Around the Region - Pete Burkhart, Theological Education 2.0 and more!!! VOLUME 6, ISSUE 15 for Thursday, 16 August 2018 from The Global Church of the Nazarene in Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines, Asia Pacific Region
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 15 AUGUST 16, 2018
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Meryle (Carrier) Burkhart passed away in April 2017.
In January 1962, Peter and Meryle solidified their call to missions and accepted an assignment to Guyana, where they served for 10 years. The Bukharts next pastored a church in Nampa, Idaho, now known as Karcher Church of the Nazarene.
The couple re-entered missionary service in 1976 and were assigned to the Philippines. They stayed in Manila for the first four years and moved to other provinces until their retirement in 1992.
Philippines-Micronesia Field Strategy Coordinator Stephen Gualberto remembers Peter and Meryle’s ministry during their stay in the Philippines.
“I have several great memories of the Burkharts in the Philippines,” Gualberto said. “Peter became our district superintendent at Southern Tagalog District when I was a teenager. Meryle was a great Sunday School teachers’ trainer to us in the district.”
Floyd Cunningham, academic dean of Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, spoke fondly of the Burkharts.
“In the Philippines, they initially served in metro Manila planting churches,” he said. “Both the Central Church in Quezon City and the Taytay Church were among the products of their ministry. They lived on and tended to the campus of what was to become APNTS.”
Peter is survived by his five children. More information will be posted as it is made available.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, 31 August at the Karcher Church of the Nazarene, 2515 W Karcher Road, Nampa, ID 83651.
Prayer is requested for the Burkhart family.
Information used from Asia-Pacific Region report on the life of Meryle Burkhart
This article was originally published in NCN News.Read More.Regional Prayer Requests Page
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Participants, L to R: Maggie Bailiey, John Moore, Elizabeth Graham, Bruce Allder, Mark Louw, Klaus Arnold, David Ackerman, Kwon Dong Hwan, Bruce Oldham
Re-Envisioning Theological Education 2.0 in Asia-PacificA group of educators and leaders from Asia-Pacific, the USA, and Europe met in the Philippines 24-27 July to discuss theological education in the Church of the Nazarene. This was a continuation of dialogue started in Singapore in October 2017. Change are happening in education across the globe, and the Church of the Nazarene must be prepared.How can we be more effective in our mission through theological education in the Church of the Nazarene? A group of educators and leaders from Asia-Pacific, the USA, and Europe met in the Philippines July 24-27 to explore this question. This was the continuation of a dialogue started in Singapore in October 2017. Changes are happening in education across the globe and the Church of the Nazarene must be prepared. This group strategized how to be ready for these changes. The church is growing rapidly in some areas of the Asia-Pacific Region, leaving a high demand for equipped leaders. In other places, the growth has stagnated, leaving the need for a fresh vision and new methods.
Our Nazarene theology of holiness as love provides a clear roadmap to effective disciple-making. Disciple making is not for a select few but is at the very heart of who we are as Jesus’ followers. This is not a matter of knowing but of doing: living out the message that we believe. The goal of theological education is to train catalytic leaders who in turn train others to fulfill the Great Commission of making Christlike disciples who are also equipped to carry on this mission by making more disciples.
How will we reach that goal? The old way of thinking is often called the “parish model”: most of the work of ministry is left to a few highly trained professional clergy. The Asia-Pacific Region urges a paradigm change where all believers are trained for the mission. This will require cooperation between the local church, districts, and educational providers. Education must be applicable to local contexts, accessible in local languages, affordable for everyone, and with opportunity for continued growth.
In order to fulfill our mission, the Asia-Pacific Region is rolling out a new course of study for ministry that is being widely adopted. This new curriculum focuses on character formation in context through mentoring and the development of practical skills. It is important that students learn together through fellowship with God, dialogue with one another, involvement in local churches, and engagement in their local community.
This committee has developed the following Affirmation Statements as a way forward in dialogue and development:
- We affirm that our purpose is to make Christlike disciples who multiply.
- We affirm the role and the equipping of the priesthood of all believers.
- We affirm that theological education is about developing Christlike character in the community.
