Lausanne World Pulse – Training for Mission: A Case Study at Redcliffe College
By Jo Appleton
The programme of placements also allowed Maarten to spend time on placement in the area where we plan to minister, enabling us to test our calling to missions in Europe.
Q. What has been the biggest challenge?
A. The biggest challenges inevitably come from living in community and time pressures. It has not always been easy to find a balance between studies and spending time with our children and each other. Also, living in a shared house means having to “socialize” continually.
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Classes at Redcliffe College are diverse and offer students |
Q. How do you feel your time at Redcliffe has prepared you for your future ministry?
A. Living in an international community with Christians from different continents and cultural backgrounds has taught me that my faith comes with some cultural baggage. I discovered the core of my faith through what I have studied, but I have also gained a broader perspective through listening to how people with different worldviews interpret biblical issues. Living with different nationalities in a shared house has made me realise my cultural arrogance. It has been very good to learn that my way is not the best way. That has been humbling!
Moreover, looking at life from an African, Asian or East European outlook has been enriching and has made me see more of the inequality in the world. This has encouraged me to rethink my lifestyle.
Through studying at Redcliffe, I have developed as a person and as a Christian and this experience has been invaluable to me in my preparation toward working in missions.