This season, I am teaching a doctoral course titled Contexts, Perspectives and Ministries in the 21st Century. Each time I engage with students in this space, I am reminded that teaching is not simply about content delivery, but about formation—of leaders, communities, and imagination for faithful ministry today.

Teaching this course also supports my ministry as a global theological educator with International Ministries. It allows me to accompany pastors and leaders who are discerning how the gospel speaks into complex cultural realities shaped by change, migration, and deep spiritual need.

Recently, I was humbled by comments shared by several of my students. Their words were affirming and deeply encouraging, reminding me why theological education—when rooted in humility, context, and mission—matters so profoundly.

I receive these reflections with gratitude, not as a measure of success, but as a reminder that teaching is a shared journey of learning, trust, and faithfulness.

Here are just two of the comments that humbled me:

Dr. Ragwan: I want to highlight one very powerful way you have impacted me and helped my learning that I am thankful for. It is how you embody what you teach. In doing so, you help us experientially learn the principles you’re teaching. You have role-modeled a living testimonial example of leading with the value of tri-fold exegetical-awareness ever in mind (hope that mouthful makes sense, lol). You did this by vulnerably sharing your formative story in a personal and cultural context, and by facilitating space for us to do the same and more meaningfully connect and learn with each other. But you did this in other specific ways as well. For example, the way you patiently listened to us in class, your thoughtful written responses to our assignments, expressing you were learning from us too, writing to encourage our group about how we were interacting in our discussion forum, and giving assignments like this one right here! You’ve led in a way that helps us experience the value of understanding and applying theology with relational intentionality placed on the stories that shape us, others, and our commom faith. You’ve helped us better see and connect with eachother in ways I just expressed appreciating with my peers. I have felt more ‘seen’ in this class than any so far. I seek to keep and apply this experiential learning! Overall, it is the way we have experienced the principles emphasized in this course within our relationships that I’m most grateful for!

Dr. Ragwan, I am particularly grateful for your vulnerability and transparency in sharing your own ministry experiences, especially your willingness to engage failure and to make space for emotion within theological reflection. Your posture models an integrative approach to theology that honors both doctrinal fidelity and human experience.

Thankful for my students, partners, and all who make this work possible.

I remain thankful for the privilege of teaching, for the generosity of my students, and for all who support this calling.

#Grateful #TheologicalEducation #DoctoralStudies #MinistryInThe21stCentury #globaltheologicaleducator
#InternationalMinistries #GlobalChurch #imglobalservant