- We affirm that theological education begins in the local church with intentional discipleship.
- We affirm that the theological education process must be relational.
- We affirm that the educational process is a shared responsibility between educators, church, mentors, and District Ministerial Studies Boards and District Ministerial Credential Boards.
- We affirm the catalytic role of faculty in the development of students.
- We affirm the need for the transformational development of college boards, administration, and faculty members to develop the character of students.
- We affirm the importance of Wesleyan-Holiness theological tradition and accountability.
- We affirm that we are stronger when we collaborate.
Articles and Blogs
Harmon and I were first exposed to StrengthsFinders in 2009 when Verne Ward introduced the assessment tool to the Asia Pacific Region. We were then provided access to a professional Strengths Coach who helped us understand the implications of our Strengths report. We could never have imagined the significant impact this would have on our understanding of ourselves, our marriage and our relationships. Our journey from Awareness, to Acceptance and ultimately into Appreciation of the unique ways that God has designed us, and those around us, has been surprising, clarifying, freeing, motivating and empowering. We suddenly had a lens through which to view and begin to make sense out of our own and each other’s ways of thinking, acting, and interacting. It was like ‘cracking the secret code’ to understanding ourselves and each other in a whole new way! This was the beginning of an exploration journey that continues to this day. We still are discovering deeper understanding about ourselves and each other through the StrengthsFinder lens.
Many of you on the Asia Pacific Region have had the privilege of taking this assessment and are benefiting from the insight gained, both individually, as couples, and as teams learning to work with more effectiveness and engagement than ever before. We’ve been privileged to partner with many of you in this journey of discovery and have found it to be one of the most effective personal development, relationship and team building tools we’ve ever seen.
What Is It?
Created by behavioral psychologist Dr. Donald Clifton, who believed that instead of focusing on what we do wrong we ought to focus on what we do right. ‘Find out what you do well and do more of it,’ Clifton said. ‘Become more of who you already are.” After 40 years of research and exposure to millions of interviews, Clifton discovered a multitude of talent-based behaviors that could be grouped together into what he calls Talent Themes. Now, through the Gallup research organization, StrengthsFinders helps to measure talent among these 34 different themes.
The Strengths approach builds beautifully on the principles we find in I Corinthians 12:12-27, where we read that just like our physical bodies are perfectly designed with parts that each play a vital role in our overall health and ability to function, the body of Christ is made up of many parts, each of which is intended to contribute in a unique and important way. Gaining awareness of our unique contribution, while appreciating each other’s unique contribution allows us the freedom to come to the table together in confidence and humility while we celebrate and find purpose together in the body of Christ.
Why does It Matter?
Unfortunately, what we often find is that:
- Most people are very Self-Unaware of their unique talents
- Most people do not see themselves as gifted or talented
- Most people do not appreciate the fact that God has equipped them to make a unique contribution – something only they can offer and something that will be missing if they don’t offer it.
What can we do about it?
I see this a bit like the light under a bushel that we read about in Matthew 5. We were created to reflect the light of God as he dwells in us. And we are a unique window through which He is revealed to the world. If our window is covered up, that part of who He is, never shows! So what does it take to “pull back the curtains from my window” so He can shine through me brightly in the ways he designed me to reflect His character?
As redeemed children of God, we are invited to see ourselves the way God sees us – the way He created us. And I have found StrengthsFinders to simply be a tool that helps us do that better.
If you’ve taken the assessment before, you may already know your “top 5” Talent Themes, or Strengths. These are clues to your talents, your values, your motivation, your relationship style, your needs, the things you love to do and the things that are draining for you. They are keys to understanding your passion and purpose as well as your challenges. The best way to gain the most benefit from the assessment is to work with a “Strengths Coach”, someone trained to help you gain a greater understanding of the potential that each Strength reveals. We are each a combination of our dominant Strengths, and discovering the synergy of how these combine to show up in us is an adventure!
As we explore the value of knowing our Talent Themes, or Strengths, over the next few articles, here are just 3 examples of the 34, along with a description of what they Bring to a situation and what they Need in order to thrive.
