Mennonite educators encouraged to help students 'step out of boat'

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Wilma Bailey, professor at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, encouraged Mennonite educators to help their students "step out of the boat."

Bailey was the first of four keynote speakers at the Mennonite Educators Conference 2010 in Pittsburgh, from Feb. 4-6. Mennonite Education Agency and Mennonite Schools Council partnered for the conference, which carried the theme "Stepping out of the Boat: Courageous Faith for a Messy World."

On Feb. 4, Bailey spoke about Peter's courage to step out of the boat and on to the water to meet Jesus in Matthew 14.

As a child, Bailey learned that this story demonstrated Peter's lack of faith, but now she understands it differently. Bailey, provided these points regarding the story:
-Peter modeled courage by stepping out of the boat.
-As a result, he had an experience the other disciples did not.
-When Jesus holds Peter after he sinks, Peter realizes Jesus' care for safety of the physical body.
-Peter learns that while he has faith, he needs to develop it further.
-The disciples gained new insights into the character of Jesus.

Bailey said educators assist students in "stepping out of the boat" by providing knowledge, as well as a support system.

Attendees from Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite School, Christopher Dock Mennonite High School and other institutions located in the East left early on Feb. 5 due to the weekend's blizzard.

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