The Head Minister Qualification Course One was held at the Home of the Parent from August 27 to September 14. This course is designed to train and nurture ministers (kyoto) who have a heightened awareness of being Yoboku and a strong sense of mission and who aspire to work for single-hearted salvation. This year, 16 participants attended the course: seven from the United States (two from the mainland and five from Hawaii), five from Kenya, and one each from Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Uganda.
The daily schedule began early with the morning service at the Main Sanctuary, followed by breakfast, morning assembly, and classes. The classes, conducted throughout the day at East Right Wing 4 of the Oyasato-yakata building-complex, were taught by English-speaking instructors. This year’s homeroom instructor was Rev. Robert Satoru Kokuryo, head minister of Tenrikyo Granville Church.
In the morning, lectures were given on such subjects as The Doctrine of Tenrikyo; The Life of Oyasama, Foundress of Tenrikyo; and the Mikagura-uta, The Songs for the Service. In the afternoon, the students practiced the dance and musical instruments for the service as well as the ritual procedures. In addition, a couple of lectures were given by guest speakers, who provided their insights into the teachings besides sharing their own experiences in faith.