Megszűnik a KMTI
2012. június 27., szerda
Bezárják a Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem mellett működő Közép- és Kelet-európai Missziói Tanulmányi Intézetet. Az egyetem magyar és angol nyelvű közleményét olvashatják.
KÖZLEMÉNY
A Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem vezetése sajnálattal kell bejelentse, hogy a felsőoktatásban zajló változások következtében maga is nehéz igazgatási, szervezeti lépésekre kényszerül. E folyamat részeként született meg 2012. június 22-én a Közép- és Kelet-európai Missziói Tanulmányi Intézet bezárásáról szóló, a feladatok ellátását az egyetem keretén belül biztosító, 2012. július 1-től hatályos szenátusi döntés is.
A KRE vezetése hálás a KMTI 6 éves működéséért, különösen annak vezetőjének, prof. dr.Kool Anne-Marienak. Egyetemünk nemzetközi hírnevét a missziológia területén nyújtott magas színvonalú képzéssel és nemzetközi konferenciákkal öregbítette.
Egyetemünk elkötelezett a megkezdett munka folytatását illetően. Ennek záloga a Hittudományi Kar. Az előttünk álló feladatokat, szerződéses kötelezettségeket és a már megfogalmazott jövőre vonatkozó terveket a teológiai fakultás tekinti át és hozza összhangba a lehetőségeinkkel, meglévő erőforrásainkkal.
Egyetemünk határozott szándéka, hogy a KMTI által kiépített szakmai kapcsolatokat megőrizze és küldetését e külföldi szervezetekkel is együttműködve folytassa.
A Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem vezetése, Budapest, 2012. június 26.
COMMUNIQUÉ ON CIMS To whom it may concern
The Leadership of KároliGáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary (KRE) announces with regret that due to the major changes in higher education in Hungary, and as part of its restructuring process has found it necessary to close down the Central and Eastern European Institute for Mission Studies (CIMS), and to reorganize its function within the University. The Senate of the University made a formal decision on June 22, which will take effect on July 1, 2012.
KRE is grateful for the work and service of CIMS and especially to its director Dr. Anne-Marie Kool. CIMS in its 6 years of existence within KRE has added an internationally recognised value to the work of the University by high standard education and conferences on Missiology. The University is dedicated to carry on the projects and programs of CIMS within its Faculty of Theology.The Theological Faculty of the Károli University will review and manage the agreements, on-going projects and any planned future actions of CIMS. However, striking the balance between existing resources and duties/obligations is a primary task now.The University is devoted to continue the contacts with the partners of CIMS and hopes to work for furthering the cause of Missiology in fellowship with our partners abroad.
The Leadership of the Károli Gáspár University of the Reformed Church in Hungary
Budapest, 26th June, 2012
Source: http://reformatus.hu/mutat/megszunik-a-kmti/
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The year that has been... reflections from Kenyan student
The year that has been…
Besides newness bringing excitement and blessings, it also carries with itself a dose of uncertainty in the new experiences. When it was evident that I was coming to Hungary and after the excitement of an academic door opened, uncertainty knocked at my door. I and those I love asked many questions that only enhanced the uncertainty. As I embarked on the journey, I fully trusted that my steps shall be ordered by the compass of God’s will and I had a deeper conviction all shall be well.
My academic journey has been insightful and indeed helpful. I have interacted with new thoughts in missiology as well as reading the experiences of other people who have walked on the same path. The library of the mission institute has been of great value to me and the wisdom I have drawn from it is immensely wealthy.
I here below highlight some of the great lessons I have learned throughout the year:
It is surprising that I needed to be out of Africa to learn about some things about Africa in missiology, like the change of center of gravity of world Christianity.
The concept of mission dei and its connection to the doctrine of the holy trinity.
Coming from a context where mission is exclusively evangelistic, the multidimensional nature of mission has been a great eye opener especially through the emerging missionary paradigms of David Bosch.
The understanding of historic missions paradigms.
Mission spirituality.
