Workshop on Re-reading Bible for CNI Presbyters  

A group of 70 Presbyters from across the CNI Dioceses gathered at CNI Centre for Human Potential Development, Nagpur from 22^nd to 25^th January 2008 for a workshop on ‘Re-reading of the Bible’ as part of the Congregational Renewal for Effective Engagement in Mission (CREEM) launched last year by CNI.  Welcoming the presbyters the Director Programmes of CNI, Mr. Sudipta Singh challenged the delegates to keep their minds and eyes open to read beyond the letters inscribed in the Bible so that they could understand the Word and relate it to their own context.  

Rev. Dr. Enos Das Pradhan, General Secretary of CNI delivered the keynote address and challenged the participants as they made a pledge for the three year commitment to CREEM.  Dr. Pradhan, after reviewing the vision and history of CREEM, stressed the need for congregations to return to the basics, as getting beyond the “hatching, matching, and dispatching” mentality of many congregations is a challenge.  

Dr. Gerald West, Director of The Ujamaa Center for Biblical and Theological Community Development and Research, South Africa facilitated the workshop with cofacilitators Rev. Dr. David Hudson and Mr. Philip Vinod Peacock.  Dr. West gave a thorough overview of the methodology and unique characteristics of contextual Bible study using charts, reports and interaction within small and large groups. This insured that every participant experienced and was trained in doing contextual Bible study.   

The workshop was yet another effort to provide new insights in how to be the church. After training Presbyters in new ways of doing ministry and engaging in mission, they will then train others.  The five focus areas (Koinoia, Liturgeia, Diakonia, Kerygma, Didache) were lightly touched upon as it was emphasized that the Bible is central in each of these five areas as congregations seek to be transformed and to transform.