Carrefour 2024

For over 30 years, Faculté Jean Calvin has hosted the Carrefour – “Intersection” – weekend, which brings together various speakers on a theme for further growth, reflection, and discussion.   The theme for the 2024 Carrefour was “To Live with and Move Beyond Doctrinal Differences”. 

The participants included the President of the French Council of Evangelicals, the Director of the Belgian Bible Institute, a pastor of an Evangelical Reformed Church in Lyon, and the professors of Faculté Jean Calvin.  

The topics that were addressed were:
-       The “hierarchy” of doctrines;
-       The weaknesses of our human interpretations;
-       The role of non-rational factors in the diverse theological landscape;
-       The positive and negative effects of social media on this discussion;
-       The place of Christian liberty in secondary questions;
-       Theological diversity within the French Council of Evangelicals;
-       An attempt at theological reconciliation within a reformed movement of the 16th century.

The desire is to provide some avenues for reflection and application of these varied questions in order to navigate our doctrinal differences with a balanced approach within our Protestant Evangelical context and beyond. 

Below is the French text and links to the different presentations in French on the Faculté Jean Calvin YouTube channel. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On pourrait penser que la théologie est une affaire de gens calmes et rationnels tirant des conclusions logiques de textes clairs et cohérents. Comment se fait-il, dans ce cas, que des chrétiens partageant les mêmes convictions sur l’autorité et la clarté de la Bible puissent parvenir à des points de vue aussi différents sur des questions doctrinales ou pratiques ? Comment expliquer qu’à partir des mêmes textes étudiés avec le même respect, ils puissent aboutir à des conclusions aussi différentes concernant, par exemple, le baptême ou les dons spirituels ? Que devrions-nous faire de ces divergences d’opinion en tant que chrétiens soucieux de l’unité de l’Eglise visible ? Sont-elles un obstacle infranchissable ? Toutes les doctrines méritent-elles que l’on se batte jusqu’à la mort pour elles ? Quelle attitude Dieu attend-t-il de nous dans la gestion de ces désaccords ?

C’est à ces questions éminemment pratiques que vont tenter de répondre : Erwan Cloarec, pasteur, président du CNEF James Hely Hutchinson, professeur d’Ancien Testament, de théologie biblique et de langues bibliques, directeur de l’Institut Biblique de Belgique, Alexandre Sarran, pasteur et les professeurs de la FJC.

Ils aborderont les sujets suivants : la hiérarchie des doctrines, la faillibilité de nos interprétations humaines, le rôle des facteurs non rationnels dans la diversité théologique, l’effet amplificateur et enfermant des réseaux sociaux, la liberté chrétienne concernant les questions secondaires, la diversité évangélique au sein du CNEF et un exemple de tentative de conciliation théologique au sein du grand mouvement réformateur du 16e siècle. Ils espèrent donner ainsi quelques pistes de réflexion et d’application pour une manière plus sage et sereine de vivre les désaccords au sein du protestantisme évangélique et au-delà.

Introduction – Jean-Philippe Bru, Doyen et Professeur de Théologie Pratique - "Vous rêvez d'une Église où tout le monde serait d'accord sur tout ? Et bien ça existe et s'appelle une secte..."

C'est avec ces mots que Jean-Philippe Bru, notre doyen, introduit le "Carrefour théologique" 2024 sur les désaccords doctrinaux dans l'Église !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTwdJDn0Gik

Le triage théologique : Quelle hiérarchie dans les domaines doctrinal et éthique ?  James Hely Hutchinson, Directeur de l’Institut Biblique de Bruxelles - Toutes les doctrines théologiques ont-elles la même importance ? Sinon, comment les hiérarchiser ?

C’est à ces questions que James H. Hutchinson, directeur de l’ Institut Biblique de Bruxelles , tente de répondre dans cette conférence. Si le sujet vous intéresse, il a publié un livre chez BLF Éditions portant le titre de « sacrés désaccords ».

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZGzj8owlpk

La Règle de Foi – Pierre-Sovann Chauny – Professeur de Théologie Systématique - Après une première approche de la hiérarchie des doctrines proposée par James Hely Hutchinson, notre professeur de théologie systémique nous propose de considérer la question à partir d’une notion peu connue mais pourtant très ancienne : la règle de foi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNuQa8oqiEQ

Pourquoi des conclusions différentes malgré la même méthode ?    Gert Kwakkel, Professeur d’Hébreu et d’Ancien Testament - Pourquoi les bibliques parviennent à des conclusions différentes malgré des méthodes d’interprétation similaires ?

