Education Comissioner Dan Copp addresses the denomination's higher education leaders.
Higher education leaders reconnect at IHEC Conference
Indianapolis, Indiana
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Church of the Nazarene's International Higher Education Council met last month in Indianapolis for its quadrennial meeting under the theme Better Together.
The meeting, held June 20 and 21, was in conjunction with the 28th General Assembly and Conventions. IHEC members include the institutional leaders of the 53 International Board of Education colleges, universities, and seminaries and the regional education coordinators.
In a celebration of new leaders, 30 of the 53 institutional leaders were presented with an engraved gavel.
International Board of Education Board Chair Kent Brower presented the conference keynote address Thursday. In his aerial view of Nazarene higher education, he summarized the past, present, and future.
"Our connectedness is one of the gifts that God has given to the Church of the Nazarene," he said. "We are thankful for each other and for the way we have grown together over the years. I said at the outset that our 53 institutions are more closely connected in spirit, in mission, in mutual respect, and in mutual support than at any time in our history. This is a sign of the Spirit's work in our midst, sometimes in very surprising ways and even in spite of ourselves. We celebrate this today, with thanksgiving to the One who made us one in Him, creating one new people."
Over the course of the two-day gathering, members participated in regional and cross-regional small group sessions to discuss the possibility of future collaborations to address the challenges ahead for higher education. The leaders recognize government policies, advancing technology, and shifting cultural expectations could dramatically impact the future of higher education delivery.
"Our institutions are facing perhaps their most challenging days," said Tammy Condon, IBOE strategic projects program coordinator. "The commitment to strengthening and utilizing the network of 53 institutions globally will create possibilities for a future that similar Christian institutions without denominational connections or networks simply do not enjoy. The conversations around the small group tables reflected a passionate commitment to the continued spirit of collaboration in furthering the mission of Nazarene higher education in the face of these challenges and their great opportunities."
Education Commissioner Dan Copp closed the meeting by citing early church leaders' description of the importance of Nazarene higher education, how the schools maintain a central role in the church's mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations, and how as the people of God, this remains a work done better together. Symbolically, this truth was brought to light as all present gathered around the Lord's table for celebration, confession, and commitment to return to their institutions united in service through His grace.
--International Board of Education
The meeting, held June 20 and 21, was in conjunction with the 28th General Assembly and Conventions. IHEC members include the institutional leaders of the 53 International Board of Education colleges, universities, and seminaries and the regional education coordinators.
In a celebration of new leaders, 30 of the 53 institutional leaders were presented with an engraved gavel.
International Board of Education Board Chair Kent Brower presented the conference keynote address Thursday. In his aerial view of Nazarene higher education, he summarized the past, present, and future.
"Our connectedness is one of the gifts that God has given to the Church of the Nazarene," he said. "We are thankful for each other and for the way we have grown together over the years. I said at the outset that our 53 institutions are more closely connected in spirit, in mission, in mutual respect, and in mutual support than at any time in our history. This is a sign of the Spirit's work in our midst, sometimes in very surprising ways and even in spite of ourselves. We celebrate this today, with thanksgiving to the One who made us one in Him, creating one new people."
Over the course of the two-day gathering, members participated in regional and cross-regional small group sessions to discuss the possibility of future collaborations to address the challenges ahead for higher education. The leaders recognize government policies, advancing technology, and shifting cultural expectations could dramatically impact the future of higher education delivery.
"Our institutions are facing perhaps their most challenging days," said Tammy Condon, IBOE strategic projects program coordinator. "The commitment to strengthening and utilizing the network of 53 institutions globally will create possibilities for a future that similar Christian institutions without denominational connections or networks simply do not enjoy. The conversations around the small group tables reflected a passionate commitment to the continued spirit of collaboration in furthering the mission of Nazarene higher education in the face of these challenges and their great opportunities."
Education Commissioner Dan Copp closed the meeting by citing early church leaders' description of the importance of Nazarene higher education, how the schools maintain a central role in the church's mission to make Christlike disciples in the nations, and how as the people of God, this remains a work done better together. Symbolically, this truth was brought to light as all present gathered around the Lord's table for celebration, confession, and commitment to return to their institutions united in service through His grace.
--International Board of Education