学生 Participate in Field School of Evangelism

In Grand Rapids, 密歇根

Field school student participants with bet365中文大学 professors Rodney Palmer, Rahel Wells and Paulo Oliveira. (Photo by Department of Religion & 圣经的语言)

In partnership with the 密歇根 Conference of 基督复临安息日会s, bet365中文大学’s Department of Religion & Biblical Languages conducted its Field School of Evangelism this past May. Under the instruction and guidance of Rodney Palmer, chair of the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages and associate professor of religion, 12 theology students were given opportunities to work with several churches in Grand Rapids, 密歇根.

The field school is a requirement of the undergraduate theology program. 每隔一年, Palmer and other program leaders collaborate with different Adventist conferences to provide students with practical experience in preparation for pastoral ministry. The students are assigned to work with different churches and pastors, and over the course of eight to 10 nights, the students preach and minister to the communities they are in.

This year’s field school experience began on May 8 and ended on May 19. 除了讲道, students performed Bible studies, carried out visitations and helped to further cultivate church communities. The students also provided services in churches of different cultures and languages, 包括英语, 西班牙语和缅甸语. At the conclusion of the field school, ten individuals were baptized, and several others requested personal Bible studies.

一名野外学校学生, 纳撒尼尔·鲍威尔, says he heard a call from God to work in theology and ministry. He found the field school experience both informative and challenging. 这可能, Powell worked at the Wyoming Roger Heights Spanish 基督复临安息日会 Church, ten minutes outside of Grand Rapids.

“I learned the importance of visiting with both the members of the church and also with the visitors. 事实上, when you leave the pulpit, the first thing you should do is go up to the members, 了解他们, and make yourself available to them to answer any questions they may have in the future,他说.

Powell worked through time constraints to ensure he could visit with as many church patrons and visitors as possible. Although the work was sometimes tasking, Powell has no regrets about participating in the field school and other evangelistic efforts. He hopes to finish his undergraduate degree in the 2024–2025 school year and enroll in the 基督复临安息日会 Theological Seminary to continue his preparation for a career in religious ministry.

帕尔默说, “The Field School of Evangelism significantly enhanced our students’ abilities to preach the gospel, collaborate with congregations and lead people into a saving relationship with Jesus. 最重要的是, it showcased the passion and dedication of our theology majors in fulfilling the gospel commission of Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit.”

The Field School of Evangelism alternates between domestic and international locations every two years. Previously, it occurred in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and in 2022, it occurred in Jamaica. The next iteration of the field school will take place internationally in 2026.