Also, through seminars, roundtable meetings, conferences and other forums organized in the mission institute, I have learned so much and also met so many people from different parts of the world and hearing their experiences and interacting with them has not left me the same. I was also able to share my stories and experiences with these people and we have since developed an ongoing relationship with some of them and we continue praying for each other and listening to each other.
The greatest of all uncertainties was where I will be staying. When I was admitted at the student’s hostel I definitely had fears and worries on issues like language and how I will fit in, in a totally different nation and continent. As an African, I thought I will be lost and isolated but I thank God because a few months down the line all the fears and worries that had initially invaded me have been fully frustrated by the hand of friendship and fellowship that I have received here. Having being a student’s pastor before, I felt that my presence in the hostel was actually a continuation of my ministry. I have actively participated in the social life of the hostel especially in prayer meetings, sports and other communal activities. The pre-Christmas experience at the hostel was reminiscent of carol service of my own church back home, St. Andrews Presbyterian church, Nairobi with wonderful singing of carols and the New Year’s Eve was a blast, where in excitement we ushered the New Year with brothers and sisters of the hostel. In a nutshell I have loved being in the hostel and have really enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of all the people in the hostel and I pray that God will make it possible for me to stay there for my last year.
It has not been very easy for me all the times because I have experienced some down experiences on the journey especially family challenges. However, the prayer sessions and sharing we regularly did in the institute were more than valuable to me, becoming like a support system for me when am crumbling down. One of the English football clubs has a slogan that says, “You will never walk alone” and indeed I have not walked alone, I have received all the assistance I needed for my stay in Budapest and even though the solitude of being away from my family was real, I never felt lonely, thanks to the many people God brought on my way here. It’s amazing that the people I love back home in Kenya sent me off with love and it is indeed love that received me here in Hungary!
I pen off with some words of the great hymn, Anywhere with Jesus, which has been my portion here : “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below; Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade; Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid…Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home.”
I have been heartily welcomed and accepted, I have grown academically, spiritually and socially, and I can boldly say that my coming was indeed directed by God to whom I owe all gratitude. To his glory and to the blessing of us his people.
Always grateful!
Stephen Kariuki Apollo
Besides newness bringing excitement and blessings, it also carries with itself a dose of uncertainty in the new experiences. When it was evident that I was coming to Hungary and after the excitement of an academic door opened, uncertainty knocked at my door. I and those I love asked many questions that only enhanced the uncertainty. As I embarked on the journey, I fully trusted that my steps shall be ordered by the compass of God’s will and I had a deeper conviction all shall be well.
My academic journey has been insightful and indeed helpful. I have interacted with new thoughts in missiology as well as reading the experiences of other people who have walked on the same path. The library of the mission institute has been of great value to me and the wisdom I have drawn from it is immensely wealthy.
I here below highlight some of the great lessons I have learned throughout the year:
It is surprising that I needed to be out of Africa to learn about some things about Africa in missiology, like the change of center of gravity of world Christianity.
The concept of mission dei and its connection to the doctrine of the holy trinity.
Coming from a context where mission is exclusively evangelistic, the multidimensional nature of mission has been a great eye opener especially through the emerging missionary paradigms of David Bosch.
The understanding of historic missions paradigms.
Mission spirituality.
Also, through seminars, roundtable meetings, conferences and other forums organized in the mission institute, I have learned so much and also met so many people from different parts of the world and hearing their experiences and interacting with them has not left me the same. I was also able to share my stories and experiences with these people and we have since developed an ongoing relationship with some of them and we continue praying for each other and listening to each other.
The greatest of all uncertainties was where I will be staying. When I was admitted at the student’s hostel I definitely had fears and worries on issues like language and how I will fit in, in a totally different nation and continent. As an African, I thought I will be lost and isolated but I thank God because a few months down the line all the fears and worries that had initially invaded me have been fully frustrated by the hand of friendship and fellowship that I have received here. Having being a student’s pastor before, I felt that my presence in the hostel was actually a continuation of my ministry. I have actively participated in the social life of the hostel especially in prayer meetings, sports and other communal activities. The pre-Christmas experience at the hostel was reminiscent of carol service of my own church back home, St. Andrews Presbyterian church, Nairobi with wonderful singing of carols and the New Year’s Eve was a blast, where in excitement we ushered the New Year with brothers and sisters of the hostel. In a nutshell I have loved being in the hostel and have really enjoyed the friendship and fellowship of all the people in the hostel and I pray that God will make it possible for me to stay there for my last year.
