OHSCO Becomes Hoffmann Institute
The Oswald Hoffmann School of Christian Outreach (OHSCO) changed its name to the Oswald Hoffmann Institute for Christian Outreach on February 1, 2010. It will be more popularly known as the Hoffmann Institute. “We are excited to announce this name change, which more concisely expresses our purpose,” said Rev. Dr. Mark Press, Hoffmann Institute director. “We intend to provide creative, catalytic, dynamic leadership that multiplies the number of living witnesses to the lordship of Jesus Christ.”
Below is a dialogue with Hoffman Institute Director, Rev. Dr. Mark Press.
What are some of the critical components of international outreach?
Identifying and training indigenous leadership has assumed a critical priority for almost every mission agency; this is certainly true of LCMS World Mission. Finding ways to work cross-culturally without creating unhealthy dependency has also marked mission priority in recent years. This means that funding needs to be done in ways that affirm local leadership and provide for continuity in ministry. Building clear expectations of national churches and international agencies requires concise language and careful cross-cultural understanding. From a geographic standpoint, where is there the most opportunity for outreach? Aside from urban outreach, there is tremendous opportunity for Christian outreach in China and India, and from the standpoint of sheer numbers ofunchurched people, we dare not forget that the United States is the world’s third largest mission field. But for every child of God, the greatest opportunity for outreach is right in their own neighborhood.
What issues keep the church from being more effective in international outreach?
God provides all the resources needed to do His work, but congregations often focus more on balancing the budget than on international outreach. We need the Spirit’s power to convince and empower us to live as world Christians. Much research focuses on the American church, and often neglects the significant events in Christian movement in other areas of the world. How many American Christians know that the number of African Christians has increased by 360 million in the last century? How many are aware that more Lutherans worship in Africa than in North America? Fear also prevents more people and churches from participating in international outreach. This is more pronounced in areas of the world known as Islamic strongholds. Perhaps the most limiting factor is a narrowing of our confidence that God really wants all people to come to know the truth in Jesus Christ.
What role do Concordia and the Hoffmann Institute play in international outreach?
We impact international outreach through the ministry of outreach-trained students (DCO or MA in Christian Outreach students), who often serve with mission agencies and international ministries. We work closely with LCMS World Mission in identifying areas where we might be effective. One cohort of students in our MACO program is meeting in Nigeria, and LCMS African mission leaders have expressed interest in further developing the program in Africa. Also, through education in congregations and other venues, the Hoffmann Institute helps U.S. churches think and act more globally conscious.
To learn more about the Hoffman Institute, please visit their website at http://www.hoffmann-institute.org/