Theological Education: Foundations Practices and Future Directions (Australian College of Theology Monograph)

This volume draws upon historical and theological sources and empirical research to provide a unique and diverse perspective on theological education in the twenty-first century. The volume develops and promulgates the best thinking about theological education by drawing upon the breadth of expertise represented by the faculty of colleges within the Australian College of Theology. This volume not only produces crucial insights for the future of theological education around the world but gives the Australian theological sector a voice to make its own unique contribution to the global dialogue about theological education. Theological educators constantly study the subjects they want their students to learn. Rarely however do theological educators turn their biblical theological historical and social analytic skills on their own work. This volume bridges that gap thoughtfully and expansively. While its context is the evangelical Protestant theological education in Australia embodied in the work of member schools of the Australian College of Theology the issues it addresses are ubiquitous in Western Protestant theological education. --Daniel Aleshire Former Executive Director The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada Ian Hussey and Andrew Bain have performed a great service in commissioning and collecting a series of essays about theological education. While concerned with the nuances of the Australian context it also addresses matters that will interest theological educators all over the world. Along the way Asian perspectives and the role of women are ably considered. --Michael F. Bird Lecturer in Theology Ridley College Melbourne Australia This volume provides a much-needed account of the evangelical theological education in Australia. Key themes include the influence of ancient and modern theologies brought from Europe and North America the challenge of finding authentic theological voices in a determinedly secular society and the emergence of new contexts and practices in engaging theological students. Australian and international readers will gain new insights into the ever-present dilemma of how to hear interpret and pass on the love and faith of the God revealed in scripture in an ever-changing world. --Peter Sherlock Vice-Chancellor University of Divinity In a global context of innovation Theological Education gives a holistic missional and field oriented voice from Australia. While keeping an eye on the past these essays look decidedly to the future with theoretical reflections and practical suggestions that are readily transferable to the work of contemporary leadership training across the world. --Perry Shaw Professor of Education Arab Baptist Theological Seminary This volume contains a wide-ranging set of contributions on evangelical theological education in Australia. It touches on biblical historical formational cross-cultural and educational dimensions of the topic. . . . While there is still much work to be done this collection is a definite milestone along the way. --Robert Banks Adjunct Research Professor Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Canberra Andrew Bain and Ian Hussey have produced a substantial collection of essays by scholars from the Australian College of Theology (ACT) a major consortium of theological higher education providers in Australia with an evangelical background. The essays address historical and contemporary matters traditional Western and modern cross-cultural issues particular theological and ministry challenges and issues related to the context of the wider community. Though reflecting its base within the ACT this book will also provide other readers from the theological sector in Australia and perhaps further afield with real food for thought as they seek ever more effective approaches to the delivery of high-quality academic programs in theology. --Diane Speed Dean and CE