It has not been very easy for me all the times because I have experienced some down experiences on the journey especially family challenges. However, the prayer sessions and sharing we regularly did in the institute were more than valuable to me, becoming like a support system for me when am crumbling down. One of the English football clubs has a slogan that says, “You will never walk alone” and indeed I have not walked alone, I have received all the assistance I needed for my stay in Budapest and even though the solitude of being away from my family was real, I never felt lonely, thanks to the many people God brought on my way here. It’s amazing that the people I love back home in Kenya sent me off with love and it is indeed love that received me here in Hungary!
I pen off with some words of the great hymn, Anywhere with Jesus, which has been my portion here : “Anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, Anywhere He leads me in this world below; Anywhere without Him dearest joys would fade; Anywhere with Jesus I am not afraid…Anywhere with Jesus will be home, sweet home.”
I have been heartily welcomed and accepted, I have grown academically, spiritually and socially, and I can boldly say that my coming was indeed directed by God to whom I owe all gratitude. To his glory and to the blessing of us his people.
Always grateful!
Stephen Kariuki Apollo
Friday, June 22, 2012
MA Thesis Writing Consultations
KRE-CIMS, Spring Semester 2012
In the spring semester of 2012 Prof. Kool has been the consultant professor for master thesis for 6 students at the Baptist Theological academy (of which 3 have submitted their theses this semester and the other 3 is planning to submit in autumn 2012), 1 student at the Faculty of humanities of KRE and 1 student from the Faculty of Theology (the latter with the submission deadline March 2013).The group met every second Monday at the premises of CIMS. Participants had to present the current status of their MA thesis followed by a discussion in which evry student could as questions about the concept, methodology and the work of the candidate. The events were concluded by a presentation by Prof Kool which were to help the students in certain methodological and writing issues. The consultations were obligatory to those whose official consultant was Prof. Kool, however every time more students took part in the meetings, whose thesis was connected to missiology. Students came along other occasions, sometimes for a whole week to the library for their research, using the facilities of the guestroom at CIMS.
Some feedback from the students:
Péter Balogh, Baptist Theological Academy:
I have found the consultations very useful. I received feedbacks form Dr. Kool and form my felow students that have brought new thaoughts and prospectives to my research. Being able to see my fellow students’ research methods and working methods shaped my own research methodology.
It was very helpful t hat I had to present my research topic to an academic group even at the phase of drafting. Thus i had an academic control form the begining. As a result of the consultations I narrowed my research, made several amendments, and included new topics in my thesis. I have receive sugestions for literature also which I had not found previously.
It was the result of the consultations that I understoodthe real purpose of a thesis research and that it is written in an academic environment. I am in particular thankful to Dr. Kool who carefully examined my thesis in the course of writing and with her comments was a great help to accomplish it.
Péter Márki Baptist Theological Academy:
The consultations were really motivating because „more eyes see more”. Geting an insight to other people’s work wasinspiring to me. The consultations helped me in getting an overview and a good research plan, though I could not finish it this semester. Ihope these consultations will continue.
Zsolt Kapitány Baptist Theological Academy:
I have found the consultations of the research group helpful in many ways: We met regularly, so we had a constant push to work, because we had to present what progress we had made since the last meeting. This helped us also to practice presenting a topic to an acedemic public. Also we experienced a community in which we could encourage each other for perseverance in the work. Also the comments and questions of my fellow students helped me to clarify my own concept. In addition they enlightened me which part should I avoid and which sould I emphasize in my thesis. The methodological issues presented by Dr Kool helped me to carry out a profound and well structured research.
