On 8 May, the first-ever mentor meeting for secondary school students considering a theological vocation took place. Every registered student was paired with a theology student with whom they can discuss questions about theology, faith, and the institute. The group is open and growing – anyone is still welcome to join! Below you can read the account of the event written by Vivien Újlaki, a fourth-year theology student.
Mentor Meeting for Secondary School Students at the Protestant Theological Institute
The bustle and preparations had begun hours earlier. Familiar theological faces, recognizable voices, and remarks that have almost become catchphrases accompanied the setting-up of the room. Even then, everyone was filled with excitement and joy, and slowly but surely the first new faces began to arrive. Shyness, yet at the same time curiosity, was visible behind every smile.
Then the programme planned for the afternoon got underway. The event opened with a greeting from Szabolcs-Ferencz Kató, who read from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 45–46, drawing attention to the thought that, although the gospels are full of stories in which Jesus calls his disciples, this passage highlights a particular moment: a disciple can also call another disciple. This gave the afternoon's theme even sharper definition. A fifth-year student, Titus Pop, then spoke from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 38–42, emphasizing that although there may be much to learn and many tasks pile up, the good part – sitting at Jesus' feet – must always remain before our eyes.
After a brief icebreaker, the young people took part in small-group conversations with theology students, where they could talk about their starting points. The young people had the opportunity to share their calling stories: when the idea of studying theology first took shape within them, who the inspiring people in their lives were who strengthened that calling, and simply why they want to become pastors. The atmosphere of trust gave rise to honest conversations in which members of the small groups dared to share both heights and depths.
The room then filled again. Three calling stories were shared, illustrating how God calls people to the same service from vastly different life situations. Csaba Balogh, professor of theology, Edit-Bella Kovács, youth minister and Dávid Gál, theology student, each shared where they came from and how the Lord called them to this ministry. The question basket then made its way around the room, giving the young people the chance to ask questions and find answers to their doubts.
After so many impressions, the time came for reflection. A ball of yarn flew from hand to hand, and each person was able to put into words what they were taking away from the afternoon; then, once a web had formed from the thread, the web was unwound and each person could articulate what they were carrying in prayer. At the end of the afternoon, every young person was matched with a mentor, and after a shared meal in a warm atmosphere, the structured part of the day came to a close.
The room emptied, and the hubbub of conversation and laughter faded. Yet the atmosphere of the room remained somehow different – the walls still reflected the smiles and good cheer that had filled the entire afternoon, the quiet words of those intimate conversations still echoing there. The afternoon was over, but something had begun that will be defining for both the mentees and the mentors.
Vivien Újlaki
4th-year student
