Hefting onto place: intersecting lives of humans and sheep on Scottish hills landscape

This paper analyzes the phenomenon called hefting of sheep onto the landscape of hill sheep farms in the Scottish Borders. It is based upon data collected during extended periods of ethnographic fieldwork beginning in 1981 and continuing to the present. Hefting is the term used by sheep farmers for the natural tendency of hill sheep to graze, remain, and bond onto specific areas of the landscape without the need for fencing. The herding practices of hill sheep farms appropriate hefting in flock management and breeding. The analysis of hefting makes two contributions to understanding human–animal relations. First, because the of the centrality of territorial bonding, hefting makes explicit that we should always be ready to include a third dimension—place and emplacement—in understanding human–animal relations. Second, drawing on Haraway's concept of "becoming with," hefting and herding demonstrate the fundamentally relational character of human–animal–place relations.John Gra

Pastoral ministry and theological education : the evaluation of the effectiveness of theological education/ministerial training for pastoral ministry in southern Nigeria

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/ecommonsatsdissertations/2641/thumbnail.jp

The groundbreaking impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence in sheep farming

The integration of digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has marked the onset of a new era of efficient sheep farming in multiple aspects ranging from the general well-being of sheep to advanced web-based management applications. The resultant improvement in sheep health and consequently better farming yield has already started to benefit both farmers and veterinarians. The predictive analytical models embedded with machine learning (giving sense to machines) has helped better decision-making and has enabled farmers to derive most out of their farms. This is evident in the ability of farmers to remotely monitor livestock health by wearable devices that keep track of animal vital signs and behaviour. Additionally, veterinarians now employ advanced AI-based diagnostics for efficient parasite detection and control. Overall, digitalization and AI have completely transformed traditional farming practices in livestock animals. However, there is a pressing need to optimize digital sheep farming, allowing sheep farmers to appreciate and adopt these innovative systems. To fill this gap, this review aims to provide available digital and AI-based systems designed to aid precision farming of sheep, offering an up-to-date understanding on the subject. Various contemporary techniques, such as sky shepherding, virtual fencing, advanced parasite detection, automated counting and behaviour tracking, anomaly detection, precision nutrition, breeding support, and several mobile-based management applications are currently being utilized in sheep farms and appear to be promising. Although artificial intelligence and machine learning may represent key features in the sustainable development of sheep farming, they present numerous challenges in application

The coherent pattern of leadership reflected in the unique attributes of the shepherd / flock motif within the Miletus Speech (Acts 20:17–38), 1 Peter 5:1–11, and John 21:15–19

The principle aim of this study is to discern how the Miletus Speech (Acts 20:17–38), Peter’s exhortation to the elders (1 Peter 5:1–11) and Jesus’ post-resurrection discourse with Peter (John 21:15–19) utilized the shepherd / flock motif to arrive at their common portrait of early church leadership. A secondary aim is to describe the characteristic elements of this common portrait. Research on the shepherd / flock motif in the above passages has focused on three main lines of inquiry: 1) the OT antecedents for this leadership metaphor; 2) the literary use of the shepherd image in one or more of the gospels; 3) the literary use of the shepherd / flock motif within each work. There remains a need for an in-depth comparison of these three works. Specifically, can we identify a coherent pattern of leadership using the shepherd / flock motif that transcends each work? What does this pattern reveal about the way the early church understood various aspects of leadership? How do often neglected topics like the relationship between the shepherd / elder / bishop terminology (in two of our passages) and the importance of “the flock” fit into the early church’s larger leadership conception? This thesis analyzes the appropriation of the shepherd / flock motif in the Miletus Speech (Acts 20:17–38), 1 Peter 5:1–11 and John 21:15–19 and argues that they are the culminating statements in a coherent pattern of sustained biblical reflection on early Christian leadership. Furthermore, this coherent pattern was consciously transmitted to the nascent Christian communities via the shepherd / flock motif and is rooted in five unique attributes of this motif: 1) a connection to important events in biblical salvation history where shepherd leaders are prominent; 2) the connection to Jesus’ ministry as both suffering shepherd and sacrificial lamb, which becomes the ultimate example of Christian leadership; 3) the importance of the people of God, “the flock”, to the conception of early church leadership; 4) the predatory language of the metaphor which speaks to the vulnerability of God’s people and the need to protect them from spiritual attacks; 5) specific responsibilities for church leaders that are inherent to the shepherd / flock motif

