CCA and Senate of Serampore joint programme aims at training prospective church leaders in good governance and stewardship in pastoral ministry
Kolkata, West Bengal, India: The Christian Conference of Asia (CCA), jointly with the Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore Colleges (BTESSC) organized a national-workshop on 'Good Governance and Stewardship in Parish Ministry'.
The workshop was held at the Senate Centre for Extension and Pastoral Theology Research in Kolkata, India from 3 to 5 June 2024.
About 30 final year students pursuing their studies in Bachelor of Divinity Course from various theological institutions affiliated to the Senate of Serampore attended the workshop.
The aim of the workshop was to equip the ministerial candidates with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and stewardship in their future parish ministries.
Rev. Prof. Eleazar S. Fernandez, a distinguished Professor Emeritus of Constructive Theology at the United Theological Seminary in the Philippines shared insights from his extensive academic pursuit. Rev. Asigor P. Sitanggang, Th.D, Th.D, of the Jakarta Theological Seminary expounded on how to apply biblical principles to teach what it means to be a good steward in the eyes of God and how to embody these qualities in pastoral ministry.
Key sessions facilitated included ‘Biblical foundations on Good Governance and Stewardship’, ‘Good Theology = Good Governance: Being God’s Stewards‘, ‘Church Leadership Models and their Roots in Ecclesiology’, ‘Church as Christian Organisation’, ‘Financial Stewardship, Transparency and Overcoming Corruption ‘, ‘Integrity and Accountability in Parish Leadership‘, ‘Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution and Peacemaking’, ‘Fostering Good Governance and Pastoral Leadership in Digital Spheres’, and ‘Contextual Values: Indigenized Management Principles‘.
Sharing feedback on the programme, Rev. Dr Rodinmawia Ralte, Professor and Dean of the Senate Centre for Extension and Pastoral Theological Research (SECPTRE) commented, “these intensive workshops on Good Governance and Stewardship are essential means to instill both Christian values in church administration as well as right management skills for students who will join Pastoral ministry after their Theological studies.”
The workshop was a resounding success, providing participants with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance their leadership and stewardship roles in their respective parishes.