context for my educational journey. They also provided me with support so that I could explore my faith at a deeper level. WHAT KIND OF MINISTRY OR VOCATION ARE YOU HOPING TO BE PREPARED FOR? In summer of 2014 I began transitioning from life as a student to working in a professional capacity as a chaplain. I have been working part-time in two local hospitals and hope to increase to full-time after graduation in April. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OUR READERS ABOUT CONSIDERING SEMINARY STUDIES? Look into seminary studies as an opportunity to deepen your stakes and widen your tent (Isa. 54:2). It is a stretching experience, but very worthwhile. If you re considering it, but uncertain about committing to a whole degree program, just start with one course and then gauge how you can balance studying with other aspects of your life. 5 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION

7 MBBS ALUMNI STORY Tim Klassen TIM KLASSEN IS THE LEAD PASTOR OF CENTRAL HEIGHTS COMMUNITY CHURCH IN ABBOTSFORD, WHERE HE HAS SERVED SINCE HE GRADUATED FROM MBBS-ACTS IN 2005 WITH A MASTER OF DIVINITY. TIM HAS BEEN A CHURCH PLANTER IN VANCOUVER, AND PREVIOUSLY SERVED AT NORTHVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH AND MB MISSION. THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXCERPT FROM HIS VIDEO INTERVIEW, WHICH CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE AT MBSEMINARY.CA/STORIES HAVING BEEN IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER FOR OVER 20 YEARS, WHAT INFLUENCED YOU TO CONSIDER PASTORAL MINISTRY AS A LIFE-LONG VOCATION? I often tell people that if there is anything else they could do other than pastoral ministry, to go do that. For me, there was not a time when I was not thinking about the church, even when I was a financial planner. It was through conversation with God and confirmation of the community around me that affirmed my calling to pastoral ministry and gave me the confidence to pursue this vocation. WHEN YOU RECEIVED THIS CALL AND AFFIRMATION IN YOUR 30S, YOU THEN ATTENDED MBBS-ACTS. IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR SEMINARY EXPERIENCE SHAPED AND PREPARED YOU FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY? I thought I really had a good knowledge of the Scriptures, having grown up in the faith but seminary took me deeper through learning and conversation with fellow students about practical ministry experience. My understanding of God and His ways was enriched. Good ministry happens out of good theology and has made me a better leader, teacher and preacher. It has equipped me to be an agent of change for the Gospel. WHAT DO YOU SEE ARE THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY AND CHALLENGES FOR THE CHURCH TODAY? I ve recently had a revolution in my heart and mind about the meaning of the Gospel. We ve lost our voice in the community and so the church is not really influential in a post-christian culture that still desires and seeks the Good News. This presents a significant opportunity for the church to be a witness. For Central Heights, we have a wide ranging demographic from youth to seniors, and everyone in between. We desire to show how the gospel works intergenerationally in a world that is focused on the individual. HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT THIS REVELATION? Recently, my wife Virginia was diagnosed with cancer and is now in God s presence. As a family, instead of running away from God, we drew closer to Him. We asked the question, How could this be for the glory of God? The answer and foundation for our confidence to endure her passing was the centrality of the Gospel. This has now formed the paradigm from which I have come to view every aspect of my life. The Gospel has become my hermeneutics. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE CONSIDERING SEMINARY? My seminary experience was a transformative experience, both personally and for the ministry I was entrusted with. Seminary education is about knowing God better, whether it is through one course, a seminar or a degree program. You will be surprised how much you will be transformed. MBSEMINARY.CA 6

