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Evangelical Theological Education in a Globalised World

Evangelical Theological Education in a Globalised World. Dr. Paul Sanders, ICETE Centre for Theological Education Belfast, Northern Ireland UK 17-18 November 2009. ICETE: a global community linking eight continental/regional networks of theological schools, under WEA auspices.

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Evangelical Theological Education in a Globalised World

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  1. Evangelical Theological Education in a Globalised World Dr. Paul Sanders, ICETE Centre for Theological Education Belfast, Northern Ireland UK 17-18 November 2009

  2. ICETE: a global communitylinking eight continental/regional networks of theological schools, under WEA auspices.

  3. OVERVIEW: Creative Tensions in Global E.T.E. Evangelical Distinctives ? 1. Beyond the West 2. Beyond Identity Crisis ? 3. Beyond Accreditation ? Globalisation

  4. 1. BEYOND THE WEST • A Mega-Shift to the Global South and East

  5. Christianity: Where is the Heartland? • Christianity has come full circle: • From its Middle Eastern origins • and its successes in the North and the West, • it has now become a predominantly non-Western religion (Andrew Walls, ICETE International Consultation, Chiang Mai, Thailand, August 2006)

  6. This reminds us of the 1st century shiftfrom Jerusalem to Antioch • Economic Solidarity: Daughter church helping the mother congregation • Polycentric Mission: From everywhere to everwhere • Contextual Theology: New Answers for new contexts

  7. Today, the Centre of Evangelicalism is • Neither in London, nor Denver, nor Sydney • But moving toward the Global South and East: Sao Paulo, Kiev, Nairobi, Manila, Bangalore … tomorrow Beijing

  8. Yet with great growth come new challenges • In times of exceptional growth, the Church may end up being « kilometres wide and only centimetres deep » • The challenge of biblical discipleship, theological grounding and practical training of leaders is huge!

  9. But the answer is to this challenge is not a globalised McSeminary or McBibleCollege…

  10. We don’t want « Theological Education » to be like« Christian Science » ! • Christian Science is « neither Christian, nor Science » • Sometimes « Theological Education » has been « neither Theological, nor Educational » • We want to see, all over the world, evangelical theological education growing in breadth and in depth, theologically rooted, professional and holistic.

  11. « Majority World » Encouragements • Growing number of doctors in theology • World-class Graduate Schools of Theology • ICETE’s growth to 8 regions • The Africa Bible Commentary • Etc.

  12. 2. BEYOND POST-COLONIAL IDENTITY CRISIS • To Global Evangelical Identity

  13. Adhere to old/resist new Auto-equilibration Endorse new culture Globalisation is both a Blessing and a Curse Cultural Equilibration A POTENTIAL BLESSING • Global flow of cultures • Introduction of innovations • Global Village! A POTENTIAL CURSE • Creation of Virtual culture • Reinforcement of stereotypes • Amplification of prejudices Identity Crisis

  14. Biblical/TheologicalParameters on Identity • Creation – our unique fingerprint • Salvation – integrative spiritual identity • Sanctification – transformed identities • Glorification – ultimate/priority identity

  15. Our Spiritual Identity • Aliens and Exiles on the earth • In the world, but not of the world • Pentecost, not Babel • World « Composite » Christians

  16. This is the raison d’être of ICETE: to be a global service community

  17. SO LET US CELEBRATE “GLOBAL” EVANGELICALISM AND GLOBAL EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION !

  18. 3. BEYOND ACCREDITATION & FELLOWSHIP • The Concept of Service Network

  19. « Paracletic Accreditation » that comes alongside to help schools • Quality Assurance to the Churches of Evangelical Core Values and Excellence • Evangelical doctrine • Practical ministry competency • Spiritual formation • Complements governmental or para-governmental accreditation

  20. The Network Metaphor • Common « language » • Common resources • Linking/Connecting • Coordination Structure • Voluntary use • . . .

  21. Bi-Directional Enabling Networks • A Network to Enable Networks ICETE Regional Network • Networks to Enable Schools Regional Network Members

  22. The « ICETE Gospel » • 4 Dimensions

  23. 1. The Church exists to serve & to reach the world

  24. 2. The theological college exists to serve the Church by helping equip leadership for the Church’s global mission.

  25. How can the theological college serve its constituent church(es)?

  26. By taking up with the Church the challenge of the whole training task of the Church

  27. 3. The regional theological associations exist to help support member college leadership in their mission of serving the Church.

  28. What Services can ICETE member associations provide for their Member schools? • Capacity building: professional workshops • Professional Publications • Newsletters • Website services • Quality assurance & development (accreditation) • Colloquia, Conferences • Etc.

  29. 4. ICETE exists to encourage regional association leadership for service to their associations and the latter’s constituent Churches

  30. What Services are needed in Global Evangelical Theological Education? • Professional Workshops for Academic Deans • “Think Tanks” for Refocusing Regional Networking • Triennial International Consultations • The ICETE worldwide Directory of theological schools • The ICETE Manifesto • Strategic Interfaces: with Langham, Overseas Council, Lausanne, etc. • Regional networks helping ICETE • Other initiatives under study…

  31. ICETE: a « docking station » providing a Continuum of professional training services in close collaboration with its partners and associates: Increasing “professionalisation” of ETE: • Faculty: GATE Faculty Development Workshops • Academic Officers: ICETE Deans’ Workshops • Rectors & Presidents: OC Institute for Excellence • Governing boards: OC Institutes & others • Network Leaders: ICETE Colloquium IV 2009 • Network Boards: ICETE Think-Tank facilitation

  32. ICETE International Consultation5-9 October 2009, Sopron (Budapest) HUNGARY*

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