The Prophets’ Use of the Shepherd Motif and Its Contribution to Their Presentation of the Character of God

The shepherd motif provides one of the most significant portraits of God in the Old and New Testaments. Various research on the historical metaphor within these studies frequently focuses on the relationship between rulers and leaders in the ancient Near East. The shepherd motif provides a tangible picture of the characteristics of deities and kings in their world. Therefore, it is a natural step for the prophets of the Old Testament to utilize a commonly used metaphor. In modern research, numerous studies in Ezekiel 34 have explored different facets of the shepherd motif. Several studies are related to leadership roles. The shepherd is one of the most beloved metaphors, and Psalm 23 is one of the most used funeral passages. In addition, much research relates to Jesus and the Good Shepherd in John 10. However, most essays and books discuss leadership and how humanity should act or lead. But do these passages express something about the character of God? Are these passages in the prophets contributing to a theology of God reflecting his nature? Yes, in the Old Testament, the prophets painted God with familiar imagery and explained his role and character to his people. In addition, the shepherd imagery demonstrates the purpose and plan of Yahweh through human agents. Lastly, the prophets express a theology of God utilizing the shepherd motif that reflects his mercy, judgment, compassion, and faithfulness, which displays the character of God

Implementation of shepherdism in the reclamation of the Bełchatów brown coal mine as care for the environment, people and the economy

The EU is currently under an energy transition and the phase-out of coal mining and burning. The Bełchatów brown coal mine is scheduled to stop its operations in 2036. It is crucial to analyse the transformation of the coal mining regions as a multilayered problem, which requires an insight into the creation of new employment opportunities, restructuring of the social institutions and remediation and revitalisation of the degraded environment. I focused on the implementation of wood pastures, which are currently not researched in the context of post-coal mining landscapes. Wood sheep pastures have a positive influence on degraded landscapes by enhancing the accumulation of soil organic carbon, soil formation, water-holding capacity, development of soil microorganisms and provision of varied habitats for different species. Local employment will have higher resilience if industrial heritage tourism is supported by pastoral tourism and the manufacturing of sheep-derived products. Through literature review, I found that the local economy, society and landscape altogether will benefit from shepherdism if it is implemented along with social change and land management transition towards community-led common pool resource institutions. They are advantageous by being governed by a group of members, local and scientific knowledge diversity, high consent with decisions, improved monitoring and socio-ecological endurance. Finally, the application of sheep pastoralism in multiple post-coal mining sites can contribute to the revival of sheep farming in Poland

Elders Intentionally Developing Future Leaders Through a Mentoring Program at the Central Church of Christ in Topeka, KS

The purpose of this project was to implement an Elder Mentoring Program for the Central Church of Christ in Topeka, KS. In the first chapter, the context for this project, the Central Church of Christ, is described. The theological constructs for the project were drawn from The Book of Pastoral Rule written by Gregory the Great 590 C.E. and built upon by the application of contemporary Christian authors, and Biblical examples. The three key concepts taken from The Book of Pastoral Rule are contemplation, pastoral care, and mentoring. The third chapter reviews project methodology and mentoring curriculum. The findings and results of the project are discussed through the collected data in chapter four. In the last chapter, the conclusions of the Elder Mentoring Program are established by reviewing trustworthiness, significance, future impact of the program, and questions outside the purview of this study

A Friend of Tax Collectors and Sinners : An Intertextual Reading of Luke\u27s Jesus According to Divine Identity and YHWH Shepherd Language

