Webinar Reveals the Value and Potential of Digital Learning

Every Tuesday from August 9 to September 13, 13 Unificationists from around the country and the world participated in two-hour webinar sessions to study Unification Thought. These six consecutive weeks of Unification Thought study were facilitated by Gerry Servito of the National Ministry Team.

The majority of the participants in the webinar were pastors from various parts of America, but a second generation Unificationist as well as Elizabeth Riedl, the president of the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) in Austria, also participated. The seminar was the latest in a new series of online and distance courses designed to offer continuing education for pastors, introducing participants to the major topics of Unification Thought. By focusing on Unification Thought texts, Gerry sought to provide a more philosophical rather than theological expression of True Parents’ teachings.

Because it is the settlement age of Cheon Il Guk, the seminar centered on the “Heart of God” and the “Three Great Blessings.” The seminar sessions first focused on God’s investment into Creation, then shifted in content to the Three Great Blessings: be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion.

The seminar was well-received by participants. “These six classes really flew by,” said Stephanie Nishida, a Unificationist from Morrisville, NC. Clementino Gavilan, the only second-generation Unificationist who participated in the seminar, remarked, “It was great to be able to attend this class and once again to see the greatness of True Parents’ universal heart, love, and uniqueness through this teaching.” Due to the positive feedback from the young Unificationist, Gerry hopes that the “webinar can potentially serve the community beyond pastors.”

Elizabeth Riedl also appreciated the seminar, thanking Gerry for “giving such a refreshing view to Unification Thought and True Father’s philosophy.” In light of Ms. Riedl’s appreciation for the seminar, Gerry reiterated, “The range of our reach could be great—it’d help us really serve as the elder brother nation.”

Gerry was also impressed by the webinar platform, praising webinars as “excellent vehicles for education, making it possible to share information over great distances, and between presenters and audiences who might not be able to meet otherwise.”

The success of this seminar and previous Unification Thought seminars, also led by Gerry, has given him much confidence in the value of his work. Gerry reflected after the conclusion of the seminar, “I am encouraged and reaffirmed in my view that this program offers a valuable window into the Divine Principle and especially into the three new Holy Books, which have so much more detail about the Word.”

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming continuing education, webinar, and distance learning opportunities here, at familyfed.org.