Summer Forum
A week-long summer program was held on the campus of Gardner-Webb University. The program was designed to assist students in their exploration of vocation and ministry, using an action/reflection model.
Students heard challenging lectures from Divinity School and University faculty on hermeneutics, cross-cultural communication, preaching, and leadership. Divinity students served as counselors, mentors, group leaders, and session leaders.
Students completed different writing assignments through the week, reflecting on lectures and movie clips designed to help them connect theological observations to everyday life.
Students read The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer prior to the Forum and engaged in group discussions on the theme of discipleship in the Christian life. Students worshipped together, engaging spiritual practices such as walking a labyrinth, prayer, communion, and foot-washing.
Team-building exercises on the Broyhill Adventure Course helped students learn to work together in their ministry group in preparation for a day of service in such ministries as the Boys and Girls Club of Shelby, the YMCA, the Girl’s Club of Shelby, Habitat for Humanity in Gaffney, ministry in downtown Shelby, Hands on Mission in Shelby, and the Crisis Assistance Center in Charlotte. Students had the opportunity to meet local ministers and learn from their experiences in ministry.
Students left the Summer Forum, eager to continue to explore ministry opportunities in their churches. Many students applied for further mentoring and service opportunities offered by the program.