Bethel Seminary’s Transforming Church Initiative, formerly the Transformational Church Series, changed its name and its focus this year, providing a revitalized format in which seminary students and church leaders could learn about the many avenues of ministry in the worldwide HIV/AIDS crisis.

Keynote speaker Richard Stearns, president of World Vision, began the day with a forceful presentation, citing the raw brutality of AIDS statistics like these: 8,000 people worldwide die each day from AIDS, and every day 12,000 more people are infected. Fifteen million children have lost at least one parent to AIDS, and if these orphans joined hands, this human chain would cross the U.S. five and a half times.

Stearns moved on to ask the penetrating question, “Where is the church in the AIDS pandemic?” and cited statistics revealing the apathy and indifference of the average evangelical Christian. He called the church to action by asserting that “this AIDS crisis will not be solved without the church of Jesus Christ showing up and simply being the church.” He then outlined practical ways for churches to be involved, challenging the audience to “be willing.” As Jesus was willing to make the leper clean, is the church willing to respond to this devastating need? Stearns concluded, “The integrity of our faith is at stake…One way or another, this will be our defining moment.”

After Stearns’ powerful presentation, attendees chose breakout sessions hosted by nationally recognized leaders in the fight against HIV/AIDS, from pastors of large churches, to individuals making a difference in their local communities, to medical and social sciences practitioners. A noon plenary session featured Bethel Seminary associate professor Steve Sandage and guest lecturer Stephanie Mar Smith responding, from both a theological and psychological perspective, to case studies of those affected by AIDS.

The thought-provoking, challenging day ended on an unexpectedly upbeat note when the Watoto Children’s Choir performed with joyous exuberance. The choir is comprised of children who are among the 880,000 Ugandan youngsters who have lost one or both of their parents to AIDS. Their inspired singing and dancing prompted some tears and a standing ovation at the performance’s end.

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