A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. Lincoln G. Bryant is a student at Knox College, Toronto. This report is from the 1986 Annual Meeting.
Central to our discussion was the conviction that involvement is essential. We cannot hope that our colleges will be renewed while we remain at a distance – we must demonstrate our commitment through our involvement. Criticism alone increases separation. Constructive criticism and involvement bears fruit.
Six areas were identified through which members of the Renewal Fellowship Within The Presbyterian Church In Canada can work for the renewal of our theological colleges.
Prayer is the most effective way for us to participate in God’s plan for our theological colleges – all other activities must find their basis here. Become involved in prayer for Knox College as individuals, as groups and as congregations. Pray for students who need encouragement in their studies, in their devotional lives, and in their calling. Pray for the college communities that they might be renewed in their worship together. Pray for the faculty that they may continue to be open to the Holy Spirit and receptive to a diversity of theological positions.
Presbyteries play an important role in our system of theological education. Through involvement ensure that your Presbytery is loving and thorough in its examination of candidates for the ministry both at the time of certification and of licensing. Through your involvement ensure that students are supported and cared for both emotionally and financially. Through your involvement be sure that your Presbytery knows its students and reminds them of its concern.
Congregations can become involved in our theological education through a variety of work experience programs. With the large enrollment at Knox College there is need for congregational placements (a student working in your congregation ten hours per week) and for internships. Internships provide a full-time, learning opportunity for students over a period of eight or twelve months.* Both of these provide marvellous opportunities for students to participate in your congregation.
We cannot hope that our colleges will be renewed while we remain at a distance – we must demonstrate our commitment through our involvement.
At lunch time, every two weeks, several students from Knox College have met with John Vissers and Don MacLeod to discuss a variety of theological and personal issues. Even this simple involvement has been of considerable help to a number of students.
Through our courts we have the opportunity to put forward nominations for the various vacancies at our colleges. We must not underestimate the power of God to work through these situations to appoint the man or woman of his choosing for the administrative and teaching positions in our colleges. Participate through the means available.
Be open to the Holy Spirit and consider the possibility of your involvement (somewhat restricted to those in the Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver areas) in the Senate or Board of Managers of our colleges. Our God is at work and he may call upon any one of us to be involved and to seek renewal within our theological colleges.
The renewal of our church is God’s work but much of it will be accomplished through our involvement with him. Please prayerfully consider these opportunities to become involved in our theological colleges.
* The internship program that is operated at Knox College can be for either eight or twelve months. The cost, which is based upon the student stipend used by the Board of World Mission, is split between the congregation and the College. The student who is assigned works full time in the congregation under the direction of the minister. Opportunity is usually given for a wide spectrum of ministry experiences – preaching, leading in worship, teaching, visiting, counselling, etc. It is particularly important that the student be given time to reflect on the motivation and mandate for ministry. It is a valuable program and worthy of your prayerful consideration.