Reformátusok Lapja, 1970 (70. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1970-02-01 / 2. szám

Princeton Seminary Hosts Hungarian Pastors

Princeton Theological Seminary’s Center of Continuing Education played host on January 13 and 14 to a seminar for 17 invited pastors of Hungarian Reformed background. “Through the Program of Continuing Education,” as Dr. J. I. McCord defines it, “Princeton Seminary hopes to assist ministers and laymen in their work for a renewed and relevant church, faithful to its Head and dedicated to His mission to the world.” Those who participated in this first seminar agree that the experience was worth of time and effort.

The two morning Bible studies used the theme of the Uniting General Council of the World Alliance of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches and the International Congregational Council to be held at Nairobi, Kenya in August, 1970. Dr. Kalman Sulyok led the study on “Reconciliation of Man with God,” while Dr. Andrew Harsanyi covered “Reconciliation of Man with Man.” The place of atonement in reconciliation was particularly stressed.

On the first day the participants heard the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Migliore, Assistant Professor of Theology at Princeton Seminary, lecture on “Trends in Contemporary Theology.” Although a sense of humor is needed when we talk about “trends” in the fast changing scenes of modern theology, Dr. Migliore emphasized four items which seem to he necessary at the present time: (1) connection between faith in God and our common every day experience; (2) relation between faith and action;

(3) the place of celebration and play in the Christian life; (4) the role of the church in the future of mankind.

During the afternoon of the first day, Dr. David Willis, Professor of Historical Theology, San Anselmo, Cal., lectured and led a discussion on “How You Deal with the Challenges of Our Day?” “The church has no future,” he said, “but God graciously frees the church to share in shaping the future: He empowers us to share in His continued creative reconciliation.” He defined faith as “an active, celebrative and forward-looking remembrance of God’s people” which may create a new type of “pietas” in our churches with strong emphasis on worship (prayer), theology (thinking through) and strategy (distribution of gifts). As one who conscientiously watches the work of the church in Hungary, Dr. Willis urged the participants to help make the contribution of the Hungarian Church known in the West and offered his own personal help in the proposed “Center of Hungarian Reformed Witness in Princeton.”

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REFORMÁTUSOK LAPJA

On the 14th, Dr. Tibor Chikes, Professor of Pastoral Theology at Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D. C., led two sessions on the “Ministry as a Profession.” With his vast reservoir of knowledge, personal experience in Hungarian churches, and vivid style of presentation, Dr. Chikes first described the “here and now” of church and ministry as a state of polarization, artificial relevancy and hopeful fermentation; then presented the professional challenges of our day: to be a master of knowledge, master of skills, member of a learned society, practitioner of professional responsibility, and a person of dedication; and finally “de- mythologized” some of the current impressions concerning the minister and ministry (prestige, attractiveness, vulnerabilities, etc.). This presentation was truly the climax of insights, encouragement and learning; and because it was taped we hope to publish it somehow and make it available to those who could not attend our seminar personally. In the meantime three hooks are recommended for study and group discussions: S. Hilt- ner, Ferment in the Ministry, Abingdon Press, 1969 ($4.95), J. Glasse, Profession: Minister, Abingdon Press, 1969 ($3.75), P. Berger, A Rumor of Angels, 1969 ($4.50).

Appreciation is due to all those who made this first seminar possible. Princeton Seminary was most courteous and generous. In order to make participation more convenient for those who travel from a greater distance, the next seminar is tentatively scheduled for May 17, 18, 19, 1971.

Dr, John Butosi