C’est une question que vous vous êtes peut-être déjà posée… et notre professeur d’Ancien Testament y répond à partir d’un exemple concret : les lectures baptiste et pédo-baptiste de Jérémie 31.31-34.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E42LwKsplnk  

Le respect des frères en la foi :  réflexions tirées de Romains 14 - Alexandre Sarran, pasteur de l' Église Lyon Gerland - Réformée Évangélique et auteur de "Job, le malheur et la foi" publié chez Publications Chrétiennes, nous propose, avec humour, quelques principes concrets pour bien vivre nos divergences dans l'Église sur la base de Romains 14.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q99S4t2URZA&t=2141s

Vivre et dépasser les désaccords au sein du CNEF - Erwan Cloarec, président du CNEF, nous a donné quelques principes au sujet de la manière dont les désaccords pouvaient se vivre au sein du CNEF compte-tenu de la grande diversité théologique qui s'y retrouve !  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCaQJkwMyf4

La Cène, sacrement de la rupture – Controverses du XVIème siècle - Daniel Bergèse revient aujourd'hui sur un cas d'école des désaccords théologiques, la question de la sainte cène. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ly-QeJriMwc

Le rôle des émotions :  Jean-Philippe Bru - Quelle est la place des émotions  dans nos désaccords théologiques ? Jean-Philippe Bru, notre professeur de théologie pratique, répond à cette question en nous disant que, contrairement à ce qu'on voudrait le croire, elle est très importante !    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bktLOBz2VA

Synthèse :  Yannick Imbert - Et concrètement, qu’est-ce qu’on fait ? C’est la question que nous pose Yannick Imbert, notre professeur d’apologétique en guise de conclusion du carrefour théologique 2024. Il nous donne quelques pistes de réponses dans ce dernier replay des plénières !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-vAaaG4UBA

Joel Da Costa

I was born in Lisbon, in 1993, to a Dutch mother, who grew up in Suriname (South America) and comes from a family of missionaries of the Reformed Church of the Netherlands; and a Portuguese father, born in Congo (ex-Zaire), where he converted in the early 1980s. My parents were both missionaries.

With my sister, we grew up in faith and the fear of God, in Morocco, as well as in Mauritania and Senegal. Our parents also passed on to us the use of English, our mother tongue and communication language, in our multicultural family.

It is often very difficult for someone who grew up “in the church pew” to talk about their beginnings in Christ. However, as far as I am concerned, what emerges most from my teenage years is a mysterious paradox. Eager for biblical reading, I nonetheless remained blind to the central message of the grace manifested on the cross. Thus, while maintaining an impeccable exterior facade, I slowly began to sink into various questions and addictions, which made me doubt the reality of my faith. Around the age of 16, I was able to talk about my doubts to my father, who listened to me patiently and subsequently took regular time to encourage me and support me in my struggles. His constant fatherly love helped me realize something of the love of God.

When I arrived in France in 2011 to study geography, I was motivated by a desire to live for Christ, but having grown up in a predominantly religious Africa, I suddenly found myself confronted with the postulate of atheism. Christian apologetics was of great help to me in these moments, but above all it was a personal conversion experience in April 2013 which brought me solid assurance of my salvation, acquired by the blood of the Lamb, and applied by the Holy Spirit. At the same time, I discovered the deep peace and overflowing joy that comes from belonging to Christ.

Little by little, the Lord dawned in my mind the desire to dedicate myself more to his service, which I did through works such as the GBU or my local church. But for many years I resisted his call to serve full time. It was only after my plan to become a history-geography professor collapsed, and a year off, that I finally resolved to study theology with a view to full-time ministry. On the advice of my pastor, I chose the Jean Calvin Faculty.

Arriving in Aix in September 2018, I had the joy of being able to begin my training in a serene environment conducive to healing, surrounded by teachers who fear God and who love their students. Living on campus allowed me to establish very strong contacts, both with my classmates and with the other young Christians in the area. The small classes allowed for real exchanges, in an almost family atmosphere. Our teachers excelled in this difficult balance between doctrinal rigor and openness to discussion, and I felt full of confidence and freedom to tackle the complex hermeneutical questions, bottled up in me for so many years. Currently in the United Protestant Church of France (UPCF), I see how privileged I am to have been able to develop a solid doctrinal framework to frame my thinking. The 2nd part of my degree, marked by the deprivations linked to Covid, was nevertheless a period of greater interiority, with a lighter course schedule, and the opportunity to deepen my relationships with the residents.

My master’s degree, which I started in September 2021, allows me to move away from theory and train myself in the crucible of concrete ministry. My first internship, with a church on the outskirts of Marseille, in the particular sanitary conditions that we experienced, was for me a very good experience, the opportunity to confront myself with my faults and to learn certain fundamentals of pastoral service.

My second year of Masters, which I am currently finishing, is taking place in a project to revitalize the in Dreux (Eure-et-Loir), where I serve as project manager. It is a rich and beautiful experience. I am surrounded by a dynamic and visionary team, baptized in the love of Christ. We are experiencing a period of renewal and growth: the premises, which were for sale in 2019, now welcome 35-50 parishioners to worship. So much so that this project has become a beacon of hope for this denomination which so badly needs a Revival.

