Spring 2009/Rancho Cucamonga
GM576
Kinsler
GM576: NUEVOS CAMINOS EN LA EDUCACION TEOLOGICA
[New Approaches to
Theological Education]. Ross Kinsler.
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.
RECOMMENDED READINGS:
- 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.
ASSIGNMENTS: (1) Class participation through oral and written responses to the
exercises and readings in the module, Nuevos caminos en la educación
teológica (35%). (2) Three papers (3-5 pp. each) analyzing various
aspects of the training of future pastors and church leaders (30%). (3) Final
paper (10-12 pp.) addressing the critical issues facing theological education
today in the student's ministry context (35%).
PREREQUISITES: Spanish.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.
FINAL EXAMINATION: No.
This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (3/09)