Orientation @ Andrews University:

Each summer just before graduation at Andrews, the InMinistry Center hosts a new, incoming InMinistry MDiv cohort on our campus.  For 2010 this 11-day event will occur July 18 - 30 (the first Sunday and last Friday are for travel to and from Andrews).  A number of key things occur during this time on our campus that are critical to cohort formation:

• The first two classes, Spiritual Formation, and Development of SDA Theology set the stage for this module's theme; Foundations for Formation.  These classes are also formational in addressing the core issue for an Adventist pastor - how we practice our life in Jesus Christ, and believe in the relevancy of the Seventh-day Adventist movement.  Without this as foundational, all else is rubble.
• Welcome Banquet:  You will be treated to an evening of fine food and fellowship with Seminary leaders and InMinistry professors.
• An evening stroll and ice cream treat in quaint St Joseph, by Lake Michigan.
• Friday evening vespers hosted by on-campus seminarians.
• A Sabbath trip to visit the Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek, hosted by Jim Nix and Historic Adventist Village staff.
• A 8-mile canoe trip down the St. Joe River to Berrien Springs.
• Introduction to seminary and InMinistry services.
• Closure with a Thursday evening Agape Feast and Dedication.

Our rationale for all these activities during Orientation is to bond you as a team, a cohort of ministers who will support each other as you journey through ministerial formation in the years ahead.  Consistently this feature of InMinistry is most highly appreciated by all our participants.  Attendance at Orientation is required and necessary to begin the InMinistry journey.