Example #1: People high in Empathy offer emotional intelligence, emotional comfort and stability, and an emotional depth to relationships; an awareness of the needs unvoiced, questions and emotions of others; a view of the world through the eyes of others; the right words to help others express their feelings. People high in Empathy need: meaningful relationships; freedom to express feelings; emotional language; opportunities to make decisions based on intuition.
Example #2: People high in Achiever offer diligence and follow-through; hard work, intensity and stamina; a willingness to go the extra mile; a goal-driven focus on completion; a clarification of goals, targets and measures of success. People high in Achieverneed: goals to accomplish; work; a clear measurement of success; someone to occasionally help push ‘pause’; recognition of their hard work; others to be hard working.
Example #3: People high in Adaptability offer an ability to quickly change and respond; a willingness to follow the lead of change; productivity, even through the unexpected; calmness in the face of change; a sense of discovery, one choice at a time. People high in Adaptability need: a fluid, ever-changing environment; freedom to make changes midcourse; opportunities to respond to the here and now; pressures that demand an immediate response.
This is just a random 3 “Strengths” out of 34 to give you an idea of how they might sound. Can you begin to see the value of having this kind of understanding about yourself, your family members and those you work with? Contact me to find out what your talent themes sound like!
Right now, we have at least four individuals on the Asia Pacific Region who are trained and certified to facilitate coaching in Strengths. Each of these have told me they are available and willing to provide one-on-one coaching to help you explore and discover the way God made you and the unique contribution you are created to make. This coaching can be done via phone or Skype, so contact me today, or see the resources below, to find out how to connect with a Strengths Coach! If you don’t yet know your Strengths, contact me to find out how to take the StrengthsFinders assessment and start your discovery journey! And, remember, the StrengthsFinders assessment is available in 26 different languages.
Contributed by Cindy Schmelzenbach, Asia-Pacific Regional Member Care Coordinator
Upcoming topics: Strengths-Based Partnerships and Teams, Strengths-Based Values and Motivation, Strengths-Based Grace, How Strengths Help and Hinder, Strength-Based Stress Management.
Resources:
- A deeper exploration of each of the 34 Talent Themes
- The Clifton StrengthsFinder Technical Report: Development and Validation
Gallup Certified Strengths Coaches: Harmon Schmelzenbach; Cindy Schmelzenbach; Ingrid Lustana
Strengths Champion Certified Coaches: Kafoa Muaror; Gail Dooley
If you are a certified Strengths Coach and are willing to provide coaching to your Asia Pacific team members, let me know!
Read More.
The cross has several meanings to different people. For some Christians, the cross is not merely the means of redemption used by Christ more than 2000 years ago. It is believed to be a holy, spiritual symbol with spiritual and mystical powers that brings miracles, healing, deliverance, and supernatural protection.
The cross has existed throughout human history, with varying shapes, functions, and meanings that changed according to the context in which the cross was used. Long before Christianity, in ancient Egypt, the “ankh” was used as a hieroglyphic symbol that signified life. During the Roman empire, the cross was an instrument of capital punishment. It was not used as the official symbol of Christianity until the end of the persecution through emperor Constantine. The cross was also viewed as a popular medieval weapon—the sword—and became associated with the crusading knights and colonial imperialism.
Following the era of the Roman Empire, Christianity began to grow on the European continent. The cross that became a symbol of Renaissance movement was negatively associated with oppression, slavery, and imperialism among certain groups. In modern times, the cross has been adopted in the flags of many predominantly Christian countries. However, there is also a dark side of the usage of the cross. The Ku Klux Klan was notorious for using burning crosses to terrorize African-Americans. The cross has also been viewed by some as a symbol of violence.
The history of the cross reminds us of the importance of correct understanding in Jesus statement “take up your cross and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What we mean by “taking up the cross” will be determined by our understanding of what the cross is. Often times, the meaning of the cross is culturally conditioned. What the cross means to some may not be applicable to others. We cannot assume that every Christian, regardless of their location, think the same way about the cross and what it means to take it. This does not mean that we are hopelessly without a central message. It just means that we have to engage in deep reflection and active cultural engagement in order for the cross to be made relevant to our audiences.
