Thanks for this quick review of Ted Smith’s book. I’m on the fence about adding it to my library, mostly because I’m somewhat in that space at this time. As the new District Director of Connectional Ministries, one of my priorities is to connect our district clergy and laity educationally. I think of education in terms of conversation and formation rather than information gathering. Of the more than 100 clergy in this district, 70% are licensed local pastors and the majority do not have seminary degrees. So I’m thinking of ways to connect them to the greater conversation through cohorts, neighborhood seminaries and such. If I heard you right, Gino, that sounds a little like the new projects you will be working on at Northern?
Thanks for watching and sharing this comment, Andy. I didn't talk about how I found this book helpful in describing what we are finding/experiencing more in the local church in our context. Smith's individualization of individuals is a concept that I am exploring with some others at The Table. I think it helps to complexify and describe how people are relating to the church now a days. But, that may not be as relevent to your current situation as Director of Connectional Ministries for a district.
Like you, I am really interested in finding creative ways of offering practical theological education for licensed pastors and lay people who won't have time, money, or other resources for seminary but desire further theological education. That was my story for 20 years. So yes, the initiatives I'm part of with Northern are new attempts in response to that need. There is much, much more that will need to be done, but I'm thankful for this opportunity to give it a try. Announcement coming in a couple weeks, I believe. :)
Thanks for this quick review of Ted Smith’s book. I’m on the fence about adding it to my library, mostly because I’m somewhat in that space at this time. As the new District Director of Connectional Ministries, one of my priorities is to connect our district clergy and laity educationally. I think of education in terms of conversation and formation rather than information gathering. Of the more than 100 clergy in this district, 70% are licensed local pastors and the majority do not have seminary degrees. So I’m thinking of ways to connect them to the greater conversation through cohorts, neighborhood seminaries and such. If I heard you right, Gino, that sounds a little like the new projects you will be working on at Northern?
Thanks for watching and sharing this comment, Andy. I didn't talk about how I found this book helpful in describing what we are finding/experiencing more in the local church in our context. Smith's individualization of individuals is a concept that I am exploring with some others at The Table. I think it helps to complexify and describe how people are relating to the church now a days. But, that may not be as relevent to your current situation as Director of Connectional Ministries for a district.
Like you, I am really interested in finding creative ways of offering practical theological education for licensed pastors and lay people who won't have time, money, or other resources for seminary but desire further theological education. That was my story for 20 years. So yes, the initiatives I'm part of with Northern are new attempts in response to that need. There is much, much more that will need to be done, but I'm thankful for this opportunity to give it a try. Announcement coming in a couple weeks, I believe. :)