Theology students are eager to learn

Theological education students in Chinandega, Nicaragua

Students taking the theological education courses in Chinandega, Nicaragua are finishing their second week of classes.

Rev. Kurt Reinhardt teaching Introduction to the New Testament

Thirteen men and 22 women first studied an “Introduction to the New Testament” taught by Rev. Kurt Reinhardt (Trinity, Kurtzville, Ont.). The course began with a brief look at each of the 27 books learning about the writer, the reason for the writing and some of the key teachings in the book. Each subsequent day began with a brief test on the material from the previous day.

“There is an excitement in these students,” reports Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan who is teaching Introduction to Christian Doctrine. “They have a multitude of questions… Some are questions of personal interest, but many are ministry questions.”

Dr. Mayan discusses Christian doctrine with a student

Although the course load is heavy the students are anxious to read the Scriptures. After class they gather around the lectern for more questions and answers.

The doctrine class includes studying the teachings relating to the authority of scripture;  inspiration and use of scripture; what the Scriptures teach us about the person of God; creation and the fall into sin; the purpose of the law; and the promise that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Dr. Mayan says that “with this kind of class, it is a joy to teach and to be involved in the discipline of learning together.”

The students now have the schedule for all their classes over the next two years. The next classes will take place January 23—February 3, 2012. Rev. Dr. Roger Humann, professor emeritus of Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary, St. Catharines, is arranging for all courses and teachers in consultation with Rev. Dr. Leonardo Neitzel, LCC’s mission executive.

This is the fourth theological education class conducted by Lutheran Church–Canada in Nicaragua and the first since the formation of Iglesia Luterana Sínodo de Nicaragua in 2008. The two-year intensive program prepares men for ordination as pastors and the women as commissioned deaconesses.

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