|
|
East Asia consultation focuses on Anabaptist leadership development
A first-of-its-kind consultation brought together 32 East Asian Anabaptists, mission workers and administrators to discuss Anabaptist leadership development across the region. The Macau Mennonite Church hosted the event, sponsored by Mennonite Mission Network. Throughout 2005, Mission Network conducted a review of its East Asia ministries as part of a five-year cycle of regional reviews. A persistent call was heard to bring together representatives from the Anabaptist-Mennonite churches in East Asia to discuss how to cooperate, network and share resources for the mutual benefit of all in the development of leadership for the next generation. The consultation fulfilled this purpose and resulted in concrete steps for implementing cooperative efforts. Each day’s sessions began with worship, including a Bible study on servant leadership. Wilbert Shenk set the tone and basis for the ensuing discussions in his presentation, “An Overview of Mennonite Missions and Leadership Development in East Asia.” From his survey, Shenk drew general observations that included:
Representatives from each country gave a presentation on “My Vision for Anabaptist Leadership Development/Theological Education.” These reports covered the range of training programs from grassroots lay training to more formal programs. Small groups worked at an inventory of gifts and resources for sharing with others. Practical action steps agreed upon included setting up an Internet discussion group, a web site for posting a database of resources, a speakers bureau and other information. Exploration of models for graduate Anabaptist theological education in East Asia was recommended. The attendees came from nine East Asian countries, each with its own unique historical, cultural, ethnic, political and religious context. But as they met each other as fellow Mennonite Christians around a common cause, something almost electrifying happened — a special sense of oneness, goodwill and Christian love prevailed. Taiwanese and mainland Chinese brothers sat, ate and laughed together; the Korean and Japanese brothers embraced in an emotional gesture of reconciliation. A synergy emerged as the potential for new opportunities of working together and sharing gifts became evident. Genuine networking among the consultation participants began with invitations to conduct seminars, teach courses, and make fraternal visits in each other’s countries. In former eras, Macau served as the launching pad for mission into China and other parts of East Asia. From the gathering in Macau, a new vision and impetus for Anabaptist mission is launched as East Asian leaders are trained and developed to make it happen. In this issue: Features Highlights Viewpoints |
