Christian Health Holds Spring Clergy Day Event

Pictured, from left, are Rev. Phyllis Palsma, MDiv, Christian Health (CHCC) Chaplain/Pastoral Resource Coordinator; Robert Hunt, PhD, special guest speaker at Spring Clergy Day; and Stephen Dumke, LNHA, CHCC Executive Vice President/COO.

The Pastoral Care Department of Christian Health in Wyckoff recently held a Spring Clergy Day and the topic was “Christianity and Cultural Complexity.” Special guest speaker was Robert Hunt, PhD, Director of Global Theological Education and Director of the Center for Evangelism and Missional Church Studies at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. Dr. Hunt teaches courses in World Religions, Islam, Interreligious Dialogue, Cultural Intelligence, and Mission Studies.

Dr. Hunt’s message included that by understanding the hidden dimensions of diversity and exploring different ways in which people understand themselves, we will gain a greater understanding of the overt manifestations of cultural diversity.

“The focus of my professional life, as a teacher and pastor, has been interpretation: helping people understand one another, their history, different cultures and religions, and themselves,” said Dr. Hunt. “I believe that every person, culture, and society has something valuable to offer to others, and that we discover this through critical and appreciative study, open dialogue, and a willingness to learn.”