Pastors and resource persons during the valedictory function on September 11.
Kiphire, September 11 (MExN): United Sangtam Baptist Lithroti Ashimükhong conducted a refresher course for pastors from September 5 to 11 at USBLA retreat centre, Arehintre Thüyo, Kiphire.
Assistant Professor at Discipleship Bible College, D Alem P; Secretary of USBLA Sub-Centre, Kiphire, Dr Apise, and Principal, Oriental Theological College, Yangli, Chumpongse were the resource persons, informed a press release on Sunday.
Church Administration and Stewardship, Pastoral Care and Counseling, Practical Theology, Method of Biblical Interpretation and Biblical Foundation of Mission were some of the topics which were highlighted during the 7-day refresher course.
Delivering the keynote concept, Executive Secretary, USBLA, Rev Y Imti said that initiatives such as the refresher course are very significant and the course is designed to take the pastors back to the basics so they can review fundamentals they may have forgotten or upskill on new information.
As an act of portraying servant leadership, Rev Y Imti ministered a ‘feet washing ceremony,’ the release stated, adding that the celebration has re-strengthened and reaffirmed the call and commitment of the pastors in their ministry.
Addl Superintendent of Police, Kiphire, Kajiri, while exhorting the pastors, reminded that qualities like integrity, blamelessness, accountability and fair judgment are expected of them. He also briefed on the basic traffic rules for the drivers of the churches.
Besides having sessions and classes, team-building recreational games and sports were also initiated. The evening gospel hour speakers were Pastor Sangtam Baptist Lithro, Kohima Rev Thsadong; Pastor, South Zone, SBL Kiphire, Setsiba; and Pastor SBL Tuensang, Imsu; while Rev Y Imti spoke during the Sunday worship service.
Exhorting the pastors, the Village Council Chairperson of Tetheyo village Juringmong apprised on the pioneers in the Sangtam churches and reminded the church leaders today to continually inculcate work ethics and engage in relational ministry.
Valedictory function of the seven day Pastoral Refresher Course was held on September 11, where 54 pastors were awarded certificate of completion. The valedictory message was delivered by Dr Alem P. The Office of USBLA thanked all the churches under USBLA, pastors and resource persons for making the refresher course a successful one, the release stated.
