A Very Good Report
Pierre-Sovann Chauny, Prof. of Systematic Theology
My first year of teaching at the Faculté Jean Calvin has come to an end so it’s time to take stock. (written mid-2017)
I’m glad to be able to give a very positive report. I’ve enjoyed a very good working relationship with my fellow professors, the administrative team and the students, even better than I’d hoped for. In my roles as secretary for professors’ meetings and treasurer of the Editions Kerygma (the Faculté publishing house), I have learned a great deal about the way things work here, but it’s the teaching I’ve found the most rewarding.
I enjoyed the work of preparing two public lectures, one for the symposium in December 2016 on the Lausanne movement and one for the theological conference in February 2017 on faith and works. Most of my time, however, has been devoted to preparing the three new courses I teach. During the first few classes I realized I had more material than was needed and made the necessary adjustments, adopting a slower pace and taking more time to answer questions. This is something I plan to work hard at in the coming years, allowing more time for each topic and encouraging more interaction with the students.
This past year we covered the doctrines of the person and work of Christ, salvation, predestination, the works of God, man, and sin. I gave the students various types of assignments and found they came up with noticeably better results in the second semester. I will continue to look for creative pedagogical methods to help my students make progress.
Finally, I am grateful to the Lord for such a good year, and would like to thank the administrative team, the professors and the students, as they have all helped me settle in! I hope that in God’s grace next year will be as good—if not better!
Pierre-Sovann Chauny, Professor of Systematic Theology
Christiane Conand
I was born in 1964 in Strasbourg to a Christian family, member of the Reformed Protestant Church of Westhoffen (Bas-Rhin). I’ve lived in the South of France since 1987. I’m married, have two children, and a 2-year-old grandson, Matteo. Since September 1994, I’ve been the Principal Controller of Public Finance for Aix-en-Provence. Since 2002, I’ve been a member of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Lambesc (Secretary of the Council 2006-2014, and Treasurer since 2015.)
I first learned of the Faculté Jean Calvin (FJC) thanks to Annie Bergèse who asked me to assist her at a conference. I did not imagine then that she would be the reason I would become so involved. In 2012, I discovered the extent of the outreach of the FJC as a member of the delegation from the National Union of Independent Reformed Evangelical Churches of France to the FJC Council.
With concern for the Word of God, and the commitment that this requires, I have recently accepted the responsibility of Treasurer of the FJC. I’m relying on the grace of God to help me best accomplish this responsibility.
Please Pray With Us ...
- that churches and their members would profit from the training that the Faculté Jean Calvin offers for their spiritual edification and growth,
- that many Christians in our churches would engage in serving the body of Christ,
- for FJC's Interdisciplinary Day on December 12 dedicated to "Spiritual Combat",
- for the biblical studies of Prof. Rodrigo De Sousa on "Healing" at the annual gathering of the Evangelical Center, and
- for the Christmas Concert of FJC's choir on Saturday, December 9.
Give Thanks For These Dedicated Young Lives
For the academic year 2016/2017, 12 students received a diploma (6 License in theology and 6 Master in theology.) There are 40 new students for the 2017/2018 academic year, added to the 90 students already in training. They are entrusted to our prayers and support!
Theology à la Carte
Remember the Poor
September 2017
Dear Friends,
During tumultuous, eventful times, it is easy to forget the basics. The fundamental message of the gospel is that redemption has been accomplished through Jesus Christ, and that the great benefits of his finished work are available to anyone who asks, by faith. During epochs such as ours, which features terror attacks in Europe, a troubled American presidency, mass emigrations, but also medical advances, and so much more, if we want to respond sensibly we will want to stand on solid ground.
One of the principal gospel essentials is care for the poor. Poverty relief was a principal sign that the Kingdom of God had arrived (Luke 4:18). A mark of true apostleship was remembering the poor (Galatians 2:10; Hebrews 13:16). This ministry is not an appendix, but an integral part of the gospel message.
For anyone who knows them, the French are an extraordinarily compassionate people. If you are ever in trouble, you’ll want to be in France! French believers are particularly sensitive about the neediest. This is attested by the hundreds of Christian relief organizations in that country. One of the best is called Le SEL. It was created in 1980 by the Alliance Évangélique Française, with the purpose of being obedient to the biblical mandate to match words with actions. While its primary mission is poverty relief in developing countries, it has a strong educational commitment, which one can verify by accessing one of their web sites [https://www.topchretien.com/auteurs/sel/].
Our Seminary in Aix is close to Le SEL. As you know, it trains leaders to be gospel proclaimers and also proper social activists. It does this in the classroom, and through mentoring, as well as special colloquia on such questions as “Pauvreté, Justice et Compassion”. In that particular symposium, seminars included, “Jesus’ Attitude toward the Poor”, “Obstacles to Poverty Relief”, “The Causes and Cures for Poverty”, and the like. Such conferences are broadcast far and wide through communications outfits such as Trésorsonore.
This month, the Faculté Jean Calvin begins its forty-third academic year. Please pray that it remain faithful to the full message of the gospel!
Very Truly Yours,
William Edgar, President
Faculté Jean Calvin's 2017 Faculty Team
From left to right:
Kim TRAN, Director
Michel JOHNER, Professor of History, Ethics and the Dean
Paul GIRAUD, Accountant, Choir Director
Aguy KHAYIGUIAN, Academic Assistant, Head of Recruitment
Yannick IMBERT, Professor of Apologetics, History
Mikaël DELUCA, Associate Professor of Hebrew, Head of Distance/e-Learning
Rodrigo DESOUSA, Professor of Old Testament, Hebrew
Donald COBB, Professor of New Testament, Greek
Jean Philippe BRU, Professor of Practical Theology
Gert KWAKKEL, Professor of Old Testament, Hebrew
Pierre-Sovann CHAUNY, Professor of Systematic Theology (not in photo)