GWC is one of many Bible colleges across Africa where students are trained to do ministry in their home context. Among all these fine institutions, a common denominator (besides the Bible of course) is the use of corresponding textbooks. At conferences in Nairobi or Dodoma and elsewhere in Africa, I always ask lecturers what textbook they are using for theology systematics. About 70% of the time, the same answer comes back: Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. I have thought about that. Although Grudem authored his book for a Western context, what happens is that students in the classroom ask questions to do with their own context. The ensuing class discussion is massively formative, and, as students read this uncommonly accessible and orthodox treatment of Christian doctrine, they develop an important reading instinct; an ability both to detect authorial blindspots such as bias, as well as their genius in applying that text in that way to that foreign context (from the student’s point of view). What else is this if not an instinct for contextual reading.
GWC has a somewhat unique teaching aspect in that from the first year already we introduce all our students to Bible Theology, which sets in motion a way of reading that sets them free to discern Jesus Christ in all the Bible, and then, supported by Greek and Hebrew, they are well placed to do their own work in applying the sacred text to their local context.
It is of great urgency for us that African Christians speak and write about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as taught in the Bible, is able to address the continent’s many challenges and opportunities. This newsletter forms part of GWC’s contribution to a continent-wide suite of conversations that do not shy away from applying the Gospel to the big issues of the day. While not exhaustive, we have touched on some of the uniquely African topics that our students are grappling with, and the views that we believe will shape thought leadership within the church in Africa.
May these articles spark thought, initiate discussion, and help you refine your own biblical worldview on the issues you face or see around you.
The Rev. Dr Mark Dickson
GWC Principal