Bakho Jatmiko is Academic Dean of Indonesia Nazarene Theological College
The Meaning of the Crossby Bakho Jatmiko
The history of the cross reminds us of the importance of correct understanding in Jesus statement “take up your cross and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What we mean by “taking up the cross” will be determined by our understanding of what the cross is. Many years ago I heard a story from a Christian about his experience related to the cross. He narrated that one night he heard a strange noise from his backyard that woke him up. When he opened the window to investigate, he found nothing. Feeling confused, he closed the window and tried to go back to sleep, only to be disturbed by the same noise. Again, he tried to find the source, only to be disappointed. This happened several times until he decided to form the shape of a cross using a palm leaf rib, which he then threw out the window. The strange noise never came back again.The cross has several meanings to different people. For some Christians, the cross is not merely the means of redemption used by Christ more than 2000 years ago. It is believed to be a holy, spiritual symbol with spiritual and mystical powers that brings miracles, healing, deliverance, and supernatural protection.
The cross has existed throughout human history, with varying shapes, functions, and meanings that changed according to the context in which the cross was used. Long before Christianity, in ancient Egypt, the “ankh” was used as a hieroglyphic symbol that signified life. During the Roman empire, the cross was an instrument of capital punishment. It was not used as the official symbol of Christianity until the end of the persecution through emperor Constantine. The cross was also viewed as a popular medieval weapon—the sword—and became associated with the crusading knights and colonial imperialism.
Following the era of the Roman Empire, Christianity began to grow on the European continent. The cross that became a symbol of Renaissance movement was negatively associated with oppression, slavery, and imperialism among certain groups. In modern times, the cross has been adopted in the flags of many predominantly Christian countries. However, there is also a dark side of the usage of the cross. The Ku Klux Klan was notorious for using burning crosses to terrorize African-Americans. The cross has also been viewed by some as a symbol of violence.
The history of the cross reminds us of the importance of correct understanding in Jesus statement “take up your cross and follow me” (Luke 9:23). What we mean by “taking up the cross” will be determined by our understanding of what the cross is. Often times, the meaning of the cross is culturally conditioned. What the cross means to some may not be applicable to others. We cannot assume that every Christian, regardless of their location, think the same way about the cross and what it means to take it. This does not mean that we are hopelessly without a central message. It just means that we have to engage in deep reflection and active cultural engagement in order for the cross to be made relevant to our audiences.
Bakho Jatmiko is Academic Dean of Indonesia Nazarene Theological College
Read More.
You are invited to attend the next Asia-Pacific Regional Conference: Unleash the Power 2019! We believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is strong enough to move mountains and sensitive enough to urge hearts toward change. There will be time for you to connect with others who serve in your area of ministry as well as engage in field break-out sessions. Conference topics will focus on how the power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed to move in the following areas:
Registration Fees DO NOT INCLUDE:
Registration Fees should be paid to your Field Conference Coordinator or Field Treasurer (District Conference Coordinator for Japan, Taiwan, and S. Korea). If you do not know who this is, contact Unleash2019@apnaz.org
Registration Fees WILL NOT be accepted at the conference venue. Unleash2019@apnaz.org
Also, consider attending the Regional Theology Conference
Theme: “Christ and His Church Engaging the Cultures of Our Region”
This will take place on the afternoon of the 22nd and all day on the 23rd
The cost is only an additional $60 to attend.
Register Now!
Sincerely,
The Team, Unleashed!
Unleash2019
Announcements
- Seeking the Kingdom First
- Discipleship
- Church Multiplication
- Intergenerational Faith Communities
- Compassionate Churches
- Christlike Leadership
- Using Loving Dialogue
Watch this video to get inspired!
Early bird registration* is $300 per person and includes:- All Sessions
- Lodging (double occupancy) 18, 19, 20, 21 & 22 -October-2019.
