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Encouraging scholarship, strengthening faith identity, and interpreting contemporary issues in Baptist life. |
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Newman Scholar: |
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by Bonnie Decuir
Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church Edison, Georgia
Return to Sabbaticals Homepage What a blessing it was to spend a week-long “mini-sabbatical” at Mercer University in Macon delving into Baptist distinctives and how they might be experienced by post-seeker, post-Christian culture! Preparation for the week plunged me into Baptist history and the multi-faceted expressions of our denominational heritage. It refreshed and reinforced my seminary training and personal experience. When I arrived at the Lee Alumni House for the on-campus portion of this adventure, I was pleasantly surprised at the incredible setting for my week of reading, reflection and relaxation. Buddy Shurden and Bruce Gourley provided encouragement, direction and several terrific opportunities to dialogue about my topic. They were so wonderfully affirming and gracious with their time and attention. Tarver Library at Mercer was like walking into heaven! So many books, so little time! Thanks to Susan Broome and Arlette Copeland for their warm welcome and introduction to Special Collections! Everyone I met was friendly and open and eager to talk about my ministry and my area of focus for the week. I deeply appreciated their input and the resources that were made available to me at Mercer. My time was well-spent and just the beginning of my exploration into the emerging church and the continuing journey of Baptists into the future. I have begun preparing two sermon series utilizing the information and insights produced during my mini-sabbatical. I pray that this experience will prove to be a blessing to my congregation, as it has been to me. This was a week that opened my eyes, stretched my mind, and challenged my thinking about what it means to be Baptist in today’s emerging culture. What a memorable opportunity and delightful experience! Thank you for the honor of being the 9th A.H. Newman Scholar of Mercer University! |
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The Center for Baptist Studies, Mercer University, 1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207 Phone (478) 301-5457 |
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A Mini-Sabbatical at the Center