In my last post on the topic I reflected on the way in which theological college helped because:
- It enabled direct conversation between theologians and students.
- It enabled you to engage with different characters styles and approaches
In effect these two things are closely linked. We want to make sure that if training happens primarily in house that this does not happen in a silo.
First of all, Theological Colleges and academics have a part to play in this. This includes by encouraging faculty to be accessible beyond the institution. A lot of theological academics are already very good including those from well outside of my theological tradition. I was surprised when I wrote to Clark Pinnock one of the leading proponents.of Open Theism to receive a quick and full response.
Colleges can also organize events which enable not just those training but those already in long term ministry to engage with them and with current thinking. This is Aldo something that is happening more and more. The challenge though is to start more with the practical than the academic theory so that such events are on The Church’s terms not The Academy.
There is a responsibility on those of us involved in training in house too. I think this includes the following.
- Also being accessible to those not being directly trained by us.
- Linking our trainees up with others, not just exposing them to different ideas through reading but making connections so direct conversations can happen.
- Working with other church leaders to collaborate so trainees are not just hearing one voice.
- Finding ways to enable trainees to experience ministry in different contexts such as through secondments.
Faithroots 