My career over several decades has taught me that change is a normal phenomenon, and the increasing rate of change is increasing in all aspects of life and ministry, as evidenced by global economics, healthcare, and ever-changing societal values. Coping with that rate of change—or better yet--thriving in the midst of this ever-present and increasing change is a learned skill.
My purpose in creating this blog series is to help us remain focused on the critical issues that this God-given ministry is facing in these ever-changing times. In this series, I will aim to synthesize the input I am receiving from prayer, the Word of God, and what I read and hear from reliable sources and personal discussions on all manner of subjects.
So, I invite you to walk with me and learn with me as I share what I am learning and observing. If something I write stimulates your thinking on an issue, I invite you to share that with me in the form of, email, or letter. Who knows, you may see parts of your response in future blogs!
I may, at times, reference published materials which you can pursue further if the particular issue interests you. Links will be embedded in the blog for you to pursue at your leisure.
This blog is for anyone interested in international student ministry. Please invite your local ministry associates and pastors, volunteers, Friendship Partners, and Christian student leaders to sign up to receive it.
Finally, please share with me (in written form again) your thoughts on topics we ought to explore together which deal with culture, change, and worldview as it relates to international student leadership development. One of the principles of adapting to rapid change is that we need the best thinking of all our team to reach our goal and fulfill our mission together!
Thanks for all you already do for the purpose of the Kingdom and developing international student leaders!
Principles cited in this blog: Change is normal but the rate of change is increasing; staying focused on our mission of student leadership development is critical and helped by synthesizing input from many great sources; we need the best thinking of all our team to fulfill our mission amidst so much change
Application for ISI ministry: We need to keep learning, discussing, and sharing best practices.
Next blog topic: Overview of our changing world
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson