A Minute From the Rector
Friends of EuNC, as we embark on a new chapter in the journey of European Nazarene College, it is with great excitement and anticipation that we introduce the 'EuNC Strategic Plan - 2030 Growing Together.' This strategic roadmap not only outlines our vision but also sets forth our overarching strategic objective: “European Nazarene College will become a more significant part of a growing church in the Kingdom of God in Eurasia, collaborating with local churches, districts, the region, and other church and ministry entities in fulfilling the mission of God – making Christlike disciples in the nations.”
At EuNC, we are dedicated to developing a broader view of theological education and broadening the educational delivery to serve and equip all the people of God, both lay and clergy; and to ensure alignment with current educational needs and trends, and enhance strategic alliances and partnerships with the church: the region, districts, and local churches.
While maintaining our current high standards of accreditation and validation, we are also actively exploring innovative ways to enhance and broaden our educational impact. This exploration involves identifying emerging trends and needs within theological education and considering how EuNC can adapt or expand its offerings to address them. We trust in God's guidance as we embark on these new educational initiatives, aligning with the vision and objectives of our college's newly approved strategy by the Board of Trustees in January 2023.
I extend an invitation to the Friends of EuNC to engage with articles that reflect our core values and celebrate the achievements and professional development of our faculty members through new publications and their participation in global and interdenominational conferences. Welcome our academic team members in their new roles, and celebrate the collaborative agreements with other institutions that strengthen our community and facilitate student mobility for continued studies. As we mourn the loss of members within our college community, we find solace in their remembered lives and are reminded of the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Thank you for your support and interest as we embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and as we strive to fulfill our mission and vision together.
On behalf of the entire EuNC Team
In 2019, EuNC Cluster Chair for cluster A (Bible) Rev. Dr. Wolfgang Köhler published his dissertation "Die Verstockung Israels im Jesajabuch – Studie eines theologischen Motivs". An article summarizing the main points of his work has now been published in English under the title "The Cycle of Hardening and Healing. A Thematic Study of Obduracy in the Book of Isaiah.". Dr. Köhler expressed his hope that "this publication will help make the results of my research more accessible in the Nazarene scholarly world." EuNC faculty and students have free access to the article through EBSCO (accessible through Moodle). A review of the original dissertation can be found here.We deeply value collaborative agreements and partnerships with various institutions and organizations. It is a special joy to partner with sister colleges within Nazarene Higher Education. The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between European Nazarene College and Nazarene Theological College, Manchester (UK), back in Fall 2023 is therefore an important highlight on our journey together.
These agreements are a testament to our shared commitment to academic excellence, mutual support, and the global mission of higher education. We look forward to the continued growth and success that these partnerships bring to our academic community.
Rev. Dr. Deirdre Brower-Latz (NTC Prinicpal), Rev. Mária Gusztinné Tulipán (EuNC Rector), Rev. Dr. Fernando Almeida (EuNC Director for Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance), Dr. Peter Rae (NTC Vice Principal)
We recently received the good news that our accrediting agency ECTE (European Council for Theological Education) has achieved its own accreditation from EQAR (European Quality Assurance Registry), as a recognised agency. As such, ECTE is able to accredit programmes of theological education according to the European Standards and Guidelines for higher education, across the borders of EU member-states. This certainly has raised the status and recognition of the accrediting agency, while at the same time helping them develop new procedures and policies for accreditation which will bring their accredited institutions (such as EuNC) to the level of higher education standards in Europe. Right now we have been mildly impacted, as we have not gone through a review according to the new standards since our accreditation was in 2020. We are, however, already preparing for a new review in 2025, which will at that time mean that EuNC could become part of a EU maintained database of accredited institutions (DEQAR). Until then, please pray for us as we prepare for and undergo our next institutional academic review.
Rev. Dr. Fernando Almeida
(Director of Curriculum Development and Quality Assurance)
Photo Credit: https://nazarene.org/article/hundreds-nazarenes-join-together-global-theology-conference-2024
The recent Global Theology Conference (GTC) 2024, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, emerged as a significant milestone for the Church of the Nazarene, drawing together theologians, scholars, pastors, and laypersons from around the world. The conference, themed "In the Power of the Spirit," centered on Luke 4:14 and explored the transformative influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
With attendees representing diverse cultural backgrounds and theological perspectives, GTC 2024 facilitated rich dialogue and reflection on critical theological themes. Three main sessions, each focusing on different aspects of the Holy Spirit's work, provided a framework for in-depth exploration and discussion.
Participants engaged in presentations by scholars from various regions, followed by response papers that offered additional insights and reflections. The conference fostered an environment of collaboration and mutual learning, as attendees exchanged ideas and perspectives on theological issues relevant to contemporary church ministry.
I am happy that I was invited to participate in the Global Theology Conference in Argentina. This was a time of reflection, deep thinking, and helpful insights for our ministry in different parts of the world. Next generation of leaders and educators were able to voice their concerns and discuss the issues that are relevant to their local contexts. I believe the questions that were raised there will influence the development of our theology and our understanding of the problems, which we face in the world.
