Langham Scholar Leads Economic Conference
November 12, 2007
Shortly after he received his Ph.D., Langham Scholar Sunday Agang was appointed professor of Theology, Public Policy and Ethics at ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos (JETS) in Nigeria. God has since continued to provide him with-in his words- “an open door for incarnational discipleship and ministry.” This past summer, Sunday held two workshops at two congregations in Kafanchan, his home town on women and youth issues. Sunday has been teaching four classes: Biblical Theology; Church, Society and Law; Advance Hermeneutics; and Church and State. And he continues to provide pastoral, theological and ethical leadership to the GAWON Foundation, an organization that cares and supports people living with HIV/AIDS as well as widows, orphans and the needy.This fall, Sunday was asked to plan a much needed Economic Conference for the county of Kaura. Attendance for the meeting included top government officials, politicians, traditional rulers (paramount kings and chiefs), Protestant and Roman Catholic members, academicians, business professionals and members of the community in general. Sunday reports on the details of the conference:
“In the academic catalogue of JETS, my attention was captured by this statement:
JETS understand its role in a number of ways: It is a school of renewal. It seeks to reform traditional theological education within the modern African setting. It is a service organization to the church of Jesus Christ. It provides basic theological training for both current and potential church leaders. JETS continuously seeks to identify areas of need in the church so as to provide the relevant theological training and services to meet such needs. In carrying out these functions JETS seeks to integrate biblical teaching , academic learning and practical ministry skills. It tries to develop graduates who will be able to continue their academic knowledge with the practical competencies, clear independent thinking which are needed for successful ministry.
“These laudable objectives naturally fit my present involvement in my immediate community. I was asked to plan a two-day economic conference, which featured the presentation of papers on various topics enable the association come up with policy guidelines for the commission. Thus, my committee created the suggested topics and presenters for the Economic Conference held September 7-8, 2007. The topics and presenters include the following:
1. An analysis of Kaura Local Government’s natural and human resources. This topic addressed the need for database information of the natural and human resources of the Local Government Area.
2. Repositioning Religion/Faith and Ethic for Sustainable Economic Transformation of Kaura Local Government. This topic addressed the question of how to re-instill character virtues such as honesty, truth-telling, trust, hard work, selfless service, moral rectitude, integrity, God-fearing, and patriotism. It also addressed the issue of the symbiotic relationship between faith and democracy.
3. The Role of Entrepreneurial Education in Economic Empowerment of Kaura Local Government Citizens. This topic saught to show our present educational concentration and what area(s) we need to pay more attention to. It will also address job-creation, attitudinal challenges and proffer solutions.
4. An Examination of the Agricultural Potentials of Kaura Local Government Area.
5. The role of youth in socioeconomic, socioethnic, and sociopolitical reconciliation in the society.
6. The role of civil society in a democratic setting. This topic addressed issues that include human rights, justice, the common good, social criticism, the political power of the electorate and the relationship between the electorate and the elected members of the community.
7. Economic Situation of Southern Kaduna: Its Challenges and Solution. This topic addressed the question of the causes of poverty and inequality in Kaura Local Government Area: Why are so many of our people poor? What are the causes of poverty and inequality in the community?
8. A SWOT Analysis of Health care system of Kaura Local Government. This topic included an ecological analysis of the area.
9. An examination of the physical security and infrastructure of Kaura Local Government Area.
10. Sustainable-Economic Empowerment. This topic addressed economic empowerment through micro-finance Bank and stress the significance of co-operative societies, particularly, how to create and sustain small and medium-size enterprises.
11. Export venture and what it entails: This topic addressed the need for networking with organizations that are involved in export and the ministry of commerce.
“I have since realized that the Gospel will not have deep roots in Africa if we do not start to address the problem of poverty in all its ramifications. That means that we need a balance theological and ethical perspective to ensure spiritual renewal in Nigeria. Holistic teaching and preaching ministry is desperately need in Nigeria.
“I want you to know that I would not have been able to do what I am presently doing without your prayer and support. So we are in this together. Thank you very much for upholding the cause of Christ and for partnering with us in doing what will deliver people from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. Pray with us!”
Read the papers presented by Sunday Agang at the JETS Economic Conference:
Developing Christian Entrepreneurial Mindset in Kaura local government area