From time to time we will include a devotional thought from Stan Slade. Stan is one of our missionaries and is global consultant for theological education. He previously served as a visiting professor for leadership training ministries throughout Iberoamerica and now serves as a visiting professor and consultant globally. He also serves on the board of directors for the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague where the Rev. Patti Duckworth is a doctoral candidate.
"I wish everyone could have the chance to come here!"
Benjamin is an enthusiastic member of the student body at the International Baptist Theological Seminary (IBTS), in Prague, Czech Republic. He is from Belgium and has been at IBTS for only a couple of months, but is already deeply impressed by the quality of IBTS professors, staff and community life.
I heard the same enthusiasm from Yanita, who is from Bulgaria, and from Pascal, who is from Lebanon. Pascal came to IBTS on the advice of his youth pastor in Beirut, who also studied at IBTS. Pascal is excited to develop skills here that he can put at the service of youth ministry back in Lebanon. (By the way, Pascal also speaks warmly of the important ministry of Dan and Sarah Chetti in Lebanon!)
I was getting to know Benjamin, Pascal and Yanita as part of the semi-annual gathering of the IBTS Board of Trustees. School leaders always encourage Board members to have a time of free-wheeling conversation with current students, to help us get at least some feel for the student perspective on life at IBTS. So, two of us sat down with Benjamin, Pascal and Yanita. We heard about inspiring worship, an exceptionally gifted professor and administrators whom students find to be trustworthy friends. These were real students, so there were also other things to share: "life in community" has been very enriching... but also sometimes very challenging! They have found the cultural differences among them to be both fascinating and frustrating. And of course, there have been Internet hassles... and even "soup issues." (I thought the soups were great, but when you have people here from so many different cultures, how can you please them all?!) Through it all, though, they have a strong sense of God's presence and work in their lives.
"Do whatever you can to support IBTS!"
That was the immediate response when we asked what message the students most wanted Board members to hear. The students know there are financial challenges. That is putting it mildly.
Like so many ministries these days--certainly including American Baptist International Ministries--IBTS is facing a challenge that feels like something out of a hall of mirrors. The seminary's financial challenge comes at a time when the affirmation of its work has never been higher. If its reason for being is to provide high quality theological education, IBTS is doing a terrific job. The just-completed accreditation review of IBTS simply could not have been more glowing. And it is not just other academics who are impressed: the member churches of the European Baptist Federation recently added their voice to the chorus of affirmation for IBTS.
But excellence at its core activity is not enough. Not even when combined with enthusiasm among the constituency. The problem is there are simply not enough crowns to go around. Czech crowns. The seminary has not yet found a way to translate its educational excellence into financial sustainability.
Lord knows, they are trying. My prayer is that the Lord will use this crisis to open the eyes of faculty, staff and board members of IBTS to paths heretofore untried--and perhaps even unsuspected--that will lead to a solid financial future. May the Lord give us also the grace and courage to embark upon them when they appear! (And, of course, I am asking the Lord for the same kind of things for International Ministries!)
As I write, I am en route from Prague to Yangon, Myanmar, where I will be spending the next two weeks with, especially, Karen sisters and brothers. Thank you for your prayers and financial gifts that make this itinerant ministry possible!
Blessings,
Stan, from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport