Jubilare inspirieren Studierende
Those who have studied at St. Chrischona Theological Seminary and have served for 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 years have much to share. Impressive life stories and powerful testimonies of God’s work characterized the anniversary gathering on October 13 and 14, 2020, at the Chrischona Campus. Around 130 celebrants accepted the invitation from the St. Chrischona Theological Seminary.
«Your stories have inspired me. I hope that in 30 years, I too can stand here and tell such stories,» said tsc student Ladina Wettstein during the joint service. She delivered a theological and personal thought on the topic of community. Jubilarian Paul Stricker also shared his thoughts on the same topic. It was a beautiful moment that demonstrated that the generations at tsc can inspire each other.
Witnesses to the 180-year history of tsc
In his welcoming address to the jubilarians, Rector Dr. Benedikt Walker referred to the180-year historyof the St. Chrischona Theological Seminary. They are «witnesses to a history characterized by a great passion for Jesus, for the Bible, and for people.»
What this means specifically for the jubilees was explained in short interviews with René Winkler, the head of continuing education at tsc.Thomas Hohnecker, who was sent out by St. Chrischona in 1980 and worked as a preacher and inspector, most recently in the Association of Communities in the Evangelical Church in Schleswig-Holstein. He recounted how the TSC invested in him: «In my second year of studies, I reached a low point where I experienced two tremendous supports. One was the pastoral care of Paul Breymaier (a TSC lecturer from 1974 to 1999). The other was the hymn: ‚The Handwriting Is Torn.‘ That remains my salvation song to this day.»
Why did God lead me this way?
The anniversary meeting took on a thoughtful tone because René Winkler asked each of the celebrants to share a question they had for God. Calling was a topic several times: Why did God call me? Why did he lead me this way? There were also questions about church building: How does God build a church with flawed people? And theological questions: Why is God sometimes silent? Why doesn’t he make things easier for people?
tsc alumni are compatible worldwide
The anniversary meeting also demonstrated how many different fields and countries tsc graduates are active in: from missionary work in Thailand or South America to church work in Switzerland, Germany, or southern Africa to service in Christian educational institutions, ministries, and associations. tsc lecturer Dr. Horst Schaffenberger summed up the secret behind this: «We embrace a theological spectrum that works across different Christian denominations and perspectives. That’s why our graduates are compatible worldwide.»
The anniversary reunion was held in compliance with a COVID-19 safety plan. It provided for several sectors that were not allowed to mix indoors. Nevertheless, many of the celebrants were happy to attend, eager to see their classmates and their training facility again.
TSC student Ladina Wettstein and TSC jubilarian Paul Stricker shared their thoughts on community.
50 years after their sending off, the graduating class of 1970 gathers again for a group photo in front of the Brothers‘ House.
Paul Voegeli, Lieselotte Fehlmann and Traugott Stäheli (from left) were sent out by St. Chrischona in 1960 – 60 years ago.
Infos zur tsc-Netzwerk-Konferenz 2022
- Die tsc-Netzwerk-Konferenz findet vom 10. bis 12. November 2022 zum Thema «Rabbi Jesus – MEISTERhaft lernen» auf dem Chrischona Berg statt. 268 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmer sind dabei.
- Veranstalter ist das Theologische Seminar St. Chrischona und seine Netzwerkpartner, darunter die Viva Kirche Schweiz und das Chrischona Gemeinschaftswerk Deutschland.