A selective lifelong learning opportunity, the Thompson Scholars program brings pastors and other church leaders with a special interest in evangelism to the seminary campus. The annual intensive study experience focuses on a variety of topics to prepare evangelism leaders for the future. The program is directed by Steve Hayner, seminary president.
The Thompson Scholars program is part of the seminary’s comprehensive
program in evangelism, which was initiated in 1981. This program
includes not only lifelong learning opportunities, but also courses
for basic and advanced degree students. Course work focuses on
the church’s evangelistic mission in the rapidly changing
context of North America. Students wishing to emphasize evangelism
and mission are urged to include an internship (from one summer
to one year) in a teaching congregation with strong missional commitments.
As of February 24, 2010, the selection process for the May 2010 Thompson Scholars is complete. Sixteen individuals will gather May 25-28 to explore the topic “Evangelism for the Rest of Us.” For many people these days even the word “evangelism” makes us very uneasy. Mainline churches often think of evangelism only as membership management. But the communication of God’s good news is one of the primary callings of the Church. What does a biblical theology of evangelism look like? How might faithful and effective evangelism be practiced today? How might those in our churches become more confident in their personal witness to Christ? Participants in the Thompson Scholar program will discuss the major contemporary issues in evangelism as these pertain to the local congregation, including the nature of the Gospel, the dynamics of conversion, the biblical theology of witness and the congregational practice of missio Dei.
Leadership for the event is provided by Dr. Steve Hayner, President of Columbia and Professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, and Rev. Sharol Hayner. Steve has been at CTS for 6-1/2 years. Previously he served as President of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for 13 years. Sharol Hayner, a CTS alumna, has served on the program and pastoral staff of Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, for over six years in the areas of adult discipleship and worship. She is now partnering with Steve in seminary activities, and continuing her work in mentoring workplace leaders. Both Steve and Sharol have a passion to see churches help their congregants in integrate their faith and witness more thoroughly in their day to day lives.
Information about future Thompson Scholars events will be posted when it becomes available.
For more information, please contact Sarah Erickson, director of lifelong learning, at ericksons@ctsnet.edu or 404-687-4526.