This is a challenging time for theological education. Alumni and friends sometimes express concern
about what is happening with “their” seminary and theological education in
general. Professor David Kelsey of Yale
Divinity School was recently interviewed about how theological education is
dealing with the changes in society. In
response to a question about “the defining goal of theological education today,”
he responded:
“[T]heological education ought to be aimed at developing people with a
range of special capacities for theological wisdom. [Ed Farley] calls it
“theologia” – we should be educating people who have a take on the world that
is shaped by an understanding of God. . .. The schools need to focus on helping
students to focus on developing a personal core of abilities that enables them
to size up the world as they come to know God more truly. . .. [C]lerical skills should also be a by-product
of theological education instead of its focal, overarching academic goal.”
For the past several years, I have had the opportunity to be a participant-observer
of the internal workings of one seminary--Central Baptist Theological Seminary. I have served as supplemental faculty in
ministry praxis, site director, consultant, and (for a season) interim director
of Doctor of Ministry Studies. Although
we have talked a great deal about and planned for developing skills or
competencies for ministry, formation for ministry—acquiring “an understanding
of God” -- is still at the core of our work.
What do we mean by “formation”?
We can define the term in a number of ways but consider that, from our
birth, we are being formed to see the world in a particular way. Through genetics, environment, and free
choice, we develop a way or ways to perceive and give meaning to the world in
which we live.
Whether we see spiritual conversion as a single event in time or a
process, coming into a relationship with God provides the impetus for
developing a new way of seeing the world.
This ongoing process is the work of Christian formation. Whether one is a lay believer or an ordained
minister, as one grows in the faith new ways of seeing the world and God’s
interaction with the world emerge within the individual.
From the standpoint of theological education, formation is essential. One may obtain wonderful skills in pastoral
care, exegesis of scripture and proclamation, and organizational practice, but
if the person does not have a healthy relationship with God and a unique
perspective that arises from that relationship, ministry will be at the best
shallow and more likely inadequate.
How does this formation take place?
In several ways. First, one is
immersed in the study of biblical texts, the history of the faith, and the
theological systems that have been espoused over the centuries. Although content must be absorbed and
understand, the student should take away from this a better understanding of
his or her own faith. Second, students
are engaged in practice. This may take
the form of sermon delivery, hands-on ministry, and spiritual disciplines with
the intent to use the knowledge and insight that one has acquired in biblical,
historical, and theological studies. Finally, students are involved in
relationships with other learners, professors, and often congregants that
strengthen, challenge, and enrich their learning.
Formation for Christian ministry does not take place in a vacuum. A student is engaged—mentally, spiritually,
and relationally—in the process of becoming.
Even so, this is only a way station on the journey of continued growth in
understanding and service. For the
believer, formation is part of a lifelong relationship with God.
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