21st century Seminary

Some questions that I would love to hear some answers to:
1. What will seminaries "look like" as we move forward in the 21st century?
2. What do you value in preparation for ministry?
3. What skill sets are important?
4. What kind of ministry are people preparing for?

Tags: leaders, ministry, preparation, seminary, skills

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Permalink Reply by Steve K. on January 1, 2010 at 5:59pm

Great response, Jamie! Much of what you said resonated deeply with me. I only have a high school diploma myself, so I'm proud to be in your company ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Jamie Arpin-Ricci on January 4, 2010 at 5:27pm

Likewise, Steve! I had a seminary head approach me recently after I led a workshop and ask where I did my undergrad studies. It was rather funny. Glad to know I am not the only one!

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Permalink Reply by Jimmy Reader on January 2, 2010 at 3:24pm

Jamie and Steve - Thank you both for the adding to the discussion the question of how seminaries might respond to the need for church leadership education for people without college education who are already doing ministry. This is an important issue which I believe seminaries need to respond to. - Anyone else out there want to add to this part of the discussion?

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Permalink Reply by Jasmine Flores on January 2, 2010 at 4:14pm

It would be nice if seminaries responded to the need for ppl like me -- in ministry and yet wanting to do seminary, but only able to barely afford 1 class per semester; as well as getting NO pay from my church -- by providing online training and webinars for a much cheaper price.

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Permalink Reply by Jamie Arpin-Ricci on January 4, 2010 at 5:28pm

Jasmine, this is SO important. We have been talking to some local seminary profs about offering free (though thus far uncredited) teaching/training in our inner city community for the MANY Christians who cannot (or will not) go to seminary due to money and active service in the community. I am excited to see this happen.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Roach on January 4, 2010 at 5:43pm

I think The People's Seminary (in Burlinton, WA) is doing this well. http://www.tierra-nueva.org/ThePeoplesSeminary.html

They mostly offer uncredited classes, but ocassionally there are classes where you can get credit through etiher Regent in Vancouver or Mars Hill Graduate School - the main teacher (Bob Ekblad) is a professor at both seminaries.

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Permalink Reply by Jasmine Flores on January 4, 2010 at 6:36pm

I think those are good. We do definitely need to see how seminaries can provided ACCREDITED programs, however. Some churches just wont recognize your calling/leadership unless you have an accredited degree. With everything I mentioned before plus that, you're basically stuck between a rock and a hard place, esp if you're already married, have kids, or are otherwise unable to relocate to a campus setting.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Roach on January 4, 2010 at 11:00pm

Jasmine,

Yeah, I hear you. I'm married, have a child, etc...and we had to make some huge sacrifices for me to go to seminary, but it has been sooooo worth it. The transformation and impact are priceless. But I understand why many would not want to change their life so completly in order to be able to take 4 years out for formation and study.