There was an interesting article in Christianity Today about the trend of some megachurches to start "in house" seminaries.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/september/3.18.html
I really found it interesting as I predict that we are seeing a glimpse of the future, maybe even a variation of our future as United Methodists. First, I sense there is a general trend towards training in a ministry context that goes beyond what seminaries are currently doing (more on that in a second). But there is obviously a trend of decentralization -- a move away from centralized seminaries (and even denominational loyality -- sorry Bishop). It is clear that many feel more of an attachment to churches and associations (Willow, Saddleback, etc) than to seminaries and denominations in terms of training and development. And I wonder what this means for us? (I actually spend a great deal of mental energy thinking about this stuff, but most of my friends also suggest I need therapy.)
To use the common language of the times, I wonder if our seminaries should be less about "attractional" training (come to us) and more "missional" (we will go to you)? What would happen if UTS set up shop in a couple of local churches (or partnered with them)? (And if any of you have contacts, I'm volunteering Central, but that is beside the point).
And I wonder how this will affect how we do leadership development and training in the future? What will our pastoral leadership look like? What is the role of the elder in all of this? Although I realize we, as United Methodist, value an "educated clergy" what does this mean for us?
So I'm curious to know your thoughts about the future of seminaries and education in the role of clergy. Also, what do you think the role of the elder will look like in 10-20 years?
I have to say that I have some mixed feelings about this one. On one hand, I wish I would have had profs who were forward thinking enough to have prepared me for ministry in this new world. On the other hand, I appreciate that my profs exposed me to whole new ways of thinking. Part of that new way of thinking came about precisely because my professors had such a variety of perspectives and theologies and because they talked about them very openly, I was forced to think them through.
ReplyDeleteI say all that because I would theorize that a megachurch-based "seminary" would have profs who hold a more consistent theology and therefore will not expose students to different ideas and theologies. I think I'm a stronger pastor BECAUSE my profs had various perspectives and I was able to struggle through them.
More conversation please :)
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