Last week I participated in a global gathering of women and men who are dedicated to preparing leaders for Baptist churches.  About every five years, the Baptist World Alliance sponsors such a gathering, called the Baptist International Conference on Theological Education (BICTE).  This year’s BICTE was held at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic.  Even the tiny photo at the left is enough to give you the idea:  Prague is a beautiful place!

It is always good to meet with others from around the world who are developing creative solutions to challenges we face as we serve the Lord.  But this gathering of colleagues contained a particular gift to me.  For, I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Geoff Pound.

Geoff is from New Zealand and, like me, has had the opportunity both to teach and to guide a theological education program in another land.  Also like me, he has recently been set free to serve as a visiting professor and theological education consultant in many lands.  Unlike me, Geoff has already been at this task full time for over two and a half years.  Also, he has moved ahead on important elements of my own vision for the work I do as International Ministries’ global consultant for theological education:  networking to connect other theological educators with the opportunities that arise as I connect with IM’s partners around the world.  Geoff has moved far enough down this path that he has been able to create a small organization that is recognized by the Baptist World Alliance, Theologians Without Borders.

It was wonderful to listen to Geoff’s plenary presentation and hear the same excitement in his voice that fills my own when I tell people about the people I get to help while pursuing this ministry.  It was even more wonderful to sit and talk with Geoff about his vision for Theologians Without Borders, for the Lord has clearly given us glimpses of the same bigger picture.  I look forward to working together with Geoff and the many, many excellent teachers that God is calling to put their gifts at the service of forming church leaders around the world.

Thanks for your prayers and gifts that make it possible to pursue these great opportunities!

Stan