Judit Györfi Lutheran Theological University:
I gained much form the consultations. Looking at my thesis research from the outside my fellow students draw my attention to parts which I would have never thought about sitting in a room on my own. On the other hand meeting regularly students in a similar situation was a great encouragement. After every meeting I gained new impulse and inspiration to carry on with the work. Also the information from dr Kool on methodology helped me to pay attention to the footnotes, the clear linking of the chapters , to the conclusion, etc. I think these consultations were good occasions by which we could benefit a lot.
Imre Szólláth Baptist Theological Academy:
MY fellow students adressed to me many questions during and after my presentation. I really felt as being in a defence where I have to defend my concept ad hipothesis. As a result of this discussion I could see my topic from another prospective as well. It helped me to keep balance between the various opinions and also inspired me to make many interviews.
Ruzsa Nagy Zoltán, 22 June 2012
In the spring semester of 2012 Prof. Kool has been the consultant professor for master thesis for 6 students at the Baptist Theological academy (of which 3 have submitted their theses this semester and the other 3 is planning to submit in autumn 2012), 1 student at the Faculty of humanities of KRE and 1 student from the Faculty of Theology (the latter with the submission deadline March 2013).The group met every second Monday at the premises of CIMS. Participants had to present the current status of their MA thesis followed by a discussion in which evry student could as questions about the concept, methodology and the work of the candidate. The events were concluded by a presentation by Prof Kool which were to help the students in certain methodological and writing issues. The consultations were obligatory to those whose official consultant was Prof. Kool, however every time more students took part in the meetings, whose thesis was connected to missiology. Students came along other occasions, sometimes for a whole week to the library for their research, using the facilities of the guestroom at CIMS.
Some feedback from the students:
Péter Balogh, Baptist Theological Academy:
I have found the consultations very useful. I received feedbacks form Dr. Kool and form my felow students that have brought new thaoughts and prospectives to my research. Being able to see my fellow students’ research methods and working methods shaped my own research methodology.
It was very helpful t hat I had to present my research topic to an academic group even at the phase of drafting. Thus i had an academic control form the begining. As a result of the consultations I narrowed my research, made several amendments, and included new topics in my thesis. I have receive sugestions for literature also which I had not found previously.
It was the result of the consultations that I understoodthe real purpose of a thesis research and that it is written in an academic environment. I am in particular thankful to Dr. Kool who carefully examined my thesis in the course of writing and with her comments was a great help to accomplish it.
Péter Márki Baptist Theological Academy:
The consultations were really motivating because „more eyes see more”. Geting an insight to other people’s work wasinspiring to me. The consultations helped me in getting an overview and a good research plan, though I could not finish it this semester. Ihope these consultations will continue.
Zsolt Kapitány Baptist Theological Academy:
I have found the consultations of the research group helpful in many ways: We met regularly, so we had a constant push to work, because we had to present what progress we had made since the last meeting. This helped us also to practice presenting a topic to an acedemic public. Also we experienced a community in which we could encourage each other for perseverance in the work. Also the comments and questions of my fellow students helped me to clarify my own concept. In addition they enlightened me which part should I avoid and which sould I emphasize in my thesis. The methodological issues presented by Dr Kool helped me to carry out a profound and well structured research.
Judit Györfi Lutheran Theological University:
I gained much form the consultations. Looking at my thesis research from the outside my fellow students draw my attention to parts which I would have never thought about sitting in a room on my own. On the other hand meeting regularly students in a similar situation was a great encouragement. After every meeting I gained new impulse and inspiration to carry on with the work. Also the information from dr Kool on methodology helped me to pay attention to the footnotes, the clear linking of the chapters , to the conclusion, etc. I think these consultations were good occasions by which we could benefit a lot.
Imre Szólláth Baptist Theological Academy:
MY fellow students adressed to me many questions during and after my presentation. I really felt as being in a defence where I have to defend my concept ad hipothesis. As a result of this discussion I could see my topic from another prospective as well. It helped me to keep balance between the various opinions and also inspired me to make many interviews.
