Enrolment in the Religious Studies department is climbing, according to Dr. Stephane Beaulieu, Chair of the Burman University Religious Studies department. Last year, 39 students were enrolled. This total was significantly up from the 22 enrolled the previous year. Beaulieu says, “We hope to continue to increase department enrolment to reach pre- COVID era numbers of about 65 students.”
Lower enrolment numbers in religious studies during the COVID years have had their impact on churches throughout North America. To change that trend, a few years ago various administrative entities of the Seventh-day Adventist Church launched NextGen, a nine-week mentoring program for current and prospective religious studies students. This unique summer field experience pays a stipend of $8,500 and provides hands-on experience for students, assists experienced pastors, confirms a student’s call to the ministry, and helps off-set the costs of a university education. NextGen’s opportunities have attracted more students. This summer, 15 pastors-in-training—three ladies and 12 men—have worked in churches across Canada.
Henrique Pieper Silva, 1st Year Religious Studies, Pre-Professional Track
“Coming to Newfoundland for my practicum this summer has been a blessing and an adventure. Right from the beginning, the church in St. John’s embraced me in a way that is impossible to forget.” So writes Henrique. Henrique’s assignment was to help the local pastor with church duties and to promote an evangelism project for 2024. The weeks were busy, and activities varied depending on the needs of the members. They included home visits, Bible studies, and sermon preparation. Henrique assisted with programming at Lighthouse VOAR, the church’s radio station, and decided to continue with that back at Burman in the fall. “The practicum is an amazing chance of connecting with different church members, speaking with church leadership, and exploring skills learned at Burman University. I can’t wait for next summer’s experience.”
Mircea Nitu, 3rd Year Religious Studies
Mircea, whose placement was in Quebec, his home province, sums up his experience in a few words. He writes, “I had the opportunity to see the work of a pastor more clearly. With my mentor pastor, I visited church members and spoke with them about their needs and concerns. I assisted with diverse youth activities and plans, and led Sabbath School programs for both youth and adult groups. I participated at church board meetings and in Bible studies. Even though I’m only in my second year of pastoral training, I was given the opportunity of preaching one Sabbath. And I discovered I enjoyed it! “This experience has given me a deeper understanding of pastoral work. I thank the Lord and Burman University for allowing me to have this privilege.”
Dr. Beaulieu comments, “The NextGen field experience has numerous advantages. Chief among those evident in these student reports are that NextGen confirms career decision, deepens faith, and provides practice for classroom instruction and motivation for becoming agents for change. These significant, positive outcomes are attracting more students to Burman. They also serve to meet the increasing expectations of new pastors as they enter their pastoral ministry.”
To read more stories about Burman University visit www.burmanu.ca.
Jr(Sergie) Ferrer
Communications, Burman University