Announcements
Leadership Changes, Reflection and Networking for TC in Philadelphia 2007
Changes in membership and leadership, wide-ranging theological reflection and significant networking marked the WEA Theological Commission’s 2007 meeting. “TC-07” was held July 31 to Aug 2 in Philadelphia, USA, and involved a consultation at Palmer Theological Seminary, a Symposium and Networking event at Westminster Theological Seminary and a day of strategy and planning at a hotel conference room.
During the business session, Dr Rolf Hille (Tuebingen, Germany) who has led the TC since 1996 stepped down from his dual role of Chair and Executive Director to become chair, with Dr David Parker appointed as Executive Director. Dr Brian Edgar (Asbury Theological Seminary) was appointed Vice-Chairman, replacing Dr Ken Gnanakan (Bangalore, India) who had previously concluded more than twenty years of involvement with the TC. Dr David Hilborn (UK) had also previously concluded his service and was replaced by his successor at UK Evangelical Alliance, Dr Justin Thacker. Dr James Nkansah (Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology) was appointed as an African representative, filling a long standing vacancy. Dr Chris Hall (Eastern University, Pa) was elected as a North American representative, with another position from this area to be filled later, thus replacing the loss of Dr George Vandervelde who passed away earlier in the year. Other appointments are also being considered. Decisions were also taken to plan for the further development of the TC with its new leadership and membership in association with initiatives from the WEA for several years into the future, with other decisions to be taken in October 2008.
The TC’s annual mini-consultation was held at Palmer (formerly Eastern) Seminary on July 31 on the theme of theological bases for political involvement. The consultation, attended by about thirty people representing a number of different countries and interests, featured keynote addresses Dr Ronald Sider (Palmer) and Dr Claus Schwambach (TC member from Brazil), several supporting papers and a lengthy discussion facilitated by Dr Brian Edgar (outgoing Director of Public Theology, EA of Australia). A 1500-word statement summarising discussion and conclusions is under preparation and will be circulated widely as soon as it is ready. The draft summary statement stressed the universal consequences of the lordship of Christ and the kingdom of God for all aspects of people’s lives and the need for proper stewardship of resources, while at the same time contributing humbly and faithfully to the broader society and patiently seeking God’s will in hope. The major papers will be published in TC’s journal, Evangelical Review of Theology.
About thirty people also joined for a symposium on theology and ministry at Westminster Seminary on Aug 1 when the President, Dr Peter A Lillback spoke about the need for a commitment to divine truth with a sensitive realization of God’s community as necessities for effective ministry. Dr Dennis Cheek, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, gave an energetic presentation of his recent study on theology and technology, emphasising the need to reflect critically on the widespread and pervasive influence of all forms of human work and invention. Both presentations resulted in a lively discussion and fruitful insights from the various perspectives reflected in the diverse audience. A tour of inspection of the campus and a shared meal also created opportunities for networking and fellowship.
Various initiatives and planned future events were under consideration at the strategy meeting. These included study units and task forces on Contextual Exegesis, dialogues, the theology of Jewish Evangelism, publications, preparations for Lausanne III, and many new possible task forces. A particular feature was the presentation by WEA International Director, Geoff Tunnicliffe, of the role and functions of commissions within the WEA structure and ways in which the TC could integrate with the work of the WEA. The serious need for additional funding of the TC was a matter of consideration. It was decided that the next annual meeting of the TC would take place in conjunction with the WEA General Assembly to be held in Pattya, Thailand. The TC will meet prior to the Assembly on Oct 23-24, 2008 and will include networking and a planning and strategy session, with TC members also being involved in the Assembly itself.
The week of events for the TC was also appropriately enhanced by participation in the mid-week prayer service of the Korean United Church of Philadelphia, led by TC member, Dr Jae Sung Kim, where Dr Rolf Hille was the guest preacher. The contribution of Dr Kim, his staff and his church in making local arrangements and logistics for the TC meeting and consultation are greatly appreciated.
Attendance at TC-07 included TC Commissioners, many of its Global Members including personal members, representatives of national evangelical fellowships and seminaries, and also several visitors, guest and observers. Global membership is open to individuals, seminaries and other institutions and national fellowships, and provides a way for anyone interested in the work of the TC to be involved on a continuing in-depth basis. For more information about the work of the TC, its publications, involvement in its study units and the Global Membership scheme, contact the Executive Director, Dr David Parker, tc@worldevangelicalalliance.com. www.worldevangelicalalliance.com/commissions/tc |