Ruzsa Nagy Zoltán, 22 June 2012
From Jerusalem to Manus, the Mission of the Church
Missiology Course „From Jerusalem to Manus, the Mission of the Church”
In the spring semester of 2012 Dr. Kool taught a mission course at the Faculty of Theology of the Károli Reformed University. Altogether 7 Theological students took part in the course, one from the 5th, the rest form the 1st and 2nd years. The course was held regularly on Thursday afternoon at the premises of CIMS. The topic was divided into two parts: during the first six weeks of the semester the students examined the major steps in mission history of the universal church as well as the mission of the Hungarian proterstant churches through studying the biographies of selected persons. The students had to work in pairs: each pair had a period of Christian History and in that each individual had to research on the life of a missionary of that era. As part of their research students had to reflect on the given misionary according to some criteria:
• What was his or her motivation for mission?
• What was the focus of his/her mission?
• Where was he or she serving?
• Through which organization did the missionary go to the mission field and how did he/she kept contact with the sending churches?
• What conclusion can we draw from the life of that misionary to our lives and to today’s church?
At the second part of the semester students in the same pairs as before were asked to visit some of the mission organizations who have active missionaries from Hungary serving somewhere in the world. The task was to present the mission organization and for each student to make an interview with a present missionary.
As a result of that course first the students have gained an overview of the Christian misssion since the apostolic age until today. This overview is far more than information, but a reflection on the necessity of mission and on the different forms of mission. Second, by visiting the mission organizations the students not only got a picture of the mission work and service opportunnites of today but also have gained enthisuasm for mission.
Some comments form teh students:
• „As a result of the course now I gained a mision historical vision in addition to the Biblical and missiological understanding.I could se that the mission command of Jesus has been taken seriously by many people in the history of the Church and their work gained fruit.”
• „I have learnt a lot about mission organizations in the course and gained a broad vision on mission.”
• “Through the course we gained new knowledge and got a more open prospective on the topic of mission. Besides it is building our faith, as the topic of the course was the work of God in the world.”
• “We got a good overview on mission history.”
• “We learnt about mission organizations and possibilities for world mission.”
• “The course was not to give us information only, but we were studying a topic that we can include in our daily prayer topics and it was for the edification of our faith.”
• “I learnt a lot more about the missionary field and I hope to take part in a mission’s trip one day.”
In the spring semester of 2012 Dr. Kool taught a mission course at the Faculty of Theology of the Károli Reformed University. Altogether 7 Theological students took part in the course, one from the 5th, the rest form the 1st and 2nd years. The course was held regularly on Thursday afternoon at the premises of CIMS. The topic was divided into two parts: during the first six weeks of the semester the students examined the major steps in mission history of the universal church as well as the mission of the Hungarian proterstant churches through studying the biographies of selected persons. The students had to work in pairs: each pair had a period of Christian History and in that each individual had to research on the life of a missionary of that era. As part of their research students had to reflect on the given misionary according to some criteria:
• What was his or her motivation for mission?
• What was the focus of his/her mission?
• Where was he or she serving?
• Through which organization did the missionary go to the mission field and how did he/she kept contact with the sending churches?
• What conclusion can we draw from the life of that misionary to our lives and to today’s church?
At the second part of the semester students in the same pairs as before were asked to visit some of the mission organizations who have active missionaries from Hungary serving somewhere in the world. The task was to present the mission organization and for each student to make an interview with a present missionary.
As a result of that course first the students have gained an overview of the Christian misssion since the apostolic age until today. This overview is far more than information, but a reflection on the necessity of mission and on the different forms of mission. Second, by visiting the mission organizations the students not only got a picture of the mission work and service opportunnites of today but also have gained enthisuasm for mission.
Some comments form teh students:
• „As a result of the course now I gained a mision historical vision in addition to the Biblical and missiological understanding.I could se that the mission command of Jesus has been taken seriously by many people in the history of the Church and their work gained fruit.”
• „I have learnt a lot about mission organizations in the course and gained a broad vision on mission.”
• “Through the course we gained new knowledge and got a more open prospective on the topic of mission. Besides it is building our faith, as the topic of the course was the work of God in the world.”
• “We got a good overview on mission history.”
• “We learnt about mission organizations and possibilities for world mission.”
• “The course was not to give us information only, but we were studying a topic that we can include in our daily prayer topics and it was for the edification of our faith.”
• “I learnt a lot more about the missionary field and I hope to take part in a mission’s trip one day.”
Friday, June 15, 2012
A Norwegian attending the Writing Seminar Week writes...
Raymond Lillevik
PhD-student at Det Teologiske Menighetsfakultetet
(The Norwegian School of Theology) in Oslo
To Dr. A. M. Kool
Dear Dr. Kool.
I would like to thank you and your staff at the CIMS for your enthusiastic and competent guidance and assistance during my stay at the writing seminary at your center 11-15th June. During my research on Lichtenstein, Lucky and Gurland the last years, my experience is that it is very difficult to find the expertise as well as the necessary willingness to find and evaluate reliable material on Jewish believers in Jesus, and this has also been the case in regard to Eastern Europe. That is; until this week!
Not only have you, your staff and students dug up sources as sources and literature that previous has been inaccessible or unknown to me, but have also connected me to Hungarian researchers (like e.g. Dr. Kovács), organized meetings and journeys in that regard, and not least spent hours to help me to read Magyar. I will certainly recommend this center for fellow researchers at the Menighetsfakultetet as well as my supervisors, Prof. dr. Reidar Hvalvik and Prof. em. Dr. Oskar Skarsaune.
In Christ
Your Raymond Lillevik, June 15, 2012
CEEAMS - CIMS Writing Week
Dear Anne-Marie
I am writing to give you an idea of my assessment of the writing week at the Center for Central and Eastern European Studies. The time spent here was fruitful for me. It was helpful to have a planned time and put some effort into coming over and focus on academic research for an article in missiology. A structured Writing Week commitment helps us focus on the research and avoid some of the distractions of daily life and ministry.
I was impressed by the facilities, the library and the helpful staff. As a minster and a missiologist living and working in Bulgaria my understanding is that to have such an institution, dedicated to mission research in Eastern Europe, is paramount and a blessing, Besides making use of the library my meeting and speaking with other researchers and believers from Eastern and Northern Europe was very informative and inspiring. Although I struggled with my lack of knowledge of Hungarian when using some of the library resources, the staff made it very easy for me as they readily offered me help.
I was also able to set the groundwork for an article on the role of freedom of conscience and the church-state dynamic on mission in our context. I will gladly offer the manuscript for publication in your journal Acta Missiologiae.
I must express also my gratitude of your institution generously covering my expenses for travel, accommodation and meals.
I hope that this initiative will continue in the future.
With my best regards,
Viktor
Viktor Kostov, PhD
Missiologist, attorney-at-law
Publisher and editor of Freedom for All
online publication for the freedoms
of conscience, religion and speech
in Bulgarian
www.kmission.org
www.center-religousfreedom.com
I am writing to give you an idea of my assessment of the writing week at the Center for Central and Eastern European Studies. The time spent here was fruitful for me. It was helpful to have a planned time and put some effort into coming over and focus on academic research for an article in missiology. A structured Writing Week commitment helps us focus on the research and avoid some of the distractions of daily life and ministry.
I was impressed by the facilities, the library and the helpful staff. As a minster and a missiologist living and working in Bulgaria my understanding is that to have such an institution, dedicated to mission research in Eastern Europe, is paramount and a blessing, Besides making use of the library my meeting and speaking with other researchers and believers from Eastern and Northern Europe was very informative and inspiring. Although I struggled with my lack of knowledge of Hungarian when using some of the library resources, the staff made it very easy for me as they readily offered me help.
I was also able to set the groundwork for an article on the role of freedom of conscience and the church-state dynamic on mission in our context. I will gladly offer the manuscript for publication in your journal Acta Missiologiae.
I must express also my gratitude of your institution generously covering my expenses for travel, accommodation and meals.
I hope that this initiative will continue in the future.
With my best regards,
Viktor
Viktor Kostov, PhD
Missiologist, attorney-at-law
Publisher and editor of Freedom for All
online publication for the freedoms
of conscience, religion and speech
in Bulgarian
www.kmission.org
www.center-religousfreedom.com
Friday, June 8, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
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