Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu [email protected]
SOLUSI University is hosting its inaugural theological forum, a historic four-day gathering that marks the institution’s first major platform dedicated specifically to theological scholarship, dialogue and engagement.
The forum, which started on Wednesday and ends on May 30, is being held under the theme: “Faithfulness to Scripture and Adventist Theology in a Changing Mission Environment.”
The event has brought together distinguished Biblical scholars, theology professors, theology students, church leaders, frontline pastors, chaplains serving in mission fields, and alumni from the Faculty of Theology. Organisers say the forum is expected to become a long-term academic and intellectual engagement platform within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
According to organisers, the forum was motivated by growing concerns that some of the theological pillars of the church are increasingly facing challenges that require reaffirmation and strengthening.
They noted that Biblical theology is at times being pushed to the margins, while narratives that downplay the importance of theological scholarship continue to emerge even from within church ranks, potentially weakening the church’s mission and identity.
The gathering seeks to reaffirm participants’ loyalty to Scripture, Adventist theology and the mission of the church. It also aims to emphasise the central role of sacred Scripture as the foundation of mission work, while unapologetically affirming Seventh-day Adventist theology amid growing calls for alternative approaches and interpretations.
In addition, the forum is providing a platform for robust theological dialogue and fostering unity around theology and mission within the church.
Renowned Adventist scholars from across the world were invited to deliver presentations during plenary sessions centred on the forum’s theme.
Professor Jiří Moskala from Andrews University in the United States set the tone during the opening keynote address, where he reaffirmed the significance of the Book of Daniel in Adventist theology and addressed the doctrine of divine judgement, which remains central to Adventist beliefs.
Another guest speaker from the United States, Professor Larry Lichtenwalter, a seasoned cross-cultural educationist and pastor, reminded participants of the importance of the Book of Revelation in Adventist theology and mission.
Professor Elisha Marfo, Dean of Research and Innovation at Fulton Adventist University and a full professor of Hebrew Bible, Exegesis and Theology, explored the relationship between African traditional religious worldviews and the Biblical worldview. He also addressed the emergence of breakaway movements that threaten the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Dr Clifford Sibanda, district pastor at the West Zimbabwe Conference, presented a paper tracing the Solusi mission as the springboard of Adventist missionary work on the African continent. He also delivered another presentation appraising African theology.
Professor John Reeve, another guest speaker from the United States, encouraged participants to keep their focus on Jesus Christ. He reminded attendees that the Protestant Reformation was fundamentally a call to return to the Bible and to the truth that Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine.
Professor Melek Tsegaw explored what he described as a balanced understanding of the pre-Advent judgement. His presentation engaged Adventist scholarship and Biblical texts drawn from Psalms, Daniel, Revelation and the Pauline corpus. He also proposed a theologically normative principle aimed at providing a more hermeneutically honest foundation for contemporary tithing practices.
Solusi University Chancellor, Pastor Bongani Ndlovu, said the forum comes at a critical time when theological education is increasingly being questioned for failing to bring about meaningful transformation within communities.
“With this realisation, we have the responsibility of remaining faithful to Scripture and Adventist Theology, lest we lose our direction and DNA. This, my friends, is not an option but an imperative if we are to remain true to our calling and to the mission,” he said.
“The world around us may change, and technological advances may introduce newer and more sophisticated methods of doing mission, but one thing remains constant for us as theologians and ministry practitioners: remaining faithful to Scripture and Adventist Theology in a changing mission environment.”
Pastor Ndlovu added that the forum was designed to be a catalyst where scholarly rigour meets practical ministry.
“As we engage with the esteemed speakers coming from around the world and also with colleagues, I implore us to be open to transformation, open to dialogue and enthused to find our place in mission in this environment,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of Solusi University, Professor Khumbulani Mpofu, said higher education institutions have an important role to play in shaping missionaries who not only proclaim faithfulness to Scripture but also live by it.
“The Solusi University Annual Theological and International Forum is an opportunity for older and younger clergy to appraise themselves in matters of Scriptural faithfulness, Adventist theology and mission. The Solusi administration applauds the Faculty of Theology and Chaplaincy for organising this historic and inaugural theological forum,” he said.
derick.khumalo