Leadership
Theological Perspectives on the Theological Education of Women in the Middle East and North Africa
Abstract This paper discusses the importance not only of including women in theological education in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, but also of encouraging them to follow God’s call regardless of patriarchal contexts. It highlights the need for Arab women to be Biblically and theologically equipped, which will ultimately benefit theological education… read more
Book Review: Deininger, F. and Equizabal, O., Editors (2013). Leadership in Theological Education, Vol. 1: Foundations for Academic Leadership.
The first volume on Leadership in Theological Education series focuses on the role of the Academic Dean in the life of the seminary including sections on the foundations of theological leadership, the responsibilities and characteristics of academic leadership, and the general leadership practices of the Dean, with worksheets and Reflective Questions for Action Points for… read more
On the Shoulders of Giants: Traditioned Innovation and Leading Change
Leaders of theological schools in the Majority World stand on a rich heritage. The growth of theological education has followed the growth of the church, albeit more slowly. In most places, schools have benefi tted from the investment of missionaries and the legacy of Western higher education. However, current contextual realities, as well as the… read more
Re-Landing Theological Education
Abstract: Theological education must continue to adapt to changing ministry needs. Adaptation may require transplanting theological education from its traditional location within the humanities and “re-landing” it among the professional studies. Such a move could lead to greater emphases on students’ personal maturity and communication skills, context-driven learning, and supervised hands-on practice – and ultimately… read more
Re-Landing Theological Education – A Response
Abstract: Shaw proposes a helpful reframing of the predominant approach to theological education, arguing that Christian leadership requires a broader engagement of academic disciplines. However, caution is warranted. Uncritical engagement will only repeat the mistakes of previous generations. Yet, seminaries do need to reduce the dichotomy between theory and practice. They should help students learn… read more
Re-Viewing Social Presence in Light of Jesus’ Friendship with Implications for Online Theological Education
Abstract: Gener presents Christian friendship as a biblical and theological model for increasing social presence in online theological education. As more schools adopt technologically mediated distributed education, a concern for the academic and spiritual formation of students arises. Gener argues that Christian friendship, as modeled by Jesus, counters a tradition in which the teacher remains… read more
Reverse Innovation: In Search of Better Solutions than Best Practices
Necessity drives innovation. As the needs of the Church continue to change, as new theological questions emerge in new contexts, and as pressures increase on traditional delivery systems that have developed over hundreds of years, theological education is in need of innovation. However, in both theology and education, innovation comes slowly. Theology rightfully approaches innovation… read more
