THE HANDBOOK OF THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION IN WORLD CHRISTIANITY

Dietrich Werner, David Esterline,

Namsoon Kang, Joshva Raja

Book Description

Theological education is vital for the future of World Christianity—this conviction lies at the heart of this publication. Theological education has the potential to be the seedbed for the renewal of churches, their ministries, mission, and commitment to Christian unity.

If theological education is neglected by church leaders or in funding, the consequences are far reaching; they might not be visible immediately, but they will certainly become manifest over time in the theological competence of church leadership, the holistic nature of mission, and the capacities for ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and the interaction between church and society.

Investment in theological education is investment of hope in the future and mission of World Christianity. The transmission of Christian memory, the education for God’s peace and justice, and the formation for church and community leadership therefore should be priorities in all churches; however, in many places theological education is far from secure or even in crisis at the present time.

The target audience for the Handbook

• theological educators, especially those interested in global partnerships and networking;
• associations and individual theological institutions needing current information on global trends and issues as well as reliable contact data;
• church leaders and denominational boards planning for theological and higher Christian education;
• missiologists, theologians, biblical scholars, church historians, and other scholars interested in global developments in theological education.

Endorsements

'With this prestigious research and publication project, which has brought together more than 90 expert contributions on recent developments, challenges and trends in theological education in all regions of World Christianity, a new stage has been reached in the important history of ecumenical cooperation and learning in the area of theological education. The Handbook provides a very important resource and world survey which should enable regional associations of theological schools, mission boards and church leaders in Christianity to become aware again of the crucial importance of theological education for the renewal of the church’s mission and service'.
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town

'This is a world-class resource for all of us who feel a need for continuing ecumenical formation. The editors and authors are first-rate interpreters of the role of theological education in the churches’ quest for unity in witness, dialogue and closer cooperation. Among the practical features of the handbook are timely lists of links to organizations engaged in every region and at every level of this essential work'.
Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, WCC

'No collection of essays has ever been produced that so brings into focus where we are in theological education today. A well prepared cadre of church leaders plays an important role in navigating us through the uncertain waters ahead. This book gives an important view of how they are being prepared. In doing so, it provides us with a vital resource to meet that future'.
Robert J. Schreiter, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA

'This Handbook will lead us to the search of new paths in theological education and will encourage us to see partners from other contexts, regions, continents, denominations as partners on a common learning journey'.
Ofelia Ortega, WCC President