And this beautiful harvest in the Lord's vineyards is also made possible thanks, among other things, to the tools that have been provided to me over the last 5 years in Aix-en-Provence.

To God alone be all the glory!

Joel Da Costa

The Hakvoorts

My name is Antony Hakvoort. My wife Gerdien and I are missionary evangelists sent by a Dutch Reformed Church. Since 2017 we have lived in Guinea (West Africa) with our four daughters, Evelyn, Aliëtte, Joēlle and Matthea. By his grace God has enabled us to develop a good relationship with Guineans, and we much appreciate their sense of hospitality, their kindness and humor.

 Deciding to go to Guinea was the result of a long process. It began when God transformed the mind and heart of the religious person I once was and made me a true disciple of Jesus Christ. I had become very preoccupied with the spiritual needs of the world, so when our church appealed for people willing to work as evangelists in Guinea, God disposed our hearts to take up this challenge. We applied to the mission board, entrusting ourselves to his guidance, and I quit my job as a software developer.

 My mission is now to bring the good news of the gospel to people who still don’t know the name of Jesus. I work with a team of Guinean Christians, nearly all of them former Muslims, guiding, encouraging, and teaching people who attend Sunday services. Meanwhile I have also been learning a lot, so I felt I the need to do further studies in

I began looking for a distance-learning program in the Netherlands, but found nothing that suited my needs. I came across the distance program of the Faculté Jean Calvin and have been enrolled since 2020. I’m grateful to the Lord for what I’ve learned from this program. Knowing the Scriptures more deeply has meant that Christ’s work has become all the more precious. The teaching is directly useful to me in me ministry. The professors always consider the fact that they are dealing with distance students, and I appreciate this. The new e-learning platform introduced last year has proved a success up to now in that it allows for closer communication between professors and distance students. I really appreciate the weekly teaching sessions for Biblical languages. This is really stimulating though I admit it can be a real challenge to fit them into my schedule. Missionary life can be full of unforeseen circumstances.

 Since we’ve been in Guinea, we have seen people converted and find salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. May that be an encouragement for us all! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ equip us for every good work to do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, to whom be glory for ever and ever!

 Anthony HAKVOORT

Advent

Advent - a time of expectancy, hope and longing.

More than 30 years separate this CD cover and this concert presentation of "L'Enfant de la Judée", but the beauty of the music, written by students of Faculté Jean Calvin, and the truth of the words remain unchanged. Click here.

"A l'étable éclairée se dessine la croix,
Le pardon torturé, l'amour de notre Roi."

"In the light of the stable, we see the cross,
Tortured forgiveness, the love of our King."

Advent & Noel Poems

Are you looking for some fresh devotional material for this Christmas season in French?   

Yannick Imbert, Occupant of the William Edgar Chair of Apologetics at Faculté Jean Calvin in Aix-en-Provence, has a new book that just came out, Au coeur d’une voûte enflammée, a collection of poetry in French for Advent and Christmas.  

If you enjoy having a book of poetry to accompany you through the reflective season of Advent to the joy of Christmas, this collection will be a blessing to you. There’s a pre-Advent section meditating on the theme of silence (reflecting the intertestamental period) and then individual sections for Advent, Christmastide, and Epiphany.

Available on Amazon: click here

For a free ebook: click here or on epub or mobi for the full download

In the midst of all that is going on in the world, we take hope! Christ has come and He will come again!

Gert Kwakkel Interview

Gert Kwakkel is from the Netherlands, and spends several months each year at Faculté Jean Calvin teaching Old Testament and Hebrew.   Listen to this 15-minute interview with Huguenot Fellowship Trustee and Seminary Board Member Ruth Ann Leduc as Gert shares about the Lord leading him into ministry, the partnership between Dutch churches and Faculté Jean Calvin, and how we can be praying for the seminary.

Click here.

Rick Conrad Interview

Rick Conrad is in his 3rd year of theological studies at Faculté Jean Calvin.  View this 9-minute interview as Huguenot Fellowship Trustee and seminary Board member Ruth Ann Leduc catches up with Rick to talk about God leading him to do studies at FJC, settling into life and their church in France, as a family of 6 and the enormous spiritual needs in the Land of Calvin.

Click here.

Jean-Philippe Bru Interview

Jean-Philippe Bru is Occupant of the James M. Boice Chair of Practical Theology and Academic Dean at the seminary Faculté Jean Calvin in Aix-en-Provence.  At the start of this new academic year, Ruth Ann Leduc, Huguenot Fellowship Trustee and member of the seminary board, sits down with Professor Bru to talk about this year's enrollment, encouragements and prayer needs for the seminary. 

Catch up with what God is doing through Faculté Jean Calvin with this 12-minute interview. 

Click here to view.