We had lunch last week with a couple whose son
recently graduated from seminary. They
noted that many of their son’s fellow graduates have no interest in serving the
local church. These degree holders want
to work for hospitals, serve with not-for-profits, or start their own
organizations. Others intend to pursue
further academic study. This is
anecdotal information, of course, but it mirrors what I hear from many
associated with theological institutions.
My own experience with Central Baptist
Theological Seminary is that many students there are already engaged in church leadership
full-time, part-time, or as volunteers.
They are seeking theological education in order to be more effective in
their ministries. Most are thirty or
over and serve what we would call mainstream churches.
With limited resources, where do the seminaries
choose to put their resources? Do they
want to educate individuals who see ministry in a larger context and may never
serve a traditional church or do they educate those already immersed in the
mainstream church culture and will serve local congregations?
Perhaps the key questions are, “Who is funding
theological education and what are the outcomes they expect?” Theological institutions usually seek funding
from churches and denominations by promising to educate leaders for the
church. If this is no longer completely
true, will these funders contribute to ministries that are not
church-related? If not, who are the
potential contributors to an expanded vision of ministry in the world?
In the near future, seminaries must decide if they can do both
and, if they do, how they will pay for it.
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