I was glad to meet my colleagues from different colleges of the Church of the Nazarene. Some of them I have known for many years. However, the opportunity to meet face to face and to talk about common problems is priceless. In addition, this conference gave us a chance to meet new people and to establish new contacts.
Rev. Dr. Olga Druzhinina
The amazing part of the Global Theology Conference was meeting scholars
from all around the world and actually have time to listen to engage
with and listen to each other in a safe environment. I gained a lot of
new insights about different contexts. I especially benefitted from
connecting with scholars in my subject area from other world regions.
The discussions in the plenaries and the small group were intriguing and
provoked further reflection. I am looking forward into taking the issues
back into the region and consider how we can apply what we have learned.
Rev. Dr. Wolfgang Köhler
A notable outcome of the conference was also the publication of three response papers in Didache by EuNC faculty conference attendees: Dr. Köhler, Dr. Druzhinina and Dr. Ricciardi. This is a testament to the depth and breadth of theological reflection generated during the event. All the papers, now accessible online, serve as valuable resources for further study and discussion within the global Nazarene community. Conference resources are available at https://didache.nazarene.org/index.php/volume-24-number-1, https://holinesstoday.podbean.com/, and https://didache.whdl.org/.
As the global Nazarene community continues to reflect on the theological insights gleaned from GTC 2024, the conversations initiated at the conference will serve as a catalyst for ongoing dialogue, collaboration, and ministry. We encourage our EuNC Learning Centres to find ways to engage in the reflections together with the District and local churches. By drawing on the wisdom and experiences of theologians from around the world, Nazarenes reaffirm their shared identity and purpose as members of the body of Christ.
It was a special joy to be on the campus of Seminario Teológico Nazareno del Cono Sur in Pilar, Argentina.
Rev. Mária Gusztinné Tulipán
(Rector)
Since its first edition in 2016, the Portugal District gathered on the 1st of May for its annual event Conversas Teológicas (Theological Conversations), which mirrors what happens at the Global Theology Conference. The sponsors of this event – EuNC Portugal Learning Centre and the District Ministerial Studies Board – invited Dr. Mark Maddix to address the topic Living Together in Love and Holiness – a Wesleyan ecclesiology, based on the book he coedited with Dr. Diane Leclerc, Essential Church.
This theme was chosen for this 7th event as leaders (not only pastors) met online for a Book Club, every month during the last year, to discuss the content of that book – two chapters at a time. The shared feedback was that it would be beneficial to provide opportunity for a broader discussion on these topics. As such the people from the local churches (pastors, leaders, laypeople, EuNC students, etc.) were invited to meet at the facilities of the Church of the Nazarene in Alcabideche, to engage in that.
Together with the speaker, the participants reflected, through small group discussions and questions of clarification, on a Wesleyan ecclesiology overview, the Church’s sacraments and how to be a Church of compassion and justice. At the end, the participants shared what they were taking with them from the day: new awareness on the topics, broader understanding of what means to be Wesleyan, “being present to each other”, faith journey as communal and not individualistic, participating in the shalom for the sake of others and creation, and gratitude for a real sense of unity and love in the gathering, despite the differences.
Rev. Priscila Guevara
(EuNC Portugal Learning Centre Administrator)
At the beginning of the Academic Year, a conference titled "Every Square Inch" for Christians engaged in higher education was held in Wilderswil, Switzerland. EuNC representatives from three of our Learning Centres participated: Dr. Ibtissam Kawar (EuNC Arabic Learning Centre), Rev. Dr. Matteo Ricciardi (EuNC Italy Learning Centre), Rev. João Pedro Pereira and Rev. Priscila Guevara (EuNC Portugal Learning Centre). The purpose of this event was "to engage, equip, and empower Christian academics to effectively serve Christ in academics and beyond."
Isolation, Christophobia, secularism, discouragement, and temptations were identified as the challenges that most Christian academics face nowadays. Participants were given workshops to help them cultivate the following outcomes: growing in Christlikeness, Christ-centered worldview, impactful scholarship, teaching and writing with excellence, engaging with the culture, serving others and joyfully sharing Christ and disciplining others.
Of course, there was also time for a hiking afternoon (which we did despite the rain).
It was a time of reflection with other academics as well as a time to share about EuNC's mission and purpose. When we left, there was no doubt that the academic work we carry out is significant and that it is the ministry God has called us to.
Rev. Priscila Guevara
(EuNC Portugal Learning Centre Administrator)
Rev. Dr. Matteo Ricciardi has been appointed as the new Director of Education Initiatives as of 12 March 2024. With this new role, he will also serve as a member of the EuNC Leadership Team. Matteo will be helping the Rector and the Leadership Team in the area of exploration and implementation of new education initiatives in alignment with the vision and objectives of the new Strategy of our college. We have interviewed him about his new role.
Can you tell us about your background and what led you to join EuNC?
