DESCRIPTION: Theological formation is one of the main keys to the renewal and mobilization of the churches for their mission; by the same token it may become one of the main keys to the stagnation and weakening of the churches. This course will study Theological Education by Extension, which has now evolved into Diversified Theological Education, a movement that offers instruments of critical reflection and creative reformation that are especially pertinent for bishops and other denominational leaders concerned for the fidelity and vitality of their churches and their mission outreach.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: First, students will examine biblical, theological, and pastoral foundations for theological education emerging out of the movement for change, beginning in Latin America and spreading throughout the world during the last 47 years. Secondly, students will use these tools to analyze how they are forming leaders in their own contexts. Thirdly, students will develop a plan for more effective theological formation of future pastors and church leaders.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: Denominational leaders and pastors need to constantly be involved in forming a new generation of pastors and leaders for their churches. Participants will examine their own experiences and consider how their churches can benefit from new approaches to theological education at all levels and in diverse contexts.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet for three two-day intensive sessions (April 16, 17, May 14, 15, and June 4, 5) for six hours each day. A study module will provide guidance for individual study and for the intensive group sessions.

REQUIRED READING:

Kinsler, F. Ross. Nuevos caminos en la educación teológica. Course reader and study module. (262 pp.)

Kinsler, Ross, ed., Diversified Theological Education: Equipping All God's People. Pasadena: William Carey International University Press, 2008 (selections).

Kinsler, F. Ross, and James Emery, eds. Opción por el Cambio: Manual de evaluación y planificación para la Educación Teológica por Extensión. San José, Costa Rica: Seminario Bíblico Latinoamericano, 1996 (128 pp.).

600 pages from recommended reading list and the class bibliography in the areas of ministry and mission, theological education, critiques of traditional education (particularly Freire and Illich), and Hispanic reality with foci to be negotiated with each participant.

Freire, Paulo. Pedagogía del oprimido. México: Siglo XXI Editores, 1970.

_________. Educación liberadora. Medellín: Editorial Prisma, 1972.

Illich, Iván. En América Latina ¿Para qué sirve la escuela? Buenos Aires: Ediciones Búsqueda, 1973.

_________. Deschooling Society. New York: Harper & Row, 1972 (selections).

Kinsler, F. Ross. The Extension Movement in Theological Education: A Call to the Renewal of the Ministry. Pasadena: William Carey Library, 1981.

_________. Ministry by the People: Theological Education by Extension. Geneva: WCC, 1983.

Padilla, René, ed. Nuevas Alternativas en la Educación Teológica. Buenos Aires: Nueva Creación, 1986.