Luke’s Gospel has been heralded as the Gospel for the outcast. This study suggests a biblical-theological approach to Luke’s depiction of Jesus that may guide an interpretation of Jesus’ person and activity. This study assumes an intertextual reading of Luke and identifies qualities and activities that he possesses and assumes according to Old Testament texts. Old Testament prophetic texts and Second Temple Jewish texts detailing YHWH’s intentions to return as Shepherd to his scattered and exiled people are examined. Luke’s birth narrative and accounts of dynamic moments in Jesus’ ministry (Lk 15:1-7; 19:1-10) are read in light of this intertextual relationship, and divine identity concepts and creedal rhythms are suggested as components of a framework that contributes to an understanding of Luke’s Jesus in light of the larger movement of Israel’s Scripture. Ultimately, it is suggested that this reading of Luke presents Jesus as possessing the identity of YHWH Shepherd

Tradición y modernidad en el valle de Oukaïmeden: Cambios en ritos y prácticas de transterminancia estacional

Oukaïmeden valley is a high-altitude pasture reserve in the Moroccan High Atlas. Two groups of Berber shepherds, the tribes of Rheraya and Ourika, have been accessing the valley several centuries ago. The origins of the collective regulation that rules this summer access are found in religious practices previous to the conversion to Islam. This article focuses on the co-existence in the valley between tradition and modernity after the arrival of the tourism to Oukaïmeden, and the changes that modernity produce in Berber shepherds’ perception of their tradition. In order to do this, rites, traditions and use rights on pastures are described in relation to the results of an etnoarchaeological enquiry performed among modern Berber shepherds that reflects information about grazing and the agdal system as well as the view that they have about rock art, tumuli and other prehistoric remains scattered on the Oukaïmeden landscape. The main conclusion points out a kind of balance between tradition and modernity in the valley, in spite of the progressive decline of traditions and ways of living.El valle de Oukaïmeden es una reserva de pastos de altura a la que acceden desde hace siglos los pastores de las tribus beréberes de Rheraya y Ourika, en el Alto Atlas marroquí. La normativa consuetudinaria que regula el acceso a los pastos en verano tiene un origen religioso y previo a la llegada del Islam. El artículo analiza la coexistencia en el valle de tradición y modernidad, representada esta por la llegada del turismo a Oukaïmeden, así como los cambios que la modernidad provoca en la percepción que de su propia tradición tienen los pastores beréberes. Para ello se describen ritos, tradiciones y derechos de uso de los pastos en relación con los resultados de una encuesta etnoarqueológica entre los actuales pastores beréberes que recoge tanto datos sobre el pastoreo y el régimen del agdal como su opinión sobre el arte rupestre, los túmulos y otros restos arqueológicos dispersos en el paisaje de Oukaïmeden. La principal conclusión señala la existencia de un cierto equilibrio en el valle entre tradición y modernidad, pese al declive progresivo de tradiciones y formas de vida

Koinonia

Best Practice FeaturesLife on Life Learning: Steps Towards Authentic Mentoring, Brian Jensen The Heart of the Honor Code: I am My Brother\u27s Keeper, Emily J. Darnell Spotlight FeaturesOld People are Whole Persons, Too: Why Understanding Heritage is a Foundational Component of College Student Development, Philip Byers Ministry and Learning in Residence Life, Josh Arnold Shepherding in an Age of Edupunks, Drew Moser The Gap in the Curtain: Seeing Pieces of a Residential Community\u27s Future, David Johnstone InterviewsA Conversation with Juana Bordas, conducted by Rob Pepper Looking Into the Future: Two Educators\u27 Perspectives on Christian Higher Education, by Kim Stave and Ken Heffner (edited by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma) Book ReviewsThe Unlikely Disciple (by Kevin Roose), reviewed by Christopher Bohle ReflectionsSeven Greek Words that Mean the World to Me, Bob Crow FeaturesThe President\u27s Corner Editor\u27s Deskhttps://pillars.taylor.edu/acsd_koinonia/1013/thumbnail.jp