Academic Formation in Theological Education and Its Implications for Competent Ministry
Olufemi, Jacob Ishola
Faculty member, The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Abstract
The Research paper titled “Academic formation in the theological education and its implication for competent ministry” was devoted to explore implications of academic formation on ministerial competency. The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso and Catholic Theological College in United State of America were used as case study for the paper. The purpose this paper seeks to achieve were to examine nature of academic formation in theological education; to consider curriculum development of the selected theological institutions; to investigate major formations that takes place in theological schools; and to examine the implications of academic formation on ministerial competency. A descriptive research design method was adopted. Information was sourced through primary documents (internet books and library printed books and journals). Curriculum development style of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso and Catholic Theological College were used. The findings confirmed that basically, there are 3 major formations that occur in a standard theological school. The findings further reveal that academic formations help students to meet the demand of the challenging ministerial tasks.
Key words: Academic Formation, Theological Education, Competent Ministry, Curriculum
Impact statement
For gospel ministers to be totally formed and prepare for ministry after training, there must have been significant development in three domains of learning which are cognitive, affective, and psychomotor. For this to be achieved, there must be holistic curriculum development that would meet the needs of the learners. Hence, the researcher attempted to evaluate academic formation in theological institutions using The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and Catholic Theological College, United State of America as scope. This research aims at benefiting theological institutions, theological educators, Students, curriculum planners, as well as accrediting bodies for Theological Institutions. The beneficiaries shall be exposed to the ideal academic processes in theological schools that would aid competent ministry. Particularly, this research would steer academic administrator of both The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and Catholic Theological College, United State of America towards critical review of their academic processes in order to achieve their aims and objectives.
About The Author
Olufemi Jacob. Ishola is a member of the Faculty of the prestigious Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, and a Doctor of Philosophy Candidate specializing in Administration and Leadership. He teaches Church Administration, Educational Administration, and Leadership Principles, Recruitment, and Training; in the same institution. He’s also a Promoter of “Purpose Driven Life,” conceived by Rick Warren through conferences and outreaches for youth, teenagers, and primary school pupils. He further engages in volunteer ministry at Kersey Children Home (motherless home) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
References
Ogunrombi. D. (2016). Integrated Curriculum Design. In S. P.A. (Ed.), Principle and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 66-74). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publising Unit.
Ango, S. (2012). Curriculul Development for Minsterial Training. Lagos: Fine Print & Manufacturing Ltd.
Ray, P. M. (2016). Integrated Theological Education. In S. P. A. (Ed.), Principles and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 241-249). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publishing unit. http://www.c:/users/HP530/Documents/Academic Formation(n.d.). Retrieved 10 Oct., 2017,
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, N. B. (2015). Catalogue. 32. Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: Baptist Press.
Donald F. (1996) “Interview on Purpose and Plan Governing Theological Education.” (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 49-58
Dreyer, A. E. (1996). Excellence in the Professions: What Theological Schools can learn
From Law, Business, and Medical schools. (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 1-13.
Namsoon, Kang (2011). Quality of Theological Education Reconsidered. Challenges And Promises of Quality Assurance in Theological Education: Multi-contextual and Ecumenical Enquiries, 5-7.
Beisswenger, D. F. (1996). Field Education and The Theological Education. (W. L. James, Ed.) Theological Education Debate , 33, 1, 49-58.
Ravi, T. (2011). The Quality of Theological Education Reconsidered. 44.
Ray, P. M. (2016). Integrated Theological Education. In S. P. A. (Ed.), Principles and Dynamics of Integrated Christian Teaching and Learning (pp. 241-249). Ogbomoso, Oyo state, Nigeria: N.B.T.S. Publishing unit.