Andrew and Isaac answer a listener’s question regarding theological and ministerial education in the Anglican Church.
Andrew and Isaac answer a listener’s question regarding theological and ministerial education in the Anglican Church.
'Talking Anglican Seminaries' have 3 comments
October 25, 2023 @ 11:31 am Gregory Seeley
How important do you think formation is in seminary training, as opposed to just education?
October 27, 2023 @ 7:53 pm Fr. Isaac
I think formation is extremely important, but I’m no longer convinced that a residential seminary program is always the best place for that. I.e., in many cases it seems to me that it can be done better at the level of the local parish, local deanery/archdeaconry, or diocese. But that does indeed have to be done intentionally; a haphazard or purely pragmatic approach to formation won’t yield good results, regardless of level.
October 29, 2023 @ 9:59 am Sudduth Rea Cummings
Mine is a contrary opinion about formation for ordained ministry. Its both healthy and helpful to future clergy to get out of their comfortable native setting and be exposed to the variety of people and thoughts of other aspirants/postulants in a seminary setting. Also, the quality of education is often far better in a residential school than a local context.
I’m biased, I know, since my bishop sent me to GTS back in 1968 (while I wanted to go to Nashotah House–but he was a very wise and pastoral man) and I received a splendid education and formation. While I would not send anyone to General now (its a shell of its former self and heretical) either Nashotah House or Trinity School for Ministry would be good choices now. I serve on our diocesan team for theological education and ordination. And I taught at Gordon Conwell Seminary at one time.