uring the Summer of 2010, I received an invitation from Dean Crouch to accompany him and Professor Riddick Weber to a Consultation of the Moravian Theological Training Institutes in Suriname from October 5 – 12, 2010. I did not have much time to consider the implications of going during the semester in which I was taking Greek and writing my Credo, but I accepted the invitation and I am glad I did.
The Republic of Suriname is situated between French Guiana to the east and Guyana to the west. The southern border is shared with Brazil and the northern border is the Atlantic coast. It has a population of 500,000 people and its capital is Paramaribo. While Suriname remains a multiracial nation, its two dominant races are Indians and Africans. The former Dutch colony gained independence on November 25, 1975. The colors of its flag are: Green which symbolizes fertility; white for freedom and peace; and red for love and a better future. The flag also has a star with five points which represents the five largest ethnic groups, and also symbolizes unity.
The Moravian Church is one of the most influential religious and social institutions in the country and celebrated its 275 years of ministry in Suriname in 2010. The church’s focus on education is evident by the 68 schools it currently operates with financial assistance from the government.
The Consultation of the Moravian Training Institutes was organized by the Moravian Church Foundation, and the main objectives were to identify more effective ways to teach and prepare Moravians for ministry, and to identify ways in which theological institutions can support each other. Representatives from all Moravian institutions that offer theological training across the Unity were present. The conference began with a spirit of love and determination to work together to advance the mission of the Moravian Church. We sought God’s guidance and direction throughout the days we spent in deliberation.
The Unity of Christ was felt in that place,
and it was heavenly.
Four groups were formed to discuss the various challenges and possible ways to support each other. The four focus areas were: Evangelism & Mission, Theology & Culture, Our Methods of Teaching, and Our Moravian Treasures. I volunteered to serve in the mission and evangelism group and was asked to chair the group. I will focus on the work that our group did.
Group 1 - Mission & Evangelism:
This group decided to focus on the question, “Why are other denominations sometimes more attractive?” (The original question focused on charismatic churches, but the group decided to broaden the question’s focus.) The following reasons were named:
- They appear to be successful
- People may not be happy with their own congregations or denominations
- Other churches offer a preferred style of worship
- When congregations appear to be mediocre by comparison
- When members feel neglected by their pastors or congregations
- When members feel that their spiritual, physical, and other needs are not being met
- When members no longer feel at home in their congregation
- When other churches are more welcoming
The group felt this list of perceptions poses the challenge to provide good teaching and preaching to help our members understand and appreciate who the Moravian Church is, its mission, and its approach to evangelism. Several ideas emerged on how to develop the appropriate teaching materials. These ideas were included in recommendations that were submitted to The Unity Task Force for Theological Education.
When I went to Suriname I took along my Greek text book and my flash cards with the hope of finding some time to study but this did not materialize because the work day began at 8:30 AM and ended at 9 PM. Day long activities were also planned for the weekend including the attendance of worship at different congregations. The hospitality of the Surinamese people is second to none. With the elevated temperature and the food, I felt at home. We went on guided tours of Paramaribo and some surrounding areas. I was struck by the unity that existed between Muslims and Jews. Standing side by side in the Paramaribo is a Jewish Synagogue and a Mosque, and I was told that they were loving neighbors.
Christ’s Spirit unites us as Moravians of diverse cultures and languages as a sign of God’s embrace. In a trans-cultural context, we read the scriptures and participate in the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. In a counter-cultural context, each culture may adapt to a different style of worship, but in the Eucharist all cultures are united in love. On any given Sunday, in a cross-cultural context, Moravians are gathered as one at different times and places: Europe, North America, West Indies, Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Across time and space, the Holy Spirit creates the unity of Christ that unites us. On Sunday October 10, 2010 a physical representation from across the Moravian Unity assembled in the largest Moravian Church in Suriname and celebrated Holy Communion. The Unity of Christ was felt in that place, and it was heavenly.
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