My educational and professional experience is shaped by two major passions: Music and Theology. I hold a BA and MA in music and have worked professionally as a clarinettist in orchestras, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles. I moved to Brazil to study Theology in 2007 and, after completing my MA, I have been working in theological education since 2013. I held several jobs in higher education as a lecturer, pedagogical coordinator, distant tutor, and thesis supervisor. I received my PhD in Pedagogical Science in 2020. It was natural for me to get involved with EuNC in Italy: I began as a teacher in 2018 and subsequently became the administrator and coordinator of the EuNC Italy Learning Centre. In September 2020, I was appointed ‘Cluster Chair for Ministerial Skills’, and in 2022 also for 'Academic Skills and General Studies'.
What are your main responsibilities and goals in your new role as Director of Education Initiatives?
In my new position, I will oversee and develop new educational initiatives beyond our accredited programmes. Inherent to this role, I am now a member of the Leadership Team.
In your opinion, what are some of the key challenges and opportunities facing higher education today, especially as a Nazarene institution serving the district in the Eurasia Region, and how can they be addressed through your new role?
With decentralisation, the College took a crucial step towards contextualising theological education, allowing students to remain active with their local congregations while anticipating the significance of responding to their ministerial call. However, the times we live in ask us to reconsider the vital role of the laity, as well as the need to keep clergy up to date to effectively address current challenges.
How do you plan to collaborate with other departments and colleagues, the LCs and the church to enhance educational initiatives and student success?
During the spring consultations with our LC Coordinators, I had the opportunity to learn about the activities that they had developed. I desire to work with the Strategic Field Coordinators and District Superintendents to discover how we may better serve our region as a provider of theological education.
How do you envision your role contributing to the overall mission and vision of EuNC?
I believe the scope of my new role will also contribute to the college fulfilling its mission of promoting theological education moving beyond the ordination track to better cover lay training, discipleship, lifelong learning and personal development, for 'Enabling Christlike Disciples for Ministry'.
About Matteo:
Matteo is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, working full-time for EuNC and serving as Lead Pastor in Moncalieri (Italy) as well as on several district boards. He married his wife Aline in Brazil in 2009, and their son Mario was born in 2015. They came to Italy in 2018 and have been involved in the local ministry since then. Matteo loves travelling and enjoying the sea. Since he lives inland, he is also content to swim in the pool when time allows.
Rev. Priscila Guevara has been selected as the new Cluster Chair for cluster C, "God's Mission, Church, Vocation" on the EuNC Curriculum Committee. She started in her role on 1 March 2024. The position had been vacant since Rev. Gideon de Jong had resigned from this role with effect of 31 December 2023. Priscila also serves as administrator for the EuNC Portugal Learning Centre.
Meet Priscila:
It was with great excitement that I applied for this position at EuNC, the college that has been home for me for more than 10 years now. At EuNC I received the foundations for my theological education and here I have been having the privilege to grow, specifically as Christ’s follower.
In my first years studying, I realized the passion to study and to transmit to others what I was learning. So I thought, “What better way to always be studying and sharing what I learn, than by being a teacher?” Years have passed and the process of preparing and teaching a class is still very exciting for me.
When I saw the opportunity to be a Cluster Chair on the EuNC Curriculum Committee, I envisioned using my organized and methodical skills to approve syllabi, evaluate classes and review courses. In this role, I am going to have the privilege to learn more deeply the structure and content of our courses and to be part of their development and contextualization for the great variety of Learning Centres that we serve at EuNC. I am very grateful for this opportunity.
Zinaida Hymon is the new EuNC Ukraine-Moldova Learning Centre Administrator. A recent graduate of EuNC and long-time member of the Church of the Nazarene, she is starting her role during a time of transition for the Learning Centre.
About Zinaida and the Learning Centre:
My name is Zinaida Hymon and I am the administrator for the EuNC Ukraine-Moldova Learning Centre. I have been a part of the Church of the Nazarene in Ukraine since its very foundation in 1992 and I am actively involved in various ministries in my local church as well as the church in Ukraine.
Our LC is not new but in the last two years, we have been working on getting more independent as well as translating a lot of documents and information into Ukrainian to offer classes in this language. Last year, we got several new students who are eager to study and serve, which is exciting. This year, we are planning on welcoming new students as well from various churches across the Learning Centre.
It is always a pleasant surprise to see people wanting to study in the hardships that our churches are currently going through, but it is a testament to the idea that we can only live through times like these when we know God, we know how to share about God, and we also know how to answer the hard questions that inevitably arise. He is our only hope. In terms of the needs, we definitely can use as many prayers as possible:
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- For churches’ and students’ safety
- For availability of the internet and electricity
- For having time to study amid a multitude of needs
- For new students to join the programme
- For God’s shalom
We are thankful for these opportunities for theological education and the support of the worldwide community. God bless us all.
EuNC mourns the deaths of one student in the EuNC Central Asia Learning Centre and Patricia Meslem from the EuNC France Learning Centre. We give thanks for their lives. Their families are in our prayers as we trust the promise and we have the hope that Jesus Christ is the resurrection and the life.
EuNC also remembers Carol Hunton, wife of former Rector Jay Hunton, who passed away on 7 April 2024. We are grateful for her ministry to EuNC and the impact she had on our students. Our condolences and prayers go out to her family.