Message From Dean Taylor
Engaging scholars in rigorous academic exercise, preparing individuals to grow, and training students to serve in a rapidly changing world are core parts of our educational philosophy at Zollikon. We are excited to share about programs, professional development and accredited, that align with these goals! First, in April, we have a new TechCred class starting at Keim, and their employees can benefit from upskilling, as training is grant-funded. Email Cordell Weaver at [email protected] to inquire about the next TechCred application period opening in May. Additionally, we are excited to announce new programs in Bible, rooted in our Ministry and Missions Training Program, and Business that can support credit toward accredited, competency-based degrees in our partnership with Kairos University! Learn how these classes can help you earn an accredited Bible-based or a Leadership degree. Questions? [email protected].
President Taylor on Non-Violence in Church Conflict Resolution
Zollikon President Dean Taylor was honored to speak at Faith Builders’ REACH Conference. In his first talk, President Taylor spoke on peaceful conflict resolution in a church setting. He shared how Anabaptists uphold nonresistance and nonviolence yet struggle to embody the principle of nonresistance in church life. His audience explored scriptural wisdom and Anabaptist traditions, identifying practical approaches to fostering harmony and resolving conflict in our communities. President Taylor even offered wisdom from a letter penned by Ulli Ammann, brother of the renowned Jacob Ammann. If you are interested learning more about this topic, President Taylor offered the following as resources:
- Roth, John D. Letters of Division
- Bevere, John. The Bait of Satan
- Kniss, Fred. Disquiet of the Land
- Edwards, Gene. A Tale of Three Kings
President Taylor Speaks on Historic Anabaptist Missions
In his second talk at REACH, President Taylor spoke on an Anabaptist approach to missions from the perspective of Anabaptist history. Surveying Anabaptist missions from the 16th century up to present-day, President Taylor educated participants on the way in which Anabaptists have practiced missions throughout history. If one were to use one word to summarize the historic Anabaptist approach to missions, that word would be church. President Taylor explained that, unlike other movements, Anabaptists prioritized sending and establishing churches over sending individuals, and he argued in his talk that understanding this “church-based” missiology still matters today.
For more information on this topic, see the following resources he recommended:
- Littell, Franklin H. “The Anabaptist Theology of Missions.” Vol. XXI, No. 1, 1947
- Harvey, Dave. Missiology: Entering the Field of the Lord
- Peters, George. A Biblical Theology of Missions
- Miller, Gary. Church Matters
- Taylor, Dean. “The Hutterite Mission Machine”
Welcome to Our New Board Members
We are blessed to welcome new board members, Henry Blank, Paul A. Miller, and Sherry Miller, to Zollikon Institute. As we strive to build a community of scholars rooted in historic Christianity, we are excited to partner with them in advancing our mission and vision. We are committed to fostering a vibrant academic environment that honors the two kingdom theology and the priesthood of all believers. Our goal is to cultivate a space where innovation, mutual respect, and rigorous academic discipline flourish, all while remaining grounded in the peace and life-giving nature of our faith. Together, we are dedicated to growing our culture through excellence in scholarship and equipping our scholars to engage effectively in the marketplace and beyond.
We thank our new members for joining us on this important journey. We look forward to the contributions they will help us make in fulfilling our mission for the glory of God.
Future newsletters will highlight board members.
Engaging TechCred Class with Ryan Taggert
Zollikon Institute professional development students are enjoying learning new and engaging content in our popular class, Basic computer Skills for the Workplace. Our new instructor, Ryan Taggert, is enjoying working with employees from Berlin Gardens and Walnut Creek Foods, as they gain new skills to help them become more efficient and productive.
Cordell Weaver, Zollikon’s TechCred Coordinator, is happy to work with your business at your convenience. Please contact him at [email protected] to determine how Zollikon can serve your business and your employees!
Kingdom Quotes
Roland Allen once said, “We cannot but recognize that everywhere we have established missions, and missions are not churches….If we establish missions instead of establishing churches it is because we differ from the apostles and the early Church in principle and in spirit.”
Until Next Month,
Dean Taylor
President of Zollikon Institute