Editing Bienenberg Theological Seminary

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Bienenberg Centre for Anabaptist research operated by German, Swiss and French Mennonite conferences and the ETG Federation (ETG = Swiss "tolerant" ACC). Includes hotel and restaurant facilities.

[https://de.bienenberg.ch/ Bienenberg.ch]


=Vision=
The search for orientation and meaning, as well as for an independent faith, is a great need in our society. We want to raise awareness in congregations about how Christians, with their values and beliefs, can be part of this society. 

Through sophisticated theology, inspiring seminars, and personal coaching, participants are encouraged to live a credible lifestyle, encouraging them to become personally involved.

Our focus is particularly on strengthening the Anabaptist peace theological perspective and developing the ability to engage in dialogue and conflict resolution.

The Bienenberg Education Center focuses on:
 

===Theology ===
Bienenberg teaches theology on a scholarly basis and conducts research, particularly in theology of peace. To this end, we maintain contacts and collaborations with theological faculties at universities and other educational institutions. Anabaptist historical research and the "Music & Theology" department complement our theological work.

===Inspiration===
Short seminars on specific topics are primarily designed for members of Anabaptist congregations. However, they are also suitable for participants from other churches. The courses are aimed at target groups with specific interests and at entire congregations and groups who wish to explore a topic together in greater depth. 

For a younger audience, Bienenberg designs videos, interactive training courses, and experiential learning tours. The focus is on topics that are helpful for shaping one's life and inspire people to fulfill the church's mission.

With our leadership seminars, we address church leaders and develop their leadership, methodological, and personal skills. Participants are inspired to engage in far-sighted planning in church development and strengthen their Anabaptist identity. 

The seminars do not require any prior theological training and are also open to newcomers who hold leadership positions in the congregations. We offer coaching sessions for in-depth study.

===Conflict Transformation & Peacebuilding===
Self-leadership and conflict transformation are a focus of our educational offerings. Our peace theology expertise flows into various programs such as seminars, mediation, and conflict counseling for congregations, NGOs, and businesses. Christians from diverse congregations and organizations are empowered to deal with conflicts constructively.

=Story=
The story of the "Bienenberg" is a story of God's faithfulness: Encouraged by the North American relief organization "Mennonite Central Committee" (MCC), shortly after the Second World War, Mennonite Christians from Switzerland, France, and Germany decided to set an example of reconciliation. Their goal: to establish a Bible school in the Anabaptist tradition that would equip young people for their lives and participation in the church and mission. With success: Just a few years after its founding in 1950, the "European Mennonite Bible School" needed new premises due to growing student numbers.

In 1957, she moved from Basel via Arisdorf to the Bienenberg in the former spa hotel “Bad Bienenberg”, which was built in the 19th century and was long valued as a tourist destination due to its location, its restaurant business and its saline bath.

Over the past decades, the former hotel has undergone numerous transformations that have made it what it is today: a pleasant place with a theological education center and a technically well-equipped conference center with a restaurant and hotel. Thousands of international guests have since enjoyed the atmosphere of the Bienenberg, and hundreds of students and seminar participants have been encouraged, inspired, and trained here for various ministries in the church and mission.

=Sponsorship=
The Bienenberg Training and Conference Center is constituted as an association. It is supported by eight congregational associations from Germany, Switzerland, and France that belong to the Anabaptist tradition:

Association of Mennonite Brethren Congregations in Germany

Association of Southwest German Mennonite Congregations (ASM)

Association of Evangelical Mennonite Churches of France

Federation of Evangelical Anabaptist Congregations (ETG)

Conference of Mennonites in Switzerland

Association of German Mennonite Congregations (VdM)

Association of German Mennonite Congregations (VDM)

WEBB Congregations (Association of the Congregations in Wolfsburg, Espelkamp, Bechterdissen, Bielefeld, Niedergörsdorf)

 

The work of the organization is financially supported by donations and contributions from communities, community associations and individuals