wfn.org | Newsline: New pastoral presence programs at Bethany Seminary

[CoBNews <CoBNews@brethren.org>]

Newsline: Church of the Brethren News Service, News Director Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, 800-323-8039 ext. 260, cobnews@brethren.org

BETHANY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ANNOUNCES NEW PASTORAL PRESENCE PROGRAMS

(Dec. 3, 2009) Elgin, IL -- Bethany Theological Seminary in Richmond, Ind., has announced two new programs to encourage continuing education for pastors. The "Pastoral Presence Programs" provide the opportunity for Church of the Brethren pastors to avail themselves of Bethany facilities and participate in seminary life.

The purpose of these programs is to encourage direct conversations between pastors and the seminary. Pastors can make important contributions to the life and educational context at Bethany, and Bethany can provide a space for pastors for continuing education and retreat.

A Pastor-in-Residence track and a Pastoral Sabbatical track will be offered. Both will provide a setting for focused, purposeful study through meeting with professors and students, attending classes, pursuing research and writing projects, and participating in chapel services, forums, lectures, and other campus events. The Pastor-in-Residence will be expected to spend significant time interacting with students and attending classes and program opportunities. Those in the Pastoral Sabbatical track may choose more time for personal reflection, research, and writing.

Participants will complete a formal application, including an 800-1,000 word description of the intended research project, activities, and purpose of the time spent in the program; reside at Brethren House (the seminary's guest house) for at least two weeks; preach or make a presentation at a chapel service or forum; and complete an evaluation of the program. For more go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/bethany-announces-new-pastoral-presence-progr ams .

The Church of the Brethren is a Christian denomination committed to continuing the work of Jesus peacefully and simply, and to living out its faith in community. The denomination is based in the Anabaptist and Pietist faith traditions and is one of the three Historic Peace Churches. It celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2008. It counts some 125,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, and has missions and sister churches in Nigeria, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and India.

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>For more information contact:

>Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford
>Director of News Services
>Church of the Brethren
>1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
>800-323-8039 ext. 260
>cobnews@brethren.org