Workshop of the Holy Spirit: An Invitation to Theological Education
Ebook
Workshop of the Holy Spirit invites students into the exciting adventure of theological education. Many aspects of modern theological education have their historic roots in the ideas of the Enlightenment. This foundation creates compartmentalized structures and frameworks that may not lead to the thriving of theological students. In contrast, Pietist leader P. J. Spener asserted in 1675 that theological schools should be "nurseries of the church" and "workshops of the Holy Spirit"--a formative environment that enhances intellectual, spiritual, and missional growth. Using the medieval workshop as a helpful metaphor for us today, and writing at the intersection of the student-faculty relationship, Strong and Bielman describe the components both in and out of the classroom that enhance fruitful ministry preparation. This book engages theological education in our changing religious context. It offers fresh questions for students, highlighting emerging, innovative, and alternative models of training for life in the Spirit. Each chapter contains relevant stories from theological education students, while including descriptions of the history of theological education.
“In Workshop of the Holy Spirit, Strong and Bielman offer a much-needed reorientation to the church’s task of theological education. Their pastoral wisdom, scholarly knowledge, and compassionate experience practicing the craft frame authentic and substantial rationale. This is a must-read for students, pastors, and ecclesial scholars eager to reimagine and reclaim theological education’s participation in the Holy Spirit’s work.”
—Laceye C. Warner, Duke Divinity School
“Strong and Bielman challenge trends that separate theological education and ministry preparation from the church’s vital role in vocational and spiritual formation. They call us back to a historical framework that offers a fresh look at how theological education could be a cooperative, rather than competitive, endeavor. Further, they invite students, church leaders, and theological educators to return to a more holistic understanding of ministry in which the Holy Spirit shapes faithful leaders for contemporary challenges.”
—Estrelda Alexander, president, William Joseph Seymour Foundation
“A beautifully crafted book for theological students to envision their studies through the powerful metaphor of a ‘workshop for the Holy Spirit.’ Moving beyond debates about curricula and method, Strong and Bielman beautifully illumine the journey of theological learning as an ongoing process of being mentored into intimacy with God.”
—L. Gregory Jones, president, Belmont University
- Title: Workshop of the Holy Spirit: An Invitation to Theological Education
- Authors: Doug Strong, Jess Bielman
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532689116, 9781532689093, 9781532689109, 1532689098, 1532689101, 153268911X
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532689116
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-12-22T21:58:56Z
Doug Strong is Paul T. Walls Professor of Wesleyan Studies and the History of Christianity at Seattle Pacific University. He was the founding dean of Seattle Pacific Seminary.
Jess Bielman is the Associate Director of Innovation with the Greater Northwest Area of the United Methodist Church. He was formerly a professor and campus pastor at Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon.