Stability
A Basic Checklist: Planning for the Coming Term
Educational Model for the Next Semester (or Two) Notes: For U.S. colleges this fall, Inside Higher Education has described 15 possibilities for reopening – three main categories with variations (e.g., delayed starts, hybrid approaches, etc.). Resume normal teaching on campus (with enhanced sanitation requirements and social distancing). Teach online in the fall, then resume normal… read more
Links for Further Reading
Spring/Summer 2020 Situation “Responding to the COVID-19 Crisis: Moving from Desperation to Hope in Theological Education” outlines the current state of theological education in the midst of the crisis, with special attention to schools located in the Majority World. It also points to opportunities and resources that may help schools move forward: https://insightsjournal.org/responding-to-the-covid-19-crisis-moving-from-desperation-to-hope-in-theological-education/. “Revised Outlook… read more
In Pursuit of Sustainability: Strategy & Planning for Theological Education
Philip Melanchthon, the essential yin to Martin Luther’s yang, led reformation of Lutheran education. The times demanded new educational materials and forms, and consumed much of his attention from his inaugural lecture at Wittenberg in August 1518 until his death in April 1560. Melanchthon’s personal impact was felt from primary levels through university. His final… read more
Faculty as Institutional Citizens: An Invisible but Essential Aspect of Vital Sustainability
In their study entitled The Impact of New Public Management on Academic Citizenship: A Case Study of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sharareh Ani and Lina Persson state that “[a]cademic citizenship is a relatively new theory that has not yet been studied in any depth” (2016, 14). To support their claims, they… read more
The Relevance of Systems in the Administration of Theological Schools
Schools need systems to function, but not all institutions have had an opportunity to develop them in ways that serve the mission of the school. The following summarizes three primary systems required for effective administration as well as links and suggestions for free or low cost, readily available alternatives to help schools meet their needs.… read more
InResponse: Vision and Leadership: Vital to Sustaining the Faith in Sub-Saharan Africa
In his article, “Sustaining What Matters,” Jason Ferenczi presents a multifaceted understanding of the sustainability of theological institutions. Theological schools play a critical role in ensuring the future of Christianity, particularly in my own context of Africa. As President of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS)1, I agree that human resources, especially executive leaders, play… read more
Theological Education in Africa: Business or Mission?
Abstract: Financial viability remains one of the greatest challenges facing schools of theology. To succeed, schools in Africa need to better understand the business of theological education in order to better accomplish their mission. To do so, schools must better understand the true costs of forming leaders, engage the church in the mission of theological… read more
Sustaining What Matters in Theological Education
Abstract: A multifaceted understanding of sustainability is critical as Majority World theological schools face significant changes and pressures. Institutional sustainability entails three essential components: a viable business plan, the ability to adapt meaningfully to evolving contexts, and the capacity to sustain human leadership resources. Human resources, in particular, require special attention. In order to engage… read more
InResponse: Five Loaves and Two Fish: A Response to Olive Oil, Theological Education, and Economics
One day, the disciples found themselves in a situation that would be a nightmare for any president of a theological institution. They were challenged to provide food for thousands of hungry students! The disciples were troubled, knowing that vast resources would be required. However, Jesus urged them to first find out what was already available:… read more
On the Economics of Theological Education
Leaders rightly focus considerable energy upon the financial stability of their institutions. According to a 2013 survey conducted by The Chronicle of Higher Education and Maguire Associates, fundraising and balancing budgets occupy the greatest amount of time in the daily schedules of University Presidents in North America. For many leaders of theological schools, keeping their… read more