8 134 WORKSHOPS 900 PARTICIPANTS 180 CHURCHES WE WANTED TO LEARN BUT CAME AWAY TRANSFORMED. This is what one participant said after attending a MinistryLift training event. Since its inception in October, 2013, MinistryLift has held eight training events comprised of 134 workshops. Approximately 900 participants from 180 churches (62 were MB churches) in 21 denominations have participated in the training either onsite or via live-streaming. This past Fall, MinistryLift hit the road with two small group ministry training weekends in Edmonton and Calgary. We also held the MinistryLift Equipping Conference at the MBBS-ACTS campus in Langley and via live-streaming. The conference featured 13 equipping tracks including Worship Ministry (with Johnny Markin, Pastor of Worship and the Arts at Northview Community Church) and Leadership Essentials (with the Leaders2Learners team). One of the churches that live-streamed the conference had 50 people come to the church to take part in the three tracks they live-streamed simultaneously. It s exciting to see how individuals and churches across Canada and beyond are making the most of the MinistryLift training opportunities. One conference participant described MinistryLift in this way: A TRANSFORMATIONAL RESOURCE! MINISTRYLIFT IS A TRUE GIFT FOR THE CHURCH TO BE ABLE TO ACCESS SUCH QUALITY PRESENTERS AND MATERIALS. LIVE STREAMING IS GOING TO HAVE A PROFOUND IMPACT IN THE LIVES OF THE LEADERSHIP OF CHURCHES THAT ARE FAR AWAY FROM ACTS. MinistryLift is one more way that MBBS is trying to help those in the MB Conference and in other denominations reach Canada and the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. For information on upcoming training events or to arrange a MinistryLift event in your church, please go to 7 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION MINISTRYLIFT.CA JOIN US. REGISTER ONLINE.

9 MONDAY: SECOND WEEK OF LENT LAUGHING FOR LENT Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7 Laughter reveals the person. When a youngster begins a knock-knock joke with a grin, I recognize that he or she is offering me friendship. Wry chuckles, smothered giggles, dry cackles, knowing smirks and forced guffaws are just as telling. The laughter in today s Scripture seems out of place during Lenten repentance for renewal. However, if laughter reveals the person, then this passage can be a mirror by which God examines your life and mine. The story is comical. God in three persons visits aged Abraham with a birth announcement. Abraham is appropriately hospitable, inviting them to stay and rest, to have their feet washed and to enjoy a little bread. Abraham appears flustered. Earlier he ran to his guests. Now he runs to Sarah s tent to order her to make ten loaves of bread. He runs to his herd and tells his servant to prepare an entire calf for feasting. There is humour in Abraham s frenzy to prepare a banquet. There s also humour in his apparent failure to recognize his guests identity. Laughing is appropriate. Sarah laughs next. She overhears a guest announce that she will become pregnant with the child of promise; and Sarah laughs. Hers is not the laugh of slapstick comedy. This is the sober, incredulous laugh of hearing an impossible promise. It s a sad laugh, maybe even cynical. The time has expired for God to fulfill His promise. Nine months and three chapters later, Sarah laughs again. She even names her son He-Laughs (Isaac). This time, her laughter includes everyone around her, and everyone who hears her story. This is a big-hearted laugh that bursts from Sarah s belly effortlessly. It s an evangelistic laugh; it invites everyone to respond to God s joy-filled grace with overflowing laughter. On the journey through Lent, when God comes knocking, how are you laughing? Do you laugh with unawareness not recognizing God? Do you laugh with disappointment, even distrust, because you can t imagine the Gospel changing your life? Do you laugh with Gospel-surprise, so that everyone around wants to laugh with you? However you laugh, be honest about yourself. And take heart, because God is visiting you, and offering you life-changing good news. FREE Download the book for Waiting for the Resurrection // A Collection of Readings for Lent and Easter ADVANCE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST MEET OUR MBBS ADVANCEMENT TEAM. ANDREW DYCK, PHD (CANDIDATE) // Professor of Ministry Studies at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Manitoba ANDREW DYCK HELPS US TO ENJOY AND LAUGH WITH THE COMICAL STORIES OF GOD S CALLING. This article is one of many in Waiting for the Resurrection: A Collection of Readings for Lent and Easter. MBBS Canada is delighted to provide this resource to our MB family in Canada. An extended time of reflection before the Easter celebration can be crucial to prepare our hearts and shape us rightly for His service. If you have not yet had opportunity, download the entire book for free at mbseminary.ca/devotional. May you and your family have a blessed Easter celebration, remembering the cross, rejoicing in the resurrection! BEN WOHLGEMUT, MA Advancement Officer (SK, MB, ON) bwohlgemut@mbseminary.ca JEFF PETERS, MA Director of Advancement (BC & AB) jpeters@mbseminary.ca MBSEMINARY.CA 8

