ELKHART, Ind. (Mennonite Mission Network) — Academic study is one way that Mennonite Mission Network workers and staff strengthen their ministries.
“We all become better at our roles through study,” said Deb Byler, worker care director, who is working on a doctorate of ministry from Columbia International University. “Mennonite Mission Network fosters a culture of learning. This means that we don’t do our job the same way this year as last. We’re constantly talking, reading, and growing in our job.”
Deb Byler. Download full-resolution image.
“I felt like I needed to learn more about what I was doing,” said Byler. “I wanted to learn more about counseling, family and marriage, and what people were doing who have a similar role to me.”
By pursuing her degree, Byler was able to expand her knowledge of the counseling field and feel more confident in her role.
Learning research skills is a key element of doctoral studies. These skills can then transfer to Mennonite Mission Network’s work. There are about 11 workers and staff currently in doctoral programs.
Wil LaVeist. Download full-resolution image.
"In ministry, you want to have a sense of whether or not your ministry is successful, and being a researcher gives you tools to help you measure success," said Wil LaVeist, managing editor of multimedia. He is pursuing his doctorate in technology and media studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.
"It’s our tendency to split religion and science, and believe that academic pursuits are counter to faith," said LaVeist. "This was not always the case in human history. I don’t see that there should be a split, because God made us intellectual, spiritual and physical."
At Theological Seminary of the Christian Alliance in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, it is important to address the entire person. Martine Audéoud is co-director of two master’s programs— community health/HIV and transformational leadership—for the department of holistic development at the seminary. Audéoud has one doctorate in school administration and supervision and another doctorate of ministry.
Download full-resolution image.“One of the main reasons that led us to develop these programs was that Christians and churches didn’t have an influence on their communities,” said Audéoud. “These degrees empower the leaders to be more reflective, and they are encouraged to become more active participants in the transformation of their communities.”
This program also corrects the last centuries’ mistakes when Western missions rarely provided educational opportunities. This stripped the believers of opportunities to take leadership roles. Audéoud said, “Once believers reach these degrees, the leaders receive a higher level of recognition and credibility, and they feel much more empowered to lead according to biblical leadership principles and to become active agents of transformation in their communities to promote God’s shalom.”
Download full-resolution image.César Moya is working on his doctorate in philosophy through the Free University of Amsterdam. A long-term mission worker, Moya’s dissertation focus is on how Anabaptists understand and apply the Bible in Latin America.
“The foundation of theology is how we interpret and apply the Bible,” said Moya. “Our Anabaptist churches in Latin America have a particular way of approaching the Bible.”
Latin American theology is affected by the years of conquest and oppression, so a Latin American Anabaptist will read the Bible and not only find texts about nonviolence, but also about oppression, said Moya.
Nathan Penner, director of Mennonite Voluntary Service, recently completed his doctoral degree in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. The focus of his dissertation was on cross-cultural partnerships.
Nathan Penner. Download full-resolution image.
His research about partnerships helps him in his work with MVS because he has relationships with Mennonite Mission Network, host churches, and partner organizations. The studies helped him approach issues with an expanded perspective since he understood some of the broader contexts of partnership.
“You don’t want just anyone to design your car; you want a trained engineer,” said Penner. “Nonprofit, social work, Christian mission, and community development deserve the same respect and critical thought.”
Research helps Mennonite Mission Network adjust and adapt to the needs of constituents and organizations.
“Being able to do critical, structured research helps us avoid making decisions on anecdotal personal theories based on a handful of experiences,” said Penner.
Study at seminaries also enriches and strengthens the ministry of staff and workers. There are about 10 staff who have degrees from a seminary.
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Ann Jacobs is studying for her Master of Divinity in Christian formation at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. This learning broadens her world and places her within the work that God is doing, she said.
“It benefits everybody if people have an awareness and insight into mission, theology, peace and justice,” said Jacobs. “It helps us be able to work more consciously and with a purpose.”
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Mennonite Mission Network, the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA, leads, mobilizes and equips the church to participate in holistic witness to Jesus Christ in a broken world. Media may contact news@mennonitemission.net.
