As a part of its global Christianity emphasis, Central will be hosting two classes this fall for refugees from Burma (Myanmar) who are leading church ministry. The classes will be held on the Shawnee campus, Thursday, August 26, through lunch on Saturday, August 28.
Dr. Maung Maung Yin from the Myanmar Institute of Theology will offer a course on ministerial ethics, and Dr. Robert E. Johnson, Dean of the Seminary, will be teaching a course on Baptist polity. Central is working with various Regions of the American Baptist Churches to tailor these courses for the ministry leaders and their regions.
“There is a very real need for pastoral leadership for the many new congregations being formed by those who have fled persecution in Burma. As regions work with individuals in the ordination process, it is important to have a partner like Central who can help provide the necessary training. I am so glad that Central has this vision for serving our Burmese sisters and brothers.” Marshall Peters, Executive Minister for the ABC Mid-America Region.
Central hopes these courses will be the first set in an ongoing program for ministry leaders who are refugees from Burma now living in the US. The seminary will schedule future classes to coincide with visits from faculty of the Myanmar Institute of Theology.
Central is able to provide the courses, housing, and meals for the refugee leaders because of generous support from the Luce Foundation.