10 DESIGNING A Life-long LEARNING JOURNEY By Sherman Lau, Admissions Counsellor ENROLMENT TRENDS SUGGEST A MOVEMENT TOWARDS ON DEMAND EDUCATION: FLEXIBLE PROGRAMMING, MULTIPLE DELIVERY METHODS, AND FLEXIBLE ENGAGEMENT. POTENTIAL STUDENTS IN THE 21ST CENTURY HAVE ACCESS TO INFORMATION TO RESEARCH SCHOOLS AND DEGREE PROGRAMS THAT MEETS THESE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS. MBBS Canada is at the forefront of this trend by offering customizable degree programs, courses delivered in traditional classroom, modular, livestream and online formats, two campus locations, courses that are schedule friendly, and increasing financial aid for fulltime and part-time students. However, while the initial information gathering is conducted online, potential students may still have questions related to admissibility and accessibility. Our role is to help the student discern how to get there, which requires careful listening and an awareness of the kind of questions that accompany different seasons of life. With this goal in mind, here are some questions that we routinely encounter that may inspire you to design your own life-long educational journey: I COMPLETED AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE IN ENGINEERING, I DID NOT ATTEND BIBLE COLLEGE OR I DON T HAVE AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE. AM I STILL ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SEMINARY? There are multiple entry points to seminary education that require different levels of learning experiences. For admission to a formal master s degree, an undergraduate degree is required with preference towards the humanities. However, we have admitted students with business, science or engineering degrees. Seminary programs include foundational and introductory courses in biblical studies, theology, church history and biblical languages for those who did not have these subjects in their previous post-secondary studies. Individuals who have not pursued or completed an undergraduate degree, may qualify for an one-year diploma program. The diploma program may be used to ladder into a master s program with additional courses. BUT WHAT IF ONE ONLY DESIRES TO ENROLL IN JUST ONE COURSE? Of course this is possible. Generally, those who simply want to check out seminary studies can complete as many as four courses without being enrolled in a program. However, after four courses, students typically do enroll in a program best suited to their needs and interests. I VE NOT BEEN IN SCHOOL FOR MANY YEARS? WILL I BE SUCCESSFUL? The learning experience for the mature adult learner is different than it is for young adults. Memory recall 9 LIFELONG LEARNING FOR LIFELONG MISSION

11 may not be what it once was; however, researchers in the field of adult education have found that maturity, responsibility and discipline, the character trademarks of adulthood, ensure that adult learners not only survive but thrive in adult learning environments. One s ability to think critically, synthesize and develop ideas truly becomes better with age. I M WORKING FULL-TIME AND CAN T COME ON CAMPUS. HOW CAN I ATTEND CLASSES? The question of accessibility is a legitimate one. Gone are the days when students had the luxury of uprooting their families for three years. Though many seminaries in Canada and the United States continue to have brick and mortar schools, technological advances have allowed theological education to be delivered in many ways. Traditionally, seminaries offered semester long courses (which MBBS Canada still does through the ACTS consortium and CMU); however, many courses are now offered on weekends and in one-week modular format. Furthermore, forum-based online interaction has been available since 2002 through platforms such as Moodle or Blackboard. The latest addition is live streaming or simultaneous learning environment through the use of online video meeting services such as WebEx or Go2Meeting. Students in the 21st century truly have the freedom of on demand learning, that allows them to learn when, where and how that fits their schedule. Graduate theological education is truly accessible from everywhere and anywhere. Sherman Lau has served as an Admissions Counsellor at MBBS Canada for four years and is also an alumni. Prior to serving at the seminary, he served at Pacific Grace MB Church and The Life Centre, where he still attends with his family. He is privileged to serve the church by assisting in the life-long educational journey of all followers of Christ. MBSEMINARY.CA 10

12 Life-long learning made easier We are pleased to offer for the academic year, a bursary of $2600 towards the first year of seminary studies, to new applicants of the Master of Divinity or Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree programs (available through our Langley campus at ACTS Seminaries). ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? Must be a new applicant to MBBS Applicants must apply to MBBS-ACTS by July 1, 2015 Applicants must be enrolled in full-time studies (9 semester hours) for both Fall and Spring semesters Check out other financial aid options for ACTS Seminaries and Canadian Mennonite University at mbseminary.ca/financial-aid. JOIN US AND START YOUR LIFE-LONG LEARNING TODAY. Langley (ACTS) Office 7600 Glover Road, Langley, BC V2Y 1Y1 O / TF / E / langley@mbseminary.ca Winnipeg (CMU) Office 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 O / TF / ext 350 E / winnipeg@mbseminary.ca