Transforming Theological Education: A Practical Handbook for Integrative Learning

by Perry Shaw

Publisher:

Langham

, 2014

Overview

For several decades concern has been expressed about the need for greater integration and contextual significance in the curricular design of theological education. In addition there has been a growing awareness of the role theological schools should play in strengthening the missional vision and practice of local churches.

Since 2008 the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Lebanon has been engaged in an ongoing experiment in the design and implementation of an integrated and contextually driven curriculum. Drawing on lessons learned from this experience, and from the wider discourse currently taking place in higher education, Transforming Theological Education provides theoretical foundations and practical principles for purposeful curriculum design, as well as tools for integrated and contextually significant learning in the classroom.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Presents fresh ideas for curriculum design
• Includes case studies in theological education
• Compares traditional versus non-traditional instructional methods
• Provides course design helps

Contents

• Intentionality in Institutional Language and Culture
• Intentionality in Class Instruction

Top Highlights

“A recent study of over 1,000 churches in thirty-two countries (Schwarz 2000, 23) discovered that there is a direct inverse correlation between denominational growth and educational expectations: the more education a denomination expects of its pastors and educators, the more that denomination evidences decline. More specifically, the research of the Natural Church Development (NCD) team found that only 42 per cent of pastors in high-quality, high-growth churches had seminary training, while in low-quality, low-growth churches 85 per cent had graduated from seminary.” (Page 17)

“With respect to Greek and Hebrew, over the past twenty years outstanding electronic resources in biblical languages have been developed. Rather than burdening students with hours of memorizing vocabulary (which makes up the bulk of most biblical-languages courses), we have chosen to include one first-year compulsory Introduction to Biblical Languages unit in the Interpretation module, which teaches students the alphabets and basic grammar, then focuses on the use of the available electronic tools. Through the remainder of their studies, students are expected to access and use these computer-based language resources.” (Pages 10–11)

“This pattern urges shorter learning episodes for greater learning. Short is sweet. Teachers who are concerned about education for learning will break their classes up into twenty-to-thirty-minute packages to help students better retain important material.” (Page 134)

“A serious commitment to deep learning will present less content, challenge students to reflect deeply, empower students through providing a variety of appropriate learning options, and defuse anxiety through learning-oriented assessment practices.” (Page 139)

Praise for the Print Edition

We are thrilled to learn that here at long last is a sensible alternative to the tripartite model of biblical, theological, and practical studies. Our next faculty retreat will explore how we may join in this adventure to offer a more integrated and relevant divinity education to the Chinese Church.

—Stephen Lee, president and Lam Ko Kit Tak Professor of Old Testament, China Graduate School of Theology, Hong Kong

I strongly commend this book to every seminary—from the senior leadership to the most junior faculty member. Read it and learn. Read it and change!

—Christopher J.H. Wright, international ministry director, Langham Partnership

Product Details

• Title: Transforming Theological Education: A Practical Handbook for Integrative Learning
• Author: Perry Shaw
• Publisher: Langham
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Logos Release Date: 2015
• Pages: 302
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Theology › Study and teaching
• ISBNs: 9781783689576, 9781783689569, 9781783689552, 1783689579, 1783689560, 1783689552
• Resource ID: LLS:TRNSFRMNGTNGLSH
• Resource Type: text.monograph.handbook
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:30:07Z

About Perry Shaw

Perry Shaw EdD (Asia Graduate School of Theology Alliance), is professor of Christian education and acting academic dean at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, Lebanon. Dr Shaw is a curriculum and faculty development consultant to regional schools and ministries throughout the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America, and is active in the missional theological education movement within the International Council for Evangelical Theological Education (ICETE), as well as being a keynote speaker at several Overseas Council Institutes. Perry and his family have been living in the Middle East since 1990, serving in a variety of church and seminary-related ministries.