WCC Global Ecumenical Theology
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Hey anyone that doesn't know me or what's going on in life right now, I am Shawn Harmon and I am currently a second-year student at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary from Lake Park, IA. As some of you know, this last summer I participated in the World Communion of Reformed Churches’ Global Institute of Theology in Wuppertal/Barmen, Germany. Thanks to the financial and spiritual support of fellow Christians (including many of you) and practical engagement with my experiences upon my return, I had an enriching theological experience with Reformed pastors and theologians from Syria to Indonesia and Trinidad to Ukraine. My time in Germany has continued to grow my passion and commitment to the global Church, ecumenism, and God’s mission in the world. As I continue to discern my ministerial call with the Lord and the Church, these passions and commitments are leading me to consider and pursue global mission and ecumenical leadership as a vocation.
With that in mind, I am writing to share some exciting news. I applied and was accepted to study at the World Council of Churches Global Ecumenical Theological Institute this coming March. The Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) 2018 is a global ecumenical short-term study and exposure program in accompaniment of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in March 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania. In one of the most vibrant contexts of Christianity in the world, I will join 120 young theological students from a wide range of denominations and contexts. We will engage with the conference's theme of "Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship." As a group we will explore how the gospel is translated into our different cultures and contexts, and ways in which we feel called and moved by the Spirit to transform the world.
To help me pursue this awesome experience and to engage yourselves with the important faith insights from the experience, I am writing to ask for your support and participation. I must raise funds for my own airfare, shots, travel insurance, and room and board for ten days, which amounts to around $2000. Funds must be raised before I leave on March 4. Any donation would greatly help me in my continuing theological education and development as a Church leader. My participation will allow me to bring the unique perspective of a seminary student in the United States into a global conversation to build further ecumencial relationships and greater unity in the witness of the universal Church.
Lastly, I plan on making a few Vimeo videos that will reflect upon my experience and the topics I will discuss with Christians from all over the world. I hope to compile these videos soon after returning. In addition, I will include one video that poises questions about mission and discipleship that could be used in congregations or as a personal reflection, if you so choose. Once again, I can’t express how grateful I am for your fininacial support and prayer. It is because God's work through you that I have been able to pursue these transformative ministry experiences in Germany and Tanzania. I cannot thank you enough and I pray they might encourage you to become more ecumenical and missional in your local communities.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. -John 20:21-22
With that in mind, I am writing to share some exciting news. I applied and was accepted to study at the World Council of Churches Global Ecumenical Theological Institute this coming March. The Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) 2018 is a global ecumenical short-term study and exposure program in accompaniment of the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism in March 2018 in Arusha, Tanzania. In one of the most vibrant contexts of Christianity in the world, I will join 120 young theological students from a wide range of denominations and contexts. We will engage with the conference's theme of "Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship." As a group we will explore how the gospel is translated into our different cultures and contexts, and ways in which we feel called and moved by the Spirit to transform the world.
To help me pursue this awesome experience and to engage yourselves with the important faith insights from the experience, I am writing to ask for your support and participation. I must raise funds for my own airfare, shots, travel insurance, and room and board for ten days, which amounts to around $2000. Funds must be raised before I leave on March 4. Any donation would greatly help me in my continuing theological education and development as a Church leader. My participation will allow me to bring the unique perspective of a seminary student in the United States into a global conversation to build further ecumencial relationships and greater unity in the witness of the universal Church.
Lastly, I plan on making a few Vimeo videos that will reflect upon my experience and the topics I will discuss with Christians from all over the world. I hope to compile these videos soon after returning. In addition, I will include one video that poises questions about mission and discipleship that could be used in congregations or as a personal reflection, if you so choose. Once again, I can’t express how grateful I am for your fininacial support and prayer. It is because God's work through you that I have been able to pursue these transformative ministry experiences in Germany and Tanzania. I cannot thank you enough and I pray they might encourage you to become more ecumenical and missional in your local communities.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. -John 20:21-22
Organizer
Shawn Harmon
Organizer
Louisville, KY
