Overview

"What should theological education become? Theological education has long been successful in the United States because of its ability to engage with contemporary cultural realities. Likewise, despite the existential threats facing it today, theological education can continue to thrive if it is once again reinvented to fit with the needs of current times. Daniel Aleshire, the longtime executive director of the Association of Theological Schools, offers a brief account of how theological education has changed in the past and how it might change going forward. He begins by reflecting on his own extensive experience with theological education and then turns to reviewing its history, dating back to the seventeenth century. Amid this historical survey, he uncovers an older model of the field that he believes must become dominant once again--what he calls formational theological education--and explores educational practices that this model would require. The future of theological education described here by Aleshire would return seminaries to their original role as places where a ""deep, abiding, resilient, generative identity as Christian human beings"" is fostered within emerging Christian leaders. This, he argues, more than professional preparation, is what theological education must be most essentially about."

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From his unique position, Daniel Aleshire knows the fascinating history, the changeable present, and the hopeful future of American theological education like few others. In this rich and arresting volume he addresses the enduring evolution of ministerial training with insightful analyses of what lies ahead. A masterful study. -- Bill J. Leonard founding dean and professor of divinity emeritus at Wake Forest University School of Divinity This book is the fruit of many years of visiting and mentoring theological schools and seminaries, but it is also the product of a man who has an equal grasp of and sympathy for both the academic and the formational parts of theological education. Daniel Aleshire is one of the most respected voices in theological education today, across all denominational lines. He has a richness to share. -- Ronald Rolheiser president emeritus of Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, Texas This book-length essay distills half a century of sensitive engagement and thoughtful reflection on theological education. It provides a masterful summary of the history of theological education and a vision for the future that calls us back to ancient values for ministry. Limpid in style, incisive but not judgmental in views, and serious but not ponderous in content, this book should be read by all who care about theological education today. -- Gregory E. Sterling dean and professor of New Testament at Yale Divinity School Beyond Profession is a realistic, thoughtful, and carefully reasoned way forward for theological education in the coming decades. If anyone would know where the educational strands are that need to be pulled together, it would be Dan Aleshire. And in fact he does a remarkable job pulling the very diverse threads from the many Christian traditions in North America together to plead a case, not only for theological education, but for the church in North America. The driving concept is a very important Christian concept that must be a central concern for our seminaries: formational theological education. I believe there is hope for our seminaries and thus our churches as outlined in this volume. Seminary faculty and boards should take time to read this together. We will. -- Scott W. Sunquist president of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Praise for the TEBT series: At once visionary and realistic, the books in this series offer fresh, short, and very different answers to the question, 'What is theological education for?' Studies of that question have appeared every couple of decades and seem to assume that 'one-size-fits-all' answers are possible. What's new and groundbreaking here is that a group of theological educators from a broad array of very different religious traditions address the question in conversation with one another and in light of the changing place of faith communities in contemporary culture. -- David H. Kelsey Yale Divinity School The authors of this series invite us into an exercise of the imagination--to let loose of the theological school models we know so well and instead craft ways that we teach and learn as if we are living in the new Jerusalem. This is daring work. Will we have the will to grasp it? I encourage you to read and see. -- Emilie M. Townes Vanderbilt University Divinity School I would be hard-pressed to name any other resource that even approaches this series in its visionary outlook and wide perspective on the challenges and opportunities currently facing theological education. The authors represent an unparalleled selection of leaders in theological education whose views and experiences point to different paths into the future, all leading to true excellence and relevance in theological education. -- Justo L. Gonzalez author of The History of Theological Education At a time of massive changes in churches and theological schools, as well as in society generally, the twelve-book series Theological Education between the Times presents an indispensable resource. Many people, especially younger generations, question as never before the necessity of religious practice or even belonging to a congregation. In this new context, the repercussions for theological education are many: What adjustments must leaders make to maintain support? How can faculty modify programs to meet the demands of modern times? What message will attract prospective students? Astute theological educators from diverse backgrounds prayed together and engaged in conversations that contributed to the authorship of this lucid and compelling series intended for anyone concerned about the fate of religion in society. -- Katarina Schuth, OSF Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity

Author Information

Daniel O. Aleshire served as executive director of the Association of Theological Schools from 1998 to 2017. His other books include Being There: Culture and Formation in Two Theological Schools and Earthen Vessels: Hopeful Reflections on the Work and Future of Theological Schools.

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