- All Meals for the duration of the conference (Breakfast on 19th to Breakfast on 23rd)
- Transport from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) to Venue and back to CNX Airport
- Event Materials
Registration Fees DO NOT INCLUDE:
- VISA Fees (if applicable)
- Airport Departure Fees / Taxes
- Transportation costs from your resident country to and from the Chiang Mai airport
- Extra / Optional Tours that may be available – details forthcoming
- Personal snacks/spending
Registration Fees should be paid to your Field Conference Coordinator or Field Treasurer (District Conference Coordinator for Japan, Taiwan, and S. Korea). If you do not know who this is, contact Unleash2019@apnaz.org
Registration Fees WILL NOT be accepted at the conference venue. Unleash2019@apnaz.org
Also, consider attending the Regional Theology Conference
Theme: “Christ and His Church Engaging the Cultures of Our Region”
This will take place on the afternoon of the 22nd and all day on the 23rd
The cost is only an additional $60 to attend.
Register Now!
Sincerely,
The Team, Unleashed!
Unleash2019
Read More
On 22-23 October 2019, the Asia-Pacific Region will host the Regional Theology Conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The theme of this conference will be “Christ and His Church Engaging the Cultures of Our Region.” This event will be held in conjunction with the Asia-Pacific Regional Conference, “Unleash the Power 2019,” also being held in Chiang Mai on 19-22 October 2019.
Nazarene Theological College, Brisbane, Principal Dr. Rob Fringer is coordinating this conference, along with the NTC faculty. In preparation for the conference, Dr. Fringer has sent out a call for scholarly papers. These papers will be due to Dr. David McEwan at NTC by October 15, 2018. For more information on submission, and for specific guidance on topics, follow this link.
Nazarene Theological College, Brisbane, Principal Dr. Rob Fringer is coordinating this conference, along with the NTC faculty. In preparation for the conference, Dr. Fringer has sent out a call for scholarly papers. These papers will be due to Dr. David McEwan at NTC by October 15, 2018. For more information on submission, and for specific guidance on topics, follow this link.
Read More
Dynamic Language Centre is accepting applications for full-time language teachers in their English language center in Penang, Malaysia.
The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 18 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus.
If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Candidates should be:
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
ATR Newsletter *
May we include you in our weekly Around The Region email newsletter? It is released each Saturday with updated Praise Reports, Prayer Requests, and inspirational stories of God working on the region.Yes please!No thank you.I am already a subscriber.
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Links You Might Like!
Articles
The newly renovated center has been in the business for over 18 years. While they teach many languages, children’s and adult English are their main focus.
If you are an experienced children’s teacher, enjoy a wide mix of cultures from Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, and are looking for a rewarding career- we have an opportunity for you!
Candidates should be:
- Native English speakers
- 4-year University degree holders
- Experienced in teaching children
- TESOL certified
Teaching Opportunity in Malaysia!
Name *
Email *
Qualifications: *
I verify that: 1) English is my First Language, 2) I have a 4-year university degree, 3) I have had experience teaching children, 4) I am TESOL Certified.Yes, I have the above qualifications.
Additional comments
ATR Newsletter *
May we include you in our weekly Around The Region email newsletter? It is released each Saturday with updated Praise Reports, Prayer Requests, and inspirational stories of God working on the region.Yes please!No thank you.I am already a subscriber.
Verification
Please enter any two digits *Example: 12
Read More
Links You Might Like!
Articles
- Indivisible film preview still available
- Guatemala district hosts community ministries, plants new church
- The God who promises peace
- Congregation’s call to missions leads to new church plants in Armenia
- Supplies delivered to more than 100 families affected by Guatemalan volcano
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- In Memoriam
- 2017-2021 Manual of the Church of the Nazarene
- Articles of Faith
- Engage Magazine
- Holiness Today
- JESUS Film Harvest Partners
- Mission Corps - Global Volunteer Mission Opportunities
- Nazarene Compassionate Ministries
- Nazarene Essentials
- Nazarene Missions International
- Church of the Nazarene (Official Global Site)
- Nazarene Safe
- Nazarene Youth International
- Preacher's Magazine
- Sunday School Discipleship Ministries
- Work and Witness
The Global Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific
Ortigas Avenue Extension
Kaytikling, Taytay, Rizal, Manila 1920 Philippines
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