Re-Imagining Theological Education

            

            Twenty-four seminaries and ministry organizations came together in Chicago this past weekend for the purpose of sharing the ways in which we are innovating. Leaders of theological schools know that we are facing strong headwinds as we seek to provide relevant ministry preparation for churches that occupy a different social space than in former times.

            We talked about service learning and vocational discernment; new forms of delivery, especially technologically enhanced; competency based programs; collaboration with other professionals who seek continuing education; congregationally-based instruction; and, creative ways to use our physical campus sites to generate additional revenue. And I have only mentioned a few of the wide-ranging topics!

            A major area of discussion was how accrediting bodies and denominations are rethinking the issue of credentialing.  Is it always necessary for a pastoral candidate to have a Master of Divinity from a seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools?  This requirement precludes many who do not have the privilege of this kind of graduate education.  White privilege continues to infect many schools.

            What I found surprising was that no one talked about global partnerships except Central.  As one of the presenters, I spoke of the significance of our collaboration with Myanmar Institute of Theology.  The intercultural and interfaith learning that occurs as part of this shared Doctor of Ministry program is significant and essential for understanding dimensions of global Christianity.

            Surprising also was the lack of concrete initiatives to empower women for leadership.  Once again, Central has a differentiating identity in our Women’s Leadership Initiative.  Perhaps other denominations have made more progress moving women into senior ministry positions, but the percentage of American Baptist senior pastors who are women is 9.4%.

            An inherent tension in ministry preparation lays between mastery the classical areas of theological education—biblical studies, theology, ethics, Christian heritage—and the arts of ministry, such as preaching, working for justice, pastoral care, and congregational leadership.  Knowledge and practice must cohere if the deep wisdom of our faith be formed in new generations.

            I came away from the intense three-day conference encouraged by the passion of other seminary leaders in their discrete contexts.  I also celebrate Central’s nimble movement toward an ever more relevant form of ministry preparation.

            Molly T. Marshall

Central makes a bold claim: we prepare ministers to craft the future with God.

Admitting Our Weakness

            In this time of political bombast, few will admit any weakness.  Most want to burnish their electability by trumpeting unparalleled accomplishment.  Candidates quickly pounce on the perceived vulnerability of a competitor, arguing that such disqualifies him or her from service.

Agony in the Garden – Andrea Mantegna c. 1460 Creative Commons Image

            In stark contrast to this contemporary jousting is the portrait of Jesus and his followers in the Epistle to the Hebrews.  The writer narrates a figuration of the Son of God as the one who learns through suffering by “tasting death for everyone.”  Thus, God’s own redeemer lives in solidarity with the reality of human life.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-19).

Creative Commons Image

Humans are finite, imperfect beings, both fearfully and wonderfully made.  We are better when we recognize this and seek the support Christ offers.

            Central offers a Doctor of Ministry seminar entitled “Vulnerable Leadership,” which is taught by Amy Butler, Senior Minister of The Riverside Church in the City of New York.  She has introduced the class to the fine work of Brené Brown, author of The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Suppose to Be and Embrace Who You Are. 

TED2012: Full Spectrum. February 27 – March 2, 2012. Long Beach, CA. Photo: James Duncan Davidson

            Brown’s lectures and writings contend that it is a courageous and connecting opportunity for persons when they reveal their vulnerabilities.  Rather than such an admission being a source of weakness,

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity . . . If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path (Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead).

She is articulating a deep truth that she has gleaned from clinical research and spiritual wisdom.

            There is a reason why many churches have a time of confession every Sunday or, in the case of the Benedictines, each evening at Compline.  It is a clear reminder of our propensity to sin as weak and vulnerable human beings.  God does not love us less because of this frailty; rather, the real condition of our lives draws forth God’s tender compassion.  Our striving for perfection can become a form of denial, an attempt to disguise our true condition.

            I am finding that when I admit weakness, others are more able to articulate their own.  There is healing in this, and God showers mercy in abundance.

           

            Molly T. Marshall

Central prepares leaders to craft the future with God.